Ex-MP leaves £2m in will
Thursday 17th July 2008, 11:50AM BST.
Former Shropshire MP John Biffen has left more than £2 million in his will – including £10,000 to the church he attended for more than two decades.
The bequest to St Michael’s Church in Llanyblodwel was one of two five-figure donations left by Lord Biffen of Tanat, who died in August last year, aged 76.
He left £2,395,000 in his will, which was published this week, including the money to the church and £10,000 to the Cancer Help Centre in Pennant Melangell, Llangynog. Lord Biffen was MP for Oswestry, later renamed Shropshire North, from 1961 until his retirement in 1997.
He held a number of parliamentary roles, including Trade Secretary, Leader of the House of Commons and Lord Privy Seal, during his time as MP.
His home, Tanat House, was just yards away from the parish church in Llanyblodwel, where his funeral was held.
Lady Sarah Biffen, his widow, said he was a devout Christian and had attended St Michael’s every Sunday when he was at home.
“He worshipped there for 24 years,” she said.
The church had launched an appeal to raise £200,000 for repairs and donations made at Lord Biffen’s funeral were given to the appeal.
Lady Biffen said her husband had also been keen to help the cancer centre. “He found it a very spiritual place,” she said.
Jacqui Sharpe, of the centre, said: “It is a struggle to survive and this bequest is wonderful news.”
Shropshire Star on Twitter
Keep updated with the latest breaking news and content on our Twitter feed.
Lifestyle
Interactive Dining Out map
Hundreds of reviews by the Shropshire Star and Express & Star's teams to help you decide where to eat.
Entertainment
All the film reviews
Before you plan a trip to the pictures, get our critics' verdicts on all the latest movie releases.
OUR NEW APP
Get the new Shropshire Star app
Download the Shropshire Star’s new app to your iPad or iPhone to get one week of access to our digital newspapers absolutely FREE.
shropshirestar.com
Popular sections
Useful links
