Professor Peter James Marshall FBA CBE

We are sad to share that Professor Peter James Marshall passed away in July this year. One of King’s most distinguished historians and a much-loved professor, Peter will be greatly missed.

A historic career

Peter’s career as an academic adventures began with a DPhil at the University of Oxford, before coming to King’s in 1959. He started in the role of Assistant Lecturer, rising through the ranks to Professor in 1978.

Two years later, Peter was appointed Rhodes Professor of Imperial History, a post he held until his retirement in 1993.

Despite technically retiring, Peter continued teaching at King’s well into the 21st century. 2009 marked his 50th consecutive year at King’s. This was a remarkable feat, which his colleagues fondly recall. Peter was particularly supportive of scholars. He generously endowed the Marshall Fellowships, jointly awarded by the Royal Historical Society and the Institute of Historical Research (IHR).

Beyond King’s, Peter served as President of the Royal Historical Society from 1996–2000. Between 1989 and 1990 he was a member of the History Working Group for the National Curriculum in England and Wales.

An expert in imperial history

Peter established a well-earned reputation for his expertise in imperial history, focusing on British India. Over the course of his career, he published a series of influential books and more than 50 articles and chapters on the topic.

Peter’s acclaimed book series transformed how scholars think about the early British Empire in South Asia. His work showed that the East India Company had become intertwined with Indian institutions.

In his later books, Peter extended his focus to the British Atlantic world. He kept writing right up until his death. His final book, Slave Ownership and Paternalist: Sir William Young (1749-1815) in England and the Caribbean, will be published posthumously by Boydell and Brewer.

A skilled editor, Peter lent his expertise to several prolific projects and publications. Highlights included editing the Journal of Imperial and Commonwealth History from 1981–91, and the Cambridge Illustrated History of the British Empire in 1996.

A kind, modest and gentle man

Peter’s academic prowess won him multiple awards and honours. He was made a Fellow of King’s College and an Honorary Fellow of Wadham College Oxford and the IHR. In 1992, Peter was elected to the Fellowship of the British Academy and he was awarded a CBE for services to history in 2002.

Above all, Peter will be remembered for his kindness, his modesty, and his gentle charm and wit. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, former colleagues and loved ones.

Details for this obituary were taken from the King’s website.