Fiedler, Hermann Georg

Hermann Georg Fiedler (1862-1945) was a German scholar. In 1890 he was elected Professor of German at Mason College, Birmingham, where he played a significant role in the establishment of the University of Birmingham (1900), and of its School of Modern Languages (1903). The greater part of Fiedler's career was spent in Oxford; he was appointed the first Taylor Professor of German in 1907, a post which he held until his retirement 30 years later. Fiedler was also a tutor to the Prince of Wales between 1912 and 1914, and remained in contact with the Prince all his life. See the Dictionary of National Biography for further details.

From the guide to the Papers of Hermann Georg Fiedler, 19th century-1945, (University of Oxford, Taylor Institution Library)

Hermann Georg Fiedler (1862-1945) was lecturer in German at Mason College, Birmingham ( a predecessor college of the University of Birmingham), with a doctorate from Leipzig. He was instrumental in the setting up of University of Birmingham as a member of the initial committee of 9 set up in 1894 by Robert Heath the Principal of Mason College for the promotion of a Midland University, and a member of subsequent committees devoted to expanding the activity of Mason College.

Charles Harding was a significant contributor to the Mason College fund designed to establish the University at Birmingham. His daughter married Hermann Georg Fiedler.

Reference: Eric Ives, The First Civic University: Birmingham 1880-1980 (University of Birmingham, 2000).

From the guide to the Fiedler Harding Letters, [189-]-1945, (University of Birmingham Information Services, Special Collections Department)