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D258 - Gell family of Hopton Hall, Wirksworth - 1200-1905

1-2

4-5

9 - Thomas Gell

10 - Sir John Gell I (1593-1671), Sir John Gell II (1613-1689), Civil War and various

11 - Various, 18th - early 19th century

12 - Various, 17th century

13 - Title deeds and other papers

14 - Various, 18th-19th century

15 - 17th Cent Printed Material

16 - Title deeds and other papers

23 - Title deeds and other papers

25 - Miscellaneous legal, financial and other papers

26 - Title Deeds etc

26-45

28 - Title Deeds

34 - John Gell (1539-1671)

35 - Various accounts, deeds etc

36 - Anthony Gell d. 1584

38 - Correspondence etc

42 - Conserved fragments of estate plan showing fields (numbered) around house called Bank Top - 19th cent

43 - Hopton Receipt Papers

44 - Sir John Gell

46 - Staffordshire estate papers, 19th century - 1834-1879

47 - Unidentified plan showing part of the course of a waterway, marked at points with numbers, and the dates 20 Aug and 22 Aug. Scale not given. Dimensions approx 150cm x 130cm - [19th Cent]

48 - Philip Gell (d 1842), draft deeds, estate and financial papers - 1706-1877

49 - Log book of the Cutter Yacht Albatross from the port of Cowes, Isle of Wight to any port or ports her owner may think proper, wind and weather permitting' [to Scotland] - 18 May-29 Aug 1836

50 - SIR WILLIAM GELL (1777-1836)

1 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Miss [Mary] Nicholas Bow Bridge, Derby, including details of Gell's proposed furnishings for his rooms at Cambridge, with sketch of curtains - 1801

2 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to `Kataebue' [Mary Nicholas] `to a mind formed like yours to enjoy every political circumstance in its true and proper light'. Millennial thoughts; desire to hear from her when Gell returns to Cambridge; has obtained ticket for `My Lady Mayoress's ball' [Postmark: Wirksworth] - 1801

3 - Mock-heroic poem by William Gell: `To the mansion house hastened the hero so bold' - 1801

4 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to `Rural nymph' [Miss Mary Nicholas] `O divine Cartismandua' - 1801

5 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to sister-in-law, Mrs Georgiana Gell. Gell is sorry to hear uncle is dangerously ill. Gives dimensions of his windows at Cambridge: they are 9ft high from ground to ceiling. If there is enough stuff, the valance should be the same kind of linen the curtains are. Will she come to Cambridge? If so, she shall have `no less than two legs of mutton on a plate'. Georgiana may propose for Gell to Miss Arkwright if she likes. Urges her to write soon and tell `la monstera' to do the same. [Postmark: Cambridge] - 1801

6 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell from Saxe Weimar

7 - Cover to D258/50/6: `Pray send me account of my funeral'. The pedometer has been of great use particularly in measuring walled towns - 1801

8 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to brother Philip Gell from Venice `Dear Youth': Gell hates Germany. From Vienna the country improves and generally speaking is very pretty and sometimes grand to Trieste. From Trieste sailed in small boat to Venice but `were very near being cast away as our sailors were very unskilful'; the voyage took four nights and three days. At first, anchored under the Lazaretto until given clearance to land as free from plague. Venice is `certainly one of the most funny towns in the universe'. [inserts sketch of topography of Venice for Georgiana]. Comments on cleanliness, good paving and on architecture. In Piazza San Marco, pillars are not less than 60ft high, `but both capitals and bases in a dreadful bad taste'. [inserts sketch of Piazza San Marco with buildings named]. `The four antique horse are now trotted off to Paris'. `Porphyry and such vile stuff is too common to speak of. Describes social life of Venice - serenades, `somebody in the shape of a bishop gave fireworks in a square here the other night at which we were present sitting upon light wooden chairs in a market place eating ices at 9 o'clock at night'. Refers to new opera house at Trieste at which Braham now sings delightfully. 24 Mar 1801 Gell intends to set out soon for other side of Adriatic into Istria to see Pola. Has been within 2½ miles of French lines. Hopes to go up the Brenta canal. Has only £30 to last until June. While at Dresden saw `young Mr Stanhope and Mr Crawfurd' at the English envoy's: `Little Stanhope is a neat youth and a proper pickle. If you meet him ask him about it.'

9 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Gell family from Naples - 23 May 1802

10 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Gell family from 97 Wimpole St London, `Good people': Thanks for sending fossils so soon. Refers to `Bowen the paper man'. Thorpes call on Gell frequently. The artillery is making a great rattle in the park. Has seen new opera Calypso, in which there is one quarter without music. Gell will call on them with Baker whom they will remember at Cambridge and in Switzerland. Mr Longman and Rees are just coming upstairs to buy Gell's `Troad'. May or Jun - 1803

11 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell `Young Man': news of horse Old Juliet - well though cold. Has shortened her broken bridle [includes sketch]. Does not need skates as he has stolen Ridleys. Write to Gell at Sir Matthew Ridley's Blagdon, near Newcastle upon Tyne - 1803

12 - Booklet `Presented to G A Gell by W Gell being by him purchased from Lady Eleanor Butler and Miss Ponsonby of Llangollen [the Ladies of Llangollen] for an old song' - nd early 19th cent

13 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to his mother, Mrs Blore from Whittington, near Oswestry, Salop `Not having succeeded so well as I expected in the affair of the Embassy on some points, I yet remain in England, nor shall I receive my appointment before I reach Zante or Patras' Thinks of sailing for Gibraltar on his way to Greece about 17th [September]. Hopes she has received the book [Troad]; if not, she needs only to write to Longman and Rees in Paternoster Row. `How far I may be noticed by government I know not'. Finds English summer too changeable for his constitution. Has just left the Admiral in high spirits, but more prudent about walking in the wet to prove the efficacy of the waterproof leather. Asks her to write to him at the Revd Mr Davies's, Whittington, near Oswestry 6 Sep - 1804

14 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to his mother, Mrs Blore from Ryde, Isle of Wight. Has been waiting for arrival of a convoy for the Mediterranean which has now reached Spithead. Mr Baker of Hertfordshire and Gell intend going on board the Prevoyante, a large ship carrying stores for Malta and the fleet of Lord Nelson. If they meet the Spanish plate ships in the way, they shall perhaps make some prize money to pay their expenses. Refers to good notice for his Troad in the Critical Review, but must wait until he gets his desserts from the Edinburgh Review which will not spare a book printed on the wrong side of the Tweed. `I hope if I am fortunate enough to succeed this time to make a very extensive collection of materials for other works of a similar nature, not but that I have at least 100 times more than the documents which supplied the Troad now in England, but they may be very much perfected by certain geographic sketches which I omitted during my last excursion from the excessive heat and on which account I am endeavouring to get into the Morea before the winter is over'. She should write to him at the English Consul's at Patras via Constantinople or the English Consul at Athens or put under cover to Mr Arbuthnot `the Ambassador Extra and Plenipo.' 4 Nov - 1804

15 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell from Thebes - 16 Jul 1805

16 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell `Good gentleman': Refers to songs he is sending; advises Philip to come to Gulleys when Jackson is in the chair when he will hear him sing. Gell goes for 2 days to Strawberry Hill, then to Keppel Craven and then to Lord Oxford's. 23 Jul Expects to go to Hereford races with the Foleys and Co and the Duke of Norfolk. Will visit Davies (in Oswestry) and could visit Hopton about a month after. Will invite Philip to Birmingham `for a lark'. His only suggestion for the living is Raikes Signed Anacharsis - 1805

17 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell `Dear Brother': Sends account of accident to sister Mary from gown catching fire; her arm was burnt [sketch] while staying with the Kenyons. Gell was ill in bed at the time; rest of family out of the house upon the lawn to look at the stars with a telescope. From Pradoe. 21 Jan - 1808

18 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell `Dear Brother': Has just written to Lord Palmerston for a ship. Keppel Craven goes with him. `Dupont being taken, Bossieres retreating, Joseph in a Funk and Austria in a very uneasy state all conspire to render the sejour of a winter in Spain profitable.' Craven and Mercer both send compliments 12 Aug - 1808

19 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell `My dear Brother': Has arrived in the furthest corner of the earth [Falmouth]; delighted with the Fall of Janot which leaves all the peninsula to the south of the Ebro to English and accounts for a good 60 or 70,000 of the French. Falmouth climate very wet; waiting to go on board The Forester Capt. Richards 6 Sep - 1808

20 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell - c.1808

21 - Business letter from Sir William Gell to bankers Messrs Marsh Stracey & Co, Berners St, London `My dear Stracey': please send £50. Suffering from gout. - 28 Apr 1809

22 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell - May 1809

23 - Begging letter from Humphrey Bellamy, Blackfriars Road, London to Philip Gell 7 Jul - 1809

24 - Humphrey Bellamy to Philip Gell - 20 Jul 1809

25 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell. Detailed description of prizefighting followed by bullbaiting at Corns Wood near Wimbledon Common. Saw Jerry Abeshaw's wife wandering near spot where he was hanged. At fight crowd of about 1000. After return, supped with the Princess of Wales `according to the prophecy which sayest when thou larkest in the morning let thy evening be in the Palace'. 24 Jul - 1809

26 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell - 29 Jul 1809

27 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell `Dear brother': Family matters. `I have directed Jackson to get you a Barclay handkerchief' Describes pugilists at Bristol; James Belcher's court appearance put off until October at Kingston Fight that day between 'Richman the black and Maddox'. Asks whether Staffordshire or Cheshire factories will make silk handkerchiefs to a pattern as Gell wants to 'invent a Moorish handkerchief' - 11 Aug 1809

28 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell written from Eywood, Presteigne, Radnorshire `My dear Jack': If Philip or others will be at Lichfield Races, thinks Lord Oxford will be there on or about 26th. 4 Sep - 1809

29 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell. Took Jim Belcher to Kingston where found guilty only to fighting, but has to return on 5 Nov to hear Judge's verdict. With postscript by Tom Belcher: `If you see Lord Hartington, tell him Burrell is coming down'. 5 Oct - 1809

30 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell. From Cambridge. Jim Belcher has been sentenced to 28 days in the County Gaol, Horsemonger Lane, from 2 November. Has asked Jack Twigg for two more guitars. Signed `John Jarvis' - 11 Nov 1809

31 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell. From the Albany, Piccadilly. Wants Philip to intervene for place as established waterman for John [Jack] Loader & lists Lords who may help. Has seen a dog fight and badger baiting. Jem Belcher out of prison; Gell trying to re-establish him. Signed `Anacharsis' 2 Dec - 1809

32 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell has written to Wilkins but no reply. Encloses sketch of column capital with note that it is at Sir Henry Harpur's at Calke. Sketch of antae and of torus. Intends to go to `Mrs Dame's' at Strawberry Hill and stay a week; then to Sir John Legard's for about three days; then to Baker's and then to Spain - 1810

33 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell cannot find Wilkins, may have gone to Bath or to Cambridge. Philip should send emissary to Calke for the capital, saying he has had orders from Wilkins to that effect. Gell going to Spain - Gijon or Corunna - 1810

34 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell. Benefit for Jim [Belcher] very well attended. Three fights at Highgate on Monday. Bitton thinks Cribb could beat Gully, but latter has left London. Belcher has been challenged at £50 a side but will not fight Power for less than £100 each. Gell hopes to visit Lord Melbourne's in Hertfordshire for few days. Has written song on Lord Eldon and his three divines. 4 Jan - 1810

35 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell `Dear Sir John': Request for pension for Mr Jonson the engraver and Miss K Trench promised by Philip. 7 Mar - 1810

36 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell [1810] `Sir John': fight between San and Medley will take place at Moulsey Hurst on Thursday exactly at 12. Arrangements for travel there to be fixed - 1810

37 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell `Dear Sir Peter': thanks for money which has set Gell up again as a man; description of prize fight at green near Hampstead, followed by bull baiting. 27 Jun Has dined with the Leckies where Gell met Lord Valentia who told him of Cabinet Council that morning about the Levant; had no doubt that Gell was going to Crete or elsewhere. John Beresford to be married. Gell has been to Covent Garden. Signed `Anacharsis' - 1810

38 - Letter to Philip Gell from Joseph Brett, The Borough, Southwark: Thanks for £10. The Marshal has promised to take £5 for all his debts. Endorsed by William Gell: laid up with gout. Suggests letter settling debts be obtained from Marshal - 28 Jun 1810

39 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell. Copy of note re fight: having been told `the black' would win, Gell gave Tom [Belcher] a lecture about his brother losing his fame by over-fighting. Going tomorrow to the long expected launch of 120 gun ship. Has been taken prisoner by HRH [Princess Caroline] on board a fine gingerbread yacht, where the wager is to be who can eat and drink the most. Cabinet council on the Levant on Wednesday when it will be known whether Leckie, Gell, Leake, Sir Robt. Wilson, Lyttelton and Lord Valentia are to be turned loose on the Mahometan world. `The beast of Erin went thro Nottingham with potatoes in his head'. Cadiz is said to be perfectly secure. Has bought silver candlesticks value £6 6s in commemoration of Philip's kind gift. 16 Jul 1810 - 1810

40 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Phillip Gell `Dear Peter': Cornwall. Lady Louisa Call has silver plate which will sell; wants Philip to make French flower garden such as is at Mount Edgcumbe; details [with sketch of layout]. Have had great ball at Lord Boringdon's at Saltram - 1810

41 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell `Honoured Sir': going to Lisbon for the winter for his health; setting out next Thursday to join Admiral Berkeley, Keppel Craven's uncle. Describes thunderbolt. Lord Valentia has been detained in town by Lord Wellesley till the Levant expedition was planned. Has seen new play Bombastes 31 Aug Furioso very like Tom Thumb. Mr Beresford is married to Miss Halsay who has £7000 a year and is going to Ireland with her from his Nottingham chateau - 1810

42 - Covering note to letter for Miss Gell - 18 Sep 1810

43 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell. Directions to meet Aide at Ashbourne 30 Sep - 1810

44 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell `Great Captain': From Plymouth. 52 privateers reported out from Bordeaux. Report of conspiracy in Portugal much exaggerated - only 20 people and all discovered. The Margravine [of Anspach] has told Lady Eliz. Forbes that Philip said she talked bawdy and made a complaint of it to Her Highness [Princess Caroline]. Nowhere like Mount Edgcumbe for natural and artificial beauties Signed `Anacharsis' 2 Oct - 1810

45 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell `Great Sir': Did not join ship for Cadiz because he and Keppel Craven both hate the place. Undecided whether to go to Falmouth. Includes sketch of `Princess Charlotte', frigate just arrived from the West Indies. Financial affairs. - 26 Sep 1810

46 - Business letters to Messrs Marsh, Sibbard, London, bankers. From Lisbon: money lent by John Keppel Craven to William Gell 29 Oct - 1820

47 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell `Dear Peter': From Plymouth Dock. Crude jokes and puns. When Gell's book on Argolis comes out, has ordered Payne in Pall Mall to send Philip one 22 Oct - 1810

48 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell `Dear Peter': From Lisbon Sea trip to Lisbon short, weather good, open carriages to take them to Opera at night [includes sketch]. Description of ineffectuality of siege. Mackinnon's exploits in nunnery and Wellington's reaction. Young Churchill is in Lisbon and has a young wolf as a pet; Gell may do the same. 2 Nov - 1810

49 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell `Dear Peter': From Lisbon. Encloses drawing of ¼ of pretty silver dish he has bought Philip as present. Merino sheep very expensive. The French have taken French leave and removed to Santarem. Lord Wellington has followed them 23 Nov - 1810

50 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell - 22 Dec 1810

51 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell. Account of `present state of Spain'. Refer to `great battle of Saragossa' - 1810

52 - Cover

53 - Business letter from Sir William Gell to J Stracey, banker. From the Albany: financial worries. [loose] 7 Apr - 1811

54 - Business letter from Sir William Gell to Messrs Marsh, Sibbard, London, bankers. From the Albany: Have they received £180 due from Mr Sloper 9 Jul - 1811

55 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell - 1811

56 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell `Dear Peter': suffering from gout. Is sending dog. Refers to Dilettanti expedition: `they talk of great exploits for me'. Has two painters, Mr Gandy who is a gander [J P Gandy] and Mr Bedford who is a very sensible person [Francis Bedford]. Gell's rooms are full of presents - and present sellers - for the Pasha of Smyrna and Coussman Oglou `who has three tails' Aug - 1811

57 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell. Gout still painful; dogs thought to be sufficiently recovered to embark for Ashbourne; Hesse sends his love; Gell's financial affairs 7 Aug - 1811

58 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell. Dogs arrive at Ashbourne on 14 Sep [Includes sketch]. Intends to dine with Princess Caroline. Messrs Gandy & Bedford to go at £150 p.a. Going to buy a lustre for Karasman Oglou. `I shall very likely get a place at court as I hear if Old Georgy kicks, but that is not likely' 12 Sep - 1811

59 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell. Gell sent dog a day late. Aide stays longer 19 Sep - 1811

60 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell. On George Aide `bilious though illustrious Greek'; Gell in hourly expectation of being called away to the wars; ship waiting at Purfleet. Draft for £50 to Philip 4 Oct - 1811

61 - Business letter from Sir William Gell to J Stracey, banker. Wants £5. Inform Sir H Englefield when Dilettanti money runs short - 5 Oct 1811

62 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell. About to depart. Turkish ship re-filled. Signed `Anacharsis' 7 Oct - 1811

63 - Cover to Philip Gell

64 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell with cover `Dear Jack': From Ryde, Isle of Wight Becalmed but pleased with ship - `1000 nations on board'. Gell learning Turkish, rest learning Greek and Italian. 19 Oct - 1811

65 - Poem by Sir William Gell `To Georgiana' [Gell]

66 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell. Gell does not think he will be home until 1813. Signed `Thomas Belcher' 20 Nov - 1811

67 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell `Dear Peter': From Malta. Arrived on 16 Dec beating English convoy which arrived on 29 Dec. Intended to proceed in an armed transport to Zante; will `overturn Samos' on their way. Lord Malpas is really turned Catholic in Palermo. Enjoying good weather and the opera. Signed `Anacharsis' 30 Dec - 1811

68 - Business letter from Sir William Gell to J Stracey Messrs Marsh, Sibbard, London, bankers, From Malta. Financial matters. - 30 Dec 1811

69 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell Aug From the Albany, Piccadilly `You will have now seen in the papers that we are off and you may learn that the Jason frigate, Capt. King, is at this moment in waiting upon our Excellencies ..... our departure is so sudden as the Princess [of Wales] is so tired of contesting and defending that there is not even time for getting half the necessary things done.' Will call on Mary Nicholas on their way through Switzerland - ?1814

70 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Miss [Isabella] Gell - 1810s

71 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell. From the Albany. Piccadilly. Gell wants Philip to pay fees of Gell's promotion to knighthood, believed to be £100, awarded for his execution of lonian mission. Lord Sidmouth has been manager behind the scenes; would Philip write him a letter of thanks Endorsed: note from Mary [Gell], their sister: William's honour quite unexpected; not fitting that he should have title when elder brother has none. 12 May - 1812

72 - Business letter from Sir William Gell to J Stracey, Messrs Marsh, Sibbard, London, bankers. From Wirksworth. Concerning annuity 6 Oct - 1813

73 - Business letter from Sir William Gell to H Fauntleroy, Messrs Marsh, Sibbard, London, bankers, Financial affairs, Mr Barbaud's account 6 May - 1814

74 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell `My Dear Lord': Note that knighthood fees are £108 2s 8d, payable to Lord Chamberlain's office. Gell has borrowed money from Sir Harry [Englefield] on his return from his mission to lonia under the patronage of the Prince Regent. Has seen Charlotte Hunloke who offers assistance with Philip's daughter Lucy. Keppel Craven has written from Paris where there are crowds of English, the great heroes in all mouths are Lord Wellington and the Emperor of Russia. Streetsare full of puppet shows, balancing and feats of activity. Lady Castlereagh gives a supper every night, that is, a scramble without a single Frenchman or woman. Gell is writing for the Dilettanti and Major Leake and he are editing, angling, and composing a large map of Greece 12 May - 1814

75 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell. Hears from Mr Smith that Philip plans to go to Madeira but advises him strongly against trip because island has poor accommodation, no amusements and is infested with bugs. Recommends Naples instead where Gell will be; could call on Mary Nicholas in Switzerland en route 23 Jul - 1814

76 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell, `Dear Peter': Compares Naples favourably to Madeira. Philip will probably see the Princess's [of Wales's] application put in the papers on the day of writing. Query about bookbinding with Gell family motto. Asks if Philip will rent his rooms in the Albany 26 Jul - 1814

77 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell. Gell's orders are to set out from Worthing next Sunday, so says goodbye Aug - 1814

78 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell, `My Dear Peter': from Strasbourg. Gell describes travels; left Brunswick for Cassel where visited Elector of Hesse, Princess's [of Wales] cousin; saw the Electress, a Danish princess. Then travelled to Frankfurt and Mayence where Gell got gout, then on to Strasbourg where good French theatre and the Duke de Valmy alias Kellerman is very kind to them. Has visited old Professor Schweighausen who has published much on Greece. On Saturday go to Basle and then to Geneva. `We intend to live at Naples, but do not think of remaining all our lives there; for instance, Aleppo, Baghdad or Delhi are not beyond our comprehension'. Asks for sculptor's tools; is in very low spirits 12 Sep - 1814

79 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell. From Milan; four carriages and 24 people travelled on Napoleon's road over the Simplon. Had invitation from Count Borromeo to see Isola Bella. Count met them at Baveno with a 16-oared barge, all covered with awnings of crimson damask and gold. Had magnificent dinner with living birds which flew out of the jellies and fish which swam in them; slept in rooms 80ft long and damask beds 20 foot high. Saw Isola Madre. Princess [of Wales] sang duet with Empress Marie Lousie, Emperor's daughter and now Grand Duchess of Parma and Guastalla. Visited Mary Nicholas Polier. Gives names of many English people with them including Lady Westmorland who does nothing but get up plays. 18 Oct - 1814

80 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell, `Dear Peter': From Naples. `In spite of thieves, the Pope and the Devil, we are arrived at what one might call the end of our journey, but restless dispositions expect better'. Gell regards himself as fixture for next six months; has very active social life. 2 Dec Supposes Gell is attending Parliament and asks asks for hint of what is going to happen `to us, without names, it might be very acceptable to us for we are such a d...d liar that I never dream of believing one single word we say as we lie merely for the sake of it without any motive". On account of our lies, I do not think we shall have a happy termination to our adventures, but keep this to yourself.' Signed `Claudio Romano' - 1814

81 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell `Dear Peter': gives his love to Bache Thornhill whom Keppel Craven wants to know if man, woman or child; advice on Philip's marital difficulties; if he leaves his wife, should come to Gell in Naples. 2 Dec - 1814

82 - Business letter from Sir William Gell to J Stracey, Berners St., London, banker. From Naples: financial problems. `We are all very happy here if we would but imagine things would remain as quiet as they are at present.' The Princess [of Wales] has some intention of making a tour in Italy; Gell does not intend to accompany her because of his gout. Boney's flight from Elba alarmed English in Naples dreadfully; but, if his enterprise succeeds, has changed his views so much that says he would make the greatest sacrifices to make the English nation his friend. 5 Apr - 1815

83 - Business letter from Sir William Gell to J Stracey, Berners St., London, London, banker, Financial arrangements. Stracey to pay Gell on account of HRH [Princess of Wales] £50 on each 1st Jul, Oct, Jan and Apr. 3 May - 1815

84 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell. Philip returned to England `on the visit of Boney' instead of staying as Gell did `to be taken, blockaded and ravished'. HRH [Princess of Wales] must have a young equerry; Gell has unlimited leave of absence as she is gone to the Lakes in Northern Italy; she has taken a house near Lake Como and seems very contented. Will send violin strings by sea. Gell's last interval of gout lasted 10 days which he spent at Pompeii which had been much excavated since he last saw it [encloses sketch of walls and fortifications and of quern]. `But why people should place a great red priapus over the mouth of an oven and write upon it, `hic habitat felicitas' is more than I can tell you.' The Princess is giving him a pension of £200 p.a. for life which is very kind of her because Gell does not expect ever again to be in a state to be useful to her. 14 Jul - 1815

85 - Business letter from Sir William Gell to J Stracey, Berners St. Re financial matters. Has been at Pompeii 11 Sep - 1815

86 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell. From Naples. Second set of violin strings despatched. Wants Philip to persuade Lord Sidmouth to get Gell the post of travelling consul in Greece. Does not know anything of Princess of Wales, but she may be going to Scheffhausen on a tour. Problems with his finances. 20 Sep - 1815

87 - Business letter from Sir William Gell to J Stracey, London, banker, From Naples. Financial affairs and problems. 12 Sep - 1815

88 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell, `My Dear Doctor'. From Naples. Congratulations on marriage of Philip's daughter Georgiana. Mild winter in Naples; comments on cost of living, fashions, etc. Has been anxious that he would be sent for to accompany the Princess of Wales to Greece but, if it had happened, he would not last 2 months nor one, `for she would have enough of it the first day'. Princess writes she is going to Palermo. Sir William Callison is on the point of being ruined by farming. 2 Dec - 1815

89 - Business letter from Sir William Gell to Messrs Hoper, Gt Marlborough St, London. From Naples. Wants £50 pension instalment. 2 Oct - 1815

90 - Business letter from Sir William Gell to J Stracey, Berners St, London, banker. Gell has heard from Princess of Wales that Mr Brougham has now taken in hand all her affairs in place of Mr Hoper 28 Oct - 1815

91 - Business letter from Sir William Gell to J Stracey, Berners St, London, banker. Princess of Wales's finances 22 Dec - 1815

92 - Business letter from Sir William Gell to J Stracey, Berners St, London, banker. `Kind interference' re finances 7 Apr - 1817

93 - Business letter from Sir William Gell [to bankers] `Gentlemen': re Gell's pension - 3 Aug 1816

94 - Business letter from Sir William Gell to J Stracey, Berners Ltd, London, banker, From Rome. Princess of Wales's financial arrangements. `Mr Coutts having behaved very ill about a draft, HRH has debts in England which may amount to about £3000' 27 Jun - 27 Jun 1819

95 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell, `Mrs Jones': From 17 Brook St., London. His Dr Jones has banished Gell from England; going to Paris; advises Philip not to trust any place where lemons do not grow in the open all winter; intends to cross Apennines by what is called the Furlo - 1820

96 - Business letter from Sir William Gell to Messrs Marsh & Co, London, bankers. From Rome. Gell commanded by Princess of Wales re her financial affairs. HRH has ordered that Mr Coutts should no longer receive her money. 7 Jul - 1817

97 - Business letter from Sir William Gell to J Stracey, Berners St., London, Banker, From Naples. Fears every day that circumstances unknown to him at times make it doubtful whether Stracey will be at all a gainer by taking in hand the affairs of a certain great lady [Princess of Wales]. Gell thinks she has done many things that put her completely in Mr Coutt's power. 16 Aug - 1817

98 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell. Has heard that Philip is left alone at Hopton under circumstances that may be very disagreeable to him [separation from wife]. Invites him to Naples. 13 Jun - 1823

99 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell, `My Lord'. From Naples. Asks Philip to get Lord Maitland to recommend Gell for post of Resident at the court of Ali Pasha. Gell has been secretary to two ambassadors at Constantinople Endorsed: note on salary. Signed `Goleanda' 17 Dec - 1815

100 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell. From Naples. Has had ill-founded report of family marriage. Naples not affected by plague. Seeks place in Constantinople. Has had to buy carriage. 11 Feb - 1816

101 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell, `My dear Peter'. Looking for post at Ali Pasha's court; encloses letter. 25 May - 1815

102 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell. From Paris. Gell's shortage of money. Signed `Julius Benyunk' 25 May - 1816

103 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Mary Nicholas Polier. Invitation to her to meet the Princess of Wales as long as she does not wear a poke bonnet [illustrated with sketch] - 1814

104 - Business letter from Sir William Gell to J Stracey, Berners St, London, banker, From Naples. Financial problems of `certain personage at Pesaro' [Princess of Wales]; Gell's own money problems; sulphur bath treatment for gout. 29 Sep - 1817

105 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell. From Naples. Gell stayed with Princess of Wales for 2 months in summer in Rome. Remedies for gout including sulphur steam bath [with sketch] - 1817

106 - Formal letter from Sir William Gell to Madame Mary Polier. From London. Letter of introduction for Mr Lyster - 11 Sep 1820

107 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Mary Nicholas Polier, `My dear Mrs Twigg'. From Naples. Personal, political and family news including visit to Pompeii where Gell made drawings in amphitheatre. Regret at death of Duke of Brunswick. 11, 12 or 13 Jul - ?1817

108 - Business letter from Sir William Gell to J Stracey, Berners St, London, banker. From Rome. Financial problems including those of Princess of Wales; `unfortunately we have neither common sense nor common honesty, so that advice is lost and hope is tired out'. Intends to get money by `digging in Emperor's palace where it is known no excavation was ever made' for porphyry, giallo antico, and all the marbles and granites that have become so scarce'. Gell's `great map' which the University [Cambridge] is to engrave is nearly finished. 8 May - 1818

109 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell. From Rome. Gell's financial problems; family news. 17 May - 1818

110 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Mrs Georgiana Gell. From Naples. Gossip about society in Naples and Rome; the Newburghs are good people and do credit by their respectability to Hassop and the Roman Catholic party. Postscript dated 22 Oct 1822; terrible eruption of Vesuvius which roars tremendously 20 Oct - 1822

111 - Business letter from Sir William Gell to J Stracey, Berners St, London, banker, From Rome; Gell's financial problems. Celebrations of Austrian court; social gossip 1 May - 1819

112i-iii - Business letter from Sir William Gell to J Stracey, Berners St, London, banker, with notes, From Rome. Favour from Queen [Caroline] two drafts for £50 - 3 Jan 1821

113 - Business letter from Sir William Gell to J Stracey, Berners St, London, banker, `A certain great personage [Princess of Wales] has wished to make you her banker' 30 Aug - 1817

114 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Isabella Gell, from Mary Gell, her aunt - 20 Nov 1823

115 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell from Rome - 5 Apr 1824

116 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell. From Naples. Encloses Darcy pedigree and notes of claim to Irish barony. Dr Necker's gun will cost £13 and should be despatched to Gell. Lengthy instructions re gout potions. 5 Apr - 1824

117 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell. From Naples. Gell's financial concerns; asks Philip to send equivalent sum of money he is entitled to. Refers to gun for Dr Necker; asks Philip to send copy of `your Cascatella of Tivoli by Vernet' so that Gell can have it framed; the subject is not Terracina 12 Nov - 1824

118 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell. From Naples. Financial affairs; Stracey's bankruptcy; Gell would not be surprised if Prussian government were not going to protect him since they have made him a member of the Berlin Academy. Has heard Philip's daughter is living at Wirksworth with an apothecary. 28 Dec - 1824

119 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell. From Naples. Dr Necker's diagnosis of Philip; Gell's financial affairs and his debts to Keppel Craven and Prince Gerace. Have lost `good old king' at last; guns are firing every half hour; King of Prussian's painter has visited Pompeii and is much impressed. Family gossip re Philip's estranged wife, Georgiana 8 Jan - 1825

120 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell - 22 Mar 1825

121 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell. From Rome. `Great Sir': congratulates Philip on his income from Cromford Canal shares. Asks if Philip wants his son, John, who is coming to Italy to get a taste for the arts. Gell wants some of new sorts of strawberry seeds; Lady Ruthven has asked him for caper seeds but Gell does not think they will grow in England; in Italy they pickle the young shoots. 25 May - 1825

122 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Mrs Georgiana Gell, Palazzo Lepri, Via dei Condotti, Rome. Has Pomeranian dog called Monsu P [includes sketch]. List his servants; number makes people think Gell a `bigwig' - 1825

123 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Mrs Georgiana Gell. From Rome. Lists inns in Naples; at Gran Bretagna will find Lady Church née Miss Wilmot of Osmaston and Lady Compton. Princess of Bulera comes for breakfast with Gell. 10 Dec - 1825

124 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Mrs Georgiana Gell. Gell ill with gout. Non-payment of his pension by new King; has written to Canning. Could read her last letter except one word which would `puzzle Champollion himself'. Notes death of Duke of York. Has dined with M Rothschild. Offers her his cottage in Rome. Feb - 1826

125 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Mrs Georgiana Gell - 13 Jan 1827

126 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Mrs Georgiana Gell. From Naples. Recommends Gaetano Guevara as escort from Rome to Naples; gives details of route and lodgings at Naples. 22 Feb - 1827

127 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Mrs Georgiana Gell. From Naples. Has learnt of her change of travel plans Mar - 1827

128 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Mrs Georgiana Gell, Poste restante, Brussels. From Rome. Suffering from gout. Has not seen tableaux since her departure. Her Serene Highness came and gave them an hour of her beauty and a play she wrote called `The Princess of Georgia'. Gell has seen the Listons, Mr Smith Wright and Lady Sitwell. His neighbours, the Knights, and the Margravine [of Anspach] are almost all that remain, except Petre and the Ingams. [Includes sketch of Tivoli cascades]. Has accompanied Duke of Hamilton to see castles with another historian of Rome, Mr Hammond. Knew Lady Sitwell was a beauty but did not know she intended to be a belle esprit. In religion she is a Methodist alias Evangelical. Gell likes her much. 10 May - 1827

129 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Mrs Georgiana Gell - 27 Aug 1827

130 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Mrs Georgiana Gell - 1829

131 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Mrs Georgiana Gell. From Naples. Her son John still in Milan. All the Ridleys from Blagdon have arrived; Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg to stay all winter. `Mr Stratford Canning is from Constantinople'. Mr Wilmot, younger brother of Wilmot Horton, is there, one of the most pleasant, clever and delightful personages. A new Pope is now hatching in conclave. Sir George Talbot is a great man for dinners. 10 Mar - 1829

132 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Mrs Isabella Pole Thornhill, Gell busy getting ready a book which he is going to print in London; encloses pedigree and notes on Darcy genealogy for her. Her brother [John] is still at Milan. Risk of earthquakes - 15 Jun 1829

133 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Mrs Georgiana Gell. From Naples. No news of her son John. Gell `lives on paper though I think acres are by far the more certain provision'. Has sent to London a few months ago another series of `Pompeiana' and asked £500 for it with which he paid all his debts. Spent summer at Sir Henry Lushington's 4 Nov - 1829

134 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell. From Rome. Asks for £100. Has been cheated out of his pension. Banker Fauntleroy has been hanged. Isabella has told him of his old cottage at Grasmere. Advises Philip to keep family archives; has left him book of pedigrees in his will. 15 Apr - 1830

135 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Mrs Georgiana Gell. From Rome. Has received her `little pedigrees'. Hopton is possibly in the last stage of a consumption. Hears her son John's occupation is music. 3 May - 1830

136 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Mrs Georgiana Gell. From Rome. Has been on a castle hunting tour in Etruria; visited Falerino, an old Etruscan city near Civita Castellana where all the walls and towers remain. Dr Forester is very mean. John's case would not be so desperate if the youth did not think it necessary always to be in love `and that hopeless'. Gell's pension problems. 25 May - 1830

137 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell - 24 ?Jun 1830

138 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Mrs Georgiana Gell, Milan. From Naples, Her friend Hussein, the Bey of Algiers, is quietly lodged in Naples. Has read `Anne of Gierstein'. Gell guesses Philip Gell has been taken prisoner before the fall of Algiers and put to an ignominious end by the Bedouins, with the old painter as his Lieutenant. Signed `Diego Polpito' 24 Aug - 1831

139 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Mrs Georgiana Gell. From Naples. Invitation to her to live at Naples. Vesuvius is full of lava. Apr - 1831

140 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Mrs Georgiana Gell. From Naples. Since she has at last disposed of Bache Thornhill, Gell concludes Isabella is gone to take possession of her fine house and mountain peak. `I would willingly make a present of Messrs Cobbett, Hunt, O'Connell to the Emperor of China if he is in want of assistance against his enemies for I fear they won't let things remain quiet at home'. Gell needs a few hundred pounds to make his finances easy. Cambridge University has published his map of Greece at £225 and Gell is named in very many publications with honour. The Dilettanti have appointed him Minister Plenipotentiary `which, as far as honour goes, is very gratifying in one's old age'. 19 Nov - 1830

141 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Mrs Georgiana Gell. From Naples. Thanks her for letter and 5 reviews. Dichosa good name for dog, Spanish for `fortunate'. Sir Charles Monk is at Rome. Gell has active social life. Making fine book of pedigrees and arms for Philip to keep in the house [Hopton]. Gell studied family papers in his youth; Thomas Blore may have taken some away. 12 Dec - 1830

142-143 - Typescript extracts from genealogies [?prepared by William Gell] with note from Lewis Eyre that all manuscripts concerning the family are with Dr J J Howard, Somerset Herald's office, and note that Lewis Eyre is youngest son of Charles Eyre of Derbyshire who married in 1850 Margaret, 2nd daughter of Sir Thomas Haggerston, 6th Baronet

144 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell, From Naples. Gell hears from his sister that Georgiana Gell laments her inability to be of any use to their son John in Milan. Comments on Mr Clay of Crich - `peace be to his ringlets'. Gell has nearly finished book for Philip which contains all the genealogy of the family. Lady Charlotte Lindsay is trying to get Gell's pension for him. Asks Philip for £100 for genealogical volume. Dodwell has inherited fortune, but afflicted with paralysis; he is coming to Naples, as are Sir Charles Monck and Lord Harrowby. Hopes that Derbyshire, being more a grazing country, is quiet and not upside down like Hampshire. Mr Thornhill's accident. New road along coast by Genoa and Sarzano. 2 Jan - 1831

145 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Mrs Georgiana Gell. From Naples. Good news of her son John. Isabella has been ill, has left her husband, and is to remain at Hopton. Reviews are a treasure. 27 Feb - 1831

146 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell. From Naples. Sir Charles Monck and Lord Wallace return to England to take their parts in `the sort of revolution'. Sir Charles has the book of Gell pedigrees; Gell has had volume `prettily bound'. Instructions on how to make a terrace; friends are paying for his house repairs. Dodwell's speech is indecent after his stroke; spends his life in hunting after the walls of ancient Pelasgic cities in the mountains and has made some very curious discoveries. Gell was going to make the map of Palestine when the Battle of Navarino took place and ruined him. `As one does not want every letter to be published, [signed] Savory Poytherus & Co.' - 30 Mar 1831

147 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Mrs Georgiana Gell. From Naples.. The great gates at Hopton are closed and a hole cut for entrance to the Ashbourne road. Comments on Reform Bill. Still pursuing pensions claim; Lord Brougham is now king. 23 Aug - 1831

148 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Mrs Georgiana Gell. From Naples. Gell very much the fashion now his house has been altered [includes sketch]. Cost, £100, paid by Lord de Ros. Has had present of organ from Sir Charles Monck. Gell has been employed by Dilettanti to make observations in Italy and they are going to engrave his maps in England; project may now be ended because of lack of money. Visits to Opera. Lady Coventry has taken to ass-riding for health and bathes in newly discovered mineral hot spring halfway to Pozzuoli. [Includes sketch of his coach]. Thanks for kind offer of book - 1831

149 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Mrs Georgiana Gell. From Naples. Gell is now writing book and has sent all but a few articles of it called `Roman Topography' to England for £500 to pay his debts. `Our Vesuvius has made a very nice little eruption for Sir Walter Scott who I see every day and dine with tomorrow'. 10 Feb - 1832

150 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Mrs Georgiana Gell - 26 Jul 1832

151 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell. Bob Milnes has taken Philip's son John under a feigned name as his servant to escape his Milanese creditors to whom he owes £1000. Wants £100 from Philip for pedigrees book. Asks effect of new game laws. Painter from Matlock had Gell's drawing of Corinth to exhibit for money. 22 Aug - 1832

152 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Mrs Isabella Pole Thornhill, Comments on game laws. Gell does not like to be governed either by mobs or Whitefeet. Bad news of John her brother. Has not received £100 he wanted for pedigrees book from her father Philip. Has been told he is made a member of the National Institute of France. PS Believes he will be 56 in 3 days' time - 1833

153 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Mrs Georgiana Gell. From Naples. Mrs Hartopp, possibly now Lady Hartopp and sister of Lord? Henby, has drawn coloured picture of Gell's dog Monsu Nicks and Gell has written this letter around it. Has just returned from Penta, Keppel Craven's new villa. The former convent has a sort of English garden with a vineyard and fruit trees. The court is full of very fine exotics, well kept and full of flowers which Gell believes were the greatest temptation to the purchase. Received round robin from the Auljo family of La Cava where Prince Charles and his aide de camp Ferino are staying. They are `making a school of the arts' taking each other's portraits during the rainy weather. Engaged to dine with Mr Temple, the new Minister. Active social life despite his gout. Hears her son John is at Naples `making operas that frighten the cats and love to the singers and dancers without end'. Gell has made a gallery for his books and a pergola in his garden [includes sketch of layout]. Still waiting for his £100 for pedigree book from Philip. Derbyshire news and gossip. `Lord Wallace sends me in a letter Lord and Lady Stanhope who he says are very amiable people. We shall soon have had everybody down to Sir George Warsinder'. 6 Sep - 1833

154 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Philip Gell. From Naples. While dining at Archbishop of Taranto's house, heard from his neighbour of a young man of the name of Gell who was `a queer genius' in Milan. He is drinking too much; only Philip's appearance in Milan would change situation; their sister Mary is in need of financial assistance which it would behove Philip to give her. Still pressing for his pension; Philip has not replied to Gell's offer of his canal shares at reduced prices. Duke [of Devonshire] gives ill reports of Philip's behaviour to him and other neighbours; he is gone to Sicily with a Cavendish whom he calls his `second son'. The Duke has given Gell a picture of Chatsworth `done upon the black marble of Monsal Dale' and his own picture. Gell introduced him to the Princess of Paterno. Refers to gift of organ from Sir Charles Monck. Asks about effects of changes in game laws. `The deuce take your penny magazines, they have ruined the Booksellers who can no longer buy one's books and thus all my means for patching up my pecuniary misfortunes have failed. What a Bore.' Hopes to be well enough to go to Rome for 2 months in April and May. 6 Feb - 1834

155 - Personal letter from Sir William Gell to Mrs Isabella Pole Thornhill, From Naples [with printed illustration of bay as letterhead]. Going in half an hour to Augustus Craven's where Mr Saunders, `young English artist of first rate talent' is painting Mrs Craven. Has been very ill for 6 months. Will ask Keppel Craven to send her `Stemmata Gelliana', a little red book, after his death. Will send Philip a treatise on conscience one day soon. Two years ago Mr Ewing made a bust of Gell at Rome for his own amusement, together with a medallion. Has visited La Penta in the mountains behind Salerno and Lady Barbara Ponsonby who is staying at Castellamare. Asthma has returned. Has sat to Mr Saunders for his portrait but the price is 10 guineas; can send picture by Foreign Office. Aug - 1834

51 - Various

52 - Volume of bound letters and other documents - Late 17th-early 19th cent

53 - Printed Pamphlets

54 - Isabella Thornhill - c1850-1870

55 - Pedigrees and other papers

56 - Gell Family Papers Series A-D

57 - Family Papers

63 - Number not used

64 - Boer War (largely Henry [Harry] Anthony Chandos-Pole-Gell) - 1899-1902

65 - Henry [Harry] Anthony Chandos-Pole-Gell (1872-1934) and other material

67 - Masque by William Browne written for the Inner Temple and associated correspondence - 1615-1964

68 - Pedigrees - 19th cent

69 - Plans - 1711-1828

70 - Manor of Holland p Wirksworth and Lands Grant [temp Q Anne] to Philip Gell of Hopton [outsize parchment deed, badly damaged by damp, partly illegible]

71 - Isabella Thornhill, nee Gell (1800-1878): diary - 1863-1875

72 - `Catalogue of the library at Hopton Hall' Arranged by size of volume: folio, quarto, octavo Duodecimo, `sixteens and twenty-fours' Title, edition and date of publication Folio paper vol, in slip case - ?17th cent

73 - Gell of Hopton Hall: family seal dies - late 19th cent

UL - Gell of Hopton Hall: unlisted records

George M. Woodward (1767-1809), cartoonist

Tweets by DRO

George M. Woodward (1767-1809), cartoonist

National Coal Board

Sir John Franklin (1786-1847), naval officer and arctic explorer

Harpur Crewe family of Calke

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