Huw and I were colleagues in the Department of History at Swansea University from 2007 to 2015.
In 2009, Huw organized a departmental research day at which colleagues were invited to articulate future research projects which might attract external funding. I sketched out a potential future joint research venture between Swansea University and Hereford Cathedral Library which would require careful planning and negotiation.
Initially, Huw did not comment on the proposal, but, at the end of the day, clearly having pondered the suggestion, he came up to me privately and quietly said just three words – “Go for it!”.
Following subsequent discussion, and after due negotiations with colleagues at Hereford Cathedral Library, we applied jointly to the Arts and Humanities Research Council in Swindon for funding for a three-year Collaborative Doctoral Award which, happily, we secured in 2011.
The project proved hugely successful, thanks to the outstanding research of the PhD student appointed to the project, Hannah Thomas: her work brought to light an important collection of books which are now used by many scholars (see: https://www.herefordcathedral.org/cwm-jesuit-library) – and Hannah is now the holder of a prominent post in the heritage sector (https://imc-leeds.confex.com/imc/2026/meetingapp.cgi/Person/10511).
Without Huw’s encouragement and support for what was initially just the beginnings of an idea, none of this would have happened … and I am eternally grateful to him.
My sincere condolences to Huw’s family on their loss.
Maurice Whitehead
Maurice Whitehead
25/06/2026
