Ramsey, Arthur Stanley (1867–1954), mathematician and President of Magdalene College, Cambridge

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Ramsey, Arthur Stanley (1867–1954), mathematician and President of Magdalene College, Cambridge

9 September 1867 – 31 December 1954

Son of Rev'd Adam Averell Ramsey of Dewsbury, a Congregational minister, and his wife Hephzibah. He was educated at Batley Grammar School and Magdalene College where he read Mathematics (1886-1889, 6th Wrangler, M.A. 1893). After University he became an Assistant Master at Fettes College between 1890 and 1897.

1897 - made a Fellow of Magdalene College
1900 - Steward
1904-1913 - Bursar
1912-1917 - Tutor
1915-1937 - President
1926-1932 - University Lecturer in Mathematics

He was responsible for improving the financial position ofthe College and adopting a sound admissions policy. During A. C. Benson’s breakdowns he also kept the College running smoothly. He was the author of a successful and series of textbooks in applied mathematics.

In 1902 he married (Mary) Agnes. Mary was academically accomplished, having earned a Class II Honours Certificate in Modern History from St Hugh's College, Oxford. In April 1913, Mary was elected to the Cambridge Board of Guardians in Bridge Ward.

They had two daughters, Bridget and Margaret, and two sons, Frank Plumpton Ramsey (1903–1930), philosopher and mathematician, and Michael Ramsey (1904–1988) who was the Archbishop of Canterbury for thirteen years. Mary Agnes was killed in 1927 in a road traffic accident.

Obituary - College Magazine, vol.86, pp. 41-44 (H U Willink, O F Morshead, D W Babbage)

Cunich, P., Hoyle, D., Duffy, E., Hyam, R., A History of Magdalene College Cambridge, 1428-1988 pp. 217-218, 228-29
Ramsey, A. S. Eighty years and more: A life story (unpublished MS 1948 Archives: F/OMP/IV/6/11)