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Robert Bruce CottonEnglish bibliophile and antiquarian
Country:
 Great Britain |
Content:
- Sir Robert Cotton: The Eminent Bibliophile and Antiquarian
- Early Life and Education
- Knighthood and Baronetage
- Political Involvement and Anti-Government Tracts
- Imprisonment and Confiscation
- Treasures of the Cottonian Library
- Legacy and Donation to the State
Sir Robert Cotton: The Eminent Bibliophile and Antiquarian
Sir Robert Cotton, a renowned English bibliophile and antiquarian, amassed the largest private book collection of his time. His extensive collection formed the foundation of the manuscript department of the British Museum in 1753, which eventually evolved into the British Library.
Early Life and Education
Cotton's passion for ancient manuscripts was ignited during his studies at Cambridge University, where he was influenced by the renowned antiquarian William Camden. His remarkable collection of books drew erudite figures to his Westminster mansion.
Knighthood and Baronetage
Recognizing his scholarly contributions, King James I bestowed upon Cotton a knighthood and later elevated him to the baronetage. Notably, he became the first baronet created during the Stuart era.
Political Involvement and Anti-Government Tracts
In 1601, Cotton was elected to Parliament. He generously lent his books to fellow members, who eagerly consulted them to craft anti-government tracts. Radical figures such as John Pym became frequent visitors to his home, exploiting his knowledge to support their political agendas. Some of these tracts circulated under Cotton's name.
Imprisonment and Confiscation
Concerned about Cotton's activities, the court of Charles I ordered the confiscation of his library and his imprisonment in 1629. While he was soon released, he was unable to regain possession of his collection until after his death, when it was restored to his son.
Treasures of the Cottonian Library
Among the literary treasures of the Cottonian Library were the Lindisfarne Gospels, the only surviving manuscript of the Anglo-Saxon epic "Beowulf," and a heavily damaged sixth-century Greek illustrated Book of Genesis.
Legacy and Donation to the State
The Cottons continued to augment the collection throughout the seventeenth century. In 1700, they generously donated it to the nation, ensuring its preservation and accessibility for generations to come.
