“My family first became Earls of Devon many years ago, during the reign of Empress Matilda in 1142.” Charles Courtenay, 19th Earl of Devon,tell Helen Pidd“They were the first barons to raise their flag in support of Matilda, our first female monarch, who was usurped by King Stephen.
“They were given earldoms as a reward for what they did and I am the fifth earl, so there were many stumbles along the way and many beheadings, but we've continued to serve and live in Devon ever since.”
Courtenay talks about his work in the House of Lords, where he has held his seat since 2018, and why he believes hereditary peers are an asset to the House.
“We're looking at things in 100-, 200-, 300-year timescales,” he says. “The problem with the environment today is that everybody's looking at financial interests, political cycles, everything in five-, 10-year terms. What about future generations?”
Most of the hereditary peerages were abolished by Tony Blair's government in 1999 and Keir Starmer now plans to abolish the remaining 92 seats.
“This is a ridiculous privilege and I am not shy about noticing it,” Courtenay said. “Yes, it is an anachronism in the eyes of many, but it is progress. But it is a real shame that Labour has not seized the opportunity to properly reform the House of Lords.”
Photo: Ben Stansall/PA WIRE
