Newspaper cutting - Viscount Bolingbroke Coming of Age - Tenants Celebration, 1917

A particularly descriptive article recording the presentation of a silver rose bowl to Vernon Henry St.John on his coming of age,15th March 1917 by Mr George Price, on behalf of the tenantry, past and present, of the Lydiard estate.

The article describes the simple ceremony as being fitting to a time of war, though the 'massive silver rose bowl ... was a mark of appreciation which was impressive in the extreme.'

The journalist describes Lady Bolingbroke as 'a picture of health and vivacity' and Mr Price as being 'one of the oldest tenants... and a splendid type of our British yeomen'.

Speeches made by 75year old George Price, the young Lord Bolingbroke and his family's agent and estate manager, Mr Goodwyn, display a genuine warmth and mutual respect between the St.John family and their tenants. Turning to Vernon, Mr Goodwyn concludes his speech with this message

'I hope and trust you will live long to enjoy your heritage and know that, as today, you have the assurance of the goodwill of the tenantry.

A full transcript of the article can be seen here, kindly provided by Frances Bevan.

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