Country houses
From the Marquess of Tavistock
Sir: I would like to make a few points regarding Mr Raymond Boyle's letter in The Spectator (April 19). How anyone can have the ignorance to compare English country houses with those of the old South in the United States is hard to imagine. Those in the Southern States of America were, for the most part, developed by the appalling use of slavery and no doubt that was one of the major reasons for their subsequent decline.
English country houses and estates were developed as happy, working communities where the majority of employees led happy and secure lives knowing that they would always have employment and a house or cottage to live in for their lives.
A large number of English country estates still survive and prosper and play a very useful part in the community life of this country, but what of Southern mansions?
Regarding the incident that apparently occurred at Woburn, I feel certain that there is a large element of exaggeration here; since the time I have taken over the running from my father, I have never had a single letter of complaint — in fact, the reverse. Many, many people compliment me about the good manners of everyone who works at the Abbey. Why an American accent should excuse somebody I cannot imagine unless one associates American accents with ignorance, which I do not.
All historic house owners welcome an enormous number of' foreign visitors each year and I would like to add what an important part they play in the continuance of thier existence.
Tavistock Woburn Abbey, Woburn, Bedfordshire
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