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Rare Autograph Manuscript – Lord Stanley (14th Earl of Derby, later Prime Minister)
Offered here is a remarkable set of autograph working notes in the hand of Edward Henry Stanley, Lord Stanley, later the 14th Earl of Derby (1799–1869), who would go on to serve as Prime Minister of Great Britain three times. These notes were prepared for his speech at the annual dinner of the Royal North Lancashire Agricultural Society, held at the Corn Exchange in Preston, c.1860.
The notes reveal Stanley’s thoughts on the pressing issues of mid-19th century agriculture, including:
The rise of scientific farming and agricultural education.
Reference to the Royal Agricultural College at Cirencester (founded 1845), noting its pupils, self-supporting farm, and the importance of such institutions for farmers’ sons.
The responsibilities of landlords and the need for more agricultural schools in Lancashire.
His forward-looking claim that “the higher you farm, the more machinery you employ… the greater demand for intelligence. You will want mindless less, brains more.”
Margin notes such as “Farmers or gentlemen’s sons” and “Colonies” underscore the broad scope of his intended remarks, linking agricultural reform with Britain’s imperial role and class mobility.
These are working notes in his own hand, with crossings-out and insertions — a rare survival giving us insight into how one of the era’s most powerful politicians prepared his public remarks.
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Transcript (excerpted highlights)
“We profess that theory as well as practice of farming, and that agriculture has become a science… Pleased with account of Cirencester Ag. Coll. It contains 60 or 70 pupils, resident… 700 acres of land managed by the College. It is self-supporting… Helps England – such spread over England would give a stimulus, why not Lancashire? … The higher you farm, the more machinery you employ, the greater demand for intelligence. You will want mindless less, brains more.”
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Biographical Note
Edward Henry Stanley, 14th Earl of Derby (1799–1869) was one of the most important Victorian statesmen, remembered as the only person to serve three times as Prime Minister (1852, 1858–59, 1866–68). He was also deeply engaged with agricultural reform, education, and Lancashire’s industrial development.
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Condition
Manuscript notes on folded paper, several pages in ink, with expected age toning, spotting, and some staining. Watermarked “Joynson Superfine 1858,” confirming manufacture after that date. Entirely legible and historically significant.
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Significance & Value
Lord Stanley’s autograph material is scarce, particularly working notes for a public speech tied to a major Lancashire institution. The combination of content, political importance, and local history make this a valuable acquisition.
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👉 Offered for the first time in decades – a unique opportunity to acquire original political manuscript notes of a three-time British Prime Minister, delivered at Preston c.1860.
