Vere Gordon Childe:

Man Makes
Himself
By Erol Tuncer

Cover: Gordon Childe holding a present from his students.

igure 1
V. Gordon Childe was a radical thinker who embraced Marxist theory and later
applied it to the discipline of Archaeology. In Australia he was victimized for his
political views, first denied an academic career and later forced out of political
office. Despite being shunned by his homeland Gordon Childe would later become
one of the greatest Archaeologists of the 20th century. Gordon returned to his
homeland Australia and took his life by plunging to his death off a cliff in the Blue
Mountains. Deep in his heart he still called Australia home.

Early Years & Education 1892-1917
Vere Gordon Childe was born in Sydney 14th April 1892.
He was the sole surviving child of Stephen and Harriet
Childe.i His father Stephen was rector at St Thomass
church in North Sydney and was regarded as an
unpopular figure.ii Due to
his father Gordon grew up
as a loner and in his youth,
is described as a sickly
figure.iii His mother
Harriet died when Gordon
was 18, his father
remarried and Gordon
gained two stepbrothers
and three stepsisters who
would spoil him and
become very protective of
him. Although Gordon
grew up in an
Figure 1 The young Gordon
Childe environment dominated
by Christianity, he never
shared his familys involvement with it. His father was a
conservative Christian, as opposed to Gordon who was a
socialist and atheist.iv
In 1911 Gordon Childe entered Sydney University under
a classics degree. Here he studied the classics, algebra,
trigonometry, geometry, geology, and philosophy. He
was awarded first class honors for Latin, Greek, and
Philosophy.v He also won a prize for a philosophy essay
and gained the University Medal for Classics. During his
time at Sydney University, Gordon also studied the
works of Marx, Engels, and Hegel. Gordon also became
good friends with H. V.
Bert Evatt who would
later become the leader
of the Australian Labor
Party.vi There was no
doubt that Gordon was
an exceptional scholar,
this more evident when
he won the Cooper
Scholarship for Figure 2 H. V. Bert Evatt
Proficiency in the
classics both in 1911, 1912 and in 1913 which enabled
him to continue his education at Queens College in
Oxford and later at Oxford University.vii Back then
archaeology was in its infancy having its roots in
antiquarianism. Gordon was lucky to have Arthur Evans
as his supervisor at Oxford. Evans rose to fame with his
discovery of the prehistoric Minoan civilization in
Crete.viii Gordon also made friends with people who
shared his left-wing views which also made him
unpopular with university authorities. His time at Oxford
was shadowed by the events of the First World War.

1
Australia did not introduce military conscription during
1914-18, but in Britain, it was introduced in 1916. This
led to many of Gordons friends being imprisoned, most
notably his best friend Rajani Palme Dutt, for refusing
conscription and no doubt due to his anti-war beliefs.ix
Childe was also targeted by MI5 which viewed him as a
perverted and dangerous man and briefed their Australian
counterparts.x
Return to Australia 1917
Gordon having been assured by the Australian High
Commissioner in London that he would not be required
to join the army returned to Australia in 1917.xi He set
out to find employment in education and was first
employed as a Latin teacher at the Maryborough
Grammar School in Queensland before accepting the
post as Senior Resident Tutor at St Andrews College,
Sydney University.xii But this position was also to be
short-lived as Gordons participation at socialist events
and his views against conscription and war were brought
to the attention of the University heads who forced
Gordon to resign his
position and blocked him
from any future tutorial
posts.xiii In this aspect, it
appears that Australia
society at the time was a
deeply conservative
society. But Derricourt
argues that the war was
having a devastating effect
on the college, with 150
ex-students serving under
active service in the
military and 21 ex-students
killed in battle, and that it
Figure 3 John Storey
would have been difficult
not to take action against Childe and his outspoken
views.xiv But Australia during these years was led by PM
Billy Hughes who was a strong supporter of the war and
also against organized labour. A time when democratic
experimentation had grind to a halt, and the Australian
democratic system was severely damaged as a result of
authoritarianism.xv Gordon thought his academic career
to be over and turned his back on prehistory and
archaeology to build a political career.xvi In 1919 Gordon
was employed as private secretary and speechwriter to
John Storey, who in the following year became Premier
2
of NSW.xvii Gordon was sent to London in 1921 as
Research and Publicity officer for the NSW Labour
Government, a post that was to only last six months due
to the sudden death of John Storey and the newly elected
government's more conservative views. An article in the
Daily Standard (Brisbane) titled Gordon Childe
Victimized in 1922 criticizes Childes abrupt
termination.xviii Childe refused to return to Australia and
instead made a living working in temporary political and
academic roles for the next few years. He also traveled
across Europe visiting museums and examined the
research of other prehistorians. He was gifted in several
languages so he could read work that was not yet
translated into English. Childe published his first book
How Labour Governs in 1923 and is regarded as a classic
on the early Australian Labour Movement. Childe went
on to publish The Dawn of European Civilization in 1925
and The Aryans in 1926.
Scotland Professor & London Institute of
Archaeology
In 1927 Gordon Childe accepted the post of Abercrombie
Professor of
Archaeology at
Edenborough
University. He
was to serve the
next twenty
years of his life
at this post.xix
During this
period, he
Figure 4 Sir Mortimer Wheeler elevated
Scotlands
position in respect to its place in European archaeology.xx
During his time in Scotland, he led many excavations,
most notably at Skara Brae where he unearthed a well-
preserved Neolithic village. Childes reputation as an
eminent prehistorian had also reached Australia. An
article in Smiths Weekly in 1927 states Sydney Boy
Startles Europe, Kicked Out by ALP; Becomes World
Figure.xxi He was to also publish several more books
including The Most Ancient Near East in 1928, The
Danube in Prehistory in 1929 and The Bronze Age in
1930. These books elevated the study archaeology as a
scientific discipline. The books were unique in their
geographical scope encompassing Europe, on their
emphasis on the uniqueness of European prehistory and
in Childes ability to bring the past societies back to nor did he ever become a member of the communist
life.xxii He also pushed the notion that archaeological party in Australia or Britain. He applied Marxist theory
artifacts be viewed as objects with economic to explain prehistoric revolutions and ancient societies.
significance.xxiii These books also synthesized or brought He did flaunt his Marxist reputation, often wearing a red
together the mass tie and carrying with him an issue of the Daily
of archaeological Worker.xxix But for many who knew him his Marxist
data scattered all beliefs only went as far as love for Russia and in its
over Europe. application to prehistory.xxx He would devote much time
Childe was also to his students, inviting them for meals in his room and
aware of the need willing to let them tag along on one of his many long
to bring walks in the hills of Scotland.xxxi His vast intellectual
archaeology closer knowledge made him an inspiring teacher, always willing
to the public. He to accept that his
Figure 5 Kathleen Kenyon published the interpretations were
hugely popular just theories and that
Man Makes Himself (1936) and What Happened in they were susceptible
History (1942) and targeted the public as his audience.xxiv to change over
In 1946 Childe accepted the position as Director of the timexxxii. Childe in a
Institute of Archaeology in London, established by well- great sign of humility
known archaeologist Sir Mortimer Wheeler in 1937.xxv always treated his
Kathleen Kenyon was another notable figure in the students as equals and
institute along with Zeuner, Cornwall, and Mallowan.xxvi for this, he won the
Though his years in the Institute Gordon would continue devotion of his
to publish books at a prolific pace. Amongst them would students.xxxiii Peter Figure 7- Agatha Christie
be History (1947), Prehistoric Migrations (1950), Society Gathercole a student
and Knowledge (1956) and The Prehistory of European of Childe at the Institute describes him as a teacher who
Society (1958). Childe served at the institute until 1956, took time with his students and that time spent with him
when he chose to retire and decided to return to was both rewarding and constructive for students.xxxiv He
Australia. Mortimer Wheeler in his closing address to also had a humorous side, during his post at the Institute
the Antiquaries remarked: When, not long ago, I was he took issue with Kathleen Kenyons dogs. Childe tried
invited to take part in a symposium at the University of to ban the dogs rather unsuccessfully and a student
Chicago, the first request addressed to me was, Tell us recalls getting caught by Childe in the hallway with her
about Professor Childe. In another distinguished dog tucked under her arms. Childe ignoring pleasantries
university, I am assured that undergraduates, in selecting and walking up to the dog waving his finger while saying
their courses of study, first ask, Has Gordon Childe silly little dog, silly little dog before walking on and
written a book about it? He generally has.xxvii both having a laugh at the dog's expense.xxxv Childe also
regularly played bridge with Agatha Christie who was
Personal Life married to archaeologist Max Mallowan.xxxvi But
Finding details about Gordon Childes personal life have Childes intellect and vast knowledge created a wall
proven to be difficult.xxviii Childe between himself and others. He was a lonely man who
had many friends, but he never took delight in his students confiding in him as it made
opened personally to anyone. He him felt wanted and loved, something he cherished as
never married, nor did he have much the acclaim he won as a prehistorian.xxxvii Childe
intimate relationships with also had a passion for cars, although his driving skills left
women or men. much to be desired. He was noted for always wearing a
black wide-brimmed hat, wearing a red shirt or tie while
He loved the company of others, having his black mackintosh jacket flung over his
especially his students. For all the shoulder like a cape. Childe was aware and took
fears about his Marxist beliefs, he pleasure in the fact that his attire made the Establishment
never forced his views on anyone, feel unease.xxxviii In letters he wrote to one of his students
Figure 6 Bust of
Gordon Childe at the Robert Stevenson, one can see Childe reflect on his
Institute of Archaeology
in London.
3
students, his love for the USSR and to a good bottle of Sydney. A small plaque bearing his name and date of
wine.xxxix death are all that mark its location. It is perhaps not
befitting for a man of such importance as Gordon Childe
Last Trip Back Home and a more fitting memorial has been suggested.xlv
Although he spent most of his life overseas and felt
Childe returned to Australia in April 1957 after an pushed away from Australia, he still chose to return to
absence of 35 years. In a twist of irony, he received an his homeland to die. For deep in his heart he really did
honorary call Australia home.
degree from
the University
of Sydney.xl
Gordon Legacy
thought that
his best years Childe has been described by archaeologists as a
were behind dedicated Marxists who criticized Nazi abuses of
him and archaeology.xlvi For these reasons and his eccentricities,
bemoaned his radical thoughts, his trips abroad, and his attire makes
about the him in my eyes the real-life personification of Indiana
Jones. It is perhaps not surprising that his name makes
perils of old
Figure 8 Gordon Childe shortly after receiving an appearance as one of the archaeologist recommended
an honorary degree at the University of Sydney
age. But as
(1957), standing next to Professor A. Elkin and to his students by Dr. Jones himself in his last adventure.
Laila Haglund
leader of the Australian Labour Party, Dr. H. V.
Evatt. notes Childe After his death, he received more tributes than any other
was still able archaeologist from fellow archaeologists, historians and
to produce moments of magic: To watch him build and from the social sciences. All agree, without exception
juggle a complicated structure of data and interpretations that Childe was the greatest prehistorian ever and an even
- and then sometimes toss it all away with a brief greater human being.xlvii Murray states that Childes
comment that that particular argument really did not impact on archaeology, Australian or otherwise, has
work because ... - was awesome!xli probably exceeded that of any other archaeologist.xlviii
Six months later, after writing a post-dated final letter to
W. F. Grimes, his successor at the institute, Gordon
Childe leaped 1,000 feet to his death of a cliff in the Blue
Mountains on 19 October 1957.xlii Originally thought to Bibliography
be an accident, it was revealed in the letter to Grimes that
he had indeed decided to take his own life. The letter
was only revealed in 1980, in the journal Antiquity and Primary Resources
Sally Green describes the document as moving and
disturbing.xliii John Mulvaney, one of Australias Gordon Childe Victimised, Daily Standard (Brisbane), 26
leading archaeologists stated that Australians only April 1922, 4, in Trove [online database], accessed 10
became aware of Childes international reputation after September 2017.
his death and that his return was not even considered
newsworthy.xliv Sydney Boy Startles Europe, Smiths Weekly (Sydney), 11
June 1927, in Trove [online database], accessed 5 September
In 2000 2017.
archaeologist Hue
Barton located Secondary Sources
Gordon Childes
final resting place Barton, Hue, In Memoriam V. Gordon Childe, Antiquity, 74
at the Northern (2000), 769-70.
Suburbs
Crematorium in
Figure 9 - Memorial Plaque of V. Gordon
Childe at the Northern Suburbs
Crematorium, Sydney.
4
Derricourt, Robin, The Changing careers of Vere Gordon
Childe, Antiquity, 88 (2014), 632-638.
Derricourt, Robin, The making of a radical archaeologist: The
early years of Vere Gordon Childe, Australian Archaeology,
79/1 (2014), 54-64.
Gathercole, Peter, Gordon Childe: Man or Myth?, Antiquity,
56/218 (1982), 195-198.
Gathercole, Peter, Gordon Childe: Memories & Affirmation,
Antiquity, 84/326 (2010), 1177-1179.
Green, Sally, V. Gordon Childe: A Biographical Sketch,
Australian Archaeology, 30 (1990), 18-25.
Green, Sally, Prehistorian: A Biography of V. Gordon Childe
(Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire: Moonraker Press, 1981). 33-35.
Holbrook, Carolyn and Wise, Nathan, In the Shadow of
Anzac: Labour Historiography of the First World War in
Australia, History Compass, 14/7 (2016), 314-325.
Mulvaney, John, From 'The Dawn' to Sunset: Gordon Childe
in Melbourne, 1957, Australian Archaeology, 30 (1990), 29-
32.
Murray, Tim, Second Childehood? Gordon Childe and
Australian Archaeology, Australian Archaeology, 30 (1990),
14-17.
Stevenson, Alice, Yours (unusually) cheerful, Gordon: Vere
Gordon Childes letters to R.B.K. Stevenson, Antiquity, 85
(2011), 1454-1462.
Tringham, Ruth, V. Gordon Childe 25 Years After: His
Relevance for the Archaeology of the Eighties, Journal of
Field Archaeology, 10/1 (1983), 85-100.
i Sally Green, Prehistorian: A Biography of V. Gordon Childe
(Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire: Moonraker Press, 1981). 1.
ii Ibid, 4.
iii Ibid, 7.
iv Ibid, 7.
v Sally Green, V. Gordon Childe: A Biographical Sketch, Australian
Archaeology, 30 (1990), 19.
vi Ibid, 19.
vii Sally Green (1981), Op Cit, 12.
viii Sally Green (1981), Op Cit, 15.
ix Sally Green (1981), Op Cit, 24.
x Robin Derricourt, The Changing careers of Vere Gordon Childe,
Antiquity, 88 (2014), 633.
xi Sally Green (1981), Op Cit, 24.
xii Sally Green (1981), Op Cit, 26.
xiii Sally Green (1981), Op Cit, 28-29.
xiv Robin Derricourt, The making of a radical archaeologist: The
early years of Vere Gordon Childe, Australian Archaeology, 79/1
(2014), 57-58.
xv
Carolyn Holbrook and Nathan Wise, In the Shadow of Anzac:
Labour Histography of the First World War in Australia, History
Compass, 14/7 (2016), 315.
xvi Robin Derricourt, Op Cit, 634.
xvii Robin Derricourt, Op Cit, 634.
xviii
Gordon Childe Victimised, Daily Standard (Brisbane), 26 April
1922, 4, in Trove [online database], accessed 10 September 2017.
xix Sally Green (1981), Op Cit, 56.
xx Sally Green (1980), Op Cit, 21.
xxi
Sydney Boy Startles Europe, Smiths Weekly (Sydney), 11 June
1927, in Trove [online database], accessed 5 September 2017.
xxii Sally Green (1980), Op Cit, 21.
xxiii Sally Green (1981), Op Cit, 94.
xxiv Sally Green (1980), Op Cit, 22.
xxv Sally Green (1981), Op Cit, 106.
xxvi Sally Green (1981), Op Cit, 106.
xxvii
Sally Green (1981), Op Cit, 143.
xxviii Peter Gathercole, Gordon Childe: Man or Myth?, Antiquity,
56/218 (1982), 196.
xxix Sally Green (1981), Op Cit, 77.
xxx Sally Green (1981), Op Cit, 78.
xxxi Sally Green (1981), Op Cit, 72.
xxxii Sally Green (1981), Op Cit, 110.
xxxiii Sally Green (1981), Op Cit, 110.
xxxiv Peter Gathercole, Gordon Childe: Memories & Affirmation,
Antiquity, 84/326 (2010), 1178.
xxxv Sally Green (1981), Op Cit, 106.
xxxvi Sally Green (1981), Op Cit, 106.
xxxvii Sally Green (1981), Op Cit, 114.
xxxviii Sally Green (1981), Op Cit, 76.
xxxix Stevenson, Alice, Yours (unusually) cheerful, Gordon: Vere
Gordon Childes letters to R.B.K. Stevenson, Antiquity, 85 (2011),
1454.
xl Robin Derricourt, Op Cit, 62.
xli Laila Haglund, Memories of Gordon Childe, Australian
Archaeology, 30 (1990), 34.
xlii Robin Derricourt, Op Cit, 62.
xliii
Sally Green (1981), Op Cit, 152.
xliv John Mulvaney, From 'The Dawn' to Sunset: Gordon Childe in
Melbourne, 1957, Australian Archaeology, 30 (1990), 29.
xlv Hue Barton, In Memoriam V. Gordon Childe, Antiquity, 74
(2000), 769.
xlvi Tim Murray, Op Cit, 14.
xlvii Ruth Tringham, V. Gordon Childe 25 Years After: His Relevance
for the Archaeology of the Eighties, Journal of Field Archaeology,
10/1 (1983), 85.
xlviii Tim Murray, Second Childehood? Gordon Childe and Australian
Archaeology, Australian Archaeology, 30 (1990), 15.