120 years ago this week – 4th August 1897 – was an auspicious day for the village of Knebworth. The man behind much of the planning of New Knebworth, who created, remodeled or inspired many of its beautiful buildings – the foremost architect of his day – Edwin Lutyens, married my great-great-aunt Emily Lytton in St Mary’s Church.
As a relation, earlier this year, I was fortunate to be invited to a gathering of 100 members of the Lutyens family to celebrate the opening of a large hotel and restaurant complex in the old Midland Bank building in the City of London, designed by Edwin Lutyens, and now named after him, “The Ned”. It is a splendid adaptation of a building that had lost its use, into something vibrant and modern that retains its architectural features and significance.
Would that we were having such success here, with some of Knebworth’s dormant buildings. Still, I hope this week – or at least this month – we can also celebrate the good and auspicious news of one of our buildings springing to life again. I’ll see you in the Lytton Arms – to raise a glass to Uncle Ned and Aunt Emily!
Henry Lytton Cobbold
www.knebworthhouse.com