‘PROPERTY AUCTIONS…’
Ian had hired the Pump Room for the three day auction sale of the six hundred or so lots, which formed much of the Lundy Estate in the city. Now, late on the second afternoon of 28th April 1962, the day of his twentieth birthday, Ian stood to the side on the rostrum, and watched Mulholland rattle through the sale.
‘Lot 330…’
He was proud as he looked around the packed room, knowing that most of this was due to his hard work. He also knew that many London dealers had registered before the sale.
‘Lot 333…’
Marcus had been right, the largest site, Southgate, had been snapped up before the sale by his London contact.
‘Lot 336…’
No mention of the sale was made at the time, but when the intention to redevelop it, the city’s largest block of business property leaked onto the front page of the Chronicle, dozens of small traders involved were up in arms. They were fearful of what the future held when their landlords, the Bath City Council, refused to renew their leases.
‘Lot 340…’
The estate’s holdings around Broad Street had also been shifted quietly to a developer. Ian wondered how long it would be before that made the headlines. He became aware of his growing excitement.
‘Lot 341, what may we say, £15,000, £10,000, who will start me £7,500, £5,000 then. Thank you, sir,’ as a numbered bidder’s paddle rose halfway down the room.
‘£6,000, £7,000, £8,000’, as more paddles appeared.
Marcus made no move.
‘£9,000…£10,000, thank you, anymore?’ Still Marcus did not stir and Ian began to panic, his heart started to race.
‘£10,100, for the first time then, thank you sir, a new bidder, £10,200,’ as Marcus raised his paddle.
‘£10,300, £10,400, £10,500 and £10,600. Number 12 Great Pulteney Street. Going for the first time, second…and… sold to Mr Rose, thank you.’
‘Lot 342…’
Another extract from chapter fifty-three of – ‘Go Swift and Far – a Tale of Bath’ The first book of The Westcott Chronicles of Bath