A. K. Hamilton Jenkin


Alfred Kenneth Hamilton Jenkin was best known as a historian with a particular interest in Cornish mining, publishing The Cornish Miner, now a classic, in 1927.

Birth and education

He was born in Redruth on 29 October 1900, the son of Alfred Hamilton Jenkin, and his wife, Amy Louisa Keep. He attended University College, Oxford, where in 1919 he became a friend of the famous author, C.S. Lewis: both were members of the Martlets Literary Society. He graduated as M.A. and B.Litt. at the University of Oxford.

Cornish activities

Jenkin was a founder bard of the Gorseth Kernow in 1928, taking the bardic name Lef Stenoryon. He was involved in persuading Cornwall County Council to set up Cornwall Record Office in the 1950s, and served on its committee until his death. In 1959 he was elected President of the Federation of Old Cornwall Societies, a position he also held in 1960 and in 1962 he became its first life President.
He was elected President of the Royal Institution of Cornwall for the years 1958, 1959 and was Vice-President in 1977.

Recognition as an historian

In 1954 he was elected a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries and was awarded his honorary degree of Doctor of Letters by the University of Exeter in 1978.

Personal life

He married Luned Marion Jacobs and had two daughters: Jennifer Hamilton Jenkin and Honor Bronwen Jenkin. The marriage ended in divorce and his second marriage was to Elizabeth Lenton.

Death

He died 20 August 1980 at Treliske Hospital, Truro

Publications