Conclusion

Abstract

Orwell died of a massive haemorrhage of the lung at University College Hospital in the early hours of Saturday, 21 January 1950. Death came quickly and, although Sonia had been with him much of the day, he died alone. He was buried according to the rites of the Church of England, as he had requested in the Will he made on 18 January 1950, at All Saints, Sutton Courtney, Berkshire, the arrangements having been made by David Astor. At his death he seems to have had savings of £2500; anticipated royalties of £8800 (spread over a year); effects worth £300; an insurance for Richard of £150; and was owed £520, a total of £12 270. A statement of account he drew up ‘on the assumption of my dying in 1949’ shows a slightly larger figure (3725). When probate was granted in May 1950 his estate came down to £9908 14s. 11d. (3729). In terms of the value of the pound that is approximately equivalent to £150 000 today. The pre-probate figures took no account of hospital bills. The interesting figure here is the amount he was owed. Those he had helped were George Kopp, £250; Paul Potts, £120; Sonia, £100; Inez Holden £75; Jack Common £50 (see 3666); and Humphrey Slater, £25. These sums in terms of the value of the pound today total almost £8000. Probably few people with assets today of £150 000 (the value of a house that someone with Orwell’s income might reasonably expect to own) have lent friends £8000. As we know from other sources, Orwell was particularly generous in giving to ‘good causes’.