The auction was required because George's family opposed his final will. A few weeks before his death, he had become engaged to a school teacher named Pat Howson, and his most recent will left the Formby fortune almost intact to her. What must have been a unique occasion involving such a major personality was held over three days. The auction was held under a marquee in the backyard of George's home. People queued up for hours to get in.

After George's death, there were many angry words between the Formby's and Pat Howson. Some have  described the Formby family as excessively greedy, and sympathized with Miss Howson's position. Personally, I also have great sympathy with the Formby family. While Beryl Formby is generally credited with making George a star, it should also be remembered that George's mother spent a great deal of money giving George his start in show business--money that George's father had earned throughout his own highly successful career.

In fairness, the Formby family had good reason to make a claim against George's wealth without all the negative comments that have haunted them over the years. How would you feel if your deceased brother's fortune was going to a girl he'd known only a few months, leaving nothing for his own mother?

The auction lasted for three days and nothing was spared from the auctioneer's gavel. Even soiled underwear was included. To some degree I feel that this must have been the greatest insult that anyone could level against George and Beryl Formby. Surely if Pat Howson had any real feelings for George, she would have insisted that only items that would retain George and Beryl's dignity should have been included. But sadly, the whole lot, from curtains, clothes, bed linen, in fact everything that could, was included. What a sad end.

Now, almost 40 years after the event, the brochure gives a unique insight into how George and Beryl lived. It is like a walk through their home. It is a large document listing over 1,000 items. Many of them are reproduced here, and the rest will be added shortly.

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