In 1439 Sir William de Cloptone, Knight, of Kentwell Estate gave the town of Hadleigh the use of a Market House at the annual rent of one red rose. In 1984 William's descendent Gene Carlton Clopton came across the rose story and found, to the astonishment of all, that the family was still entitled to the annual rose payment. The family settled for 5 roses instead of the over 500 that were due, and since 1984 has received a red rose in payment each year. The rose is placed on Sir William's tomb. Photo by William Purcell Clopton, 1984.