F. J. C. Hearnshaw

Fossey John Cobb (F. J. C.) Hearnshaw (31 July 1869 in Birmingham – 10 March 1946) was an English professor of history, specializing in medieval history. He was noted for his conservative interpretation of the past, showing an empire-oriented ideology in defence of hierarchical authority, paternalism, deference, the monarchy, Church, family, nation, status, and place. He was a Tory Democrat who sought to realize Disraeli's goal of preserving invaluable historic traditions while encouraging timely reforms. He believed that a meritocratic, small, effective elite should lead the weaker majority.^[1]

Fossey J. C. Hearnshaw

Educated at Walsall and Manchester Grammar Schools, he went on to the University of London (MA), Peterhouse, Cambridge, (Historical Scholar, MA and LL.M. 1900^[2]), and Trinity College, Dublin (LLD), Cambridge (LittD).^[3]

Career

Hearnshaw was an external examiner in history at the University of London 1909-1913; Durham University 1912-1913; the Victoria University of Manchester 1914-1917; the University of Bristol 1921; the University of Wales 1930; professor of history at University College, Southampton, 1900-1910; professor of modern history at the Armstrong College of Durham University, 1910-1912; professor of medieval history at King's College London, 1912-1934; and Fellow of King's College London, 1926.

Hearnshaw also held the posts of honorary secretary of the Royal Historical Society, 1931-1934 and president of the Historical Association, 1936-1938.

Publications

• England in the Making (1913)
• Freedom in Service: six essays on matters concerning Britain's safety and good government (1916)
• Democracy at the Crossways: a study in politics and history (1918) full text online
• Main Currents of European History, 1815-1915 (1918)
• Mediaeval Contributions to Modern Civilisation (1921)
• The Social and Political Ideas of some Great Mediaeval Thinkers (1923)
• The European Revolution and After, 1848-1854 (1923)
• The Development of Political Ideas (1927)
• A Survey of Socialism (1928)
• The “Ifs” of History (1929)
• The Centenary History of King's College London, 1828-1928 (G. G. Harrap & Co., London) (1929)
• Conservatism in England: an Analytical, Historical, and Political Survey (1933)
• Sea-power & Empire (1940)
• Germany the Aggressor Throughout the Ages (1940)