Secretive Millionaire Leaves Huge Bequest to the Nation

A reclusive millionaire has stunned his local community with the news that his estate has been left to the nation.

Harry Hyams made his fortune in the post-war construction industry, primarily building skyscrapers and office blocks in London. He was married, but his wife passed away in 2011 and the couple had no children.

When Hyams died in December 2015, at the age of 87, he left behind an estate worth around £487 million. His will instructed that £450 million of this should be used to preserve his home, Ramsbury Manor in the Kennet Valley in Wiltshire, for the nation.

The news has caused great excitement, because Hyams famously hated the spotlight and shunned media attention, and access to his home and surrounding land was very restricted. He was known to have an extensive collection of antiques and art, but few details of this collection had ever been made public, although it is thought to include works by artists such as Turner and Rubens.

However, because of what is thought to be one of the biggest charitable bequests ever recorded in Britain, the doors to this legendary manor house will finally be open to the public.

If you would like to discuss your inheritance plans, and find out more about writing a will or leaving a charitable bequest, contact our expert private client lawyers today.