24/04/2008
City's past deeds
Liverpool's founding deeds are being donated to the city.
Sir Bernard de Hoghton Bt KM DL, whose family has been closely linked to the Liverpool for centuries, has chosen Capital of Culture year to hand over the deeds including the oldest proof of the city's existence from 1192.
Sir Bernard said: "I was thinking about the family's relationship with the city and the relevance of the deeds when it struck me that with it being European Capital of Culture it would be rather nice to present the city with the deeds."
Liverpool's Lord Mayor Councillor Paul Clark said: "This is an incredibly generous offer that will be greatly appreciated by people across the city. I'm personally delighted that these early deeds will be available for public view. It is another magnificent event in a magnificent year for Liverpool. Today's handover further embellishes the wonderful relationship between the de Hoghton family and the city of Liverpool."
de Hoghton facts:
The de Hoghton family have entertained countless kings and queens over the years at Hoghton Tower in Lancashire including King James the first, William III, George V and Queen Mary and the Duke of Edinburgh.
There is also considerable evidence that a young William Shakespeare stayed with the family from 1580-81.
In the main Banqueting Hall, after a spectacular dinner and a few glasses of wine, James I knighted a loin of beef - hence the name 'Sirloin'.
Sir Gilbert de Hoghton was a prominent royalist figure in the English Civil War.
Sir Gilbert de Hoghton along with Sir Derby were both chief magnates of the Crown and helped develop the city of Liverpool.
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