HAMPSHIRE’S Lord Montagu has died aged 88 after a short illness, it was confirmed today.

Edward, 3rd Baron Montagu of Beaulieu, will be remembered for founding the National Motor Museum in 1972, which went on to become one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions.

A statement from Beaulieu said: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Edward, 3rd Baron Montagu of Beaulieu.

“He died peacefully at his home on 31st August 2015, aged 88, after a short illness.

“He is survived by his wife Fiona, his son and heir Ralph, daughter Mary and second son Jonathan.

“In accordance with his wishes, the estate and visitor attractions are continuing to operate as usual.

“An estate funeral will be held at Beaulieu, followed by a memorial service at St Margaret’s, Westminster for his friends in London and further afield. The dates of these to be advised.”

Former leader of Hampshire County Council Ken Thornber, said Lord Montagu had made "a great contribution in so many fields".

“One is to the well being of the village of Beaulieu, the other is he formed what then became a national museum for car lovers.

"In a day and age where great estates have been under financial pressure, his foresight brought about the saving of an estate and the formation of a national motor museum, and it is most unusual for private museums to become a national museum.

“He was a very caring lord of the manor, he took a great deal of care over and for his staff, and I know it sounds like cliché, but he will be sadly missed. But the estate remains in very safe hands in terms of his son Ralph looking after it.

“I think his qualities were as an entrepreneur but also a man who realised that the estate was in his care for his wife, but that he had a responsibility to make sure that the estate remained and was well cared for.”

Daily Echo:

Ken Thornber, centre, with Ralph and Ailsa Montagu

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