Wolf Hall author Hilary Mantel dies aged 70

The British author had been spotted in West Cork in recent times, where it was rumoured she was interested in buying a house in the area 

Author Hilary Mantel has died “suddenly yet peacefully” surrounded by close family and friends, HarperCollins has announced (PA)

Author Hilary Mantel has died “suddenly yet peacefully” surrounded by close family and friends, HarperCollins has announced. She was 70.

The British writer won the Booker Prize twice, first for her 2009 novel Wolf Hall and again in 2012 for Bring Up The Bodies.