Four decades of history celebrated at Teesside University

Invited delegates, including students and historians from across the globe, gathered at Teesside University for a special celebration to mark four decades of history teaching.

The celebration also paid tribute to Professor Tony Pollard, a formative and significant member of the institution’s history department.

Former students who graduated from Teesside more than 30 years ago rubbed shoulders with current students and historians who had travelled from across the world to take part in the celebratory event.

Among them were many of Professor Pollard’s former students and historians who have worked with him over the years.

Professor Pollard is a leading authority on Late Medieval history, specialising in North-Eastern England during the War of the Roses. Although retired from the University, he retains links as Emeritus Professor and is a member of the University’s Centre for Regional and Local Historical Research.

Margaret Hems, one of Professor Pollard’s former students and now Head of History at Teesside University, said: 'It was a privilege to be part of such an important event. It was both a celebration of the success of history as a subject at Teesside University and a perfect opportunity to pay tribute to the career of Professor Tony Pollard, who played a fundamental role in establishing history as a degree subject at Teesside.

'The event was a great success and included papers from Tony’s first PhD student, Professor Anne Curry, now Dean of the Faculty of Humanities at Southampton University and Dr Rosemary Horrox, Director of Studies in History of Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge University.'

Speaking at the event, Professor Cliff Hardcastle, Teesside University Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Business Engagement), paid his own tribute to the research profile which Professor Pollard led during his long career at Teesside.

He also spoke of the University’s pride in its History department which has also done much, through the Centre for Regional and Local Historical Research, to raises the profile of the history of north-eastern England. He also applauded the high quality and excellent reputation of the taught history degree programmes.

Margaret added: 'Thousands of students have benefited from studying at Teesside and have gone on to have successful careers. Many of the academics, historians and graduates who attended the event included those who have worked with or were taught by Professor Pollard.'

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