The College deeply regrets to report that Professor Nicholas Crafts, FBA, Univ’s Economics Fellow in 1977-86, died on 6 October 2023 aged 74. In addition to his tutorial work, he was also Domestic Bursar from 1979-83 and in Hilary and Trinity Terms 1986. While at Univ, he published British Economic Growth During the Industrial Revolution (OUP, 1985), which remains a classic study of that subject.

In a tribute to Nick which appeared in the 1987 University College Record, David Soskice (F. 1967-90) wrote:

“How he actually managed as much research as he did while here is something of a mystery, for he was also Domestic Bursar for four years. This was no sinecure. During his reign in the Bursary he re-organised the hotel side of the College onto a more economic footing and also increased the conference trade considerably. However, Nick’s main achievement at Univ lies neither in the Bursary nor in research, but in being one of the finest tutors in recent years. He gave undergraduates a sense of confidence that they could really do economics and he was prepared to spend time with them on social occasions as well as in tutorials.”

On leaving Univ, Nick became Professor of Economic History at the University of Leeds and then at the University of Warwick. In 1995 he became Professor of Economic History at the London School of Economics. In 2005 he returned to Warwick, and from 2019 until his death held a Professorship at the University of Sussex Business School.

More information on Nick’s life and work can be found in this tribute on the website for the Centre for Economic Policy Research.

A tribute to Nick will appear in the 2024 issue of the University College Record. The College sends its deep condolences to Nick’s family.

Published: 17 October 2023