Professor David M Smith

Posted on 7 October 2022

We are devastated to hear of the death of Professor David Smith, Director of the Borthwick Institute from 1974 to 2000.

David was an incredible scholar, archivist, supervisor and friend. His work cemented the Borthwick’s reputation as a place of study for medieval ecclesiastical history; and was also instrumental in developing our collections, securing the archives of the Halifax family, Rowntree and Co and the Retreat, amongst many others.

David will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege of working and spending time with him. His legacy surrounds us at the Borthwick, and his work will continue to inspire and drive us in the future.

Further details of events to celebrate David’s life and achievements will be announced in due course, but right now our thoughts and wishes are with David’s friends, family and former colleagues around the world.

If you would like to share your memories of David, you can do so on our remembrance page.