Sir Bernard Ingham, the distinguished press secretary of Margaret Thatcher, has left behind an impressive fortune in his will, according to legal documents. Even in death, Ingham’s legacy commands attention, as he bequeathed over £1 million in his estate.
A Life Well Lived
Sir Bernard Ingham passed away on February 24, 2023, at the age of 90, leaving behind an estate valued at £1,084,708. Known for his irascible yet affable and humorous personality, Ingham was often recognized for his distinctive, bushy eyebrows, humorously compared to a pair of mating squirrels.
A Lasting Gift
In his one-page will, drafted in 2016, Sir Bernard Ingham designated his wife, Lady Nancy Ingham, a former police officer, as the sole beneficiary. However, as Lady Nancy sadly passed away in 2017, their only son, John Ingham, a retired journalist from the Daily Express, inherited his father’s substantial fortune.
A Remarkable Journey
Born in 1932, Bernard Ingham began his career in journalism at the young age of 16, working for the Hebden Bridge Times. Afterward, he joined the Yorkshire Post, where he met his wife Nancy while covering local magistrates’ court cases. In 1962, he became part of the Guardian’s Leeds office, later transitioning to a government press officer role. Ingham’s crowning achievement came when he served for eleven remarkable years as Baroness Thatcher’s press secretary.
A Multifaceted Career
A journalist of great repute, Ingham’s expertise extended beyond his role in politics. During the 1970s, he served as a press officer for prominent Labour MPs, Barbara Castle and Tony Benn. Following his tenure at Downing Street, Ingham penned his memoirs entitled “Kill The Messenger” and embarked on various ventures as a political pundit, newspaper columnist, cruise lecturer, and after-dinner speaker. He retired in 1990 at the age of 58, just two weeks after Margaret Thatcher’s resignation.
As Sir Bernard Ingham’s wealth finds its way into the hands of his son, his legacy as one of Britain’s most esteemed press secretaries shall forever be remembered. His remarkable journey through the heart of politics and journalism stands as a testament to his expertise, authority, trustworthiness, and experience. To learn more about this fascinating story, visit F5mag.com.