MEMBERS of the Worcestershire nobility were very much in the news in Berrow's Journal this week exactly a century ago.

Over at Malvern, plans were being made for special celebrations to mark the homecoming of the 7th Earl Beauchamp of Madresfield Court. He had just completed three years under Royal appointment as Governor of New South Wales in Australia where he had made a very favourable impression.

The Journal said there was to be a mounted escort to accompany the Earl on his journey from Malvern Link Station to Madresfield Court, and arrangements would be made for the public to line the route. A celebration dinner was also planned at Madresfield, plus a torch-lit procession.

The 7th Lord Beauchamp had been Mayor of Worcester in 1896 at the age of only 24 and, with his sister Lady Mary Lygon as Mayoress, had officially opened the "new" Victoria Institute that year.

The Freedom of Worcester was bestowed on him in 1899 and just a few weeks later he went off to Australia as Governor of New South Wales. He was still only 27 and was accompanied by Lady Mary Lygon, who is believed to have been the subject of the 13th of Elgar's Enigma Variations.

The 7th Lord Beauchamp later enjoyed a glittering career in the Royal Household. He was Captain of the Honorary Corps of Gentlemen at Arms - the King's ceremonial bodyguard - and was also Steward of the Royal Household to Edward VII.

And at the Coronation of George V in 1911, he carried the Sword of State. He was also Liberal Leader in the House of Lords in the late 1920s.

However, scandal struck in 1931 with allegations of affairs with his footmen, and his hugely influential brother-in-law, the Duke of Westminster insisted that he leave the country. From then until his death in 1938, he lived in exile in Germany, Australia, Italy and America.

A fascinating insight into the lives of all the Earls Beauchamp is given in a new book The Lygons of Madresfield, by Dorothy E. Williams and available from Logaston Press of Herefordshire.

6 THE Journal for this week of 1901 also reported on another aristocratic homecoming from Australia - that of Lord Hindlip.

"Farm tenants and employees of the Hindlip Estate extended a hearty welcome to his Lordship on his return from Australia and South Africa. Two years ago he left England to take up the position of aide-de-camp to Lord Brassey, the Governor of South Australia."

Ventriloquial showtime

TWO hundred years ago, the Journal carried this compelling advertisement: "Mr Lee Sugg, Celebrated Ventriloquist, respectfully informs the Nobility, Gentry and the Public in general that he will deliver the whole of his Entertainments in the Theatre at Worcester next week."