AN inquest was due to start today into the death of a peer's son found dead in his family's Suffolk estate.Freddy Henniker-Major was discovered, aged 21, in the woods at Thornham, near Eye, in February 2005.

AN inquest was due to start today into the death of a peer's son found dead in his family's Suffolk estate.

Freddy Henniker-Major was discovered, aged 21, in the woods at Thornham, near Eye, in February 2005.

Freddy was the son of Lesley Henniker-Major and Lord Henniker, formerly Mark Henniker-Major.

At the time of his death he was researching a project to enable him to raise funds to help a mission hospital and its community in Zambia.

A gifted musician, the young man was a former pupil of Orwell Park School, near Ipswich, and Hartismere High School in Eye as well as the exclusive Eton College.

After his death Lady Henniker-Major, a past chairman of Suffolk County Council and former Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate, said: “He was such a gentle child and had a circle of loyal friends. He was an incredibly talented pianist, played the guitar and was a superb actor.

“But for the last three years, after taking his A-levels, while trying hard to pursue his studies and maintain a balanced view of the world, he frequently lost his way and found real difficulty in understanding the purpose of life.

“His friends have always been loyal and supportive throughout his life, especially during his dark periods.”

Today the inquest into Freddy's death was due to open at South East Suffolk Magistrates' Court in Ipswich in an attempt to establish a cause of death.

Would you like a pay a tribute to Freddy? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.