I thought regular readers might be interested to see the official document by which I became Baron of Jesmond, some three decades ago.
This entitles me to the hereditary title of Lord - or just "Jesmond" among my close friends and equals (if any) - and those to whom I have given permission to use this familiarity.
Strange to say; some have, over the years, expressed doubts as to the validity of this peerage; and refuse to use the correct form of address... Indeed everybody I have ever known falls into this category.
Nonetheless, I would point out that the distinction was properly purchased from a monarch - as is traditional with aristocratic privileges.
And that monarch was the proper King of the nation: which is to say the King in Hay on Wye, His Majesty the late Richard Booth:
He is depicted above sitting in front of his palace, which is a real castle - and since he has a crown, sceptre, and orb - plus a fancy cloak - I don't think there can be any legitimate doubt of his authority to grant me the status of Baron.
Crown jewels of Hay - publicly displayed in a glass box, with a caption; like all real crown jewels
6 comments:
when i was a wee lad i was fascinated by that place since i first read about it. i wanted to move thete, and thought Sir Richard was one of the coolest people in the world. i still do in fact. and so am thrilled to learn this.
My Lord, I'm both embarrassed and contrite at my failure to address you properly hitherto!
I couldn't help but crack a huge smile!
@Laeth - It was a truly great and extraordinary place, even up to the millennium, and for a while I visited for three nights every year either with my wife or my brother.
It was still worth visiting when I last went there about 8 years ago; but sadly it had greatly faded; due to first illness then death of King (not "Sir"!) Richard - and of course the internet.
Very sadly; nowadays Hay seems better known for the egregious and parasitic annual literary Festival - which Booth hated and opposed - and which is perpetrated and attended permeated by parachuted-in BBC/Guardian Champagne Socialist types.
@Mal - I forgive you. Sadly, you are not the only one... even here in Jesmond there are few (actually none) who properly acknowledge their liege Lord.
@Stephen M - I don't see what there is to "smile" about, concerning the chronic lack of deference I am compelled to suffer...
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