We were saddened to learn of the death of Roy Hattersley this month, and offer our condolences to his family. He was made a patron of the Thorney Island Society in recognition of his support for the Society’s aims, particularly in the early years, when the initial focus was on saving the old Westminster Library in Great Smith Street.

For a sense of the origins of the Thorney Island Society, you may enjoy this article, which Roy Hatterlsey wrote for the Guardian’s 15 February 1986 “Endpiece” column, concerning the proposed destruction of the library building.