Shelley's Ghost

The exact circumstances of Shelley’s separation from Harriet preoccupied Lady Shelley more than any other event in his life. She insisted that Shelley eloped with Mary after his marriage to Harriet was over in all but name, thereby protecting both Shelley’s reputation and Mary's. She vigorously opposed any suggestion to the contrary. She summarised her understanding of the matter in numerous handwritten accounts such as the one here. Other copies were inserted into the front of copies of Shelley and Mary.

Lady Shelley; (bequest, 1899) Shelley Scarlett (later 5th Baron Abinger) and/or Robert Scarlett (later 6th Baron Abinger); (bequest, 1917) Robert Scarlett, 6th Baron Abinger; (bequest, 1927) Hugh Scarlett, 7th Baron Abinger; (bequest, 1943) James Scarlett, 8th Baron Abinger; (bequest, 2002) James Scarlett, 9th Baron Abinger; (purchase, 2004) Bodleian.