Tributes have been paid to Belfast historian and author ATQ Stewart

Academics at Queen's University have been paying tribute to Belfast historian ATQ Stewart who died at home at the age of 81 after a long illness.

Dr Stewart worked as a lecturer in Stranmillis College of Education, before becoming a lecturer at Queen's University Belfast.

He was also a best-selling author and a contributor to BBC history programmes and to the Irish Times.

Professor Lord Paul Bew, from Queen's School of Politics, International Studies and Philosophy, said Dr Stewart was an "outstanding historian in an outstanding generation of Queen's historians".

"He was also a well-known journalist and broadcaster, capable of bridging the gap between the academic and public sphere.

'Immense'

"His generosity to young scholars was legendary and there are many who owe him a great deal for his kindness and scholarly insight. Tony Stewart was a gentleman of the old school and he will be sorely missed."

Professor Richard English, Head of the School, said Dr Stewart was "one of the most important Irish historians of the late-twentieth century".

His colleague, Professor Graham Walker, described Dr Stewart's contribution to modern Irish history as "immense".

He added: "His works are models of scholarly integrity. They illuminate in particular the mind and the world of Protestant Ulster. No other scholar has conveyed the history of this community with such insight and panache."

Dr Stewart died peacefully at home in Belfast on Friday 17 December.

He is survived by his wife, Anna and sons, Christopher and Peter.

His funeral service will be held at Roselawn Crematorium in Belfast on Thursday.