Tributes pour in for 'fantastic' and 'inspirational' Cambridge teacher

Tributes have been paid to a former Cambridge history teacher who died on Wednesday (April 17). Nicolas Kinloch was a teacher at the Netherhall School where he was Head of History between 1985 and 2005.

He also taught Russian and was a teacher fellow at the School of Oriental and African Studies, according to a biography by the Academy of Ideas. He was a deputy president of the Historical Association, a regular contributor for many years to BBC History Magazine, and the author of several books.

The Cambridge branch of the Historical Association shared the news of Mr Kinloch's death on Wednesday, saying that he died suddenly at home. Branch President Dr Seán Lang wrote in a tribute to Mr Kinloch: "There are generations of his former pupils in the Cambridge area and further afield (he once encountered one on a visit to a Hollywood studio) who still talk in thrilled tones of being taught by Mr Kinloch."

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Dr Lang said Mr Kinloch led an annual re-enactment of the Battle of Hastings for Year 7 students. He also once broke a desk during a demonstration of using a sword on horseback.

Mr Kinloch was well travelled and had taught in Sweden, Estonia, Japan, and Kazakhstan. He wrote textbooks and was editor of HINDSIGHT GCSE history magazine 1990-2005 and Teaching History.

Dozens of tributes have been paid to Mr Kinloch, who was described by former pupils, friends, and colleagues as 'fantastic' and inspirational'. Charlotte Johnson said: "He was the best teacher and made history classes a pure pleasure and often hilarious."

Jo Turner said: "Mr Kinloch was my history teacher at Netherhall School. He was an amazing teacher. He made history so interesting and fun. You could see he had a true passion for the subject. Very inspiring and his lessons were always fun."

Sue Thompson wrote: "He taught both of our children at Netherhall and it's a testament to his teaching that they actually related tales of his lessons and how challenging and entertaining they were instead of the usual teenage 'Fine'. Our son loved the lunchtime banter with him in the canteen and my husband was lucky enough to work with him at Netherhall for a number of years."