Epstein’s British ‘mentor’ tied to 15th-century manor that helped launch his ascent

A 15th-century manor in Wiltshire has emerged as a focal point in the story of Jeffrey Epstein's early ties to Britain's social and political circles. South Wraxall Manor House, near Bradford-on-Avon, is described in a congressional committee’s investigative materials as a place where Epstein began his path toward the heart of the British establishment.

The property belonged to international arms dealer Douglas Sims Leese, who reportedly invited Epstein to stay for long weekends. Through the Leese family, Epstein was said to have become introduced to the Bullingdon Club and to social networks that helped connect him with Ghislaine Maxwell.

Correspondence in a 2003 'birthday book' compiled by Maxwell and released in the recent committee materials shows Nick Leese writing about Epstein’s 50th birthday and recounting Epstein’s visits to the Wiltshire estate. The entries describe stays at the country pile and reference activities described as 'massage classes at Wraxall' along with an account of a wild night out in which a woman was said to have been assaulted in a car on the way to the London club Tramps.

The same collection includes a note from Labour elder Lord Peter Mandelson, who is described as having been Epstein's 'best pal' in the pages that circulated amid questions over Mandelson's later role as a U.S. ambassador after emails linking him to Epstein surfaced.

The Leese family's ties to British business and politics in the late 20th century are also part of the record. Douglas Leese, who bought South Wraxall Manor in the 1960s, was linked to discussions about the Al Yamamah arms deal between British Aerospace and Saudi Arabia, a point raised in a 1996 Parliament debate. Subsequent reports note that the estate later changed hands, moving from the Leese family to other owners, including John Taylor of Duran Duran and his partner Gela Nash around two decades ago.

Steven Hoffenberg, a former Epstein associate who later spoke publicly about the financier, said Epstein was introduced to him by Douglas Leese and described Epstein as charismatic and socially adept, with a talent for moving money. Hoffenberg's account is cited in connections between Epstein and other financial figures and raises questions about the source of Epstein's wealth.

Epstein died in 2019 at age 66 while awaiting trial on sex-offence charges. His death closed one chapter of a sprawling set of investigations and disclosures into his relationships with powerful figures, including those tied to South Wraxall Manor and the Leese family.