William John Hardy

William John Hardy (29 September 1857 – 17 July 1919) was an English archivist and antiquarian.

Life

He was born in London, the younger son of Sir William Hardy. Hardy like his father was connected with the Historical Manuscripts Commission, and became known as a learned legal antiquarian and inspector for the Commission. He also set up a business with William Page, his brother-in-law, as record agent; Hardy employed Page, an engineer, and trained him as a historian.

Hardy & Page worked in particular on the Hertfordshire county records, for a county council pioneering the maintenance of its local archives. This work and that of George Herbert Fowler for Bedfordshire proved widely influential. The firm was taken over by his son, William Le Hardy.

Hardy was Hon. M.A. of Durham University, and was a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries, serving on its Council. He died at Sidlesham, near Chichester, from heart failure.