Who wants to be the next Lord and Lady of Bedingham? You can be for a few thousand pounds

Bedingham parish near Bungay. PHOTO: Nick Butcher (Image: ©archant2016)

Once a title reserved only for the aristocratic elite, now anyone can become the next Lord or Lady of the Manor of Bedingham – provided they have a spare few thousand pounds.

The Lordship of the Manor has been put up for sale by Lady Darling, who inherited it more than 20 years ago. And while the title might open doors at a few country clubs, it does not bestow any property or powers on the new lord or lady.

Instead, they will have to be content with flaunting their new title on bank cards and passports and membership of the Manorial Society of Great Britain, which dates back to 1906. Anyone in the market for the title at Bedingham, a small village near Bungay, should get in touch with London-based Manorial Auctioneers.

Owner Robert Smith said: 'People like to feel that they are the 29th Lord or Lady of the manor since it appeared in the Domesday Book. It's not a very expensive thing to buy for the man or woman who has everything.'

Bedingham parish near Bungay. PHOTO: Nick Butcher (Image: ©archant2016)

Such titles can expect to fetch offers of around £7,500, although the amounts vary depending on which manorship is up for sale.

'It very much depends on the area, the history, how many people live there,' said Mr Smith. 'And we'd expect bids from people who aren't going to get another kind of title.'

Despite having a population of only 211 people at the 2011 census, there are about a dozen Grade II listed private properties in Bedingham, with only the church being listed Grade I.

Some of the previous lords and ladies of the manor are buried at St Andrew's Church, which is the oldest building in the village, with parts dating from the 12th century.

•Anyone interested in bidding for the Lordship of Bedingham should contact Manorial Auctioneers on 0207 582 1588, email manorial@msgb.co.uk or visit www.msgb.co.uk