Tuesday, April 8

Arligton House


Driving up and down Barrow's Abbey Road this week, I have watched as they stripped the fixtures and fittings from the once proud Victorian landmark of Arlington House ready for demolition. It seems they are to tear it down and build a dozen or so bland modern houses in its place. What a criminal act of vandalism, all in the name of short term greed. Another fine piece of Barrow's history bites the dust. This large detached house dates back to the 1870s and was last used as a popular hotel. Sir John Fisher the man responsible for the civilian boats used in the Dunkirk rescue was born there in 1892. The motley fleet he assembled included fishing boats, fire ships, private yachts, barges, merchant marine boats, pleasure craft, and even the Isle of Man paddle steamer, 338,226 soldiers were saved from the beaches of Dunkirk. Their valiant rescue has sailed into history. For his part in Operation Dynamo, Sir John received a knighthood in 1942. He then went on to advise in the planning of the D-Day landings from amphibious vehicles, and handling the transportation of guns, tanks and armoured cars.

7 comments:

Bill said...

It doesnt matter what the public think. Our opinions and views dont count to this council. They will always get their way.

I wonder if it was a listed building.

Bet you if I owned a listed building and wnated to do something with it then I would get refused so why should this council be any different. don't get me going on that one... I have no time for the incompetent buffoons who are responsible for the outbreak of legionaries as well as other things and who pays for all their mistakes. We do with a rise in council tax.

Bah.... end of rant

Peggy said...

It is sad that the old house is going to make way for non-interesting new housing (whose rooms will be way too small).

Unknown said...

This enabled by the clowns who allow the burnt-out church in town to be an ongoing eyesore...

bob mullen said...

Bill: No it wasn't listed, but lord knows why not.

bob mullen said...

Peggy: You sure are right about that one, most new houses are to small to swing a cat in. But why anyone would want to swing a cat I don't know.

bob mullen said...

Rosilind: I see scaffold has been erected there, maybe it's to stop it collapsing.

Barrow Old Boy said...

What a shame. I grew up in Arlington House from aged 2, leaving Barrow at the age of 14. I last saw it early in 2007 when it was empty and sad. Many, many happy memories.