Pitchford Hall and What's at Risk
Pitchford Hall, Shropshire
Postcard view, undated
Collection of the author
The main structure dating from 1560-70 with elements of an earlier mediaeval building contained within the west wing, PItchford is one of England's finest Elizabethan half-timber houses, listed Grade 1. Queen Victoria visited as a young girl and described Pitchford as "a curious but comfortable house, striped black and white and in the shape of a cottage." King George VI and Queen Mary stayed in 1935 when they were still the Kents. Sold in 1992 after attempts to save it for the nation failed, it is now separate from the Pitchford Estate farms and listed on the English Heritage Register as "at risk."
As a general rule I try to confine myself to collecting images of stately homes that have been demolished or at least severely altered and converted to drug rehab centers or religious institutions, but "at risk" sounded dire enough to include Pitchford Hall. The new owner is rumored to be American and won't let anyone in to visit, which does sound rather dire, and anyway the place reminds me of Carden Hall, another half-timbered house of great age which burned in 1912 (see previous post, below), when someone dropped a cigarette. Let's hope the American over at Pitchford doesn't smoke.
Everything's at risk of course; all the time, everywhere. "Reduce your risk," they say. "He's a high risk," they tell you. "That's risky behavior," they warn. Getting out of bed is a risk, if you ask me. But then not getting out of bed can be just as dicey.
Lately it seems to me the truth is at risk, but then of course telling the truth can be a dangerous venture too, so look out.
"Scientists are not after the truth," wrote Dr. Karl Schlecta (1904 - 1985), translator of Nietzsche, and quoted at the beginning of The Gates by John Connolly. "It is the truth that is after scientists." I wonder if that's as valid a statement about writers as it is about scientists, what do you think? If truth is after anyone, should it be a scientist or a novelist? I know which I'd prefer, but in either case, there's bound to be some risk involved.
Or maybe that's the risk you take.
This endangered, damaged, destroyed and or hideously modified stately home series is absolutely fascinating.
Your efforts to post so much invaluable information is deeply appreciated.
I love this house...very "Merry Wives of Windsor", with a divine footprint. I was not aware that many of this scale still exist in the realm of the half timbered houses.
For me, the allure of a half timbered houses is in the seductive combination of a storybook charm and a slightly sinister quality. However, that all depends on the weather and time of day.
On to the subject of risk.
It's always a challenge one way or the other. I do subscribe to the concept of no risk, no reward. That applies to a lot in life...
ABM
Reply to this
The scientist thinks he can find the truth;
the novelist knows he can only give his own truth.
Reply to this
Very well put, my friend.
Reply to this
darling
this post Really Helped us.
we've been a Tiny bit Peeved at the turn in the economy which has brought Science to the fore and Art and creativity and deliciousness kicked to the curb.....so turning your comment around - it's not executives looking for data but Data is seeking the executives actually makes it easier to be Here (you know where) today.
just saying.
we thank you.
_tg xx
ps: your card arrived! bless you. beautifully chosen image, as always.
Reply to this
Oh dear, executives.
Reply to this
Remind me the next time I want to avoid risk, I should stay in bed.
PS--I have a new blog video from Family Guy about the plight of writers everywhere.
Reply to this