Papers of Ernest Alfred Benians

The papers include Benians's correspondence, papers, lecture notes, and notes for speeches.

Benians was born in Goudhurst, Kent in 1880. His father was the headmaster of Bethany School in Goudhurst, and it was here that Benians received his schooling. He was admitted to St John's in 1899 and became a Fellow in 1906. Benians was appointed Lecturer in History in 1912, became a Tutor in 1918, and Senior Tutor in 1926. In the same year he was made University Lecturer in History, specialising in the history of the British colonies and dependencies, and the United States of America. He was Master of St John's from 1933 until his death in 1952, and served as Vice-Chancellor of the University 1939-41.

Open for consultation

The following material was given by the Revd Martin Ackland Benians (BA 1941) in April 2008, with the exception of items B, C, D, F1, and G1 which appear to have come from Mrs Sylvia Benians.

Benians was born in Goudhurst, Kent in 1880. His father was the headmaster of Bethany School in Goudhurst, and it was here that Benians received his schooling. He was admitted to St John's in 1899 and became a Fellow in 1906. Benians was appointed Lecturer in History in 1912, became a Tutor in 1918, and Senior Tutor in 1926. In the same year he was made University Lecturer in History, specialising in the history of the British colonies and dependencies, and the United States of America. He was Master of St John's from 1933 until his death in 1952, and served as Vice-Chancellor of the University 1939-41.

Preferred citation: St John's College Library, Papers of Ernest Alfred Benians

6 May 2009

Papers relating to Benians' mastership (1931-55), to the Master's Lodge (1934-52), and to the Benians Prize (1954-5), together with various reports and notices for Council (1931-40) have been placed in the College Archives at M11. Papers relating to the College Mission (1925-39) have been integrated into C22.

Published