] Any relation to Francis, Lord North and second Earl of Guilford, who, as Prime Minister, was the Man Who Lost America? That would explain a lot.

You got it, Jack. Rev. Francis North was the 6th Earl.

Caroline, thanks for the memories and the info, I knew that Winchester was the disguised name for the Barchester chronicles, but not that we actually lodged in the house of the man whose gave inspiration for The Warden (although the real and fictional men differ greatly). I recognize the names quoted from the tombs in the churchyard (one of our first and creepy actions during the meeting, Amy, Cos and me delighted with the old graves).