Robert Shirley 1673-1699

Robert SHIRLEY 1673-1699

The larger of Robert Shirley's bookplates (British Museum Franks Collection *180)

Biographical Note

Born at Staunton Harold, Leicestershire, eldest son of Robert Shirley, 14th Baron Ferrers. He stood unsuccessfully as MP for Staffordshire in 1698. Noted for his literary and scientific interests, he was elected a fellow of the Royal Society in 1699, but died shortly afterwards.

Characteristic Markings

Shirley used two engraved armorial bookplates (Franks *180, *245/*289). The extent of his library is not known; the bulk of his estate passed to his eldest son Robert.

Sources

• Robert Shirley, Wikipedia.
• Gambier Howe, E. R. J. Franks bequest: catalogue of British and American book plates bequeathed to the ... British Museum. London, 1903.