By Faith Ridler For Mailonline
Published: 13:16 GMT, 18 February 2019 | Updated: 13:17 GMT, 18 February 2019
The body of William 'Bill' Taylor was found in the River Hiz in the village of Charlton, Hertfordshire on Sunday, January 10
A body discovered in a river has been identified as a millionaire farmer who vanished from his £1.2 million home seven months ago.
The body of William 'Bill' Taylor was found in the River Hiz in the village of Charlton, Hertfordshire on Sunday, January 10 by a passerby.
Mr Taylor, 69, was last seen seven months ago at his home in Gosmore at around 9pm - eight days before his 70th birthday on June 11.
He was reported missing the next day.
Hertfordshire Police launched an intensive search for the missing man throughout the summer last year - but were unable to find a trace.
Officers had even searched the area where the body was found when the millionaire had been missing for three-and-a-half months.
It later emerged that Mr Taylor had reported an alleged arson on May 27 - just a week before his own disappearance.
Mr Taylor's granddaughter, Rachel, shared photographs of the burnt out Land Rover Defender TD5 90 which she said was found inside an empty grain shed on May 27.
Images show the blackened remains of the 4x4 with parts of the melted roof hanging from the interior of the car.
Mr Taylor, 69, was last seen seven months ago at his home in Gosmore at around 9pm - eight days before his 70th birthday on June 11
Officers had even searched the area where the body was found when the millionaire had been missing for three-and-a-half months
Officers confirmed at the time that police were investigating the alleged