TCG Letter #2509

Tolkien writes to the Oxford University Registrar, Sir Douglas Veale, in relation to the vacant Rawlinson and Bosworth chair. He has not been well, and his doctor had advised a leave from work for a term, which Tolkien says is not possible with all the academic problems at present. He notes however that he is taking a short break and will return for the election. Of the applicants, five have asked for his endorsement, and he asks that those candidate statements be sent to his home at Northmoor Road.

After being adjourned on 13 April, the electors convene on 16 April and elect C.L. Wrenn to the chair. His appointment will begin on 1st October 1946. Tolkien continues to lecture for the remainder of the academic year (1945-6) due to the time taken to fill the post.