The Sun.
London, England, 1841-02-22 00:00:00

EVENING EDITION

DESTRUCTION OF WYNYARD

HOUSE BY FIRE.

We lt...ve learned this morning with great regret the destinc-
tion of the noble edifice, of which the subjoined letters give
melancholy accounts. It appears from these that the building
is almost totally destroyed, and th.d.t the loss of property is enor-
mous. '1 his celebrated mansion is distant about four miles
and a half north by west from Stockton. It was erected on ;
the site of the old mansion, by Sir Harry Vane Tempest,
ft-
ther of the Marchioness of Londonderty, from a beautiful de,
sign by P. W. Wyatt; Esq., and the Park within a few years
has been considerably enlarged. It is difficult to as
which is most worthy of admiration—the dignified simplieSY
exhibited in the exterior of the building, or the judicious ar-
rangements in the interior, which combine the majesty of a
palace with the comforts and conveniences of a domestic
dwelling. The walks and pleasure-grounds in the vicinage a
the edifice harmonize well with the chaste design of the archi-
tect ; artificial decoration, and superb ornament, give Place to
the softer features of nature. A smallrivulet, forming a beau-
tiful canal, margined with wood and shady walks, meanders
witheasy curvatures through the park, and gives a delightful
finish to the scene.

The property of Wynyard has bean held by a long succes-
sion of distinguished families. The inheritance was conveyed
in marriage with Lady Frances, daughter of Sir Henry Vane
Tempest, to the Marquis of Londonderry in Ireland, who, in
1823, was created Earl Vane, of the United Kingdom of

Great Britain

TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN.
Stockton-upon-Tees, Saturday evening,
Feb, t.'o, 1841.
Sin,—From the great exertions you invariably make
foe
conveying the first intelligence to the public of any remtultahle
event, I beg to make your journal the medium of common',
eating a most appalling catastrophe which has happened
in this vicinity the destruction by fire of the al
nificent and beautiful mansion at Wynyard, the seat of the.,
Most Noble the Marquis of Londonderry. How the 0.4
bl
which has occasioned so much devastation and irrepara e
loss, originated, has not been ascertained ; but it is gratifYing
to know that there is no reason whatever to attribute it to stir
thing' but an accidental ffre. The writer of this letter
hastened to the scene of the fire, and arrived there about half'
past one o'clock this morning. The Conservatory, and al He
portion of this elegant structure, were then in flames. 11._
endeavoured to ascertain on the spot, as well as he could
the confusion which naturally occurred, how the accident had
happened ;. but all that he could learn was that
the housekeeper, Mrs. Fdgar, and two female servants,
in the absence of the family, resided in the house ; that one of bis
Lordship's game-watchers was out about half-past ten o'c/oel‘
last night, and at that time nothing had occurred to attract
his attention, but that on proceeding to join another watcher
at a little past eleven o'clock he obsorved the flames issuing, I°.
he thought, from the chapel, which had not been finished, but to
which some carpenters had been recently employed. 'lf
chapel is close to the conservatory, and is heated by weans
flues, from the overheating of which it is supposed the ac,c2'
dent has arisen. he sad intelligence was immediately made
known to the villagers of Wolveston, about a mile at'
a half from the noble mansion, and with all PO5-
sible despatch at Stockton, when many individuals
hastened with three fire-engines to the spot, and
did all that human aid could do in arresting -the destructive
element. It was, however, a most heart-rending scene to Ob-
serve the rapid destruction of this pride and glory of the
North, and containing some of the most costly and rarest sr" ,thy
tides of furniture, and many of them the gifts of crewl'ia ,
heads. There is no one, whatever his feelings may be to-
wards the Marquis, either politically or otherwise, but to°P
most deeply sympathise with his Lordship, the Marchioness, and' '
their family, on this sad event. That part of the building
which comprises the kitchens, and some portion of her Ladyship's
apartments including the boudoir, though greatly damaged'
have been preserved ; and by the spirited exertions of several
individuals, and particularly of two from Stockton, who 104 -
be named, nearly the whole of his Lordship's valuable pale' :1
ings, and a great portion of the most valuable furniture, beok,,9'
and fittings up of the several apartments, though injured, ~
course, have been secured. The plate was altogether saved'
The amount of loss sustained by this melancholy event eaolz°t
well be estimated, but I should venture to say that property of-
the value of three or four hundred thousand pounds was de-
stroyed in a few hours. It is not known whether the propertY •
was insured. His Lordship is still abroad. It is to be re' •
grettcd that suitable fire-engines were not kept on the pre3li-
ses, and there wanted some persons of judgment and imPort"
ance to direct the proceedings during the awful period.'
The fire is still burning, but the engines will no doubt be
used until all appearance of danger is removed.
I am, Sir, your obedient servant, 13. Re

(ritomANOTHER CORRESPONDENT. )•
Stockton, Feb. 20,1841• You will no doubt receive other intelligence by this post ,
respecting the sad calamity by fire that occurred last night, or
rather this morning, at Wynyard Park, about seven miles fr°nl
this, the princely seat of the Most Noble the Marquis of Lon'
donderry. I have just returned from the sad scene.
The fire was first discovered by one of the gamekeeper'
watchmen, about eleven o'clock last night, issuing from the
chapel, which was being fitted up by workmen, and it is but 0°
doubtful that from some neglect on their part the fire hl
originated. An alarm was of course instantly given, and
mesfengers on horseback despatched to this 01°1;
Durham, Sunderland, and the collieries, to set the fire-bedt:A
each place to work, and forward engines, which were despatTei
,
with great quickness, but owing to a high wind blowing t':,
were of little use, though there was water in abundance, in' :
is melancholy to add little save the kitchen part
and some
luable pictures and furniture, .is lett of this splendid maol
in short, it is ' completely gutted and a ruin. It is yet ("'°
o'clock this afternoon) burning. •