Papers of Sir John Lubbock, later 1st Baron Avebury (1834-1913), concerning shop hours

This collection contains: parliamentary papers, 1886-1897; manuscript notes and correspondence, 1888-1892; material concerning the Early Closing Association, 1882-1892; reports, agendas and minutes from other associations, 1886-1892; publications and press cuttings, 1887-1896; 3 volumes of testimonials to Lord Avebury, from shop assistants, 1900; typescript list, compiled by Bromley library, 1973.

Born in 1834, Sir John Lubbock, 4th baronet, began working in his father's bank, but quickly showed his interest in other areas such as science and literature, publishing several books and being elected to the fellowship of the Royal Society. As a Liberal MP for Maidstone, 1870-1874, and London University, 1880-1900, he campaigned for the rights of shop workers in Parliament, ensuring the passage of the Bank Holidays Act (1871) and the Early Closing Act (1904). Created 1st Baron Avebury in 1900, he died in 1913.

Reference: 'Concise Dictionary of National Biography' (Oxford 1992).

This collection is available to researchers by appointment at the Modern Records Centre, University of Warwick. See http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/library/mrc/using/

Link to full catalogue: http://mrc-catalogue.warwick.ac.uk/records/AVE

The collection was deposited by the 4th Baron Avebury in 1982.

The bulk of the 1st Baron Avebury's papers are in the British Library (Add. MSS.49638-81).