author
F. J. C. (Fossey John Cobb) Hearnshaw
1869–1946
A self-made historian who rose from an early apprenticeship to become a professor, he wrote widely on medieval England, politics, and the uses of history. His work is often remembered for its strong conservative outlook and its confidence in institutions such as monarchy, church, and nation.
1 Audiobook
Freedom In Service Six Essays on Matters Concerning Britain's Safety and Good Government
by F. J. C. (Fossey John Cobb) Hearnshaw
About the author
Born in Birmingham on July 31, 1869, Fossey John Cobb Hearnshaw left school young and was first apprenticed to a pharmaceutical chemist. He continued studying part-time, earned London degrees, and went on to build an academic career in history that culminated in a professorship at King's College London.
Hearnshaw specialized in medieval history and wrote prolifically for both students and general readers. Alongside works on English and European history, he also edited and contributed to broad historical collections, showing a gift for explaining large political and social developments in a clear, organized way.
He was also known for the distinctly conservative cast of his writing. Accounts of his work describe a strong belief in hierarchy, authority, and inherited institutions, which gave his histories a clear point of view as well as a particular place in the intellectual debates of his time. He died on March 10, 1946.