English Mysteries Club discussion

First off, Hello. I'm Mark...new to the group and making my first post.
I have recently turned my reading focus to classic mysteries. Grew up in a house with both parents devouring various English Mysteries but I could'nt be bothered to get my nose out of my Edgar Rice Burrough Books. Now as an adult I'm finally discovering for myself wonderful authors such as Christie, Carr, Beaton, Hilton and more to the subject at hand, Sayers and Allingham.
I'm finding both the stories of Lord Peter Whimsey and Albert Campion to be my favorites. But I'm finding the also shockingly similar. Both rich men of royal pedigree,featuring somewhat goofball wit and charm. They are both served by the ever faithful Man servents and of course drive expensive cars.
so what gives? who came first? was their a rivalry or competition between the two authors? Have to say i'm enjoying both series greatly but the similarties make me think "something afoot!" Would enjoy any knowledge and feedback.

Hi, Mark, and from another first-time poster (though I've lurked for a while now), welcome.

Lord Peter definitely came first. My understanding of the Campion/Wimsey connection is that Allingham (and her publishers) saw how popular Lord Peter was, and off she went. Happily, Allingham wasn't just riding Peter's coattails, though, and she went her own way with him, developing him into a solid character in his own right. I don't think there was any communication between Allingham and Sayers; I've never heard of any. (ETA, since I didn't read the following article very well before I posted it: there was!)

There's an interesting article here: http://www.strandmag.com/campion.htm

"Whatever the true motive for the creation of Albert Campion, there is little doubt that his character was initially a tongue-in-cheek nod towards Dorothy Sayers’ Lord Peter Wimsey."

Tracey,
Thanks so much for the information and link... more information than i hoped for. Still tyring to make up my mind which detective i like the best.
LPW just might be edging a lead.

Little Albert's terrific, but my heart belongs to Peter.

Still, Tiger in the Smoke, Traitor's Purse ...great stuff. Time for a reread, I think!