Black Shirts and spies

In 1938 when some of the farmers in the area were objecting to paying tithes (a tax or stipend paid to the Vicar) on their land, some Black Shirts, followers of Sir Oswald Moseley's Fascist Party, held a meeting in the Hotel 'big room'.

They were trying to gain power by stirring up any controversy. Unlike Germany with their Nazi Party and Italy with their Fascis they did not make much impression in this country.

Baron Von Speigal, a famous U-boat Commander, stayed with Col. Spread at Berridon Hall. He was later revealed to be a spy.