MS 205 Papers of Dr C.Suffern

Dr Canning Suffern

Dr Canning Suffern, naturalist (1892-1978), was brought up in Worcestershire and developed a keen interest in the natural history of his county, particularly around Rubery. He trained as a doctor, his studies being interrupted by World War I, in which he served in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, as a surgeon probationer. He subsequently held posts at a number of hospitals before joining the staff of The Lancet. His studies in natural history switched to Hampshire and his ornithological work around Titchfield Haven acted as a catalyst for further collaborative study after World War II.

About the collection

Scientific notes, records of observations and working papers, c.1900-75, including diaries, largely of weather observations and sightings of birds and insects, 1940, 1947, 1950-5, 1957-8 (10 vols.); files of observations recording the natural history of Rubery Hill, Hereford and Worcester, c.1907-30s; files of observations at Hillhead, Fareham, Hook with Warsash and Titchfield Haven, Hants, recording insects, particularly butterflies and dragonflies, 1948-71. Manuscripts of Suffern's literary works as a naturalist and other autobiographical material, including a general work on his experiences as a naturalist,typescripts of 'Sardinia the surprising', 'The Nuraghi of Sardinia' and 'The log of a loblolly boy at se, 1915-17'; manuscript log and chapters 10 to 16 of his reminiscences of service in India in the RAF during World War II.

Further material relating to Suffern's ornithological interests are in the Hampshire Ornithological Society archive, HRO 75M94; some of his diaries for the period 1948-71 are in the Alexander Library of the Edward Grey Institute of Field Ornithology, University of Oxford.

Date range:

c.1900-75

Former references:

A517, A523

Size:

5 boxes