Proudfeet
A great controversy surrounds this family, one that has endured centuries. When one makes mention of the Proudfeet, one can expect a lively debate to ensue. For what is the correct pluralisation of the name? The family itself insists upon ‘Proudfeet’, whereas others will assert that it is ‘Proudfoots’. Whilst this seems like a rather petty matter, there have been some serious disagreements (in my own experience) that have resulted in old friends no longer speaking to one another for a year. It is the author’s own belief that a family possesses authority over its own name – so Proudfeet it is.
The Proudfeet are named for the common trait shared among them – exceptionally large feet. For many generations now the Proudfeet’s proud feet have tilled much soil and weeded many gardens. The old rivalry between the Proudfeet and Hornblowers, both revered farmers and gardeners had been the highlight of many fetes and competition. The Proudfeet have always taken pride that they work for their wealth, as opposed to many other families who simply have it passed down to them.
