29 MARCH 1986, Page 23

Brides and mantraps

Sir: Certainly our ancestors would have been puzzled at our indignation over the appearance of a 12-year-old Iranian bride in Britain (Leader page, 15 March). They would have been astonished, also, at the absence of bull-baiting, bear-baiting, burning at the stake, mantraps, slavery, whipping of the destitute, and child labour.

John Frank

76b The Avenue, Beckenham, Kent