ED 312
Reference code
ED 312
Title
Letters from Purnell Bransby Purnell to Robert Bransby Cooper
Level
File
Administrative / Biographical history
Son of Robert Cooper, Purnell changed his name to inherit his mother's and maternal grandfather's estates. While he was at Eton, his grandmother and younger sister also died. He was clearly ill prepared for Eton and not interested in the school work, and was perpetually getting into trouble, but his dame and tutor seem to have found him an engaging boy, as did the tutor to whom he was finally sent after Dr Goodall lost patience with him. He later lived at Stancombe Park. As a justice of the peace for Gloucestershire and Chairman of the Quarter Sessions he was particularly noted for his work in improving the conditions in the county's private mental asylums and furniture and other items presented to him in recognition of his achievements are held by the Victoria & Albert Museum.
Date
1806 - 1807
Extent & medium
1 folder ts
Content description
Summaries and transcripts of letters from Purnell Bransby Purnell to his father and of letters to his father concerning him. Cricket; description of Procession of Boats. Description of disobedience at Eton which resulted in being turned down; gets in to trouble for going shooting; efforts to improve; Letter from his tutor Drury stating a longer stay at Eton would be of no use unless his work improved. Letters from G. Richards, a private tutor, concerning the improvement in his studies and removal of bad habits acquired at Eton, and his expulsion.
Physical characteristics
Typed copies/summaries
Finding aids
Some attempt at dating and arranging the originals has obviously been made but it is not clear how accurate many of these dates are.
Existence and location of originals
ED 550
Location of this record in the archive hierarchy
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Number 313 of 553 at this Level
Beneath this record in the archive hierarchy
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