Note 41 — Chapter VIII
Reading edition
This grand and venerable pile was destroyed by fire 4th February, 1731, which raged with such violence and rapidity that in a few hours the whole pile was entirely consumed. It was with the greatest difficulty that the Archduchess of Austria, Maria Elizabeth, eldest sister of Charles VI., and gouvernante of the Pays Bas, escaped with her life, having only had time to draw on one stocking and to fling her robe around her. The young and beautiful Countess of Vlefeld, one of her ladies of honour, perished in the flames.