The late Betty Boothroyd, the pioneering Baroness and former Commons Speaker, left behind a significant sum of money and gifts for her friends and charities in her will, which was recently revealed. Lady Boothroyd, who passed away in February at the age of 93, requested that the iconic song "Climb Every Mountain" be played at her funeral service.

Generous Legacies for Friends

Lady Boothroyd made sure to acknowledge the hard work and support of her friends by leaving them legacies in her will. A total of 20 friends were named, each receiving a sum of £5,000 and various gifts. One of the beneficiaries was her goddaughter Jacqueline Martinez, with whom she appeared on a celebrity version of "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?" in 2002.

However, it's worth noting that these legacies were later revoked in a revision to her will before her passing.

Charitable Donations

True to her generous nature, Lady Boothroyd also left substantial donations to several charities. Each of the organizations received £20,000. The recipients included Christian Aid, Marie Curie, and The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.

Artwork and Memorabilia

In addition to monetary gifts, Lady Boothroyd also left behind cherished pieces of artwork and memorabilia. The Commons received her portrait painted by John Bratby, as well as watercolours of the Palace of Westminster painted by Members of Parliament.

Other notable items listed in her will include a box given to her by Russian President Boris Yeltsin and a silver teapot dating back to 1799.

A Remarkable Life and Legacy

Betty Boothroyd, originally from Yorkshire, began her career as a Tiller Girl, dancing at the renowned London Palladium, before entering politics. She was elected as the Member of Parliament for West Bromwich West in 1973 and made history in 1992 as the first, and so far only, female Speaker of the House of Commons.

Despite turning down numerous marriage proposals, Lady Boothroyd dedicated her life to politics. In 2000, at the age of 70, she retired as Speaker, concluding her final Prime Minister's Questions by declaring, "Right, time's up." She then spent the next two decades in the House of Lords.