THE LORDSHIP of the Manor of Stinchcombe could be put up for sale by the present titleholder if there is the right interest.

Present Lord of the Manor Sir Christopher Prevost has never lived in the area and currently resides in France.

He told the Gazette: "I am considering selling the Lordship of the Manor since my uncle, Rex Wood, is the only member of our family still living there."

The family has owned the title since Sir George Prevost purchased property and lands in Stinchcombe in 1840.

Sir Christopher explained that he is not putting the Lordship directly up for sale, but if he is given a suitable offer for it he will give it consideration.

He added: "The Lordship of the Manor is a title that the owner can use.

"It has some value but I am not really sure what that valuation is because there are very few things still tied into the title."

Similar titles have been bought for around £10,000-£15,000 in recent times.

Sir Christopher admitted that the Lordship did not have any real practical use in modern times, but could be an attractive proposition to buyers in other ways.

He said: "You might use it to impress your friends but how impressed they would be is open to question.

"It is more the historical importance of the Lordship of the Manor that would bring prestige to the title holder."

He was also keen to point out that the mediaeval title did not necessarily have to be owned by a Lord.

"It is perfectly acceptable for the title to be taken on by a lady, he said. "The Lord of the Manor does not have to be a man."

Enquiries regarding the Lordship of the Manor of Stinchcombe can be made through the Prevost family's solicitors, Penleys, in Dursley.