The late Eve Maria, Viscountess Glentworth, known as Lady Glentworth, has left a lasting legacy through her meticulously crafted last will and testament. Born Eve Maria Villehois, she was the daughter of Mr Bonr Villehois, hailing from Truman, Haobury, and Co. With her passing at the age of 100 on August 28th, her will reveals a life rich in experience and connections.

Lady Glentworth was not only the widow of Viscount Glentworth, the grandson of the first Earl of Limerick, but also the widow of Colonel Hugh Smiun-Baillie. Her estate, valued at £9,001 Gs. 44 gross, including £15,709 15s. 24 in net personalty, is a testament to her lifetime of accomplishments and acquisitions.

In her will, dated May 17th, 1886, with subsequent codicils, Lady Glentworth bequeathed her estate to her grand-nephew, Mr Ronald Hugh Baills of Jedburgh, Roxbargh, N.B. As the sole beneficiary, Mr Baills inherits not only her substantial estate but also the responsibility to carry forward her legacy.

Lady Glentworth’s fascinating life included notable encounters and historic events. She was presented to King William IV upon her marriage and had vivid recollections of witnessing the departure of the 1st Life Guards for the Waterloo campaign from a doorway in Pall Mall. Furthermore, she had the honourof attending the coronation of Queen Victoria, a momentous occasion that left an indelible mark on her memory.

Within her will, Lady Glentworth allocated a generous sum of £5,000 and bestowed the use and enjoyment of her freehold house in Queen’s Gate, along with its furniture, to her late husband, Colonel Hugh Smivh Baillie. Additionally, she designated the income from a sum of £6,000 to be enjoyed by him. In the event of her survival, she had made provisions for the bequest of £1,000 to her grand-nephew, Mr Ronald Hugh Baills.

Lady Glentworth’s will and codicils reflect not only her financial acumen but also her thoughtfulness and consideration for those close to her. Through her bequests, she ensured the welfare and prosperity of her loved ones, leaving a lasting imprint of her caring nature.

As Lady Glentworth’s grand-nephew, Mr Ronald Hugh Baills assumes the mantle of her legacy, he is entrusted with the responsibility of honouring her memory and preserving the family’s heritage. With this substantial inheritance, he is poised to continue the story that Lady Glentworth began, carrying forward her values of generosity and a connection to history.

Downham Market Gazette – Saturday 14 November 1903