Bideford council wants to be lord of the manor again
BIDEFORD Town Council is asking for the return of an ancient title. It wants to be Lord of the Manor of Bideford once again. The title, along with a variety of land and property, was passed over to the newly-formed Torridge District Council during the re-
BIDEFORD Town Council is asking for the return of an ancient title.
It wants to be Lord of the Manor of Bideford once again.
The title, along with a variety of land and property, was passed over to the newly-formed Torridge District Council during the re-organisation of local government in 1974.
Mayor of Bideford Cllr Andy Powell is currently researching the town's past and, specifically, its long links with America.
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He sees the town's rich history as a valuable asset in tourism and Bideford's regeneration.
"The title was originally given to the Grenville family in 1126 and given up in 1711 with the last of the family line, when it was purchased by the Borough of Bideford, which was itself set up by Sir Richard Grenville in 1572." he said.
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"What we are asking is that this title be returned to the town where it was, in effect, held for 850 years. It's a question of civic pride. Bideford should have what was given to it. The town council runs the Manor Court ceremony, but it is not the Lord of the Manor."
The district council is being contacted to see if the title can be transferred back to the town, possibly in time for the ancient Manor Court ceremony next month.
