Pathetic Facts

British music stars died at age 71

Here are 26 famous musicians from United Kingdom died at 71:

Jan Kaplický

Jan Kaplický (April 18, 1937 Prague-January 14, 2009 Czech Republic) a.k.a. Jan Kaplicky was a British architect. He had two children, Johanna Kaplický and Josef Kaplicky.

Jan Kaplický was best known for his futuristic and highly innovative architectural designs. He co-founded the architectural firm Future Systems in 1979 and later became the lead architect. He was a pioneer of parametric design and used advanced computer modeling and 3D printing techniques to create his buildings.

Kaplický’s most famous projects include the Media Centre at Lord's Cricket Ground in London, the Selfridges Building in Birmingham, and the Czech National Library in Prague. He was awarded the prestigious RIBA Stirling Prize in 1999 for the Lord's Media Centre.

Kaplický was also an accomplished artist and designed furniture, household items, and even clothing. He was a controversial figure in the architectural world, with some critics praising his innovative designs and others criticizing them for being too futuristic and impractical.

Despite his untimely death, Jan Kaplický’s legacy lives on through the unique and imaginative buildings he designed.

He died as a result of heart failure.

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Enid Blyton

Enid Blyton (August 11, 1897 East Dulwich-November 28, 1968 Hampstead) a.k.a. Enid Mary Blyton or Mary Pollock was a British novelist, writer and author. Her children are Gillian Baverstock and Imogen Mary Smallwood.

Enid Blyton was a prolific writer who authored over 800 books and short stories. Her most famous works are the "Famous Five" series, the "Secret Seven" series, and the "The Magic Faraway Tree" series. Her books have been translated into over 90 languages and have sold over 600 million copies worldwide, making her one of the best-selling authors of all time. Despite her immense popularity, some of her works have been criticized for being sexist, racist, and lacking in literary merit. In recent years, there have been efforts to update and modernize her works to better reflect contemporary values.

She died as a result of myocardial infarction.

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Ramsay MacDonald

Ramsay MacDonald (October 12, 1866 Lossiemouth-November 9, 1937 Atlantic Ocean) also known as ジェームズ・ラムゼイ・マクドナルド was a British politician and journalist. He had one child, Malcolm MacDonald.

MacDonald was the first Labour Party politician to become the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, serving two terms from 1924-1924 and 1929-1935. He was known for his efforts to promote peace and disarmament between World War I and World War II. Furthermore, MacDonald was a pioneer in promoting women's rights, advocating for women's suffrage and equal pay. Prior to his political career, MacDonald was a journalist and he ran a newspaper called The Labour Standard. Despite facing controversy for his pacifist views during World War I, MacDonald continued to lead the Labour Party until his resignation in 1935. He passed away aboard a ship in the Atlantic Ocean in 1937.

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Edwin Arnold

Edwin Arnold (June 10, 1832 Gravesend-March 24, 1904) also known as Sir Edwin Arnold was a British journalist, writer, poet and newspaper editor. His child is Edwin Lester Arnold.

Arnold is best known for his work "The Light of Asia," a long poem which depicts the life and teachings of Buddha. The poem gained widespread popularity and was translated into several languages. In addition to his literary work, Arnold also served as the editor of a number of newspapers, including The Daily Telegraph and The Observer. He received numerous honors throughout his career, including knighthood in 1888. Arnold's works continue to be read and appreciated to this day.

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Henry Campbell-Bannerman

Henry Campbell-Bannerman (September 7, 1836 Glasgow-April 22, 1908 10 Downing Street) was a British merchant and politician.

He was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1905 until 1908, leading the Liberal Party to a landslide victory in the 1906 general election. During his tenure, he oversaw significant social and political reforms, including the establishment of pensions for the elderly, the introduction of free school meals, and the amendment of the Trade Disputes Act to protect workers' right to strike. Prior to his political career, Campbell-Bannerman worked in his family's textile business and served as a member of Parliament for Stirling Burghs and later for Glasgow. He was also an advocate for the arts and was instrumental in the establishment of the National Trust, a conservation organization that preserves historic buildings and open spaces across the UK. Campbell-Bannerman's tenure as Prime Minister was cut short by his sudden death in 1908.

Ronald Ferguson

Ronald Ferguson (October 10, 1931 United Kingdom-March 16, 2003) also known as Major Ronald Ivor Ferguson was a British personality. His children are Sarah, Duchess of York, Jane Ferguson, Andrew Ferguson, Alice Ferguson and Eliza Ferguson.

Ronald Ferguson was a notable figure in the British equestrian world, serving as the manager of the equestrian team for the 1984 Olympic Games. In addition to his involvement in equestrian sports, he also had a successful career as a businessman, particularly in the insurance industry.

Ferguson had a close relationship with the royal family, particularly with his former son-in-law, Prince Charles. He attended the weddings of Prince William and Prince Harry, and his daughter Sarah introduced him to Queen Elizabeth when she was first dating Prince Andrew.

However, Ferguson also had a controversial reputation due to his involvement with various scandals, including financial troubles and extramarital affairs. Despite these controversies, he remained a respected figure in the equestrian world and was known for his generosity and sense of humor.

He died as a result of myocardial infarction.

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Richard Beeching, Baron Beeching

Richard Beeching, Baron Beeching (April 21, 1913 Sheerness-March 23, 1985 Queen Victoria Hospital) was a British physicist.

After completing his studies in physics at Imperial College London, Beeching joined the British War Office and worked on developing radar during World War II. He then went on to work for the British Transport Commission and British Railways, eventually becoming chairman of the latter in 1961.

Beeching is best known for his controversial report, "The Reshaping of British Railways," published in 1963, which called for a drastic reduction in the country's railway network. The report resulted in the closure of over 4,000 miles of railway lines and the loss of tens of thousands of jobs, but is credited with modernizing the remaining rail network and making it financially viable.

Beeching was appointed a life peer in 1965 and served as a Conservative member of the House of Lords until his death in 1985.

C. H. B. Kitchin

C. H. B. Kitchin (October 17, 1895 Yorkshire-April 4, 1967) was a British writer and novelist.

Kitchin initially worked as a solicitor before turning to writing full-time in the 1930s. He is best known for his crime novels and was a member of the Detection Club alongside Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers. Kitchin's most famous novel, "Death of My Aunt", was published in 1929 and was well-received for its innovative use of the unreliable narrator. He also wrote plays and poetry throughout his career. Kitchin's writing style is characterized by his attention to detail and ability to create complex and intriguing characters.

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Méric Casaubon

Méric Casaubon (August 14, 1599 Geneva-July 14, 1671 Canterbury) otherwise known as Meric Casaubon was a British personality.

He was a classical scholar, theologian, and author who is best known for his translations and editions of classical texts, including the works of the ancient Greek philosopher and mathematician, Euclid. Casaubon was also a prominent figure in the religious and political circles of his time, serving as chaplain to King James I of England.

At the age of 23, Casaubon left Geneva for England to work as a tutor to the son of Henry Wotton, a prominent and influential English diplomat. He later served as a teacher at the University of Oxford, where he became known for his scholarship and erudition. Casaubon's translations and editions of classical texts were highly regarded, and he was known for his meticulous attention to detail and accuracy.

Casaubon's religious and political views were complex and often controversial. He was a committed Protestant and supporter of the Church of England, but he also believed in the importance of religious tolerance and was critical of the Puritan movement. In his later years, he became involved in the political debates of the day, and he was a strong advocate for the rights of the English monarchy.

Overall, Casaubon's contributions to the fields of classical scholarship, theology, and politics were substantial, and his works continue to be studied and appreciated by scholars and enthusiasts alike.

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Edward Grey, 1st Viscount Grey of Fallodon

Edward Grey, 1st Viscount Grey of Fallodon (April 25, 1862 London-September 7, 1933 Fallodon) was a British politician.

He was a member of the Liberal Party and served in several important government posts, including as Foreign Secretary from 1905 to 1916. During his time in office, Grey was instrumental in shaping British foreign policy in the lead up to World War I. He famously remarked that "The lamps are going out all over Europe; we shall not see them lit again in our lifetime" on the eve of the war's outbreak. After the war, he remained active in politics and was a strong proponent of international cooperation and the League of Nations. In recognition of his contributions, Grey was elevated to the peerage as Viscount Grey of Fallodon in 1916.

James Moffat

James Moffat (January 27, 1922 Canada-November 8, 1993 Cheltenham) was a British novelist.

He is best known for his historical fiction and was particularly admired for his vivid and atmospheric descriptions of different eras. Moffat's most famous works include "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford," which was adapted into a critically acclaimed film in 2007, and "A Night to Remember," which chronicled the sinking of the Titanic. He won many awards during his career, including the Edgar Allan Poe Award and the Crime Writers' Association Gold Dagger. Moffat was also a successful playwright and screenwriter, contributing to several popular television series in the UK. In addition to his writing, he was a keen collector of antiquities and served as a trustee of the British Museum.

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William Cavendish-Bentinck, 3rd Duke of Portland

William Cavendish-Bentinck, 3rd Duke of Portland (April 14, 1738 Nottinghamshire-October 30, 1809 Bulstrode Park) was a British personality. He had three children, Lord Charles Bentinck, William Bentinck, 4th Duke of Portland and Lord William Bentinck.

Lord William Bentinck went on to become the Governor-General of India and played a pivotal role in the abolition of the practice of sati (widow burning) and the suppression of thuggee (a form of organized crime) in India. The 3rd Duke of Portland held several prominent political positions, including Prime Minister of Great Britain on two occasions, from 1783 to 1784 and again from 1807 to 1809. His tenures were marked by his conservative views and his efforts to maintain a balance of power in Europe during a time of conflict. He was also known for his extensive philanthropy and support for scientific and artistic endeavors. In addition to his political and philanthropic work, the 3rd Duke of Portland was also a keen horse racer and breeder of racehorses, with his horse "Eclipse" becoming one of the greatest racehorses of the 18th century.

Richard Holt Hutton

Richard Holt Hutton (June 2, 1826 Leeds-September 9, 1897) also known as Richard H. Hutton was a British journalist.

He was the son of Joseph Hutton, a Unitarian minister. Richard Hutton studied at Manchester New College, the University of Heidelberg, and Balliol College, Oxford. After leaving Oxford, he held various teaching positions before pursuing a career in journalism.

In 1851, Hutton began working for The Spectator and eventually became the editor from 1861 until his retirement in 1887. Under his leadership, The Spectator became a prominent publication and was known for its political and literary commentary. Hutton was also a prolific writer and commentator himself, contributing to other publications such as The Times, The Saturday Review, and The Contemporary Review.

Aside from his journalistic work, Hutton was also involved in social and political issues of his time. He was a staunch advocate for religious tolerance and wrote extensively on the topic of nonconformity. Hutton also supported the women's suffrage movement and was a founding member of the Men's League for Women's Suffrage.

Richard Hutton died in 1897 at the age of 71. He is remembered as a prominent figure in Victorian journalism and a champion of liberal causes.

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Thomas Frognall Dibdin

Thomas Frognall Dibdin (April 5, 1776 Kolkata-November 18, 1847 Kensington) was a British writer.

He is best known for his bibliographical works and his promotion of libraries and book collecting. Dibdin was the son of a clergyman and studied at Oxford University. After graduation, he was ordained as a priest in the Church of England but soon found his true calling in books and libraries. He became an expert in bibliography, the study of books as physical objects. Dibdin wrote extensively on the subject, including the widely acclaimed "Bibliomania, or Book Madness: A Bibliographical Romance." He was also a vocal advocate for libraries, arguing that they were essential to the education and enlightenment of the public. In addition to his writing and advocacy, Dibdin was a prolific collector of books, amassing a vast library of over 20,000 volumes. He died in Kensington in 1847, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of books and libraries.

Robert Naunton

Robert Naunton (April 5, 1563-March 27, 1635) a.k.a. Sir Naunton was a British personality.

He was an English politician, statesman, and author, best known for his service as a government linguist and his political influence during the reign of King James I. Naunton served as the Secretary of State for King James I, and also held several other key positions within the English court. Naunton was also an accomplished author, publishing several works on political science and other topics, including his most famous work, "Fragmenta Regalia," a collection of his observations on the politics and court life of his time. He was also a Fellow of St. John's College, Cambridge, and was known for his talented writing and oratory skills. Despite his success, Naunton faced financial problems throughout his life, and ultimately died in relative obscurity.

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John Machin

John Machin (April 5, 1680 England-June 9, 1751 London) was a British mathematician and astronomer.

He is best known for his work in calculating the mathematical constant pi to 100 decimal places using an arctan series based on the formula arctan(1/5) - arctan(1/239). This formula is now known as the "Machin formula" and is still used today in pi approximation algorithms.

Machin was a fellow of the Royal Society and served as the secretary of the Society from 1718 to 1747. He also worked as an astronomer, computing the positions of the planets and cataloging stars for the Astronomer Royal.

In addition to his mathematical and astronomical work, Machin was also involved in politics and served as a member of parliament for Queenborough from 1710 to 1713.

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Brian Jacques

Brian Jacques (June 15, 1939 Liverpool-February 5, 2011) also known as B Jacques, James Brian Jacques or B. Jacques was a British writer, novelist and author.

Jacques was best known for his series of children's books, "Redwall," which features anthropomorphic animals as the main characters and is set in a medieval abbey. He wrote a total of 22 novels in the series, which has sold over 20 million copies worldwide and has been translated into 29 languages. Jacques also wrote several other books outside of the "Redwall" series, including "The Castaways of the Flying Dutchman," "The Ribbajack and Other Curious Yarns," and "Seven Strange and Ghostly Tales." Prior to his career as a writer, Jacques worked as a railway fireman, a longshoreman, a truck driver, and a bus driver. He was also a radio broadcaster for the BBC in Liverpool. In addition to his literary contributions, Jacques was heavily involved in charity work and established The Brian Jacques Literary Trust, which aims to promote literacy and creative writing in children.

He died as a result of myocardial infarction.

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Henry Wotton

Henry Wotton (March 30, 1568 England-December 1, 1639) was a British diplomat.

He is best known for his tenure as the British ambassador to Venice from 1604 to 1612, during which time he became a key figure in the literary and cultural scene of the city. Wotton was renowned for his wit and charm, and he counted many writers and artists among his friends and admirers, including John Donne, Ben Jonson, and the painter Titian.

Wotton was also an accomplished writer, and his best-known work is his collection of aphorisms, "Reliquiae Wottonianae," which was published posthumously in 1651. Throughout his diplomatic career, Wotton served in a variety of roles, including as ambassador to Germany and as a representative to the Dutch Republic. He also played an important role in negotiating the treaty that ended the Anglo-Spanish War in 1604.

Throughout his life, Wotton was renowned for his hospitality and his love of socializing. He was a frequent host of literary and artistic salons, and his home was a hub of intellectual activity. Today, he is remembered as both a talented diplomat and a significant figure in the literary and cultural history of early modern England.

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Henry Goulburn

Henry Goulburn (March 19, 1784 London-January 12, 1856 Betchworth House) was a British personality.

He served as Chancellor of the Exchequer and Home Secretary during his political career. He was also a member of Parliament for more than thirty years and played a key role in negotiating the Treaty of Ghent, which ended the War of 1812 between the United States and Great Britain. Additionally, he was instrumental in creating the Goulburn Parliamentary Papers, which were crucial in providing information and reports to Parliament. After retiring from politics, he devoted his time to philanthropic activities and was known for his generous donations to various charitable organizations.

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Tommy Armour

Tommy Armour (September 24, 1896 Edinburgh-September 11, 1968 Larchmont) was a British golfer.

He won multiple championships throughout his career, including the U.S. Open in 1927, the PGA Championship in 1930, and the British Open in 1931. Armour was known for his expertise in teaching, and he authored several books on golf instruction, including "How to Play Your Best Golf All the Time" which was a bestseller. He was also inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1976. Armour served in the British Army during World War I and was injured in battle, resulting in a lifelong limp. Despite this challenge, he went on to become one of the most successful golfers of his time, and his techniques and teachings continue to have an impact on the sport today.

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Charles James Napier

Charles James Napier (August 10, 1782 Palace of Whitehall-August 29, 1853 Portsmouth) also known as Charles Napier was a British personality.

He served as a general in the British Army, and played a key role in several British military campaigns, most notably in the British conquest of Sindh in India. Napier was also a prominent proponent of social and political reforms in Britain, including advocating for the abolition of slavery and promoting education for women. He was known for his frank and often blunt manner, and his colorful personality made him a popular figure among his troops and the British public. Prior to his military career, Napier also had a successful stint as a diplomat, serving as the British envoy to Portugal during the Napoleonic Wars.

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John Tyndall

John Tyndall (July 14, 1934 Exeter-July 19, 2005 Hove) was a British politician.

He was a former Chairman of the far-right British National Party (BNP) and was known for his controversial views on race and immigration. Tyndall was a prominent figure in British far-right politics for over four decades, and was often accused of promoting racist and fascist ideals. Despite this, he remained a significant influence on the BNP, even after his resignation as Chairman in 1999. Later in life, Tyndall became involved with the white nationalist group, the American Renaissance, and continued to be a highly controversial and divisive figure until his death in 2005.

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Frank Watson Dyson

Frank Watson Dyson (January 8, 1868 Measham-May 25, 1939 Cape Town) was a British astronomer.

He served as the Astronomer Royal of Britain from 1910 to 1933. Dyson is best known for his contribution to the measurement of the deflection of starlight during a solar eclipse in 1919 which confirmed Albert Einstein's theory of general relativity. In addition to his work on relativity, Dyson made other significant contributions to astronomy such as his work on the proper motion of stars and the distribution of stellar magnitude. He was also instrumental in the founding of the International Astronomical Union in 1919. Dyson was honored with numerous awards, including the Gold Medal of the Royal Astronomical Society in 1922 and the Bruce Medal in 1925.

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Edward Whymper

Edward Whymper (April 27, 1840 London-September 16, 1911 Chamonix) was a British illustrator and mountaineer.

He is best known for being the first person to successfully climb the Matterhorn in 1865. Whymper was also an accomplished writer and authored several books and articles about his mountaineering experiences. He made numerous ascents in the Alps and Andes and was known for his skill in using ice axes and ropes while climbing. Beyond his mountaineering pursuits, Whymper was a member of the Royal Geographic Society and made contributions to the exploration of Greenland. Despite his many achievements, the Matterhorn tragedy, which occurred during his ascent, haunted him for the rest of his life.

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Harriet Cohen

Harriet Cohen (December 2, 1895 London-November 13, 1967 London) also known as Cohen, Harriet was a British pianist.

Related albums: The Complete Solo Studio Recordings.

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Charles Lennox, 3rd Duke of Richmond

Charles Lennox, 3rd Duke of Richmond (February 22, 1735 London-December 29, 1806 Goodwood House) was a British personality.

He was a prominent politician and a known supporter of the American Revolution. In addition to his political career, he was also a successful horse breeder and owner, with his horses winning several prestigious racing events. He was a patron of the arts and a keen collector of paintings and sculptures. Richmond was also actively involved in the development of Goodwood House and Estate, which became his family's primary residence. Later in his life, he served as Master-General of the Ordnance and was responsible for overseeing the development of Britain's coastal defenses. He was married twice and had several children, including a son who became the 4th Duke of Richmond.