Elizabeth (Lady) Kennet has died at the age of 91.

Born Elizabeth Ann Adams in 1923, Kennet was the author of seven books, a commentator on defence and nuclear arms, and an activist in architectural conservation.

She also founded the Tibor Dery Committee, at Arthur Koestler’s invitation, to campaign for the release of Hungarian writers following the Soviet invasion of Budapest.

Brought up in Geneva, she attended Downe House School before winning an exhibition to study at Somerville (1941, PPE).

An obituary in The Telegraph notes her role in founding the Hawksmoor Committee, which raised publicity – and, through it, financial aid – for Hawksmoor’s churches. The obituary can be read on the Telegraph website.

Elizabeth Adams, 1941

Further reading?

Dr Frank Prochaska (1941-2026)

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Dr Frank Prochaska (1941-2026)

Professor Dame Carole Jordan DBE, FRS, FRAS, FInstP (1941-2026)

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Professor Dame Carole Jordan DBE, FRS, FRAS, FInstP (1941-2026)

Remembering Our Supporters’ Lunch 2026

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