While blogging on the Cotswold I marveled at how interesting it would be to be able to look back on your history and see the accomplishments of one’s forefathers. My comments:

From what I can ascertain, these were built by the Earl of Gainsborough, Sir Baptist Hicks as he bestowed his wealth on the church. Interestingly enough, if you read the above entry you will see that the title is still held by a 57 year old man (Earl .. sorry). Imagine … being able to trace your history back that far and see what your family left behind.

My blog caught someone’s eye and the following comment / clarification was provided:

Dear Michael
I am glad that you enjoyed your visit to Chipping Campden, in the Cotswolds.
I enjoyed reading your blog entry about it. However, I would like to point out that the current Earl of Gainsborough is not a 57 year old man; he is my father, an 84 year old man. It is my eldest brother, Anthony, Viscount Campden, who is his 57 year old heir. Anthony also has a son, Harry, who has a one year old son, called Edward, so the succession still has some way to go, God willing.
My father has continued Baptist Hicks’s philanthropic tradition, and has been involved with charity work, including the management of the Chipping Campden Almshouses, throughout his life.

Edward Noel

December 12 2:10 PM
(http://cid-cd7b799e7f62b8c1.spaces.live.com/)

I will openly admit that I still find the UK traditions of Earls and nobility odd, as I come from a country where status is based purely on merit, not lineage. That being said, your father’s philanthropic lineage is a noble one and as your history notes your forefather earned his place in history as a wool merchant. Being able to look back into one’s history is a unique gift, I have enjoyed looking in on it.

Best of the season.