Background
Downs was born on 4 July 1893 in Kingston upon Hull.
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Brian Downs
Edit ProfileEducation
He was educated at Abbotsholme School, then an all-boys independent boarding school in Uttoxeter, Staffordshire. In 1915, he graduated Bachelor of Arts (Bachelor) with first-class honours in Modern and Medieval Languages (German, Old Norse and Anglo-Saxon).
Career
He served as Master of Christ"s College, Cambridge from 1950 to 1963 and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge from 1955 to 1957. From 1950 to 1960, he was the Professor of Scandinavian Studies at Cambridge. In 1912, he matriculated into Christ"s College, Cambridge having been awarded a scholarship.
In 1918, Downs was appointed a college lecturer in English and modern languages at Christ"s College, Cambridge.
The following year, in 1919, he was elected a Fellow of the college. From 1920, he was also a university lecturer in English and modern languages.
In 1928, he was appointed a college tutor. In 1947, he became Senior Tutor and Vice-Master of Christ"son
In 1950, he was appointed the 31st Master of Christ"s College, Cambridge.
The same year, the Chair of Scandinavian Studies was established and he was elected to the position becoming a professor From 1955 to 1957, served as the then part-time Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge. He retired in 1963. Downs remained in Cambridge following his retirement and lived on Grange Road for a number of years.
He later moved into the Hope Nursing Home in Cambridge and died there on 3 March 1984.
A diabetic, he had contracted bronchopneumonia which proved fatal.
Achievements
Membership
He served as a Member of the Cambridge University Council, the governing body of the University of Cambridge, from 1939 to 1944.
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Born
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Died
March 3, 1984 (aged 90) -
Nationality
British
Education
Awards
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Legion of Honour; Order of the Polar Star
The Order of the Polar Star is a Swedish order of chivalry created by King Frederick I on 23 February 1748, together with the Order of the Sword and the Order of the Seraphim.The Order of the Polar Star is a Swedish order of chivalry created by King Frederick I on 23 February 1748, together with the Order of the Sword and the Order of the Seraphim.