Bequeathed Collection

WALTHAM ABBEY CHURCH
Waltham Abbey Church, founded in the 11th century and bequeathed by Edward the Confessor to King Harold. The church was restored in the 19th century. Date: 11th century

Bequest to the British Museum (engraving)
1101905 Bequest to the British Museum (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Bequest to the British Museum)

The Celebrated Onyx Vase in the Collection of the Late Duke of Brunswick bequeathed to the City of Geneva (engraving)
1058310 The Celebrated Onyx Vase in the Collection of the Late Duke of Brunswick bequeathed to the City of Geneva (engraving) by English School

The Old College and Picture Gallery, Dulwich (engraving)
1046075 The Old College and Picture Gallery, Dulwich (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Old College and Picture Gallery, Dulwich)

Waltham Abbey Church, founded in the 11th century and bequeathed by Edward the Confessor to King Harold. The church was restored in the 19th century. Date: 11th century

John Radcliffe / Anon Eng
JOHN RADCLIFFE English physician. Attended William III, Queen Mary and Princess Anne, despite his Jacobitism. Bequeathed property to Radcliffe Library Date: 1650 - 1714

John Radcliffe / Kneller
JOHN RADCLIFFE English physician. Attended William III, Queen Mary and Princess Anne, despite his Jacobitism. Bequeathed property to Radcliffe Library Date: 1650 - 1714

Central section of the Ambierle Altarpiece, 1460-66 (gilded & painted walnut wood)
XIR344035 Central section of the Ambierle Altarpiece, 1460-66 (gilded & painted walnut wood) by Flemish School, (15th century); 560 (open) x 225 cm; Eglise de Saint-Martin, Ambierle

Portrait of Laurens de Witte van Citters, Father of Jhr. J de Witte van Citters, who bequeathed a number of family portraits to the museum, Anonymous, c. 1815

John Radcliffe (1650-1714), English physician born at Wakefield, Yorkshire. Attended William III, Mary II and Queen Anne. Radcliffe Infirmary and Observatory at Oxford built

Sir Hans Sloane (1660-1753)
Portrait painting of Sir Hans Sloane, an eminent physician and naturalist who bequeathed his collections and library to the nation in 1753. Original held at the Natural History Museum, London

Waltham Abbey Church, founded in the 11th century and bequeathed by Edward the Confessor to King Harold. The church was restored in the 19th century. Date: 11th century

1724 First British Museum sarcophagus
Hand coloured engraving by George Vertue 1724 for the London Society of Antiquaries. It shows the hieroglyphic script on a Sarcophagus owned by William Lethieullier

Granville Sharp Pattison
GRANVILLE SHARP PATTISON American anatomist and surgeon, often involved in controversy; bequeathed important Robert Burns collection to Maryland U

All Professionally Made to Order for Quick Shipping

"Preserving History: The Legacy Bequeathed" Waltham Abbey Church stands as a testament to the rich history of England, its foundation dating back to the 11th century. This magnificent structure, bequeathed by Edward himself, holds within its walls tales of kings and queens, wars and peace. In the heart of London, the British Museum proudly displays an engraving that captures a significant moment in time. A bequest from a generous soul has allowed this precious artifact to grace their halls for all to admire - a symbol of cultural preservation. Across borders, another remarkable bequest finds its home in Geneva. The celebrated Onyx Vase once belonged to the late Duke of Brunswick but now belongs to the city's collection. Its intricate engravings tell stories lost in time yet revived through this act of generosity. A journey south takes us to Dulwich where an old college and picture gallery stand as testaments to philanthropy. Engravings depict these cherished institutions that were made possible through thoughtful bequests - gifts that continue to inspire generations with art and knowledge. Amongst those who have left their mark on history is John Radcliffe, an English physician born in Wakefield. His portrait immortalized by Anon Eng and Kneller reminds us not only of his contributions but also how he was attended by none other than William III himself. Sir Hans Sloane's name echoes throughout history as well; his legacy lives on through his extensive collections which formed the foundation for what we know today as the British Museum. His passion for knowledge led him to leave behind treasures that educate and awe visitors even centuries later. As we explore these remarkable legacies left behind by individuals like Edward, Radcliffe, Sloane, and others alike, we are reminded of their profound impact on our world today. Their selfless acts ensure that future generations can marvel at our shared heritage while appreciating how one person's gift can shape the course of history.