Fonds SC52 - Manuscripts concerning the history of Java

Identity area

Reference code

GB 891 SC52

Title

Manuscripts concerning the history of Java

Date(s)

  • 1790 - 1820 (Creation)

Level of description

Fonds

Extent and medium

3 bound volumes handwritten

Context area

Name of creator

(1781-1826)

Biographical history

Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles (1781-1826) was a British colonial official, who became Lieutenant Governor of Java after its capture from the Dutch in 1811. He is accredited with founding the port of Singapore, and wrote The History of Java.

Name of creator

(1783-1868)

Biographical history

John Crawfurd was a trained doctor, orientalist and scholar, who was employed in the East India Company. He wrote a number of works on his explorations in Asia.

Name of creator

(1789-1850)

Biographical history

Godfrey Phipps Baker was a member of the 11th Native Infantry and later Captain of the 19th Native Industry. In 1812 he was asked by John Crawfurd to create maps and surveys of Java, which can be found in the second edition of Thomas S. Raffles' The History of Java.

Name of creator

(?-1819)

Biographical history

Elton Hammond was the cousin of Thomas S. Raffles, and committed suicide in 1819.

Name of creator

(c.1772-d.1834)

Biographical history

Alexander Adams was a British Army Officer, and was involved in the expedition to take Java from the Dutch in 1811.

Name of creator

(1751-1814)

Biographical history

Gilbert Elliot-Murray-Kynynmound, 1st Earl of Minto (Lord Minto) was a British politician and diplomat. He became Lord Minto in 1797, and Governor General of India from 1807 until 1813.

Name of creator

Archival history

The papers were created by T. S. Raffles, J. Crawfurd, G. P. Baker, E. Hammond, E. A. St Maur, A. Adams, G. E. M. Kynynmound, T. [Clarke], and H. Hope. They were presented to the RAS by Captain Richard Hart of the 66th Regiment 2nd February 1850.

Immediate source of acquisition or transfer

2nd February 1850, as noted in the RAS Register of Donations Nov.1843 To Dec.1857, page 141 (RASCOLL3/3/1).

Content and structure area

Scope and content

Three volumes concerned with British involvement in Java:

  • Java Antiquities, a bound volume composed of four sections including lists, correspondence, a memorandum and private journals.
  • Java Antiquities Craufurd, a bound volume containing two sections,
  • read more

Conditions of access and use area

Conditions governing access

Open. Please contact the archivist. Details can be found here : https://royalasiaticarchives.org/. 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 isread more

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
  • Malay

Allied materials area

Related units of description

Related materials include:

  • Catalogue of Paintings Drawing, Engravings & Busts by Raymond Head.
  • R.A.S Asiatic Researches Vol.13 Chapter IX The Ruins of Prambanan, in Java by J. Crawfurd, Esq.
  • R.A.S History of Java 2nd Ed. by Sir Thomas Stamford
  • read more

Access points

Description control area

Description identifier

gb891-sc52

Archivist's note

This catalogue was created by Timothy Duffell, RAS volunteer, under the supervision of Nancy Charley, RAS Archivist, in 2023.