Papers of Rev. Dr Alan Richardson (1905-1975), theologian, 1935-1975

The bulk of the collection consists of notes, drafts, printed items, and correspondence relating to Rev. Dr. Alan Richardson's theological writings, lectures, sermons and radio broadcasts. The only personal papers in the collection are letters sent to Richardson in response to his writings and broadcasts and following his appointment as Dean of York in 1965. The collection comprises:

• Note books containing notes for lectures, sermons and research. 1935-1970 (PAR 1);
• Notes of lectures and sermons given by Richardson at churches and colleges; identified locations include York Minster and international venues. 1941-1975 (PAR 2);
• Typescript and manuscript articles and other theological writings by Richardson. 1957-1974 (PAR 3);
• Printed proofs and published versions of writings by Richardson. 1935-1974 (PAR 4);
• Files relating to broadcasts by Richardson, including related correspondence and transcripts of broadcasts. 1941-1967 (PAR 5);
• Reviews of Richardson's published works and broadcasts. 1935-1975 (PAR 6);
• Correspondence subject files. 1941-1973 (PAR 7);
• Personal material, including photograph of Richardson (c.1965) and posthumous tribute by D.A. Stackpoole, together with printed report of the Israel-Jordan Expedition made by the University of Nottingham's Department of Theology, 1964 (PAR 8-10).

Alan Richardson was born in Wigan, Lancashire in 1905 and educated at the University of Liverpool, where he graduated in Philosophy in 1927. He studied at Exeter College, Oxford for a doctorate in divinity before moving to Cambo, Northumberland as vicar. He was a canon of Durham Cathedral from 1938 until 1953.

His academic career at the University of Nottingham began in 1953, when he became Professor and head of the Department of Christian Theology, a role he occupied until 1964. From 1962 to 1964 he was also Dean of the Faculty of Arts. He left the University to take up the office of Dean of York, which he held until his death in 1975.

Richardson was active in the work of many organisations. He had a particular interest in the challenge of making theological subjects accessible to a lay audience, and was active in giving public lectures, and media broadcasts. He played a significant role in the Student Christian Movement and the World Council of Churches and travelled widely, visiting churches and giving lectures in every continent. He was made a Knight of the British Empire. He died in 1975.

Richardson published extensively, producing twenty-four books, contributing numerous articles and reviews to theological journals, and editing a number of works. His first book, 'Creeds in the Making', was published by the Student Christian Movement in 1935. Other titles included 'The Redemption of Modernism' (1935), 'History and the Kingdom of God' (1939), and 'The Political Christ' (1973). His publications included topics of scriptural exegesis, the New Testament, church history, and the meeting ground between science and Christian apologetics.

The collection has been divided by document type into nine series. Within these series, items have been arranged chronologically where possible.

ACCESS: Access is restricted pending full processing and release of catalogue; contact the Department for further advice.

LANGUAGE: English

• This description is the only finding aid available for the collection. Copyright on the description belongs to the University of Nottingham.

REPROGRAPHIC: Reprographic copies can be supplied for educational use and private study purposes only, depending on access status and the condition of the documents.

COPYRIGHT: Identification of copyright holders of unpublished material is often difficult. Permission to make any published use of any material from the collection must be sought in advance in writing from the Keeper of Manuscripts and Special Collections (email mss-library@nottingham.ac.uk).

The collection was acquired by the University of Nottingham's Department of Manuscripts and Special Collections in August 2001.