the founding of Ashford and its second generation, Upperton
The first account, founding member, Admin, Website, and world was entirely inspired by the writer Lydia Hayes (Now Duchess Lydia Christian) and was made public in August of 2012. Popularity of the twitter group rose quickly with the help of sister RP groups, RPers who were veterans, those new to RP and those with a shared interest in Historical Dramas. The group thrived for years, pulling in active Upper and Lower class members continuously and the possibilities or plotlines that kept everyone on the edges of their seats.
As some know, part of the excitement of building and creating these characters is the build, chase and backstory behind them. Though our love for each individual has never faltered, as our characters grew, married and secured their heirs they needed, their perfect lives became mundane. In 2014, even the most active members struggled to maintain some of the key characters and "the site" had become slow.
In search for new exciting plots, experiences and the new opportunities history had to offer, after lengthy discussion of whether to start the group over or another alternative, the admins decided to launch a second generation group. The sons and daughters have grown to fall in the footsteps of the key families we had already grown to love and adore.
Ashford Estate
Home to the Hayes family since 1729. To the outside world, Ashford Estate is known for its elegance and utmost class. But those who have ever resided behind it's doors know it's reality. Life once consisted of corruption, sex, deceit, greed, and power hungry war. Those who reside at Ashford Estate know to keep their friends close, and their enemies closer.
The universe followed the lives and stories closest of key families.
The Hayes, The Christians, The Wellingtons, The Cunninghams
It was summer of 1837. His Grace Richard Hayes, Duke of Kent, opened his home to all who wished to fulfil a lively summer within the comfort of his countryside estate. With the help of his wife, Edith, and three children, William, Charlotte and Lydia, the Hayes family held their reputation for their hospitality. Counts, Lords, Ladies, Earls, Dukes and Duchesses alike, family, new friend and old, came from all stretches of England and neighboring countries to enjoy the spoils of their status. Balls, Hunting trips, lavish parties, engagements, weddings and all manner of tidings occurred within the halls of the Estate. But it was not without drama. The rumors of such lies, deceit, adultery,
lust, debauchery and more carry on into present day. The children of these Lords and Ladies may have heard what shenanigans their family had gotten into at their age.
The universe followed the lives and stories closest of key families.
The Hayes, The Christians, The Wellingtons, The Cunninghams
It was summer of 1837. His Grace Richard Hayes, Duke of Kent, opened his home to all who wished to fulfil a lively summer within the comfort of his countryside estate. With the help of his wife, Edith, and three children, William, Charlotte and Lydia, the Hayes family held their reputation for their hospitality. Counts, Lords, Ladies, Earls, Dukes and Duchesses alike, family, new friend and old, came from all stretches of England and neighboring countries to enjoy the spoils of their status. Balls, Hunting trips, lavish parties, engagements, weddings and all manner of tidings occurred within the halls of the Estate. But it was not without drama. The rumors of such lies, deceit, adultery,
lust, debauchery and more carry on into present day. The children of these Lords and Ladies may have heard what shenanigans their family had gotten into at their age.
More about Ashford and its Families and Members
The Hayes
Being the owners of the home, Richard and Edith Hayes, Duke and Duchess of Kent, had a lot on their plate. Edith continued with her duties of hosting charity events, having balls and parties for her guests, and helping out the local village while Richard continued with his duties as Duke. Together, they kept the secret of Emma Snow, Richard's illegitimate child, just to themselves. William simply enjoyed his time and his young age. He spent most of his days with the boys, hunting, drinking and whatever else the men their age liked to partake in. Richard always said that William should grow up, and act like a respectable man of his rank, but William continued to party all night and have fun. With his friends Thomas Thoreau and James Christian who also came to stay at the Ashford Estate, he doesn't really notice Vivienne at first and all of her flirting because he is just trying to have a good time, but eventually he realizes he is in love. Charlotte on the other hand is what you would call the "Perfect Child". She did what was expected of her and did it with class and elegance. Rarely does Charlotte color outside the lines, except for one thing. Char discovered her feelings for Joseph, one of the butlers at Ashford. Knowing it isn't right or acceptable, Char attempted to stay away from those feelings. After many years, and accepting heartbreak, Charlotte eventually married Lord Henry Redford. And Joseph became head housekeeper of one of the Hayes children. Lydia, being the youngest, was often left on her own to do what she pleased, and she liked it that way. Of course in public, she acted how a woman of her rank would act, but behind closed doors it was something completely different. Only few knew of the affair going on between her and the butler, Maxwell Turner. She knew it shouldn't continue, but Lydia had so much fun feeling like a rebel. With her lady in waiting and best friend Bess, her cousin Anne, and her dear friend Evangeline by her side, Lydia had fun doing what she wants. In time she falls in love with her childhood flame, Count James Christian who had been visiting Ashford after the death of his older brother, Johannes. Now the heir to the Duke of York, the expectations were much higher of James, who wished to spend his last days as a young man having fun in the country estate with his friends. Turns out James had been the proper path, and eventually the two married at Ashford Estate and started a family together under the same roof.
The Cunninghams
Cousins to the Hayes family, Anne and Andrew Cunningham were sent off to live at Ashford Estate under the watchful eye of Duchess Edith (Lady Cunningham's sister in law) to look after Anne, and to teach her to be more of a lady, to have more elegance. And of course, Andrew didn't want his sister to make the trip alone, so he happily joined on the journey. But what Duchess Cunningham didn't know was how corrupted the Hayes family really was. Being with her dear cousin Lydia, Anne continued to have fun and play. With Anne and Andrew being so close, they know each other's every secret. Anne knows that Andrew had a bit of a drinking problem to over come before their father found out and took away the money that he was rightfully entitled to. Many nights Anne helped her brother to his bed chambers to get him into bed safely. Little did they know that while she was helping him, one of the ladies in waiting saw and accused them of having an inappropriate incest relationship. With an uproar within the village, the Cunningham household was not an inviting place for either one of them. Their father, the most level headed of the Cunninghams, called for a grand family meeting to decide the fates of his two, incest accused, children. Arriving at the meeting, Andrew and Anne were angry and resentful of the mess that the lady in waiting had caused. With their mother and father not wanting any further disturbance within the village, thus created the idea of sending Anne away to Ashford Estate. There, she would learn how to be a "proper lady" by the hand of Edith Hayes. The mere idea of Anne being the only one punished for a crime she did not commit was an outrage for Andrew. After a few flipped chairs and broken chalices, Andrew decided to leave along with his sister. Arriving at Ashford Estate, Andrew and Anne Cunningham found all new kinds of trouble to get in to with their cousin Lydia Hayes. Anne eventually found love with Christopher Wellington and started a family. Andrew fell in love with Judith Parrish and together they raised their only daughter, Avery.
The Huntingtons & More
With his father passing, Jack had earned the title of Duke of Devonshire. Jack was a carefree man that liked to Hunt and be with his friends. Of course, he did his job as duke very well, especially for someone his age. Jack had very few enemies, except for Andrew Cunningham, brother of Anne. A part of Jack that he kept to himself is that he was a romantic, and wanted to find a woman he can spend the rest of his time together. So, deciding to have a nice vacation and some fun, Jack and his friends, along with his best mate David Rigby and his dear sister Georgiana decided to stay at Ashford. While at Ashford, Jack fell for Lydia and attempted to catch her eye in many ways. While staying at Ashford, Georgiana caught the eye of William and Lydia's dear friend Thomas Thoreau. Georgiana plays hard to get, and Thomas later on married Evangeline after the death of her husband, Felix.
Dear David loved to tease Judith and Charlotte. But David could not decide which one he really wanted. He eventually falls in love with Victoria Bennett and together they raise an army of children.
Caught in a loveless marriage Felix Thompson owned steel factories across Europe and expanded into America. A harsh man, who always finds pride in putting a woman in her place, the only thing his wife could ever do right was produce him an heir. After years of marriage and no child, Felix blames his wife for being barren and becomes distant. Finding a summer romance in Count Benjamin Steele, Evangeline falls pregnant with twins. In an elaborate lie, E leads Felix to believe the children are his, solidifying their marriage for years until Felix's untimely death years later. E remarries Thomas Thoreau and expands their family.
But the man that everyone loves really is Count Benjamin Steele. He was the life of the party and everyone loved to be around him. Benjamin swore he never wanted to get married, but once he admitted his feelings for Rebecca to himself it was the closest he got to having a solid relationship. Benjamin risked his life to save his old flame, Lydia, by fighting off a homeless peasant. He died in her arms, and Lydia's son was named after him for his heroic effort. Later on, it is discovered that Ben sired a son. The bastard was born from a French Lady who fell from grace once it was discovered she was carrying the Count's son.
Levi Reed came to Ashford years later, finding a fast friend in James Christian and the two become as close as family.
Upperton edge
The Christians
The Duke of York's reign has been successful. Raising a family together with his wife, Lydia, Henry, Benjamin, Phillip and Astoria grew up with everything a young lord or lady could need. With the finest tutors and education, expensive governesses and piano lessons, the four Christian children were always given the highest praise. As time went on, the spoils of their privilege began to seep into some of their personalities. Henry was always referred to as the golden child, the heir, first born son among the Duke and Duchess's friends. His birth set the expectations high. Henry and his friends were unable to avoid the spotlight, with nothing holding them back they indulge in the offers their rich society can offer. When Henry disappears suddenly to join the army, it throws the balance of their family. Henry has not quite recovered to what he had been before. Benjamin is quite the opposite, named after his mother's savior, he keeps his nose in his studies and away from the spotlight. He hardly could stand the taste of alcohol before Henry went away, and in turn took his place at the cards table with Jack and Alistair. Slowly the quiet man is gaining confidence and is beginning to find his own voice. But it is not all shyness. Ben had a habit of sneaking out of the Christian city estate to attend rallies in favor of the lowerclass until one night he was caught with Nora, his sister's maid and she was fired. Phillip followed in his oldest brother's footsteps, always enjoying a night out and the attention of beautiful ladies. together, Phillip and Henry would often gang up on Ben. Despite being the spoiled only daughter, Astoria grew up with polite grace and patience. She had caught the attention of a Russian Lord Vladamir, much to the disdain of her family. After Simone Delecrant's parents were murdered, she came to live with her family's friends, the Christians. The unsolved murders stay at the forefront of her attention. Simone was placed into an arranged marriage, but it was broken when Simone is discovered to be in love with Benjamin's friend, Timothy. Later, Simone is suddenly admitted to the asylum for reasons no one can understand. Disgraced she tries to find her place in the community once more. Viktor Christian and his wife, Verona, have only a single daughter, Karma for Viktor's debaucherous ways in his younger years he believes. His past creeps up to him when Vienna is kidnapped for ransom, forcing the Christians to save her from an unfortunate fate.
When Lord and Lady Reed both die unexpectedly to a violent illness, both Edmund and Annalise come under the care of the Christians while the heir adjusts to his newfound head of his household and Annalise is welcomed at court for the first time.
Coming soon:
The Wellingtons
The Rigbys
The Byrnes
The Cullens
The Saint Johns
The Scots
The Serpens
Outside of England
Lowerclass
The Duke of York's reign has been successful. Raising a family together with his wife, Lydia, Henry, Benjamin, Phillip and Astoria grew up with everything a young lord or lady could need. With the finest tutors and education, expensive governesses and piano lessons, the four Christian children were always given the highest praise. As time went on, the spoils of their privilege began to seep into some of their personalities. Henry was always referred to as the golden child, the heir, first born son among the Duke and Duchess's friends. His birth set the expectations high. Henry and his friends were unable to avoid the spotlight, with nothing holding them back they indulge in the offers their rich society can offer. When Henry disappears suddenly to join the army, it throws the balance of their family. Henry has not quite recovered to what he had been before. Benjamin is quite the opposite, named after his mother's savior, he keeps his nose in his studies and away from the spotlight. He hardly could stand the taste of alcohol before Henry went away, and in turn took his place at the cards table with Jack and Alistair. Slowly the quiet man is gaining confidence and is beginning to find his own voice. But it is not all shyness. Ben had a habit of sneaking out of the Christian city estate to attend rallies in favor of the lowerclass until one night he was caught with Nora, his sister's maid and she was fired. Phillip followed in his oldest brother's footsteps, always enjoying a night out and the attention of beautiful ladies. together, Phillip and Henry would often gang up on Ben. Despite being the spoiled only daughter, Astoria grew up with polite grace and patience. She had caught the attention of a Russian Lord Vladamir, much to the disdain of her family. After Simone Delecrant's parents were murdered, she came to live with her family's friends, the Christians. The unsolved murders stay at the forefront of her attention. Simone was placed into an arranged marriage, but it was broken when Simone is discovered to be in love with Benjamin's friend, Timothy. Later, Simone is suddenly admitted to the asylum for reasons no one can understand. Disgraced she tries to find her place in the community once more. Viktor Christian and his wife, Verona, have only a single daughter, Karma for Viktor's debaucherous ways in his younger years he believes. His past creeps up to him when Vienna is kidnapped for ransom, forcing the Christians to save her from an unfortunate fate.
When Lord and Lady Reed both die unexpectedly to a violent illness, both Edmund and Annalise come under the care of the Christians while the heir adjusts to his newfound head of his household and Annalise is welcomed at court for the first time.
Coming soon:
The Wellingtons
The Rigbys
The Byrnes
The Cullens
The Saint Johns
The Scots
The Serpens
Outside of England
Lowerclass