Almost a century ago, in the aftermath of the First World War, the ancient kingdoms and empires, which had dominated European history for generations, were swept away and replaced with unstable rŽgimes, which threatened change on a scale unseen for centuries. Into this shadowy world of ancient dynasties seeking restoration, stumbled an 18 year old solicitorÕs clerk in London, who was rewarded for his efforts by ennoblement. The titles and dignities which he claimed, however, brought him unwelcome notoriety and far from being a benefit, became like the legendary albatross to the Ancient Mariner. Was he a fraud or a dupe? The documents were hidden away and only came to light after his death and now they, and the explanations which he left, can at last throw some light on the Mystery of the Dukedom of Saxe-Noricum.