Once upon a time there was a nasty landlord who reigned over a huge portfolio of local properties, many of which were taken in exchange for unpaid interest on money loaned at highly inflated prices.
He has various criminal convictions, and is still reported to be a 'Billionaire'.
It may not be known about outside of East Sussex, but this man also built himself a huge mansion (Hamilton Palace, below), that has been abandoned 'half-built'.
I'm not sure quite why he wished to build such an enormous building, but no doubt he wanted to impress, and stick two fingers up at more established society. I believe he had an argument with his architect, and the work came to a halt.
Anyway, here is the 'Palace' in its present state, with all the scaffolding still in place. Whether or not he will ever continue with the building is another question. I HAVE heard that he's now intending it to be a Mausoleum for his future 'resting place'.
I shan't mention his name (other than he's known as 'Attila the Landlord) but I'm sure you can easily find it; or already know it.
It's amazing how such people can go through life committing crimes, building-up a fortune as a result, and still be free to roam the streets.
Had no idea who this guy was so I googled Attila the landlord. For goodness sake, he's in Wikipedia. A really nasty piece of work.
ReplyDeleteHow the hell do they get away with it over and over again.
Money buys them lawyers and assassins.
Ever since I first heard his name (over 50 years ago) he's been nothing but trouble; and he still is!
DeleteI can't find him yet, just the Hun!
DeleteNot a happy person, Cro. The opposite of you. He is not a happy person at all.
ReplyDeleteHe is a naturally 'angry' person, and it has ruled his life.
Deletewell, he can only wear one pair of shoes at a time. Same as you and me.
ReplyDeleteA pair on concrete ones might have been a good idea, after all the lives he's ruined.
DeleteI am puzzled why you didn't want to mention the fragrant Nicholas van Hoogstraten's name. It seems that he believed that he could make up his own rules and ignore the laws that the rest of us try to live by. What an odious, entitled fellow!
ReplyDeleteI didn't want him sending his 'heavies' round to my bijou residence!
DeleteThe story is far more fascinating than you indicate. He wasn't just a "landlord" who lent people money; that sounds harmless. He was/is a ruthless business man who dealt in property in various ways; and other businesses.
ReplyDeleteAs to "roaming the streets", he was sent to prison several times; so, in theory he paid his due to society and, HA, for his sins. He was sentenced, several times, to pay compensation some of which he refused to pay. Anyway, you can read what is one hell of a story in a more matter of fact way rather than sensationalizing it
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicholas_van_Hoogstraten
As to the mausoleum. It was a clever move to exploit English law.
Talking of ruthless and taking advantage of every loop hole, I once knew a man like him - via a close friend who worked with that vile piece of shit. Nothing illegal, no burning down of houses. Shrewd as they come. When the wall came down guess who moved in first to take advantage. Not that he was the only one. Just to finish the anecdote: He also managed to overturn one of his many high end cars on a German motorway, at night, at an exorbitant speed. Yes, you have guessed it: He came out unscathed. So you see, Cro, there is justice and then there is justice (forget divine) and then there is luck. Emotionally he was deplete. One could now speculate on cause and correlation but I have probably exhausted your comment box.
U
NVH is a nasty piece of work. I didn't want to describe all his qualities, just to show what people like him do, and/or get away with.
DeleteWell, perhaps his palace could be put to some good use? Asylum seeker accommodation?
ReplyDeleteHA. When neighbours called for the property to be used for the homeless in early 2016, van Hoogstraten said in a statement: "The 'homeless' – the majority of whom are so by their own volition or sheer laziness – are one of the filthiest burdens on the public purse today. The chance of my offering an opportunity for them to occupy Hamilton Palace is just ludicrous." Such charity, such compassion for your fellow human beings, don't you think?
DeleteJay Cee, imagine what he has to say about asylum seekers considering that he is a self declared, and I quote, "I'm a Fascist, and a Nazi, didn't you know that? If I wanted, I could pay £50 to men in London to get every Jew in Brighton bumped off".
Brighton? What neighbourhood do you live in, Cro!
However here is an idea for you, Cro. Since you are so keen locking people up maybe you and Hoogstraten could get together (you are roughly the same age) and draw up plans for cells. Hoogstraten might be hesitant since it's difficult to extort money from those who, literally, don't have the means. Still, I am sure you can sell the idea to him. Just don't put your house as collateral :)
U
Who said I was keen to 'lock people up'? Criminals; yes! But no-one else. In fact it's people like NVH who should be locked up.
Delete