J. D. Chambers facts for kids
Jonathan David Chambers (born October 13, 1898 – died April 11, 1970) was an important British historian. He spent much of his life studying how people lived and worked in the past. He was especially known for his research on the history of farming and how populations changed in Britain.
Early Life and Education
Jonathan Chambers was born on a small farm called Haggs Farm. This farm was located in a place called Underwood, Nottinghamshire. He went to University College, Nottingham for his education. He finished his studies there in 1919.
After college, he first taught English at Ashby Grammar School. Later, he became a history lecturer at the University College's Department of Adult Education. He earned his PhD in 1927. During the Second World War, he went back to teach at Ashby Grammar School. In 1946, he became the head of Economic History at the University College. This college later became the University of Nottingham in 1948. From 1958 to 1965, he was the first professor to hold the Chair of Economic History at Nottingham University.
His Writings and Impact
Jonathan Chambers wrote many important books and articles. One of his first major studies was about the wealthy landowners, called the squirearchy, in Nottinghamshire. This book was published in 1932. It was called Nottinghamshire in the Eighteenth Century: A Study of Life and Labour under the Squirearchy. A second edition of this book came out in 1966.
He was most active in writing between 1953 and 1966. During this time, he wrote many important essays. He also published two well-known books:
- The Workshop of the World: British Economic History from 1820–1880 (published in 1961)
- The Agricultural Revolution, 1750–1880 (published in 1966, written with G. E. Mingay)
In 1967, a special book was published to honor Jonathan Chambers. It was called Land, Labour, and Population in the Industrial Revolution. G. E. Mingay, who was one of Chambers' students, spoke highly of him after his death. Mingay said that everything Chambers wrote was carefully thought out. It was also thoroughly researched and beautifully written. He believed Chambers saw history as a form of literature.
Mingay also mentioned that Chambers' work had a lasting impact. His studies helped us understand changes in farming and population growth in Britain. Chambers was also a great leader and teacher. He inspired the Economic and Social History department at the university. His teaching was always lively and full of energy. He had a special gift for making history exciting and easy to understand for everyone. Outside of work, he loved music and literature. He had a great sense of humor and many wonderful stories. People found it impossible to feel bored or sad when they were with him.
List of Works
- Nottinghamshire in the Eighteenth Century: A Study of Life and Labour under the Squirearchy (London: King, 1932; 2nd ed., Cass, 1966).
- (with E. I. Abell) The Story of Lincoln: An Introduction to the History of the City (Lincoln, City of Lincoln Education Committee, 1939; 2nd ed. with additions and corrections, S. R. Publishers Ltd, 1971).
- Dictators: An Introductory Study in the Social Origins of Dictatorship (London: Nelson, 1941).
- Modern Nottingham in the Making (Nottingham: Nottingham Journal Ltd, 1945).
- The Workshop of the World: British Economic History from 1820–1880 (London: Oxford University Press, 1961; Japanese translation, 1965-66; 2nd ed. (Oxford Paperbacks, University Series), 1968).
- (with G. E. Mingay) The Agricultural Revolution, 1750–1880 (London: Batsford, 1966).
- (with P. J. Madgwick) Conflict and Community: Europe since 1750 (London: Philips, 1968).
- (with S. D. Chapman) The Beginnings of Industrial Britain (Cambridge: University Tutorial Press, 1970).
- Population, Economy and Society in Pre-Industrial England, ed. W. A. Armstrong (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1972).
