Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1777-1883 (Creation)
Level of description
Manuscript Collection
Extent and medium
26 volumes
Context area
Name of creator
Biographical history
George Dempster of Dunnichen was born in Edinburgh in 1732, the grandson and namesake of a prosperous merchant and banker. He was educated at the University of St. Andrew and received legal training at the University of Edinburgh, becoming a member of the Faculty of Advocates in 1775 at the young age of 23. With his wealth, education and social standing, Dempster moved easily into the brilliant circle of Scottish Renaissance philosophers and literai that included David Hume, William Robinson, James Boswell, Alexander Carlyle and Adam Smith. In 1761, he won a seat in Parliament for the burghs of Forfar and Fife and represented the area for nearly 30 years. Although he lived in London and Edinburgh, he became increasingly interested in rural problems and the promotion of agriculture, eventually earning an international reputation as a pioneer in scientific agriculture. He died in 1818.
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
A collection of letters and papers relating to George Dempster of Dunnichen (1732-1818), including his purchase of the estate of Skibo, the economic condition of the Highlands and Lord Selkirk's Red River settlement scheme. Correspondents include Thomas Telford, Sir Adam Ferguson and 1st Viscount Melville.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
Material may be requested in person at the Fisher Library Reference Desk, or in advance using our online stack retrieval request form: https://fisher.library.utoronto.ca/stack-retrieval-request
Conditions governing reproduction
Language of material
- English