Renowned Canadian philosopher of science, William ‘Bill’ Newton-Smith, who pioneered lavender cultivation on a field scale in Wales, has died aged 79.

Newton-Smith died on April 8, on his farm on the Epynt, leaving behind a profound legacy of academia and activism.

Born on May 25, 1943, in Orillia, Ontario, Newton-Smith’s academic journey took him from Queen’s University over the border to Cornell in New York, where he earned his MA. He further pursued his academic pursuits at Oxford, attaining an MA DPhil degree. In 1970, Newton-Smith became a Fellow and Tutor in Philosophy at Balliol College, Oxford, solidifying his place in academia.

Beyond his scholarly achievements, Newton-Smith was a staunch advocate against authoritarian regimes across the globe. His activism began after his expulsion from Czechoslovakia in 1980 for delivering a philosophy lecture without state permission, which hit international headlines.

In subsequent years, he played a pivotal role in establishing and revamping 35 universities on behalf of organisations like George Soros’s Open Society Foundation and the World Bank. From Al-Quds in the West Bank to the American University of Central Asia, Newton-Smith’s contributions were instrumental in promoting education and fostering academic growth.

Among his many contributions to the field of philosophy, Newton-Smith authored several influential books that continue to shape scholarly discourse. His works, including “The Structure of Time” (1980), “The Rationality of Science” (1981), and “Logic” (1984), are revered as classics and remain in print.

Newton-Smith also held the position of founding chair at Black Mountains College here in Wales, an institution set to welcome its first cohort of degree students in September.

Alongside his academic and activist pursuits, Newton-Smith ventured into the realm of farming, embarking on an extraordinary journey that resulted in Wales’ first lavender farm. In 2003, alongside his wife, international journalist Nancy Durham, Newton-Smith contemplated how their sheep farm, Cefnperfedd Uchaf, nestled 1,100 feet up on the Epynt near Builth Wells, could be transformed.

Inspired by the lavender hedge in their Oxford garden, Durham wondered if they could cultivate lavender on their farm.

Farmer and neighbour Baden Powell suggested that they plant a lavender field, before informing the couple about grant funding from the Welsh Government and European Union, which incentivised diversification from traditional crops.

Seizing the opportunity, the couple secured a grant of £1,000 and with that funding, sowed the seeds of their first lavender field, embarking on a remarkable journey as farmers, distillers of lavender oil, and creators of exquisite lavender gifts.

Survived by his wife Nancy, Newton-Smith is also mourned by his two daughters from his first marriage to Doris Heffron, Ontario Court Justice Apple Newton-Smith and Director-General of the Confederation of British Industry Rain Newton-Smith.

Bill Newton-Smith and Nancy Durham
Bill Newton-Smith and Nancy Durham at Holywell Manor, Oxford on their wedding day on December 30, 1989. (Family photo)

A memorial gathering will be held on Sunday, May 21 at 12 midday at the lavender farm at Mynydd Epynt (LD2 3HU). The family has asked for no flowers, although donations in support of Black Mountain’s College are most welcome: