Gilbert White land indenture


Descriptive Summary
Title: Gilbert White land indenture
Creator: White, Gilbert, 1720-1793
Inclusive Dates: 1761 October 28
Language(s): English
Extent: 1 folder(s) (1 land indenture)
Collection Number: ms1460
Repository: Hargrett Library

Collection Description

Historical Note

Gilbert White (1720-1793) [was an] English naturalist and clergyman, author of The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne (1789), the first work on natural history to attain the status of an English classic. White was educated at Oriel College, Oxford (1740-43), and, although he remained a fellow there until his death, he spent most of his life in Selborne. In 1751, soon after he was ordained, White began a journal in which he noted observations made in his garden. This account was eventually published as a Calendar of Flora and the Garden (1765), followed by the more sophisticated Naturalist's Journal, begun in 1768. Publication of The Natural History, a composite of 110 of White's letters on the subject to his friends, concluded 20 years of intense effort. It was immediately met with the acclaim of major naturalists, who were impressed by White's methodical approach and keen sense of observation.

"White, Gilbert" from Encyclopaedia Britannica, http://search.eb.com/eb/article-9076803 (Accessed March 11, 2009)

Scope and Content

The collection consists of one land indenture dated October 28, 1761, made between Gilbert White of Selborne, County of Southampton, and Richard Baker of the parish of Foxfield, County of Southampton. Beautifully inscribed on vellum, it is adorned with several fine stamps and seals as well as a clear signature of White. The indenture is valid for one year.