Burkitt, Miles Crawford, 1890-1971

Miles Crawford Burkitt (1890-1971) was born in Cambridge on 27 December 1890, the son of Prof. F.C. Burkitt. He was educated at Eton and Trinity College, Cambridge, where he read Natural Sciences. He explored prehistoric sites in France and Spain with the Abb Breuil and Dr Obermaier, and served with the YMCA in France during World War I. He lectured in Cambridge in prehistoric archaeology, at first on a voluntarily basis, then officially with a salary of 10 a year, and finally as a University Lecturer in the Faculty of Archaeology and Anthropology, under the 1926 statutes. He retired in 1958. During World War II Burkitt was a Lieutenant (Signals Officer) in the 4th Cambridgeshire Home Guard (1941-1945). He was made a J.P. in 1942, and was a County Councillor, 1939-1964, ending his term of office as Vice-Chairman, 1958-1961, and Chairman, 1961-1964. He was also an Alderman, 1964-1965. Burkitt travelled widely and published books and articles on the Stone Age and prehistoric art. In 1923 he married Margaret Isobel Fry. They had two sons and one daughter. He died on 22 August 1971.

From the guide to the Miles Crawford Burkitt: Correspondence and Papers, 20th century, (Cambridge University Library, Department of Manuscripts and University Archives)