My father, Michael Rose, emeritus professor of social and economic history at Manchester University, who has died aged 86, was a historian who made a significant contribution to the study of the English Poor Law of the 19th century, and to the regional and local history of Manchester.
Mike was born in Sheffield, to Edward, the vicar of the parish of Darnall, and Ellen (nee Baker), a nurse. After attending Rotherham grammar school, he completed his national service with the army, though when applying for a commission he was told that he did not “have a military mind”. The Royal Army Ordnance Corps’ loss was academia’s gain however, as he won a scholarship to Oxford, studying history first at Jesus, then Nuffield.
