There are no memorials to this family in the village, even the magnificent Iron Gates they erected with their initials and the date 1913 were melted down during the last war. The local directories were helpful in showing that Percival Huth and his family were living there from 1891 until 1913 and he was Lord of the Manor of Freshford. Slowly by researching more into the Huth's I was able to see that they were no normal family, but had been ranked in the same league as the super rich Barings and Rothschilds. Burkes Peerage was helpful in building up a family tree, though as it finished in 1970 it is difficult to bring it up to date. I was fortunate in that a descendant lived in a house called Freshford near Swindon. He had moved from this address, but was able to give me some useful information about the Family. He said he would contact his nephew Winston Huth-Wallis now living in Malaysia who was Percvival`s Great Grandson. I was exited several months later to meet Winston and his wife Suzanne who had returned to this country for their sons-Toby and Peter's Summer Holidays. They opened a small suitcase full of documents and photographs relating to the family. They mainly show Winston's Grandfather– Ferdinand growing up as a child over 100 years ago in the grounds of the Manor.\it is interesting to see his many pets including a goat and monkey. He was the youngest of six children all of whom were born whilst their parents were living at Lansdowne Crescent in Bath. His father was also from a large family with 4 brothers and 4 sisters., who had each inherited great wealth from their grandfather– Frederick Huth (1774-1864). This ancestor was born in the village of Hartesfield in Germany and started as a trader in Hamburg and eventually moved his business to Corunna in Spain where he married his wife Manuella. They had to escape the country during the Peninsular Wars and were fortunate through contacts to rebuild their business in London. He was one of the first Merchant Bankers and with his contacts in Spain and Germany built up one of the country's largest firms. There is an interesting book written by a descendant– Andrew Murray, titled “Home from the Hill” which details the amazing life of Frederick Huth who was to leave the huge sum of £500,000 on his death in 1856. His sons were to enjoy the wealth he had created, whilst the son in law, Daniel Meinertzhagen continued to run the Bank. Henry was to build up a world renowned collection of books at Wykehurst Manor and Louis a collection of paintings at Possingworth Manor. Charles Frederick Huth, the eldest son purchased Oakhurst Manor near Tunbridge Wells in Kent where he lived with his wife Frances and their large family. Into this family in 1851 was born Percival who appears to have moved to bath after marrying his wife Marian in 1876. By 1891 they had moved to Freshford Manor which with its recent modernisation and additional wings was ideal as a residence for this wealthy Banker. The estate at that time comprised 37 acres and included many of the buildings facing Station Road and extended as far as Crowe hill. He was also to rent a further 54 acres in Staples Hill. An insight into the Huths position in the village can be seen when their daughter Frances marries Lieutenant Aspinall in 1902, The children from the village school scatter flowers along the brides path from the Manor to the Church. After the wedding the couple drive off in the new form of transport– a motor car! In the afternoon the school children and over 50 villagers join the family and friends to a tea and in the evening there is a display of fireworks and a large balloon is sent off. The bridegroom's brother Percival is mentioned as having received an enthusiastic reception after his return from the South African Wars from the Villagers. Later on in his life he is shown as living at his Uncle's house, Fosbury Manor near Hungerford. On May 9 1913 Percival dies at the age of 62 and is described in the times as Lord of the Manor of Freshford and leaves £84,000 to his family. His grave is to be found in Lansdowne Cemetery where ge is buried near his brother Captain Frederick Huth who lived in Bath. Marian, his wife continued to live at Freshford for a while longer until the property was put up with an asking price of £14,00. The detailed description of the estate agents details particulars make fascinating reading. They describe a house where “no expense has been spared in bringing it thoroughly up to date” with its drainage recently overhauled by a Sanitary Expert. It goes on to mention “the house is fitted with Hot Water Apparatus, Incandescent Gas and Company's Water is also laid on”. The house is sold on soon afterwards to City Trader Edward Keir Hett \and his wife Sarah..