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Papers of Richard Smith

 Collection
Identifier: S65753

Scope and Content

This collection contains the call numbers V.a.510 (1-8).

The Papers of Richard Smith cover a wide range of topics, the materials for which were undoubtedly collected and produced over the better part of his adult life. Entries in the manuscripts show that Smith was collecting materials for his works as early as 1633 and making additions to them as late as 1670. It is likely that much of his writing and editing was done from around the time he sold his office as Secondary of the Poultry Compter and retired in 1655. After that time, he is described as spending all his time in his library and among the bookstalls of London.

The extent of his book collecting may be seen both in the catalogue of his library, Bibliotheca Smithiana, published by Richard Chiswell in 1682, and in the numerous sources cited by Smith in these papers. Anthony A. Wood, in his Athenae Oxonienses, claimed that Smith had the most extensive collection of works on history anywhere and that he was a great collector of pamphlets, published before and since the Reformation relating to ecclesiastical affairs -- some of which were the only copies extant. Furthermore, his library contained an extensive collection of books and manuscripts in the areas of philosophy, literature, and politics, as well as a large collection of works dealing with geography and exploration.

It is clear from a comparison of the sources cited in this collection and the books listed in the Bibliotheca Smithiana, that he was working from what he had available in his own library when he wrote these manuscripts. Such a comparison is possible because of the extent to which Smith has noted his sources. As a lawyer Smith was trained, and required by the nature of his profession, to be precise. This characteristic may be seen throughout his works. Every source is noted with title and author, and frequently the date, size, and page number are provided as well. In addition, Smith has often annotated the sources themselves, taking note of any discrepancies found among them.

This collection contains fair copies, drafts, and notes in Smith's own hand including several translations of Latin poems initialed R.S. (Most of the poems are in the Folger's First line index.) There is also a drawing of the coats of arms of archbishops and bishops, and twenty-two engraved portraits by Wenceslas Hollar and others (two in duplicate).

The papers have been arranged into five series, each pertaining to a specific topic. Many of the series comprise multiple works that together form a coherent whole. The topics represent many of Richard Smith's interests, particularly those relating to the Church of England and other religious issues, not surprising considering the fact that his father was in orders and that during much of his adult life the church and government were in a state of upheaval.

Series 1 contains two works concerned with the history of the episcopacy in England as well as a drawing of the coats of arms of archbishops and bishops. A significant portion of the leaves are the working notes and draft of a work entitled A collection of all the Archbishops and Bishops of the Realm of England since An[no] D[omi]ni MDCXVI unto An[no] D[omi]ni 1660. This was intended as a continuation of A catalogue of the Bishops of England, by Francis Godwin, first published in 1601, and later of A brief view of the state of the Church of England, as it stood in Queen Elizabeths and King James his reign, to the year 1608,by Sir John Harington, not published until 1653. Smith's work was undoubtedly begun by the time of the Parliamentary Ordinance of 1646 declaring that bishops were wholly abolished, and being worked on throughout the Civil War. However, it was still being added to at least as late as 1669, the date of the latest entry. It was considerably amended over the years.

Smith stated that his intention was to preserve the memory and good works of these bishops from being destroyed by those who "want to blot out the memory of bishops the way the Scots blotted out the Picts." This is not all he accomplished. Smith has documented the fate of the episcopacy, and in so doing, the evolution of the "Reform" movement, from the writings of King James on preaching, the complaints of Puritans, Brownists, and other Independents against Bishops, the Book of Common Prayer, and Rites and Ceremonies of the Church of England, through the upheavals in Parliament, the dissolution of the episcopacy, the abolition of the crown, and finally the restoration of both in 1660.

While much of the text is a compilation of extracts of the works of many authors, Smith's voice and viewpoint remain clear. He provides the reader with the opportunity to view events from the perspective of a well-to-do Anglican living in London, a picture which is at times remarkably vivid.

The second work is a fair copy of a catalogue of bishops entitled, A Catalogue of All the Archbishops and Bishops of England, and Wales, (whose names are extant) ever since the first planting of Christian Religion in this Nation, with the Year of Our Lord, when every one of them was first Consecrated continued unto the Year of Our Lord God MDCXLVI. Unlike the previous catalogue, this one primarily details the early history of the episcopacy in Britain, followed by a simple listing of each bishop in each See with the date of his consecration. There are few corrections or additions to this manuscript and it appears to be a completed work. The majority of the entries end in 1641, possibly about the time the other catalogue was begun.

Series 2 contains one complete draft of a work on a theological issue: Mr Haynes Discourse of Christs Descension into Hell along with Richard Smith's notes. The work is a discussion concerning where Christ was between the Crucifixion and the Resurrection and the meaning of the line in the Creed, He descended into Hell. It is clear from his treatment of the work that Smith has attempted to assemble all the sources available on the subject in an effort to get at the truth. Included in the catalog, printed at the time his library was put up for sale, was a group of expositions and opinions on Christ's Descent into Hell, the notes of his conference with Mr. Selden about the argument, and a letter to Dr. Henry Hammond requesting his opinion on the subject. This letter and Dr. Hammond's response to it were found, according to Richard Chiswell, in Smith's study and published together by him in 1684. The date of the letter to Dr Hammond was April 1659, and it is likely that the piece containing Mr. Hayne's discussion and Smith's notes was produced about the same time.

Series 3 is a collection of short essays, the title for which, The Wonders of the World is taken from the conclusion. The essays cover a wide range of topics including, Of the River Jordan, Of the Blessed Virgin Mary's House transported to Loreto, Of Giants and Strong Men, Of the Mariners Compass, Of Hour Glasses, Bells and Clocks, and others. They are primarily expositions intended to determine or illustrate their validity and to sort fact from fiction. In the essay Of Pygmies and Dwarfs, for example, there are several accounts of pygmies, one of which, interestingly, tallies well enough with what we now know of pygmies that it is certain that the author of the travelogue actually saw them. This is followed by a discussion as to whether Pygmies exist at all and if so, whether they are men or beasts.

Each essay is compiled from a variety of sources all carefully cited and any discrepancies in the accounts noted. This series was begun at least by 1633 when Smith says he had a Notary Public certify a document as proof of what he related, and was completed sometime between 1670 and his death in 1675. That he was working on it until sometime after 1670 is attested to by the citation of a book published in that year. It would seem that this work was written in at least two stages. There is a conclusion at the end of one essay over which has been pasted the heading for another essay. Further, there is a manuscript version of Richard Smith's The Wonders of the World (Sloane MS 388) in the British Museum which appears to be a scribal copy and which varies considerably from this manuscript and is possibly an earlier version. The present text is missing the opening section of the first essay, but otherwise nothing appears to be missing.

Series 4 deals with various aspects of the rites and ceremonies of the church. There is no information available on when any of the different parts may have been written, though it is probable that they were done after his retirement. Among this collection are notes primarily on the patron saints of English churches and the consecration and dedication of churches which provide information on the saint connected to specific churches, how the church came into being, and often the feast day connected with the saint. Of particular interest are the details concerning suppressed or demolished parishes. Here Smith has provided information on where they were and what became of them. Also included are a group of short pieces on the lives of saints of the early church, particularly the apostles, and a short treatise entitled On Judas Iscariot and Pontius Pilate.

There is a nearly complete draft of a Treatise of Festivities and Solemnities Ecclesiastical, the title for which is taken from the conclusion of the work. This is a collection of festivals primarily connected with Christ and the Virgin Mary. Each festival is listed with the story of its origin. That Smith was concerned with preserving the ceremonies and festivals of the church is attested to in his Collection of Bishops. He complained that the Anabaptists and other sectaries were opposed to the rites and ceremonies of the church believing them to be papist. It is likely that these were written much like his Collection of Bishops, in order to preserve their memory.

Series 5 is a collection of notes on Indulgences. They provide information on indulgences connected with particular saints, churches and prayers. These he has taken from a variety of sources without adding any commentary of his own.

Dates

  • 1633-1670

Creator

Language of Materials

In English and Latin.

Availability

Collection is open for research.

Biographical Note

These are presumed to be the papers of Richard Smith, antiquarian and book collector (1590-1675). Though he had been articled to a solicitor and was a Secondary of the Poultry Compter by profession, his passion was for learning and books. He is best known as the compiler of "The obituary of Richard Smyth," published by the Camden Society in 1848.

Biographical Chronology

1590
Born, Lillingstone Dayrell, Buckinghamshire and baptized September 20.
Student, Oxford University, removed by his parents and did not matriculate.
Articled to a solicitor in the City of London.
1644
Admitted to the office of Secondary of the Poultry Compter. Each of London's two sheriffs was responsible for his own officers and each had a Compter, or place, where his officers accounted to the suitors for the debts they had received for them. Each had his officer, or Secondary, who held a substantial position equivalent to that of an under-sheriff.
1655
Eldest son, John dies; Smith sells his office and retires to Little Moorfields - to spend his time among the bookstalls of London and in his library.
1659
Writes a letter to Henry Hammond concerning a sentence in the Creed 'He descended into Hell.' Published with Hammond's reply in 1684.
1675
Dies, March 26.
1682
Sale Catalogue of Smith's Library, "Bibliotheca Smithiana," published by Richard Chiswell.

Additional biographical information

  1. Wood, Anthony a`. Athenae Oxonienses, ed. by Philip Bliss, 1813, vol.3, col.1031.
  2. Smith, Richard. The Obituary of Richard Smyth, Secondary of the Poultry Compter, London: being a catalogue of all such persons as he knew in their life: 1627-1674. ed. by Sir Henry Ellis, Printed for the Camden Society:1849.
  3. Dictionary of National Biography.

Extent

1.0 box (642 leaves)

Abstract

Contains fair copies, drafts, and notes in the hand of Richard Smith. Consists of writings and notes on the Bishops and Archibishops of England, Christ's descent into hell, a collection of short essays on religious and secular topics, rites and ceremonies of the church (presumably the Church of England), and indulgences.

Arrangement

The Papers of Richard Smith arrived in a considerably disordered state. Most of the leaves were loose with only a few sections sewn together; the date of the sewing is unknown with the exception of one piece that was sewn at the Folger. The papers comprise what appear to be eight separate works that have been reconstructed based on catchwords and textual evidence. These eight works were then arranged into 5 series.

Series 1. Works pertaining to the Bishops and Archbishops in England. Further arranged into 4 parts: Preface and a brief apology; The continuation of Francis Godwin's catalogue (which is arranged into the Archdiocese of Canterbury and the Archdiocese of York); A catalogue of all the Archbishops and Bishops of England and Wales; Drawing.

Series 2. Mr. Hayne's Discourse of Christ's Descension into Hell.

Series 3. The Wonders of the World.

Series 4. On the Patron saints and dedications of various English churches and a Treatise of Festivities and Solemnities Ecclesiastical.

Series 5. Notes on Indulgences.

Provenance

The Papers of Richard Smith seem to have been unknown until they were sold at Sotheby's on February 10, 1970 (nos. 227-228) with no information concerning their provenance other than that they were "The Property of a Lady."

Acquisition Information

The Papers of Richard Smith were acquired by the Folger from Hofmann & Freeman Booksellers on November 26, 1984.

Bibliography

Partial list of sources as cited by Richard Smith. The majority of these works have been found in the Bibliotheca Smithiana, a catalog of Smith's own collection, which was published by Richard Chiswell when the library was put up for auction after his death. Works are cited as given by Richard Smith. Additionally, since he often abbreviates, where possible the remainder of the title as found in the Bibliotheca Smithiana is provided in brackets along with the page and item numbers. If the work is among the Folger's collection, the STC or Wing number is given as well as the title as cataloged.
  • Academic Verses of the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge collected for particular occasions dated variously from 1603-1666. p.375 # 28, 29, 30, 31. See also STC under Oxford or Cambridge University. The Folger holds almost all of the works cited by Smith.
  • Adrichomii (Christ) theatrum terrae sanctae cum tabulis Geographicis, 1593.
  • Adrichomius, Christianus. Theatrum terrae sanctae...Cum tabulis, 1593. p.1 #23
  • Bede, Venerable., Martyrologium cum Observat, Mss. R. Smith, 1564.
  • Bede, The Venerable. Martyrologium cum Observat[ionibus], Mss. R. Smith, 1564. p. 367 # 168.
  • Cabala [Sive Scrinia Sacra, Mysteries of the State and Government...] 2. vol 1654, 1663.
  • Cabala: sive Scrinia Sacra. Mysteries of State and Government... 2. pt. 1654, 1663. p.185 #139
  • Ferne, (John)., Blazon of the Gentry, [of the Laws of Arms and of Combat], 1586.
  • Ferne, Sir John. The Blazon of Gentry... of the Lawes of Armes and of Combats, 1586. p.186 #220. STC 10824
  • Fuller, Thomas, The Church History of Britain, [with his appeal aganst Dr. Heylin.] (2. vol) 1655, 1659.
  • Fuller, Thomas. The Church- History of Britain; from the Birth of Jesus Christ untill...MDCXLVIII, 1655 and 1656. p. 275 #126. Wing F2416 and Wing F2417.
  • ---- ----, History of the Worthies of England, and Rarities in each Country, 1622.
  • ---- ----. The History of the Worthies of England, 1622. p. 276 #128. Wing F2440
  • Gauden, (Dr), Ecclesiae Anglicanae Suspiria; [Of the Tears and Sighes of the Church], 1659.
  • Gauden, John....[Gk] Ecclesiae Anglicanae Suspiria. The Tears, Sighs...of the Church of England, 1659. p. 276 #144. Wing G359; Folger shelfmark 129569.
  • ---- ----. Memorialls of Bp. Brownrig [Life and Death of Bishop Brownrig, with a Sermon at his Funeral], 1660.
  • ---- ----. The Memorials of the Life and Death of... Dr. Brounrig...as they were...delivered after the Sermon...at his Funeral, 1660. p. 205 #547. Wing G371; Folger shelfmark 154936.
  • Godwin, Francis, Catalogue of the Sucession of Bishops in England. (Best Edition) 1615.
  • Godwin, Francis. A Catalogue of the Bishops of England, 1615. p. 187 #244. STC 11938, 11938.2.
  • Hakewell, G., Apologie of the Power and Providence of God, (best ed.) 1635.
  • Hakewill, George. An Apologie...of the Power and Providence of God, 1635. p. 278 # 250. STC 12613.
  • Hall's, [Rob.] Herologia Anglorum, [or a help to history]. 1641
  • Heylyn, Peter, [= Herologia] Anglorum. Or, an Help to English History. 1641. p. 219 #234 Wing H1713.
  • Harrington, (Sir John), A brief view of the state of the Church of England [as it stood in Queen Elizabeth's and King James' reign to the year 1608, being a character and History of the Bishops of those times], 1653.
  • Harington, Sir John. A briefe view of the state of the Church of England as it stood in Q[ueen] Elizabeths and King James his reign, to the year 1608, being a character and History of the Bishops of those times, 1653. p. 219 # 220. Wing H770
  • Hegg(e), Robert., In Aliquot Sacrae Paginae locationes, 1647.
  • Hegge, Robert. In Aliquot Sacrae Paginae loca lectiones, 1647. Wing H1369. (not at FSL)
  • Heylin, History of the Reformation of the Church of England 1661.
  • Heylin, Peter.... The History of the Reformation of the Church of England, 1661. p. 278 #226. Wing 1701.
  • ---- ----, History of the Life and Death of Archbishop Laud.
  • ---- ----. A brief relation of the Death and Sufferings of [Archbishop Laud]. 1644 [i.e. 1645]. p. 278 #229. Wing H1685
  • Lapide, Corn., Opera omnia (12 vol) Paris, 16-.
  • Lapide, Cornelius �. [?]. p.4 #167
  • Le Strange, H, History of the Reign Of King Charles the First: [with a Reply to Some Observations], 1656.
  • L'Estrange, Hamon. The Reign of King Charles... With a Reply to Some...Observations..., 1656. p.272 #184. Wing L1190; Folger shelfmark 153188.
  • Lithgow, W., His 19 years Traveles by 3 Voyages in Europe, Asia, and Africa, 1640.
  • Lithgow, William. The totall discourse, of the rare adventures,... of long nineteene yeares travayles, 1632. p. 189 # 356. STC 15714 (1640).
  • Peacham, Complete Gentleman, 1622.
  • Peacham, Henry. The Compleat Gentleman, 1622. p. 190 #425. STC 19502.
  • Prynn, William, His Breviate of the Life of Bishop Laud extracted from his own writings, 1644.
  • Prynn, William. A Breviate of the Life of William Laud... extracted...out of his own...writings, 1644. p. 280 #339. Wing P3904.
  • ---- ----, Vindication of the Supreme Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, (3 vol.) London. 1666.
  • ---- ----. An Exact chronological Vindication...Kings Supream Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, 1666. p. 280 # 337. Wing P3950A.
  • Raleigh, Sir Walter., History of the World, 1614.
  • Raleigh, Sir Walter. The History of the World, 1614. p. 280 # 345. STC 20637.
  • Sanderson, William, Of the Lives and Reign of Queen Mary and King James, 1656
  • Sanderson, Sir William. A Compleat History of the Lives and Reigns of Mary Queen of Scotland, and of her son...James the Sixth..., 1656. p. 277 #182. S647
  • ---- ----, Of the Life and Reign of King Charles the first, 1658.
  • ---- ----. A compleat history of the Life and Raigne of King Charles..., 1658. p. 277 #183. S646
  • Somner, Wm., Antiquities of Canterbury with Figures, 1640.
  • Somner, William. The Antiquities of Canterbury, 1640. p. 192 # 494. STC 22918
  • Stowe, (Jo), [Annals or General] Chronicle of England to 1614, 1615.
  • Stow, John. The Annales, or Generall Chronicle of England...unto...1614, 1615. p. 280 #369. STC 23338
  • Tursellinus, Hor, History of our Blessed Lady at Loretto, And dedicated to the same, 1608.
  • Torsellino, Orazio. The History of our Blessed Lady of Loreto, 1608. p. 355 # 87. STC 24141.
  • Wilson, Arthur, Of the Life and Reign of King James. 1653.
  • Wilson, Arthur. The History of Great Britain, being the Life and Reign of King James the first, 1653. p. 277 #181. Wing W2888.

Authorship

Papers accompanying the Papers of Richard Smith from Sotheby's, and the antiquarian booksellers, Hoffman & Freeman, have identified them as the work of Richard Smith (1590-1675). Research into his background, his library, and his other works, both published and in manuscript, strongly point to this identification. However, there are no signatures among the papers, only the initials R.S. and a note added in the eighteenth century which says "Mr. Richard Smith's handwriting which he transcribed from a Ms." (See V.a.510 (2), leaf 255).

Processing Information

Processed by Folger Shakespeare Library staff.

Title
Guide to the Papers of Richard Smith, ca. 1633 - ca. 1670 Folger MS.V.a.510
Status
Unverified Full Draft
Author
Finding aid prepared by Marcia Frank Peri, 1996-1997; revised by Alison E. Bridger and Nadia Seiler, 2010-2011.
Date
April 1996
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Revision Statements

  • 2000: Coding and textual changes made by Folger Cataloging, Curatorial, and Technical Services staff.
  • 2004-03-23: PUBLIC "-//Folger Shakespeare Library//TEXT (US::DFo::V.a. 510::Smith, Richard, 1590-1675. Papers, ca. 1633 - ca. 1670.)//ENG" "dfosmith.sgm" converted from EAD 1.0 to 2002 by v1to02.xsl (sy2003-10-15).

Repository Details

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