Record

LevelFile
Finding Number (Click this to view full catalogue structure)OJL/1/326
TitleWilliam Rathbone
Extent79 items
DateLate 19th-early 20th century
DescriptionCorrespondence from William Rathbone [1819-1902, merchant and philanthropist]. Many of the letters in the file appear to be from Rathbone's wife, Emily Acheson Rathbone, nee Lyle [1832-1918], but the signatures are unclear and may have been incorrectly identified.

/1 Letter from William Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from Green Bank, Liverpool, dated 15 October 1888. Rathbone writes that he knew little about the subject being discussed at Council. He suggests that Lodge raise the subject at the next Council meeting.

/2 Letter from William Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from Green Bank, Liverpool, dated 17 October 1888. Rathbone writes that he has sent Lodge's note to Mr Lawrence and believes that any suggestion coming from Lodge would be taken seriously by the College.

/3 Letter from William Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, dated 28 June 1891. Rathbone writes about the possibility of joining the Lodges abroad.

/4 Letter from William Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from 18 Princes Gardens, London, dated 21 July 1891. Rathbone discusses his family's European travel plans and the possibility of meeting up with the Lodges whilst on holiday.

/5 Note signed by W. Rathbone, E. A. Rathbone, and Eleanor F. Rathbone, sent from Maria Wörth, [Austria], dated 29 September 1891. With small photograph of man and woman (seated) with younger woman standing behind, presumably the Rathbones, in cardboard mount printed 'Zur Erinnerung an 1891'. With envelope.

/6 Letter from William Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from the Reform Club, dated 30 November 1891. Rathbone expresses doubts about Balfour's faith. If he meets Balfour he will mention Lodge's suggestion about Thomson.

/7 Letter from William Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from Green Bank, Liverpool, dated 5 December 1891. Rathbone offers to write to Balfour about Lodge's suggestion that Lord Thomson could represent science in the House of Lords. He sends Professor Bryce's response to Balfour address and Lodge's criticism on it (enclosure not included).

/8 Letter from William Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from Greenbank, Liverpool, dated 8 December 1891. Rathbone writes that Lodge's criticism on Balfour's address is remarkably clear and does not need to be altered. He describes how he might approach Balfour with Lodge's suggestion that Lord Thomson represent science in House of Lords.

/9 Letter from William Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from dated 15 December 1891. Rathbone is glad they agree about Drummond's sermon. He writes that it is not selfishness if a man with special talents such as Lodge concentrates on his work as it will benefit mankind.

/10 Letter from E. A. Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from Green Bank, Liverpool, dated 1 January 1892. Rathbone sends best wishes for the new year. She has seen Sir William Thomson's name in the honours list and comments: 'I wonder whether your hint thro [sic] Mr Rathbone helped'.

/11 Letter from E. A. Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from Greenbank, dated 13 June 1892. Rathbone makes arrangements to attend an event.

/12 Letter from E. A. Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from Craigenveoch, Glenluce, Wigtownshire, dated 29 July 1892, with envelope. Rathbone responds to news of the Lodges' new baby. She hopes Lodge will still come to visit.

/13 Letter from William Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from Craigenveoch, Glenluce, Wigtownshire, dated 18 September 1892. Rathbone thanks Lodge for advice about Hayden's engineering course. They look forward to seeing Mrs Lodge and baby, and hope Lodge takes a good rest at Bassinfell.

/14 Letter from William Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from Greenbank, Liverpool, dated 25 October 1892. Rathbone hopes Lodge will come to meet Sir R. Ball when he comes to give a lecture. With postscript telling Lodge about the engagement of 'our old bachelor J. A. R.' to Miss Barton, signed E. A. R. [Eleanor Acheson Rathbone].

/15 Letter from E. A. Rathbone to Mrs Lodge, written from Villa Emilia, with envelope postmarked 28 December 1892. Rathbone sends news of the Rathbones' Christmas holiday. She is sorry to hear that an event was spoilt by 'those stupid students'.

/16 Letter from William Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from Green Bank, Liverpool, dated 11 January 1893. Rathbone hopes to meet Lodge for lunch and a talk.

/17 Letter from William Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from Greenbank, Liverpool, dated 23 January 1893. Rathbone sends details of the next meeting of the Committee.

/18 Letter from William Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from Greenbank, Liverpool, dated 23 January 1893. Rathbone hopes that matters can be settled with Rendall without causing too much disturbance at the College. He believes Rendall can be persuaded to take a holiday and a Vice-Principal should be appointed to relieve him of some of the work.

/19 Letter from E. A. Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from Green Bank, Liverpool, dated 10 February 1893, with envelope. Rathbone invites Lodge to lunch.

/20 Letter from William Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from 18 Princes Gardens, dated 10 February 1893. Rathbone has sent Lodge's memo about the appointment and duties of a private secretary to Lawrence.

/21 Letter from William Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from Green Bank, Liverpool, dated 26 December 1893. Rathbone thanks Lodge for the note and papers. He has no doubts about Lodge's method of proceeding.

/22 Letter from William Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from Villa Emilia, Alassio, dated 21 January 1894. Rathbone thanks Lodge for sending M.A.'s revelations and discusses his religious beliefs.

/23 Letter from William Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from 18 Princes Gardens, dated 8 March 1895. Rathbone asks Lodge to recommend a chemistry tutor to help Frank during the Easter holidays at Liverpool. He adds that Mrs Rathbone is going to a lecture on Helmholtz.

/24 Letter from William Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from 60 Cadogan Square, dated 28 October 1895. Rathbone sees no objection to the External Examiner for Cambridge; his only concern is that the 'old Universities' may try to take Lodge away from Liverpool.

/25 Letter from William Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from 19 Kensington Gate, London, dated 27 January 1896. Rathbone discusses a financial contribution.

/26 Letter from William Rathbone to Principal Rendall, written from Green Bank, Liverpool, dated 18 November 1897. Rathbone is pleased that the College wishes to have his portrait and agrees to sit for Mr Allen.

/27 Letter from William Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from Green Bank, Liverpool, dated 4 November 1898. Rathbone congratulates Lodge on the public acknowledgement of his work [possibly the Rumford medal of the Royal Society, awarded to Lodge in 1898].

/28 Letter from William Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from Bassinfell, Keswick, dated 8 February 1899. Rathbone was planning to write to Gaskell to remind him of his promise and tell him of Alfred Booth's offer when Lodge's note on the same subject arrived. He hopes to appeal to Gaskell's love of science and persuade him to join Booth.

/29 Letter from William Rathbone to Mrs Lodge, written from Green Bank, Liverpool, dated 15 February 1899. Rathbone expresses affection and admiration towards the Lodges and their children.

/30 Letter from William Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from Invergloy, Spean Bridge, Inverness-shire, dated 25 July 1900. Rathbone thanks Lodge for his letter about two vacant Professorships and comments: 'I trust your visas will prevail & am delighted you are so optimist'. He agrees about the Lightfoot memorial.

/31 Letter from E. A. Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from Villa Emilia, dated 17 ?December. Rathbone is glad to hear Lodge's event was successful. She writes that Mr Rathbone is worried about finding a successor to Murray Smith for Frank. She asks when Lodge's book will be out.

/32 Letter from E. A. Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from Craigenveoch, Glenluce, Wigtownshire, dated 9 September [----]. Rathbone thanks Lodge for his help with the electric bells. She asks if there is any possibility of seeing the Lodges.

/33 Letter from E. A. Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from Villa Emilia, Alassio, dated 24 March [----]. Rathbone is sorry to hear about Mrs Lodge's illness; she hopes that the Lodges will still be able to join them and sends information about potential travel plans.

/34 Postcard from E. A. Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from 18 Princes Gardens, London, dated 23 June [----]. Rathbone writes that they have taken a house in Wigtonshire near the MacCunns and hope Lodge will visit.

/35 Letter from E. A. Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from St Ulrich, Tyrol, dated 14 August [----]. Rathbone sends details of travel plans and asks whether Lodge can join them.

/36 Letter from E. A. Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from Green Bank, Liverpool, dated 25 December [----]. Rathbone sends Christmas greetings and looks forward to the Lodges' visit in the afternoon.

/37 Letter from E. A. Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from Vienna, dated 29 September [----]. Rathbone is glad that Lodge enjoyed the holiday. She writes that Eleanor appreciated his company: 'I think it has opened to her a new world in many ways and it is seldom a girl has a chance of "thinking out" on such subjects to a man of intellect and training such as yours'. She sends news of their activities.

/38 Letter from E. A. Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from 18 Princes Gardens, dated 19 [----]. Rathbone thanks Lodge for two papers. She enjoyed Lodge's preaching very much. They had tea with Nellie at Lady Margaret [Hall]; Nellie is looking well and is taking Eleanor for a walk.

/39 Letter from E. A. Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from Green Bank, Liverpool, dated 13 June [----]. Rathbone returns Lodge's Yorkshire Guide and writes about social plans.

/40 Letter from E. A. Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from 18 Princes Gardens, London, dated 26 May [----]. Rathbone invites Lodge to dine and go to an outdoor entertainment rather than attend the Royal Institution lecture.

/41 Letter from E. A. Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from 18 Princes Gardens, dated 3 May [----]. Rathbone writes that she plans to remain at Greenbank for a week or 10 days but Lodge is welcome to call on them in town.

/42 Letter from E. A. Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from 18 Princes Gardens, London, dated 26 April [----]. Rathbone thanks Lodge for arranging lecture tickets. She writes about domestic news including Bertie's state of health.

/43 Letter from E. A. Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from 18 Princes Gardens, London, dated 18 March [----]. Rathbone writes that she attended the Da Maurice lecture and much enjoyed a sketch of John Leach. She has booked places for Hamlet on Monday.

/44 Letter from E. A. Rathbone to Mrs Lodge, written from 18 Princes Gardens, London, dated 13 March [----]. Rathbone suggests a trip to the theatre on Monday and sends domestic news.

/45 Letter from E. A. Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from Green Bank, Liverpool, dated 4 February [----]. Rathbone is sorry to hear about Lodge's attack of influenza and urges him to take care of his health. She writes: 'We have been very glad to have your boys they make me almost feel young again [...]'.

/46 Letter from E. A. Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from 18 Princes Gardens, London, dated 6 June [----]. Rathbone writes about social arrangements.

/47 Letter from E. A. Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from Bideford, dated 21 June [----]. Rathbone thanks Lodge for the book and essay. She thanks Lodge for sending information about Cambridge for Eleanor.

/48 Letter from E. A. Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from 18 Princes Gardens, dated 13 June [----]. Rathbone invites Lodge to have dinner and attend the water performances.

/49 Letter from E. A. Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from 18 Princes Gardens, London, dated 9 August [----]. Rathbone thanks Lodge for his very interesting letter. She has read Lang with great interest. Eleanor and Lodge's sister are coming to stay for a few days.

/50 Letter from E. A. Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from Ashbury, Beaworthy, North Devon, dated 2 September [----]. Rathbone discusses Lodge's proposed visit. She sends news of Mr Thom's failing health.

/51 Letter from E. A. Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from Ashbury, Beaworthy, North Devon, dated 23 September [----]. Rathbone is glad to hear Lodge had a comfortable journey home. She sends news of the family's activities in Devon and expresses concern about Nellie's health.

/52 Letter from E. A. Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from Ashbury, Beaworthy, North Devon, dated 6 August [----]. Rathbone invites Lodge to visit.

/53 Letter from E. A. Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from Green Bank, Liverpool, dated 13 December [----]. Rathbone invites Lodge to lunch to meet Frank Burton, an actor.

/54 Letter from E. A. Rathbone to Mrs Lodge, written from Villa Emilia, Alassio, dated 18 [----]. She writes about the Rathbones arrival in Alassio and discusses plans for the Lodges to join them.

/55 Letter from E. A. Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from 18 Princes Gardens, dated 19 June [----]. Rathbone hopes Mrs Lodge is well. She asks if Lodge is attending the BA meeting in Oxford. She is anxious to hear how Lodge's sister has done.

/56 Letter from E. A. Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from 18 Princes Gardens, dated 22 June [----]. Rathbone writes about finding a tutor for Frank. She sends domestic news which includes a reference to Mr Rathbone's nephew, Mr Paget, who has had an accident.

/57 Letter from E. A. Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from 18 Princes Gardens, undated. Rathbone writes that she enjoyed Lodge's lecture and apologises for not having spoken to him afterwards.

/58 Letter from E. A. Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from Tapeley Park, Bideford, dated 19 September [----]. Rathbone comments on Lodge's paper in The Pulpit. She asks what Lodge thought of the opening address at the British Association meeting. She writes about Eleanor's decision to go to Oxford. She adds that Mr and Mrs Rendall are visiting tomorrow.

/59 Letter from E. A. Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from Tapeley Park, Bideford, dated 11 October [----]. Rathbone returns a pamphlet and writes that Mr Rathbone looks forward to being 'up and doing again'.

/60 Letter from E. A. Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from Tapeley Park, Bideford, dated 7 September [----]. Rathbone hopes Lodge enjoys his stay in Switzerland. She writes that Lodge's sister is a good companion for Eleanor, who has been struggling over her decision to leave home to go to Oxford.

/61 Letter from E. A. Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from Tapeley Park, Bideford, dated 29 September [----]. Rathbone thanks Lodge for his suggestion about Eleanor's education. She writes of Eleanor's plans to study at Oxford and comments: 'Her father and I have no wish for her but that she should do whatever seems best for her to train both character and intellect'.

/62 Letter from E. A. Rathbone to Oliver Lodge dated 1 January [----]. On sheet of paper with part of letter from W. Rathbone to E. A. Rathbone about Lodge's papers.

/63 Letter from E. A. Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from 18 Princes Gardens, dated 19 January [----]. Rathbone writes about Eleanor's uncertainty about going to College and comments: 'Whatever decision she makes we wish it to be really her own doing [...] I only wish her to feel quite sure'. She writes about attending a wedding.

/64 Letter from E. A. Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from 18 Princes Gardens, London, dated 11 July [----]. Rathbone discusses plans to meet the Lodges whilst on holiday in Europe.

/65 Postcard from E. A. Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from Green Bank, Liverpool, dated 15 November [----]. Rathbone thanks Lodge his note about the eclipse. She is going to the ?Art Club tomorrow.

/66 Letter from E. A. Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from Green Bank, Liverpool, dated 17 November [----]. Rathbone was delighted with the book Lodge sent to Eleanor. She adds: 'You are very kindly flattering [...] she must not over work to justify your thinking her head worth cultivating'.

/67 Letter from E. A. Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from Greenbank, dated 31 October [----]. Rathbone thanks Lodge for the photograph. She writes that Lodge's lecture has given much food for reflection.

/68 Letter from E. A. Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from Green Bank, Liverpool, undated. Rathbone thanks Lodge for writing to the Council in such warm terms about Mr Rathbone. She is grateful for his friendship and will miss him [when he leaves Liverpool]. She invites Mrs Lodge to visit whilst Harry and his wife are staying.

/69 Letter from E. A. Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from 18 Princes Gardens, dated 22 July [----]. Rathbone makes arrangements for the Lodges to stay with them in Bideford. She criticises Lodge's attitude to the H[ome] Rule bill: 'that is just what dozens of people say to set their consciences at ease about voting for what they don't approve for party purposes [...]'.

/70 Letter from E. A. Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, undated. Rathbone makes arrangements to see the College.

/71 Letter from E. A. Rathbone to Mrs Lodge, written from Greenbank, dated 13 November [----]. Rathbone invites Mrs Lodge to supper with Mrs Watson.

/72 Letter from E. A. Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from Villa Emilia, dated 25 November [----]. Rathbone writes about her stay in Alassio.

/73 Letter from E. A. Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from Craigenveoch, Glenluce, Wigtownshire, dated 25 July [----]. Rathbone makes arrangements for the Lodges to visit Craigenveoch. She writes that Lodge's sister is making energetic excursions with Eleanor and looks much better.

/74 Letter from E. A. Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from Green Bank, Liverpool, dated 12 January [----]. Rathbone thanks Lodge for lending his copy of 'Piccadilly'. She has sent Myers' paper to Mr Watson. She writes that they cannot attend the Royal Institution lecture as Mr Rathbone will be busy at the House. She adds that Lodge would be welcome to stay with them in London.

/75 Letter from E. A. Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from ?Skelwith Bridge, undated. Rathbone makes arrangements for Lodge's visit.

/76 Letter from William Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from Burgenstock, Switzerland, dated 18 June [----]. Rathbone is very sorry to hear about MacCunn, who has worked unselfishly for the College, and hopes matters can be put right. He adds: 'But who are you going to get to take your place - To lose 2 distinguished professors & 2 first rate principals in 2 years is very severe'.

/77 Letter from E. A. Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, dated 16 July [----]. Rathbone writes about trip [to Scotland].

/78 Letter from E. A. Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from Green Bank, Liverpool, dated 17 October [----]. Rathbone writes about Frank's education and the decision to get him a tutor to prepare him for university.

/79 Letter from E. A. Rathbone to Oliver Lodge, written from Craigenveoch, Glenluce, Wigtownshire, dated 4 October [----]. Rathbone writes about the Rathbones' activities in Scotland since the Lodges' departure.
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