Well, you can't choose who you're born to, huh? Looks like one of my family lines did all right for themselves, the Fulford family from Devon that, according to wikipediais one of the oldest families in England and continues to occupy the same manor as was granted to their ancestor by Richard I of England in about 1190. There is evidence to suggest that the Fulford family pre-dated the Norman Conquest and were being confirmed the lands they already owned. The present house dates back to the 16th Century.Francis Fulford (1953-) (one of a long line of Francis Fulford's), still lives in Fulford Manor (pictured) and is "celebrated for his prolific swearing, dire straits and excellent sense of humour." He is the author of Bearing Up: The Long View.
From British History Online:
DUNSFORD (St. Mary), a parish, in the union of St. Thomas, hundred of Wonford, Crockernwell and S. divisions of Devon, 7 miles (W. by S.) from Exeter; containing 925 inhabitants. In the parliamentary war, the manor-house of Great Fulford, here, erected in the time of Elizabeth, was garrisoned for the king by Colonel Sir Francis Fulford, whose family have resided at this place since the Conquest; but the garrison surrendered to Fairfax, in 1645. The parish comprises 5878a. 2r. 5p., of which 4900 acres are arable and pasture, 300 coppice and woodland, and 600 covered with furze. A fair is held on the Monday after September 8th. The living is a vicarage, valued in the king's books at £19. 10., and in the gift of Baldwin Fulford, Esq., who, with others, is impropriator: the great tithes have been commuted for £245, and the vicarial for £365; the glebe comprises 7 acres, with a house. The church has a plain Norman doorway. A house of industry was built in 1828, at an expense of £700.Other interesting Fulford Links:
http://www.devon.gov.uk/
