Scope and Contents

A collection of letters to Lord Acton, nearly all relating to the Cambridge Modern History. The principal correspondent is his co-editor W.A.J. Archbold; the remainder are for the most part potential or actual contributors to the History, replying to Acton's invitations to take part or writing about their contributions. Appended are a further letter of A.W. Ward, 1914, and one of Herbert Butterfield, 1964, relating to the collection, and a few miscellaneous papers. 291 items.

Scope and Contents 1. Family papers The papers contain material relating to the Actons of Naples: Commodore John Acton, his nephew J.F.E. Acton and H. Acton, a midshipman; material concerning the Dalberg family, particularly the family property on the Rhine, at Herrnsheim; a few manuscripts relating to Lord Granville; and the 1st Lord Acton's personal papers, including those covering his early years, his parliamentary career and interest in Ireland, relations with his family, and the period of his life spent...