LADY Cawley, of Bircher Hall in Leominster, has died at the age of 86.

Born and bred in Eton, Lady Rosemary Cawley worked as a motorcycle dispatch rider for the Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRNS) during the Second World War.

In 1945, she married the late Lord Frederick Cawley at Eton College Chapel, before going on to have seven children – six boys and a girl.

The Herefordshire peer retired in 1972 and the couple relocated to Bircher Hall close to Lord Cawley’s parents, who lived on the Berrington Hall estate.

Her son Bill said: “She was quite well-known. She was a tremendous enthusiast and would draw people along with her.

“At six foot two, she was quite distinctive and cut quite a clear figure when out and about in Leominster.

“She also had an interesting dress sense – she was known for attending weddings in wellington boots and was quite scatty.”

In 1996, a fire swept through the family home, destroying most of the upper storey and roof.

But within four months, restoration plans were filed and the house returned to its former glory.

Lady Cawley was president of the Herefordshire Beekeepers Association and, at one stage, kept 17 hives.

Until the age of 80, she used to ride almost daily on Bircher common, accompanied by her three dogs.

Bill added: “She really liked people and it was not unusual to have 15 or so around the table for Sunday lunch.”

For the last two years, Lady Cawley lived in a residential home and died in hospital on October 10.

She leaves seven children, 10 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

The funeral is being held at St Peter and St Paul’s church in Eye, Leominster, at 2pm on Wednesday, October 22.