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The William Borrer Transcription Project

The Context

William Borrer was once described as the 'Nestor of British Botanists' by the Director of Kew Gardens, with a second stating that 'No one...has a critical knowledge of British plants superior, and scarcely any equal, to your own.'

​Read our article introducing William Borrer Esq.

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The Beginnings

In February 2020, as part of our focus on Henfield's green history, a research trip was made to the Department of Manuscripts and University Archives at Cambridge University Library to digitise 104 of Borrer's letters and notes, dating from 1815 - 1860. The bonus of the long unseen Regency era silhouette portrait displayed at right also came to light - perhaps it belonged to his wife Elizabeth.

​The first and largest part​ of these were written from 1842 to 1860 by Borrer to fellow botanist Charles Cardale Babington. The second part are a mixture of notes and letters to and from Borrer dating from 1815 - 1853.

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The Ongoing Project

Having been categorised, the transcription of these letters is now being divided out amongst volunteers. Once this process is complete, we intend to make the transcripts available for botanical research, while identifying and publicising selected extracts which provide a more general insight into Borrer's life and times.
Picture
Silhouette portrait of William Borrer Esq, courtesy of Cambridge University Library
Picture
William Borrer Esq. (1781 - 1862). Image, Henfield Museum
If you'd like to be a transcription volunteer, please email below to let us know (the methodology will be provided):
I'd like to help!
​Website funded by the Friends of Henfield Museum, built & maintained by R. S. Gordon. Credit to Mike Ainscough for moving the website idea from discussion to reality.
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  • Home
    • Our Vision
    • The History of Henfield Museum
  • Collections
    • The Marjorie Baker Photo Collection >
      • Those Who Served
    • Costume
    • Our Art Collection
    • Wade Family Watercolours
    • Historic Photograph Collection
    • Audio Library
    • Maps & Aerial Photos
  • Exhibitions
  • Henfieldians Past
  • Blog
  • Heritage Projects
    • Henfield's Natural History >
      • Arborea
      • The William Borrer Transcription Project
    • Oral Histories
    • A Favourite Object
    • Henfield Heritage Trails
    • Local History Research
  • Friends of Henfield Museum
    • Join Form: The Friends of Henfield Museum
    • Friends: Acquisitions
    • Friends: Past Events
  • Henfield History Group
  • Key Resources
  • Education & Outreach
  • Gift Shop
  • Contact Us and Opening Times