James Aikin
James Aikin gave £1,000 in 1872 to establish a fund to support lecturers’ fees.
James was a merchant and shipowner in Liverpool, who had dealings in the West Indies and in Mauritius, and did extensive business with sugar producers and importers Sandbach, Tinne & Co. His own company, James Aikin & Co., was involved in the distribution of indentured workers.
“The enterprises of the Aikin family illustrate the continuity of systems, players, and profits between the pre and post abolition eras, with the shifting of investment from the West to the East Indies.” -Newnham College Legacies of Enslavement Report
William Aikin
James’ brother William Aikin was a slave-owner in Mauritius, where he was involved in shipping and the distribution of indentured workers. On his death, William left £5,000 in trust for James’ children, one of whom donated at least £50 to Newnham College.
Not only did the Aikins produce their wealth through enslavement, but they were politically involved in shaping post-abolition dynamics, petitioning for further compensation for the inconvenience of hiring labourers.
Anna Bateson (née Aikin)
Anna Bateson was the daughter of James Aikin. She was a key figure in the Lectures for Women scheme, from which the College evolved, a member of the College Council, and a regular contributor to College funds. Anna married William Henry Bateson, Master of St John’s College, and himself the son of a Liverpool merchant. The land on which Newnham is built was originally leased from St John’s College.
Two of the Batesons’ daughters, Anna and Mary, studied at Newnham, with Mary becoming a fellow. Their son William was also a supporter of the College, advocating for recognition by the University, and many Newnham women worked in his plant genetics research group