Death of barony heir

Philip Hawkesworth died on Thursday, August 17, after fighting cancer for a year. He leaves his wife Elizabeth and two children, Alexander and Claire.

Mr Hawkesworth, who was in his late 50s, was heir to Lady Hyacinth Hawkesworth's land and title, which includes Newport castle, and he had often represented his mother in the town's barony business when she became too frail to visit.

His father John, a playwright and film maker who was involved in productions such as Upstairs Downstairs, died a few years ago.

Steward of the Barony, Jeremy George, has known the family for many years, He said: "It was a bit of a shock. Philip had been ill for a while. We knew it would end this way, but didn't think it would be quite so soon."

He added: "The mayor making in November will be a slightly sad affair, as neither Philip nor his mother will be there."

Residents are now wondering if Mr Hawkesworth's death will affect the situation of the castle and other barony land in the town.

Mayor John Denley said: "It's a big shock and very sad. We are all wondering what will happen now."

Alexander is in his early twenties, and is now next in line to take over after his grandmother dies.

Despite ill health and being unable to attend occasions such as the Court Leet meetings, Lady Hawkesworth is still firmly holding the reins, and makes all the decisions concerning her land in Newport.

Mr George said: "Alexander spends his summers in Newport and has a great fondness for the place, they all do, it's very much a family business.

"They have historical connections to the area going back hundreds of years. I'm sure Alexander will eventually take up the reins. The barony has been going for nearly 900 years, I can't see anything changing now."

The funeral was held last week, and Newport's Mayor will attend a memorial service in Hampshire tomorrow (Wednesday). The Court Leet hope to arrange a memorial service in St Mary's Church, Newport, on October 1.