Former PM Edward Heath’s home closes to public

The home of ex-premier Sir Edward Heath will close its doors to the public next week after making losses.

Treasures that include paintings by Winston Churchill and antiques will be sold off and the proceeds given to charities supporting music, sailing and education.

Arundells, in Salisbury, was Sir Edward’s home for 20 years and he left it to the nation after his death in 2005.

Although it attracted 45,000 visitors in its first four years, staffing and maintenance costs used up a £5 million legacy he hoped would finance it as a permanent museum.

Trustee Lord Armstrong said an “orderly closure” was needed before the foundation ran out of funds altogether.