The Count and Countess of d'Antraigues exiles from revolutionary France at the end of the 18th century lived here on The Terrace where they had an Italian servant called Lawrence. They were in the habit of going to London once each week and once, early in July 1812, with the coach at the door they were coming down stairs to enter it and leave when they were assaulted by Lawrence. He shot at the Count which although it did not injure him did throw him off balance whereupon Lawrence stabbed him. The Count managed to get back up to his bedroom, possibly to get arms, but died there. The Countess had not seen the incident and asked Lawrence to open the carriage door for her. He stabbed her and she also died. Lawrence shot himself. According to tradition he was buried at the cross roads of Mill Hill Road and Rocks Lane with a stake through his body.

O/S Co-ords:2152.7638
Source(s):

A History of Barnes