AU10/31/1/3

"I am pleased to get your letter, and to correspond with you . I am glad that you made so nice a hobby as you describe. It is sad that the "Stately Homes of England" and their owners will virtually come to an end with post war legislation. This house is comfortable and large, but perhaps not picturesque, except in its setting, with a fine view from the windows. I am not allowed to keep animals now, except such as supply food, so I had to get rid of all animals except cows and have to send the bulk of this produce to the Milk Board. I have also been made to plough up the bulk of my grass land including half my park. I had once quite a good collection & used to work on the Zoo Council and at Whipsnade. Cats are very nice & don't want exercising like dogs, but there is a great call for the latter & many are used now that horses are scarce and petrol short. A big dog is as strong as a pony and many are used as mounts and are trained in Government Schools. Probably you have tried them in your day. Goats also can carry well & are easy to feed but the males should be castrated if so used. If you were called up in 1840 [sic 1940?] I suppose you are about 30 years old. Are you single or married? Should you have the opportunity of photographing this house I should be pleased that you should do so the oldest part is about 100 years old. The additions about fifty. Photography is difficult now, one can't get the materials. I dare say you have ridden ponies and other animals in your time. I am of very advanced age - in my 88th year! I don't expect my sons will live on here after my time. Taxation is so heavy & no servants to be had. A big house requires much upkeep. I should like to hear further of you if you will kindly write again".

2 Jan 1945

From: 1945 To: 1945

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Wingfield, Anthony Henry,
Matthews, Sidney H.

milk, photographs, cattle, ploughing, cats, dogs, goats, horses, taxation, servants, Zoological Council, WHIPSNADE, Ampthill House