Chigwell has a new lord after a medieval title was sold to a private bidder.
Barry Williamson, of Chigwell Row, bought the Lordship of the Manor of Chigwell for an undisclosed sum from the Earl of Stradbroke.
The title was sold through Manorial Auctioneers and was expected to earn offers of around �7,500.
An ancestor of the Earl inherited it through marriage more than a century ago and today it largely provides nominal rights.
Robert Smith, of Manorial Auctioneers, said: “The new Lord will be able to use the title on his passport and will be eligible for membership of the Manorial Society of Great Britain.”
Mr Williamson can also hold a “court leet”, a ceremony which remains popular around the country, according to Mr Smith.
Before the Norman Conquest, Chigwell belonged to King Harold II and the manor was mentioned in the Domesday Book in 1086.
The medieval de Lucy barons were succeeded by the Goldingham family as owners in the 14th century.
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