About this image
The photographer's original caption for this image explains the reason it was taken:
'What we are NOT Fighting For.
WHO PULLS THE STRINGS, SAVING THE DUKES RAILINGS.
Photos show a MEMORIAL of the Late Duke of RUTLAND of his love for the common people. Just before he died, he planted thousands of bush trees and erected miles of tall spiked railings round the famous HADDON HALL, Bakewell - the famous SHOW HOUSE, of Derbyshire, which had been seen by thousands of the general public, during its 400 years - uninterrupted view from the main Highway. Now these trees hide every part, but the tops of the Hall chimneys. And the public are refused permission to visit, as was the rule for 400 years of holiday periods.
One photo - taken from famous view point where a stone bridge, was a part, known as Dorothy Vernon bridge, and view along the river shows its present state. The entire view hid by bush trees. Nearer approach is stopped by miles of spiked railings, as shown in photos.
WHAT THE GENERAL PUBLIC WISH TO KNOW - their own having been taken, is WHY ARE THE MILES OF RAILINGS STILL UN-TOUCHED, and PAINTED, when all common peoples railings have been taken for salvage.
Also, why KEEPERS stop all attempts to take photos of offending trees and railings. THE PHOTOGRAPHER WHO TOOK THESE PICTURES, WAS ONE STOPPED, SO HE RETURNED AGAIN AT DAWN AND GOT THESE PHOTOGRAPHS.
The Keepers would be better employed on work of greater importance.
The NEW Duke of Rutland MUST remove these obstructions and again give the public that now interrupted view, they have enjoyed for 400 years.'
And additionally, 'Miles of Haddon Hall railings. Not touched by Salvage Order But PAINTED. Barbed wire lines the Public footpath where this Photo was taken.'
The photograph was passed by the Press & Censorship Bureau on 1 July 1943.