Search FNL grants since 1931

This collection of Romantic literature comprises some 1,400 books by writers of the Romantic period (1750-1850) including Wordsworth, Coleridge, Keats and Shelley. It contains many rarities, both first editions and books in their original boards.

This is the poet's own three-volume set of the first edition of his poems, with ownership signature and in its original paper boards.

This document records the appointment of William Hogarth as Sergeant-Painter to George III in 1757. It has a engraved border with a royal portrait and an ornate initial letter.

This copy includes a set of interleaved drawings and a silhouette of Cowper by the original owner, John Higgins. He was an admirer of Cowper and a talented amateur artist.

This early 13th century manuscript Bible in one volume is one of about 250 medieval books lost from Durham Priory Library. Four inscriptions link the manuscript with named monks at Durham.

John Sell Cotman (1782-1842) is one of the most important artists in the history of English watercolour painting. By 1804, he had met Dawson Turner, the Great Yarmouth banker, antiquarian, bibliophile and collector and in 1812 moved to Great Yarmouth.

This is a group of six documents which pertain to a secret and unsuccessful attempt by the 5th Lord Byron to lease Newstead Park for 21 years from 25th March 1776. They illuminate the strained relations between the 5th Lord and his son.

This account book details work carried out by Hardstaff at Newstead Abbey between 1758 and 1760 for William, 5th Lord Byron, great-uncle of the poet, at the time when the so called 'Wicked' Lord Byron was poised for this descent into financial ruin.

This defence of regicide was printed on or before 13th February 1649, some two weeks after the death of King Charles I. In The Tenure, Milton is developing his theory of civil liberty.

The Alanbrooke archive is primarily manuscript and large - 87 boxes. Alanbrooke's judgement was critical to the Allies' success in winning the Second World War and so these papers are of international repute and regularly consulted.