Frances Harris (8 Jan 1950 - 17 Feb 2021)

In memory of a scholar and much loved colleague.

Frances Harris was a wonderful historian. She was also a wonderful help to budding academics while she worked at the British Library's Department of Manuscripts. Her help, at least to this budding historian, from her desk in the Manuscript Room, was invaluable. She did not know me and I did not know her at the time. Whether it was help with paleography, catalogue #s, or reference works, her words were life rings or buoys to a less informed me. How many of us there must have been. It is perhaps a bit late. But I want to thank her.

I am so very sorry to hear this. Frances was kind to me in a situation where she might easily have not been: I was writing about Sarah Churchill, she wrote THE BOOK on Sarah Churchill. Rather than tell me to get lost, she helped me learn to read Lady Sarah 's miserable handwriting. Her passion for the late 17th century in particular was an inspiration to me. I think of her sometimes as the low-key, secret superhero of the field of late Stuart History, opening up the Blenheim papers and Evelyn papers for so many of us. Sending my sincere condolences to all of you. Rachel Weil

Sending love and sympathy to my dear friend Elfrida.

In memory of Frances, a true scholar

Frances was exceptionally kind. She was also tremendously good company. Never dull, there seemed to be no end to the subjects she could talk about and with great authority. Frances knew about detail and explanation. She was completely devoid of conceit and artifice. Her generosity was quiet, thoughtful and precise. People like her are rare, and to count her as a dear friend was to be blessed. Pip and I will miss her so much.

Friend since 1968, dutiful godmother to my daughter, traveling companion, advisor, comforter; always generous with her time.
In constant touch all those years, her passing has left an enormous void in my personal universe. I miss her beyond measure

In honour of Frances, a true and generous scholar who knew the art of fun and friendship, Rosie & Nicky

With thanks for Frances and her amazing life, and for her love of my dear friend Elfrida. With appreciation of Trollope’s more unearthly bishops, especially the good Dr Grantly. And with thanks to all of the amazing staff who made Frances so comfortable at St Christopher’s Hospice. Love and light, Rachel.

In memory of a much loved colleague and friend for over forty years.

So very sad to read of Frances’s death. She was generous, kind and gentle for all her for all her formidable scholarship. She became a friend to us both and I had already begun to look forward to meeting up after this wretched year. I will mourn her deeply.

In memory of an excellent and meticulous scholar.

With sad memories of a great scholar and a wonderful friend.

Remembering with much sadness, a fine mind, a generous and kindly character, all accomapnied by lightness and humour. A delightful companion at the Cumberland Society dinners who will be much missed.

With fond memories of many shared meals and social occasions over the years and admiration of Frances's scholarship.

On behalf of Frances’ friends in The Cumberland Society: with our affection, fond memories of evenings spent together at The Athenaeum and also with much admiration.

In memory of a fine scholar and a kind and thoughtful friend and colleague