Henry Hare 1693-1749

Henry HARE, 3rd Baron Coleraine 1693-1749

Biographical Note

Born at Blechingley, Surrey, eldest son of Hugh Hare (1668-1707) and Lydia Carlton. His father died in 1707, and when his grandfather Henry Hare (1636-1708) died a year later, Henry inherited the title. He matriculated at Corpus Christ College, Oxford in 1712. He undertook three tours of Italy during his lifetime, acquiring many books and antiquities. He died at Bath in 1749 without (legal) heirs.

Books

He inherited many books from his grandfather (and possibly from his father) but also collected widely himself including prints, drawings, coins and medals, as well as printed books. His books covered a wide range of subjects but were particularly strong in 16th century Italian literature. Many were bought in Italy, but also from London sales, including those of Thomas Rawlinson. The dispersal of his collection upon his death was complicated by his earlier separation from his wife Anne, whom he had married in 1718, and his subsequent "unorthodox and legally unrecognized conjugal arrangement with Rose Duplessis, or du Plessis (1710–1790)" (ODNB). Eventually, the bulk of his estate went to Anne; upon her death in January 1754, some books were sold to bookseller Thomas Osborne who listed them for sale later that year. Others were bequeathed to Corpus Christi College, Oxford, along with his collection of drawings from his Italian tours. He bequeathed his collection of prints relating to British topography and antiquities to the Society of Antiquaries.

Characteristic Markings

Many of the books contain one of two armorial bookplates commissioned by Henry but he did not otherwise mark his books obviously.

Sources

• Haycock, David Boyd. "Hare, Henry, third Baron Coleraine (1693–1749), antiquary." "Oxford Dictionary of National Biography".
• A catalogue of the libraries of the late Right Honourable Henry, Lord Viscount Colerane, the Honble Mr. Baron Clarke, the Rev. Samuel Dunster ... London, 1754, ESTC T81233.
• Signed codicil to will of Henry, Baron Coleraine, and signed will of 17 Sept 1746, The National Archives DEL 10/115/2.