RIP Richard Briers - a true gentleman

ACTOR Richard Briers – who died yesterday at the age of 79 - was a 'true gent' when he visited South Somerset two years ago.

It was announced today that Briers, famous fo his role in the television sitcom The Good Life, died peacefully at his London home having battled with a serious lung condition, emphysema, in recent years which he had blamed on smoking.

Briers visited South Somerset two years ago this month in February 2011 to commemorate the life of one of England's most influential thespians.

Keinton Mandevlle-born Victorian stage actor Sir Henry Irving was the first to receive a knighthood for his acting career.

A blue heritage plaque was unveiled by Briers, himself a renowned Shakespearian actor despite his fame for his role as Tom Good in The Good Life, at the house where Sir Henry was born in Castle Street, Keinton Mandeville.

Many of the villagers came out for the unveiling along with local civic dignitaries and those instrumental in the plaque project.

And photographer Christine Jones, who was at Keinton Mandeville when Briers visited, said: ''He was a lovely man - a true gentleman.'

''It wasn't the nicest of days weather-wise, but he did not mind posing for photographs outside even though it was on the cold side.''

PHOTO: Richard Briers at Keinton Mandeville in 2011. 

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