The Last Squire of Airmyn: Alexander Frederick Hood (Gregory)

Goole History > Goole People & Families > Alexander Frederick Hood (Gregory)

 

From the Goole Times, Friday, 27th May 1927:

 

DEATH OF HON. A. F. GREGORY

The Hon. Alexander Frederick Gregory, fourth son of the late Viscount Hood, and a descendent of the famous Admiral Sir Samuel Hood [1724 - 1816], died at Styrechall Hall, Coventry, on Friday, on the 84th anniversary of his birthday. Before succeeding to the Warwickshire estates of his cousin, Major F. Hood Gregory, he was known as the Hon. A. F. Hood, and as the last squire of Airmyn. He was the agent for the Percy estate in this area and resided at Airmyn Hall. He was associated with the public and social life of the district and was a magistrate for the East and West Ridings, and sat on several local bodies.

Mr Gregory, or Mr Hood, of Airmyn, as he is still referred to in Goole and district, was born in 1843, and was educated at Eton. He served as a lieutenant in the Royal Navy and afterwards held a Commission in the 15th Hussars. He married, in 1870, Ethel Cecil, daughter of Algenon Charles Heber-Percy, a relation of the Duke of Northumberland.

It was in 1909 that Mr Hood succeeded his cousin, Major F. Hood Gregory, to the Styrechall estates, and took the name of Gregory by royal license.

Although he succeeded to the estates in Warwickshire in 1909, it was not until 1911 that Mr A. F. Hood assumed the surname of Gregory and left the Goole district. Up to the time of his departure he was the vicar's warden at Airmyn, and held that position for many years.

Mr Hood was the chairman of the Goole Bench of magistrates, and in a private meeting of the justices, on 18th January 1911, a presentation was made to him of an illuminated address. Mr John Taylor, who made the presentation on behalf of his fellow magistrates, alluded to Mr Gregory's unfailing kindness and courtesy, not only to his brother magistrates but also to those connected with the court and all concerned.

On Friday, 2nd June 1911, in the Airmyn schoolroom, a presentation was made to the Hon. A. F. Gregory and the Hon. Mrs Gregory, on the occasion of his approaching departure from the neighbourhood. The gift consisted of his portrait, which had been admirably executed by Mr Ritchie, a renowned London artist. Mr Banks made the presentation and expressed the regret of all the estate at his leaving and alluded to the good feeling existing between the landlord and his tenantry.

The inscription on the painting was as follows :-

Presented to the Hon. A. F. Gregory by the tenantry and others of the Airmyn estate, after 26 years of residence among them.

Another presentation was made afterwards to Mrs Gregory by the Rev. W. Stratton of a silver-mounted blotter from the members of the G.F.S. in Airmyn.