Disclaimer: For in-person events we operate a policy of overbooking, given drop-out rates. Please ensure you arrive in good time to avoid disappointment on the day.

On 4 March, King’s College London will host two memorial gatherings in honour of our late-Colleague Prof. Jack Spence OBE. With his passing in August 2025, we lost a friend, colleague, mentor, and a giant of British academia.

11:00-12:00 Memorial Service for John Edward ‘Jack’ Spence

The Chapel, King’s College London -- led by the Rev. Tim Ditchfield, Chaplain, King’s College London

13:00-16:00 Remembering ‘Gentleman Jack’: a Memorial Workshop for Prof Jack Spence OBE

Melbourne House, King’s College London (preceded by lunch in Melbourne House for those attending the workshop)

PLEASE NOTE: You are able to register for the Memorial Service only (11:00-12:00) or for the Memorial Service and Workshop (13:00-16:00).

The Workshop ticket includes an optional lunch following the Memorial Service (12:00-13:00).

Faculty from King’s College London will host a memorial workshop for Jack. We will be bringing together Jack’s family, friends, colleagues, former students, and others he inspired to discuss his legacy. Speakers will include Prof. Sir Lawrence Freedman, Prof. ’Funmi Olonisakin, Prof. Mervyn Frost, Prof. Adrian Guelke and Dr. Athena Leoussi, plus others.

For over 60 years, Jack was a leading figure in International Studies, having held numerous professorships (including 25 years in the Department of War Studies), as well as tenures as the Chairman of the British International Studies Association and as Director of Research at Chatham House. Jack’s research and writing was certainly impressive. His list of publications included seven books and monographs and over sixty articles and book chapters. But perhaps his greatest achievement was his mentorship to younger scholars. Students and faculty from across numerous university departments will remember him as not only an eminent scholar of international politics, but also one of the most thoughtful and generous teachers of his generation. (For more on Jack, see the tribute to him at https://www.kcl.ac.uk/news/remembering-professor-jack-spence )

Attendance at both events is open to all, but registration is required.

Places for the Memorial Workshop are very limited and registration is necessary to attend.

Places are unlimited for the Memorial Service, however, anyone external to King’s will need to register to be allowed through security at King’s.

Any enquiries should be addressed to Prof. James Gow at james.gow@kcl.ac.uk

These events are organised by the Centre for Statecraft and National Security, the African Leadership Centre, the Department of War Studies and the Chaplaincy at King’s College London, and are part of King’s ‘Africa Week’ 2026