Death of Lord Harries of Pentregarth, Former Gresham Professor of Divinity

It is with great sadness that Gresham College marks the death of The Rt Revd Lord Harries of Pentregarth, Gresham Professor of Divinity from 2008 to 2012.

His Gresham lectures explored art, literature and faith, looking at figures such as the painter Stanley Spencer, and  the poets TS Eliot and WH Auden; the role of Christianity in public life; and a range of ethical issues. Many of these lectures can still be viewed on our website. 

Lord Harries had a distinguished career as Dean of King’s College from 1981 to 1987 and as Bishop of Oxford from 1987 to 2006. On retirement from the Diocese of Oxford, he was appointed to the House of Lords as Lord Harries of Pentregarth, where he brought his engagement with ethical issues and wide-ranging knowledge to many debates. He was known to the wider public through his popular “Thought for the Day” broadcasts on BBC Radio 4.  

Provost of Gresham College Jane Shaw, who knew Lord Harries well for thirty years, paid tribute to him: “Richard Harries combined his faith and intellect in a way that was compelling. He brought his wisdom and wide learning to all that he did, including his excellent Gresham Lectures which are always worth re-watching, not only for their fascinating subject matter but also for their deep understanding of the human condition. Above all, he was a kind person, with a wide circle of friends, who stood up for what he believed was right.”