I don't mind this missing fireplace that got taken to America, it is magnificently ugly and truly decadently embellished but I do mind about the old tithe barn of Bradenstoke Abbey that Hearst took, what is left of the ruins of the abbey is very small.
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| Gwydir Castle’s missing Tudor oak parlour. Photograph: Gwydir Castle's 1921 sale catalogue |
News is a strange affair, reading in the Guardian about Missing Uk Treasures that have gone to America, it made me remember years ago the tale of the Bradenstoke Abbey Tithe barn being taken by Randolph Hearst, the newspaper magnate, firstly to Donat Castle and then shipped to America, to be part of a hotel I think. The stone remains of this barn, are still in their wooden boxes, unless someone has built anything with them as in the video below states. We had a print of Bradenstoke Abbey in our hall way, a great deal of indignation was felt by the people of Bradenstoke village that these stones had been 'stolen' and they wanted them back, there was a campaign but not very successful, shipping them back would have been very expensive
Bradenstoke Tithe Barn from Wiltshire, England removed by Hearst in 1929 and shipped to San Simeon, Calif. Hearst gave the structure to Alex Madonna in 1959, moved to san luis obispo and now removed with hopes to re-build a 630-year old structure on the hillside of San Luis Obispo.
My favourite 14th Century beautiful tithe barn in Bradford on Avon. Photos taken from Wikipedia
Did Hearst buy it or steal it? It wouldn't surprise me as the very rich think they are entitled.
ReplyDeleteI suspect he bought it, therefore legitimacy rules by ownership. He is probably the forerunner of Trumpism, the very act of taking a barn down and then boxing every timber and stone and shipping overseas shows great wealth. Britain has of course done exactly the same with antiques from other countries, though they are normally in museums..
DeleteIf it is purchased than seller and owner can do what they want. The rich will always be able to buy the best from those who have fallen on hard times. If it was stolen or taken falsely, then I am all for taking them to court.
ReplyDeleteIt was such a long time ago of course, now there is legislation to monitor what goes out of the country.
DeleteWhat a shame if it sits in boxes! That fireplace is amazing. I can't even imagine what someone would pay for something like that. xo
ReplyDelete~ Wendy
http://Crickleberrycottage.blogspot.com/
Bit like lego, probably haven't got the plans for it.....
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