THE MANORIAL SOCIETY OF GREAT BRITAIN

Having become a Lord of the Manor, one naturally had to become a member of The Manorial Society of Great Britain. This had been formed back in 1906, but had naturally undergone changes since then. Sales of Manor Lordships had normally been the preserve of auction houses, but this is now something the Manorial Society seems to have more or less taken to itself, as a separate offshoot of the main Society - as witness the purchase by myself and my wife. Details of membership, and Manor Lordships for sale may be found on the Society's website: www.msgb.co.uk

Society events include Receptions at the House of Lords hosted by an hereditary peer - see the third illustration; Dinners at prestigious locations; Carol Services; Conferences on matters of particular interest to Manorial Lords, held at one of Oxford's colleges - see the fourth illustration taken in 2006 at Merton College.

Having joined the Society, one can obtain a suitably produced illuminated Certificate of Membership - see first illustration below. In the top left-hand corner one's own heraldic shield is placed.

Then there is the Manor Lord's insignia hung round the neck on suitable formal occasions, on a yellow and green ribbon - see the second illustration. All adult males of 16 byears and above were admitted to the Lord's Court by being tapped on the right shoulder with the Steward's wand of office: per virgam (by the rod). Dns Cur Baro (Lord of the Court Baron, the freeholders of a Manor). The Norman pillars on either side of the Insignia symbolize the formalization of the feudal system of Domesday Book (1086). The coronet represents the Lord's Authority within the court.