The extraordinary rags-to-riches story of car boot sale magnate Philip Gwynne has taken a dramatic posthumous twist, as his £43 million estate becomes the centre of a fierce legal battle that could see his fortune redistributed.
From Rags to Retail Royalty
Philip Gwynne, who tragically passed away in March 2023 aged 68, built an empire from humble beginnings. Starting with a single car boot stall, the entrepreneur expanded his business across the Midlands, eventually establishing himself as the undisputed 'Car Boot King' with a network of lucrative trading sites.
A Fortune in Jeopardy
Now, Gwynne's hard-earned wealth – including his magnificent seven-bedroom Herefordshire mansion, multiple properties, and substantial business assets – faces being dismantled through the courts. His cleaner, Michelle Spencer, 54, with whom he shared a relationship, has launched a claim under the Inheritance Act, arguing she wasn't adequately provided for in his will.
The Life They Built Together
Court documents reveal Ms Spencer had been an integral part of Gwynne's life since 2015, initially working as his cleaner before their relationship deepened. She claims they lived as a couple at his prestigious Westonbury Mill Water Gardens estate, where she assisted with business operations and cared for him through health struggles.
'He always told me I would be looked after,' Ms Spencer stated in court papers, describing how she contributed to both his personal life and business ventures while receiving only a modest wage for her cleaning services.
A Complex Legacy
The legal battle exposes the complicated nature of Gwynne's legacy. Despite their close relationship, Ms Spencer was not named in his will, which instead bequeaths his estate to other beneficiaries. Her legal team argues this leaves her without reasonable financial provision, despite her years of dedication and support.
Property Portfolio Under Scrutiny
Gwynne's impressive property portfolio included:
- The stunning Westonbury Mill estate with its renowned water gardens
- Multiple residential properties across Herefordshire
- Valuable commercial assets tied to his car boot empire
- Substantial financial holdings and investments
The case continues to unfold in the High Court, where a judge will determine whether Ms Spencer's claim for reasonable financial provision from the multi-million-pound estate will succeed, potentially rewriting the final chapter of the Car Boot King's remarkable story.
