FAMOUS CASTLE ON FIRE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 77, Issue 210, 5 September 1934, Page 9

FAMOUS CASTLE ON FIRE

DATING BACK TO THE NORMANS. FIREMEN ATTACKED BY BEES. Art treasures, heirlooms and valuable furniture wore saved when lire broke out on July 16 in an attic of Picton Castle, Pembrokeshire, the home of Sir Henry Phillips. Some family portraits were damaged, however, and the total loss was estimated at about £lO,OOO. 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 30 to 40 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, wore only slightly affected. Baron de Rutzen, of Slebech Park, Haverfordwest, 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 Rufus, and from that time until the present day it has been tenanted by owners all of whom can trace their connection with their 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 at Gratton Park, Reigate. the home of Sir Jeremiah Colman. 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 Mac Garrett, County Mayo Ireland, the seat of Lord Oranmore and Browne. another; the peoples of the world must learn to co-operate. International cooperation will do away with frontier tariffs and will lead to a free flow of ideas and action. The League is the first practical measure taken by the human*race to establish the rule of law among nations. To-day is Cromwell Day. May I conclude with a quotation from Milton’s sonnet to Cromwell: “Yet much re|mains to conquer still; peace hath her victories no less renowned than war.”