The Peel Family of Accrington House, Lancashire

A Georgian account ledger from the family estate, 

with a related archive of letters and ephemera, 

including references to family members in Staffordshire.

A historically interesting and highly appealing archive including an original account ledger, the earliest entry dated 1787, predominantly in use from 1815 to 1835, covering the late Georgian and William IV period. Accompanying the ledger is a group of approximately 40 later family-related letters and ephemera.

The ledger records the financial affairs of the immensely wealthy Peel family, notably the indebtedness of named family members including Jonathan Peel of Accrington House, Robert Peel of Accrington / Hyndburn and Sir Robert Peel of Drayton Manor, British Prime Minister, and many of their siblings, relatives, business and other associates.

Contents include detailed accounts recording debtors, payments and balances, including family, relatives, businesses and other connections. Accounts are presented on double-page spreads and hand-numbered sequentially to 137, the final page showing a closing total balance of £535,223 at 30 January 1835 — an enormous sum for the period. Many entries will be of interest to local historians, including one entry for Sir Robert Peel of Drayton Manor, British Prime Minister, who is recorded as having modest loans during the period 1826-1828. 

The archive includes approximately 40 later family-related letters and ephemera, some from Dixon Robinson relating to the winding up of the Trust of the late Jane Peel and the division of trust assets. Dixon Robinson (1795–1878) was a Lancashire solicitor who became senior partner in Carr & Robinson (Blackburn & Clitheroe) and was appointed “Gentleman Steward of the Honour of Clitheroe”, with his residence and office at Clitheroe Castle. 

A handsome quarter-leather ledger with marbled boards, a working book of substance, the accounts laid out over conventional double-page spreads in a strong period hand, with extensive copperplate entries exhibiting clerical penmanship. All pages are completed except for 15 double page spreads left blank between sections of the ledger. 

Condition

A genuine period working ledger with corner rubbing to the leather and boards and toning to the front endpapers. The accompanying letters show original folds but are generally in very good condition. Overall, a striking survival with excellent historical presence and strong research value. Size 27 × 20 × 4 cm.