One of his last initiatives was to suggest a display (now in preparation) in the Hall about the Magna Carta and the role played by his ancestor the great 17th century lawyer, Sir Edward Coke, in preserving its values. With the help of his second wife, Sarah, new vitality was breathed into the Hall by careful repair and refurbishment; open days were transformed by the removal of ropes and the addition of flowers in the state rooms; the Marble Hall hosted classical concerts and staff parties. They deliberately occupied two different wings of the Hall in summer and winter, to maximise use of the whole house.