The former seat of the Earls of Coventry, the 16th century Earls Croome Court, near Upton-upon-Severn in Worcestershire, which was sold by the family following the death of the 11th Earl in 1992, was recently for sale. However, as a classic example of an empty house being a prime target, thieves broke in and removed historic (and some less historic) fixtures and fittings which will no doubt turn up somewhere inappropriate thus depriving the house of some key elements of it’s historic fabric. These thieves have such a callous disregard for the damage they visit on these houses and their contents. Full story: ‘Burglars in £200,000 raid on Upton-upon-Severn stately home‘ [Birmingham Mail]
Month: July 2009
So why this blog?
My great love is country houses, particularly those which grace the counties of England. Each is a fascinating example of the hopes, aspirations, aesthetics and wealth of someone. One of the best aspects of what has been called the UK’s most significant contribution to architecture, is that each is different – whether the grand Palladian palaces sitting in parkland, to the mid-size expressions of Victorian industrialists to the smaller manor houses which nestle in countless small villages. However, it must be recognised that many have been demolished or otherwise lost and many exist now only to be abused by unsympathetic owners or to be used as schools, hospitals and offices.
The aim of this blog is to highlight interesting stories relating to country houses in the UK with the occasional comment from me. I hope to bring greater awareness of the vast heritage we have within the UK and hopefully to build a greater appreciation and respect for it.
The Country Seat 