Description

Immediate dispatch from Somerset. Nice older book in great condition. Pages in excellent condition. No notes or highlighting. Dustcover has some wear. See images. Fantastic book.

About the book >.>.> THE ACLANDS have lived in Devon since at least the 12th century and the family is probably the oldest in the county which can claim a direct descent in the male line as well as being the most distinguished in politics. Yet in spite of a wealth of material its history has never been written until now. Lady Acland wife of Sir Richard Acland the 15th Baronet has been studying the family archives ever since she took over the management of the Acland estates at the outbreak of war in 1939. Her researches have revealed a remarkable story not only in its incidents of intrinsic interest but in the extraordinary consistency of character and temperament over many generations conferred by the Acland genes. Their continuity is also owed to a genetic tendency to produce sons. This enabled them to marry heiresses and so increase their possessions century by century. By the 18th century they ranked among the largest landowners in the West with their main bases the Killerton estate in Devon and Holnicote estate in Somerset both of which have now been given to The National Trust. A concern for politics and public work with an emphasis on religion and education was a characteristic especially in the 19th cen- tury and the Aclands were distinguished at the national level by a tendency to strike out on an independent line and to see a little ahead of their time. Again and again they have forfeited their careers for the sake of principle. In their paradoxical combination of tradition and originality lies the fascina- tion of their story.