James Chambers was born in Ireland and, like Palmerston, educated at Harrow. His other highly-acclaimed books include 'The Devil's Horsemen' (a study of the Mongol invasion of Europe); 'The Norman Kings'; 'The English House'; and 'Charlotte and Leopold' (a life of the Prince Regent's daughter). A former President of the British Fencing Association, and Olympic Committee member, he commented on the sport for television, as well as lecturing and broadcasting on history. He died suddenly, of leukaemia, in 2012.