Skip to main content
Work with the NEU
England's elite hiding billions of inherited wealth
Houses in the wealthy district of Marylebone, London [Katya Korovkina / Unsplash]

ENGLAND’S elite families are concealing at least 35 per cent of their inherited wealth, according to new research. 

Analysing historical data spanning 100 years, London School of Economics Professor Neil Cummins identified over 9,000 dynasties where £9 billion of their wealth is “missing.”

The paper, published in The Economic History Review this month, looks at probate records from 1892 to 1992 to compare the declared wealth at death before and after 1920 — the year when inheritance tax rose from 2-3 per cent to 85 per cent for the wealthiest. 

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
Miguel Bruna
International Women’s Day 2026 / 7 March 2026
7 March 2026

Women’s fight against violence and legal erosion is central to building a democratic and just Iraq, says Dr SALMA SAADAWI

Jamie Driscoll,, speaking at the Convention of the North, an annual gathering of Northern business, political and civic leaders, including mayors of northern cities, at Manchester Central in Manchester. Picture date: Wednesday January 25, 2023
Politics / 29 November 2025
29 November 2025

JAMIE DRISCOLL’s group, Majority, with an inclusive approach and supportive training, aims to sidestep many of the problems afflicting Britain’s progressive movement

Waspi (Women Against State Pension Inequality) campaigners stage a protest on College Green in Westminster, London, as Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves delivers her Budget in the Houses of Parliament, October 30, 2024
Editorial / 16 July 2025
16 July 2025