Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1823 (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
6 letters
Context area
Name of creator
Administrative history
The Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland was founded by the eminent Sanskrit scholar Sir Henry Thomas Colebrooke on the 15th March 1823. It received its Royal Charter from King George IV on the 11th August 1824 'for the investigation of subjects connected with and for the encouragement of science, literature and the arts in relation to Asia'. It continues as a forum for those who are interested in the languages, cultures and history of Asia to meet and exchange ideas.
Name of creator
Repository
Archival history
Sir Alexander Johnston was heavily involved in the formation of the Society and its early development. He also donated many items to the Society. It is therefore assumed that he gave these letters to become part of the Society's records in its early years.
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
It is assumed that the letters were given by Sir Alexander Johnston to the Society.
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Six letters from William Macbean George Colebrooke to Sir Alexander Johnston in which he corresponds, among other things, concerning the beginnings of the Asiatic Society in London.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
System of arrangement
The letters were arranged chronologically.
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
Open. Please contact the archivist using the email address given here. The archive is open on Tuesdays and Fridays 10-5, and Thursdays 2-5. Access is to any researcher without appointment but it will help if an appointment is made via phone or email. Please bring photo ID
Conditions governing reproduction
Digital photography (without flash) for research purposes may be permitted upon completion of a copyright declaration form, and with respect to current UK copyright law.
Language of material
English
Script of material
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Physical characteristics and technical requirements
Finding aids
Allied materials area
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related units of description
Within the Royal Asiatic Society Governance: Minutes of Council Meetings (RAS GOV1) are the "Minutes: Preliminary Meetings: Establishment of the Asiatic Society" (RAS GOV1/1) which give details of the early meetings to organise the formation of the Society.
Notes area
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Description control area
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Dates of creation revision deletion
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Archivist's note
This material was catalogued by Nancy Charley, RAS Archivist, in 2019.