The Society has purchased several valuable books at auction and other sales, e.g. from the late Joseph Philips, Esq., Colonel Moore, T. H. Brogden, Esq., and especially from Mrs. M. Johnson, widow of Maurice Johnson, Esq., of Ayscoughfee Hall and Blundeston, Suffolk. Most of these last-named works formerly belonged to our founder and have his book-plate inside the cover. The following extract from a Spalding newspaper will show their value:—
“Library of Maurice Johnson, Esq., F.S.A.—As the sale of this library by public auction has been a subject of considerable interest in the town, on account of the intimate connection of its original owner with Ayscoughfee Hall, we are pleased to learn from Dr. Perry that the Spalding Gentlemen’s Society, which was instituted by Maurice Johnson in the year 1710, has been able to secure the following books and manuscripts which formerly belonged to their venerated founder, in addition to the large number of similar works which have been in the possession of the Society from the beginning of the last century. Most of the books are in a very satisfactory state, and the officers of the Society will have pleasure in showing them to any one interested in book lore. The works are:—
Sir Lawrence Myntling’s Court Book, containing calendars of the bond tenants, constitutions, orders, customs, &c., of the Priory of Spalding. MS., circ. 1455. This book was also formerly in possession of Sir Richard Ogle.
Registrum Brevium, Statuta Vetera, Summaria legis. MS., circ. A.D. 1300.
Middlecot’s Exchequer Records of Lincoln Holland, &c. MS.
Rental in Comitate Lincoln, by various writers. MS.
Catalogus Librorum Societatis Generos; Spalding, by Maurice Johnson. MS.
Of Sewers in Lincoln—Johnson’s collection.
Statute of Sewers, principally MS., collected by Maurice Johnson. This contains Callis’ original manuscript, signed by himself.