GENERAL rejoicing throughout the district greeted the news a century ago that a son and heir had been born to Earl Beauchamp.

"The bells of Madresfield and Malvern Link pealed merrily at intervals throughout the day, and the booming of cannon testified to the interest felt in the event by the tenantry and cottagers of Madresfield," reported the Malvern News.

"The Malvern Hills District Council, the Malvern Liberal Association and the Cycling Club have sent messages of hearty congratulation, to which Lord Beauchamp promptly replied. Like sentiments were also dispatched by a number of residents and tradesmen.

"Earl Beauchamp received hundreds of congratulatory telegrams from, among other, the Princess of Wales, the Duke and Duchess of Connaught, the Duke and Duchess of Teck, and the Duke and Duchess of Westminster.

"Arrangements are being made by Lord Beauchamp for festivities in August in honour of the birth of Lord Elmley, when tenants, neighbours, cottagers and schoolchildren will be entertained."