CHAPTER XI. -Crome yellow

Chapter XI of “Crome Yellow” recounts the departure of Mr. Barbecue-Smith from Crome, which prompts a conversation among the remaining guests—Anne, Denis, Mr. Scogan, and Henry Wimbush—about the architectural and historical nuances of the manor. Following Mr. Barbecue-Smith’s departure, the group takes a contemplative walk around the estate, reflecting on the architectural grandeur of Crome House. Their dialogue transitions from a discussion on modern and traditional architecture to a deep dive into the history and eccentric design decisions made by Sir Ferdinando Lapith, the original builder of Crome.

Henry Wimbush narrates the tale of Sir Ferdinando, highlighting his obsession with sanitation and the innovative, albeit peculiar, placement of privies at the top of the house’s towers. This design choice, Wimbush explains, was driven not only by sanitary concerns but also by Sir Ferdinando’s ambitions to elevate the act of attending to nature’s calls to a level of nobility, surrounding these privies with wisdom in the form of books and a grand view, thus merging physical necessity with spiritual upliftment.

The conversation then shifts towards a broader reflection on the eccentricities of the English aristocracy, with Mr. Scogan romanticizing the peculiar habits and quests of historical figures who pursued their unique interests with fervor. These ranged from the collection of opera singers’ larynges to crusades for futile causes. Their discussion serves not only to provide historical context to Crome but also to celebrate the idiosyncratic nature of human pursuits across the ages.

Their conversation is tinged with nostalgia and a contemplative mood, as they juxtapose the permanence of Crome against the transience of life and the peculiarities of its occupants through time. By the end of the chapter, the group’s exchange underscores a message about the enduring influence of architecture and legacy, alongside a lighthearted admiration for the quirks of the aristocracy, framing Crome not just as a physical structure but as a repository of human eccentricity and ingenuity.