| Description | The collection contains correspondence, diaries, travel journals, accounts, library catalogues and commonplace books of the Kenrick, Reid, Rogers and Sharpe families, which all help to complete the picture of the four related families. The correspondence covers many topics and is especially interesting on three counts: first, for the many letters from eminent men and women; second, for the range and depth of discussion and exchange of ideas on literary, artistic, religious and philosophical matters; and third, for the day-to-day letters written between parent and child over several generations, which provide a detailed account of family life during the period. |
| AdminHistory | The Kenrick, Reid, Rogers and Sharpe families were a group of late 18th century and 19th century non-conformists largely associated with north London. Numbered among their members were such well-known figures as the poet Samuel Rogers (1763-1855); the barrister Sutton Sharpe (1797-1843), whose wide circle of friends included many literary figures; the businessman, Egyptologist and philanthropist Samuel Sharpe (1799-1881); and the highly respected York non-conformist minister John Kenrick (1788-1877). They and their relatives through successive generations were active in many different walks of life, and their interests and friends were very varied. |
| Acquisition | Most of the papers were presented to the College in October 1965 by Professor Egon Sharpe Pearson, a descendant of the family through his mother, Maria Sharpe, with a few additional items purchased at Sotheby's in February 1967, and some donated by Professor E S Pearson in 1975 and 1977. In 1973 a larger addition was added, presented by Dr Helga Sharpe Hacker, Professor Pearson's sister. Further papers of Maria Sharpe and her family are contained in the Karl Pearson Papers and the Egon Pearson Papers. |