PLEASE HELP US SAVE THE HEDINGHAM CASTLE BED.
On 8th June 2010, in the Albemarle House sale in Virginia, USA, a beautiful Georgian four poster bed, originally made for Hedingham Castle, will be auctioned by Sothebys for Mrs Patricia Kluge with an estimate of $30-50,000.
The bed was commissioned in 1791 by the Ashhurst family who built the Queen Anne house at Hedingham Castle. It was made for Elizabeth Ashhurst, to celebrate her marriage to Lewes Majendie in 1781. We still have a painting of Elizabeth above the chimneypiece in the hall. Sadly, the bed was sold in the 1960’s to raise funds for the castle upkeep, and we are now seeking generous sponsors to become part of the castle’s history by helping us to buy the bed back.
The castle survives today through income generated from being open to the public, holding events and wedding receptions, and all funds are poured into the maintenance and restoration of the Norman keep, the house and all the other buildings. Our current financial challenges have been recently increased with restoration work.
We are trying very hard to restore the house contents at Hedingham to their former glory. If you are passionate about British or Essex history, please can you help us?
In return, a major benefactor will be offered the use of our beautiful home and castle in a range of ways:
- a wonderful house party in the house, and sleeping in THE BED
- a cocktail party in the Norman keep
- a marquee party (christmas parties or a 50th birthday or wedding anniversary)
- a garden party in the grounds
- a corporate event with entertainment We also have a lodge and a cottage which can accommodate 20 people.
We will be enormously grateful for donations. This opportunity may never happen again and we only have 5 weeks. Please contact Jason or Demetra Lindsay on 01787 460261 or email mail@hedinghamcastle.co.uk |
