PEOPLE looking to go up in the world could be in luck when an Accrington title goes under the hammer.
Descendants of the Towneley family have put 29 titles up for sale including the Lord or Lady of the Manor of Accrington Newhold, which is located on the eastern side of the town.
The holder will be able to use the title on passports, credit cards and cheque books.
The current holder is Lord Charles O’Hagan, 65, from Somerset, former MEP for Devon, who is auctioning the titles to help pay his medical bills.
Accrington is divided into two manors – Newhold and Oldhold – with Lord Clitheroe holding the manor title for Accrington Oldhold.
The title will not result in a seat in the House of Lords but it can be passed down from generation to generation.
It is thought the Accrington Newhold title could fetch up to £7,000. Robert Smith, of London’s Manorial Auctioneers, who is an expert on the sale of titles, said: "People might not wear suits of armour any more, but in many ways people buying titles haven’t changed much in 500 years.
"The wealthy have always liked to display their wealth. Some buy fur coats and diamond rings and others buy titles.
"Obviously, people who are interested tend to be those with a lot of disposable cash, so in that sense they are quite similar. But there is nothing eccentric about them."
Other titles set to go under the hammer at Stationers Hall, London, on Tuesday 20 May include lordships in Rossendale, Bowland and Habergham Eves.
