1855 – 1929
Medieval History
Trained in Oxford, Tout was Professor of History in Manchester from 1890 to 1925. Unlike his predecessor, Ward, Tout followed the model of the sciences to create a research school of history, including research by third-year undergraduates. His own work demonstrated how government had functioned in medieval England and Wales. He fought to establish the new Victoria University of Manchester and for women’s education; he developed the Faculties of Arts and of Theology, and argued for the inclusion of the professors at the College of Technology. He founded the Manchester University Press, and was a keen supporter of the University Settlement in Ancoats – the basis for the University’s inner-city social work.