Jack joined SoGE in 1980 as a lecturer in Geography and Fellow and Tutor in Geography at St John’s College. His recent research focused on the historical geography of the forests of England and Wales, looking at what happened to English forests and chases in the early modern period.
After completing his undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in geography at the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth (1960-66), he lectured at the Universities of Liverpool (1973-80), Cambridge (1968-73) and Manchester (1966-68).
Jack had a life-long interest in the development of geographical thought. His early empirical research was on the geography of economic growth and urbanisation in the Industrial Revolution; from 1979-1994 he focused on peasant farming systems in theory, and of Sweden in particular. Jack retired in 2009 but continued research as an Emeritus Research Fellow at St John’s until 2018.
Professor Giles Wiggs, Head of SoGE, said: “Jack was an extremely kind man who had a passion and curiosity for Geography that went well beyond his own research. He always had time to discuss interests with staff and students, and he was a great supporter of the School. He will be missed very much.”
More information on Jack’s work and publications is available on our website. Details of any memorial event will be shared by St John’s College in due course.
