Pathetic Facts

British music stars died at age 59

Here are 10 famous musicians from United Kingdom died at 59:

William Jardine

William Jardine (February 24, 1784 Dumfriesshire-February 27, 1843) was a British surgeon.

However, Jardine is more well-known for his role in establishing the Jardine Matheson & Co., a prominent Scottish firm that played a significant role in the development of the trade and industries in Asia during the 19th century. He was one of the founding partners of the company and spent many years working and living in China, where he established strong relationships with influential Chinese officials and businessmen. Jardine's legacy also lived on through his philanthropic activities, which included the establishment of a library and a hospital in his hometown of Dumfriesshire.

In addition to his work in Jardine Matheson & Co., William Jardine was an accomplished naturalist and collector. He documented and collected many specimens of flora and fauna in China, and was especially interested in ornithology. Jardine was a founder and the first president of the Bombay Natural History Society and contributed significantly to the growth of the society's collections. He also served as a governor of the Hudson's Bay Company and was a Member of Parliament for Ashburton from 1841 until his death in 1843. Jardine was buried in Hong Kong, where his legacy as a pioneer of Anglo-Chinese trade and British influence in Asia continues to be recognized.

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Adrian Conan Doyle

Adrian Conan Doyle (November 19, 1910 Crowborough-June 3, 1970 Geneva) also known as Adrian Malcolm Conan Doyle or Adrian Malcolm was a British writer, screenwriter and race car driver.

He was the youngest son of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes, and served as his father's literary agent towards the end of his life. Adrian Conan Doyle began his writing career as a journalist, covering events such as the Spanish Civil War and the 1936 Berlin Olympics. He later transitioned to writing novels and screenplays, and worked with Hollywood studios such as 20th Century Fox and MGM. In addition to his writing career, Adrian was also an accomplished race car driver, competing in events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Monte Carlo Rally. Following his death in 1970, his ashes were interred at the Church of St. Mary Magdalene in East Sussex, England.

Adrian Conan Doyle was also a pilot and served in the Royal Air Force during World War II. He was awarded the Air Force Cross for his service. During his time as a race car driver, he set a land speed record at Brooklands in 1933, driving a saloon car at over 90mph. Adrian was also a skilled yachtsman and spent much of his free time sailing. He wrote several books on yachting and was a member of the Royal Ocean Racing Club. In addition to his accomplishments, Adrian Conan Doyle was known for his love of adventure, having traveled extensively throughout his life. He was married twice and had five children.

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Robin Cook

Robin Cook (February 28, 1946 Bellshill-August 6, 2005 Inverness) also known as Robert Finlayson Cook was a British politician.

Robin Cook was a leading figure in the UK Labour Party and served as a Member of Parliament for over 30 years. During his political career, he held various positions including serving as the leader of the House of Commons and as Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs. Cook was a vocal advocate for ethical foreign policy and is well-known for his opposition to the Iraq War. Outside of politics, Cook was a keen mountain climber and in 1997 became the first serving British MP to summit Mount Everest. After his passing, he was widely mourned and remembered for his integrity and dedication to public service.

In addition to his political career and mountaineering achievements, Robin Cook was also an accomplished author. He wrote several books, including a biography of Scottish socialist leader James Maxton, a collection of speeches, and a novel titled "A Point of Departure." Cook was admired for his intelligence, wit, and principled stance on issues. He was also known for his ability to connect with people and build coalition across political lines. In the wake of his passing, political leaders from all parties praised Cook's legacy and commitment to public service. His contributions to British politics continue to be remembered and studied to this day.

He died in cardiovascular disease.

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Charles Bowen, Baron Bowen

Charles Bowen, Baron Bowen (January 1, 1835-April 10, 1894) was a British lawyer and judge.

He was born in Taunton, Somerset, England and was educated at Eton College and Balliol College, Oxford. After completing his studies, he was called to the bar at Lincoln's Inn in 1860 and became a QC (Queen's Counsel) in 1872. Bowen was appointed a judge of the High Court of Justice in 1879 and then a Lord Justice of Appeal in 1887. In 1892, he was made a life peer as Baron Bowen of Colwood. Bowen was known for his expertise in commercial law and his landmark judgments in cases involving mergers and acquisitions, corporate law, and trademarks. He also served as the first President of the Pilgrims Society, a transatlantic organization dedicated to promoting US-UK relations. Bowen passed away in Sussex, England at the age of 59.

During his tenure as a judge, Bowen was noted for his fairness, impartiality, and clarity of thought. He was greatly respected by his colleagues and was often consulted for his expertise in commercial law. One of his most significant cases was the 1888 decision in the "Whiteley's case," which helped establish the legal definition of property ownership. Bowen was also known for his literary pursuits and was the author of several books, including "Harpocrates," a collection of essays on various legal topics. In addition, he was a generous benefactor to several charitable causes, including the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Bowen never married and was considered a private and reserved individual by those who knew him. Despite this, he had a profound impact on the legal profession in Britain and his legacy continues to be felt today.

David Kelly

David Kelly (May 14, 1944 Rhondda-July 17, 2003 Oxfordshire) was a British scientist.

Kelly was born and raised in Wales. He studied at the University of Leeds and the University of Oxford, where he earned a degree in microbiology. He worked for the British civil service as a biologist and weapons inspector for many years, eventually becoming an expert in biological warfare.

In 2003, Kelly became embroiled in a controversy surrounding the British government's use of intelligence to justify the invasion of Iraq. He was identified as the source of a BBC report that accused the government of "sexing up" the intelligence dossier to make the case for war. Kelly was summoned to appear before a parliamentary committee to answer questions about the leak, which he did just days before he died.

His death was ruled a suicide by overdose of painkillers, but it sparked conspiracy theories and questions about his involvement in the Iraq War and the role of the British government in his death.

David Kelly had a distinguished career as a scientist and expert in biological warfare. Prior to the controversy surrounding the Iraq War, he was involved in a number of high-profile inspections of weapons facilities in Iraq and other countries. Kelly was also an accomplished author and had written several books on the subject of biological warfare.

His death was a shock to many, and the circumstances surrounding it led to widespread speculation and controversy. Kelly's name has become associated with the controversy over the invasion of Iraq and the use of intelligence to justify the war. Despite the controversy surrounding his death, his scientific work and expertise in the field of biological warfare remain highly respected.

He died in suicide.

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Harriette Wilson

Harriette Wilson (February 22, 1786 Mayfair, London-March 10, 1845 Chelsea) a.k.a. Harriette Dubouchet was a British poet, courtesan and memoirist.

She was a famed beauty who gained notoriety for her romantic liaisons with prominent figures in British society, including the Duke of Wellington, the Prince of Wales, and several other prominent politicians and nobles. Her memoirs, published in 1825, caused a scandal by revealing intimate details of her relationships with these powerful men. The book became a bestseller and secured Wilson's financial independence. She continued to write and publish poetry, as well as support charitable causes, until her death at the age of 59.

Wilson was born into a large family and had four sisters and a brother. Her father was a well-known fencing master and Harriette trained with him along with her sisters. She began working as a courtesan at a young age and quickly gained a reputation as a woman with a remarkable wit and intelligence. She became associated with the highest levels of British society and was known to move effortlessly among the elite.

Her memoirs, which became a sensation upon their publication, were written in response to a former lover's betrayal. Wilson was struggling financially at the time and wrote the book as a way of both taking revenge on her former lover and securing her financial future. The book became an immediate sensation and was widely read in both England and France.

Despite the scandal caused by her book, Wilson remained a popular figure in British society. She continued to receive invitations to events and was known for her charming personality and quick wit. In her later years, she suffered from financial difficulties and was forced to live on a modest income. Nonetheless, she continued to write and published several volumes of poetry. Today, she is remembered as one of the most famous courtesans of her time and her memoirs are regarded as valuable historical documents.

Read more about Harriette Wilson on Wikipedia »

Hubert Bland

Hubert Bland (January 3, 1855 Woolwich-April 14, 1914) was a British personality.

Hubert Bland was a well-known British socialist and journalist, who is best known as the co-founder of Fabian Society in 1884. He was married to fellow socialist and suffragette, Edith Nesbit, who was a prominent writer of children's books. Bland was also a member of the Toynbee Hall settlement in London, where he helped establish a school for working-class adults. In addition to his activism, Bland was a prolific writer, whose works include a historical play on the Chartists movement, as well as biographies of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. Despite suffering from poor health throughout his life, Bland continued to be an active member of the socialist movement until his death in 1914.

Bland was born into a military family and attended the Royal Military Academy, but left after experiencing religious doubts. He then pursued a career as a journalist and became involved in socialist politics. Bland was known for his sharp wit and sense of humor, and was a popular speaker at socialist gatherings.

Bland's wife, Edith Nesbit, was also a prominent figure in the socialist movement and wrote many popular children's books, including "The Railway Children." The couple had three children together, and their unconventional domestic arrangement (Bland fathered a child with another woman while still living with Nesbit) was widely known in socialist circles.

Bland's contributions to the Fabian Society helped shape the organization's philosophy and tactics, and his legacy as a pioneering socialist thinker and activist continues to be celebrated today.

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Robert Williams Buchanan

Robert Williams Buchanan (August 18, 1841 Caverswall-June 10, 1901 Streatham) a.k.a. Robert Buchanan was a British novelist.

He was born in Caverswall, Staffordshire, England, to a family of Scottish descent. Buchanan started his career as a poet but later switched to novels and plays. He became a prominent literary figure of his time and wrote over 30 novels and many plays. Buchanan is best known for his controversial work, "The Fleshly School of Poetry" which attacked the popular poets of his era including Algernon Charles Swinburne and Dante Gabriel Rossetti. He also wrote several works for children, including "The Fairy Ring" and "The Charlatan". Buchanan's works often explored social issues such as poverty, injustice, and corruption. Despite his success, he suffered from financial difficulties for much of his life and died in relative obscurity in Streatham, London.

Buchanan was educated at Glasgow University and later moved to London to pursue his literary career. He gained recognition for his novel, "The Shadow of the Sword", which was published in 1876. The novel was hist first work to achieve popular success, and he followed it up with several other novels, including "God and the Man" (1881) and "Foxglove Manor" (1896).

In addition to his literary work, Buchanan was also a social activist and campaigned for free education, women's rights, animal welfare, and the abolition of the death penalty. His political views often found their way into his writing, and his works were a reflection of his beliefs.

Buchanan's personal life was marked by several tragedies, including the death of his wife in 1887 and the death of his son shortly after. Despite these setbacks, he continued to write prolifically until his death in 1901. His legacy as a writer has been somewhat overshadowed by the controversy surrounding his critical work on the "Fleshly School of Poetry", but his novels and plays continue to be highly regarded by literary scholars today.

Constance Markievicz

Constance Markievicz (February 4, 1868 Buckingham Gate-July 15, 1927 Sir Patrick Dun's Hospital) also known as <bold>Constance Georgine, Countess Markiewicz</bold> was a British politician.

Constance Markievicz was actually an Irish politician and nationalist who played a significant role in the Irish war of independence and the early years of the Irish Free State. She was a member of Sinn Féin and Cumann na mBan, an Irish republican women's paramilitary organisation. Markievicz was involved in the Easter Rising of 1916 and was the first woman ever elected to the British House of Commons in 1918, although she refused to take her seat. Instead, she became one of the first women elected to the Irish Dáil Éireann and was also appointed the first Irish Minister for Labour in 1919. Constance Markievicz continued to be an active member of Irish politics until her death in 1927.

Markievicz was born into a wealthy family but was deeply influenced by her love for Ireland and Irish culture. She became involved in various movements and organizations that aimed to advance the cause of Irish freedom from British rule. Markievicz was also an accomplished artist and a member of the Royal Hibernian Academy.

During the Easter Rising of 1916, Markievicz fought alongside other Irish nationalists in Dublin. She was arrested and imprisoned for her part in the rebellion, but her sentence was commuted to life imprisonment due to her gender. While in prison, she was elected to the House of Commons, but as a Sinn Féin MP she refused to swear allegiance to the British monarch.

After her release from prison, Markievicz continued to be a key figure in Irish Republican politics. She worked closely with figures such as Michael Collins and Éamon de Valera and was appointed as Minister for Labour in the revolutionary government established after the Easter Rising.

Markievicz was also an advocate for social justice and equality. She spoke out on issues such as workers' rights, women's suffrage, and land reform. Her commitment to these causes made her a beloved figure among the Irish people and a symbol of the struggle for Irish independence.

Today, Markievicz is remembered as a trailblazer for women in politics and a champion of Irish nationalism and social justice.

Read more about Constance Markievicz on Wikipedia »

Robert Darcy, 4th Earl of Holderness

Robert Darcy, 4th Earl of Holderness (May 17, 1718 Kingdom of Great Britain-May 16, 1778) was a British politician and diplomat.

He served as Secretary of State for the Southern Department under King George III from 1761 to 1763. Prior to this, he was also appointed as an ambassador to Venice and the Netherlands. He was known for his support of the British government's policies during the Seven Years' War and his opposition to the policies of the American colonists during the American Revolution. In addition to his political career, he was also a noted art collector and patron of the arts. He served as the President of the Society of Antiquaries from 1757 to 1778 and was a member of the Royal Society. Despite his political success, he experienced financial difficulties that resulted in the sale of his art collection after his death.

Robert Darcy was born on May 17, 1718, in the Kingdom of Great Britain. He was the only son of Robert Darcy, 3rd Earl of Holderness, and his wife, Mary Doublet. He received his education at Westminster School and Trinity College, Cambridge. In 1741 he married Mary Doublet, his cousin, but they had no children.

He entered politics in 1741 when he was elected as Member of Parliament for Windsor. He served in this role until 1761. In 1744, he was appointed as a Lord of the Admiralty, and in 1748, he was made Governor of Hull. From 1751 to 1754, he served as ambassador to Venice, and from 1754 to 1756, he was ambassador to the Netherlands. In 1756, he was made a Lord of Trade, and in 1761, he was appointed as Secretary of State for the Southern Department under King George III. He held this position until 1763.

During his political career, Robert Darcy was a staunch supporter of the British government's policies during the Seven Years' War, and he opposed the policies of the American colonists during the American Revolution. He was an important figure in British politics during this time and was respected for his knowledge and experience.

Outside of politics, Robert Darcy was a noted collector of art and patron of the arts. He was particularly interested in classical sculpture and commissioned many pieces for his home. He was a member of the Royal Society and the Society of Antiquaries, and he served as President of the latter from 1757 to 1778. Despite his success in politics and his passion for the arts, Robert Darcy experienced financial difficulties towards the end of his life. He died on May 16, 1778, and after his death, his art collection was sold to pay off his debts.