Thorpe's new Lord of the Manor today admitted he had not seen his new village yet - but promised that would change.

Dr Leonard Henderson, 78, of Southgate, London, paid thousands of pounds for a title that has virtually no power. But he is more than happy about his acquisition.

He said: "This is a title which I am proud to hold, especially with my interests in manors and family histories. I look forward to taking an active part in the life of Thorpe-le-Soken whenever I am able.

"The title itself means nothing to me, it's what you can do with it."

Although Mr Henderson has only ever been to Thorpe train station, while he was on his way to Frinton, he aims to change that with a possible organ recital for the village.

Mr Henderson's late wife was a direct descendant to Edward III and he holds two other titles, The Sovereign Order of St John of Jerusalem and an Austrian order of St John.

Mr Henderson, who is a Freeman and Liveryman of the City of London, also holds four doctorates he worked for and four honorary doctorates.

He said: "I have always been interested in history, genealogy, family history and heraldry. I have come to the stage where I have got to do something constructive with my life."

Mr Henderson has also been a university and college tutor and a music and maths' teacher.

He will receive a certificate for his new title but while there used to be powers attached to it, now there are none.

The title's asking price was about £8,000 but Mr Henderson said he could not recall what he paid for it.

The manors of Walton and Kirby were also put up for sale recently. All three manors would have cost £25,000. The Walton one has been sold to an American who was originally from the town but the Kirby one is still up for sale.

Other famous holders of titles include former world champion boxer Chris Eubank, who bought one in his home town of Brighton.

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