Preface by MCW Ferrand

Propositi Justus Tenax

Preface by Michael Charles William Ferrand (MCW Ferrand)

It has taken me six months to write this introduction since my wife started this website, because I wanted to try to write something worthy of the title – Ferrand of Saint Ives. After all, we can trace the family back to 1550, I have the original document of the granting of arms by Queen Elizabeth 1 hung beside where I am sitting, and thus I feel a great sense of responsibility to represent a long and proud history. My inspiration came from my recent visit to St. Ives, and when I met with Pam, Sue and Kath of Friends of St. Ives and especially Jackie, Linda and Michael of Elderhomes, saw all that they accomplish in and around the Manor House and the estate, I felt an overriding sense of duty to at least write an introduction.

My Great Grandfather, Billy, sold the Estate to Bingley Urban & District Council in 1929, and, quite evidently, was happy to be rid of the burden of responsibility, and could thus pursue his own pleasures without fear of being burdened by the duties incumbent of being “squire”. My father, who was raised by his grandparents, spoke little of St. Ives, probably because his grandfather, Billy, never took him there. As it turns out, the decision to sell was the best for the estate and for the local community. A magnificent championship standard golf course was built in the 1930s, one of the most enjoyable I have played in the world, the grounds are open for the pleasure of all and the manor house, now a hospital, after a long period of decay, is now restored to its original splendor; and, I am sure, adds greatly to the quality of life of the patients and all who care for them. Not only that, but during my visit I note that the estate boasts activities in Turf Research, Equestrianism, Archery, fishing, botany and ornithology. How “uncle” Ferrand, as the family refer to William Busfield Ferrand M.P., in spite of his eccentric character, as described in Angela Redmond’s thesis written in 2007, would rejoice at his estate living for the local community and being available for the enjoyment of all.

Angela Redmond describes the Ferrands as “minor gentry” which is probably an accurate description. There is also no doubt that the family would not have been able to maintain the estate into the 21st century without winning the lottery. However, the Ferrands have been able to maintain, I believe, their status as minor gentry, if such a description still exists – we are extremely proud of our heritage and association with Bingley and St. Ives – and I, for one, wish to be associated with the continued renovation of the estate.

The purpose of this site is to inform as best as possible all those who are interested in the Ferrands (at time of writing, there are only 13 living males who can claim to be descended from Sarah Ferrand, the heiress) and St Ives of the history and current activities. Links will be added, should permission be granted, to Friends of St. Ives, Elderhomes, Bingley St. Ives Golf Club and any other relevant organization that may wish to be associated.

Lastly, in addition to the organizations mentioned above I would like to thank: my cousin, David Ferrand, who has inspired me to become involved and interested in family history, Kath Gabbitas for some of the photographs, Ben Hudig for his paper “Relationship between the Hudig and English families”, Susan Hart for her continued research and lastly and most impotantly, my wife, Arièle, who has done most of the work.

Michael Ferrand

15/5/2011

                                                                                        St Ives Estate

Friends of St Ives