The Chemical Conquistador: Colonel North & His Nitrate Dream House

By Roberta Woods

Twelve years toiling in the heat of the South American nitrate fields, the 'humble mechanic from Leeds' returns, 'Build me a house', he says, and 250,000 later, in 1890 he moves into his Victorian extravaganza of a Mansion at Avery Hill. In Eltham, with its 3 roomed Turkish Bath, mini Crystal Palace of a Winter Garden and 100ft onyx-pillared Picture Gallery.Just six years later the whole would be abandoned and remain empty for the next six.The story of an extraordinary man and his extraordinary house. Reputedly one of the richest men of his time, a philanthropist and celebrity, beloved by the popular press. Sadly, not even remembered with a bench amongst the Local Notables recently installed on Eltham High Street. Very little has been written about John Thomas North, and having become interested in the man and his house, I have collated my findings within this account.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0842MX157
• ISBN13: 9798604967225
• Release Date: January 2020
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 226 Pages
• Weight: 0.68 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.0" x 9.0"