A correspondent wrote to the Spectator three weeks ago warning
the public of the probable sale of Ashridge Park and Little Gaddesden. Like many another noble property nowadays it has " got to go." Its so-called beneficiary owners cannot afford to keep it up and their trustees are compelled to sell. As so often happens in these cases, the public has been the greatest beneficiary and risks the greatest loss, for its amenities have never been selfishly hoarded by their legal possessors. The house is of great historic interest though not an archi- tectural whole or triumph of any one style. The park with its magnificent trees and its views is one of the most beautiful examples of English scenery in the Horne Counties. The gardens are admired by thousands every year. We are glad to learn that the National Trust hopes to preserve some part of the land for the public and has had one offer of a large sum towards a purchase. There are already advocates of the purchase of the whole property for the nation and the Prime Minister has discussed it with the Trustees, presumably urging delay in any commitment to sell to a commercial syndicate. A threat to build round the Devil's Dyke and neighbouring British Camp is also stirring the local patriotism of Sussex to preserve that spot. The Office of Works has promptly scheduled the earthworks as an " ancient monument."
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