Antiquarian

Bradfer-Lawrence Collection (prefix: BL)

The Bradfer-Lawrence Collection ranges from medieval manuscripts to 19th century business records.

There are many groups of deeds and records of Norfolk families, plus papers relating to local and national government.

The largest single group of papers relates to the Bagge family of Gaywood and their estates. Important smaller groups are linked to a number of leading local families including:

• Bacon of Stiffkey
• Townshend of Raynham
• Paston, Earls of Yarmouth

The collection was created by Harry Bradfer-Lawrence. He was a land agent in Norfolk until 1935, when he was appointed managing director of Hammond's brewery in Yorkshire.

The Norfolk material reflects his interest in his birthplace King's Lynn and west Norfolk.

Norfolk and Norwich Archaeological Society Collection (prefix: NNAS)

This collection of documents acquired by the Society includes the Frere manuscripts presented to them in 1889.

The Frere collection (prefix: NAS) comprises antiquaries' notes and transcripts alongside many original documents. These range in date from the late 13th century to the early 18th century.

Walter Rye Collection (RYE)

This includes documents from other collectors, such as the Norris Manuscript Collections formed by Sir John Fenn. It also contains some manorial records.

The Colman Manuscript Collection (COL)

This includes family history, plus items relating to the area south-east of Norwich where the family's property and commercial interests lay.

There is also manuscript material relating to the religious and cultural history of Norwich and Norfolk.

Manuscripts of Sir Thomas Phillipps (1792-1872) (PHI)

These relate to Norfolk and range in age from 12th century documents to calendaring notes added to the collection in the 20th century.