Professor Ragnhild Hatton (1913-1995) was a well-regarded historian, and teacher at LSE's Department of International History for over 30 years. Her specialism was 17th and 18th century history.

Ragnhild was appointed to a one year assistant lectureship at LSE in 1949 supported by glowing references from her two doctorate supervisors. In 1968 she was appointed Professor of International History – the first time the School had a second Chair in History. 

The significance of Ragnhild Hatton’s work was widely acknowledged, often outside of the UK. In 1954 she became a Fellow of the Swedish Vitterhetsakademie. In 1979 she became the first woman historian to be nominated as a foreign member of the American Historical Association. 1983 and 1986 saw her receive two further Scandinavian honours becoming Knight, first class of the Royal Norwegian Order of St Olav and Commander of the Swedish Order of the Polar Star. 

Ragnhild's nomination

One alumna said:

She was an absolutely wonderful teacher and inspiring researcher.

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Ragnhild Hatton on the LSE History Blog by Sue Donnelly