Lord Edward Somerset, who died 4 December, 2024, aged 66, was a scion of the Dukes of Beaufort.
Edward Alexander Somerset was born 1 May, 1958, the second son of the 11th Duke of Beaufort (1928-2017), and his first wife the Lady Caroline Jane Thynne (1928-1995), daughter of the 6th Marquess of Bath (1905-1992); and married 2 Oct, 1982 (div.), the Hon (Georgina) Caroline Davidson (born 16 May, 1958), eldest daughter of the 2nd Viscount Davidson (1928-2012), and his 1st wife the former Margaret Birgitta Norton, by whom he had issue, two daughters, Francesca and Rose.
In 2014 Lord Edward was jailed for a series of assaults on his wife over a period of two decades. He was sentenced to two years by a judge at Bristol Crown Court after he admitted four counts of causing actual bodily harm to his wife, Caroline. After the case Det Sgt Simon Brickwood from Avon and Somerset Police public protection unit said: “Domestic abuse affects people of in all walks of lives, regardless of their background or personal circumstances. “It is very often a hidden crime with victims unable to speak out and friends and loved ones unaware of what is going on behind closed doors. “In this case, Lord Somerset (sic) subjected his wife to a series of violent and aggressive acts which saw her punched and kicked on several occasions, resulting in some permanent injuries.” He added: “I hope victims of domestic abuse are able to use this successful conviction as a catalyst to report offences to us. Don’t endure a life sentence of suffering – pick up the phone and speak to us.” The court heard some of the attacks, which included him kicking, punching and dragging her by her hair, happened at the couple’s home on the Badminton estate between 1990 and 2012. A police investigation was launched when she was admitted to hospital in October 2012 with injuries to her ribs. Senior Crown Prosecutor Rob Allen said: “On account of her loyalty to her husband and family, Lady Caroline (sic) suffered in silence for many years. It took a phone call from concerned medical staff at a Bristol hospital following the most recent incident for the abuse to finally be brought to the attention of the police.” “This case is a reminder that domestic violence permeates all sections of our society. It also highlights the devastating consequences that this type of abuse has on victims and their families,” he said. “Despite record conviction rates more than one woman per week is killed by a current or former male partner.
The funeral takes place 19 December and the Church of St Michael and All Angels, Badminton, close to the family seat at Badminton House.
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