Brian Kemp (1940-2019)

It is deep regret that we announce the death of our member Brian Kemp, B.A., Ph.D., D.Litt., F.S.A., F.R.Hist.S. who passed away on Monday, 12th August 2019.

Brian joined the Society in 1983 and played a significant role in organising the 2014 A.G.M. held at Bray church in Berkshire where he spoke on the important series of brasses and monuments. Brian, who was a good friend to the Society, also contributed a paper entitled Bishop Wyville's Brass: Further Thoughts at the Study Day held at Salisbury Cathedral on 30th September 2017.

Professor Kemp was a founding member of the Church Monuments Society and served as President from 1991 to 1996. He was subsequently a Vice-President.

He was Emeritus Professor of Medieval History at the University of Reading and continued to teach at the university until his death.

He was a member of the Council of The Canterbury and York Society, and of The Pipe Roll Society. His other roles include the Presidency of The Friends of Reading Abbey; membership of the Oxford D.A.C.; Executive Committee member of the Royal County of Berkshire Churches Trust; and a member of the Standing Conference on Archives of Berkshire Record Office.

In addition, to numerous articles on medieval English ecclesiastical and monastic history, his publications include English Church Monuments (Batsford, 1980); Church Monuments (Shire Books, 2010); and four volumes of Salisbury Episcopal Acta published by the British Academy, in 1999-2000.

The funeral was held at Earley parish church, Berkshire on 6th September 2019.

Photo: Brian Kemp speaking at the Society's A.G.M. in 2014.