Sir William Musgrave compiled his obituary during the 18th century from extracts from books and newspapers held in his own collection. The original manuscript contained overseas obituaries as well, but the Harleian Society (who compiled this edition) decided that the task of transcribing these as well was too onerous. Nevertheless, this national obituary is a useful source for the period up to the end of the 18th century.

Kindly loaned to the project by the Birmingham and Midland Institute.