Archer 'nostalgic' about Somerset before death

Jeffrey Archer said he was feeling "wistful and nostalgic" about his upbringing in Somerset a week before his death.

The bestselling author and former politician, who grew up in Weston-super-Mare, died on Monday at the age of 86, the day before the release of his latest - and last - novel.

BBC Breakfast presenter Jon Kay interviewed Archer last week at his alma mater, Wellington School, in Somerset. He said Archer had been reflecting on his "extraordinary life" during their conversation.

"He admitted he was feeling a little wistful and nostalgic, reminiscent about Somerset in his later years," Kay said.

He said he "couldn't believe it" when he heard that Archer had passed away.

"He had seemed so well, so fit and healthy, when we interviewed him," Kay said.

"We filmed it the old chapel where he'd sung in the choir and also in the library, which was named after him 10 years ago.

"He reflected on so much of his extraordinary life, he talked about growing up in Weston and told me stories that had helped inspire parts of his book," he said.

One story he shared was sleeping in John Cleese's bed after his family bought a house in Easton Mansions, Weston, from the mother of the Fawlty Towers actor and comedian.

Wellington School headteacher Dr Alex Battison said it was during Archer's time at the school that he discovered "his love of writing, reading and telling stories".

He said it had been "lovely" to meet Archer on a few occasions, including on the recent visit.

"He was buoyant, which is part of the shock, he was on really good form," he said.

"Fond memories of being here were coming back to him... He reflected very warmly on his time here."

Battison said Archer was involved in running cross country and athletics during his time at the school.

He said they also had a photograph of him at the top of a human pyramid in gymnastics.

Archer had been due to speak at Cheltenham Literature Festival on Saturday to discuss what he said would be his final novel, Adam and Eve.

He had visited Wellington School last week as part of promotion for the book.

"It's wonderful to come back," Archer said last week.

"What I got a real thrill about when I was walking towards the library is seeing the young boys and girls and thinking, 'that's the next generation'.

"The library is really special to me because it brings back so many happy memories," he said.

"I was on a scholarship because we had no money. I would never have got in without a scholarship."

Archer was born in north London on 15 April 1940 but weeks later his parents moved to Weston-super-Mare, where they bought the house in Easton Mansions.

Archer's mother Lola was the first female journalist on the Weston Mercury, a weekly newspaper.

As a child Archer sold ice cream on the beach in Weston and he was a keen Somerset County Cricket fan.

After a successful career as an author and Conservative MP, Archer was jailed for perjury in 2001 after being found guilty of lying and cheating in his 1987 libel case against the Daily Star.

He was released in 2003 and returned to the House of Lords as Lord Archer of Weston-super Mare until he retired in 2024.

John Penrose, Conservative MP for Weston-super-Mare from 2005 to 2024, described Archer as "an extraordinary man, hugely talented, not a saint, but someone who had so much to give and was generous with his time".

He said Archer was "the most amazing" charity auctioneer.

"He used to light up a room, raise thousands of pounds for whichever good cause it was and leave everyone with their wallets a bit lighter and with smiles on their face," he said.

"He was known to an awful lot of people and was just so generous and kind and, having been around for so many decades, had an awful lot of advice and wisdom to share."

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