Dame Jilly 'died of head injury after falling at home'

DAME Jilly Cooper suffered a fatal head injury in a fall at her home in Gloucestershire, an inquest heard.

- BY CLAIRE HAYHURST and ELEANOR STOREY

The writer - known for her "bonkbusters" including Riders, Rivals and Polo - was found by family at the house in Bisley at 5pm on October 4.

Gloucestershire coroners court heard Dame Jilly, 88, was initially alert and was transferred by paramedics to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, but her condition deteriorated.

She died in hospital, with her family present, at 8.30am on October 5.