Matthew Boulton: Biographical Memoirs, 1809 to 1829; Decease & Funeral; Medal & Print;...

Matthew Boulton died on 17 August 1809, in his 81st year. The documents here include a large number of letters and other papers (nos. 32-101) concerned with his death and funeral on 24 August. James Keir and James Watt both wrote appreciations of their late friend and partner which are included here, as is Matthew Boulton’s Will. Apart from the funeral papers, the items are diverse, ranging from Matthew Boulton’s own notes on early scientific experiments from 1759, to lists of library books, financial records, lists of wines and other drinks consumed at Soho House in a year, and the draft of his speech at the dinner to mark the completion of the Soho Foundry. Some of this material may have been collected by Matthew Robinson Boulton after his father’s death in 1809, with an intention of writing a biography.

Comments in italics are taken from dockets on the documents. Comments in square brackets have been provided by the cataloguer. The documents MS 3782/13/37/32-101 relate to Matthew Boulton’s will, his death and his funeral, including letters of condolence, details of the funeral, replies from those invited to attend, and biographical memoirs by Watt and Keir. The documents have been re-arranged in date order as far as possible.