The British School at Rome joins in the widespread tributes of esteem and appreciation for our deeply missed former colleague, Professor Chris Wickham, following the very sad news of his death last Friday. Chris was Director of the BSR from 2020-2021, throughout the time of the pandemic, and gained the affection and appreciation of the whole community for his gentle, wise and steady influence in that difficult period. He was always available to talk or to listen, and together with Leslie created many joyful occasions even during lockdown to bring the community together. As the restrictions eased in Italy he led fascinating walks across the almost empty city, revealing through his great expertise the medieval Rome that is often hard to find. He was also happy to get behind the wheel of a minibus to take residents out beyond the city walls on voyages of discovery far and wide.

Of course, alongside his very human touch which made him so loved on Via Gramsci, Chris was a formidable scholar with an excellent reputation and extensive and well-established networks across Rome and Italy, hugely respected for his academic work which brought added lustre to the BSR. His latest book was catalogued for the BSR library just this week. He remained a frequent visitor and a stalwart supporter after he stepped down from the Directorship. He will be very much missed.