However, I know that as an engineer and generous man, Sir William would wish it to be known that my father was responsible for moving the barn from a farm in a nearby village to Knebworth House [as referenced in the obituary], as it needed a restaurant for its growing amount of visitors.
This was a typical stroke of marketing genius by David and Christine Cobbold [of Knebworth, famous for having introduced musical festivals to Knebworth Park].
Sir William’s contribution was the loan of his traction engine to pull it.
The relocation was featured in all the national press and even on the BBC’s Blue Peter (you’ll find it on YouTube).
The barn still sits in its revised location and serves as the restaurant for the house.
Sebastian Pryke
Scottish Antique Furniture and Works of Art
