With the purchase of the manor of Hampton Lovett, near Droitwich, John Pakington (1488-1551) propelled the rural parish to the centre of affairs of state – a position it would hold for 400 years (see other entries).

He was clearly a person of influence for in 1529 he was granted the most extraordinary privilege by King Henry VIII, that being ”permission to wear his hat in the presence of the King and in that of his successors, or any person whatsoever”.

Justices, judges, coroners, mayors and bailiffs were also commanded by the King to ”not disturb, molest, grieve the said John Pakington”.  The reason for his honour is not recorded but Pakington was one of the great Tudor lawyers, at a time when Henry was seeking separation from his first wife, Catherine of Aragon. 

Pakington later held many prominent positions and was a commissioner for collecting all fines and debts owed to the King. Henry later knighted Pakington and, following the dissolution of the monasteries, granted him the estate of the Benedictine nuns at Westwood, neighbouring Hampton Lovett. 

Pakington was also Member of Parliament for Gloucester, and Sheriff of both Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

Sadly, it doesn’t appear Pakington had his portrait taken, either with or without his hat!