John Denis Charmley (9 Nov 1955 - 12 May 2025)

I learned of John's passing only a week ago and am still in shock. He was one of very few great historians of Modern British History; a superb writer and prodigious archival researcher. I always looked up to John. He was my greatest supporter at UEA, where I began my academic career, and it was a joy to meet up with him again a few years ago when he invited me to lecture to the Norfolk and Norwich Historical Society. On a freezing cold Saturday morning, he was at the doorway of a large townhouse in central Norwich to greet me and gave me an effusive Introduction. John was a masterly political historian and always made you feel that your work as an historian really mattered. I will miss John and will cherish all the conversations we had over 30 + years.

John was something between a mentor, a conspirator, and a friend to me.

I’ll remember him as a balletic man, who moved—literally and figuratively—on the balls of his feet. Agile. Adaptable. Prone to the odd unlikely leap (of logic.)

He used to filibuster tricky meetings, and catch your eye while he was doing it. And revelled in the moral ambiguity signalled by men wearing bright red braces.

He protected people.

He always made time.

He never shirked the difficult decision.

He called me ‘Dear Boy!’ In a terrifying crescendo. And trusted. And laughed a pixie-laugh, a puck-laugh that fit him exactly, but not his frame.

He spoke so wonderfully of “The Redoubtable Mrs C”.

We used to go for Portuguese tarts at the lunch place down the road—same innuendo each and every time—And work our way through the burger menu at the pub.

And worry. And stop each other worrying. And had Just-William style nicknames for the cast of the University psycho-drama.

He once told his trendy career coach (mandated) that he had spent quite enough time avoiding self-inspection to reverse the trend now.

We once looked for bugging devices in his office.

He cared. And spoke about the terrible focus of University politics as ‘the Eye of Sauron’.

He is—was—like a character from wodehouse. But he made all of us literary. Raised us. And got little of the credit.

Here. “At the shores of the sea, comes the end of our friendship…

Goodbye, Boss. Thank you.

With sympathy from everyone at the School of History, UEA

John was a valued member and great supporter of the Norfolk and Norwich Branch of the Historical Association. I first met him in his early days at UEA. During my time as Secretary of the Branch in the 1990s I had cause to be grateful for his support. His lectures at Branch meetings were always so fluent, lively and stimulating. One that immediately comes to mind came soon after the publication of his book on Churchill; by far the most thought - provoking of any I have experienced in decades of attendance at Branch meetings. On another occasion he literally came to my rescue at the eleventh hour when I arrived for the Branch’s annual Sixth Form Conference at UEA to be given a message, which had just been received from one of the speakers, that he would not be coming. John immediately stepped into the breech with a lecture in which he was even able to cover the original topic. John was an inspiration to students and to the wider community of those with an interest in history.

Thoughts and prayers for all the family. John made UEA a better place.

Carpe diem 💔

EAS 1983-6. John made a great contribution to my studies. He will be sorely missed by those who studied with him

John was a generous mentor, friend and inspiration to me. I owe him more than I could ever repay. He was also great company and I will miss his stories and his impressions and the way he brought joy and humour to every situation.

It was a pleasure to study with him. We had many good conversations at the residential weekends. I miss him!

Remembering Professor Charmley as a most welcoming, most knowledgeable gentleman. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.

Remembering an excellent professor, and most welcoming gentleman. RIP.

Sincerest condolences and love to all the family.

In memory of John Charmley.

It was a pleasure working with John. He was such a wonderful man. I enjoyed our chats immensely and how we would so often end up laughing until we cried. I will always be grateful for his guidance, support and encouragement and for the time he gave me.

A tremendous historian, and evidently a wonderful father and grandfather too. Very sorry that you've lost him so soon.

So saddened by John's passing. I loved working with him at UEA he was a wonderful colleague and I will be forever grateful for the encouragement, opportunities and support he gave me during his time there and at St Mary's.