British Academy: The UK's National Academy for the Humanities and Social Sciences

Professor Richard Sharpe

Professor of Diplomatic, University of Oxford

Year Elected: 2003

He is noted as a medieval historian of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, author of the landmark volume Medieval Irish Saints' Lives. He is a master of hagiography from the 4th to the 12th century, and his work sheds light on social history, religious culture and Latin literary style.