Jacobites to Regain Aristo Titles?

The Scotsman is reporting that certain Scottish noble families could regain their noble titles after losing them during the Jacobite uprisings in the 18th century. Certain noble lines lost their estates, titles and lives because they were seen as having "corrupt blood". This campaign to alleviate these families of centuries of ill will has support in the Scottish Parliament, so we'll see how this turns out. If this campaign is successful, it could restore ancient titles to descendants of earls of Panmure, Southesk and Kellie, as well as the Duke of Berwick. It's also interesting to note that on July 24 the heads of Scotland's noble families will meet in the Scottish Parliament for the very first time. Will this be a subject of conversation? Oh, if only we were a fly on that wall.

UK's Richest Aristo Lends Priceless Pieces of Art

The UK's richest aristocrat, the Duke of Westminster, has lent several priceless masterpieces to the Chester Grosvenor Museum in Chester. The four pieces: two Rembrandts and two David Teniers the Younger's, will be on display until September 30, 2009. The Teniers pieces are entitled "Saying Grace before a Meal" and "Interior of a Tavern", while the Rembrandt pieces include "A Man with a Hawk" and "Lady with a Fan".

For more information, click here.

Belvoir Castle to Host CLA Game Fair

From July 24-26, Belvoir Castle will host the CLA Game Fair. The fair is the world's biggest and greatest country sport and country show, according to the NNFCC. Guests will have the chance to experience all that country life has to offer, which will be an ideal day out for families and country enthusiasts. Maybe you'll even run into the Duke and Duchess of Rutland.

Belvoir Castle is owned by is the home and ancestral seat of the 11th Duke of Rutland and his family.

For more information about the castle, click here.

For more information on the CLA Game Fair, click here.

What's it like to be homeless? Don't ask the Marquis of Blandford.

People are still talking about the fact that the Marquess of Blandford (and heir to the current Duke of Marlborough) quit the BBC show FAMOUS, RICH AND HOMELESS. We think he should've have toughed it out, but we don't know if we could last three days and nights on the streets. Then again, that was the point of the program.

Don't worry, we'll keep you posted on the comings and goings of the Marquess of Blandford.

If you live in the UK and want to watch the program, click here.

Book Deal for the Duchess of Northumberland

Jane Northumberland, the wife of the current Duke of Northumberland,has signed a three book deal with the publishing house, Harper Collins. The trilogy is called The Poison Diaries. It should be noted the while the concept for the books originated with the duchess, who was inspired by the Poison Garden at Alnwick Castle, the Northumberland ancestral seat, the books will be written by Maryrose Wood. It is said that the series will be aimed at young adults. The first tale is to be published in 2010.

In 2007, the Duchess of Northumberland and Colin Stimpson collaborated on a book called THE POISON DIARIES.

To learn more about the upcoming series, click here and here.

To learn more about Maryrose Wood, click here.

Aristo Facts

Did you know that the game of badminton is named after the 11th Duke of Beaufort, David Somerset's (right), country home, Badminton?

Aristo Facts

Twenty-five years ago today, the 8th Duke of Westminster, opened Guilden Sutton Village Hall. To read the full story, click here.

Aristo Facts

The Duke of Buccleuth & Queensbury (right) owns more than 250,000 acres.

The Dukes of Northumberland and Westminster own more than 100,000 acres each throughout the UK.

Source: The Sunday Times, July 4, 2009

The Ten Richest Aristocrats in the UK

We have identified the ten richest aristocrats in the United Kingdom.

There is only one criteria for this list: They must have peerage in the UK.

Here is the list:

1. The Duke of Westminster (₤6.5 billion)
2. Earl Cadogan (₤ 2 billion)
3. Baroness Howard de Walden (₤1.07 billion)
4. Viscount Portman (₤950 million)
5. The Earl of Iveagh (₤750 million)
6. Viscount Cowdray (₤500 million)
7. The Duke of Devonshire (₤500 million)
8. The Duke of Bedford (₤489 million)
9. The Duke of Sutherland (₤480 million)
10. The 4th Baron Rothschild (₤360 million)

Source: The Sunday Times Rich List, 2009