The Private Library in Seventeenth-and Eighteenth-Century Surrey

Abstract

There were many private libraries in early modern Surrey. That at Ham House, the home of the 1st Duke of Lauderdale, was particularly notable. The elegant seventeenth-century interior still exists, though the original books have been long dispersed. Other libraries discussed include those of John Evelyn and Speaker Arthur Onslow at Clandon House. A number of other private collectors are also identified. This paper was originally delivered at a conference held in September 2001 to commemorate the tercentenary of the Cranston Library at Reigate Parish Church.