Lord of the Dance
Six intruiging things to know about the mystery of Lord Lucan
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Six intruiging things to know about the mystery of Lord Lucan

MORE than 40 years on from his disappearance, notorious Anglo-Irish peer Lord Lucan’s son is campaigning to have him legally declared dead.

Lord Lucan disappeared hours after his children’s nanny was bludgeoned to death on November 7, 1974.

And now the aristocrat’s son, George Bingham, has lodged a bid to have his father legally declared dead some 41 years after he vanished.

There have been many reported sightings of Lord Lucan over the years but none have been confirmed.

He has been “spotted” in Ireland, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand and many Lord Lucan fans believe he may still be out there.

Here are six things you need to know about the notorious lord

1. His childhood was marred by war

In 1939, at the age of five, the young Lord Lucan was evacuated to Wales from his home in London before travelling to Canada and later New York with his siblings for safety.

2. He had a varied career

After finishing school, Lord Lucan’s time in the British Army was short and sweet. A stint as an investment banker was followed by a gambling career. His gambling nickname was Lucky Lucan.

Sandra Rivett. Picture: express.co.uk Sandra Rivett. Picture: express.co.uk

3. How his nanny met a gruesome end

The nanny of Lord Lucan’s children, Sandra Rivett, was bludgeoned to death with a blunt object. She was discovered by police in the breakfast room. The walls were splattered with blood and a pool of blood on the floor had male footprints in it. Her body was discovered in a bloodstained sack in the room.

4. His wife pointed the finger at Lord Lucan

A terrified Lady Lucan burst through the doors of The Plumbers Arms pub in Belgrave, just around the corner from the Lucans' home screaming "Help me, help me, I’ve just escaped from being murdered... My children, my children, he’s murdered my nanny". The couple's three young children were all asleep in their bedrooms throughout the murder.

5. He was found guilty in his absence

Despite the fact that Lord Lucan was missing, an inquest found him guilty of murdering Ms Rivett. 

6. He’s been spotted all over the world

Nothing has ever been confirmed, but there have been alleged sightings of Lord Lucan all over. One of the most popular theories is that he moved far away from Britain – to Australia or South Africa – and is living under an alias. He has also apparently been seen in Ireland.