This antiquarian collection was assembled in the 17th and 18th centuries by members of the Mickleton and Spearman families, Durham lawyers and antiquaries. It descended through the Spearman family to the Wasey family, who presented it to Shute Barrington, Bishop of Durham. The collection was then divided. In 1817 Barrington gave 107 volumes and rolls to Bishop Cosin's Library in Durham and over 80 volumes to the Inner Temple Library. One volume (formerly Phillipps MS 29312, now Mickleton & Spearman 108) was added to the collection in Durham by gift from Henry Gee in 1918. Bishop Cosin's Library now forms part of Durham University Library and the University of Durham has since 1937 been its trustee.
From the guide to the Mickleton and Spearman Manuscripts, Medieval - 18th century, (Durham University Library, Archives and Special Collections)
