Obituary: Plantagenet Somerset Fry

Plantagenet Somerset Fry published his first book, Mysteries of History (1957), as an undergraduate and more than 50 books in all: his last two books, on castles, await publication. The range of his interest, demonstrated in the subject matter of the books he wrote, was extraordinary.

Although his main love was history, he was also an expert in antiques and several of his books became standard school texts, including a Children's History of the World (1972, 12th edition 1995). His writing was accessible, clear and popular with young readers. Perhaps his greatest contribution has been to infuse an interest in history and an explanation of why it is important for schoolchildren.

Peter George Robin Plantagenet Somerset Fry was a colourful character appropriate for his many names. The son of a naval officer who invented the hydraulic catapult, he was educated at Lancing College at the end of the Second World War and then started as a medical student at St Thomas's Hospital Medical School in London. Deciding Medicine was not his vocation he then studied Law at St Catherine's College, Oxford, and subsequently became interested in history and writing.

He became Secretary of the Oxford Union and a review editor of Cherwell. He twice won prizes on the Hughie Green quiz show Double Your Money and became a character at Oxford. Bearded, with a cape and gold-knobbed cane, he was the most famous undergraduate.

On leaving Oxford he joined the staff of the Evening News writing controversial answers to historical questions. He was a popular figure on television historical programmes and was an authority on Julius Caesar, commemorating his death each year in the Times.

Despite his prolific output, Somerset Fry never became rich from his writings and he was very generous with his advice, recently helping Norma Major with the historical aspects of her book on Chequers. He was an active supporter of good causes, including the Charities Aid Foundation and the Campaign for Freedom of Information, and as a founder member of the Liberal Democrats he was deeply disappointed with their subsequent history.

Peter Somerset Fry had a full and colourful life with many successes and disappointments, but intermittently he suffered from deep depression and eventually decided to end his life, explaining his intention to the Coroner in a letter. He is survived by his fourth wife, Fiona, who is also an author - the two collaborated on History of Scotland (1982) and History of Ireland (1988).

His second wife, Daphne, died of kidney disease in her twenties and he established a fund for research into the treatment and prevention of kidney disease.

Peter George Robin Plantagenet Somerset Fry, writer: born 3 January 1931; married 1952 Audrey Russell (marriage dissolved 1957), 1958 Daphne Yorke (died 1961), 1961 Leri Butler (nee Llywelyn-Jones; marriage dissolved 1973), 1974 Fiona Whitcombe; died Wattisfield, Suffolk 10 September 1996.