The Hunter Archaeological Society - Joseph Hunter
The Hunter Archaeological Society was founded in 1912 to study and report on the archaeology, history and architecture of South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire.
The Society is named after Joseph Hunter (1783-1861) who is, perhaps, best known locally for his publications "Hallamshire" (1819) and the two volumes of "South Yorkshire" (1828 & 1831). They form indispensable sources of reference for all historians of the county.
He was born on 6 February 1783 in Sheffield, the son of a cutler. Educated at Attercliffe, he later studied theology at New College in York, becoming a Unitarian Minister in Bath in 1809. He never again lived in South Yorkshire though often returned in the course of his researches into the area.
His early interest in antiquarian studies covered a wide field and this interest became his professional career when, in 1833, he was appointed a sub-commissioner of the Records Commission and moved to London. In 1838 he became an Assistant Keeper of the Public Records and is particularly remembered for his work in classifying the Exchequer records. He was Vice-President of the Society of Antiquaries.
He died on 9 May 1861 in London and is buried in a place he selected at St Mary's, Ecclesfield.
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