David Eccles: A Glimpse into His Personal Life and Legacy
Beyond his professional contributions, the personal life of David Eccles was marked by significant familial ties and enduring relationships. His journey through the 20th century saw him navigate the complexities of wartime correspondence, the joys of fatherhood, and a late-life partnership that spanned continents.
Key Facts
- First Marriage: Married Sybil Frances Dawson on October 1, 1929.
- Children: Fathered three children: John, Simon, and Selina.
- Literary Legacy: Wartime letters with Sybil were published as By Safe Hand.
- Second Marriage: Married philanthropist Mary Morley Crapo Hyde in 1984.
- Final Years: Resided between London and New Jersey, USA.
- Estate: Left an estate valued at approximately £2.4 million upon his death.
Marriages and Family Life
David Eccles first married the Hon. Sybil Frances Dawson on October 1, 1929. Sybil was the daughter of Bertrand Dawson, the 1st Viscount Dawson of Penn. Together, the couple had three children who would go on to hold various titles and roles in society.
Their eldest son, the Hon. John Dawson Eccles (born 1931), eventually became the 2nd Viscount Eccles. Their second son, the Hon. Simon Dawson Eccles, was born in 1934. Their daughter, the Hon. Selina Eccles (born 1937), married Robin Andrew Duthac Carnegie first, and later George Petty-FitzMaurice, the 8th Marquess of Lansdowne, subsequently becoming the Marchioness of Lansdowne.
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Wartime Correspondence
The deep connection between David and Sybil was captured in their private writings during the Second World War. These letters were later curated and published in 1983 by Bodley Head under the title By Safe Hand: Letters of Sybil & David Eccles 1939-42, providing a historical window into their relationship during a period of global conflict.
Later Years and Final Residence
Following the death of his first wife in 1977, David Eccles remained a widower for several years before marrying Mary Morley Crapo Hyde on September 26, 1984. Mary was a noted philanthropist and book collector.
In his final years, Eccles divided his time between two primary residences: Montagu Square in London and his wife's estate, Four Oaks Farm, located in Branchburg, New Jersey, United States. He passed away at Four Oaks Farm on February 24, 1999, at the age of 94, leaving behind an estate of approximately £2.4 million.
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Summary of Personal Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| First Spouse | Hon. Sybil Frances Dawson (m. 1929) |
| Second Spouse | Mary Morley Crapo Hyde (m. 1984) |
| Children | John (2nd Viscount Eccles), Simon, and Selina (Marchioness of Lansdowne) |
| Published Work | By Safe Hand: Letters of Sybil & David Eccles 1939-42 |
| Date of Death | February 24, 1999 |
| Estate Value | Approximately £2.4 million |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was David Eccles' first wife?
His first wife was the Hon. Sybil Frances Dawson, the daughter of Bertrand Dawson, 1st Viscount Dawson of Penn, whom he married on October 1, 1929.
How many children did David Eccles have?
He had three children: the Hon. John Dawson Eccles, the Hon. Simon Dawson Eccles, and the Hon. Selina Eccles.
What is the significance of the book "By Safe Hand"?
By Safe Hand is a published collection of wartime letters exchanged between David and his first wife, Sybil, from 1939 to 1942.
Where did David Eccles spend his final years?
He lived between Montagu Square in London and Four Oaks Farm in Branchburg, New Jersey, USA.
When and where did David Eccles die?
He died on February 24, 1999, at the age of 94, at Four Oaks Farm in Branchburg, New Jersey.