Arundells is in the middle of this photograph
The house has no cars in the driveway
While the Conservative meet this weekend to discuss the reasons as to why they're slipping in the polls Tim Montgomerie's lead in ConservativeHome today is a plea to keep Ted Heath's home open. The house is where Heath spend the last 20 years of his life.
Arundells lies in the most English of English settings - Cathedral Close, Salisbury - tucked within the shadows of Salisbury Cathedral. It is a stunningly handsome house, along with others in the Close, although I've never seen the interior. At £8 a head, with no concessions, I won't be rushing to see it and if you don't visit this year, then you'll be too late.
Ted Heath died in 2005 and left his £5 million estate to a charitable foundation which included opening his home for the education of the public, but the costs of opening, running and maintaining the house and garden far outweigh the revenue raised from visitors. The Foundation has no other sources of income and says it does not have sufficient resources to keep Arundells, which was his home for the last 20 years of his life, open indefinitely. They have decided not to seek an extension of the planning and listed buildings consents for the opening of the house and these are due to expire at the end of 2010.
Back to Tim and his disappointment. He feels it regrettable that the house can't stay open for schoolchildren and others to visit and learn more about Heath's life and the life of a British Prime Minister, although he admits he believes Heath's legacy was as negative as it was consequential.
Although many remember Heath for taking the UK into the European Community back in 1973, my memory of him always recalls his treatment of Enoch Powell. He sacked Enoch Powell after he made his 'Rivers of Blood' speech and never spoke to him again. That was not unsurprising given the man's . What did show me the true character of the man was, when Powell died in 1988 and Heath was asked for his reaction, he told the media,"I won't be making a statement".
For a man who showed a fondness, bordering upon obsession for music, I found his lack of empathy chilling.
His house should be sold. It has no real historical significance as Heath bought it long after he had influence in the Conservative party. The fact that he thought the nation would flock to visit his residence just shows the pomposity of the man. He even managed to make Maggie Thatcher appear motherly. Quite an achievement.
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21 comments:
Aye, and could be we have them now!
Me and my tartan tories Ronnie. Have never voted for the tories in Scotland, ever.
Indeed Apogee!
Personally SR, I feel they should donate it to the RAF who could then use it for (hopefully - bearing in mind the neighbours) precision bombing practice!
If Heath wanted a 'memorial' then a permanent gallows (with his effigy) on the plinth in Trafalgar Square would be more fitting!
WfW, I always thought the Plinth was more suited to something which was easy on the eye. ;)
The Plinth was originally probably intended for such - have you seen what has adorned it lately?
Had I been PM Heath would have suffered a 'Haw-Haw' style retribution - and still was PM - he would have been closely followed by Major, Blair, Brown, Cameron and Clegg!
The Scottish Nationalists have nothing on the WfW nationalists - trust me!
Disapointed as I thought it could of been one of Blairs real estate purchases and imagined the graffiti it would get and deserve, Independence will have to do then.
No I haven't seen what's on it recently WfW. Last time I watched it was just before it closed for public use and a friend spent an hour on it protesting about banking on the Isle of Man.
Oh I trust you. ;)
Independence will be enough for me thanks CH.
Turn it into a home for destitute asylum seekers.
No sympathy here for Heath, screwed over the whole of Scotland and it's fishing industry. He has no place in history other than that of John Major both failures.
Hope his legacy rapidly fades into oblivion, I for one wouldn't p on it if it was on fire.
Grrrrrr!
CD
They would get plenty money from Brown to keep it open scunnert, I'm sure.
Morning CD. I doubt if there are many in Scotland who have much regard for Heath.
Grrrr to you too. :)
Ronnie, I wouldn't know the answer to your question. Why not try emailing her direct.
Morning Madame,
Sat here waiting for CMD's speech! Should be a call to arms for the true blues!
Broon I see is getting another spanking over bullying! Just been toWaitrose and gave never seen so many copies of the Mail on Sun! I must be temp living in. Tory area of Londistan, can't wait until they knock on my door!
I was offered a 2nd vote here in England but turned it down, told the local Electoral Registrar that Im registered in Scotland as a Service voter and had no intention on voting on English issues, had no reply to date!
Wish I was home to enjoy the snow!
CD
Now now CD don't you be upsetting the nice tory candidate.
Good for you to stick with the service vote, I'm all for that.
No snow here. It's as if we're the butter in a sandwich between Aberdeen and the central belt. Was a fine day really, did some tidying up in the garden, although not much. Too engrossed in a good book.
Wow - I have to say I was stunned at the idea that someone would want to go and visit a house just because a PM lived there. I wouldn't go to Thatcher's house after she dies, let alone his!
It was a little presumptious of Heath to think they would IPP. Then again, that was the measure of the man.
Quite, SR.
Ronnie, the sexuality of the leaders of this country doesn't matter to me one jot.
Of course I've asked a lawyer to sign a document, many times. Only once, with a local lawyer when I arrived here, have I ever been charged.
Ronnie, what is it with you and sexuality and people's religion? We're all entitled to vote if we qualify. Sexuality doesn't come into it. I
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