Background
Bell, Harold Idris was born on October 2, 1879 in Epworth, Lincolnshire, England. Son of Charles Christopher and Rachel (Hughes) Bell.
Bell, Harold Idris was born on October 2, 1879 in Epworth, Lincolnshire, England. Son of Charles Christopher and Rachel (Hughes) Bell.
Educated Oriel College, Oxford (England) University, also universities Berlin, Halle. Master of Arts; Doctor of Laws, Liverpool. Doctor of Literature (honorary) universities Wales, Michigan, Brussels.
Assistant in department manuscripts British Museum, 1903, deputy keeper manuscripts, 1927, keeper manuscripts, Egerton librarian, 1929-1944. Honorary reader in papyrology University of Oxford, 1935-1950, honorary fellow Oriel College, 1936-1967. Recipeint Cymmrodorion medal for services to Welsh literature, 1946.
Member Order British Empire, companion of Bath.
Created knight, 1946.
Member British Academy (president 1946-1950), Egypt Exploration Society (vice president 1945-1967), Honorary Society of Cymmrodorion (president 1947-1953, vice president 1953-1967), Society for Promotion Roman Studies (president 1937-1945, vice president 1945-1967), Society for Promotion Hellenic Studies (vice president 1930-1967), International Council for Philosophy and Humanistic Studies (vice president 1949-1952), International Association Papryologists (president 1947-1955, honorary president 1955-1967), numerous other learned societies.
Married Mabel Winifred Ayling, 1911. Children: Idris Christopher, Ernest David (deceased), John John Rhys.