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Lord Montagu of Beaulieu admits he is bisexual
10:50am Monday 16th July 2007
Lord Montagu has been talking about the time he was convicted by a jury of homosexual offence.
IT was Hampshire's trial of the century and it ended with Lord Montagu of Beaulieu being jailed for a year - convicted of homosexual offences at Winchester Assizes in 1954. The outcome of that trial was a seismic shift in public attitudes and a change in the law to legalise sex between gay adults.
The founder of the National Motor Museum and leading member of the British aristocracy Lord M has always maintained his innocence in 1954 court case which rocked society but led to change in gay laws
Now, more than half a century later, the 80-year-old peer and founder of the National Motor Museum has spoken publicly for the first time about the case that rocked the Establishment and changed the course of British history.
Lord Montagu, who has always maintained his innocence, has admitted he is bisexual.
In an interview with a national newspaper he said: "I am bisexual. To describe it any other way would be dishonest. I remember feeling that I didn't have to apologise to anybody. I am what I am."
He was convicted along with Daily Mail journalist Peter Wildeblood and Dorset landowner Michael Pitt-Rivers in a sensational case that made headlines around the world and scandalised high society.
While giving evidence during the eight-day trial, Wildeblood dramatically admitted that he was gay, becoming one of the first British men to make such a public declaration during a time when homosexuality was a criminal offence carrying a maximum life jail sentence.
Although he denied allegations of sex with RAF male nurse Eddie McNally, Wildeblood's bold admission on the witness stand convinced the all-male jury to find the trio guilty.
To mark the 40th anniversary this month of homosexuality being decriminalised, Lord Montagu has taken part in a television documentary about the case and its aftermath, to be shown on Channel 4 on Saturday.
He told the programme makers: "I admired Peter Wildeblood very much because he was completely honest and spoke the truth.
"Of course, at that time we had no idea what they (the public) were thinking outside, nor did we know what the attitude was going to be from other people."
When the three men were led out of the court building to start their jail sentences, a gathered crowd burst into applause, mirroring the sympathy for them across the country and the outcry over the length of their prison terms.
Wildeblood and Pitt-Rivers, who was Lord Montagu's cousin, were both put behind bars for 18 months.
In the wake of the case the Home Office set up the Wolfenden Committee to consider changing the law. Consensual sex in private between homosexuals, was approved by Parliament in 1967.
Lord Montagu, who has since married twice, said: "Peter Wildeblood did very well indeed, turning himself into a crusader to have the law changed."
Wildeblood had met 28-year-old aristocratic socialite Edward Montagu, Third Baron Montagu of Beaulieu, through a publicity agent and they became friends.
Lord Montagu invited him to stay at his isolated beach hut in Beaulieu in August 1952, along with 23-year-old Eddie McNally, with whom Wildeblood had developed a relationship, and Corporal McNally's RAF pal John Reynolds.
In January 1954, police launched simultaneous dawn raids on Wildeblood, Montagu and Pitt-Rivers, who had also been staying at Beaulieu that weekend.
Lord Montagu said: "I will never forget being woken up at 7am with the police banging on the (bedroom) door, and I was in bed alone, may I say.
"Then I was carted off to a local town and I was charged in Her Majesty's court."
The trio were charged with several indecency offences against the two RAF men and also conspiring with Lord Montagu to commit them.
Their arrests were part of a crackdown on homosexuals by Churchill's Government amid the height of Cold War paranoia, following the defection of gay spies Guy Burgess and Donald Maclean to the Soviet Union.
McNally and Reynolds turned Queen's Evidence and testified for the prosecution against the three defendants in court.
A Channel 4 spokesman said: "Part of a season marking the 40th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality, this film tells the extraordinary story of the high society court case that scandalised society, electrified the nation and changed the course of British history.
"Mixing drama with documentary testimony, including that of Lord Montagu, this moving film brings to life the extraordinary events of the trial and paints a vivid picture of gay life in 1950s Britain."
A Very British Sex Scandal will be broadcast on Channel 4 at 9pm on Saturday July 27.
Your Say YourEcho
mangobean, Eastleigh says...
12:02pm Mon 16 Jul 07
1) How does this qualify as news bearing in mind it was published nationally yesterday?
2) If it was news, why does the Echo have to feed off the crumbs of a national paper?
3) In the modern world who actually cares and what difference does it make who is gay and who is straight?
Come on Echo, lets have some real news.
Harry Remmingto, New Forrrest says...
12:07pm Mon 16 Jul 07
would be more interesting along the lines of Lady Chatterly
an old hack writes, above bar says...
12:14pm Mon 16 Jul 07
mangobean wrote:disagree entirely.
As mentioned in this article, this interview was with a national newspaper. (Mail on Sunday yesterday. I don't normally buy it but I wanted the free Prince CD!) 3 questions. 1) How does this qualify as news bearing in mind it was published nationally yesterday? 2) If it was news, why does the Echo have to feed off the crumbs of a national paper? 3) In the modern world who actually cares and what difference does it make who is gay and who is straight? Come on Echo, lets have some real news.
1) it is local news and the echo would be wrong to ignore it.
2) all papers follow up other papers' stories.
3) quite so, no-one cares who is gay or straight today but it is good to remember that it was not always so and people like montagu suffered under iniquitous laws of the past.
Steve, Southampton says...
12:16pm Mon 16 Jul 07
mangobean, Eastleigh says...
12:22pm Mon 16 Jul 07
an old hack writes wrote:My point is that it is not news as I saw the article yesterday.(note I saw it but didn't read it as it is not v interesting.) Now if Lord Montagu was to go back on trial for perjury for lying in court half a century ago, that would be news!
mangobean wrote: As mentioned in this article, this interview was with a national newspaper. (Mail on Sunday yesterday. I don't normally buy it but I wanted the free Prince CD!) 3 questions. 1) How does this qualify as news bearing in mind it was published nationally yesterday? 2) If it was news, why does the Echo have to feed off the crumbs of a national paper? 3) In the modern world who actually cares and what difference does it make who is gay and who is straight? Come on Echo, lets have some real news.disagree entirely. 1) it is local news and the echo would be wrong to ignore it. 2) all papers follow up other papers' stories. 3) quite so, no-one cares who is gay or straight today but it is good to remember that it was not always so and people like montagu suffered under iniquitous laws of the past.
Liz, says...
12:24pm Mon 16 Jul 07
I do not understand why people complain about what the Echo reports on. It is still news and not everone wants to read about all the crimes and bad things that are happening all the time. If it is not interesting to an individual then why read it.
Frank, Hants says...
12:36pm Mon 16 Jul 07
He really shouldn't have spoken in this way.
Big D, says...
12:58pm Mon 16 Jul 07
I had a vegetarian meal for lunch today, and I'm not even a vegetarian. Now that, surely, is bigger news!
Tony, Southampton says...
1:08pm Mon 16 Jul 07
Frank wrote:What victims? Was there any suggestion that anybody was forced to do anything against their will?
I was shocked, but very disappointed to read this article. Lord Montagu really should have given more consideration to the wisdom of talking so openly; and the repercussions that will follow. Recreating the 'Show Trial' for TV will continue to turn his family into an object of ridicule; and open old wounds for the victims' families. He really shouldn't have spoken in this way.
Tom, Southampton says...
1:12pm Mon 16 Jul 07
King Mush, Woolston says...
1:18pm Mon 16 Jul 07
At least it is an interesting insight into those far-off days when homosexuals were persecuted.
Southampton has always been a 'gay'friendly city with its status as a major port and the ships certainly provided a steady flow of 'camp' characters into the pubs and clubs over many years! Quite an enlightened place really and ahead of its time.
I think it makes very good reading despite the negativity above and must be an insight into our repressed past? There were security issues to be considered, in line with the famous Profumo Keeler case which brought down the government of the time.
Dont we all love a bit of 'Scandal'???
Tom, Southampton says...
1:51pm Mon 16 Jul 07
Anon, Hants says...
1:53pm Mon 16 Jul 07
I'm Straight!!, Hants says...
1:59pm Mon 16 Jul 07
Daily Echo Website Exclusive!
I'M STRAIGHT
Why do we have to constantly have gay and bi people talking about their antics and lifestyle?
Why do straight people not receive the same coverage?
PS: I do have gay friends, but I don't agree with their sexuality and lifestyle. They also respect my right to hold such views (rather than the usual "PC" claims that people who don't support gay relationships are all homophobic).
keith, test valley says...
2:00pm Mon 16 Jul 07
King Mush wrote:Must agree with the mush, worked on several occassions with "Robert", about 20 /25 years ago moving his belongings vehicles etc around the estate. Knew then what the echo seems to think is big news now, But in his defence not that he needs any , you couldnt have met a more quiet GENTLEMAN ever, Oh by the way tomorrows echo headline is about a tv presenter that was on the generation game was Gay, alledgedly, his name, LARRY GRAYSON.
This has hardly been a 'secret' story in the local area for decades! Everybody knew about LM's tendencies way back then! Big deal. At least it is an interesting insight into those far-off days when homosexuals were persecuted. Southampton has always been a 'gay'friendly city with its status as a major port and the ships certainly provided a steady flow of 'camp' characters into the pubs and clubs over many years! Quite an enlightened place really and ahead of its time. I think it makes very good reading despite the negativity above and must be an insight into our repressed past? There were security issues to be considered, in line with the famous Profumo Keeler case which brought down the government of the time. Dont we all love a bit of 'Scandal'???
The whole truth and nothing but the truth, Beauliful says...
2:02pm Mon 16 Jul 07
BTW Mangobean - this is news to anyone in the locality who didn't read about this situation in the nationals.
GL, Hants says...
2:05pm Mon 16 Jul 07
The whole truth and nothing but the truth wrote:You cannot be very local if you didn't know about this story 30 years ago. And if you are a more recent local, you obviously don't talk to the locals!!
Is this admission a device to deflect any other alleged misdemeanours? BTW Mangobean - this is news to anyone in the locality who didn't read about this situation in the nationals.
Tom, Southampton says...
2:23pm Mon 16 Jul 07
Bi the way, Magnumsville says...
2:23pm Mon 16 Jul 07
The_Shotster, Southampton says...
2:41pm Mon 16 Jul 07
GL, Hants says...
3:22pm Mon 16 Jul 07
Bi the way wrote:In a word, YES.
GL - Are you saying that everybody in the circulation area of this paper should already be aware of Lord M's sexuality?
Freddie Mercurial, San Francisco says...
3:45pm Mon 16 Jul 07
A.About 6 pints.
King Mush, Woolston says...
3:48pm Mon 16 Jul 07
I'm straight but have no problems with whatever people do in the privacy of their homes (or tents etc)
So long as they are of the age of consent, and not 'dogging' or 'cottaging' then its no big problem.
Southampton has always been liberal and many a blind eye was turned at certain 'activities' around the docks area way back before they were made legal!!
Soton leads - the rest follow.
PS I'm bi sexual. if I need sex- I have it to 'bi' it.
My mate's trisexual - he'll 'tri' anything.
Aythangyow!!!
Neil, FernyCrofts says...
4:02pm Mon 16 Jul 07
Tom wrote:And we will never know the full truth behind the trial and what really happened. Though a number of Forest Scout leaders I met always cautioned against taking your eye's off Lord M if you were Scouting in the Forest....I wonder if he's going to HamJam07???
The gist of the story is that he had gay friends and was gay. They tried him for alleged offences against the scouts but the trial was thrown out and was a farce. Also, the scouts may not have been completely truthful and their honesty was questionable so the establishment wanted to look for a head to roll and what better than a Lord. As it goes he got quite a rough deal compared to the normal non-peer blokes that had also been tried on homosexual grounds. I suspect that the sensionalistic headlines are more to do with the showing of the tv programme and not \'outing\' Lord M.
The_Shotster, Southampton says...
4:06pm Mon 16 Jul 07
Freddie Mercurial wrote:Well Freddie that is a cracker! It really tickled my tonsils. . . . . .I mean funny boner. . . . . .I mean made me laugh!
Q.What is the difference between a hetrosexual man and a bisexual man? A.About 6 pints.
Eager Beaver, says...
4:06pm Mon 16 Jul 07
mick gosport, gosport says...
4:17pm Mon 16 Jul 07
Tom, Southamptn says...
4:29pm Mon 16 Jul 07
mick gosport wrote:To be fair Mick it's an admirable thing admitting you're from Gosport. Well done. I'd rather admit to be being gay.
the people slating the the echo are lucky that don't live in my area.they would soon realise the echo is far superior to my local rag!
steve, parkgate says...
5:04pm Mon 16 Jul 07
You might as well add the rest of the house of Lords to the list while your at it, save on anymore pointless articles being written.
J, Soton says...
5:07pm Mon 16 Jul 07
Frank wrote:"victims"???
I was shocked, but very disappointed to read this article. Lord Montagu really should have given more consideration to the wisdom of talking so openly; and the repercussions that will follow. Recreating the 'Show Trial' for TV will continue to turn his family into an object of ridicule; and open old wounds for the victims' families. He really shouldn't have spoken in this way.
What victims? This story is about Lord Montagu admitting he is bisexual not that he abused people or hurt anyone.
His family have all known this for a very long time as has anyone else who has known him, the family or lives in the area.
This is just finally a public admittance and fair play to him.
Lord Montagu is a genuine, caring guy who does a lot of work for the local community and also much wider community.
If your use of "victim" refers to the scouts and that whole debacle then look up your facts. It was thrown out of court because of lack of evidence and because it became apparant it was one boys sour grapes against a Lord who had apparantly caught the boy stealing a camera.
What reprocussions could possibly follow?
Ridicule to his family??? The family are very close and your comment seems to almost suggest he has something to be ashamed of.
He is bisexual. Big deal.
It does not make him any different to how he was now he has said publically.
It wont make him less of a father, grandfather, husband etc.
Hats off to him for doing what MANY other well known bisexual/gay men don't have the guts for.
Lord Montagu... I salute you (in a non Village People manner of course)
Tom's Dad, parkgate says...
5:07pm Mon 16 Jul 07
Tom wrote:...you did, right before you moved to Gosport. You'll never be my son Tom, i've told the rest of the family you joined the French Foreign Legion
mick gosport wrote: the people slating the the echo are lucky that don't live in my area.they would soon realise the echo is far superior to my local rag!To be fair Mick it's an admirable thing admitting you're from Gosport. Well done. I'd rather admit to be being gay.
KS, southampton says...
8:01pm Mon 16 Jul 07
Mark Jinks, Netley says...
10:47pm Mon 16 Jul 07
Robert, says...
11:12pm Mon 16 Jul 07
Ray Brown, says...
12:02am Tue 17 Jul 07
The_Shotster, Southampton says...
9:02am Tue 17 Jul 07
Robert wrote:So Robert, why should Lord M be congratulated at the ripe old age of 80 for being 'so open'? Why didn't he come out with it (excuse the expression) years ago and be proud then? To do it (excuse the expression) at his age because he will (let's face it!) not be around for much longer is like Tony Blair saying the Iraq war because of WMD was wrong when he is on his deathbed! I am afraid the bunting should remain in the box!
The posts on this thread suggest that we are at last grown up about sexual orientation, but Montagu's declaration was not without risk and he should be congratulated on being so open.
J, Soton says...
9:30am Tue 17 Jul 07
The_Shotster wrote:Why?
Robert wrote: The posts on this thread suggest that we are at last grown up about sexual orientation, but Montagu's declaration was not without risk and he should be congratulated on being so open.So Robert, why should Lord M be congratulated at the ripe old age of 80 for being 'so open'? Why didn't he come out with it (excuse the expression) years ago and be proud then? To do it (excuse the expression) at his age because he will (let's face it!) not be around for much longer is like Tony Blair saying the Iraq war because of WMD was wrong when he is on his deathbed! I am afraid the bunting should remain in the box!
I mean... do you know yourself that he denied it or that people close to him were unaware of it?
I think you will find that it is more the case of in his upbringing and lifestyle one doesn't openly disclose information like this as it just isn't the done thing.
He must now however have reached a stage, quite rightly, where he probably thinks, "Sod it".
Plus it is for a very good reason. It is 40 years since homosexuality was decriminalised and soon as Lord Montagu's case was a very prominent one in the 50's it is exactly the right time to come forward about it all.
Lord Montagu has always been very open about what happened back then.
Read his book he wrote quite a few years ago now and it will give you a frank, honest insight in to the court case and his time in prison.
Perhaps don't judge from so far away.
Those of us who have ever met him and his family will have more idea.
lake, says...
9:43am Tue 17 Jul 07
Chas Taylor, zante, greece says...
9:53am Tue 17 Jul 07
The_Shotster, Southampton says...
10:42am Tue 17 Jul 07
J wrote:I take your points. It is obvious however that you take a personal interest in the affairs of Lord M. You would support him as is your wish. I do judge from afar because unlike you I do not have the fortune of knowing such a prominent person. I judge by the facts presented and always make a judgement on them. I stick by my views and appreciate yours.
The_Shotster wrote:Why? I mean... do you know yourself that he denied it or that people close to him were unaware of it? I think you will find that it is more the case of in his upbringing and lifestyle one doesn't openly disclose information like this as it just isn't the done thing. He must now however have reached a stage, quite rightly, where he probably thinks, "Sod it". Plus it is for a very good reason. It is 40 years since homosexuality was decriminalised and soon as Lord Montagu's case was a very prominent one in the 50's it is exactly the right time to come forward about it all. Lord Montagu has always been very open about what happened back then. Read his book he wrote quite a few years ago now and it will give you a frank, honest insight in to the court case and his time in prison. Perhaps don't judge from so far away. Those of us who have ever met him and his family will have more idea.Robert wrote: The posts on this thread suggest that we are at last grown up about sexual orientation, but Montagu's declaration was not without risk and he should be congratulated on being so open.So Robert, why should Lord M be congratulated at the ripe old age of 80 for being 'so open'? Why didn't he come out with it (excuse the expression) years ago and be proud then? To do it (excuse the expression) at his age because he will (let's face it!) not be around for much longer is like Tony Blair saying the Iraq war because of WMD was wrong when he is on his deathbed! I am afraid the bunting should remain in the box!
Brian, Brisbane Australia says...
10:54am Tue 17 Jul 07
upset, Southampton says...
3:26pm Tue 17 Jul 07
Frank wrote:homophobic
I was shocked, but very disappointed to read this article. Lord Montagu really should have given more consideration to the wisdom of talking so openly; and the repercussions that will follow. Recreating the \\\'Show Trial\\\' for TV will continue to turn his family into an object of ridicule; and open old wounds for the victims\\\' families. He really shouldn\\\'t have spoken in this way.
upset, Southampton says...
3:30pm Tue 17 Jul 07
The_Shotster wrote:what! do u know how hard it is to come out!? obviously not.
Robert wrote: The posts on this thread suggest that we are at last grown up about sexual orientation, but Montagu's declaration was not without risk and he should be congratulated on being so open.So Robert, why should Lord M be congratulated at the ripe old age of 80 for being 'so open'? Why didn't he come out with it (excuse the expression) years ago and be proud then? To do it (excuse the expression) at his age because he will (let's face it!) not be around for much longer is like Tony Blair saying the Iraq war because of WMD was wrong when he is on his deathbed! I am afraid the bunting should remain in the box!
I. Lyckebottom, Hampstead Heath says...
4:01pm Tue 17 Jul 07
I'm out!!!
That was easy,I don't know what all the fuss is about.
King Mush, Woolston says...
4:36pm Tue 17 Jul 07
I. Lyckebottom wrote:lol
I am no longer a hetrosexual - I am a Homosexual. I'm out!!! That was easy,I don't know what all the fuss is about.
Oh come on George Michael - we all know about your goings on near to your house near Hampstead Heath!!
Why couldnt you have picked a better 'handle'??
The_Shotster, Southampton says...
5:05pm Tue 17 Jul 07
upset wrote:You tell me! It is not about 'coming out' it is about coming out when you are 80, he could have done it 40 years ago, 30 years ago, 20 years ago or even 10. No, Lord M decided when he was 80. That is sooooooo respectful of him isn't it! You peeps are going on like he's some sort of hero! Geees!
The_Shotster wrote:what! do u know how hard it is to come out!? obviously not.Robert wrote: The posts on this thread suggest that we are at last grown up about sexual orientation, but Montagu's declaration was not without risk and he should be congratulated on being so open.So Robert, why should Lord M be congratulated at the ripe old age of 80 for being 'so open'? Why didn't he come out with it (excuse the expression) years ago and be proud then? To do it (excuse the expression) at his age because he will (let's face it!) not be around for much longer is like Tony Blair saying the Iraq war because of WMD was wrong when he is on his deathbed! I am afraid the bunting should remain in the box!
C. Nolady, Romsey says...
5:07pm Tue 17 Jul 07
Chav Free Zone, Swaythling says...
5:59pm Tue 17 Jul 07
The only thing that bothers me about mr Montagu is that he gains his thrills by killing animals for fun
The_Shotster, Southampton says...
8:11am Wed 18 Jul 07
Chav Free Zone wrote:Tut Tut 'Chav Free Zone' (And what have you got against Chavs hey?)
Oh dear there's some very homophobic and stupid people above!! The only thing that bothers me about mr Montagu is that he gains his thrills by killing animals for fun
faf, bournemouth says...
9:33am Fri 20 Jul 07
Brian wrote:Obviously an ex-local!!!!! Thats what Dads back then quoted to their sons if they ventured into Beaulieu.
Heard the 1954 one about the boy who found a half crown on the road in Beaulieu and kicked it all the way to Totton before he was game to pick it up ?
mary, says...
10:42pm Sat 21 Jul 07
that trouble and then not even be gay? did he just like sexual relations with men or did he actually feel love for them? I just dont understand.
mary, brighton says...
10:50pm Sat 21 Jul 07
J wrote:i think it does! i would feel very confused if my father suddenly told me he was gay..... you cant have your cake and eat it.
Frank wrote:\\\"victims\\\"???
I was shocked, but very disappointed to read this article. Lord Montagu really should have given more consideration to the wisdom of talking so openly; and the repercussions that will follow. Recreating the \\\'Show Trial\\\' for TV will continue to turn his family into an object of ridicule; and open old wounds for the victims\\\' families. He really shouldn\\\'t have spoken in this way.
What victims? This story is about Lord Montagu admitting he is bisexual not that he abused people or hurt anyone.
His family have all known this for a very long time as has anyone else who has known him, the family or lives in the area.
This is just finally a public admittance and fair play to him.
Lord Montagu is a genuine, caring guy who does a lot of work for the local community and also much wider community.
If your use of \\\"victim\\\" refers to the scouts and that whole debacle then look up your facts. It was thrown out of court because of lack of evidence and because it became apparant it was one boys sour grapes against a Lord who had apparantly caught the boy stealing a camera.
What reprocussions could possibly follow?
Ridicule to his family??? The family are very close and your comment seems to almost suggest he has something to be ashamed of.
He is bisexual. Big deal.
It does not make him any different to how he was now he has said publically.
It wont make him less of a father, grandfather, husband etc.
Hats off to him for doing what MANY other well known bisexual/gay men don\\\'t have the guts for.
Lord Montagu... I salute you (in a non Village People manner of course)
samuel pepys, poole says...
7:21am Mon 23 Jul 07
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Lord Montagu
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