Sir John Fortescue is probably better known as a military historian, but from 1905 till his death in 1933 he was also Royal Librarian. After his initial approval for the post he prepared for Edward VII a report on his recommendations for the library. He was able to receive the King’s approval of this report during an interview at Buckingham Palace ‘only brought about so that he might satisfy himself (as every master does) that the new member of the household was not physically repulsive’. Fortescue’s formal appointment began on 1 November 1905. His duties were not merely confined to the Library, but also to the guiding of guests round the State Apartments.