John Barron

John Penrose Barron, (27 April 1934 – 16 August 2008) was a British classical scholar. He was Director of the Institute of Classical Studies, University of London from 1984 to 1991, and Master of St Peter's College, Oxford, from 1991 to 2003.

Early life and education Barron was born on 27 April 1934 in Morley, Yorkshire, England. He was educated at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, an all-boys private school in Wakefield, and at Clifton College, then also an all-boys independent school in Bristol. He matriculated into Balliol College, Oxford, in 1953; he had originally intended to study law but was convinced by a college tutor to switch to Lit. Hum. (Classics).

Academic career Barron began his academic career in 1959, having been appointed an assistant lecturer in Latin at Bedford College, London: he was promoted to lecturer in 1961. He was appointed Reader in Archaeology and Numismatics in 1967. He also greatly expanded the physical footprint of the college, adding three new buildings. He was also Chairman of the Conference of Colleges, the association of Oxford Colleges, from 1993 to 1995, and Chairman of the University of Oxford's Admissions Committee from 1997 to 2000.

Selected works