Lord Jeffrey Archer

Jeffrey came to Brasenose in 1963 to study for a Diploma in Education, having previously worked as a teacher. A talented athlete, he represented Oxford in athletics and was President of the Oxford University Athletic Club.

While raising money for Oxfam, Jeffrey arranged for The Beatles to visit Brasenose and introduced them to the then Principal, Sir Noel Hall. By repute, Sir Noel had no idea who his celebrated visitors were. A photograph of the occasion, showing Jeffrey, The Beatles and members of the College remains in the Principal’s Lodgings today.

Jeffrey went on to have a remarkably varied and colourful public career. He served as Conservative MP for Louth from 1969 to 1974 and later as Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party, and was made a life peer in 1992.

He was best known internationally as a novelist and storyteller. His first novel, Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less, was published in 1976, followed by books including Kane and Abel and the Clifton Chronicles. Over a writing career spanning five decades, his books sold more than 300 million copies worldwide. His final novel, Adam and Eve, is published this week.

He is survived by his wife, Dame Mary Archer, their sons William and James (Chemistry, 1992), and five grandchildren.

Brasenose offers its sincere condolences to Dame Mary and to Lord Archer’s family and friends.