Richard Rawlinson, English minister and historian (b. 1690)

Richard Rawlinson, born on January 3, 1690, and passing on April 6, 1755, was a distinguished figure in 18th-century England, known primarily as an erudite clergyman, a dedicated antiquarian, and a prolific collector whose passion for preserving historical artifacts left an indelible mark on one of the world's most renowned libraries. His life's work culminated in a magnificent bequest of books and manuscripts to the Bodleian Library at the University of Oxford, solidifying his legacy as a significant benefactor of scholarship and historical preservation.

Early Life and Intellectual Pursuits

Hailing from a family with a strong intellectual and Royalist background, Richard Rawlinson was educated at St John's College, Oxford, a venerable institution that undoubtedly nurtured his burgeoning interest in history, theology, and the physical manifestations of the past. It was during his time at Oxford that he began to cultivate the meticulous habits of research and acquisition that would define his later career. His academic prowess was recognized when he became a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS), a prestigious acknowledgement of his contributions to the advancement of knowledge during an era of significant intellectual ferment.

The Non-Juring Clergyman and His World

Beyond his scholarly pursuits, Rawlinson was also an ordained clergyman, albeit one with a distinctive stance. He belonged to the non-juring movement, a group of High Church Anglican clergy who, following the Glorious Revolution of 1688, refused to swear allegiance to William III and Mary II, maintaining their loyalty to the deposed King James II and his Stuart successors. This principled stand often meant a life outside the mainstream ecclesiastical hierarchy, yet it allowed Rawlinson a degree of independence that he channeled into his profound passion for collecting. His non-juring connections also provided him with unique access to certain types of historical documents, particularly those related to the Stuart cause and Jacobite sympathizers, enriching his collection with items that might otherwise have been lost or inaccessible.

A Peerless Antiquarian Collection

Rawlinson's true calling, however, was as an antiquarian collector. His approach was not merely acquisitive but deeply scholarly, driven by a desire to preserve and understand the past. Over several decades, he amassed an extraordinarily diverse and vast collection that went far beyond mere books. It encompassed rare manuscripts, ancient charters, historical letters, prints, drawings, maps, coins, medals, and various other curiosities. Many of these items were unique, providing unparalleled insights into British history, theology, law, and culture. He traveled extensively, both within England and on the Continent, to seek out and acquire these treasures, often spending considerable personal wealth on his endeavors. The collection reflects his wide-ranging interests, from ecclesiastical history and topography to heraldry and biography, creating an invaluable resource for future generations of scholars.

The Enduring Bequest to the Bodleian Library

Upon his death in 1755, Richard Rawlinson bequeathed his monumental collection to the Bodleian Library at the University of Oxford. This act was not merely a generous donation but a strategic placement. As an alumnus, Rawlinson had a deep connection to Oxford and recognized the Bodleian's standing as a premier repository of knowledge, its established infrastructure, and its commitment to making scholarly resources available. The Rawlinson collection, comprising tens of thousands of printed volumes and thousands of manuscripts, dramatically enriched the Bodleian's holdings, adding unparalleled depth to its resources on British history, particularly the 17th and 18th centuries. To this day, the "Rawlinson Manuscripts" form a cornerstone of the Bodleian's special collections, frequently consulted by researchers worldwide and serving as a testament to one man's lifelong dedication to the pursuit and preservation of knowledge.

FAQs

Who was Richard Rawlinson?

Richard Rawlinson (1690–1755) was an English clergyman, an accomplished antiquarian, and a passionate collector of historical books, manuscripts, and other artifacts. He is best known for his immense bequest to the Bodleian Library, Oxford.

What does FRS mean in his name?

FRS stands for Fellow of the Royal Society. This prestigious title signifies his membership in the Royal Society, a venerable institution for the advancement of science and knowledge, recognizing his scholarly contributions and intellectual standing in 18th-century England.

What kind of collection did Richard Rawlinson have?

Rawlinson’s collection was remarkably extensive and diverse. It included a vast array of rare books, historical manuscripts (many unique), ancient charters, correspondence, prints, maps, coins, and other historical curiosities, all reflecting his deep interest in British history, theology, and culture.

What is the Bodleian Library?

The Bodleian Library is the main research library of the University of Oxford, one of the oldest libraries in Europe. It is a legal deposit library, meaning it is entitled to a copy of every book published in the United Kingdom, and it houses millions of items, serving as a major scholarly resource globally.

What is a non-juring clergyman?

A non-juring clergyman was a member of the Church of England clergy who, after the Glorious Revolution of 1688, refused to swear an oath of allegiance to the new monarchs, William III and Mary II, out of loyalty to the deposed Stuart dynasty. This often led to them being excluded from mainstream ecclesiastical positions.