A hospital governor who was also a leading historian and heritage campaigner has died aged 77.

Dr Julian Litten was a member of the council of governors at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

He was also a member of its charitable fund committee, which ensured donations were spent well for the benefit of both patients and staff.

Dr Antonia Hardcastle, lead governor at the hospital, said: “The council of governors is saddened by the news of his passing. I will miss his intellectual challenge, humour and strong moral compass which has helped guide the whole council.”

Dr Litten was a highly respected figure at the hospital and in the wider area, having made Norfolk his home in 2007 with his partner of 46 years, the late Father Anthony Couchman.

He was known as England’s leading funerary historian and was a founder and chairman of the Friends of Hardwick Road Cemetery.

He was a published author and researcher, who chaired committees entrusted with the caring for the maintenance of Norwich Cathedral and St Edmundsbury Cathedral, as well as sitting on similar committees at Ely Cathedral and Westminster Abbey.

Dr Litten was also responsible for steering the completion of the renovation of Portsmouth Cathedral.

He was determined to see a new Queen Elizabeth Hospital delivered for Norfolk and had pledged do his utmost to drive the project forward when he stood for the hospital's governing body, while at the same time supporting the staff who cope with the challenges placed upon them by the declining state of the current building.

Dr Litten died at his home in King’s Lynn on October 19 after a period of ill health. Details of the funeral arrangements have not yet been confirmed.