John Saltmarsh (historian) facts for kids
Dr. John Saltmarsh was a smart historian who lived from 1908 to 1974. He was a special member, called a Fellow, at King's College, Cambridge University. John grew up on a big farm in Oakington, a village near Cambridge, England.
His Early Life and School
John Saltmarsh was born in Cambridge, England. He went to schools like St Faith's School and Gresham's School. When he was 17, he won a special scholarship to study at King's College, Cambridge. This meant he was very good at history! He even got the highest grade possible in his history studies.
A Life at Cambridge University
John Saltmarsh became a Fellow at King's College when he was 22. This is a big honor for a scholar. In 1937, he started teaching history full-time at Cambridge University. He also became the college's librarian, taking care of all the books.
When World War II began, John Saltmarsh was asked to work at Bletchley Park. This was a secret place where smart people helped break enemy codes. After the war, he returned to King's College. He continued to teach history, focusing on how money and trade changed over time.
He wrote important books about history. One of his books was about the history of King's College itself. Another famous book he wrote was about the Black Death, a terrible sickness that affected Europe long ago.
Exploring the College Chapel
One of John Saltmarsh's favorite things was the history of the college chapel. He loved to show people around the chapel. He would tell amazing stories about things he had found there. For example, he found old bones from meals eaten by the builders of the chapel. These bones were hundreds of years old! He even used photos taken from RAF planes after World War II to help him find these things.
John Saltmarsh stopped teaching in 1971. He passed away in 1974 when he was 66 years old. He lived most of his life in the same rooms at King's College. After he died, his rooms were turned into common rooms for everyone to use. They are now called the Saltmarsh Suite, named in his memory.
