Alan Betteridge obituary

Alan Betteridge, a prominent archivist in West Yorkshire, played a crucial role in bringing the diaries of Anne Lister to public attention. His work began in 1982 when he microfilmed Lister's extensive coded diaries, which contain around 5 million words. Betteridge served as the Halifax and Calderdale archivist from 1970 to 1994, during which he demonstrated exceptional knowledge in document preservation and cataloguing, benefiting historians and genealogists alike. His doctoral research on Halifax administrative records remains a vital resource for understanding local history. Born in Castleford, Betteridge was raised in a mining village and pursued a BA in modern languages at King’s College London. His teaching experience in Germany sparked a deep interest in central European philosophy and environmentalism, which influenced his later work. He authored the Eco-Humanist Manifesto in the 1990s, advocating for a sustainable and interconnected approach to life. In 1983, he ensured that the new Halifax Library incorporated advanced standards for archive storage, setting a precedent in West Yorkshire. His dedication to accurate cataloguing and preservation made him a respected figure among both amateur and professional historians. Betteridge's legacy includes not only his contributions to archival practices but also his commitment to ethical living, which he shared with his wife, Mary, and their daughter, Katherine. Alan Betteridge passed away at the age of 81, leaving behind a rich cultural legacy and a profound impact on the field of archiving and local history. His work continues to inspire future generations of archivists and historians.