“All ye who enter Knebworth Park
One moment pause these words to mark
This property belongs to me
As visitors here welcome be
As you proceed please feel a duty
Not to disfigure Nature’s beauty
With remnants of a picnic meal
Silver paper or orange peel.
If you are smokers be so kind
As not to leave a trail behind
Of cigarette cards, matches, rags
Empty packets or paper bags.
If you have such litter, leave it
In baskets furnished to receive it.
Give no one cause to think you hateful
And I the owner will be grateful,
And ever gladly make you free
Of places that are loved by me.”
Victor, 2nd Earl of Lytton, 1930s
The start of another summer season! – Our 36th in modern times. It was my great-grandfather Victor who first opened the house and park to visitors, before the Second World War. But even before that, in the 19th Century, it is said, the butler would be happy to show visitors around, if the family were not at home – quite a thought!
Lots of excitement to look forward to this summer, including 20 special event days – but not, as I reported in the last issue, the Status Quo and Robin Gibb picnic concerts. Ironically, on the day the March issue of the Parish News was being distributed, the concert promoter called to say that he was cancelling the events. Disappointing – but music will return before too long, I am sure, to the greatest rock venue in the country!
Henry Lytton Cobbold
www.knebworthhouse.com