Marxist historian Eric Hobsbawm leaves £1.8million estate in his will Hobsbawm, who died in October 2012, was one of Britain's most eminent historians, but was widely criticised for his defence of communist regimes Accused of being apologist for the totalitarian evils of Soviet communism According to Brighton probate office records, he left assets of £1,835,341 Leading Marxist historian Eric Hobsbawm left more than £1.8million in his will, it has been revealed Leading Marxist historian Eric Hobsbawm left more than £1.8million in his will, it has been revealed. Hobsbawm, who died aged 95 in October 2012, was one of Britain's most eminent historians, but he was widely criticised for his defence of communist regimes. He was accused of being an apologist for the totalitarian evils of Soviet communism and labelled a "useful idiot." According to records held at the Brighton probate office, Hobsbawm - who joined the Communist Party at 14 and once described himself as an "unrepentant communist" - left an estate with assets totalling £1,835,341. The bulk is to be held in trust, with the income going to his second wife Marlene. The couple were married for 50 years. Hobsbawm left the capital of the trust to the University of Warwick and his two children from his second marriage - digital entrepreneur Andy, 50, and PR guru Julia. His son Joshua Bennathan, 55, who was born from an affair with Marion Bennathan that took place between his first and second marriage was left just £3,000. Hobsbawm, who lived in a six-bedroom semi-detached house in Hampstead, north London, was born in Alexandria, Egypt, and lived in Vienna and Berlin before his parents died. He moved with an aunt and uncle to England in 1933. He later became friends with Ed Miliband's father Ralph Miliband. The will was drawn up three months before Hobsbawm died at the Royal Free Hospital in London where he had been suffering from pneumonia and leukaemia. Hobsbawm, who lived in a six-bedroom semi-detached house in Hampstead, north London, was born in Alexandria, Egypt, and lived in Vienna and Berlin before his parents died