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Popularity of corporate events 'both beneficial and detrimental' to country houses
Such is the popularity of historic buildings as locations for corporate events that damage is being caused to some of Britain's oldest country homes, it has been revealed.
Research funded by heritage organisation Historic Royal Palaces, which oversees the maintenance of Hampton Court and other royal residences, shows that loud music played at corporate events and live music performances is having a detrimental effect on nearby windows.
The actions of corporate hospitality revelers themselves were also found to be harmful.
"[These] generated significant levels of vibration in the rooms used and the artifacts displayed within," project collaborator Ian Gibb told the British Association festival of science in York, the Guardian reports.
"The highest levels were often found during the set-up and take-down phases when large objects such as tables and chairs are being handled in confined spaces with limited time, rather than the event itself."
However, team member Dr Kathryn Hallett admitted that without revenue from the events coming in the palaces would not be able to be maintained.
A music festival is held for three weeks every summer at Hampton Court Palace, while 70 to 80 corporate events are hosted throughout the year.
