THE FIRE AT INVERARY CASTLE.

Manawatu Times, Volume III, Issue 23, 5 January 1878, Page 3

THE FIRE AT INVERARY CASTLE.

[Pbom the " Scotsman."] So sudden was the alarm, and sour-! gent the occasion, that all the noble ladies of the family were hurried out into the open air barefooted and bareheaded m their dressing gowns, with a rug or some other wrap thrown hastily about them. Fortunately, the storm of rain and hail had spent its fury, and the ladies were speedily conveyed to shelter. One of them, however— Lady Frances— resolutely : remained to assist at the fire. Jewellery and other precious articles were lying about m all directions, but nothing removed from the flames can be ascertained as missing. The Duke showed' strong, anxiety to save the most valuable of the family paintings, particularly the two large Gainsboroughs and two smallar copies, and this was successfully accomplished. His . Grace wai particularly gratified when an old, worthless-looking, wooden cup was brought to him, having been found tossed out among some other articles. This was the illustrious Marquis of Argyle's cup, which is highly valued as a family relic. The Duke of Argyle, the Marquis of Lorne, and the Princess Louise have made a careful examination of the castle, with the view i to forming some estimate of the amount of damage done, fthd the probable cost of The castle was insured-v?for d&lOgi'OOO. 'of which £80,000 applies to the building alone, and ( the balance to the, mpveables. The principal insurance; is effected m the Iforth British Office. It is said that the blaze of the Castle was observed from; the opposite side 1 of Lochfyne, , at St. Catherine's, at 3;30 a.m. If this is; correct the building must have been on fire for about two, hotirs before it was noticed. The cost of restoration is Variously estimated at from £15,000 to £20,000. As to the origin of the fire, the Duke of Argyle says he is convinced that it was caused by lightning. About one a.m., his Grace was awakened by a loud crash and thunder-clap, as if the house had been struck by the electric fluid. He arose and looked but, but, seeing nothing unusual, he lav down again. ■It was not very long after before the alarm of fire was given. The family slept on the basement, and the servants upstairs.