This short history of the Beauclerk family starts with the life of the First Earl of Burford who was subsequently raised to the dukedom of St Albans. He was the son of King Charles 11 and his mistress, Nell Gwyn.
The king gave his six -year old son the title, the Earl of Burford, because he had enjoyed visiting the town’s racecourse and hawking on the downs. He sanctioned a Royal Plate in commemoration of the races and was presented with three fine saddles made by the town’s renowned saddlers.
The booklet follows the twists and turns in the family fortunes up to the present 14th Duke and his son, Charles Beauclerk, the erstwhile Earl of Burford.
"It is good to have a succinct account of the Beauclerk Earls of Burford. It is true the family has not been overly encumbered by distinction, as conventionally understood, though there have been heroes dotted here and there across the ancestral tree.
Charles Beauclerk"
