It is with great sadness that the Brunel Law School has learned of the death of Professor Patrick Polden, Emeritus Professor.
He was an eminent scholar with a particular interest in legal history. His work included A History of the County Court 1846–71, Guide to the Records of the Lord Chancellor’s Department and Peter Thellusson's Will of 1797 and Its Consequences on Chancery Law. He co-authored The Oxford History of the Laws of England. He also published articles in scholarly journals.
He was a wise colleague, generous with his time to advise more junior academics and to support Heads of Department. He was much admired and well-liked by students and he was scrupulously fair in his dealings with them. With his wicked sense of humour, he entertained colleagues and students alike.
He will be remembered by all who worked with him and he will be sorely missed by his friends. We send condolences to his wife, Anne.