Cardiff businessman Mark Roberts bought the title of Lord of Alstonefield at auction in 1999.

Now his company, which operates titles on a commercial basis, stands to make thousands of pounds by exercising ancient laws that accompany the title.

The Lord of Alstonefield title dates back to before the Doomsday Book and gives Mr Roberts rights over mineral extraction, hunting and fishing and access to land in the village.

Problems selling

But villagers are worried Mr Roberts' ownership of the title could be affecting property prices.

They have set up a legal fighting fund to try and stop Mr Roberts exercising his rights.

Doris Goodwin, who had difficulties selling her house, said: "It was quite a shock to discover that a third party had got some claim to our property.