More than 150 people gathered at the estate of a late peerage who was a long-term hospice supporter for a celebratory memory reception.

Robin Henry Charles Neville, the 10th Lord Braybrooke, who officially opened St Clare Hospice in Hastingwood back in 2000, died in June 2017 aged 85.

Guests who attended Audley End on Saturday, March 9, included the Lord-Lieutenant of Essex, the Mayor of Saffron Walden, hospice patrons and close friends and family.

The event was inspired by Lady Braybrooke in memory of her husband, to help raise awareness of the hospice’s work for people with life-limiting illnesses.

In a welcome speech given by Lady Braybrooke, she said: “It is lovely to see so many of you here today and I am very grateful to you for coming.

“I don’t know if any of you have ever been in a hospice or have known or been close to someone in a hospice, but if you have you will know of the really wonderful and selfless care that patients in a hospice receive.”

In conjunction with staff from English Heritage, St Clare staff and Lady Braybrooke worked together to host the event at the historic estate.

Guests were treated to an afternoon tea of sandwiches, home-made cakes and scones, all served on vintage crockery.

Sarah Thompson, chief executive of St Clare Hospice, spoke to guests about how they can help the charity in future.

“I’m delighted that so many of you are here today in this fascinating place, in celebration of Lord Braybrook,” she said. “We’re very grateful to English Heritage for letting us use this prestigious venue today.

“My immense thanks also go to Lady Braybrooke who has been incredibly generous in her support of the work we do, providing life-enhancing support to people in our local community at one of the most difficult stages of their life.”

Dr Peter Moore, curator of collections and interiors at Audley End gave a history talk of Audley End House, which was built on the site of Walden Abbey, a 12th century Benedictine priory.

“Audley End was once one of the largest Jacobean mansions in this country, used to entertain King James I, and later owned by King Charles II,” he explained.

“It was extensively refurbished during the 18th century, and its Jacobean character was restored in the 19th century. Every owner has made their mark, leaving us with a uniquely rich and diverse property today.”

The Lord Barybrooke title has been passed down to Richard Ralph Neville, the fifth cousin of the late Lord.