Good point Hermione. But I think, unless you claim to be a direct descendant of Edward II (unlikely) that the treaty he signed at Leake in August 1318 (arranging for royal acts to be subject to a council one member of which was to represent the interests of the house of Lancaster)rather gave power to the aristocracy as distinct from the Crown or the peasantry. The period the aristocracy regret, surely would have been the industrial revolution with the rise of power of earned, rather than inherited wealth and, ultimately, the beginnings of steps towards the creation of a house of commons.

One other thing you say is also interesting. You mention Grantchester. My Greek was always awful at school, but yes I did feel a slight touch of Rupert Brooke about your verse - and none the worse for that, although "Ghosts" is my favourite.

But to return to this thread, what does your claim that "English" is the badge of inherited priviledge have to do with the lack of assertiveness of less priviledged English of their own tradition? As the folklore historians say, "Can it really be supposed that, alone in Europe, the English peasant did not give rein to his feelings in spontaneous and non-formalised music?"

And if not why should it be supposed that the folk memory in England is any less potent than elsewhere?