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This was, in fact, a series of cases, begun in 1898 in the London Consistory Court by Mrs Anna Maria Druce, widow of Walter Druce. She was of the impression that her late father in law, Thomas Charles Druce, sometime owner of the Baker Street Bazaar, was, in fact, the 5th Duke of Portland. This case was eventually dismissed.

In 1907 a case was brought by another member of the family, George Hollamby Druce against his step-uncle, Herbert Druce, alleging that the latter was guilty of perjury in alleging that he had seen his father dead and buried (in Highgate Cemetery). Herbert Druce eventually agreed to let his father's coffin be opened: TC Druce was found to be buried as claimed. Several cases of perjury followed, and a potential case of champerty and maintenance against GH Druce and others were dropped on the orders of the DPP (mainly on the grounds that it would involve much expense and little revenue).

Inspector Walter Dew was involved.

[edit] Files at TNA

• DPP 1/11 Druce case
• DPP 1/12 Perjury case against MJL Hamilton, one of those involved.