Frank Stenton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Frank Stenton
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| Born | 17 May 1880 Manchester, England
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| Died | 15 September 1967 (aged 87) |
| Nationality | English |
| Occupation | Historian |
| Spouse(s) | Doris Mary Stenton |
Sir Frank Merry Stenton (born May 17, 1880 – died September 15, 1967) was a very important English historian. He was famous for studying Anglo-Saxon England, which is the time in English history before the year 1066. He taught history at the University of Reading for many years. He also served as the head of the Royal Historical Society. Later, he became the vice-chancellor (a top leader) of the University of Reading.
Contents
Life and Education
Frank Stenton was born in Manchester, England. His father was Henry Stenton. Frank went to Keble College, Oxford for his education. He later became an Honorary Fellow there in 1947. This is a special title given to people who have achieved great things.
Early Work and Studies
Frank Stenton worked with another scholar named Allen Mawer. Together, they wrote a book called The Place-Names of Buckinghamshire. This book was published in 1925. It was part of a series for the English Place-Name Society. Place-names are the names of towns, rivers, and other places. Studying them helps historians understand old languages and history.
In 1929, he gave special talks called the Ford Lectures at Oxford University. These lectures are very respected in the history world.
His Most Famous Book
Sir Frank Stenton wrote a very important book called Anglo-Saxon England. It was first published in 1943. This book is still considered a classic history of that time period. It tells the story of England from the end of Roman rule until the Norman Conquest. Many students and historians still use it today.
Leadership at Reading University
Frank Stenton was a professor of history at the University of Reading from 1926 to 1946. After that, he became the university's vice-chancellor. He held this important leadership role from 1946 to 1950.
Expanding the University
During his time as vice-chancellor, Sir Frank Stenton helped the university grow a lot. He led the university's purchase of Whiteknights Park. This land became a new campus for the university. It allowed the university to build more buildings and welcome more students in the future.
To honor his contributions, a new student living hall was named Stenton Hall in November 2008. The university also started an annual event called the Stenton Lecture in 1967. A famous historian gives this lecture each year.
Becoming a Knight
Frank Stenton was honored by the King in 1948. He was made a Knight Bachelor in the 1948 New Year Honours. This means he received the title "Sir." King George VI officially gave him this honor at Buckingham Palace on February 10, 1948.
His Wife, Doris Mary Stenton
Sir Frank Stenton's wife was Doris Mary Stenton. She was also a talented historian. After his death, she wrote the introduction for the third edition of his famous book, Anglo-Saxon England. She also put together a collection of his other writings, called Preparatory to Anglo-Saxon England. This book was published in 1970.
Doris Mary Stenton wrote her own important history books too. These included English Society in the Early Middle Ages and The English Woman in History (published in 1957).
Stenton's Collections
Sir Frank Stenton's personal papers and those of his wife, Doris, are kept at the University of Reading. Their library and his coin collection are also part of the university's special collections. These items help researchers learn more about their lives and work.
