James Matthews Faces Public Outcry Over Berkshire Estate Alterations
James Matthews, the brother-in-law of Princess Kate through his marriage to Pippa Middleton, has been accused of "putting the public at risk" following controversial changes at his luxurious £15 million property in Berkshire. The hedge fund manager, who wed Middleton in 2017, purchased the Barton Court Estate in 2022, a sprawling property featuring a 32-room Georgian mansion set on 145 acres of countryside along the River Kennet.
Alleged Closure of Vital Footpath Sparks Local Anger
Local residents have expressed significant frustration after Matthews reportedly blocked off an entrance onto Mill Lane, which they describe as a crucial connection to a footpath linking surrounding areas to Kintbury village and St Mary's Church. According to villagers, this closure forces them to use a narrow country lane as an alternative, creating safety concerns for pedestrians.
They claim that the estate's previous owner, Sir Terence Conran, never prevented walkers from accessing the lane or shut the gates. However, within weeks of acquiring the estate, Matthews installed electric gates approximately 70 metres from the eastern entrance, effectively barring access to the footpath. Warning signs stating "No Trespassing" and "Private: No Public Access" were subsequently erected.
Dispute Over Public Right of Way Intensifies
The Times reports that in 2024, Matthews submitted a highway declaration notice asserting that Mill Lane was not accessible to the public. This move has been contested by local ramblers and authorities. West Berkshire Council has classified the lane as a public right of way, citing evidence that it has been used openly for over two decades. This ruling is currently under appeal with the Planning Inspectorate.
Eugene Futcher, chairman of West Berkshire Ramblers, emphasised the lane's historical use, stating that residents have enjoyed "unfettered access" since the 1960s. He told The Times, "It is a safe way to get to and from the village, so walkers are put at risk if they have to use the road." Futcher noted that while the motive for the closure remains unclear, it may be an attempt to "keep their privacy."
Community Backlash and Parish Council Support
Feelings are running high in Kintbury, with the parish council hearing testimonies from villagers about Mill Lane's usage. Some residents avoided the lane during Sir Terence Conran's ownership due to signage labelling it a "private road," while others insisted they had used it routinely for years. Ultimately, the parish council voted to support the lane's classification as a right of way.
The Ramblers' Association has highlighted the lane's importance, describing it as a "safe and scenic route" that avoids Station Road, which lacks footpaths or verges for pedestrian protection. Futcher added that residents have traversed the lane for "decades" up to "hundreds of days a year." The Barton Court estate has been contacted for comment, but no response has been provided at this time.
