Historical Collections – Ralph Bigland – 1791 | First Edition, Illustrated Cathedrals

Historical, Monumental and Genealogical Collections, Relative to the County of Gloucester by Ralph Bigland was printed in London in 1791. This first volume of the folio set includes memorials, family genealogies, and descriptions of churches (both physical and congregationally) across Gloucestershire parishes. It includes 23 full-page engravings many illustrations depicting cathedrals and churches, city views, and three pages of heraldic arms!

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Historical, Monumental and Genealogical Collections, Relative to the County of Gloucester
• Author(s): Ralph Bigland
• Publisher: London, Printed by John Nichols, for Richard Bigland, of Frocester
• Edition: First Edition, 1791
• Format: Folio, single volume
• Binding: Leather spine and corners, marbled boards
• Size:  17.5 in x 11.5 in (44.5 cm x 29.2 cm)
• Collation: viii, 632 pages, [23] leaves of plates
• Illustrations: 23 engraved plates
• Contents Include:
  • Church Monumental Transcriptions
  • Family Genealogies
  • Parish Records and Epitaphs
  • Heraldic Arms Engravings
• Provenance: bookplate – Thomas Benn
  • Possibly: Thomas Benn of Hensingham, Cumbria.

Condition:

Very Good. The binding is strong with light pulling at the hinge. Leather spine and corners show moderate wear. Boards retain marbled surfaces. All pages and plates present. Internal pages show light toning and occasional foxing.

Why Collect This?

• Early genealogical folio on Gloucestershire
• Includes original armorial engravings
• Compiled by Bigland, Garter Principal King of Arms

Item Number: #29063