Edward Fiddes Papers

This very small and fragmentary collection of Edward Fiddes' papers comprises manuscript/typescript versions of lectures delivered at Manchester. The items are undated but it is assumed they were composed in the 1920s and 1930s.

Edward Fiddes (1864-1942) studied classics at the Universities of Aberdeen and Cambridge. He was originally engaged at Owens College as an assistant lecturer in classics in 1890, but spent most of his career as a senior University administrator> He was secretary to Senate and Council from 1895, and this role was combined with that of registrar from 1903 to 1926. He was also Senior Tutor from 1912 to 1920. Fiddes served as University pro-vice-chancellor in 1914/5, 1918-1920 and senior pro-vice-chancellor 1920-1926, effectively standing in for the vice-chancellor during periods of absence.

He was appointed Ward professor of American history (a personal chair) in 1926 and retired in 1931, although he continued to take an active interest in University affairs until his death in 1942. Fiddes was the author of Chapters in the history of Owens College and of Manchester University 1851-1914 (1937).

As the collection is very small and fragmentary, it has not been arranged into series.

The collection is open to any accredited reader.

Photocopies and photographic copies of material in the archive can be supplied for private study purposes only, depending on the condition of the documents.

A number of items within the archive remain within copyright under the terms of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988; it is the responsibility of users to obtain the copyright holder's permission for reproduction of copyright material for purposes other than research or private study.

Prior written permission must be obtained from the Library for publication or reproduction of any material within the archive. Please contact the Head of Special Collections, John Rylands Library, 150 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 3EH.

The custodial history of this collection is unknown. It is assumed Fiddes donated to the Library some time after his retirement.

None expected.

There are a small number of letters from Fiddes in the T F Tout papers (TFT/1/362) and the James Tait papers (TAI/3/74).