AN EMINENT architect who was the victim of one of Britain's most sensational murders more than 70 years ago is to finally have a headstone put on his lost grave.

Francis Rattenbury, 67, was bludgeoned to death with a mallet by his wife Alma's jealous young lover in the biggest and most infamous scandal of the 1930s.

Alma and seventeen-year-old George Stoner, who was Rattenbury's chauffeur, were jointly charged with murder.

Stoner was found guilty and sentenced to death prompting Alma, who was acquitted, to plunge a knife through her heart on an isolated river bank along the River Avon in Christchurch.

It is thought she killed herself out of shame and guilt for both men.

Stoner won vast public support as it was felt Alma had led him on from the start. The public pressure forced the Home Secretary to reduce his death sentence to life.

He served just seven years before he was released to serve in the war.

The compelling case dubbed the Murder at Villa Madeira after the name of the Rattenburys' home, inspired the 1987 TV play Cause Celebre which starred Helen Mirren.

Despite enjoying a glittering career as an architect Rattenbury was buried in an unmarked grave in a cemetery close to his home in Bournemouth.

Now 73 years later a headstone has been erected as a lasting memorial to him after John Motherwell, a Canadian civil engineer and family friend, paid for one to be erected.

The light grey granite 2ft- high headstone has the Canadian Parliamentary buildings in Victoria, which Rattenbury designed, engraved on the top.

It bears the words In remembrance of Francis Mawson Rattenbury, 11 October 1867-28 March 1935. A British Columbia Architect'.

Mr Motherwell, 83, said: "I am very intrigued by this incredible story so visited Mr Rattenbury's grave on a trip to England a while back.

"However, I was very surprised to find there was no headstone.

"Mr Rattenbury was such a prominent architect and designed many of the important buildings in Victoria and Vancouver.

"Something needed to be done so I contacted the cemetery and arranged for a headstone to be placed on his resting place.

"It cost a little over £1,000 but I think it is important that such an influential character should have a memorial."