Lord planned to ring bell when he became PM

Quintin Hogg, known as Lord Hailsham, was born, on October 9 and died on October 12, 2001. He was buried at Herstmonceux Church.

During his political career he was the longest-serving lord chancellor of the 20th century.

Mark Taylor has lived with his family at Lord Hailsham's mansion, split into three homes, at Carter's Corner for more than seven years.

Mr Taylor said: 'It's a very grand house, the sorts of place where you might have ghosts.

'But it's a lovely here and there's a big bell in my neighbour's porch.

'I've heard it said Lord Hailsham wanted to ring that bell if he ever

became prime minister.'

Lord Hailsham did not become PM but he served a number of ministerial posts, including conservative party chairman.

Mr Taylor's father-in-law, Walter Reay, 90, has lived in the Elizabethan manor for three years.

He has given lectures about Lord Hailsham and told the Express the decision to make Edward VIII abdicate was taken at a special cabinet meeting in the mansion.

He said: 'Lord Hailsham decided to go into law but took 10 months to study instead of three years, and he came out top.

'He made his maiden speech in parliament in 1938 and stood up for flogging.

'He did come to Hailsham town from time to time but he worked a lot in London.

'His father Douglas bought this house in 1917 and had the telephone line put in.

'The number was 'Herstmonceux 19.'

Lord Hailsham was known for his razor-sharp intellect and former prime minister Margaret Thatcher was said to be scared of him.

He once said: 'The best way I know of to win an argument is to start by being in the right.'

Hailsham town's Quintins shopping centre was named after him in the

late 1980s.