Michael Hoskin is appointed as Fellow Librarian (1969-1973)

Michael Hoskin came to the College in 1969 on his appointment as Librarian (with responsibility for the Archives). Prior to coming to Churchill he read mathematics at London University and took a PhD in algebraic geometry at Peterhouse before becoming a Research Fellow at Jesus College. He then moved to history of science and in 1959 was appointed University Lecturer in Cambridge, becoming a Fellow of St Edmund’s College. He founded the Journal for the History of Astronomy, which he edited for 45 years.

In College he is fondly remembered not only as a pioneering figure as Librarian, but also as the College Fellow with responsibility for delivering the purpose-built Archives Centre. In addition, he was President of the SCR from 1981 to 1991, where he introduced the continuing and greatly valued traditions of Special Menu Dinners and Postprandial talks.

• Learn more about Michael’s life in his obituary
• Listen to Michael’s recollections about the opening of Churchill Archives Centre in 1973