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A YORKSHIRE TREASURE HOUSE DESTROYED
The Yorkshire Gazette,Saturday 7th February, 1931, page
12
The house was full of rare old oak. At the time of the outbreak
there resided in the hall Major and Mrs J.E.D. Shaw, their two children,
Peter and Adela, and the staff numbering about 20.
The outbreak occurred in a room on the first floor in the old portion
of the building which was used by Major Shaw as a study.
The fire was discovered shortly after 4 o'clock, by a maid, who heard
the telephone ringing. She immediately aroused the footman, who informed
Major Shaw. Immediately on the discovery of the fire, Mrs Shaw motored
to Kirkbymoorside where she informed the police, and the Pickering and
Malton fire brigades were summoned.
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Major Shaw organised the staff of servants with the aid of a small motor
pump which was kept at the Hall. Fortunately there was a plentiful supply
of water both from the fish pond near the Hall and in the River Hodge
Shortly after 5 o'clock the Pickering Fire Brigade appeared on the scene,
followed by the Malton fire engine a few minutes later. . . . . . . the
fire gained ground . . . . by six o'clock the spot was a blazing inferno.
The household staff and outdoor staff, together with many willing helpers
from the neighbourhood, worked hard in clearing the lower rooms of furniture
and valuable paintings. They were taken to a safe place, and included
valuable vases, suits of mail and pictures.
The helpers worked hard until, owing to the dangers from falling masonry,
they had to be withdrawn.
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