There was Lord Jenkins himself, then plain Woy, in possession of a first-class degree from Balliol College, Oxford, like his colleague Denis Healey.

ECONOMIST: Sometimes too many brains can go to your head

Chris Patten, the son of a jazz musician, attended a Roman Catholic day school in Ealing, before winning a place at Balliol College, Oxford.

BBC: Lord Patten's BBC Trust role approved by MPs

Chris Patten is the son of a jazz musician who attended a Roman Catholic day school in Ealing, before winning a place at Balliol College, Oxford.

BBC: Profile: Lord Patten

As master of Balliol College, Oxford from 1989-94 the first American to hold the post, and the first scientist he would pedal out eagerly into the countryside, his burly frame well waterproofed against the English weather, to see what he might see.

ECONOMIST: Barry Blumberg