John Bankes (1937-1996) lived two totally contrasting lives. The first, up to the age of about 30, was that of the son of a rich upper-class landowner. After a happy childhood there followed prep school, Eton, National Service, Oxford University and estate management work experience. Much of it away from the family seat at Kingston Lacy in Dorset. From an early age, John showed signs of being different. Eccentric in his behaviour, possessing an alternative sense of humour, he was intensely shy. He was also intelligent and knowledgeable about the family’s long history.
By 1965 John was living in Belgravia studying without enthusiasm for chartered surveyor qualifications. Without ostensible concern, he had given up his absolute right to inherit the Bankes estate in return for a lump sum, agreeing with his father’s action to save payment of Inheritance tax. This alienation of the family estate was a great sadness to him, not realised until later. Much worse at the time was the death of his mother, an invalid over a long period, the only woman in his life.
John’s lifestyle radically altered over the second part of his life. No ambition, no work, no permanent support, especially emotionally, and separation from Dorset and his father for whom he held scant respect. With a house in west London and an allowance, he dropped out of conventional living. He maintained his chosen way of life – unaffected by any addictions – despite attempts by friends and family (in London) to help him. Incapable of looking after himself, his health suffered and he lived in sordid circumstances. Eventually his existence was in the hands of the public authorities. Nonetheless, like his Bankes forbears, he remained strongly independent, did not appear depressed and was rational though uncommunicative. He died on his own in hospital, his body too weak to respond to treatment.
The Man Who Didn’t Succeed may be obtained from good bookshops
In Dorset or directly from the author: david@davidbeardsley.uk
The Man Who Didn’t Succeed by David Beardsley
