Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1912-07-23
CR0MWELL'S STAIRCASE
MAY COME TO THE U. S.

LONDON, July 2O.--Another notable
British antiquity is in danger of being
sold to American purchasers and trans
planted bodily to the United States. This
is the famous carved staircase in Crom-
well house. Highgate Hill, fine sew
enteenth century mansion, presented,
according to tradition, by Cromwell TO
his eldest daughter, Bridget.
There is determined public opposition
to the proposed sale of what is consid-
cred to be great archaeological treas
ure, and a meeting is being called to
decide on a definite campaign to retain
the staircase and other decorations as
they stand. Invitations to the, meeting
have been sent to the MiddleseAu cpeF1ty
council, the present leaseholders and
freeholder of the house, and to various
important archaeological societies.
Mr. II. w. Birks, the president of the
Highgate Literary and Scientific institu-
ton, who is actively interested in the
matter, expressed his views to a Metro
politan Press representative. 1--WE are
convinced" he said, that the vast ma
jority of Americans would prefer to
visit this country and see our historic
relics in stu than to look at them,
shorne of all romance, in surroundings
both strange and incongruous. We
appeal to their good nature to abandon
the present proposal"
Cromwell house, situated almost OPP
posite Waterloo park on the asst side
of Highgate Hill, is a red brick house
faced with stone boundary stone in
the adjoining wall bears the date of
1914, and this is generally accepted
as the year of it's construction. The
house was occupied at one time by Gen
eral Ireton, Cromwell's son-in-law,
and it is suggested that it formed part
of the dowry of Cromwelrs eldest
daughter, Bridget.
The whole of the internal ornaments
bear evidence Of military occupancy.
Unfortunately the greater portion Of
the drawing room ceiling was destroy
ed by fire nearly a century ago, but
some exquisite woodwork has been re-
vealed during recent renovation.
The main staircase which is the inn
mediate subject of concern, is of hand
some proportions, and bears at it's va
rious corners beautifully carved fig
ures of soldiers of the Commonwealth
period The handrail is of distinctive
molding, while the balustrades are rich
with clevrly executed devices emblem
attic Of warfare. Handsomely carved
oak pendants appear at intervals above
the staircase.
Inc mousse Is at present lSdSSu ny tH5
Great Ormond Street hospital for sick
children as a convalescent home. The
chairman and vice chairman of the
hospital committee state that no one
can touch the house without the consent
Of their committee until 1888, when the
lease expires; nor in view of the ex-
pens We have incurred, are we dispos-
ed to turn out unless we received full
compensation"
The hospital. however. is suffering
from lack Of funds. and commenting
upon this fact, the above named gen
tleman says: IF a fully adequate of-
fer were made 1T is doubtful VIII ether
we should be justified in refusing IT.,
unless the public will come to the res
cue"
1t is a noteworthy fact that the hos
pital authorities during their tenure
have consistently preserved the histor-
ical character of the house in all the
work of renovation that has been con-
Quoted under their direction. se.