The Lord of Alderley has handed over his Royal Charter to Alderley Edge Parish Council which means they can now determine who is allowed to run markets in the area and generate an income from them for the parish, should they wish.
James Hadfield-Hyde owned the Royal Charter, which was granted to his predecessor the de Ardennes in March 22nd 1254. This meant that anybody wishing to hold a market within 6.5 miles of the Manor of Alderley (which was created by joining the manors of Nether Alderley and Over Alderley at some time in the 13th century) required his permission.
Three year's ago the Lord was furious to discover that the farmers market, organised by Alderley Edge resident Christine Munro, was being held at the Festival Hall every month without his consent. At the time he sought legal advice because he felt the Council had disregarded his right by giving permission for the market and he requested that a share of the profits from the farmers markets, since they started, was donated to the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital.
However, he has since had a change of heart and decided to donate the Royal Charter to the Parish Council.
Speaking about his decision at the official handover this evening (Tuesday 24th June), James Hadfield-Hyde told me "I have reached the age where I feel it is so much better to leave a legacy of good rather than a legacy of bad or no legacy at all.
"All I ask now in exchange for the Royal Charter is that the Parish Council every Christmas either holds a fundraising event or makes a donation to the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital on behalf of the people of Alderley in perpetuity. I want nothing else from it."
Mr Hadfield-Hyde added "On behalf of all my lordly predecessors I must apologise most profusely for taking 760 years to the very day to hand over something that I believe is rightfully theres."
Cllr Mike Williamson, Chairman of Alderley Edge Parish Council said "I am delighted to accept this Royal Charter which has been transferred to the Parish Council by the Lord of Alderley, Mr James Hadfield Hyde. James told me, when we discussed this matter some weeks ago, that he considered it appropriate that the right to hold or to approve the holding of a market here in Alderley Edge was in the gift of the Parish Council, rather than any one individual. I think he is right.
"This charter forms part of the heritage of this country, a great tradition which should be respected and even cherished. However times change, and it seems to me that it is better that the Parish Council holds the Royal Charter for the benefit of the residents of the village. We, as councillors, are accountable and in this way, the people of Alderley Edge can have their say in how the charter is used.
"This gift is significant and is not to be taken lightly; I would like to express my gratitude and that of my fellow councillors, some of whom cannot be here this evening, to James, for this kind and generous act funded entirely at your own expense.
"I would like to thank Councillor Matthew Lloyd, last year's Chairman, who worked with James to complete the transfer. The Parish Council must now decide how to best use the Charter for the benefit of the Village, perhaps any proceeds could be given to the Civic Fund?, but that discussion is for another time, not for this evening."
How would you like to see Alderley Edge Parish Council use this Charter? What type of markets would you like to see held in the village, how often and where do you think they should be located? Share your views via the comment box below.
These are the words on the document which was used to formalise the donation of the Royal Charter market rights.
To all and singular
I James Dennis Patrick Hadfield-Hyde being Lord of Alderley of the sub-infeuded Manors of Nether Alderley and Over Alderley in the County of Chester and holder of all ancient rights and privileges by virtue of conveyance from The Crown on the twentieth day of November in the thirty seventh year of the reign of our Sovereign Queen Elizabeth the Second do hereby convey into Alderley Edge Parish Council free and without encumbrance from this day forth all ancient privilege and benefit from the right to hold Markets and Fairs within the said Manors and extending six and two thirds miles in any direction from the Church of St Mary in the Parish of Nether Alderley.
For the Members of the said Parish Council to administer such privileges and benefits honourably with charitable intent and to profit from all such Markets and Fairs as they see fit for the sole benefit of the township of Alderley and its residing gentlefolk. Such rights are hereby granted by virtue of The Royal Charter of Nether Alderley dated the twenty second day of March in the year Our Lord one thousand tow hundred and fifty four by Grant from The Sovereign King Henry the Third to his noble subject Wakelyn de Arderne Lord of the Manor of Alderley.
Thereby place my hand and seal on this the twenty second day of March in the year of Our Lord two thousand and fourteen.
Photo: (l-r) Cllr Frank Keegan, James Hadfield-Hyde and Cllr Mike Williamson.
Comments
Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.
But your previous report on this matter indicates that he bought the title in 1990, rather than having any particular lineage.
http://bit.ly/1rzgj3j
The letter dated 22nd August 2011 actually says "I understand that the manor of Alderley was bought by Mr Hadfield-Hyde off the Treasury Solicitor (BV). BV means bona vacantia, or what was once called escheat, i.e. that property for some reason or another, has fallen into the Crown as the ultimate landlord of England and Wales.
"In this case, which I remember from more than 20 years ago, a Lord Stanley of Alderley sometime in the 1930s, went bankrupt. His property, therefore, passed through probably the Official Receiver, but the manor was not dealt with. Consequently. it vested in the Treasury Solicitor (BV) on behalf of the Crown. By about 1990, when the manor was conveyed to Mr Hadfield-Hyde, the bankruptcy was long over, and the Crown was enabled to sell, which, apparently, it did.”
However, I asked Mr Hadfield-Hyde on Tuesday evening if he bought the title and he categorically denied doing so.
He said “All the noble titles return to the Crown. So the Crown’s solicitor at the time wrote to me, which was some time in the 1980s, and said there seems to be some discrepancy here because the Lordship to Alderley was not owned by the Stanleys - it returned to the Crown sometime in the 1930s - but the Crown then realised there was an injustice here so the Crown then re-conveyed the title of Lordship to me, that was 1990."
I have no reason to doubt and I'm not a genealogist, I'm just curious...
This appears to show that the legacy of the Barony of Alderley Edge continues to this day.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baron_Eddisbury
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baron_Stanley_of_Alderley
This link appears to suggest that titles can only be passed down by proven lineage or wills/probate.
http://www.msgb.co.uk/buying_advice.html
Anyway now AEPC own the Royal Charter all's well that ends well
I PAID ALL THE LEGAL FEES. A gift is a gift as far as I'm concerned. I have just given you something which will benefit your community in perpetuity, free and unencumbered. All I ask is that in return, the Parish Council makes a Christmas donation from the good people of Alderley to The Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, where I was Patron for 26 years.
What more can I do ?
As the Alderley Parish Council are now the holders of this charter (which controls all Markets within six and two thirds miles of an unspecified point in Nether Alderley), presumably this is the end of the Wilmslow Artisans' Market, as it falls within that boundary.
Could we know if the Parish Council have any plans to hold a three-day fair (also covered by the Charter) on St Laurence's day and the two following days?
It shouldn't harm retailers who are here and pay rates but it should bring people out shopping and enjoying the village. We do need difference, not the same produce etc that is everywhere. So we are open to the Artisan Market or any other market. They just have to ask and be approved. We will liaise with CEC and the police etc and then say yes or no. All you do is apply to the PC.
Regarding my making preserves in the kitchen of The Festival Hall. I hired the kitchen and used it for approximately one year, paying the hire fee monthly.
I also completely cleaned and painted it before I started using it and did not charge for the paint and materials needed for this to be done. When I moved to other premises I again completely cleaned it before leaving.
It would be better if some people got off there R's and redirect there efforts to fundraising than making these comments, apologies if I upset or offend!
I am reminded that the director for funding at The Christie Hospital seems to have confirmed that the money mentioned came entirely from the efforts of a lady called Mrs Tonge and a gentleman called Mr Owen, but no record of anyone else! There also seems to be conflicting stories relating to Mrs Monro's version of her manufacturing her Jam in the kitchens of the Festival Hall.
I think we need to have total transparency here, the truth must come out!
Mike Healing, you now have the chance on this website to tell exactly what it is that YOU have done for the greater good of Alderley Edge, paid or otherwise, and what if anything, it is that you have against Christine Monro.
I, and many others I would think look forward to your response.