GUNNERSBURY PARK
Sir, — My grandfather bought Gunnersbury House and grounds from the executors of Princess Amelia, and naturally I have been much interested in all the letters in The Times regarding its ultimate destiny. There are a few facts I should much like to know. First, when the Rothschilds bought the “Park”? Secondly, when the long high wall separating the two “mansions” and the long terrace, and dividing the lake, was built? Thirdly, why, if the Rothschilds bought the other mansion and park before my grandfather, they did not secure the whole? I think the Princess must have lived in our part, as I have some of her table linen. Periodically the “Old Baron” used to write that a rumour had reached him that we thought of selling and could he have first refusal, and the rumour was always denied. In all our young days “Gunnersbury” was our gathering place.
The out-door swimming bath was a delight, the colour of the water was so lovely; but we were never allowed to use it, as it was much too cold. The caves underneath were thrilling! The imitation ruin was put at my grandfather’s request by the Old Baron to hide out his stables, which could be seen from the terrace windows. Our grandparents had no son, but five daughters, three of whom were married from Gunnersbury, and the eldest died. When grandfather died, in 1861, he left the house and all its contents to his wife, and she, on her death, left everything to the unmarried daughter. Peace, the murderer and burglar, climbed up the magnolia tree and cleared out all the family jewelry.
The unexpected happened, and in 1869 the “old maid” of the family married. They sold Gunnersbury to the Rothschilds. Our grandfather had wished that the place should always remain the old home.
S. E. CAMPBELL,
Kirtlington Park, Oxon.
August 25, 1925.