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Original autograph letter fragment by Dr. Samuel Parr (1747–1825), the celebrated classical scholar and clergyman known in his day as “The Whig Johnson.”
This letter, written entirely in Parr’s hand, concerns a lease arrangement for 25 acres, with repeated mentions of deeds, a clerk, and a Tuesday meeting deadline. It illustrates Parr’s role in local clerical and legal affairs as rector of Hatton, Warwickshire.
Included in this lot:
Two-page autograph letter fragment (c.1800s) in Parr’s hand
His name/signature “Parr” at the close of the letter
A separate, clean clipped signature “S. Parr” mounted on a slip
A 19th-century collector’s sheet noting Parr’s sermons and published works
Period paper bearing a crown-and-bust watermark, typical of early 19th-century English laid paper, confirming authenticity
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✒️ About Dr. Samuel Parr (1747–1825)
Samuel Parr was one of the most learned and eccentric figures of late Georgian England. A schoolmaster, clergyman, and prolific essayist, he became known as “The Whig Johnson” for his booming Johnsonian style and strong Whig political principles.
Educated at Harrow and Cambridge
Rector of Hatton, Warwickshire
Built a personal library of over 10,000 volumes, one of the largest of his age
Preached widely circulated sermons, including commemorative sermons for national events
Associated with Samuel Johnson, Edmund Burke, Charles James Fox, Richard Brinsley Sheridan, and William Pitt the Younger
Though often mocked for vanity and pedantry, he was admired as a formidable scholar, a great conversationalist, and a defender of religious toleration and parliamentary reform.
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📉 Condition
Letter fragment, toned and foxed, with minor edge wear and old tape repairs.
Ink legible though Parr’s handwriting is notoriously crabbed.
Signature “Parr” on the reverse, plus an additional clipped “S. Parr” autograph included.
Collector’s note sheet with biographical references accompanies the lot.
Watermark clearly visible under backlight (crown with profile bust in medallion).
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💰 Collectability
Samuel Parr autographs appear infrequently on the market. This lot is especially desirable as it combines:
A substantive autograph letter fragment
A clear additional clipped signature
Collector’s provenance notes
Period watermark authentication
An excellent addition for collectors of 18th–19th century English literary figures, Johnson’s circle, Whig politics, or clerical history.
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📦 Ships securely with tracking. A fine piece of Georgian autograph history.
