Archive of Sir Mark Wilson

Collection

The papers reflect many, but not all, of the aspects of his work. They have been sorted into eight boxes. The first three deal with judicial matters: two hold his files of circuit papers accumulated while he was on circuit in Tanganyika (Tanzania), while the third box holds those connected with his work for the East African Court of Appeal. The fourth box is devoted to Wilson's work for the Arusha-Moshi Lands Commission and the fifth to the post-war development plan for the judiciary in Tanganyika (Tanzania) and a memorial, which Wilson played a major part in sending, about compensation for Gold Coast (Ghana) judges after independence. MSS. Afr. s. 592/6 holds correspondence between Sir Mark Wilson and members of the Colonial Office; described by him as 'demi-official' it is mostly about legal matters, but some of it is more personal. The last two boxes contain miscellaneous papers, which are mainly about cases that he had heard, such as his 'case headnotes', or in which he had been interested - one file deals with witchcraft cases - or correspondence about matters that demanded his attention by reason of his office.

Dates

Creation: 1929-1956

Extent

0.48 linear metres (8 boxes)

Language of Materials

English
Swahili

Preferred Citation

Oxford, Bodleian Libraries [followed by shelfmark and folio or page reference, e.g. MSS. Afr. s. 592/1, folder 1, fol. 1].

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Full range of shelfmarks:

MSS. Afr. s. 592/1-8

Collection ID (for staff)

CMD ID 4981

Additional Description

Abstract

Archive of Sir Mark Wilson, colonial administrator and judge.

Biographical / Historical

Sir Mark Wilson, Kt. Bach. (1950), was born on 22 Oct 1896 in Castlecomer, Kilkenny, Ireland. He was educated at Kilkenny College, Mountjoy School, and Trinity College, Dublin. His academic career was interrupted by a period of military service in the Royal Air Force (RAF) (1918-1919).

Wilson trained to become a Barrister-at-Law at Kings Inns, Dublin, and was called to the Irish Bar in 1924. In Nov of the same year, he joined the Colonial Administrative Service in Tanganyika (Tanzania). In 1926, Wilson moved to Uganda as a District Magistrate, later becoming a Senior Magistrate (1935). In 1927, he married Dr Isabella Kilpatrick McNeilly. During his time in Uganda, Wilson also acted as Administrator General on various occasions (1926-1929) and as a Puisne Judge (for periods during 1933 and 1934). Wilson returned to Tanganyika (Tanzania) in 1936 as a Puisne Judge (1936-1948). His final posting was in the Gold Coast (Ghana), where he was Chief Justice (1948-1956).

Wilson was also Chancellor of the Uganda Diocese (1934-1936); a member of the Court of Appeal for Eastern Africa (from 1934); Chairman of the Tanganyika (Tanzania) War Compensation Claims Tribunal (1939-1946); a member of Makerere College Council (1940-1947); Chairman of the Trade Disputes Tribunal (1943); sole Commissioner of the Arusha-Moshi Lands Commission (1946-1947); Chairman of the Gold Coast Judicial Service Commission (1954-c. 1956); President of the Gold Coast Branch of the International Law Association (1954-c. 1956), and President of the Gold Coast Magistrates' Association (1955-c. 1956). Sir Wilson died on 10 Apr 1956.