Spook
I understand that she is worried about people on her land and she may have been stalked in the past but its a footpath and she would have known it was there before hand so quit your wineing.
Lisa H-G
Yes, Madonna is entitled to roam on the land she so rightly owns but surely she can become more of a human by understanding that she could make more money by leting ramblers view her home for a fee. Wouldn't that be good for business Madonna? The money could then be given to charity!
Rickey Owens-Smith
Madonna gives us her all in the public domain (concerts, etc.) She is entitled to her private domain and we owe her nothing less!
James
Why is it that Americans think that buying a small English estate will give them Lord status where they believe they have power. Americans will never be British aristocracy!
alex
why are all these bull... americans commenting on this when they know nothing about English heritage, the land laws or anything...SHUT UP AMERICA!
bob
go girl
Chris Jones
I'm sure we are all law-abiding citizens. The people commmenting here that "the landowner has the right to bar anyone from their land" believe they are upholding the law, and the people who say "the public has a right to walk on public footpaths" believe that they are upholding the law. In this case, the law that applies is English law because the property concerned is in England. English people feel that a 'Merkin coming to England should obey the English laws, and I'm sure that 'Merkins would feel just as aggrieved if an English person bought property in 'Merka and tried to enforce English law there. I am equally sure that most 'Merkins would feel that money should not buy your way around the law. I agree that if Madonna should be taking anyone to court it is the estate agent who did not warn here that English law allows the public to use the pre-existing public rights of way on her land.
paul hardy gimsby
maonna was right i would not want strangers walking in my garden
stephanie
im a huge madonna fan, and i think it would be nice for her to have some privacy with her family she diserves that, as she works real hard, let her chill
ellie
i think ur great madonna sometimes people have nothin betta to do then invade a singers personal space i think ur a great musician all i can say is it is jelisouy
john mcgowan fazakerely
i love madonna so much she's amazing!
dale kidd
jan your comment was completely unfair and wrong...
Freya
i'm sorry if some of you think all English people are snobs, you obviously know nothing. When i was doing my D of E and stopped for lunch i really couldn't have cared less that i was sitting on a track on her land. It was marked on the map as a footpath and she should've looked at the small print before buying the house. The footpath has been there before she bought the house and just because she owns the place doesn't mean she can get rid of a public right of way. And if she's worried about paparatazzi then someone should get rid of them, they irritate just about everyone. Oh soooo sorry, do i sound like a snobby English person who is just voicing an opinion like everyone else and you calling us snobs?
giles
ramblers need to get a life
renee
Wow, there seems to be a lot of snobs adding their comments here about Madonna personally rather than looking at the facts.
How would you all like someone to roam through your property that you have paid for? Furthermore, if you have been stalked and threatened with violence, as madonna has on many occassions, your attitude may be different.
Sure, she is a superstar, and you do loose your annononimity, but everyone needs time out.The world doesnt own her soul, and she is entitled to privacy.
To all the Snobs from England, who think they are soooo soperior, really get a life and get over yourselves.So what if she is American?
How about all the English stop bying property around the world, and just live in England.
joanne astbury
ur house is lovley madonna and u r my frivruirt singer in the world
Leitrim
The problem with with the English, they encourage and give their hard earnt tax money to every soul who arrives at Dover in the back of a lorry, and when someone arrives the likes of Madonna who is prepared to give and not take, they give her/them aggravation!! come on England, Wake up and encourage more Madonnas!!!
janie
MADONNA'S FABULOUS
Hannah
Celebrities should stop buying bits of Britain and then complaining about the smallprint! It's unbelievably selfish -- do four people (FOUR people!) really need a nine million quid plot of land?? They could always section off a small part of it with the paths on... I think they should be happy other people think their land is a beautiful as they do; public footpaths are PUBLIC for a reason.
ALANA
DON'T YOU HAVE ANYTHING ELSE TO DO?? WHO CARES OUR OPINION ... JA, JA!!
Matt
They have the right to the land yes, but these paths have been going through the land for years.
If notices on the beginning of the paths stating this is private land please keep to the paths was displayed then so be it. They have the money to create clear paths and the money if they are so uptight to install camera’s on the paths to make sure people do not stray and so they can see who travels through the paths.
jon
she's right
philip cole
right to roam dont deserve to be made its not worth the hastle.
Kieron
"The earth belongs to no one." Yes, you're right. But, shouldn't we respect peoples right to privacy? Especially when the person in question is as famous as Madonna - when her privacy is comprimised it could be potentially life threatening. This has been a worry for her in the past - now she has children.
Dale kidd
if the person who owns the estate is not comfortable letting people walk on their estate then they have the right to ask them to keep off.
Julie
Well they knew the footpath was there when they bought the house didn't they?
Jan (wales)
I agree with Madonna she has the right to privacy and should not have to share her home with every tom,dick and harry.I have a footpath right past my front door on my smallholding, anyone has the right to be there at any time of day or night, its not nice!I'd love to see these people if they woke up every day to find someone in their front garden! lets get a new law with the freedom to roam around everyones gardens!That would soon shut them up!!So on that note ..you go for it Madonna!!!!.Defend your castle that you have bought with your hard earned cash!...
Amber
I reckon you should be able to do that because i ride and because you are banned off peoples land, i dont have alot of places to excersise my 10 horses a day. im 14 so its hardh to find a place, i reckon you should just let them be!!!
chico
i was wondered that this wasnot a great deal
Jessica Perez
Madonna has all the right reasons.
jan
Madonna embarrasses me as an American in England; she might as well be wearing flowered shorts and bellowing American Critisizims. Don't let her change England. Just because she can sing.
Ronnie Tober
"NO TRESPASSING" It's their property now, they bought it. Keep off! I think they are right to do with their land what they want to. It is just the people, who wants to know other peoples business. It is their life and let them live in peace. I wish Maddie and her husband guy all the best. Enjoy your life at ASHCOMBE HOUSE. I enjoy my life, at my home too!
hey there
the earth belongs to no one. we are just stewards. no one really owns anything. it's all ours to share. watch the "journey of man" and you will all see.
angela
she has right to live like she wants...some peoples are bad
Shannon Holiday
This should not EVEN be open for discussion. Madonna and her family have a RIGHT to PRIVACY! Regardless to some bull.... law about the public being allowed to trespass. I'm quite sure Sir Elton John would not allow it.
frank
It's Madonna's land and she has the right to exclude anybody from her property. How would you like it if I walked through your property? Leaver her and her family alone. Live and let live!!! I support your decision Madonna!!
brian shovlin
i feel the same that Madonna does she and her husband spend loads of money for that house like other people do and why should they share there garden/yard with other people so they can have a path it is private property make another path way Madonna is God and i wish her a speedy recovery ans as for getting close to her house fine as long as it isnt breaking an entry or sneaking around their property and invading there privacy they are only human and want some private time to yes they are celebs but this is there safe haven and shoultnt be disturbed unless they invite you in stay out.that is what i say
Barbara Davis
Privacy is privacy; people shuld respect that-- Private property is just that. Walk the Public Paths, but do not tread too close the manor.
Helen
I´m also a big fun and dont understand why she would move back to America. She is married to english man and they didnt married in America. They also live there with two children. It is not only Madonna who lives there......dont forget.
ERZI
TO MICHAEL: big :-) ho ho!! seeing madde busines reasons...yeah!! Hey, she visit me yesterday, we go sauna and drink coffee!! ho ho ho!!
bev
frank should check out english herritage laws n the like ,maddonas lawyers would have explained about land/estate ownership and rights when she brought the propery.we are not like the usa we are a small island and land especially beautifull open countryside belongs partly to all who live in england.
this is not just her land but a large percentage of countryside in the uk. and is there for all to enjoy not just for her eyes only. its nothing to do with americans not being able to own exclusively land here the laws apply to everyone so franks comments are very miss enformed
Paul A
I'm a Country person myself And i hate to see Townfolk/Cityfolk coming in with money and ruling the roost> but In tyh end i have to admit money rules the world. I have no disrespect for Madonna , She has forged out a Great career in the popular music trade, Her Music Stands for Itself and she has survived amoung The constant, New, and up and coming Pop World, she's greatly talented and works dam hard. As far as i can see she herself has The country At Heart and would love to have her privacy, Shame the paperatzzi follow the Woman every where she goes. It must be a nightmare. I as a Country boy Do feel sorry for Rambler/wakers and general country folk, Who Should have theright to roam, Everypart of the country should be able to be explored By Everyone. But when city folk come exlploring they Leave litter, gate open, drive there cars where they shouldnt, , disturb animals, etc, etc. If People respected madonna's Grounds, and the dam Paperatrzzi didnt pester her, she would probally not not give 2 monkeys who walked her rounds.
Tim
The populist spirit in the form of land access laws seems to be alive and well in jolly old England. Certain celebrities in California are also denying access to their beachfront properties as well. I suppose I can't blame them but it's the height of hypocracy to claim to be one with the commoners when you are perched in your gilded gated Xanadu. Tell Madonna we'll be by @ 8:00 for cocktails
antonio malonio
talk about rambling!. . .you lot ramble on a bit don't ya? I'm off 2 maddys with a bottle of bacardi. . . anyone comin?
Helen
My family and I really enjoy our rambles trough the country side and a lot of the time we go on old treasured paths and unfortunately they sometimes go through peoples land although I mostly feel uncomfortable going through peoples gardens sometimes it is impossible to walk around. However these are paths that are older than the land owners and if we are all to walk in land that are not owned by anybody then the enjoyment would be gone by walking along trafficed roads, and my childrens enjoyment and appreciation of nature would be devastated. However if it is just a matter of moving a path a couple of hundred meters out of its way would not be a problem in it self. However my worry is that if this path is closed or changed, are we not then opening the courts for every land owner with a path that is slightly irritating to close or change. How about marking paths better, which is something that is more of a worry when you are hiking and really not trying to be a bother.
Rob
She has the right to her privacy just we do. I would stand up with her in that battle....
RosieFromTheGoodOlUSA!!
all you people need to get a life and leave 'celebreties' alone!!...who gives a rat's ass what the hell Madonna or anyone else with celebrity status does???...they all eat, crap and sleep just like us all...except they make more money than most of us...you know what..MORE POWER TO THEM!!...if I had her kind of bucks I wouldn't want anyone near me either!
frank
If Americans can't own land in England can we take away all the land from foreign land owners in America, too? Like Elton John's?
Benjamin
I am a huge fan but i will be as unbiased as i can: It is my belief that when you become famous, you give up the right to the vast majority of privacy and annonimity afforded to the likes of you and i, the general public. That said, to echo the point, Madonna has bought this property and land for a reason.....To enjoy any annonimity she can muster and so i have to agree with her whole-heartedly. This is the reason so many famous people shouldn't be so though....If you go out in public expect to be hounded and you must always be nice to those who put you where you are. What would you rather have?
Love Madonna so much and i think she handles it really well. She is still at the top after all the crap she gets and still churning out quality material. Go M! Bx
maybelle
It's simple: It's their property now; therefore they have every right to do whatever they want with it. And so, "No Trespassing.." Maddie wins..
Michelle
Why do I read several comments on this page saying Madonna is trying to block her property from ramblers because she is american! Don't you think she is well aware of the differences in property rights. If not her I am sure her husband and lawyers do. Don't use her nationality as an excuse.
angelina
i cant stand people who stick the knife into those who have money/fame maddonna has worked dam hard for her money! and that money she wants to buy a nice house without being photographed and leered at whilst enjoying HER estate SHE bought. people ought to get theirs facts right she isnt trying to close the footpath she just wants certain parts diverted, they'll still be on her land! i dont know what all the fuss is about, or is it more like media circus and gullable people believing tabloid stories and jumping on the band wagon, pathetic!
tom
can any 1 tell me how u get to her house because i would love to go c it]
esther
madonna is the best...
William Beale
let them have their privacy, trespassers should give names and have their homes open to use by anyone at all times, this will soon change attirudes when cars come and picnic on a front postage stamp and leave rubbish and demand ammenities
alex fern
i think madonna is very good for doing this if you were a celebrity would you want people walking through your land. i live about 12 miles away from ashcombe house near tollard royal in a town called blandford and i have walked my dog through the land and yes it is a nice house but you can get that close to it. i think madonna was very good trying to stop it. GO MADONNA!!!!!!!
A Local
Lets just say, it's amazing how the press can make a story out of anything, and as has been said before," never let the truth ruin a good story." For those of you who don't know (and I can assure you I do) the issue of closing or diverting the footpaths on ashcombe has never been an issue except in the eyes of the press. The current footpaths that run through the estate have and will always be open to the public, and have never been in dispute. The right to roam is another matter, two small areas of the estate (neither of which is any where near Ashcombe House) have a closure order for a limited time each year. Although the country side agency is rather embarressed to admit their incompetence,15 out of the 17 areas designated have been removed from the initial mapping suggestion, not because of privacy or human rights but on the grounds that the land was incorrectly designated by their experts in the first place. Funny they never seem to mention that bit...... OOOHH yes and that sign on the web sight,if you ever manage to find it, it reads
Rushmore
Berwick St John But with digital photography and the morrals of the modern day press, I suppose it's what we have come to expect........
Toby Scott
I don't want Madonna or Guy walking past my house, but given I bought in London and there is a street outside they have a right to do so. In the same way they bought land with a street (footpath) running through it and I have an equal right to walk it and to have that right protected by the Law, irrespective of who lives nearby. On the separate issue of 'right to roam', I guess the legislation addresses some of the injustices of the 18thC enclosure acts. Why should I not be able to walk on tracts of land formally designated as uninhabited and uncultivated - with the provision that I do no damage. After all I am not asking nor permitted under right to roam to walk through someone's back garden. As for the shooting risk - it's a pathetic excuse (threat), a farmer is not allowed to deny footpath use by putting an untethered bull in a field, why should the Richie's threat of harm carry any weight.
This is Europe not America. What a shame that America supposedly populated by those 'thrown off' land should have such draconian privacy of property laws denying access to vast tracts of almost wild land on the basis of ones ability to buy it.
Henry the 5th
I don't see this as being about Madonna personally at all. At stake are the customary rights of the people to enjoy the countryside. Property rights, as interpreted in an American perspective, are not the issue here as the customary rights of the people to enjoy the countryside should trump any individuals right. I think it's great that legislation is going to protect the rights of the people in this case. Too bad Madonna, but these rights have existed for centuries, and this isn't America!
john
we have just returned from an amusing walk... after somehow failing to see a private property sign we strayed off the path and found ourselves looking at the rear of Ashcombe House. Wandering back to the path we were nearly mown down by a warden in a 4x4 who made it clear that our walk had led us into forbidden territory. So sorry to have disturbed your afternoon tea, your ladyship!
Yvonne Garcia
Cecil Beaton never had any problem with ramblers. If 'private' land is wanted, then land with public paths should not be bought! Public paths should remain public.
Paul
Buyer beware!
Ralph
Had Madonna liaised with the late Duke of Devonshire, she might have learned that there need be no conflict of interest. She and all those who support her should walk around the Chatsworth Estate and see how little intrusion there is(notwithstanding paying customers)and perhaps appreciate the real pleasure that thousands of people get every year from being able to access freely the Estste.
There again, she could liaiase with Van Hoogstraten and learn how to terrorise people into keeping away.
COLIN
ah, let me get this straight... Esther, nee Madonna, makes a gazillion and hives off an ex-fashionista's pretender-to-aristocracy's chunk, and now is raising a family and wants the punters to leave her alone while she's on a world tour... meanwhile, the ramblers want to peek in her windows? ...sigh.
Felix
I think the issue here is that Madonna, like most Americans, believes in a landowner's exclusive rights to his or her property. Private property is an inviolable right in the US, and only major government projects can overturn this right, and force the owner to sell the land. That aside, if you own the property, no individual has the right to trespass in any way whatsoever, unless it is with your consent. In Britain, perhaps, the concept of a plot of land belonging to a single person is not as well developed.
peter
The English countryside, with all its public rights of way, was here long before Madonna and the like and it will be here long after they have gone. If she wants total privacy without people wandering public rights of way she should buy a chunk of the Ariaona Desert and see how many people pass by there. England for the English born. Her music may be good and well liked but she is after all Americam
Ian
If there is a public right of way [public footpath] on or near Madonna's land then she should have been made aware of it before buying the property. If she wasn't she should sue her estate agent. The size of your purse or a [perceived] elevated postition do not give anyone the right to change the route of established public footpaths. That should only be done for public safety.
On the issue of privacy - Whether it's a public right of way that is used to invade somebodies privacy, or any other means, it is immaterial. It's the invasion [i.e. the invaders intent] that should be addressed, because it is their abuse of a public right that brings about an abuse of a private right.
Jensie
There needs to be a degree of flexibility, too often The Ramblers Association dig their heels in and demand the exact path rather than accept a diversion where appropriate. I remember an incident where a footpath went right through a busy sawmill, but the Ramblers Association wouldn't accept a diversion even on the grounds of safety. Also having be brought up in a rural environment I remember the countryside code was to walk around the edge of fields if crops were growing, but now the paths have to go right through...and I thought Ramblers enjoyed walking! Surely if push came to shove and the path was too near to Madonna's house, she has enough land for equally enjoyable routes to be found?
Thelma
The country-side should belong to everyone whether rich or poor - no-one is suggesting that people have the right to goup to close to madonna' house but where ther are established footpaths, she certainly doesn't have the right to restrict access. wake up madonna you are a mere mortal like the rest of us and everyhing is just on loan to us.
Michael
If Madonna paid for her land, then it's her right not to have trespassers. I've met her several times (business reasons) and can tell you, she is the most funny, smart, pretty, petite, lady I have ever met who is as famous as she is. Let's give her her space as she well deserves it!
Tommy
My Mom has a couple magazines on Madonna's wealth and the press underestimates it by hundreds of millions. With all her properties, businesses (ie: Maverick, WeboGirl, BoyToyInc, Siren Films) and all her music and stocks, etc she is over the Billion dollar mark, but doesn't want the public made aware of this fact. So...the issue at hand, is PRIVACY when dealing where she lives and I do NOT blame her or neighboring homes. There is beautiful land elsewhere to roam, just don't do it on Madonna's property! She bought the mansion and surrounding land, so it is her decision, not ours! Case closed!
MICHELLE SCHRUP
Maybe Lady Madonna can go live somewhere else? It is ridiculous that she change rules that have been in existance for many years. I cannot belive the signs saying "Madonna's House" those should come down. Who cares that Madonna lives there. I grew up on a farm in Bisley, Gloucestershire and people would walk the land all the time. Did my Grandfather put up signs? No he did not. He enjoyed the countryside as much as they did and allowed them access to his land as long as they didn't go through crop fields. It is for everyone. She has numerous security guards why should she worry.
Jennifer
I remember walking that path 25 years ago and it was a beautiful walk. How dare Madonna deny the right of the people to enjoy a fresh country walk with fine views. My family lived in one of the local villages near by and we often walked the path as kids with a picnic lunch. A simple pleasure which even now brings back fond memories. If she wants isolation she should go back to America, where there are thousands of places she could live with no public footpaths. I agree with Ken, what a nerve just because she has money she thinks she is something special. Those rural footpaths have belong to the real people of England not some jumped up American, who wants to play 'Lady of the Manor'. She should sell the property to the National Trust and move on.
ken goulder
following your pictures of the foot path around the Estate.I cannot see any problem with invading her privacy.Telling the people of england were they can walk realllly!
Funny how people get some money and they think they rule the world.
Sam
This isn't about Madonna - it's about all home owners' in the area's privacy being protected. I support the land owners - ban the silly walking tracks.
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