Dr Ewen Green, one of the country's leading historians of 20th century British Conservatism, has died aged 47.

The reader in modern British history at Magdalen College, Oxford, had been suffering from multiple sclerosis. Among his works on modern Conservatism was Thatcher, which came out in January this year.

The historian, a graduate of St John's College, Cambridge, lectured at Reading University from 1990 to 1995, after teaching at University College, London, and St John's College, Cambridge. He also completed a research fellowship at Oxford University's Brasenose College.

Following his post at Reading, he taught at Magdalen College, Oxford. A film buff and wine expert, he adored dogs and enjoyed betting on horses. He was a keen sportsman, playing rugby and cricket before being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in his early 40s.

He continued to teach and write as long as he could. Eventually wheelchair-bound and no longer able to read, he took early retirement earlier this year.