Registrar's letter books

  • Reference
    • GB 133 OCA/16
  • Dates of Creation
    • 1853-1883, 1892
  • Physical Description
    • 13 items The letter books consist of duplicated correspondence on very thin and fragile paper; in some cases, this has been damaged.

Scope and Content

The letter books contain copy correspondence of the Registrar, and relate to a wide range of subjects. Post-1883 letter books have not been located.

Volumes are indexed, unless otherwise stated.

Administrative / Biographical History

The Registrar was head of College administration. Originally, administrative responsibilities were in the hands of the secretary of the Trustees. In 1853, this post was renamed the Clerk and Librarian. In 1867, the title was changed to Registrar, and in 1871 the officeholder divested responsibilities as librarian. In 1895 the new post of Bursar was created, responsible for financial administration, and considered to be roughly equal in status to the Registrar. In the same year, the post of Secretary to the Council and Senate was established, to undertake secretarial duties formerly carried out by the Registrar. The clerks/registrars of Owens College were: J P Ashton 1851-3, J Holme Nicholson, 1853-1884, H W Holder 1884-1895 and Sydney Chaffers 1895-1904.