Brian Downs

Brian Westerdale Downs, KNO (4 July 1893 – 3 March 1984) was an English literary scholar and linguist. He served as Master of Christ's College, Cambridge from 1950 to 1963 and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge from 1955 to 1957.[1] From 1950 to 1960, he was the Professor of Scandinavian Studies at Cambridge.[2]

Professor Brian Downs KNO
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge
In office 1955–1957
Preceded by	Henry Willink
Succeeded by	Edgar Adrian
Master of Christ's College, Cambridge
In office 1950–1963
Preceded by	Charles E. Raven
Succeeded by	Alexander R. Todd
Personal details
Born	Brian Westerdale Downs (1893-07-04)4 July 1893
Died	3 March 1984(1984-03-03) (aged 90)
Citizenship	United Kingdom
Nationality	English
Alma mater	Christ's College, Cambridge
Awards	Commander of the Order of the Polar Star (Sweden) Officer of the Legion of Honour (France)

Early life

Downs was born on 4 July 1893 in Kingston upon Hull.[3] He was educated at Abbotsholme School, then an all-boys independent boarding school in Uttoxeter, Staffordshire.[1] In 1912, he matriculated into Christ's College, Cambridge having been awarded a scholarship.[3] In 1915, he graduated Bachelor of Arts (BA) with first-class honours in Modern and Medieval Languages (German, Old Norse and Anglo-Saxon).[1]

Academic career

In 1918, Downs was appointed a college lecturer in English and modern languages at Christ's College, Cambridge.[1] In the summer of 1918, with hostilities still going on, Downs held a meeting in his rooms leading to the foundation of the Modern Humanities Research Association, dedicated to the study of European languages.[4] The following year, in 1919, he was elected a Fellow of the college.[3] From 1920, he was also a university lecturer in English and modern languages. In 1928, he was appointed a college tutor.[3] He served as a Member of the Cambridge University Council, the governing body of the University of Cambridge, from 1939 to 1944.[1] In 1947, he became Senior Tutor and Vice-Master of Christ's.[3] In 1950, he was appointed the 31st Master of Christ's College, Cambridge.[5] The same year, the Chair of Scandinavian Studies was established and he was elected to the position becoming a professor.[2] From 1955 to 1957, served as the then part-time Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge.[1] He retired in 1963.[1]

Later life

Downs remained in Cambridge following his retirement and lived on Grange Road for a number of years. He later moved into the Hope Nursing Home in Cambridge and died there on 3 March 1984.[1] A diabetic, he had contracted bronchopneumonia which proved fatal.[1] His memorial service was held in the chapel of Christ's College, Cambridge on 2 June 1984.[6]

Personal life

On 1 July 1924, Downs married Elsie Ada Maud Drew (1887–1965). She was a fellow of Girton College, Cambridge where she tutored in English literature.[1] Together they had a son, Jonathan Downs, in 1930. Mother and son moved to the United States of America during World War II but, at the age of nine, Jonathan was hit and killed by a truck while outside his home in Northampton, Massachusetts.[1] Their marriage subsequently broke down and they divorced. On 14 September 1946, Downs married for a second time to Evelyn Faith Marion Wrangham (née Doubble) (1907–1977). She was a widow who had worked as his secretary before their marriage.[1]

Honours

Downs was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters (DLitt) degree by the University of Hull.[1] He was appointed Commander of the Order of the Polar Star (KNO) by Sweden in 1954 and Officer of the Legion of Honour by France.[3]

References

1. Wells, Marie (September 2012). "Downs, Brian Westerdale (1893–1984)". Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. Oxford University Press. Retrieved 21 April 2014.
2. "Latest wills". The Times. 30 May 1984.
3. "Professor B.W. Downs". The Times. 13 March 1984. p. 16.
4. "The Modern Humanities Research Association: A Brief History". MHRA. Retrieved 15 July 2020.
5. "Masters of Christ's College since 1505". Christ's College, Cambridge. Retrieved 22 April 2014.
6. "Court Circular". The Times. 11 May 1984. p. 18.

Academic offices
Preceded by Charles E. Raven	Master of Christ's College, Cambridge 1950 to 1963	Succeeded by Alexander R. Todd, Baron Todd
Preceded by Henry Willink	Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge 1955 to 1957	Succeeded by Edgar Adrian, 1st Baron Adrian