Tony Joynson-Wreford’s will, signed on 18 March 1939, laid out careful provisions for the guardianship and financial security of his young daughter, Xenia, at a time of growing uncertainty, as Europe stood on the brink of the Second World War.
Originally, he had appointed Captain Anthony C. S. Delmege—Leila’s cousin—and Lady Marjorie Edith Hare as Xenia’s guardians. However, by codicil dated 16 March 1940, just one week before his death, he revoked that arrangement and instead named his close friend Lieutenant-Commander John H. T. Boteler and Boteler’s wife, Sheila (née Hooper), as guardians.
It seems likely that Tony’s decision was influenced by the uncertain wartime future. Having already suffered losses during the First World War, including the death of his brother Bertran, he may have feared that Captain Delmege, as an active serviceman, would not be able to provide stable long-term care.
These decisions, made in the final days of his life, would shape not only Xenia’s upbringing, but the future of the Seskinore estate itself.
Provision for Xenia
The will established a trust to support Xenia’s upbringing and education until she reached the age of 21.
To make this possible, Tony gave the trustees authority to sell Seskinore House if necessary.
This provision would prove decisive in the fate of the estate.
Sale of Seskinore House
In 1941, Seskinore House, together with 115 acres, 1 rood and 19½ perches, was sold to the Ministry of Agriculture.
Importantly, the sale excluded the Garden of Remembrance where Leila was buried. Rights of access for members of the McClintock family were also preserved, ensuring that this deeply personal part of the estate remained protected even as the wider property passed out of family hands.
Although the Ministry acquired the estate, they ultimately found no practical use for the great house. Over time, the building fell into disuse and disrepair.
The End of the House
In 1952, Seskinore House was demolished.
A report in the Belfast Telegraph captured the stark reality of its final years with the headline:
“The end of a house that nobody wanted. 30-room Ulster mansion to go.”
With its demolition, the historic seat of the McClintock family—built up over generations—was brought to an end. Only the courtyard and outbuildings survived, standing as quiet remnants of what had once been a major country estate.
Significance
Tony Joynson-Wreford’s will shaped the final fate of Seskinore.
It determined the guardianship of Xenia, created the trust under which the estate was managed, and enabled the sale that brought an end to Seskinore House as a family residence.
At the same time, by preserving the Garden of Remembrance and access rights to it, the will ensured that the most personal part of the estate would remain connected to the family even after the house itself was gone.
Primary Source
A full transcription of Tony Joynson-Wreford’s will and codicil is available here:
See also:
Continue the Story
• The Break-Up of the Seskinore Estate
• Xenia’s Early Life: Guardianship, Separation and Silence
• Xenia’s Life Beyond Seskinore
• Tony Joynson-Wreford: Final Years and Devotion to Leila
• The Garden of Remembrance at Seskinore