COPLEY OF SPROTBOROUGH COLLECTION
Details
Type of record: Archive
Title: COPLEY OF SPROTBOROUGH COLLECTION
Classmark: YAS/DD38
Date(s): 15th-19th century
Language: English; Latin
Size and medium: 5 boxes
Persistent link: https://explore.library.leeds.ac.uk/special-collections-explore/471549
Collection group(s): Yorkshire Archaeological and Historical Society
Description
Personal papers of the Copley family. Includes civil war correspondence, and papers regarding posts held e.g. Justice of the peace.
Biography or history
The Copleys inherited Sprotborough through the marriage of Sir William Copley and Dorothy Fitzwilliam, aunt and co-heiress of William Fitzwilliam who died in 1516, last of the male line of the Fitzwilliams of Sprotborough. In addition to the Sprotborough estates Copley inherited Plumtree in the Rushcliffe hundred of Nottinghamshire. The other Fitzwilliam co-heiress married first, Sir Henry Savile of Thornhill and second, Richard Gascoigne.
Godfrey Copley (d1677) who succeeded to the estates in the mid 17th century, was created a baronet in 1661 and was a Justice of the Peace during Charles I's reign. His son, Godfrey, the second baronet, was the most distinguished member of the family, being an early member of the Royal Society and M.P. for Thirsk. He enlarged the estate and built a new mansion house at Sprotborough. After he died the estates were held by the Copleys of Wadworth. The descendants of Sir Godfrey's daughter, Catherine, who married Joseph Moyle, succeeded to the estates in 1766 and took the name of Copley.
Access and usage
Access
This material is not subject to restrictions under Data Protection or other relevant legislation that might limit access. However, other protections, such as donor conditions or conservation considerations, may still apply where advised.