HISTORIC HOUSES.
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—The letter on this subject in your issue of July 28th, by Countess Martinengo Cesaresco, leaves much unsaid. We have an Ancient Monuments Protection Act which gives the Government powers to schedule buildings of historical and architectural value, but for some reason the power is not used as freely as it might be. For example, I was told of a case at Canterbury of a Norman crypt existing under a shop which it is proposed to destroy in order that a few steps up into the shop may be done away with.
Clearly, in the interest of the nation, a building which has lasted from Norman times ought not now to be destroyed. It is right in replying to the letter to point out that public opinion has, in recent years, become much more educated. For example, the National Trust has saved many fine buildings (the last example, Eastbury Manor, Barking) from destruction. Personally, I think the people of Canterbury ought to save their Norman crypt, and I much prefer that public opinion should be strong enough to save our valuable possessions rather than that the State should do it. Still, the State should act when others fail.—I am, Sir, &c., THACKERAY Tuarrria.
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