Funeral of Professor Bayley takes place in the College chapel

  • 04 May 2018
  • 2 minutes

The funeral of Professor Peter Bayley, scholar of French literature and Fellow since 1971, took place in the College Chapel today. 

Attended by family, friends and colleagues, the service was led by the Dean, the Revd Dr Cally Hammond with music sung by the College Choir, and readings in both English and French, a tribute to Prof Bayley's esteemed academic career.  The Eulogy was delivered by Angus Bowie, Prof Bayley's partner, and Dr John Casey, Fellow of Gonville & Caius, read a passage from Corinthians.  

Prof Bayley joined Gonville & Caius in 1971 as a Fellow and College Lecturer in French, following a Research Fellowship at Emmanuel College. He also served as Tutor (1973-9), Praelector (1980-86) and editor of The Caian. In 1974 he was appointed University Assistant Lecturer in French and he was promoted to Lecturer in 1978. In 1985 he was elected Drapers Professor of French, a position he held until 2011.

Speaking on behalf of the College, Professor Joachim Whaley FBA, Fellow, paid tribute to Prof Bayley: "Peter dedicated his scholarly career to the study of French sermons of the seventeenth century and, latterly, to the lives and works of Bossuet and Saint-Simon. He played an active role in several national associations of French studies and the French government recognised his work in promoting French studies in this country by appointing him Officier dans l’Ordre des Palmes Académiques 1988; he was appointed Commandeur in the order in 2006."

"Many former students will remember Peter fondly as a lively and inspirational teacher of early modern French literature and of the French essay. His colleagues will remember him as someone who enjoyed College life to the full and whose presence enhanced any gathering. Our thoughts go out to Peter’s partner Angus Bowie who looked after him so devotedly in recent years."

Professor Bayley passed away on 10 April 2018, aged 73.

  • The Order of Service can be found here. For those who would like to make a donation to celebrate the memory of Prof Bayley, details are provided of The Stroke Association. 

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