If things go to plan, I shall be in Canada when you read this, defending the name and reputation of my great-great-great-grandfather – and figurehead of Knebworth House – Edward Bulwer Lytton, in a public debate with Professor Scott Rice of San Jose University, the founder of the “Bulwer-Lytton Contest” for “wretched writing”! I have accepted an invitation to visit the town of Lytton in British Columbia, which is celebrating its 150th Anniversary. Bulwer Lytton was Secretary for the Colonies when British Columbia was created in 1858, thus he has a town named after him.
The Mayor of Lytton has lured me with the promise that the event is a celebration of the town’s history and therefore a celebration of Bulwer Lytton – and yet the centrepiece of the festivities has been titled, “Toff and Proff duke it out at ‘The Great Edward Bulwer Lytton Debate’ – gloves off for a no-holds barred literary slamfest with his famous forebear’s tormenters from San Jose University”. What have I let myself in for?!…
Henry Lytton Cobbold
www.knebworthhouse.com