| Description | Section containing mainly correspondence relating to literary and personal matters. However, in some cases, it includes some papers which were kept with the correspondence [drafts and manuscripts, news-cuttings, photographs and other material]. Also includes Anne Williamson's material related to her research on the archive.
The correspondence gives an insight in Henry Williamson's work and the context in which it was created. The papers span his life from 1920 to his death in 1977, including comments and discussion of his literary works like 'Tarka the Otter', 'A Chronicle of Ancient Sunlight' and other titles. The letters also throw light on his personal life and his connections to family and friends and literary contacts. Henry Williamson was a prolific writer and regularly corresponded with writers, poets, artists, playwrights, critics and editors and other prominent figures of the time including T E Lawrence, Charles Causley, Ronald Duncan, Malcolm Elwin, Ted Hughes, John Masefield, Charles Tunnicliffe, Oswald Mosley and BUF members amongst others. He was in contact with James Farrar's mother and Victor Yeates whose work he published.
His affinity with nature and the countryside emerges from his accounts of everyday life in North Devon and Norfolk.
Arranged in A-Z sequence by surname.
Also including a small folder of about 10 unsorted letters amongst which is a birthday wish to Henry Williamson from Malcolm Elwin, Ernie Martin, Victor Bonham-Carter, Kenneth Allsop, George Painter, 1965 [filed at the end of the correspondence].
Please Note:
some correspondents have been listed in greater detail, others are under construction.
Access to correspondence with Anne Williamson is subject to Data Protection Act. |
| Admin History | This correspondence and associated materials was retained by Henry Williamson's family until donation in May 2015 to the University of Exeter. It has been donated as a continuation of the original deposits by Williamson and has been accessioned as an addition to the original papers. The donation reflects the research and organization of Williamson's literary executor and daughter-in-law, Anne Williamson, who has researched it extensively. Anne's research has been kept with the letters, as deposited. Other personal papers are retained in private hands. |