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Petyt collection

The collection consists of approximately 2500 books collected by William Petyt (1635-1707) and his brother Silvester (1638-1719).

The brothers lived during the English Civil War and Commonwealth period, with the library reflecting the contemporary thought during the age. Therefore the collection contains books on religion (both Protestant and Catholic), politics and many Civil War tracts.

Included in the collection are two titles published by William during his lifetime:

Also included are the accessions lists from 1708-1714. These catalogues were complied at the time the parcels of books were received in Skipton. A digitised version can be viewed on YorSearch:

How to access the collection
The Petyt collection is part of the Rare Books Collection and may be consulted at the Borthwick Institute for Archives. The entire collection is available to search in the Library catalogue.

About the collection

The collectors

William Petyt (1635-1707) and his brother Silvester (1638-1719) were born in Storiths, North Yorkshire and educated nearby at Skipton Grammar school. In 1660, the brothers moved to London to study law.

After becoming wealthy and influential lawyers in London, the brothers sent books to Skipton "for the augmentation of a library and use of the Grammar School".

On their death, both brothers bequeathed several sums of money to set up the Petyt Trust.  Sylvester also bequeathed the Petyt Library which comprised books from the brother’s collection as well as their friends.

Acquisition

In 2018, Skipton Town Council deposited the collection to the University of York.  

Related collections

The Library has a copy of William Petyt’s Jus Parliamentarium in the Rare Books collection, published in 1739 by his brother’s trustees after he died.

Further information