a most valuable collection of useful and curious manuscripts, begun near the end of the 17th century, by Robert Harley of Bramton Bryan, Esq. in Herefordshire, afterwards earl of Oxford and lord high-treasurer; and which was conducted upon the plan of the great Sir Robert Cotton. He published his first considerable collection in August 1705, and in less than ten years he got together near 2500 rare and curious MSS. Soon after this, the celebrated Dr George Hick, Mr Anstis garter king at arms, Bishop Nicolson, and many other eminent antiquaries, not only offered him their affiance in procuring MSS. but presented him with several that were very valuable. Being thus encouraged to perseverance by his success, he kept many persons employed in purchasing MSS. for him abroad, giving them written instructions for their conduct. By these means the MS. library was, in the year 1721, increased to near 6000 books, 14,000 original charters, and 500 rolls.

On the 21st of May 1724 Lord Oxford died: but his son Edward, who succeeded to his honours and estate, still farther enlarged the collection; so that when he died, June 16th 1741, it consisted of 8000 volumes, several of them containing distinct and independent treaties, besides many loose papers which have been since arranged and bound up in volumes; and above 40,000 original rolls, charters, letters patent, grants, and other deeds and instruments of great antiquity.

The principal design of making this collection was the establishment of a MS. English historical library, and the rescuing from destruction such national records as had eluded the diligence of preceding collectors: Harleian, but Lord Oxford's plan was more extensive; for his collection abounds also with curious MSS. in every science. This collection, which was purchased by government for L10,000, is now in the British Museum; and an enumeration of its contents may be seen in the Annual Register, vi. 140, &c.