Add MS 76369-76622

Papers of the 3rd Earl Spencer

Althorp Papers. Vols. mlxix-mcccii. Papers of John Charles Spencer, Viscount Althorp and 3rd Earl Spencer (1782-1845), eldest son of George John Spencer, 2nd Earl Spencer, with a few papers which were added to the collection after his death; 1802-1876, n.d. Partly copies. Partly printed. He served as Chancellor of the Exchequer and Leader of the House of Commons in Lord Grey's government from 1830-1834, again in Lord Melbourne's first ministry in 1834, and was the main government spokesman during the debates on the Reform Bill in 1831-1832. He was M.P. for Northamptonshire from 1806-1834, Chairman of Northamptonshire Quarter Sessions, Master of the Pytchley Hunt and President of the Royal Agricultural Society. He was known by his courtesy title of Viscount Althorp until November 1834, when he succeeded to the Spencer earldom. For the life and career of the 3rd Earl Spencer see Memoir of John Charles, Viscount Althorp, Third Earl Spencer, by Sir Denis Le Marchant, 1876, and Whig Renaissance: Lord Althorp and the Whig Party, 1782-1845, by Ellis Archer Wasson, New York and London, 1987.

Paper. Two hundred and fifty-seven volumes. British Library arrangement. Classified as follows:

Correspondence: 76369-76392.

Administrative papers of the Treasury and the Exchequer, etc.: 76393-76443.

Quarter Sessions papers: 76444-76466.

Papers relating to estates, farming and cattle breeding: 76467-76534.

Personal account books: 76535-76612.

Miscellaneous papers: 76613-76622.