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Archive of James Ian Macpherson, 1st Baron Strathcarron

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Miscellaneous correspondence and papers of James Ian Macpherson, 1st Baron Strathcarron, including papers relating to his Chief Secretaryship for Ireland, and his representation in parliament of the constituency of Ross and Cromarty.

These manuscripts and printed papers, which include many copies of Macpherson's and his private secretaries' own letters, are all that are known to remain of Macpherson's papers, the bulk of which were destroyed by bombing during the Second World War.

Dates

  • Creation: 1913-1937

Extent

0.35 Linear metres (4 physical shelfmarks)

Language of Materials

  • English

Preferred Citation

Oxford, Bodleian Libraries [followed by shelfmark, e.g. MS. Eng. hist. c. 490, fols. 1-2].

Please see our help page for further guidance on citing archives and manuscripts.

Full range of shelfmarks:

MS. Eng. hist. c. 490-492; d. 309

Collection ID (for staff)

CMD ID 12517

Abstract

Papers of James Ian Macpherson (1880-1937), 1st Baron Strathcarron, M.P. for Ross and Cromarty, Chief Secretary for Ireland 1918-1920.

Biographical / Historical

James Ian Macpherson (1880-1937) was born in Inverness-shire. He became the Liberal M.P. for Ross and Cromarty in 1911, the seat he held until 1935. Having served in the War Office as parliamentary secretary to the Under-Secretary, 1914-1916, Under -Secretary, 1916-1918 and Deputy-Secretary of State for War, 1918 -1919, Macpherson was made Chief Secretary for Ireland in the coalition government formed in Jan 1919. Although he supported Home Rule, he took strong measures against the unrest in Ireland. Sinn Féin was proscribed in May 1919, and the Dáil Éireann was declared illegal. He introduced the Government of Ireland Bill early in 1920, but resigned his post shortly afterwards, moving on to the Ministry of Pensions. He lost office with the fall of the coalition government in 1922. Details are given in the Dictionary of National Biography.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The papers were given to the Library by the 2nd Baron Strathcarron in 1971.

Related Materials

Miscellaneous newspapers, 1920-1922, are MS. Eng. hist. a. 18, fols. 1-9.

Title
Catalogue of the archive of James Ian Macpherson, 1st Baron Strathcarron, 1918-1937
Status
Published
Date
EAD version 2017
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Bodleian Libraries Repository

Contact:
Weston Library
Broad Street
Oxford OX1 3BG United Kingdom