It is with great sadness that we inform you of the death of Colin Morris who died on 18th September 2021.  Colin was a student at the school in 1938 until 1945. During his life Colin became a renowned medieval historian who focused on the Crusades and the idea of the individual. Colin challenged 19th century orthodoxy that the concept of the individual emerged in Western Europe from the late 13th century with his book 'The Discovery of the Individual, 1050-1200'. Colin's research was always informed by a deep interest in medieval art and architecture.

Colin won a scholarship to Hymers and from there a scholarship to Queens College, Oxford, where he gained a first-class degree in modern history in 1948.  Following 13 months of National Service he returned to Queen's for another BA, again first-class, in theology. After studying in Lincoln Theological College, in 1953 he was ordained deacon and appointed chaplain and fellow in medieval history in Pembroke College, Oxford, and in 1954 he was ordained priest. 

At Oxford Colin joined a stellar group of medieval historians who were transforming the understanding of intellectual, cultural and religious landscape of central middle ages.  He later served for a while as Acting Head of his college.. 

In 1969 he went to Southampton University as a professor of medieval history. In 1993 he retired as Professor Emeritus, and continued his research. Throughout he held the principles of being truthful, kind and curious. In 2007 he was elected a fellow of the British Academy, and two years later an honorary fellow of Queen's.

Colin’s life was marked in The Guardian newspaper on 24th November 2021.