Who Is Bernard Cornwell? Age, Biography and Wiki
Bernard Cornwell, born on February 23, 1944, is a prolific British writer celebrated for his historical novels, especially those set during the Napoleonic Wars and the Arthurian legends. As of 2025, he is 81 years old and continues to be an influential figure in literature. Cornwell gained fame through his meticulously researched and thrilling narratives, which have captivated readers worldwide. His extensive bibliography includes the popular “Sharpe” series and the “Saxon Stories” series.
| Occupation | Historian |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 23, 1944 |
| Age | 81 Years |
| Birth Place | London, England |
| Horoscope | Pisces |
| Country | England |
Popularity
Bernard Cornwell's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Though Bernard Cornwell is more recognized for his literary contributions than his physical attributes, he stands at approximately 6 feet tall (183 cm). His weight is not publicly disclosed, but as a writer, he focuses more on creating engaging stories than on public appearances. Therefore, specific body measurements are not readily available.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Bernard Cornwell has been married to his wife, Judy Cornwell, since 1980. Judy is also a writer and is known for her role as an actress in various television productions. Together, they share a strong bond, and there is no public information about any romantic relationships outside their marriage. Cornwell has a close-knit family and often credits his partner for supporting his literary career.
He has written historical novels primarily based on English history, in five series, and one series of contemporary thriller novels. A feature of his historical novels is an end note on how they match or differ from history, and what one might see at the modern sites of the events described.
He wrote a nonfiction book on the battle of Waterloo, in addition to the fictional story of the famous battle in the Sharpe series. Three of the historical novel series have been adapted for television: the Sharpe television series by ITV, The Last Kingdom by BBC and The Winter King for MGM+.
He lives in the US with his wife, alternating between Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and Charleston, South Carolina.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Bernard Cornwell's estimated net worth is around $10 million. His fortune is primarily derived from his extensive literary career, including book sales, adaptations of his works into films and television series, and speaking engagements. Cornwell's earnings continue to grow as he remains a favorite among historical fiction enthusiasts.
Career, Business and Investments
Bernard Cornwell's career as an author spans several decades, during which he has published more than 50 novels. He has created best-selling series such as the “Sharpe” series and the “Last Kingdom” series. Many of his works have been adapted for television, further increasing his popularity and income. Cornwell is also involved in various investments, particularly in the literary arts, including supporting upcoming authors and participating in literary festivals.
Bernard Cornwell has been extremely successful in his writing career, selling 30 million books by 2015 throughout the various series and individual novels, and he continues to write new novels.
Social Network
Bernard Cornwell maintains a modest presence on social media platforms. He uses his accounts primarily to connect with fans, share insights about his writing process, and promote his latest works. You can find him on platforms like Twitter and Facebook, where he occasionally posts updates and interacts with his audience.
Cornwell originally planned to start the series with the Siege of Badajoz but decided instead to begin with a couple of "warm-up" novels. These were Sharpe's Eagle and Sharpe's Gold, both published in 1981. He went on to tell the story of Badajoz in Sharpe's Company published in 1982. He had a seven-book deal with his publisher.
Education
Cornwell attended the University of London, where he studied history. His educational background significantly influences his writing style, as he has a deep appreciation for historical accuracy and detail. This focus on research is evident in his novels, which often explore pivotal moments in history.
Cornwell was sent to Monkton Combe School in Somerset. He read history at University College London between 1963 and 1966 and worked as a teacher after graduating. He attempted to enlist in the British armed services at least three times but was rejected on the grounds of myopia.
