Peter Spufford

Peter Spufford, (18 August 1934 – 18 November 2017) was a British historian and academic, specialising in the economics of Medieval Europe. He was Professor Emeritus of European History at the University of Cambridge.

Early life and education Spufford was born on 18 August 1934. He was educated at Kingswood School, a private school in Bath, Somerset. He studied at Jesus College, Cambridge, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in 1956 and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in 1963.

Academic career Spufford began his academic career as a research fellow of Jesus College, Cambridge from 1958 to 1960. He then moved to the University of Keele, where he rose through the ranks from assistant lecturer to lecturer to senior lecturer, and finally to reader, between 1960 and 1979.

He was also President of the Cambridge University Heraldic and Genealogical Society for the 1959/1960 academic year and later served as Vice-President.

Personal life Spufford was married to Professor Margaret Spufford (née Clark; 1935–2014) who was a British academic and historian. They had two children; a son, Francis, and a daughter, Bridget, who pre-deceased them; Bridget is well remembered by Bridget's Hostel for disabled students in Cambridge.

Spufford died on 18 November 2017. His funeral was held on 24 November at the Church of St Mary and St Andrew, Whittlesford, Cambridgeshire.

Honours In 1968, Spufford was elected Fellow of the Royal Historical Society (FRHistS). The following year he became a Fellow of the Society of Genealogists (FSG). On 11 January 1990, he was elected Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries (FSA). In 1994, he was elected Fellow of the British Academy (FBA). In 2005, he was awarded the Medal of the Royal Numismatic Society in 2005.