At the age of 27, he joined The Manchester Guardian where he eventually became chief feature writer and combined writing books with journalism.
He had recently concentrated on Tudor history, with The Pilgrimage of Grace and Great Harry's Navy.
He had two sons, Andrew and Michael, and two daughters, Jane and Brigie, the latter of whom died of cancer in 1981.
[6] He was survived by his fiancée, Professor Susan Bassnett; and by both sons and one daughter,[7] as well as four grandchildren.
His writing on the sport of rugby league is some of the greatest associated with the game: his series of essays entitled At The George in particular are a powerful and eloquent homage to a deeply held love.