DUKE SAVES HADDON HALL

Evening Star, Issue 19003, 27 July 1925, Page 7

DUKE SAVES HADDON HALL

FAMOUS STABLES AND PRICELESS RELICS DESTROYED { The famous old stables and refreshment rooms at Haddon Hall, the property of the Duke of Rutland, have been completely destroyed by fire. The hail itself, made famous by the romance of Dorothy Vernon and situated only a few yards away, escaped. The Duke of Rutland, who was staying at Belvoir Castle, Leicestershire, was immediately notified. He hurried to the scene in a powerful car, arriving on the spot in the early hours of the morning. The duke and a body of assistants carefully overhauled the remnants of the damaged tapestries, and removed them into the hall itself. Neighboring fire brigades were soon on the scene, and afler some hours the flames wore subdued. The Duke of Rutland, police, and estate workmen and villagers worked hard before tlio arrival of tho brigade. It is believed that tho outbreak was caused by a spark sotting fire to an old beam in tho chimney. The hall is closed until further notice. Thousands of holidaymakers visited tho hall,! and had refreshments, on Bank Holiday. Valuable tapestries, which cannot possibly be replaced, were destroyed. These were being stored in the lea room premises, formerly used as stables, and dating from the thirteenth century. Some idea of their value may ho gained from the fact that they formed part of a collection which was recently insured for £500,000. Among them was one s.airl to have boon worked by Alary Queen of Scots during her stay at the famous mansion.