Richard Bartram facts for kids

Richard Bartram (1749–1826) was an English businessman who lived in Civita Vecchia, Italy. He worked as the English Consul there, which meant he represented England's interests in the city. He is best known for his important role in secretly saving valuable historical documents called the Jacobite Royal Papers during a dangerous time.

Early Life and Family Business

Richard Bartram was born in a place called Trimingham, in Norfolk, England, in 1749. He was the only son of Captain Richard Bartram. His family helped him start a business early in his life in Civita Vecchia, Italy. He became a successful merchant, which means he bought and sold goods.

Richard Bartram had a relative named Cubitt Engall Bartram. Cubitt came to Civita Vecchia in 1820 to work with Richard in his business. Richard eventually made Cubitt his main heir, meaning Cubitt would inherit his business and property.

Richard Bartram also corresponded with a Reverend William Gunn back in Norfolk. Their letters show that Richard helped ship many artworks and books to Gunn. These letters also describe what was happening in Italy when the French army occupied the area.

Connections to the Jacobites

Richard Bartram had connections to a group called the Jacobites. These were people who supported the Stuart royal family, who had lost the throne of England.

In 1795, Richard was visited by his relative, Sir Robert Bartram, who was also a Jacobite. Richard introduced Robert to Anna Modin, who was related to Prince Henry Stuart. Later, Robert's sons, Sir James Bartram and William John Bartram, who were also Jacobites, visited Richard and his relatives Cubitt and John Bartram in Civita Vecchia.

A Royal Adventure and Imprisonment

Richard Bartram played a very brave part in saving important historical documents known as the Stuart papers. These papers belonged to the Stuart royal family.

In 1805, these valuable papers were given to Richard Bartram for safekeeping. He was acting as the English Consul in Civita Vecchia at the time. The plan was to send them to England when it was safe.

However, in July 1806, the French army suddenly took over Civita Vecchia. An English ship sent to collect the papers couldn't land. Just two days after the French arrived, Richard Bartram was arrested and thrown into a dungeon. He was threatened and told to reveal any English property he knew about. Luckily, he had already hidden the Stuart papers safely.

For several years, Richard kept the papers hidden, even though it was very risky for him. A man named Paul Macpherson from the Scots College in Rome often communicated with Richard to try and get the papers moved.

Eventually, with Macpherson's help, the papers were secretly shipped out of Civita Vecchia. They traveled from Leghorn to Tunis on a Tunisian ship, then to Malta, and finally arrived safely in England around 1810. They were placed in the library at Carlton House.

Richard Bartram died in 1826 in Civita Vecchia. He left his business to his relative and adopted heir, Cubitt Engall Bartram.