P. N. (Percy Neville) Ure

Born in 1879, Percy Neville Ure became the University of Reading’s first Professor of Classics, a post he held for many years. He is especially remembered as the founder of the Ure Museum of Greek Archaeology, which grew out of his teaching, collecting, and research.

Ure was an important scholar of Greek archaeology and ancient history, with a strong interest in Boeotia and in Greek pottery. His published work included studies of early Greek society and political development, and he also took part in excavations in Greece. His academic life was closely linked with that of his wife, the archaeologist Annie Ure, who became the museum’s first curator.

He died in 1950. Although he is not widely known outside classical studies, his legacy remains visible in Reading through the museum and the collections, notes, and research he helped build.