Births on February 3

Richard Rawlinson, English minister and historian (d. 1755)

Richard Rawlinson FRS (born January 3, 1690, died April 6, 1755) was a prominent English clergyman, an avid antiquarian, and an exceptionally prolific collector whose significant accumulations of books, manuscripts, and other historical materials profoundly enriched the Bodleian Library at Oxford University through his generous bequest.

Who Was Richard Rawlinson FRS?

Richard Rawlinson was a figure of considerable intellectual curiosity and dedication during the 18th century. Born into a wealthy London family with strong Non-juring sympathies, his life was marked by a deep commitment to historical preservation and scholarly pursuits. The post-nominal "FRS" denotes his status as a Fellow of the Royal Society, a prestigious recognition of his contributions to knowledge and learning, typically in the sciences but also encompassing broad scholarly endeavors during that era. His membership highlights his standing among the intellectual elite of his time.

A Clergyman with Unwavering Convictions

Educated at St John's College, Oxford, Rawlinson pursued an ecclesiastical career, becoming an Anglican priest. However, his path diverged significantly due to his adherence to the Non-juring movement. Following the Glorious Revolution of 1688, a faction within the Church of England, including several bishops and a substantial number of clergy, refused to swear oaths of allegiance to the new monarchs, William III and Mary II, believing James II was still the rightful king. This group became known as the Non-jurors. Rawlinson was a devout Non-juror, a decision that essentially ostracized him from mainstream preferment within the Church of England and shaped his political and scholarly interests. His Non-juring convictions fostered a particular interest in collecting materials related to the deposed Stuart monarchy and other dissenting viewpoints, often preserving records that might otherwise have been suppressed or lost.

A Passion for Antiquarian Collecting: A Vast and Varied Hoard

Rawlinson's primary legacy lies in his extraordinary passion for collecting. As an "antiquarian," he was not merely interested in old items; he meticulously sought out, acquired, and preserved historical artifacts, documents, and books. His collection was immense, diverse, and exceptionally rich in primary sources, reflecting his broad interests in history, topography, genealogy, and the political and religious controversies of his era. It is important to note that his older brother, Thomas Rawlinson, was also a significant book collector, suggesting a familial predisposition towards bibliophilia and historical preservation.

The Breadth of Rawlinson's Collection

Rawlinson’s acquisitions were remarkably varied, encompassing a wealth of material invaluable to scholars:

• Manuscripts: Perhaps the most celebrated part of his collection, these include thousands of volumes covering a vast array of subjects. Particularly notable are those relating to the Non-juring movement and Jacobitism, offering unparalleled insight into the lives and beliefs of those loyal to the Stuart cause. Other manuscript holdings include extensive historical records, legal documents, monastic registers, personal correspondence, and literary works.
• Printed Books: Alongside his manuscripts, Rawlinson amassed a substantial library of printed books, many of which were rare editions, controversial pamphlets, or unique imprints reflecting his eclectic tastes and specific interests.
• Topographical Materials: He collected extensively on the history and geography of England, including maps, prints, and descriptive accounts of counties, towns, and notable landmarks.
• Art and Ephemera: His collection also included prints, engravings, portraits, broadsides, and various forms of ephemeral literature, providing a visual and social record of the period.

The sheer volume and unique character of his collection, particularly the materials reflecting politically sensitive or marginalized viewpoints, make it an indispensable resource for understanding 17th and 18th-century British history, religion, and society.

The Monumental Bequest to the Bodleian Library, Oxford

Richard Rawlinson’s profound commitment to scholarship culminated in his extraordinary bequest to the Bodleian Library, the principal research library of the University of Oxford and one of the oldest and most renowned libraries in Europe. This act secured the preservation of his life's work for posterity and ensured its accessibility to future generations of scholars.

Impact and Significance of the Bequest

Upon his death in 1755, Rawlinson bequeathed his entire collection to the Bodleian Library. This was not a small donation; it was one of the largest and most significant acquisitions in the Bodleian’s history. It is estimated that the bequest comprised over 4,800 manuscript volumes, thousands of printed books, and countless other items. The Rawlinson collection immediately and dramatically expanded the Bodleian's holdings, particularly in areas where it might have been weaker, such as 17th and 18th-century political and religious dissent. The collection continues to be a cornerstone for research, providing rich primary sources for studies in British history, literature, theology, and political science, cementing Rawlinson's legacy as one of the Bodleian's most important benefactors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Richard Rawlinson

What was Richard Rawlinson primarily known for?

Richard Rawlinson is primarily known as an English clergyman and an extraordinarily dedicated antiquarian collector. His legacy is largely defined by the immense and diverse collection of books and manuscripts he amassed throughout his life, which he subsequently bequeathed to the Bodleian Library at Oxford.

What does "FRS" mean in the context of Richard Rawlinson's name?

FRS stands for "Fellow of the Royal Society." This prestigious designation indicates that Richard Rawlinson was a member of the Royal Society of London for Improving Natural Knowledge, a fellowship recognizing significant contributions to science and scholarship.

What was a Non-juror, and why was it significant for Rawlinson?

A Non-juror was a member of the clergy or gentry in England who refused to swear an oath of allegiance to William III and Mary II after the Glorious Revolution of 1688, remaining loyal to the deposed King James II and his Stuart successors. Rawlinson's adherence to Non-juring principles shaped his life, preventing him from advancing in the mainstream Church of England and profoundly influencing his collecting interests, particularly in acquiring materials related to Jacobite and dissenting causes.

How large and significant was Rawlinson's collection?

Rawlinson's collection was monumental, comprising an estimated 4,800 manuscript volumes, thousands of printed books, and numerous other historical artifacts like prints and broadsides. Its significance lies in its sheer volume, its unique focus on Non-juring and Jacobite materials, and its invaluable contribution of primary sources for historical and literary research.

What is the Bodleian Library, and why was it chosen for the bequest?

The Bodleian Library is the main research library of the University of Oxford, one of the oldest and most distinguished libraries in the world. As an alumnus of Oxford, Rawlinson likely chose the Bodleian as the most fitting and secure repository for his lifetime's collection, ensuring its preservation and accessibility for scholarly use for centuries to come.