After attending Ealing Grammar School, he was educated at Oriel College, Oxford, where he completed his undergraduate and doctoral studies; his DPhil was awarded in 1972 for his thesis "Some aspects of the history, topography and archaeology of the north eastern part of the medieval city of Winchester with special reference to the Brooks area".
[2][5] Reflecting his wide interest and knowledge of cities and towns both historic and modern, Keene contributed to many projects and committees.
He was lead editor of the definitive history of St Paul's in 2004,[8] together with co-editors Arthur Burns and Andrew Saint.
[9] Derek was married to the academic and conservator Suzanne Keene (née Forbes) in 1969; they have a daughter, Frances, b.
He was skilled in woodworking and joinery and also in rural pursuits including scything, hedge laying and woodland management.
Derek also loved walking and hiking, often in extreme conditions, in countries both hot such as Cyprus, Crete and Spain, and cold including Scotland and Norway.