A former vice-chancellor of Oxford University and principal of Jesus College, Sir John Habakkuk, has died at the age of 87.

Born in Barry, South Glamorgan, in 1915, Sir John won a history scholarship to St John's College, Cambridge.

He went on to become a fellow, then director of history studies, at Pembroke College.

He came to Oxford in 1950 after being appointed Chichele Professor of Economic History and a fellow of All Souls.

In 1967 he was elected principal of Jesus College.

He served as vice-Chancellor of the university from 1973 to 1977 and received his knighthood in 1976.

Sir Peter North, the principal of Jesus College, Oxford, said: "He was, in so many respects, simply a great man."

In 1948, Sir John married Mary Richards, who died earlier this year.

Sir John, who died on November 3, leaves three daughters and a son.