Sir Richard Hyde Parker, 12th Baronet of Melford Hall in Long Melford, will leave ‘legacy for generations to come’

Knowledgeable, passionate, dignified, warm, a gentleman and everything a good lord of the manor should be.

These are some of the tributes to Sir Richard Hyde Parker, 12th Baronet of Melford Hall in Long Melford, whose funeral took place at the village’s Holy Trinity Church yesterday.

Sir Richard died at the hall on March 14, after a period of illness.

He had held many roles in his life, including a member of the parish council, county council, church warden, founder member of the then church restoration fund and chairman of the former Holy Trinity hospital.

A former High Sheriff of Suffolk, he was also one of the founder members of the Long Melford Archaeological and Historical Society, in 1969.

He was born at Melford Hall in April 1937 and, for more than 50 years, worked in partnership with the National Trust to ensure the hall was saved for future generations.

Paying tribute, the trust said: “Sir Richard was a tremendously knowledgeable and passionate historian.

"He extensively researched the history of Melford Hall, amassing an important archive of historical documents and artefacts.

“He had a phenomenal memory and could recall facts, stories and histories easily and he enjoyed sharing these.

“In his later years, we were very grateful to Sir Richard for the stories and knowledge that he shared with the team here for our archive, enabling us to celebrate and cherish his legacy at the hall for many years to come.”

In 1972, Sir Richard returned to Melford Hall with his family. He restored the south wing and, with his wife Jean, Lady Hyde Parker, made it their home.

The trust added: “Sir Richard continued a family history at Melford Hall spanning 235 years.

“His name and warm character will leave a legacy at the hall for centuries to come, but he is also remembered fondly by the staff and volunteer team – always a gentleman with a smile and a keen eye for detail and facts.

“Our condolences go out to his wife, Jean, Lady Hyde Parker, his four children and five grandchildren.”

Ian Sandham, vice-chairman of Long Melford Historical and Archaeological Society, said: “Sir Richard attended the society’s inaugural meeting on September 10, 1969. He became the society’s first president.

“He continued to support the society and was a regular contributor to its newsletter, members’ evening and spoke at the millennium history day, alongside Dr Lyn Boothman, whom he assisted with many research projects using the Melford Hall historical archive.”

Long-serving parish, district and county councillor Richard Kemp said: “I first met Sir Richard when I became a parish councillor in 1974.

“I was a great admirer of the way he cared for the people of the village. He was dignified in everything he did.

“He was always supportive of the village and what a good lord of the manor should be. Village held him in high regard and he will be sadly missed.”

Sir Richard is succeeded by his son William.