John Ruggles-Brise

His family have deep roots in Essex, having been based at Spains Hall in Finchingfield since the house was bought by Samuel Ruggles, a clothier, in 1760.

He joined the Territorial Army (TA) in 1938 (his father commanded the 104th Essex Yeomanry Field Brigade R.A.).

He continued to work in insurance for a short period after the war, but then returned to manage the neglected family estates in Essex, which he had inherited in 1942.

He became a Companion of the Order of the Bath in 1958, and served as a Church Commissioner from 1959 to 1964, and as chairman of the Council of the Baronetage from 1958 to 1963.

He was also a Knight of the Order of St John, and played a leading role in the foundation of Essex University at Wivenhoe Park in 1961.