Add MS 76663-76739

Papers of the 4^th Earl Spencer

Althorp Papers. Vols. mccclxiii-mcdxl. Papers and correspondence of Frederick, 4^th Earl Spencer; 1811-1857. Partly French, Greek, Latin, Russian and Spanish. Frederick Spencer, (1798-1857), became 4^th Earl Spencer (1 Oct. 1845) on the death of his brother, John Charles, 3^rd Earl Spencer, who died without issue. Educated at Eton, the 4^th Earl followed his brother Robert into the navy in 1811, also serving under Rear-Admiral Hallowell in the Mediterranean during the Napoleonic wars. He attained the rank of captain on 26 Aug. 1822. As Captain of the Talbot (1825-1828) he fought with distinction at the battle of Navarino (20 Oct. 1827). Afterwards he was M.P. for Worcestershire (1831-1832) and Midhurst (1832-1834, 1837-1841), equerry to the Duchess of Kent (1840-1845), Lord Chamberlain of the Queen’s household (1846-1848), Knight of the Garter (1849), Lord Steward (1854-1857). He was awarded the rank of Admiral in 1845 and Vice-Admiral (retired) just before his death in December 1857. He married twice: first to his second cousin Georgiana Elizabeth Poyntz (d. 1851), secondly to Adelaide Horatia Elizabeth Seymour (d. 1877). Many letters have been inscribed with their date and author on the reverse, probably by Spencer's secretary, George Appleyard. There is also an occasional instruction, made by Spencer, to inform Appleyard of the reply to be made or action to be taken.

Seventy-eight volumes, classified as follows:

Papers relating to his Naval Career: 76663-76670

Papers relating to his Royal Household Appointments: 76671-76686

Family Correspondence: 76687-76694

General Correspondence: 76695-76739