Record

Ref NoMS 466/1/1/2/3
Finding NumberMS 466/355/1-9
TitleLetters from Sir Oliver Lodge and Lady Mary Lodge to Elizabeth and George Cadbury
LevelSub Series
Date1903 - 1916
DescriptionThis section contains letters sent by Sir Oliver Lodge (1851-1940) and Lady Mary Lodge (nee Marshall, 1851-1929) to Elizabeth Taylor Cadbury and her husband George Cadbury.

The letters in this section relate to Sir Oliver Lodge's political views and his involvement with Elizabeth Taylor Cadbury in educational work in Birmingham. The letters also provide an insight into the personal lives and relationship between the two families and their experiences during the First World War. One particularly notable letter refers to the death of Lodge's youngest son Raymond, who was killed in Flanders in 1915. Peter Rowlands describes the profound impact which Raymond's death had on Sir Oliver who believed that he had foreseen the tragedy, a belief which led to the publication of his 1916 book 'Raymond'.
Extent9
FormatItems
Related MaterialBiographical information about Sir Oliver and Lady Mary Lodge taken from Peter Rowlands, 'Lodge, Sir Oliver Joseph (1851-1940)', Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, 2004; online edn, May 2005 [http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/34583] accessed 26th August 2009.
Access StatusOpen
AdminHistoryIn her memoirs written in 1948 Elizabeth referred to Sir Oliver and Lady Lodge as having been amongst her most special friends. Throughout the early twentieth century Taylor Cadbury remained closely associated with Sir Oliver Lodge through her involvement with the University of Birmingham and educational work in the city.

Sir Oliver Lodge was an eminent physicist whose research into the development of the radio made him 'the recognized voice of scientific authority among the general public'. At the invitation of Joseph Chamberlain, Lodge became the first Principal of the University of Birmingham in 1900, retiring from the office in 1919 after awarding Elizabeth Taylor Cadbury her honorary M.A. for her contribution to educational work in Birmingham. He was publically involved with numerous societies and associations promoting the development of education in Birmingham. His wife Mary Fanny Alexander Marshall, also a close friend of Taylor Cadbury, trained as an artist and became actively involved in philanthropic work supporting welfare and education in Birmingham.
LanguageEnglish
Add to My Items

    Showcase items

    A list of our latest and most exciting new items.