Surprise Inheritance Prompts Auction to Save Historic Property

Bamber Gascoigne, the original quizmaster on the BBC show University Challenge received a surprise inheritance from his aunt. Gascoigne was left the West Horsley Place, dating back to the 11th century and former property of the Duchess of Roxburghe. The home needs significant repairs and three Sotheby’s sales will be held in May to raise the necessary funds. Items from the home to be sold include jewels, paintings, and furniture, to raise an estimated total of £2.2 million.

See Hannah Furness, Bamber Gascoigne to Save 500-Year-Old Manor After ‘Accidental’ Inheritance, The Telegraph, March 21, 2015.