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Gidden, Harry William

13.11.1866 – 27.07.1948

Harry Gidden was on the staff of King Edward VI School in Southampton for over 42 years from 1883. He had previously been a pupil at the School since 1879. Retiring in 1925, a year or so earlier he had been awarded a PhD by London University ‘for his noteworthy work on the charters of Southampton’ (Southern Daily Echo, 28.07.1948). This was ‘the first Doctorate for literary work ever bestowed on one who was born and … lived and worked all his life in Southampton’ (Hampshire Advertiser, 19.05.1923). While at the School, he was able to combine his teaching role with that of undertaking research in the archives.

He was also a leading member of Southampton Record Society for many years acting as hon. editor and for a shorter period hon. treasurer. Both the 1901 and 1911 censuses record him as living with his family, unmarried brother (a solicitor working for the borough council) and widowed mother in the substantial property of 22 Carlton Crescent.

Sources

Southern Daily Echo, 28.07.1948

Hampshire Advertiser, 01.05.1926

Portrait

King Edward VI School, Southampton

The Marlands site of King Edward VI School, Southampton, 1896-1938

Contribution to county’s history

Gidden edited a substantial number of publications in the first Southampton Records Series. ‘His patient scholarship in connection with work of the Record Society won him wide recognition.’ In a newspaper article of 1927 (HA, 09.04.1927) he wrote about the ‘priceless records in the Muniment Room’ thereby raising the public’s awareness of this extremely valuable historical resource. 

Relevant published works

Listed below are his publications in the first Southampton Records Series and are numbered accordingly:

  • 7. The charters of the Borough of Southampton Vol 1. John – Edward IV 1199-1480 (Southampton: Cox and Sharland, 1909)

  • 9. The charters of the Borough of Southampton Vol 2. 1484-1836 Richard III – William IV (Southampton: Cox and Sharland, 1910)

  • 18. The sign manuals and the Letters patent of Southampton to 1422 Vol 1 (Southampton: Cox and Sharland, 1916)

  • 20. The Letters patent of Southampton Vol 2 (1415-1612) (Southampton: Cox and Sharland, 1919)

  • 27. The Book of Remembrance of Southampton Vol 1 Henry IV – James I 1440-1620 (Southampton: Cox and Sharland, 1927)

  • 28. The Book of Remembrance of Southampton Vol 2 1303-1518 (Southampton: Cox and Sharland, 1928)

  • 30. The Book of Remembrance of Southampton Vol 3 1483-1563 (Southampton: Cox and Sharland, 1930)

  • 35. The Steward’s Books of Southampton, from 1428. Vol 1 1428 – 1434 (Southampton: Cox and Sharland, 1935)

  • 39. The Steward’s Books of Southampton, from 1428. Vol 2 1434 – 1439 (Southampton: Cox and Sharland, 1939)

Critical Comments

Gidden did a great deal to make Southampton’s history more accessible to the public at large.

Other Comments

At a special gathering to acknowledge his contribution to the school, which was attended by over 200 former scholars and their friends, mention was made of his ‘unfailing courtesy and kindness’ to all with whom he came into contact and of ‘his charming and lovable personality’ (HA, 01.05.1926).

Contributor

Roger Ottewill (18.11.2021)

Key Words

Southampton, Southampton Record Series, King Edward VI School

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