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Peer leaves £31m in will.

THE future of Lord Leverhulme's multi-million pound legacy was settled yesterday (Tuesday) but questions still surround prospects for his Thornton Manor estate. The viscount, who died aged 85 in July, bequeathed a total of £31,477,042 to family, friends and former staff. His daughters, Victoria and Jane, received paintings and priceless mementoes. His eldest daughter Susan is being cared for by means of a trust fund. Rare treasures inherited by close family include Churchill guns, silver goblets and a cigarette box and cigar box presented to Lord Leverhulme by staff on his 21st birthday. Another was a gift from King Edward VII. Prized trophies, the 1968 National Hunt Cup, the 1978 Grand Military Gold Cup, have been bequeathed to relatives and the 1977 Chester Vase, won by his horse Hot Grove, has been left to the Chester Race Company.

Port Sunlight's Lady Lever Art Gallery is to get portraits of the three Viscounts Leverhulme, one of which was by Britain's leading portrait painter of the 19th century, Augustus John. Acting curator at Lady Lever Art Gallery Amy Barker said: "These paintings are of great importance to us from both a historic and sentimental point of view. "He was a great friend to the gallery and a very generous man. We are thrilled to have three generations of portraits in his bequest and they will become a prominent feature at the museum."

The viscount also gave orders for his home, Thornton Manor, to be placed in trust before a sale can take place later this year. The manor, valued at more than £6m, is believed to have been registered with London estate agent SPD Saville. However, Saville's this week refused to comment on the sale. The manor boasts one of the most remarkable private gardens in the country and is regularly opened to the public in aid of local charities.

Article from the Wirral News - January 10th 2001