Marquis Who’s Who, the world’s premier publisher of biographical profiles, is proud to present Bernard Cornwell, OBE, with the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award. An accomplished listee, Mr. Cornwell celebrates many years’ experience in his professional network, and has been noted for achievements, leadership qualities, and the credentials and successes he has accrued in his field. As in all Marquis Who’s Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Drawn to journalism, Mr. Cornwell always had a talent for writing. A former British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) current affairs television producer for 11 years, he began writing novels in 1980. Many of his books are centered on history, and his bestselling series, “The Last Kingdom,” is perhaps his biggest success. Set in England, the first installment was released in 2009 and is based on records of his ancestors during the ninth and 10th centuries. The series was also released on Netflix, featuring a cameo from Mr. Cornwell in season three. Season four was released on April 26, 2020.
Mr. Cornwell’s further series of books include “The Grail Quest,” “War Lord” and “Sword of Kings,” as well as several independent novels such as “AginCourt.” He has also released his first non-fiction book “Waterloo.”
Mr. Cornwell considers his tenure at the BBC, which is the national broadcaster of the United Kingdom and is headquartered in London, to be a huge accomplishment. As the head of current affairs at its Belfast location for more than three years, he held significant responsibility, and considers this to be the pinnacle of his career in communications. After moving abroad to the U.S. with his American wife, however, he was denied a work permit and could not find adequate work. This is when he began writing, and to date as a novelist he has published approximately 60 books. Mr. Cornwell aspires to continue writing at home in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and sailing on his sailboat.
In 1999, Mr. Cornwell co-founded The Bernard and Judy Cornwell Foundation Inc. with his wife, a nonprofit charitable organization in Chatham, Massachusetts. Ms. Cornwell is notably a yoga teacher who has been known for her philanthropic efforts as a founding board member of WeCan, an organization that aids women in crisis. She has also been active raising funds for suicide prevention and other worthy causes and volunteered her time with Hospice of Cape Cod for over 15 years.
Born in England, Mr. Cornwell studied history at London University. Recognizing his achievements, he was named an Officer of the Order of the British Empire on the Queen’s 80th Birthday Honors List.
About Marquis Who’s Who®
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who’s Who in America®, Marquis Who’s Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Today, Who’s Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. Marquis® now publishes many Who’s Who titles, including Who’s Who in America®, Who’s Who in the World®, Who’s Who in American Law®, Who’s Who in Medicine and Healthcare®, Who’s Who in Science and Engineering®, and Who’s Who in Asia®. Marquis® publications may be visited at the official Marquis Who’s Who® website at www.marquiswhoswho.com.