Additional papers of Alfred Milner, Viscount Milner, 1884-1920

These papers are additional to those in the New College collection of Milner's papers deposited in the Bodleian Library (Dep. Milner 1-601). The collection includes numerous typed copies of letters, from the papers of other politicians as well as from Milner's own, evidently made in connection with the compilation of Cecil Headlam's The Milner Papers (London 1931-3). As well as general correspondence there are files of papers relating to some of Milner's public offices, especially that of Secretary of State for the Colonies, 1918-21. There is also a small group of Lady Milner's papers and two diaries of Milner's cousin, Marianne Malcolm.

Alfred, Viscount Milner (1854-1925) was a statesman. His positions included director general of accounts in Egypt, 1889-92; chair of the Board of Inland Revenue, 1892-97; and High Commissioner for South Africa, 1897-1905. He returned to England in 1905, from which date he worked in the City and served as a member of various committees and as a Rhodes Trustee. In 1916 he became a member of the War Cabinet. In April 1918 he became Secretary of State for War and in December of the same year Secretary of State for the Colonies, a post which he held until his resignation in 1921. Details are given in the Dictionary of National Biography.

Entry to read in the Library is permitted only on presentation of a valid reader's card (for admissions procedures see http://www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/specialcollections).

The papers were given to the Bodleian by Mr. Jan Milner in 1972.

Collection level description created by Emily Tarrant, Department of Special Collections and Western Manuscripts.

A full catalogue is available in the Library. An online catalogue will shortly be available ( http://www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/specialcollectionswmss/online/online.htm).

See also: Papers of Alfred Milner, Viscount Milner, 1824-1955, and Violet Milner Papers