David Vyvyan Edward Royall

13th August 1941 – 26th February 2021

David Royall died peacefully in the Horton General Hospital, Banbury, on the 26th February aged 79 Years. Born in Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire, David was educated at Clee Humberstone Foundation School before accepting his place to read law at Queens’ College Cambridge in 1960. During his time at Queens’ David was regarded as ‘a tremendously conscientious and hard working young man who left nothing to chance. He was a man of complete integrity’. He was also known as a keen soccer player and classical guitarist.

In 1964, following his graduation, David applied to be an assistant lecturer in law at Lanchester Polytechnic (now known as Coventry University). David later became head of the Law Department in 1976. David used his experience as a teacher and writer, and as a leading light in legal education, to make the Department one renowned for its teaching and pastoral excellence. David had an ‘old-school’ teaching style, but nonetheless he offered the highest possible educational service to the students in Coventry. Thanks to his headship, hundreds of students were able to graduate with well-developed legal skills and go on to become top figures in law, and beyond.

David was a reviewer in the Law Teacher, becoming its sole editor in 1980. He also contributed several works on law, taxation, business and industry. This includes editing W.F Frank’s Legal Aspects of Industry and Commerce published in 1975.

When David left Coventry Law School and higher education in 1987, it marked the end of an era for the University, but it was also the start of a new chapter in his own life as he embarked on a career in legal publishing. David joined CCH Editions Ltd as a tax editor, and worked for the company until he retired in the late 1990s.

David spent the remaining years of his life in the quiet village of Hanwell, North Oxfordshire, where he would enjoy walking around the surrounding countryside. David was a proud father and leaves a daughter, Catherine. A private funeral was held in St Peter’s Church near to his home on Tuesday 23rd March.

Catherine Royall

26th March 2021

David Royall dressed in a suit