Royal books

RA Collection: Archive

Reference code

RAA/GA/7

Title

Royal books

Date

1768-2001

Level

Series

Extent & medium

5 vols

Previous reference codes

Includes 262. See note.

Content Description

The series records the submission of official business to the sovereign for approval. The laws of the Royal Academy state that 'the Council shall frame all new laws, but they shall have no force till ratified by the consent of the General Assembly, and the approbation of the SOVEREIGN.' The names of the officers of the Royal Academy, (President, Keeper, Secretary, Council, Visitors, Auditors, Professors), honorary members and new Academicians, upon election by the General Assembly, were also submitted to the sovereign for approval. The submission was undertaken by the President, accompanied by either the Secretary or the Treasurer, and the sovereign indicated approval by signing the document. A report was then made to the Council and General Assembly. The books also contain confirmation of appointments to the office of Treasurer, which was a direct appointment by the sovereign, and a few other matters requiring royal confirmation.