FAMOUS CASTLE ON FIRE

Evening Star, Issue 21819, 7 September 1934, Page 14

FAMOUS CASTLE ON FIRE

DATING BACK TO THE NORMANS FIREMEN ATTACKED BY BEES. Art treasures, heirlooihs, and valuable, furniture were saved when fire broke out on July 16 in an. attic of Picton Castle, Pembrokeshire, the homo of Sir Henry Phillipps. Some family portraits were damaged, however, and the total loss was estimated at about £IO,OOO. The firemen were hampered in their work by an attack from a swarm 91 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 its sixteenth century organ, and the organ in the main hall, were only slightly affected. Baron ’de Rutzen, of Slehech Park. Haverfordwest, organised a corps °i 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 Rufus, 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 lire in mansion houses and historic residences this year. Valuable pictures were destroyed in a fife _ on February 4 at Gattori Park, Reigate, the home of Sir Jeremiah Column._ A month later two servants lost their lives in a fire at the Earl of Fortescue’s Devonshire seat, Castle Hill, Barnstaple. . Other mansions damaged this year include Castle AlacGarrett, County Mayo, Ireland, the seat of Lord’Oramnore and Browne. .