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Back to all news
Members of the St Paul’s Community are invited to share their messages of condolence, following the sad loss of Dr Ed Beesley, Head of History at St Paul’s.
Ed’s wife is extremely grateful for the kind words she has received so far and wanted the school to share this message with the Pauline community:
Normally, I am extremely assiduous in writing thank-you cards for the gifts I receive but, after today, this would be an Herculean task so please excuse the impersonal nature of this message.
Ed was loved and respected wherever he worked and it is an enormous help to Augusta, Theo and me to see this marked so palpably by the hundreds of cards and messages we have already received. We have long since run out of vases for beautiful flowers and the massive box which just arrived with so many envelopes, gifts and expressions of love from SPGS and SPS is quite overwhelming. The Rugby community also holds Ed deep in their hearts and so we are drawing on our collective good memories to keep us strong. Ed will live with us forever, of course, but you have all already played a huge part in supporting us and I know he would love you all the more for it.
With our best wishes, Lizzie, Augusta and Theo.
If you would like to share your message on this page, please add your comment in the below box.
If you wish to include your name with your message, please add it to the message box as well as the field marked ‘name’.
Mr Beesley was my history teacher between 1997/8 and 2001 at Rugby. He had arrived straight from doing his PHD at Bristol. He had a great sense of humour but was also probably the most inspiring teacher I ever encountered. I am not sure whether he really had beaten Tim Henman at tennis but that certainly the understanding. This is a very sad loss, My condolences to his family.
My first lesson at Rugby School was History with Dr, Beesley. He was truly a legend who believed in me at a time when no one else did.
I had the great privilege of working with Ed at Rugby when I first started teaching. He was, and will forever, remain one of the most intelligent, witty and brilliant teachers I have come across. His ability to teach and connect with students appeared effortless. I am so sorry for your loss
I had the enormous privilege of meeting Ed when he organised the talk in October ’22 on my book, ‘Walking Pepys’s London.’ It was such a merry evening, infused with Ed’s personality and enthusiasm, as well as his historical expertise. I feel honoured to have met him. What a loss – but what wonderful memories he will have left for his family and colleagues, I am sure.
I’ve just heard the very sad news today. My heart, prayers and thoughts are with you Lizzie, Augusta and Theo. Ed will always live with us and fondly remembered for being so special; inspirational and caring teacher and person. My family is and will be always grateful for his contribution to our life. Thank you Dr. Beesley, will be always in our hearts.