IT was a saga of blighted Victorian romance which these days would make the ideal storyline for a bonkbuster television series. It had it all: a handsome, if rough hewn, hero, a beautiful wealthy daughter, a pompous father, glittering mansions and mighty horses. Better still, it rocked Worcestershire society to the core.
At the heart of the action was “Gentleman John Tustin”, a broodingly good looking chap in the mould of Cornwall’s Poldark, who lived at Ronkswood Farm, half way up the hill out of Worcester.
A popular figure in the area, he was a sharp dresser and remarkably well turned out for a farmer, leading to his “Gentleman” sobriquet. John Tustin was also a good businessman, making his money as a coal merchant and haulier.