Belmont mourns former teacher 

A well-loved and respected former English master of Belmont Abbey School died in London, aged 60, on April 19 1999 

Oxford graduate Michael Caswell had started working life in the diplomatic service before joining the teaching profession. He had taught at Belmont Abbey for 18 years. Margaret  McGaun, a friend and colleague said “He was a really good master. His eccentricities meant that the young students could relate to him. They thought he was terrific.” 

She added: “He was so well respected and quiet and unassuming. A lot of the boys, and girls, who were at the Abbey have been phoning me in disbelief that he’s died. Some boys have said that they hope their sons have a master as good as he was.” 

New territory 

When Belmont Abbey School closed, Mr Caswell decided to venture into new territory. His new life took him to London where, at the age of 55, he studied for a degree in law alongside some former students. As in everything he did, Mr Caswell excelled in his late studies and went on to practise law in London. 

Mirroring his time in Herefordshire where volunteered to work for many charities, including Headstart, he continued such work in the capital. He was particularly concerned with the needs of chiIdren. 

Father Mark, Abbot at Belmont Abbey, said: “Michael was a brilliant teacher who managed to always spark tremendous interest in boys who wanted to learn English literature and opened up all sorts of visions and avenues that they had not explored before. He was a very interesting man to talk to and a very nice man to know.” 

His cremation took place on Friday, May 7 1999 at the London Crematorium.