The First British records were found in the middle of Staffordshire, as William the Conqueror awarded land to the Norman knight Gerard De Furnival for his outstanding service in the battle of Hastings. A chip off the old block I hear you muttering.
Being a true Furnival, old Gerard had spotted that the Lord of Hallamshire, had passed and left his entire estate to his only child, young Maud a mere seven years of age. As if the vast swathe of land that he already owned wasn't enough, Great uncle Gerard demonstrated his stoic patience, in order to expand his empire. After all, what was 9 years to wait before taking the hand of young Maud in marriage, and in doing so find himself in possession of Sheffield and district and the Lordship to boot. The rest as they say 'is history'.
Well I say what a jolly good idea, I mean, if you can take the idle jibes from jealous would-be suitors, then what harm can be done by marrying into money.
So there you have it, in six sentences. From the bravery of a wounded buffalo, the strength of a dozen elephants, the cunning of fantastic Mr. Fox and just a little bit of common sense we Furnivals had a Lordship, half of the middle of England to farm and this splendid coat of arms to swoon over.
Good job Gerald I say, and just like your expedition with William the Conqueror, I find myself over here in America fighting my own little battles, with many of the same qualities of my forefathers.
How can I fail? (oh, and pop your email address into the 'subscribe' box to the right so you don't miss any of my future posts!)
Be lucky
Lord F
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