Jasper Ridley was a former barrister turned author and became one of England's leading biographers. His later works included lives of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. His book on Lord Palmerston won the James Tait Black prize. His last work, The Freemasons, was highly acclaimed.

Jasper Ridley was a former barrister turned author and became one of England's leading biographers. His later works included lives of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. His book on Lord Palmerston won the James Tait Black prize. His last work, The Freemasons, was highly acclaimed.

Jasper Ridley was a former barrister turned author and became one of England's leading biographers. His later works included lives of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. His book on Lord Palmerston won the James Tait Black prize. His last work, The Freemasons, was highly acclaimed.