6 APRIL 1901, Page 15

THE ANCIENT COURT-HOUSE AT LONG CREND ON.

[TO THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR.") SIR,—Will you allow me to draw the attention of yew readers, some of whom have helped us before, to a piece of work which the National Trust is very anxious to complete without delay,—I mean the repair of the ancient Court-house at Long Crendon, near Theme? The building, which is probably of the fourteenth century, has been used for the holding of the Manorial Courts for many centuries. Catharine of France, widow of Henry V., was part owner of the manor, and several Courts were held for her here. The Court- house, which stands picturesquely in a picturesque village, was conde.mned by the District Council in 1899 as ruinous, and was only saved from immediate destruction by the intervention of the National Trust, who became its owners, and have raised and spent over 2200 towards its repair, which is being carried out in a most careful and con- servative spirit. The architect estimates that a further 2100 would complete the work. I hope some of your readers may agree with us that such a building has exceptional interest as a link between Plantagenet days and our own, and a curious instance of the continuity of English life. Will they in that case help us ? Subscriptions may be sent to Miss Octavia Hill, 190 Marylebone Road, N.W.; to Miss Harriet Yorke, treasurer, or Mr. Nigel Bond, secretary, at the office of the Trust, Great College Street, S.W.—I am, Sir, &o., J. C. BAILEY.