F. J. C. Hearnshaw


Fossey John Cobb Hearnshaw was an English professor of history, specializing in medieval history. He was noted for his conservative interpretation of the past, showing an empire-oriented ideology in defence of hierarchical authority, paternalism, deference, the monarchy, Church, family, nation, status, and place. He was a Tory Democrat who sought to realize Disraeli's goal of preserving invaluable historic traditions while encouraging timely reforms. He believed that a meritocratic, small, effective elite should lead the weaker majority.
Educated at Walsall and Manchester Grammar Schools, he went on to the University of London, Peterhouse, Cambridge,, and Trinity College, Dublin, Cambridge.

Career

Hearnshaw was an External Examiner in History at the University of London 1909-1913; Durham University 1912-1913; the Victoria University of Manchester 1914-1917; the University of Bristol 1921; the University of Wales 1930; Professor of History at University College, Southampton, 1900-1910; Professor of Modern History at the Armstrong College of Durham University, 1910-1912; Professor of Medieval History at King's College London, 1912-1934; and Fellow of King's College London, 1926.
Hearnshaw also held the posts of Honorary Secretary of the Royal Historical Society, 1931-1934 and President of the Historical Association, 1936-1938.

Publications

Hearnshaw also wrote textbooks, as well as chapters in collaborative works, such as the omnibus An Outline of Modern Knowledge, edited by William Rose and published by Victor Gollancz in 1931, along with other leading authorities of the time, including Roger Fry, C. G. Seligman, Maurice Dobb, and G. D. H. Cole.
For a fuller list of publications:
at www.aim25.ac.uk
King's College London College Archives
The Development of Political Ideas, published by Thomas Nelson & sons Ltd, June 1927