Extraordinary Diaries of Field Marshal Lord Ironside Acquired by the Liddell Hart Centre for Military Archives at King’s College London

27th February 2024 | Arthur Byng Nelson | Art and Heritage, Inheritance Tax, Acquisition

King’s College London Archives and the Liddell Hart Centre for Military Archives proudly announce the acquisition of the remarkable diaries of Field Marshal, Lord Ironside (6 May 1880 – 22 September 1959).

These diaries cover the entire life and career of one of the most prominent figures in the British Army in the twentieth century and have been eagerly awaited by historians and enthusiasts alike. The extraordinary diaries of Lord Ironside were first targeted by Professor Sir Michael Howard when he created the Liddell Hart Centre for Military Archives back in 1964: after a remarkable 60 years, they are finally in the ownership of King’s College and the Liddell Hart Centre for Military Archives.

Arthur Byng Nelson, Head of the Art & Heritage Department at Sherrards, advised the Ironside family regarding these special papers and facilitated the transfer to the nation in lieu of inheritance tax for the benefit and study of the general public.

To commemorate this event King’s College London Archives and the Sir Michael Howard Centre for the History of War are hosting a talk on Tuesday 12^th March from 5:30 pm in the Archives Reading Room, at the Strand Building. At this gathering, esteemed speakers Professor Jonathan Fennell and Professor Andrew Stewart of King’s College London will delve into the significance of this collection for the study of the history of the world wars and beyond.

To sign up, click here and secure your place to celebrate the legacy of Field Marshal Lord Ironside and the invaluable contribution of his diaries to the understanding of military history.

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