Sir Hilary Jenkinson: A Legacy of Archival Science and Preservation
Sir Hilary Jenkinson was a pivotal figure in the professionalization of archival science, dedicating his career to the systematic organization, protection, and preservation of historical records. Through his leadership at the Public Record Office and his influential writings, he shaped the standards of archival practice across Britain, Ireland, and the international community.
Key Facts
- Career Peak: Served as the Deputy Keeper (Chief Executive Officer) of the Public Record Office repository from 1947 to 1954.
- Seminal Work: Authored the Manual of Archive Administration (1922), a cornerstone of archival practice.
- War Effort: Acted as War Office Adviser on Archives (1944–1945), protecting records in Italy, Germany, and Malta.
- Global Impact: Represented Britain in the 1948 UNESCO committee that established the International Council on Archives.
- Academic Focus: Expert in palaeography (the study of ancient handwriting) and diplomatic (the scholarly analysis of official documents).
Professional Career at the Public Record Office
Jenkinson began his tenure at the Public Record Office in 1906, where he focused on the classification and arrangement of medieval Exchequer records. By 1912, he was tasked with reorganizing the search room to address criticisms raised by the Royal Commission on Public Records. Following a period of military service and a stint at the War Office until 1920, he returned to the Public Record Office to modernize the repairing department and the repository.
His ascent within the organization continued with his appointment as secretary and principal assistant keeper in 1938. In his final years of service, from 1947 to 1954, he served as the Deputy Keeper. During this time, he expanded the infrastructure for record storage, securing facilities in Ashridge, Hertfordshire, and temporary housing in Hayes, Middlesex.
War-Time Preservation and the Sanctity of Evidence
During the closing years of World War II (1944–1945), Jenkinson served as the War Office Adviser on Archives. Attached to the Monuments, Fine Arts, and Archives Subcommission, he traveled to Malta, Germany, and Italy to shield archives from the destruction of war.
In 1947, Jenkinson and H. E. Bell advocated for the protection of national archives even during active conflict. They argued that the sanctity of evidence—the integrity and authenticity of records as primary sources—must be preserved regardless of the political climate.
Academic Contributions and Extramural Activities
Beyond his administrative duties, Jenkinson was a dedicated educator and scholar. He lectured on palaeography and diplomatic at prestigious institutions, including University College London, King's College London, and Cambridge. His 1922 publication, Manual of Archive Administration (revised in 1937), became a definitive guide for archivists in Britain and Ireland.
Jenkinson was also a prolific organizer of professional societies. He helped establish the Surrey Record Society in 1912 and co-founded the British Records Association in 1932. His leadership extended to the presidency of the Jewish Historical Society of England (1953–1955) and the Society of Archivists (1955–1961). Furthermore, he played a critical role in the 1945 creation of the National Register of Archives.
| Organization/Role | Period/Year | Key Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Public Record Office | 1906–1954 | Deputy Keeper and repository reorganization |
| War Office Adviser | 1944–1945 | Archives protection in Europe and Malta |
| British Records Association | 1932–1961 | Founder and Vice-President |
| International Council on Archives | 1948+ | UNESCO representative and Vice-President |
| Society of Archivists | 1955–1961 | President |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the significance of the Manual of Archive Administration?
Published in 1922 and revised in 1937, this work became a highly influential manual that standardized archival practices and administration across Britain and Ireland.
What does the term "sanctity of evidence" mean in Jenkinson's work?
It refers to the principle that archives should be preserved and protected, even during wartime, to ensure that the records remain authentic and untampered evidence of historical events.
How did Jenkinson contribute to international archival standards?
He served as the British representative on the 1948 UNESCO committee that created the International Council on Archives, later serving as the Council's vice-president.
What were Jenkinson's primary academic specialties?
He specialized in palaeography, which is the study of ancient handwriting, and diplomatic, the scholarly study of the form and authenticity of official documents.
Which facilities did Jenkinson acquire for record storage?
During his time as Deputy Keeper, he acquired additional storage facilities in Ashridge, Hertfordshire, and temporary housing for records in Hayes, Middlesex.