MS 670

Reference code

MS 670

Title

Lawrence family archive

Level

Sub-fonds

Administrative / Biographical history

Louisa Lawrence (1836-1920) and Mary Lawrence (1939-1920) were the daughters of Sir William Lawrence 1st Bt, a distinguished surgeon and lecturer. They had an elder brother, Sir Trevor Lawrence, 2nd Bt, who served in the Indian Medical Services at the time of the Mutiny. The sisters continued their father's household in Whitehall Place after his death, corresponding with a variety of friends.

Charles Lawrence (1879-1953) was the youngest son of Sir Trevor and Lady Lawrence. He served in the Boer War as Second Lieutenant in the Hampshire Regiment.

Peter Lawrence was the great-nephew of Louisa and Mary Lawrence, and nephew of Charles Lawrence. He was the son of Aubrey Lawrence, the second son of Sir Trevor Lawrence.

Date

1870-1930

Extent & medium

2 series [1 metal trunk, 5 boxes and 2 loose volumes]

Content description

The bulk of the papers consists of nearly 700 letters to Louisa and Mary Lawrence from various well-known literary figures, scientists and churchmen, providing an insight into domestic Victorian life.

Also included are letters home from Charles Lawrence, written from the Boer War and Nigeria where Lawrence was in the colonial service and a photograph album he complied

Existence and location of copies

Eton College Library also hold transcripts and photocopies of many of the original letters, as well as research papers relating to the collection and the Lawerence family in general