TREASURES SAVED

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 97, 22 October 1934, Page 3

TREASURES SAVED

BLAZE AT A CASTLE

Art treasures, heirlooms, and valuable furniture were saved when fire broke out in an attic of Picton Castle, Pembrokeshire, the home of Sir Henry Philipps. Some family portraits were damaged, however, and the total loss was estimated at about £10,000 says the "News-Chronicle."

The firemen were hampered in their work by an attack from a swarm of bees, which had made their home in the roof. The blaze was also intensified by some thirty to forty pounds of honey. The original Norman roof and the ancient rafters of the castle were seriously damaged, but a portion of the flat lead roof was saved. The ancient chapel with it sixteenth century organ, and the organ in the main hall, were only slightly affected.

Baron de "Uutzen. of Slebech Park, Havcrfordwest, organised a corps of voluntary helpers, who carried the paintings, china, glass, and antique furniture out on to the lawns.

Picton Castle, one of the most beautiful buildings in Wales, was a fortified residence in the reign of William Piiifus, and from that time until the present day it has been tenanted by owners all of whom can trace their connection with the Norman ancestor, William de Picton.

This is the seventh serious fire in mansion houses and historic residences this year. Valuable pictures were destroyed in a fire on February 4 fit Gatton Park, Reipate, the home of Sir Jeremiah Colman. A month later two servants lost their lives in a fire at Ihe Earl of Koftescue's Devonshire seal. Castle Hill, Barnstaple. Other mansions damaged this year included Castle MacGnrrett, County Mayo, Ireland, the sent of Lord Oranmpre and Browne.