Patrick Cosgrave

1941-2001

Patrick Cosgrave was a writer and journalist best known as political editor of The Spectator, special advisor to Margaret Thatcher, and author of political biographies.

Excelling in History and 17th Century Religion at University College, Dublin, Cosgrave completed his education at Peterhouse College, Cambridge. His first book after gaining his pHd was a study of the poet Robert Lowell (1969). His political biographies included two accounts of Margaret Thatcher - one in 1979, the other, Thatcher, The First Term, in 1985 - as well as books on RA Butler, Lord Carrington and Enoch Powell. Later in life he also wrote three mystery novels.

Cosgrave joined the Conservative Research Department in 1969, and in 1971 became political editor of The Spectator, where his scathing articles on Edward Heath earned him the nickname ‘The Mekon’. He also worked as features editor for The Telegraph Magazine, and wrote for many other publications including The Times, The New Law Review and Round Table.

The Patrick Cosgrave Papers are deposited at University College, Dublin.