They say money can't buy you class - but it can get you a title.
For a price, Colchester residents are being offered the chance to become a bona fide lord or lady of the manor.
The historic manorial title Lord or Lady of Colchester Hall is up for sale for a negotiable sum.
The unusual buy will allow its owner to "lord it" over friends and family.
The London-based title holder, who asked not to be named, would like to see the title returned to the area and kept out of the hands of Americans and Canadians keen to buy old English titles.
She said: "Anyone is eligible.
"For instance, if a husband buys it for his wife for Christmas, she would become Jo Bloggs, Lady of Colchester Hall, and could put it on her cheque book and things.
"But if they want to be lord and lady of the manor, she would have to give the title to him and she would automatically become lady of the manor."
Published Wednesday November 19, 2003
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