Climate change: rainfall threatens spectacular Northumberland carved fireplace

Race on to preserve centrepiece at Cragside, the first house in the world to be lit by hydroelectric power

A race has begun to prevent one of the most spectacular fireplaces in the UK from crumbling because of the increase in heavy rainfall brought about by climate change.

The drawing room fireplace at Cragside, Northumberland, is deliberately over the top, the National Trust’s property curator, Clara Woolford, said. “It is ridiculously extravagant and is in stark contrast to the rest of the house, which was intentional.”