Albert J Thomson papers
- Reference:GB 241 D66
- Dates of Creation:1697-1978
- Name of Creator:
- Language of Material:English
- Physical Description:1.06 Linear Metres
Scope and Content
Papers relating to Albert Thomson’s work at and interest in St Magnus cathedral, including papers collected by him and notes made by him.Scrapbooks compiled by Albert Thomson of press cuttings, letters, programmes and photographs relating to the cathedral, 1946-1958; Press cuttings from the Orcadian and Press and Journal newspapers relating to the cathedral, 1953-1987; Notebooks recording daily temperatures at St Magnus Cathedral, 1946-1978; Pocket diaries of Albert Thomson, 1948-1978; Notes made by Albert Thomson on various aspects of St Magnus Cathedral including its history, repairs, history and design of the windows, tombstone inscriptions, the organ, plaques and family armorials, c1950-c1980; Notes, photographs and press cuttings relating to remedial restoration work on the cathedral, 1972-1974. Copy registers: burials for St Magnus Cathedral churchyard covering the period 1921-1972, c1972, baptismal register, 1856-1884, proclamation register, 1851-1882, burials, 1845-1871. Correspondence relating to genealogical enquiries, c1960-c1970. Original papers collected by Albert Thomson, 1679-, Includes:Evidence relating to Margaret Sclater, accusing her of witchcraft, 1679; Reports relating to the restoration of St Magnus Cathedral, 1900; Petition and plans relating to the church hall in Palace Road, Kirkwall, 1911; Programmes for services and events, mostly held at St Magnus Cathedral, 1876-1981; Books and pamphlets relating to the history of Orkney and St Magnus Cathedral in particular, 1862-1978; Publications including guide books relating to cathedrals, including Salisbury and Winchester, 1948-1970; Postcards and photographs depicting Orkney scenes including St Magnus Cathedral, c1900-1960;
Administrative / Biographical History
Albert Thomson was curator of St Magnus Cathedral for 32 years from 1946 until his retirement in 1978. He enjoyed a lifelong connection with the cathedral, having been baptised there in 1913. During the Second World War he saw active service in Italy and the Middle East with the Eight Royal Tank Regiment (the Desert Rats). He was appointed curator of the cathedral in October 1945 but it was not until June of the following year on his discharge from the army, that he was able to take up the post. He made it his life's work to discover everything he possibly could about the cathedral; his article for the Orkney Record and Antiquarian Society entitled 'Masons' Marks in St. Magnus Cathedral' is illustrative of this. He was awarded the British Empire Medal in 1973. This collection was deposited by Albert Thomson in 1993.
Access Information
Open
Note
Papers mainly refering to St. Magnus Cathedral [Biographical details are taken from 'The Orcadian', 31 August 1978 page 1, and from OSA/RO5 60 in the Orkney Sound Archive.]