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Butterfield, Sir Herbert, 1900-1979 (Knight and historian)

 Person

Dates

  • Existence: 1900 - 1979

Biography

Herbert Butterfield was born in Oxenhope, near Keighley in Yorkshire, in 1900. In 1919 he entered Peterhouse, Cambridge, as a scholar in history, and in 1923 was elected a fellow of that college. In 1944 he took up the university chair of modern history, and in 1963 was appointed Regius Professor of modern history. He had been elected Master of Peterhouse in 1955, and served as Vice-Chancellor of the University from 1959 to 1961. He was editor of the Cambridge historical journal from 1938 to 1952, and was President of the Historical Association from 1955 to 1958. He retired from the mastership and his chair in 1968, the year he was knighted. Butterfield published widely throughout his working life. His most influential books were The Whig interpretation of history (1931), The Englishman and his history (1944), Christianity and history (1949), The origins of modern science (1949) and Man on his past (1955). He maintained an interest in orthodox diplomatic and political history of the eighteenth century alongside investigations into historiography and the nature of Christianity. Typical of his concern for historiographical questions was his long interest in the work of Lord Acton. He produced a number of publications on this subject, but his support for propositions to initiate a comprehensive publication of Acton's correspondence and working papers proved fruitless. In his later years, Butterfield was involved in the British Committee on the Theory of International Politics, which met under his aegis in Peterhouse. Sir Herbert Butterfield died in July 1979.

Found in 29 Collections and/or Records:

  • 1
  • 2
 Series

Correspondence from Sir Herbert Butterfield, 3 June 1948-12 Apr. 1974

 Series
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.9314/15-31
Scope and Contents From the Fonds:

Correspondence from Cambridge historians and political scientists. The correspondents are Sir Ernest Barker, Sir Denis W. Brogan, Sir Herbert Butterfield, Denis Mack Smith, and George M. Trevelyan.

Dates: 3 June 1948-12 Apr. 1974
Conditions Governing Access: From the Fonds: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Correspondence with J. M. Todd and others, and copies of letters from Knowles to Todd, 1974-1977

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.9429/6B/1-12
Dates: 1974-1977
Conditions Governing Access: From the Fonds: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Other level

General research correspondence, 1955-1962

 Other level
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.9429/1B/564-1133
Scope and Contents

Correspondents include R. J. F. Barton (589-598), E. A. Beck (606-622), A. G. Bond (636-647), C. G. Evans (731-742), Sir B. D. Fisher (750-764), Lord Hankey (794-803), Sir E. R. Ludlow-Hewitt (872-910), T. B. Marson (923-933), Sir J. M. Salmond (980-998), J. R. W. Smyth-Pigott (1022-1032), R. Trenchard (1062-1078), Viscount Weir (1101-1119) and R. Wright (1123-1133).

Dates: 1955-1962
Conditions Governing Access: From the Fonds: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Fonds

John, 1st Baron Acton: Letters to him concerning the Cambridge Modern History

 Fonds
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.6443
Scope and Contents

A collection of letters to Lord Acton, nearly all relating to the Cambridge Modern History. The principal correspondent is his co-editor W.A.J. Archbold; the remainder are for the most part potential or actual contributors to the History, replying to Acton's invitations to take part or writing about their contributions. Appended are a further letter of A.W. Ward, 1914, and one of Herbert Butterfield, 1964, relating to the collection, and a few miscellaneous papers. 291 items.

Dates: 1896-1899
Conditions Governing Access: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 File

Letter from Herbert Butterfield; Cambridge, 3 Feb. 1965 (address and note undated)

 File
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.9846/28-30
Scope and Contents

With a corrected typescript of an address by Butterfield delivered in Great St Mary's Church on 31 January 1965, afterwards published with the title 'In Memoriam Winston Churchill', and a note regarding the printing of the address.

Dates: 3 Feb. 1965 (address and note undated)
Conditions Governing Access: From the Fonds: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Series

Letter from Sir Herbert Butterfield (1900-79) to Happold, 3 May 1935

 Series
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.8781/94
Scope and Contents

Books which Norman Miller should read before coming to Peterhouse to read history

Dates: 3 May 1935
Conditions Governing Access: From the Fonds: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Letter of Sir Herbert Butterfield to Owen Chadwick, 8 Sept. 1976

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.9750/68
Scope and Contents From the Fonds:

Comprises single items or small collections, chiefly correspondence, donated to or purchased by Cambridge University Library. Together with a number of items and fragments found in Cambridge University Library books and bindings.

Dates: 8 Sept. 1976
Conditions Governing Access: From the Fonds: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Sub-Series

Letters to Seaman from writers and others invited to speak to the Maitland Historical Society and Literary Society at Downing College, 1930-12 - 1933-06

 Sub-Series
Reference Code: GBR/0269/DCPP/SEA/5/1
Scope and Contents Includes: Desmond MacCarthy (brief note); J. B. Priestley; E. M. Forster (who says he had previously enjoyed the hospitality of the Downing College Literary Society); Richard Hughes; G. G. Coulton; Ernest Barker; Gaillard Lapsley; Sir Charles Oman; H[erbert] Butterfield; James Passant (who suggested opening a discussion on 'The Future of the State'; F. M. Powicke. Also includes letters from A. C. Seward, H. D. Hazletine and H. Hamshaw Thomas re dinners in College and academic and personal...
Dates: 1930-12 - 1933-06
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Some records series are subject to confidentiality restrictions with the following closure periods: 30 years from date of creation for general administration files, legal records and financial files; 50 years from date of creation for governmental records, including papers of the College Governing Body and College Council, and constituent committees; 100 years from date of creation for personal and personnel records, including tutorial files, staff and fellows files and appointment records, personal finance and pension records. In addition sensitive correspondence and papers concerning College affairs such as disputes and disciplinary matters are closed for 100 years. Restrictions apply on some personal and private papers.
 Fonds

Letters to Vishwa Nath Datta

 Fonds
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.9578
Scope and Contents

The letters are mostly from senior members of the University of Cambridge. With related items.

Dates: 1952-2002
Conditions Governing Access: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Notes of interviews with Sir J. Balfour, Sir I. Berlin, Sir R. Birley, Sir H. Butterfield, M. C. N. Gillie, J. W. Grigg, Lord and Lady Hartwell, T. E. B. Howarth, C. P. Mayhew, J. E. Powell and others, 1976-1978

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.9429/1G/406-436
Dates: 1976-1978
Conditions Governing Access: From the Fonds: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Research correspondence, 1976-1979

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.9429/1G/1-220
Scope and Contents

Correspondents include Sir H. Butterfield (21-30), Lord Hartwell (107-117), T. E. B. Howarth (119-136) and Lord Rothschild (189-197).

Dates: 1976-1979
Conditions Governing Access: From the Fonds: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Sir Herbert Butterfield; Cambridge, 22 Aug. 1952

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.9578/3
Scope and Contents

Butterfield's position concerning the High Commissioner's request.

Dates: 22 Aug. 1952
Conditions Governing Access: From the Fonds: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Sir Herbert Butterfield; Cambridge, 29 Dec. 1958

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.9578/4
Scope and Contents

Christmas wishes; administrative work; Butterfield's family and activities at Christmas; perturbation at the policies of the Western powers.

Dates: 29 Dec. 1958
Conditions Governing Access: From the Fonds: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Sir Herbert Butterfield; Cambridge, 26 May 1960

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.9578/5
Scope and Contents

Aerogramme. Toynbee and his system; a critical period in diplomacy; the failure of the Summit Conference; Datta's publications.

Dates: 26 May 1960
Conditions Governing Access: From the Fonds: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Sir Herbert Butterfield; Cambridge, 29 Dec. 1960

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.9578/6
Scope and Contents

Aerogramme. Best wishes for 1961; Datta's publications; administrative duties as Vice-Chancellor; forthcoming visit to Hong Kong; Christmas in Canterbury.

Dates: 29 Dec. 1960
Conditions Governing Access: From the Fonds: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Sir Herbert Butterfield; Cambridge, 19 Jan. 1961

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.9578/7
Scope and Contents

Aerogramme. Travel arrangements; Datta's invitation to Butterfield to visit Delhi.

Dates: 19 Jan. 1961
Conditions Governing Access: From the Fonds: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Sir Herbert Butterfield; Cambridge, 15 Jan. 1965

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.9578/8
Scope and Contents

Aerogramme. Datta's publications and intended work on historiography of India; Butterfield's work on historiography for the Gifford Lectures; events in India; Sarvepalli Gopal; importance of the teaching function.

Dates: 15 Jan. 1965
Conditions Governing Access: From the Fonds: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Sir Herbert Butterfield; Cambridge, 15 July 1965

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.9578/9
Scope and Contents

Aerogramme. Datta's present to Butterfield's wife; Sarvepalli Gopal; Higher Education in Britain now a matter of political controversy; busy with administration; the cause of history flourishing; work on the Gifford Lectures.

Dates: 15 July 1965
Conditions Governing Access: From the Fonds: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Sir Herbert Butterfield; Cambridge, 6 Jan. 1966

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.9578/10
Scope and Contents

Aerogramme. Christmas in Dublin; Gifford Lectures; flexibility of the historical process; Butterfield's current historical interests; death of Datta's sister.

Dates: 6 Jan. 1966
Conditions Governing Access: From the Fonds: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Fonds

Sir Herbert Butterfield: Papers

 Fonds
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Butterfield
Scope and Contents

The papers described in this catalogue date chiefly from the end of the Second World War to the 1970s; from the beginning of this period Butterfield was assisted in his University and college duties by a secretary. The collection documents almost all aspects of his academic life and writings, and provides a record of the wider development of historical studies over the course of his career.

Dates: 1786-1979 (Much of the material is undated, so approximate dates have been given.)
Conditions Governing Access: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Sir Herbert Butterfield; Sawston, 8 Jan. 1971

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.9578/11
Scope and Contents

Aerogramme. Enjoying retirement; Sawston; the age of his house; occupied with work on the history of historiography and on Charles James Fox.

Dates: 8 Jan. 1971
Conditions Governing Access: From the Fonds: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Sir Herbert Butterfield; Sawston, 31 Dec. 1971

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.9578/12
Scope and Contents

Aerogramme. Recovering from poor health, but still easily tired; almost ten years since he saw Datta in Delhi.

Dates: 31 Dec. 1971
Conditions Governing Access: From the Fonds: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Sir Herbert Butterfield; Sawston, 11 Nov. 1972

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.9578/13
Scope and Contents

Working desperately on a job against time; apologies and excuses for having neglected a request from Datta concerning the Conference of the Institute of Historical Studies in Kurukshetra.

Dates: 11 Nov. 1972
Conditions Governing Access: From the Fonds: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Sir Herbert Butterfield; Sawston, 14 Dec. 1972

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.9578/14
Scope and Contents

New Year wishes; improving health; plans to spend Christmas in Canterbury; the weather during 1972; studying the history of historiography.

Dates: 14 Dec. 1972
Conditions Governing Access: From the Fonds: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Sir Herbert Butterfield; Sawston, 12 Dec. 1973

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.9578/15
Scope and Contents

Remembers an evening spent with Datta and his wife; his sudden recovery after a long period of poor health; writing on the history of history; occasional trouble in Cambridge University in recent years from undergraduate revolutionaries.

Dates: 12 Dec. 1973
Conditions Governing Access: From the Fonds: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
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Archives and MSS Dept. (GBR/0012) 27
 
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Archival Object 26
Collection 3
 
Subject
Academics 2
Historians 2
Correspondence 1
English history 1
Historiography 1
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