Celebrating Hampshire Historians

Aubrey, Elinor Rachel

19.07.1866 – 21.08.1951

Elinor Aubrey was born in Southampton and until her retirement she spent her whole life in the town. Census records indicate that her father was an ‘elementary school master’ and in the 1901 census return her occupation is shown as that of ‘teacher’ (with the enumerator incorrectly adding the word ‘school’). The 1911 census shows her employer as University College. When she retired in 1931 it was noted that she had been a lecturer in the English Department for 35 years. Following her retirement she moved to Ryde on the Isle of Wight, where she died aged 85.

Sources

• The Hartleyan 1952, 7.

• https://specialcollectionsuniversityofsouthampton. wordpress.com/2021/03/18/celebrating-women-miss-eleanor-aubrey/

Portrait

Contribution to county’s history

Although her output of history publications was relatively modest, for many years she made a noteworthy contribution to the advancement of the study of Southampton’s history as secretary of the Record Society, a contemporary of John Horrocks and Harry Gillen.

Relevant published works

• Aubrey, E. R.  (1909) Speed’s History of Southampton, Southampton: Cox and Sharland, Southampton Record Society 8

• Aubrey, E. R.  &  G.H. Hamilton, G.H.(1914) The Books of Examinations and Depositions 1570-1594, Southampton: Cox and Sharland, Southampton Record Society 16

Critical Comments

‘Miss Aubrey in particular has earned the gratitude of all interested in local history by her masterly edition of ‘Speed’s manuscript history of Southampton.’’ (Southampton Record Society, Hartley University College Magazine, Vol 15(41) Summer 1914, 17.)

Other Comments

When she retired in 1931 it was said that ‘to a long generation of students she will always be looked up to as a beloved and inspiring personality’ (quoted in her 1952 obituary). She did a great deal to promote the interests of female students at University College, including service as Warden of Yorke House Hall of Residence and later Highfield Hall.

Contributor

Roger Ottewill (21 November 2021)

Key Words

Southampton, Southampton Record Society, University College Southampton

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