Ross McWhirter facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ross McWhirter
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| Born |
Alan Ross McWhirter
12 August 1925 Winchmore Hill, Middlesex, England
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| Died | 27 November 1975 (aged 50) Enfield, London, England
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| Cause of death | Gunshot |
| Education | Marlborough College Trinity College, Oxford |
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Notable credit(s)
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The Guinness Book of Records, Record Breakers |
| Spouse(s) | Rosemary J. Hamilton-Grice |
| Relatives | Norris McWhirter (twin brother) |
Alan Ross McWhirter (born August 12, 1925 – died November 27, 1975) was a British writer and TV presenter. He was famous for helping to create the Guinness Book of Records with his twin brother, Norris McWhirter. This book, now known as Guinness World Records, lists amazing facts and achievements from around the world. Ross McWhirter also appeared on the TV show Record Breakers.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Ross McWhirter was born in Winchmore Hill, London. He was the youngest son of William McWhirter, who was an editor for a newspaper. His father helped start a group of local newspapers.
Ross went to Chesterton School, Marlborough College, and Trinity College, Oxford, for his education. Between 1943 and 1946, he served in the navy during World War II. He was a sub-lieutenant on a ship that cleared mines from the sea in the Mediterranean. Ross lived and worked in the London area for many years.
Creating the Guinness Book of Records
In 1950, Ross and his brother Norris both became sports journalists. They were very good at finding and remembering facts. In 1951, they started a business that provided interesting facts and figures to newspapers and other publications.
They knew a runner named Christopher Chataway, who worked for the Guinness company. Christopher suggested that the brothers meet Hugh Beaver, who was the head of Guinness. In 1954, after an interview where the Guinness directors tested the twins' knowledge, the brothers agreed to create a book of records.
The first Guinness Book of Records came out in August 1955. It was a slim, green book with 198 pages. Within four months, it became the best-selling non-fiction book in the UK.
Television and Famous Facts
Both Ross and Norris were regular guests on the BBC show Record Breakers. They were known for their amazing memories. They could answer detailed questions from the audience about entries in The Guinness Book of Records. Norris continued to appear on the show after Ross passed away.
In 1958, Ross found the grave of William Webb Ellis in France. William Webb Ellis is often said to be the person who invented rugby.
In 1965, Ross and Norris were guests on an American TV show called I've Got a Secret. On the show, they showed off how well they could remember facts from their famous book.
Involvement in Politics
In the early 1960s, Ross McWhirter was active in the Conservative Party. He ran for a seat in Parliament in 1964 but was not elected. After his death, his brother and others started an organization called the National Association for Freedom.
Later Life and Death
Ross McWhirter passed away on November 27, 1975. He was shot outside his home in London. The people responsible for his death were later caught. They were sentenced to prison but were released in 1999 as part of a peace agreement.
See also
- List of journalists killed in Europe
