MANSION FOR FLATS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20928, 6 January 1938, Page 4

MANSION FOR FLATS

ENGLAND’S PREMIER DUKE LONDON, November 20. An historic London mansion, where many important meetings were held in connection with the Coronation, has been sold to building contractors and will be transformed into luxury Hats and offices. Norfolk House. St. James’ Square, the birthplace of George ll*, and town residence of the Dukes of Norfolk since the seventeenth century, with its gardens and adjoining buildings, covers more than 30,000 square feet. The Duke of Norfolk, who is the present owner, offered the house for auction in 1930. but it was withdrawn at £250,000.

It was in the original house, part of which still stands behind the principal building, that George 111 was born. The bedroom still exists. Frederick, Prince c" Wales, son of George 11, had a bitter quarrel with his father ir 1737. He was ordered out of Sc. James’ Palace with his family. The ninth Duke of Norfolk offered Norfolk House to the homeless Prince, and the future George 111 was born the next year. About fifteen years ago Norfolk House could be rented at 3500 guineas for the season. In 1924 Mrs Harry Brown, of U.S.A., rented it at £lOOO a week. The Duke of Norfolk has used the house very little, and but for the Coronation it is doubtful if he would have used it at all.