Burke, Edmund 1729-1797
Archival location guide — where this economist’s surviving papers are held, their notable correspondents, and key published sources.
Born 1729 · died 1797
Edmund Burke was an Anglo-Irish writer, philosopher, and politician who is widely credited as the founder of the cultural and political philosophy of conservatism. Regarded as one of the most influential conservative thinkers and political writers of the 18th century, Burke spent the majority of his career in Great Britain and was elected as a member of Parliament (MP) from 1766 to 1794 in the House of Commons of Great Britain with the Whig Party. His writings played a significant role in influencing public views and opinions in both Great Britain and France following the French Revolution in 1789, and he remains a major figure in modern conservative circles.
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Between 2000 and 3000 letters to and from Burke, in a chronological sequence, 1744-1797, along with much associated correspondence. Notes on French, American and Irish affairs. Papers on a variety of political questions, and many other miscellaneous papers. Correspondence and other papers of his executors.
Wentworth Woodhouse Muniments, Sheffield City Libraries.
Two groups of letters to Burke, one from English correspondents and one from French. Other correspondence, some being of members of his family. Bundles of notes and drafts of speeches on various topics, and other miscellaneous bundles including verses. 38 bundles in all, c. 1760-1795.
Fitzwilliam MSS., Northamptonshire RO
Printed Material
THOMAS W. COPELAND and MILTON S. SMITH, A Checklist of the Correspondence of Edmund Burke ( Cambridge, 1955).
The Correspondence of Edmund Burke , ed. Thomas W. Copeland and John A. Woods, 9 vols. (London and Chicago, 1958-1970).
Includes the complete correspondence of Burke, from 1744-1797.
New Palgrave ; ODNB ; ESS III 74; IESS II 221 .
Portrait: BM (P); NPG