Julian Branston (1961)

Julian Rex Branston was born on 7^th April 1943 in Leicester. Educated at Richmond House primary school (where he was accelerated up a year) and Wyggeston Boys’ Grammar School, he achieved 10 O-Levels and A-Levels in Pure Maths, Applied Maths and Physics. He won a State Scholarship (in Pure Maths and Applied Maths) and a place at Queens’ College to read Mathematics in 1961.

Having spent four months studying Maths, Julian decided to switch to Law. He graduated with a First Class BA (Hons) in Law in 1964, for which he won a College prize. He gained an MA in 1967. During his time at Queens’, Julian played regularly for the First XV rugby team. He remained proud throughout his life of once keeping the great Michael Gibson down in the Second XV. He also occasionally made forays into the College football teams, though he reported less success against distinguished opponents.

After Cambridge, Julian studied at the College of Law in Guildford. He was articled and qualified as a solicitor at Headleys in Hinckley, before branching out on his own in 1969. His firm, Branston & Co., operated in Leicester for the next 39 years.

Upon retirement, in 2008, Julian embarked on a six-year Open University degree in history, graduating with another Honours degree in 2014.

Julian’s great passion in life was playing, watching and talking sport. He played rugby and squash at club level for many years. He was an avid supporter of Leicester Tigers, Leicestershire County Cricket Club and Leicester City. He followed the Tour de France and Vendee Globe closely. He was a keen fell walker, particularly in the Lake District, where he holidayed regularly from the age of 14. He completed the Three Peaks in 1960 in 24 hours, at a time before motorways. He completed all of the Wainwright Fells. He also completed the Coast to Coast walk, raising money for Queens’ in the process.

Julian died unexpectedly but peacefully on his final trip to the Lakes, in Eskdale, on 5^th June 2024. He was 81.

Julian was married for 57 years to Pat, who survives him alongside his children, Gareth and Stephanie, and three grandchildren, Darcey, Hardy and Annika.   

Julian remained proud throughout his life of his time at Queens’ College. He raised money for the College, was a member of the 1448 Society and regularly returned for garden parties and other events.

(Obituary by Gareth Branston (1992))