(September 15th 1929 — 1 June 1st, 2018)

John Julius Cooper, 2nd Viscount Norwich, was a popular UK historian, travel writer, and television personality.

Norwich was the son of a conservative politician and a celebrated actress and society woman. Due to his parents’ involvement in WWII, he was sent overseas as a youth and educated in various places — including Upper Canada College, Eton College, University of Strasbourg, and University of University. Before finishing his degree in university, he also completed his conscripted national service in the Royal Navy.

During his lifetime, Norwich’s father was given a viscountcy that had been created for him. He inherited his father’s viscountcy in 1954. Norwich himself had served in the foreign service and worked on the Disarmament of Geneva before leaving the service to become a writer in 1964.

Norwich wrote and edited many travel writing volumes during his lifetime. He also worked extensively in radio and television, including hosting a radio panel game show and writing and presenting more than thirty documentaries. He also worked on several charitable projects.

Norwich passed away in his home at the age of 88 in 2018.