A leading Oxford University history professor who died in a multi-car crash on the M40, has been remembered as “a warm and loyal friend” with a passion for teaching.

Medieval historian and archaeologist Mark Whittow, 60, who had been named as the next provost of Oriel College, died along with a 29 year-old man from Warwickshire after a collision believed to have involved five vehicles over the weekend. 

Professor Martin Conway, chairman of Oxford University's History Faculty, said: “The entire Oxford community has been left deeply saddened by Mark's tragic death.

“Mark was an enormous influence on history in Oxford, where his energy and commitment to teaching, research and to the sense of an intellectual community was irrepressible.

“Above all, generations of students, researchers and colleagues knew him as a warm and loyal friend who enriched all our lives. We will miss him enormously.” ...