| Description | Three manuscript letters from J[oseph] Chamberlain to [Sir] George [Kenrick], dated 1898, with a signed, typescript letter, dated 1940, from one of the executors of the estate of the late Sir George Kenrick addressed to G. C. Burton, Secretary, University of Birmingham in which, with the agreement of his co-executor, the Prime Minister, he offers the three letters as a gift to the University 'as some record of the activities both of Mr. Chamberlain and Sir George Kenrick in the foundation of the University.'
/624 letter, dated 6 July, on Colonial Office paper, addressed 'Dear George': Chamberlain offers to do anything he can for the University by 'attending a committee or by canvassing any trade or individual' during a forthcoming visit to Birmingham;
/625 letter, dated 9 August, 40 Prince's Gardens [London], addressed 'My dear George': he has had the same reply from E. J. Smith 'to whom I have applied in reference to the Bedstead Trade'; before going on holiday he will take a rest at Highbury 'it is not my fault that I have not given it up to the University propaganda';
/626 letter, dated 20 October, Highbury, Moor Green, Birmingham, addressed 'My dear George', written the day after Chamberlain's return from holiday: 'I am now desirous of doing anything in my power to utilise my time at Highbury on behalf of the University'; he is hopeful of a good outcome to conversations he has had with Arthur Keen and Edward Nettlefold and Nettlefold has promised a subscription of £500; he would like to attend a committee concerning the University's constitution and the next meeting of the Canvassing Committee; Kenrick is likely to know more about what is happening than anyone else;
/627 cover letter, dated 9 April, from W[ilfrid] Martineau, Ryland, Martineau and Co., Solicitors, Church Street, Birmingham. |
| Custodial History | Formerly held with the University Collection (Finding number UC1/i/3/1/51), and transferred to the Joseph Chamberlain Letters Additional collection in October 2012 as part of the ongoing appraisal of the University Heritage archive. |