Ralph Hare Griffin came to St John's in 1873, was admitted to the Inner Temple in 1878, and was called to the Bar in 1881. He was Registrar of Patents and Designs for thirty years, but had active interests outside his legal career, serving as Secretary of the Society of Antiquaries from 1921 to 1927, and Honorary Keeper of monumental brass rubbings at Cambridge University's Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology.

Books given by Griffin

There are several volumes in the Old Library bearing Griffin's provenance. Although not great in number they do include some interesting items, such as an emblem book bound for Charles I as Duke of York, Francis Sandford's sumptuously illustrated work on the coronation of James II, and Purcell's score for The prophetess, or, The history of Dioclesian (1691).

Provenance markings

The books given by Griffin contain a standard College book label bearing his name, together with one of two variants of his bookplate (see below). They often also bear an inscription or notes in Griffin's hand.