The Aristo News

Lord Bath's Tenant Poisoned

noreply@blogger.com (Aristo News) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 00:38:00 +0000

Alexander George Thynn, 7th Marquess of Bath (also known as Lord Bath) should keep a closer eye on his tenants, rather than his "wifelets".

Ian Windel, a tenanted farmer on Lord Bath's Longleat Estate, died after being poisoned by a faulty heater on February 4, 2009. The source of the poisoning is believed to come from blocked pipes within the Rayburn heating device. Mr. Windel's son has described the cottage as "damp and cold" with broken windows that took "ages to get fixed." It's widely believed that Lord Bath didn't visit the cottage until Mr. Windel's death.

It seems to us that the safety of your tenants (who pay you to live on your land) should be a priority. To add insult to injury, Lord Bath is worth an estimated ₤157 million. If you're too busy to tend to these lowly matters, then hire someone to do so. Carelessness is no excuse for someone else's death.

The inquest into this matter continues.

As always, we'll keep you posted.

A Grand Pile

noreply@blogger.com (Aristo News) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 00:19:00 +0000

Imagine that you’re next in line to inherit the family seat. It’s something you’ve dreamt about for years and now that day has finally arrived. Now, imagine your horror when you find out that twenty of the grand estate’s thirty rooms need to be torn out and refurbished, the staff hasn’t been paid in three months, and the great pile costs ₤10,000 a month to run. Ah, such is the plight of families around Europe each and every year.

The Aristo News has covered the different issues facing those who inherit these massive homes and are faced with the cold, stark reality of upkeep, maintenance, budgeting, and doing whatever they can to keep from selling the family silver to keep the lights on. During the last few weeks, we’ve heard of many tales of people who have gone to great lengths to keep their elaborate homes open without revealing their true financial woes.

As we’ve reported before, the Earl of Devon has done everything but sell Powderham Castle to keep up with the costs of running his ancestral seat. Oh sure, English aristocrats have allowed costume dramas on their grounds for decades, while The Times of London recently reported that some owners of these palatial country palaces are allowing sex parties to take place in their environs while wedding guests sip champagne in the south wing.

We’re all for doing whatever it takes to keep up appearances, but we’ve been tipped off to some aristo’s who have had tough decisions to make long before the current recession took place:

-A scion to a lesser known English family once informed us that he & his siblings had to turn most of their land into a golf course to keep the family estate in their hands. While we hear the business is going quite well, they were literally forced into this decision.

-A world famous aristo family sold their London home to another wealthy world famous family to maintain some control over their vast holdings. The aristo family couldn’t keep up with the pad after World War II, which forced them to sell. However, they are still permitted to use the abode.

It seems to us that this problem may never go away, unless the heirs decide to sell their ancestral homes and live in alternate accommodations. But we know all too well that this can trigger penalties within the UK, which is what the heirs always try to avoid.

Maybe there isn’t a solution.

Maybe the heirs should give their ancestral homes to The National Trust and call it a day. Or, we can hope that they will want to keep a piece of their family history in family hands, which – in that case – will keep this blog alive for years to come. Now that’s what we call an even exchange.

Aristo "Not-So" Blind Item

noreply@blogger.com (Aristo News) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 20:25:00 +0000

You may get this one, but here it is...

Which world famous aristo needs to watch her finances? Her former in-laws have provided her no assistance at all (word is they can't stand her) and the press is having a field day with her misfortune. Once you become accustomed to a certain lifestyle, it's hard to give it up. And in her case, she's had to do more work than some to keep up appearances...

Here It Is...

noreply@blogger.com (Aristo News) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 19:37:00 +0000

Will Lady V's new venture get off the ground or go up in smoke?
Lady V's new electronic cigarette is now available. While we thought it was a pipe dream, it's a reality.
Well, if you want to know all about it (or purchase one), click here.
Maybe we'll put it on our Christmas list...

Do You Know These Men?

noreply@blogger.com (Aristo News) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 19:07:00 +0000

Do you know the men in this photo?
If not, you need to read this blog more often! For the wonderful story, click here.

Photo by Jonathan Becker

Aristo News Blind Item

noreply@blogger.com (Aristo News) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 18:51:00 +0000

A reversal of fortune?
Which English aristo may finally be on the real road to recovery?
We've heard that his personal ethics have been hurting the family name, but a last minute fire sale may be the answer to all of his problems.
We can't say more, but let's say that these issues have been trailing him for a long while...

Belgian Aristocrat Opens Europalia China

noreply@blogger.com (Aristo News) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 18:45:00 +0000

Which Belgian aristocrat opened Europalia China today?
Count Jacobs de Hagen (known as Georges Jacobs, right) opened announced today's event open in the presence of the King and Queen of Belgians, Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping, and other members of the Belgian royal family.
The art festival will close on February 14, 2010.

Aristo News Blind Item

noreply@blogger.com (Aristo News) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 21:47:00 +0000

Which aristo couple may very well call it quits?

Maybe all fairy tales don't end with happily ever after, but with the handover of a very large settlement.

Lady V's New Venture

noreply@blogger.com (Aristo News) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 21:41:00 +0000

Lucky us.
We've heard that Lady Victoria Hervey wants to sell some sort of electric cigarette lighter. Is this exactly practical?
But the main selling point is that it'll bear her family crest. Ooo...

Come to think of it, how will she promote this new,"useful" product? It's not as if advertising for cigarettes is allowed in the UK or the US. Good luck with that!
Let's just hope this goes better than her last venture...
More on that later...

News on the go!

noreply@blogger.com (Aristo News) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 18:18:00 +0000

We're currently updating the site from our Blackberry on the German autobahn! We will post pics once we have our are at the hotel!
Always,
The Aristo News

Germany's Rocking Aristo

noreply@blogger.com (Aristo News) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 18:14:00 +0000

THE NEW YORK TIMES has run a wonderful article about the rock loving German aristocratic baron, Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg.
We posted a story on Germany's economic minister on July 10, 2009! Looks like we were ahead of the curve!

Perhaps the good baron could teach the world's politicans that a killer personality is worth its weight in free press!
To read the TIMES' story, click here.

Just In!!! Aristocrat Accused Of Stealing £1.6 MILLION!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Aristo News) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 11:06:00 +0000

Aristocrat Jonathan Davies, the grandson of the 1st Lord Davies, has been accused of stealing £1.6 million from his family charity! Jonathan was confronted about this years ago, but he lied to cover his tracks. He has been using the money to fund his own lavish lifestyle---does that count as charity?
We would say that we're surprised, however in these tough times nothing shocks us. It is said that Jonathan will have to repay about £200,000. Now that's what we call getting off easy!

September's Eligible Aristo Bachelor

noreply@blogger.com (Aristo News) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 18:22:00 +0000

Who's our bachelor of September?
Hint: He attended the Oundle School.
Find out after the jump!

Count Louis-Marie de Castelbajac!

The uber-hunk is reportedly dating singer Dita Von Teese, who's the ex-wife of singer Marilyn Manson.

Quick Facts:
He's French.
His father is the fashion designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac.
He was educated at Oundle School in England.
He's an actor & goes by the stage name: Kallean de Castelbajac.

To see his IMDb page, click here.
If you have any tips on Louis-Marie, send us an e-mail at aristotips@gmail.com

Eco-Friendly Viscount Arrested!

noreply@blogger.com (Aristo News) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 17:43:00 +0000

Which viscount was arrested at an Oxford airport?

Fred Lambton, Viscount Lambton, heir to the 7th Earl of Durham, has been arrested at London Oxford Airport in Kidlington. He (and another female protester) gained access to the airport and draped a banner over an airplane to voice their opposition to the airport expansion. After their arrest, Viscount Lambton & the female protester were held on suspicion of trespassing; bother parties were bailed out.

Fred, who is an eco-warrior, performed a similar stunt in Sienna, Italy last year.

We applaud him because it's hard to find a person with a real passion that isn't fueled by a publicist.

Just In! Earl of Snowdown Replies!

noreply@blogger.com (Aristo News) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 17:09:00 +0000

The Daily Mail has posted a response to Nicky Haslam's reclaims that he had an affair with the Earl of Snowdon. The quote is after the jump.
Earl of Snowdon:

As to Haslam's claims, Princess Margaret's former husband was untroubled. 'Good God, why should I be upset?' he told a pal. 'Nicky's got a book out and he has got to sell it. I really don't mind a bit.'
Of Haslam, who is godfather to his grandson Rex, the son of his daughter Lady Frances, Snowdon adds: 'I am calling him Nicky Hasbeen.'

Well, it seems like Lord Snowdon has put Mr. Haslam in his place!

To read the full story, click here.

Duchess of Norfolk Goes Stateside

noreply@blogger.com (Aristo News) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 18:14:00 +0000

Her Grace The Duchess of Norfolk is in Philadelphia. Why?
Her Grace is in Philadelphia a Trustee of Depaul International, will dedicate a US branch called Depaul House USA. This home will house twenty-five homeless men in the Philadelphia area.

We hope she has fun on her trip. Maybe she will meet Boris Johnson in New York City for a good old pint... Hey, it's only a helicopter ride away!

Just In! Which Aristo Claims To Have Had An Affair With Earl of Snowdon?

noreply@blogger.com (Aristo News) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 00:45:00 +0000

How we love a scandal!

Which aristo claims to have had an affair with the Earl of Snowdon a year before his marriage to Princess Margaret?

Society maven Nicky Haslam (right), the great-grandson of the 7th Earl of Bessborough!

To read this hot piece, click here.

Of course, Lord Snowdon denies the claims.

But anything's possible, right? We sure hope so!

If you have any tips, e-mail us at aristotips@gmail.com

Tell Us What You Think

noreply@blogger.com (Aristo News) — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 22:51:00 +0000

Dearest Readers,

As you know, without you we're nothing!

Why not send us a quick e-mail (aristotips@gmail.com) to let us know what you think. Tell us what you think about the content, website, etc. and we'll take it all on board.

Remember to keep those great tips coming!

Always,

The Aristo News

Heir To The 6th Baron Hindlip Fined For Smuggling Drugs In A Condom

noreply@blogger.com (Aristo News) — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 21:22:00 +0000

Yes, you read the headline correctly.

Apparently, the future 7th Baron Hindlip, The Honorable Henry William Allsopp, was found guilty of trying to smuggle 16.39 grams of cannabis resin into the Bermuda. After being stopped by customs officials at the airport in Bermuda, Henry was discovered to a condom tied to his penis which contained the cannabis resin. Henry was fined $3,000 for his offense.

What a dumb ass. But hey, we'll give him points for originality. Hey, at least he didn't try to smuggle it into the American Embassy. Now that's stupid.

Lord Frederick Windsor Finally Weds At Hampton Court Palace

noreply@blogger.com (Aristo News) — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 20:08:00 +0000

Today, Lord Frederick Windsor, the son of the Prince of Kent, married Sophie Winkleman at Hampton Court Palace's Chapel Royal. Congratulations! Sophie will now be styled as The Lady Frederick Windsor.

We've been hearing that the wedding has been fraught with drama including (but not limited to) the "unrefined" guest list, wedding gift list, and the absence of senior members of the royal family. Was Princess Pushy a reason? She isn't exactly a favorite amongst her extended family. Thankfully, the couple turned down a six figure sum to have their wedding pictures published in a tacky glossy magazine. It seems that Lord Frederick erred on the side of caution after the last royal wedding...

As many senior member of the royal family weren't in attendance, but some of the distinguished guests included: Princess Eugenie, Lady Annabel Goldsmith, and Lady Gabriella Windsor.

The BBC is reporting that the couple will leave the UK tomorrow for their new life in Los Angeles. We hope the couple will have a lifetime of happiness, but with Princess Pushy as a mother-in-law, we can see why Sophia & Freddie are moving 6,000 miles away...

Trust Me... He's Not That Kind of Dealer

noreply@blogger.com (Aristo News) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 21:03:00 +0000

Blink and you missed her!

Aristocratic interior designer, Lady Caroline Percy, daughter of the Duke of Northumberland, appeared on the new BBC "lifestyle"...or "entertainment"...program, TRUST ME, I'M A DEALER last night (August 25, 2009). She didn't deal with the kind of dealer the Honourable Nicholas Knatchbull is use to, but the sort you'd find at Sotheby's or Christie's. Lady Caroline bought the bust of a Roman emperor from the show host, Paul Martin, which she will most likely sell on to one of her aristocratic interior design clients.

To catch her brief appearance, check out the BBC iPlayer. If you don't live in the UK, you're not missing much...

Why, Oh Why?

noreply@blogger.com (Aristo News) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 17:41:00 +0000

The Telegraph is reporting that Lady Kitty Spencer, the daughter of the 8th Earl Spencer, wants to be known as a political Carrie Bradshaw. She wants to talk about serious "things". Lucky us. Maybe she'll write a column for the Spectator about the current state of socioeconomic matters between the different class structures within the United Kingdom. It looks like we've given her her first topic.

Just remember, Carrie Bradshaw was a fictional character, Kitty...

The Talented Nat Rothschild

noreply@blogger.com (Aristo News) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 17:20:00 +0000

Our aristo bachelor of August, the Honourable Nathaniel Rothschild, is the topic of a great article in the Independent. He's a true man of many colors with unlimited wealth, power and privilege. He's also rumored to be dating Princess Florence von Preussen. Very nice.

To read the story, click here.

Send any tips to aristotips@gmail.com.

Pay Up or Move On...

noreply@blogger.com (Aristo News) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 16:52:00 +0000

West Lothian County is in a tizzy over a building owned by Malcolm Harry Erskine, 17th Earl of Buchan. Apparently, a building that has been sitting empty of nearly a decade after once housing a primary school. The local council want to sell the building for ₤140,000 to be used as a leisure center and nursery. However, when the earl's family allowed the land to be built upon more than one hundred years ago, there was a stipulation that it could only be used for educational purposes. In order to change this condition, the earl wants ₤70,000. The council is furious, but it is his land. Either pay up or forget it. Such is life, right?

Note: The picture is not the building in question. Always, The Aristo News.

A Fairy Tale Wedding...On a Budget?

noreply@blogger.com (Aristo News) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 16:11:00 +0000

The Aristo News has been following the exploits of Lord Frederick Windsor, who we consider the ultimate aristo: He's a the son of the Prince of Kent & well known amongst his aristocratic peers. Despite being in line for the British throne, the lord isn't immune to the many opinions concerning his upcoming wedding to actress Sophie Winkleman. Rumor has it that the couple will have a "budget" reception at Hampton Court Palace's Great Hall, although senior members of the royal family want it to be a "mature" affair.

It seems the wedding guests will consists of young people and it isn't thrilling the royal family. If Lord Frederick were styled as a member of the royal family, we would understand if they might have some say. However, he's styled as an aristocrat who's an extended member of the regal family. Lord Frederick is already quitting the UK to work full time & be supportive of his soon-to-be-wife's acting career. Upon their marriage, Sophie will be known as Lady Frederick Windsor.

Let's just hope he doesn't sell pictures of his wedding to a tacky magazine. We all know which extended member of the royal family has already done that...