Lansdowne manuscripts
The Lansdowne manuscripts are a significant named collection of the British Library, based on the collection of William [Petty, 1st Marquess of Lansdowne]. The purchase of the collection by the British Museum was in 1807.
The main features of the collection, as outlined by Nicholas Harris Nicolas, are:
- State papers and correspondence of Lord Burghley.
- Papers of Sir Julius Caesar.
- Papers of White Kennett; his manuscripts passed to James West and so to Lansdowne.
- Historical papers from the 15th century to 18th century, relating to major figures in English history.
- William Petyt's parliamentary papers, and papers of legal interest.
- Topographical and heraldic collections.