Pathetic Facts

British music stars died at age 77

Here are 30 famous musicians from United Kingdom died at 77:

David Bates

David Bates (November 18, 1916 Omagh-January 5, 1994 Belfast) also known as David R. Bates was a British physicist.

He was known for his groundbreaking contributions to the field of atomic and molecular physics. Bates received his education at the University of Cambridge and became a lecturer there in 1946. He went on to hold several academic positions at various institutions including Imperial College London, the University of Sussex and Queen's University Belfast. Bates was a fellow of the Royal Society and the Institute of Physics. He received numerous awards throughout his career including the Hughes Medal and the Royal Society's Royal Medal.

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Arthur Koestler

Arthur Koestler (September 5, 1905 Budapest-March 1, 1983 London) a.k.a. Dr. A. Costler or A. Costler was a British writer, philosopher, novelist and author.

Throughout his life, Koestler wrote on an array of topics such as politics, science, and psychology. He is perhaps most well-known for his novel "Darkness at Noon," which tells the story of a man being persecuted by the Communist Party during Stalin's regime in the Soviet Union.

Koestler's childhood was marked by tragedy and upheaval. His father committed suicide when he was just a child, and he was later sent to a boarding school that he described as abusive. Despite these challenges, Koestler went on to study science and psychology at the University of Vienna.

Throughout his career, Koestler worked as a journalist and war correspondent for various publications. He was also a political activist and spent time in prison for his work with the Communist Party. Later in life, he became disillusioned with communism and began to speak out against it.

Koestler struggled with depression for much of his life and ultimately died by suicide. Despite the circumstances of his death, he left behind a remarkable legacy as a writer and thinker who challenged conventional wisdom and pushed the limits of human understanding.

He died caused by suicide.

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Beatrix Potter

Beatrix Potter (July 28, 1866 Kensington-December 22, 1943 Near and Far Sawrey) also known as Béatrix Potter, Helen Beatrix Potter or Beatrix. Potter was a British author, illustrator, writer and botanist.

Her albums: The Tales of Beatrix Potter: The Complete Vivien Leigh Recordings (Remastered).

She died in pneumonia.

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Harold Alexander, 1st Earl Alexander of Tunis

Harold Alexander, 1st Earl Alexander of Tunis (December 10, 1891 London-June 16, 1969 Slough) a.k.a. Harold Rupert Leofric George Alexander, Field Marshal Harold Alexander, Gen. Sir Harold Alexander, General Alexander or Field Marshal Harold Rupert Leofric George Alexander, 1st Earl Alexander of Tunis was a British military officer. He had one child, Shane Alexander, 2nd Earl Alexander of Tunis.

During his service in World War I, Alexander was severely wounded and captured by the Germans. He managed to escape and return to his unit, and was later promoted to Brigade Major at the age of 22. In World War II, he led the British 1st Army in North Africa and the Allied 15th Army Group in Italy. He was responsible for the victory at the Battle of Tunis, which turned the tide in North Africa, and also played a major role in the invasion of Sicily and the Italian Campaign. After the war, he served as Governor General of Canada and then as Minister of Defence in the UK government. He was later made a peer and appointed as the first Lord Lieutenant of Greater London.

Edward VIII of the United Kingdom

Edward VIII of the United Kingdom (June 23, 1894 White Lodge, London-May 28, 1972 Paris) also known as Duke of Windsor, King Edward VIII, Edward VIII, Edward Albert Christian George Andrew Patrick David Wettin, David, The Duke of Windsor or Edward, Duke of Windsor was a British personality.

Edward VIII was King of the United Kingdom and the Dominions of the British Empire and Emperor of India from January 20, 1936, until his abdication on December 11, 1936. He was the eldest son of King George V and Queen Mary. Edward's reign lasted only 325 days, as he chose to abdicate in order to marry American socialite Wallis Simpson, who had previously divorced twice and was deemed unsuitable as a royal spouse due to her marriages and controversial past. Upon his abdication, Edward's younger brother, George VI, ascended to the throne. Following his abdication, Edward became known as the Duke of Windsor, and he and Wallis became exiles, living mostly in France for the rest of their lives. Edward's abdication and subsequent marriage remains one of the most scandalous and controversial events in British royal history.

He died in laryngeal cancer.

Pierce Egan

Pierce Egan (April 5, 1772 London-August 3, 1849) was a British journalist. His child is called Pierce Egan the Younger.

Pierce Egan began his career as a journalist with the publication "Morning Herald". He soon became known for his extensive coverage of the sporting world, particularly boxing and horse racing. In 1812, he released the popular novel "Life in London", which chronicled the adventures of two young gentlemen as they explored the city's underbelly.

Egan's writing was known for its colorful descriptions and vivid language, making him a popular writer and speaker of his time. His continued success led him to pen several other works, including "Finish to the Adventures of Tom, Jerry, and Logic", "Boxiana", and "The Pilgrims of the Thames".

Alongside his work as a journalist and author, Egan was also a dedicated advocate for the rights of writers and the importance of copyright law. He was an active member of the Literary Association and Association for the Protection of Literary Property throughout his life.

Egan's legacy continued with his son, Pierce Egan the Younger, who also became a successful writer and journalist.

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Cicely Mary Barker

Cicely Mary Barker (June 28, 1895 Croydon-February 16, 1973 Worthing Hospital) was a British personality.

She is best known for her illustrations of flowers and fairies, specifically her series of books called "Flower Fairies." Born in Croydon, England, Barker began drawing as a child under her mother's guidance. She eventually attended the Croydon School of Art and began selling her illustrations, which were highly sought after for use in postcards and children's books. In the 1920s, Barker began publishing her own books featuring her flower fairy illustrations, which became a global sensation. Despite her success, Barker continued to live a modest life in Worthing, England, where she passed away in 1973. Today, her flower fairy illustrations remain popular and are still widely reproduced on a variety of merchandise.

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Joseph Chamberlain

Joseph Chamberlain (July 8, 1836 Camberwell-July 2, 1914 London) also known as Mayor Joseph Chamberlain or Our Joe was a British politician, businessperson and statesman. He had six children, Neville Chamberlain, Austen Chamberlain, Beatrice Chamberlain, Ida Chamberlain, Hilda Chamberlain and Ethel Chamberlain.

Chamberlain began his career as a successful businessman in Birmingham, where he became mayor in 1873. He later moved into national politics, becoming a member of parliament and holding various ministerial positions, including President of the Board of Trade and Secretary of State for the Colonies.

One of Chamberlain's major political goals was to strengthen the British Empire, and he was a strong advocate of imperialism. He believed that the empire could be used as a tool for economic and political power, and he oversaw the expansion of British colonial holdings during his time as Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Chamberlain was also a supporter of social reform, advocating for policies such as public health measures and better housing conditions for the working class. He was a member of the Liberal Party for much of his career, but later split from the party over its stance on free trade.

Despite his many accomplishments, Chamberlain's career was cut short by a stroke in 1906. He remained an influential figure in British politics until his death in 1914.

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William Henry Smyth

William Henry Smyth (January 21, 1788 Westminster-September 8, 1865) otherwise known as W. H. Smyth or William H. Smyth was a British astronomer.

He was born in Westminster, London, England, to a family of naval contractors. Smyth joined the Royal Navy at a young age and eventually became a captain. During his time in the navy, he developed a keen interest in astronomy and made observations of celestial objects while at sea. After retiring from the navy, Smyth dedicated his life to astronomy and made significant contributions to the field. Some of his most notable achievements include his work on the measurement of the Earth's shape and size, his studies of the moon and his observations of comets and other celestial bodies. Smyth was also a prolific writer and authored several works on astronomy, navigation and navigation history. Throughout his career, he received numerous honors and awards including the Gold Medal of the Royal Astronomical Society. Smyth passed away in 1865 at the age of 77.

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Isidore de Lara

Isidore de Lara (August 9, 1858 London-September 2, 1935 Paris) was a British personality.

He was a composer and writer, known for his operettas and songs. De Lara was also a conductor and collaborated with many artists of his time. He began his musical career as a violinist and later started composing. His most famous works include "The Merry Widow Waltz" and the operetta "High Jinks". De Lara was also a prolific writer, publishing several novels and poetry collections throughout his life. Despite being born in London, he spent much of his career traveling and performing throughout Europe.

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Frederick George Jackson

Frederick George Jackson (April 5, 1860-March 13, 1938) was a British personality.

He was an Arctic explorer, ornithologist, and Commander in the British Royal Navy. Jackson is best known for his leadership of the Jackson-Harmsworth Expedition to Franz Josef Land in the Arctic, which took place from 1894 to 1897. During the expedition, he explored previously uncharted regions and collected valuable scientific data. Jackson was also a prolific writer, publishing several books on his expeditions and travels, as well as topics such as naval warfare and birdwatching. In recognition of his achievements, he was awarded the Royal Geographical Society's Back Prize in 1898. Later in life, Jackson was an active member of the Royal Navy Reserve and was promoted to Rear Admiral in 1924.

Austen Henry Layard

Austen Henry Layard (March 5, 1817 Paris-July 5, 1894 London) also known as Sir Austen Henry Layard or Austen Layard was a British archaeologist.

Layard was known for his work in the Middle East, particularly in the excavation and preservation of ancient Assyrian sites such as Nineveh and Nimrud. He discovered many important artifacts from this region, including the famous winged bulls that were once part of the palace at Nineveh. Layard was also a politician and diplomat, serving as a member of Parliament and as the British ambassador to Spain and to Turkey. During his time as ambassador to Turkey, he was instrumental in negotiating the release of British hostages held by Kurdish rebels. Later in his life, Layard was made a baronet in recognition of his contributions both to archaeology and to British diplomacy.

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Richard Dixon Oldham

Richard Dixon Oldham (July 31, 1858 Dublin-July 15, 1936 Llandrindod Wells) was a British geologist and seismologist.

He is best known for his groundbreaking work in the discovery of the Earth's interior structure and composition. While working as a seismologist for the Geological Survey of India, Oldham studied earthquakes and found that seismic waves had two distinct types - primary and secondary. By analyzing the way that these waves traveled through the Earth, he was able to identify that the Earth had three distinct layers: the crust, mantle, and core.

Oldham's work laid the foundation for modern seismology and was seminal in advancing the understanding of the structure of our planet. In recognition of his work, he was awarded the Wollaston Medal by the Geological Society of London in 1922. In addition to his contributions in geology and seismology, Oldham was also a noted golfer and won the first Indian Amateur Championship in 1892.

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Michael Redgrave

Michael Redgrave (March 20, 1908 Bristol-March 21, 1985 Denham) also known as Sir Michael Scudamore Redgrave, Red Redgrave, Sir Michael Scudamore Redgrave, CBE, Sir Michael Redgrave or Michael Scudamore Redgrave was a British actor, theatre director, film director, teacher, writer, screenwriter, playwright, voice actor and author. He had three children, Corin Redgrave, Lynn Redgrave and Vanessa Redgrave.

Michael Redgrave was considered to be one of the leading stage actors of his time, with a career that spanned over six decades. He performed in numerous productions for the Royal Shakespeare Company and was praised for his performances in plays by Shakespeare, Chekhov, and Tennessee Williams. He also appeared in over 70 films, including "The Lady Vanishes," "Dead of Night," and "The Innocents."

In addition to his acting career, Redgrave was also a talented writer and director. He directed several plays and films and wrote a number of books, including his autobiography "In My Mind's I" and the play "Conflict of Interest." He also served as a teacher and mentor to young actors and was known for his generosity and kindness.

Redgrave was awarded numerous accolades throughout his career, including a BAFTA Award, a Tony Award, and an Academy Award nomination. He was knighted in 1959 and later awarded the CBE in 1952.

He died in parkinson's disease.

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Ernest Arthur Gardner

Ernest Arthur Gardner (March 16, 1862 London-November 27, 1939) otherwise known as Ernest A Gardner was a British personality.

He was a writer, editor, and lecturer who specialized in art history, particularly in Italian Renaissance art. Gardner started his career as an assistant in the Department of Coins and Medals at the British Museum, where he was able to develop his interest in the arts. He became an authority in the field and was known for his extensive research on Italian Renaissance art. Gardner was the editor of the influential art publication The Burlington Magazine for over 20 years and also contributed to other art publications.

In addition to his work as an art historian, Gardner was also a philanthropist and community leader. He was a co-founder of the Hammersmith Socialist Society and served as a member of the Hammersmith Borough Council for several years. Gardner also supported efforts to improve public health and sanitation in the borough, and was involved in the founding of the Hammersmith and Fulham Public Health Society.

Gardner's contributions to the field of art history and his involvement in the community earned him several honors, including a knighthood in 1930. He authored a number of books on art, including his most famous work, "Dukes and Poets in Ferrara: A Study in the Poetry, Religion and Politics of the Fifteenth and Early Sixteenth Centuries" which was published in 1904.

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Henry Bird

Henry Bird (July 14, 1830 Portsea-April 11, 1908 London) also known as H. E Bird was a British writer.

He is well known for his contributions to the field of chess. Bird was a leading chess player in the 19th century and was considered one of the strongest British players of his time. He was the first Englishman to play a match with a top player from another country, Wilhelm Steinitz, the Austrian-born World Chess Champion. Bird was also a prolific writer on chess, having authored several books and newspaper columns on the subject. His book, "Chess History and Reminiscences" is considered a classic and remains a popular read amongst chess enthusiasts. Apart from his contributions to chess, Bird was also an art lover and collector, and amassed a significant collection of Japanese art, some of which is displayed at the British Museum.

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Chaim Weizmann

Chaim Weizmann (November 27, 1874 Motal-November 9, 1952 Rehovot) was a British scientist and chemist. He had one child, Michael Oser Weizmann.

Weizmann is best known for his role in the establishment of the State of Israel. He was a prominent Zionist leader and played a key role in negotiating the Balfour Declaration, which declared British support for a Jewish homeland in Palestine. Weizmann served as the first President of Israel from 1949 until his death in 1952. Prior to that, he was an active Zionist and a strong advocate for Jewish self-determination. Weizmann made significant contributions to the world of science, particularly in the field of bacterial fermentation. He developed a process for producing acetone during World War I, which was a critical component in the production of explosives. His work also led to the development of antibiotics such as penicillin. Weizmann was widely recognized for his scientific achievements and was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1920.

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Godfrey Kneller

Godfrey Kneller (August 8, 1646 Lübeck-October 19, 1723 London) was a British personality.

He was a renowned portrait painter who was born in Germany and later moved to England where he became the leading portrait painter of his time. He painted portraits of many famous personalities, such as King George I, William III and Queen Mary II, and Isaac Newton. Kneller had an impressive career, being appointed Court Painter to William III and Queen Anne, and then to George I when he ascended to the throne in 1714. In addition to his work as a portrait painter, Kneller was also an MP for the town of Whitby, a keen art collector, and a founding member of the Royal Academy.

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Edith Sitwell

Edith Sitwell (September 7, 1887 Scarborough, North Yorkshire-December 9, 1964 London) also known as Sitwell, Edith was a British writer and poet.

She was born to an aristocratic family and grew up immersed in art and literature. Her first published work, "The Mother and Other Poems," came out in 1915, after which she gained recognition as an avant-garde writer. She was part of the literary group known as the "Sitwells," alongside her brothers Osbert and Sacheverell Sitwell.

Sitwell's poetry was distinctive for its use of surreal imagery and unconventional structures. She was also an accomplished critic and biographer, known for her detailed studies of figures such as Alexander Pope and the Brontë sisters.

During World War II, Sitwell turned her attention to supporting the war effort. She worked as a broadcaster for the BBC and traveled extensively, giving lectures and raising morale among Allied troops.

After the war, Sitwell continued to write and publish, winning numerous awards and honors for her contributions to literature. Her work continues to be celebrated for its innovation, wit, and beauty.

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T. F. Powys

T. F. Powys (December 20, 1875 Shirley-November 27, 1953 Mappowder) also known as Theodore Francis Powys, Theodore F Powys or T.F. Powys was a British writer.

He was the eighth of eleven siblings, including John Cowper Powys and Llewelyn Powys, who were also notable writers. T.F. Powys wrote novels, poetry, and short stories, often infused with a sense of the macabre and supernatural. His notable works include "Mr. Weston's Good Wine," "The Soliloquy of a Hermit," and "Unclay." Powys spent much of his life living in rural Dorset, where he drew inspiration for his writing. Despite some critical acclaim, Powys remained relatively unknown during his lifetime, but his work has gained more recognition in the years since his death.

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Herbert Morrison

Herbert Morrison (January 3, 1888 Lambeth-March 6, 1965 Peckham) also known as Herbert Stanley Morrison or Baron Morrison of Lambeth was a British politician.

He served as a Member of Parliament for various constituencies for over 30 years and held several high-profile positions in the Labour Party. Morrison also played a key role in the post-World War II rebuilding effort as the Minister of Town and Country Planning. He was known for his commitment to social reform and progressive policies, and was considered one of the most influential politicians of his time. In 1951, he was appointed to the House of Lords as Baron Morrison of Lambeth.

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Henry Hart Milman

Henry Hart Milman (February 10, 1791 London-September 24, 1868) was a British personality.

Milman was a scholar, historian, and a clergyman of the Church of England. He studied at Eton College and Oxford University, where he became a fellow and later professor of poetry. He was also ordained as a priest in the Church of England and became a canon of Westminster Abbey.

Milman is best known for his historical writing, with works such as "The History of Christianity from the Birth of Christ to the Abolition of Paganism in the Roman Empire" and "The History of Latin Christianity" being some of his notable works. He was also a prolific writer of poetry, with his most famous work being "The Martyr of Antioch".

In addition to his writing, Milman was a dedicated churchman, serving as the rector of St. Margaret's Church in Westminster and later as the dean of St. Paul's Cathedral in London. He was known for his liberal views on theology and his support of the rights of the working class.

Milman passed away in 1868 at the age of 77, leaving behind a legacy as both a talented writer and an influential figure in the Church of England.

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Ken Whyld

Ken Whyld (March 6, 1926 Nottingham-July 11, 2003) was a British writer.

He was best known for his contributions to the world of chess, specifically his work as a chess historian and archivist. Whyld authored several books on chess history, including "The Collected Games of Emanuel Lasker" and "The Oxford Companion to Chess." He also served as the editor of various chess magazines, such as "Chess Amateur" and "British Chess Magazine." Throughout his career, Whyld was recognized for his immense contributions to the chess community, receiving numerous awards and accolades.

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Warren Lewis

Warren Lewis (June 16, 1895 Belfast-April 9, 1973) also known as W. Lewis was a British personality.

He was primarily known for being a scholar and a university professor. Lewis was an expert in medieval and Renaissance literature and taught at Oxford University for many years. Additionally, he is notable for being the older brother of the famous children's author, C.S. Lewis. The two brothers had a close relationship and often collaborated on creative projects. Warren Lewis was also a devout Christian and wrote extensively on his faith, including several books on the topic. In his later years, he suffered from health problems that limited his activity, but he continued to write and publish until his death in 1973.

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Claud Cockburn

Claud Cockburn (April 12, 1904 Beijing-December 15, 1981) also known as James Helvick, Francis Claud Cockburn, Frank Pitcairn or Claude Cockburn was a British journalist, novelist and writer. His children are called Andrew Cockburn, Sarah Caudwell, Patrick Cockburn, Claudia Cockburn and Alexander Cockburn.

Cockburn was known for his left-wing and anti-fascist views, and he reported extensively on the Spanish Civil War and World War II. He wrote for several publications throughout his career, including The Daily Worker, The New Statesman, and The Nation. Cockburn was also the author of several books, including "The Shining Pyramid" and "The Golden Age is in Us". In addition to his writing career, Cockburn was also involved in various political and social causes, including the anti-Vietnam War movement and the civil rights movement.

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Ferdinand Foch

Ferdinand Foch (October 2, 1851 Tarbes-March 20, 1929 Paris) was a British generalissimo.

Actually, Ferdinand Foch was a French general who played a prominent role in World War I. He was born in Tarbes, France in 1851 and began his military career at the École Polytechnique. Foch was known for his strategic planning and played a key role in the Battle of the Marne, which halted Germany's advance into France. He later commanded French forces on the Western Front and was appointed Supreme Allied Commander in March 1918. After the war, Foch was involved in the negotiations for the Treaty of Versailles and was later elected to the Académie française. Foch died in Paris in 1929 and was given a state funeral with full military honors.

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A. K. Chesterton

A. K. Chesterton (April 5, 1896-August 16, 1973) was a British personality.

He was a writer, journalist, and political activist who was best known for his anti-communist and anti-Semitic views. He was the younger brother of the celebrated author G.K. Chesterton and the two were known to be close throughout their lives. A.K. Chesterton was involved in far-right politics throughout his career and was a member of several organizations, including the British Union of Fascists, which was led by Oswald Mosley. In addition to his political work, Chesterton was a prolific writer and penned several books, including a biography of his brother. Despite his controversial views, Chesterton was respected as a leader within his far-right circles and was considered to be a powerful and influential figure in his time.

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Rajani Palme Dutt

Rajani Palme Dutt (June 19, 1896-April 5, 1974) was a British personality.

Rajani Palme Dutt was a prominent communist intellectual and journalist. He was born in Cambridge, England to an Indian father and an English mother. He joined the Communist Party of Great Britain (CPGB) in 1920 and became one of its leading members. Dutt was an influential figure in the party's international affairs and was instrumental in establishing relations with the Soviet Union and other communist parties around the world.

Dutt was also a writer and editor. He wrote extensively on socialism and communism, and his works include several books on the Soviet Union and its role in international affairs. During World War II, he was a vocal critic of the British government's policies and called for a united front against fascism.

After the war, Dutt continued to be an active member of the CPGB and was editor of the party's newspaper, the Daily Worker, from 1945 to 1956. He was also a member of the party's executive committee and its national council. Dutt's later years were marked by declining health, and he died in London in 1974. Despite his dedication to communism, Dutt was widely respected for his intellect and his commitment to social justice.

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Christabel Pankhurst

Christabel Pankhurst (September 22, 1880 Manchester-February 13, 1958 Los Angeles) was a British personality.

She was a suffragette who played a prominent role in the women's suffrage movement in the UK. Christabel was the daughter of Emmeline Pankhurst, the founder of the Women's Social and Political Union. She, along with her mother and sister, Sylvia, advocated for women's rights through civil disobedience, hunger strikes, and other militant tactics. In 1913, Christabel was arrested for conspiracy to commit arson and served time in prison. After World War I, she became an advocate for conservative politics and was involved in the Women's National Anti-Suffrage League. Later, Christabel emigrated to the U.S. and became a devotee of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. In 1979, she was posthumously awarded the Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in recognition of her contribution to the women's suffrage movement.

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Alfred Newton

Alfred Newton (June 11, 1829 Geneva-June 7, 1907 Cambridge) was a British personality.

He was a renowned English naturalist known for his contribution to the field of ornithology. Newton was a fellow and professor of zoology at Magdalene College, Cambridge, and served as the President of the British Ornithologists' Union. He was a prolific writer and authored several books and research papers on birds, including "A Dictionary of Birds" and "A Hand-list of the Genera and Species of Birds." Newton was also actively involved in the conservation of birds and played a significant role in the establishment of bird sanctuaries. In addition to his contribution to ornithology, he was a competent mathematician and made significant contributions to the study of optics and gravitational physics.

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