When it comes to philanthropic acts, many business people play their part in supporting good causes, but a Dorset business man has taken a step further using his feudal lordship to help local charities.
For a man of humble working class beginnings, Stephen Young, now known as Lord of Westbury, has built his business to what it is today. Following army service in the cavalry regiment he set up a successful oil heating maintenance company based in Bournemouth specialising in servicing Aga cookers across southern England.
Although he now employs a team of engineers, he can still occasionally be found tinkering in people’s kitchens. Most customers remain unaware they have a Lord on their premises, and would be surprised to discover his heritage.
Stephen, 52, discovered his title in 2009 whilst taking his mother to visit her birthplace in Buckinghamshire. He commented, “As a very young child I vaguely remember visiting distant relatives in very grand residences, and recall tales of their aristocratic lifestyle in the countryside. My Grandmother always claimed her mother came from nobility, but living a working class lifestyle we didn’t know much of this family history.”
Many years following the death of his grandmother the family discovered deeds, letters and income books relating to the manor house, feudal estate, and tied properties.
It transpired that the bulk of the estate was auctioned off in 1916, but a chance meeting with a local historian showed that the Lordship title had not been sold, and therefore, as a descendent of the manor he had legal hereditary rights to the title.
Lord of Westbury added, “I find it all quite romantic. The history of having a ‘lord of the manor’ dates back to the Norman Conquest, and whilst it is fairly irrelevant in today’s society, I think it is important to preserve our heritage. I do attend the House of Lords on occasions, and most recently visited St James’ Palace at a gathering of Lords and Barons in the presence of HRH Duke of York; but most importantly, I am proud to have become involved with a number of charities.”
Corporate social responsibility is something more and more businesses are becoming concerned with, and although he does not run a multi-national business, Lord Westbury believes he can play his part and use his title to help raise awareness. The charities he currently supports include the Lewis Manning Hospice and Julia’s House where he is an Ambassador; he is involved with the RAF Ibsley Historical Group and the Bournemouth Air Festival, and is a sponsor of the Vulcan to the Sky Trust which aims to keep the last flying Vulcan XH558 in the skies.
Summing up he commented, “I hope I can use the title to good use, like a knight of old! It all started as a bit of fun. I am no-one special, I am just a regular business man, but even in this day and age it seems to hold some kudos, and if by having a Lord championing your cause helps raise awareness and funds, then so be it. I haven’t inherited any money, just the title, so whatever I do comes from my own pocket, and I am more than happy to do my bit!”
Julie-Anne Houldey
