Laurence Sterne Archive

Letters and papers of Laurence Sterne including letters to his friend, the actor David Garrick; parish papers including tithe receipts and composition table; memoir written for his daughter Lydia, 1758; manuscript and printed pamphlets

Researchers have special access to the collections, applications to be made to the Curator, Shandy Hall

Laurence Sterne wrote much of 'Tristram Shandy' and all of 'A Sentimental Journey' at Shandy Hall, Coxwold, where, from 1760, he was parson. The restoration of the 15th century Hall was begun in 1968 by the Laurence Sterne Trust, under the leadership of Kenneth and Julia Monkman. Kenneth Monkman was keen to reflect Sterne in the context of the national enlightenment of the mid 18th century and the collection he built up was purchased by the Laurence Sterne Trust upon his death in 1997. The Hall was opened to the public in 1973. There are three major printed collections at the Hall: a complete library of early editions of Sterne's works; a reconstruction of Sterne's library in contemporary editions; and works of literary criticism, essays, other versions and foreign editions of Sterne's works dating from the 19th to the 20th century. Prints, drawings, watercolours, maps, the marble bust of Sterne by Nollekens and other material illustrative of Sterne's life and work are on display in the Hall.