It has been five years since the world lost Sir Roger Scruton, the British philosopher, writer, and public intellectual whose work left an indelible mark on conservative thought, aesthetics, and political philosophy. Scruton, who passed away on 12 January 2020 at the age of 75, remains a figure of both admiration and contention, his ideas continuing to provoke debate and inspire reflection.
Born on 27 February 1944 in Buslingthorpe, Lincolnshire, Scruton grew up in a modest household. His father, Jack Scruton, was a teacher and a staunch socialist, while his mother, Beryl Claris Scruton, instilled in him a love of literature and music. Scruton’s early years were marked by a sense of displacement, as his family moved frequently due to his father’s work. This itinerant childhood, coupled with his later education at Cambridge, where he studied philosophy at Jesus College, shaped his intellectual journey.
Scruton’s career was as prolific as it was varied. Over the course of his life, he authored more than 50 books, spanning topics as diverse as aesthetics, morality, religion, and politics. His seminal works, such as The Meaning of Conservatism (1980) and Beauty: A Very Short Introduction (2009), established him as a leading voice in conservative philosophy. He was also a gifted novelist and composer, reflecting his deep engagement with the arts.
In addition to his academic and literary pursuits, Scruton was an active public intellectual. He contributed regularly to newspapers and magazines, including The Times, The Telegraph, and The Spectator. His articulate and often provocative commentary made him a prominent figure in Britain’s cultural and political debates. He was knighted in 2016 for his services to philosophy, teaching, and public education, a recognition of his enduring influence.
Scruton’s death in 2020 followed a battle with cancer. He passed away at his home in Brinkworth, Wiltshire, surrounded by his family. His wife, Sophie Jeffreys, 52, whom he married in 1996, and their two children, Sam and Lucy, survive him. His death was met with an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, students, and admirers, who praised his intellectual rigor, generosity, and commitment to preserving the cultural heritage he held dear.
Imogen Sinclair, 31, from Cheshire, Director of the New Social Covenant Unit, and who studied under the shadow of Scruton, reflects on his passing: “I knew Sir Roger was unwell and had made contact with him and Lady Scruton over the Summer and Winter of 2020. I was full of grief on the news of Sir Roger's death and offered these thoughts to UnHerd.”
As we mark the fifth anniversary of his passing, Sir Roger Scruton’s voice remains as relevant as ever. A foundation, idealized through discussions between Scruton and Fisher Derderian, 32, from Orange County, California, was launched on 26 August 2020, the same year as Scruton’s death.
Derderian, former pupil from University of Buckingham, who serves as the organization’s president, says that “be able to honour Sir Roger with an institution befitting his legacy is a great dream.” In addition, he is “pleased to have the opportunity to lead it.”
Experience of audio simulating Imogen Sinclair’s voice and thoughts in the article.
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