Tributes paid to University of Hull history professor
HE HELPED SET UP RESEARCH BASES IN HULL’S OLD TOWN
TRIBUTES have been paid to former University of Hull Pro-vice Chancellor and professor of history Howell
Lloyd following his death at home, aged 84.
Originally from Carmarthen in South Wales,
Prof Lloyd moved to Hull after marrying his wife Gaynor in 1962. The couple met while studying at Oxford University and she recalls them deciding he should eventually look for a lectureship in the north of England as he had never been there before.
Professionally, his work at the Cottingham Road campus bridged the medieval and early modern periods and covered topics including social, constitutional and intellectual history, He also published many books and articles on 16th century France.
He was instrumental in setting up the Blaydes Maritime Centre and the Wilberforce Institute in Hull’s Old Town and continued to sit on committees and fundraisers after his retirement in 2004. That same year he was awarded an OBE for services to higher education.
He was also an active member of the congregation of Hull Minster, serving on the Parochial Church Council as well as on the church’s development board and fabric committee. He had a particular interest in raising funds to restore the organ and is remembered for his powerful reading of the lessons, the last time being on Palm Sunday this year.
Prof Lloyd also loved the East Riding countryside and coast and enjoyed walking with his growing family in the Yorkshire Wolds and the North York Moors. He became an avid Hull City supporter, attending matches with his sons, although he always supported Wales at rugby.
David Drewery, the university’s
Vice-chancellor between 2000 and 2009, said: “I have held Howell in the highest regard, from my earliest encounters when I arrived at the university. I was impressed by his seriousness, concern for the institution and his overwhelming helpfulnesses. It was clear that Howell was an outstanding academic with a very high reputation in his field of history.”
David Dilks, who was the university’s vice-chancellor during the 1990s, added: “Howell was a man of pride, probity, industry and eloquence. Many a time did I have cause to be thankful for his presence. The University of Hull has had few more distinguished servants.”
Professor Trevor Burnard, of the Wilberforce Institute, said: “The Wilberforce Institute owes a great deal to the support of Howell in creating it and in helping to secure space for it.
“We are extremely sad to hear of his death but are appreciative of a life well lived and many lasting legacies, including our institute.”
Professor Lloyd is survived by his sister Nansi, his wife Gaynor, their five children and five grandchildren.