The Lord of Alderley is taking legal advice having discovered that a market has been taking place in the village without his permission.
James Hadfield-Hyde owns a Royal Charter, which was granted to his predecessor the de Ardennes in 1254. This means that any market held 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) requires his permission.
Therefore by granting consent 13 years ago for the Alderley Edge Farmers' Market, he says the Council have disregarded his right, which "overrides council decisions and nobody can get rid off except the Sovereign."
The lord was furious when he recently read about the farmers' market, which is organised by Alderley Edge resident Christine Munro and held at the Festival Hall on the second Sunday of every month.
He said "I called Christine Munro and she told me she had opened the market 13 years ago and that Macclesfield Borough Council said it was perfectly OK because it is 6.23 miles from Macclesfield Royal Charter Market.
"They knew very well about my Royal Charter, their records must have shown that they had had a fight with me 30 years ago. I know the people working at the Council change but the records don't.
"I'm consulting a barrister in London who is an expert on this and has been a friend for over 40 years. I am seeking advice on what appropriate action should be taken.
"I don't have a problem with Mrs Munro at all, she didn't know anything about the charter and she is doing her thing for The Christie. In the meantime we will come to a precunary arrangement where we can both give some money to our respective charities.
"I was a patron of Manchester Children's Hospital Research Equipment Fund for 26 years, President of the Northern Childcare Trust for over 30 years and assisted in founding a children's charity called Happy Days in Luton which is still going now.
"Mrs Munro raises money for Christies and I always raise money for children. She and I will get together and come to some sort of arrangement where we'll both benefit.
"Regarding the Council though, they are not going to ride roughshod over me, if you tried to open a market in the Macclesfield area they would hit you with a tonne of bricks."
Christine Munro told me "I was given permission by Macclesfield Borough Council. I was told the only restriction on setting up a market was that it needs to be at least 6.23 miles away from any existing markets. The ruling was brought out because at that time it took a farmer a day to travel 6.23 miles with a laden horse drawn carriage and the rule still applies today.
"This was the only stipulation they gave me and I was told I could have a market."
Speaking with Christine, who organised the recent Alderley Edge May Fair, it was clear that she is very concerned about the future of the farmers' market.
Christine said "The Alderley Edge Farmers' Market is like my baby. I started it so long ago and I feel very strongly about it - I don't want it to go.
"It means an awful lot to me and it's a lovely opportunity for the people of Alderley to come together and for people to sell their homemade products."
A Spokesperson for Cheshire East Council, said: "Consent was given 13 years ago for the principle of the Farmers' market. The rights contained in the Council-owned charters for Macclesfield and Wilmslow were examined. Cheshire East Council and its predecessor Macclesfield Borough Council had no power to object on the basis of any privately-held market rights.
"The Farmers' market is conducted by its holder through an independent booking with the Festival Hall, which is owned by the Parish Council. This means that any challenge to the right to hold it is a private matter between those who run the Farmers' market and Mr Hadfield-Hyde.
"Cheshire East Council will always look to support local businesses who wish to trade in their local area and as such, supports the continuation of this market."
Mr Hadfield-Hyde learnt about his right to open markets in 1981 when he met Michael Farrow, an expert in Royal Charter Markets.
He told me "So I went round to every single shop and business in the village with a petition to ask whether they were in favour or not of having a market. The overwhelming majority said they thought it was a good idea because at the time, 30 years ago, they were paying the same rates and rents as those shops in Wilmslow highstreet yet the Wilmslow shops were getting all the business.
"They were all for it so the problem was finding a location. At the time I thought the car park at the back of Royles garage (on South Street) was ideal because it was the right size and had toilets. The Council had just started charging for parking so my argument was that the money they would get from the market would far outweigh the money from parking.
"However, the local councillors said it was going to bring all sorts of dreadful people and the last thing they wanted was a market in Alderley. They were dead against it so in 1987 we opened a market in the car park at the Queens Gate Hotel (now Panacea). We opened with great fanfare, we had Tom Clarkson the Town Crier from Nantwich, jugglers and fire eaters but the problem was that there is no footpath that side of the road and a blind bend. We had queues of old ladies trying to get to the market.
"We only ran the market for a month or so because I thought someone is going to get killed here and it's going to be my fault. They also wanted to renovate the Queens Gate Hotel so we stopped running the market."
"My passing words to the Council were 'I'll be back' and here I am 30 years later.
"If they had given us the car park we would have had a thriving market which brought people to the village and everyone would have benefited."
Mr Hadfield-Hyde sold his family home Willaston Hall in Nantwich about 10 years ago and now lives between his homes in Spain, California and Manchester.
In May 1989 the validity of his title, which he inherited from the Richards family of Gawsworth, was in question because it was believed the title had returned to the crown via the law of escheat.
He took legal proceedings and the solicitor representing the Crown, Malcolm Davis, concluded that the dispute had arisen as a result of the mix up of records.
Mr Hadfield-Hyde explained "The Crown then granted me the feudal lordship which then of course made it absolutely water tight.
"I am probably the only feudal lord to have been granted feudal lordship from the Crown in hundreds of years which makes it the most prestigious lordship in the country."
Comments
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Couldn't agree more with Fenton...
Ho hum welcome to 21 century Britain the dark ages 2
I'm off before they dust down the stocks!
What some of your readers fail to understand is that I was the Standard Bearer for the introduction of a market for Alderley thirty years ago, and still am. I now find it laughable that, at that time, Alderley Parish Council were against it so vehemently, because it would encourage " the wrong sort of people into the village." The last word came from Clr. David Brickhill in August 1984, when he said, "The last thing I want to see in Alderley Edge is a market !"
In this case, Mrs. Munro and I will come to an amicable pecuniary agreement, which will assist our respective favourite charities.
Lord of Alderley
Second. Send this guy packing. What a joker. To think that the rights he claims can be used to stifle commerce and the free market is crazy, but it would be like a lord to lay claim to something he didn't work for, huh?
Tried to find a contact number for the lord, but can't. Anyone have it?
James - If you were so interested in this issue, why did it take you so long to wise up? Was it a lack of engagement with the community with which you now would like to engage? Also, please give up the Lord of Alderley stuff. That's just bizarre. If you would like, use it in a letter to yourself.
@Malcolm - only title associated on Debrett's with Alderley is held by The Rt Hon the Lord Stanley of Alderley, DL, not by a James Hadfield-Hyde as JH-H would have you believe.
To answer your question. Twelve years ago I retired and sold Willaston Hall, our family home. It was my intention to reduce some of my responsibilities and spend a little more of the Autumn of my life in sunnier climes. Not unreasonable, don't you think?
Lord of Alderley
Feudalism - welcome to the 21st century!
There's vacancies now at Sunnier Climes
That well known home for the unusual
They can look after lunatic Lords stuck in bygone times
The attention seeking; the grandiose; the delusional
The fantasist; the bullying bore
No time-warped egotist could ask for more
There's vacancies now at Sunnier Climes
(DSS welcome)
Lord of Alderley
I have had an interesting time on the internet and on the phone trying to figure out who this guy is. There are articles in the public domain that claim he was at one time involved in the pornography industry (AKA Lord Lust), spent time as an amateur portraiture artist (no record exists of him ever selling anything), and that he bought his title. If he did, indeed, purchase his title he is a Lord of the Manor "and buying a Lordship of the Manor does not entitle you to call yourself Lord or Lady, though, if genuine and the vendor has proved ownership, they are slices of British history." (Earl of Bradford, http://www.faketitles.com) I, for one, would like to see the proof.
Additionally, looking into how Mr. Hadfield-Hyde came to understand his claim of owning market rights brings up a couple interesting things. The Wilmslow Express claims that "James found out about his charter through a colleague in the House of Lords in the early Eighties." (6/16/2011) A telephone call today to the House of Lords' information office revealed that Mr. Hadfield-Hyde never sat in the House of Lords. As a "Lord of the Manor" he has no right to do so. Most certainly this error in reporting rests solely with the paper. In contrast to this, the article at http://www.alderleyedge.com claims that Mr. Hadfield-Hyde "learnt about his right to open markets in 1981 when he met Michael Farrow, an expert in Royal Charter Markets." (6/16/2011) Mr. Farrow is himself an interesting character and appears to have made a name for himself exploiting ancient British law for his own benefit. In 2004 one Member of Parliament called him a "parasite" for a scheme he allegedly concocted which involved a "Lord of the Manor" title he had purchased. He bought a title, sold it at a profit, but retained the land rights associated with it. He then tried to use these rights to charge homeowners for access to their property, property that bordered a Common that the fine-print stated was his and not publicly owned as previously thought. ("Plot to control Square Mile," Keith Dovkants, London Evening Standard, 12/3/2004) An expert in Royal Charters, indeed.
It may turn out that Mr. Hadfield-Hyde does own the rights to the market. Does this mean that he needs to push this right? No. A true Lord would not have to bully people around and demand to be respected. But then again, Mr. Hadfield-Hyde is no true Lord. Let there be no mistake. Regardless of what he stands to benefit, or what charity he chooses to grace, this is bullying and even if it is legal, it just isn't right.
1. Prove that you have the right to hold a market (see Land Registry Guidance note below). It is hardly proof to quote the word of Michael Farrow since he was in the business of selling Lordship titles like yours.
2, Even if you have the right, it does not mean that it is an exclusive right - again if you think it is prove it.
3. It's laudable that you want to raise money for charity, but I think it would be better if you did it through your own efforts rather than muscling in on somebody else's. Here's the guidance..
4 Manorial rights
4.1 Lordship title may not have the benefit of rights
A lord of the manor may exercise certain rights usually known as ‘manorial incidents’. Such rights could no longer be created after 1925. The main manorial rights can be summarised as:
— the lord’s sporting rights — the lord’s or tenant’s rights to
mines or minerals — the lord’s right to hold fairs and
markets — the lord’s or tenant’s liability for
the construction, maintenance and repair of dykes, ditches, canals and other works.
These are just examples and it does not necessarily follow that such rights are legally exercisable.
I started the market 13 years ago to help the farmers in the area sell their produce. My first market had 12 farmers and producers who attended, and over the years its reputation has built up and now it has between 30-40 who attend regularly.
It hasn't been easy. There are so many easier and more comfortable ways to shop these days, and it is difficult to persuade people to get up bright and early on a Sunday morning to get that special beefsteak, pack of sausages, some delicious freshly picked fruit or vegetables or even a jar of marmalade!!
I regularly trot around the village with leaflets promoting the market and you can see me at the beginning of the week of the market, come hail, rain or shine, mallet in hand, putting my signs up on the roadside and railings reminding people the market will be coming in on the 2nd Sunday of each month. I do work hard to make it as successful as possible. Successful as a community project, successful for the customers who will have been able to buy delicious homemade, home produced, and home reared products, successful as a market, and successful for each farmer and producer who attends so they can go home and feel their day has been worthwhile.
I and the farmers and producers work as a team. I respect them and they respect and trust me to do my best for them. I love their food and I am their best customer and biggest supporter.
I also have a team of loyal supporters from The Christie who help me each month serving teas and coffees and collecting money for the hospital. I have so many reasons to be grateful to The Christie and I have worked for them raising funds for over 40 years.
I would like the market to continue in its present form. I can see no reason to change. I, and all the teams, The Christie, Farmers, Producers, and Craft Workers, work hard to keep it going and to be successful, and I would like to thank them for their work and the customers for their support.
Thank you also once again for all your kind and supportive comments.
This whole fiasco is laughable - Christine I do hope it is not causing you too much upset and that the AEFM can continue as normal. Since it is you who does the work, I really think it should be you who chooses which charity benefits from the proceeds of your efforts.
Can there be more than one Lord of Alderley?
Please can you provide more details of your claim to the title.
It was never my intention to worry or upset her, or to allow this to become a media circus.
Out of nothing more than courtesy I shall answer your questions:
(1) Granada Television is not in the business of make pornography. The fact that I appeared in a 'Benny Hill' type show of theirs, no more links me to pornography any more than I could accuse Mr. McClean of the same, for displaying himself on the internet naked, riding a bike. It's just light hearted fun.
(2)In 1982-1986, I was Northern Chairman for the Domesday Celebrations. A national event which celebrated 900 years of Royal Administration of our Nation. During those years, regular meetings were held in the House of Lords. At no time have I ever said " I had a seat."
(3) I have never referred to myself as Lord Alderley, but Lord of Alderley, as decreed correct and proper by the late Garter King of Arms, Sir Colin Cole.
(4) I am an amateur artist, and yes, I have never sold my paintings. I did paint Christine Hamilton's portrait, which I gave to her as a gift.
(5) I have a conveyance of title to the Lordship and all ancient rights, directly from The Crown, and not from Mr. Michael Farrow or any other purveyor of such titles.
(6) With regard to my charities, I am offended by the remark that I should "do it on my own efforts rather than muscle in on somebody else's."
For 26 years I was the active Patron of the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital Research Fund. During those years, Kath Smith BEM, a small team of helpers and myself, raised over two million pounds for the Hospital.
In the early eighties, I assisted in the founding of 'Happy Days' in Luton, I was its first Secretary General. It continues to this day sending thousands of children on a holiday of a lifetime.
In 1986 I formed 'The Northern Child Care Trust' which gave equipment to The Manchester Royal Infirmary. My personal financial contribution was to take 200 handicapped children to the Christmas Pantomime every year, I did that for 20 years.
There comes a time in one's life when the baton should be passed to younger people, I have reached that time and I feel I have done my best. I was brought up in a world where Honour, Integrity, Respect and a sense of Duty were the Hallmarks by which we tried to live our lives. I am hurt by the spurious and nugatory attacks on my integrity. I have no further need to justify myself.
Dr M D Barry
You may wish to ask yourselves who reported this to the press in the first place - they who always look for a juicy, even if incorrect story. As I understand it, the matter was amicably discussed in private, with a positive outcome agreed. At no stage was your market ever at risk of being closed down, nor anyone to suffer any loss as a consequence of it's existence. On the contrary, the potential benefits for both community and charities were greatly enhanced.
Alderley Edge is lucky it's James that has the LEGAL RIGHT to set up the market and not some ruthless profiteer. You may just drive him "over the Edge" by inapropriate comments which lack real knowledge of the situation.
Surely all you all want is for the market to continue and worthwhile charities to benefit. Let's hope it's not too late for this to happen.
I have no idea who James Huddersfield Halifax Hyde is but I am struggling to understand ‘what is this about’? Whilst trying to respect your valiant comments, an observation on your views and their context: The real people who raise charitable money, done without motive or kind, too often without publicity, those without heredity, are locals, often children who each and every year raise money through Duke of Edinburgh or go and build schools in Kenya without ‘fuss’. They seek no Royal Charter privilege, nor market trading options nor livestock slaughter rights, have no conjugal rights over the May Queen nor indeed a photo- shoot for alderleyedge.com. In addition, there are adults, regrettably few in number, who just 'get on and do it'. So, as a local, to confirm, I just don’t get this? Your claim is, en bref, “we are sliming a person who has done much as a benefactor” although nobody knows him, but yet he is now seeking publicity because he wasn’t consulted upon nor indeed envited to pronounce upon …. a market? that makes money for the village. Please tell me when you expect Lord of the Manor to take Chorlegh into this century.
Also I'm curious to know if Susan is a resident of Alderley Edge...
Ignoring the juvenile elements of Mr Barry's retort he is right in saying most people involved in charitable works just 'get on and do it'. Maybe, just maybe, this is why you all claim to have never heard of Mr Hadfield-Hyde. He just got on and DID it !!!! A fact that could have been verified by the beneficiaries of his work, the organisations concerned and their audited accounts.
It seems that the amateur sleuths amongst you have surfed the net (and god knows what other methods) in an attempt to denegrate this man - who has an issue not with the people of Alderley Edge but the Local Authority. Remember the saying - 'Actions speak louder than words' - especially when those words are harvested from a conglomeration of web-sites.
But hey, why let the facts get in the way of a good story.
Be careful what you wish for - the Royal Charter could have been passed to someone far less interested in the continuance of a market in Alderly Edge.
Neither was he a resident of Salford, during the 26 years that he was patron to the Royal Manchester Childrens Hospital Research Equipment Fund, when the hospital was in Pendlebury. Thank goodness that generosity of time and effort does not recognise geographical boundaries!
Again reference to the original article will also demonstrate that Mrs Munro did in fact give her comments to the Wilmslow Express despite comments to the contrary.
Although I'm sure it wasn't their intention the comments by Cheshire East Council in the same article clearly demonstrate that neither it nor Macclesfield Borough Council have/had the right to intervene. Therefore MBC was in breach by granting permission 13 years ago, and those same comments underwrite Mr Hadfield-Hyde's dispute with the council.
My second point is about the charities, now like everybody else I like to see charities get donated money and the thought of more charities benefiting is not a bad thing but is Christine still expected to put all her time and effort into the market but the difference being her chosen charity only gets half of what its used to?
I think it would have been best if this matter had not surfaced.
I have heard that waccy baccy can sometimes impair the thought processes.
On the subject of Markets, the Macclesfield Borough Council decision was that markets could legitimately be held if they were six and two thirds miles from Macclesfield Market Square. Chelford, Alderley et al are outwith that distance. Carry on up the market!
Ownership of property and the right to protect it is sacrosanct to all of us who live in this country. In this case, it is Macclesfield Borough Council who are the rogues.They granted permission to hold a market without informing Mrs.Monro that she needed to consult with the owner of the Royal Charter. They cannot simply say they were unaware that it existed. The Grant is listed in the Royal Charters of Cheshire next to their own.
Even at this late stage, and after having to endure all the cruel and vitriolic attacks on my integrity, I still ask that my ownership be respected and that conciliation prevails.
Lord of Alderley
To Fenton, Malcolm, Dominic, Heather, Kikoula, Simon (I know you have a couple of Lords who turn up to buy your fine wines,…), Vin, Ricky, Mike N, Kirsteen, Steve, Karen, Christine, Claire and just about every human on the planet, ‘Mike’ is just fine.