This collection comprises two folio manuscript letter books bound in vellum containing copied letters from Thomas White to various named persons between 1702 and 1719. White writes mainly from London, and the letters are mainly concerned with the letting and management of his extensive portfolio of farms and properties, some in England but including a substantial number in County Limerick. Hovering in the background is the War of the Spanish Succession (1701-1714), and the letter book provides insights into the effects of the on-going conflict on rents and land transactions. There is also a more personal side to the letter books, with several copies of letters to an aunt and cousins, rich in detail, with frequent references to court gossip, political and current affairs and personal family matters. The letter books open a vivid and multi-faceted view into the life of the prosperous middle class in the first decade of the eighteenth century.
White, Thomas (1676-1742), English solicitor and landownerEngland--Social life and customs--18th century
1 Archival description results for England--Social life and customs--18th century
IE 2135 P25
·
Fonds
·
1702-1720