Which Houses to Save
The contrast between Howsham Hall and Shaw's Corner goes deep. Shaw's Corner is commonplace and ugly. Howsham Hall, near Malton in Yorkshire is fine and handsome. Shaw's Corner is in no danger of being pulled down. Howsham Hall is. Shaw's Corner has been a burden to the National Trust—a burden which it should never have been called upon to bear. The threat to Howsham Hall should be a burden on the conscience of all British people. The Georgian Group are trying to save it from demolition. Many such buildings have, of course, been acquired by the National Trust. But the Trust's resources are limited. In spite of its name' it is independent of the State. It is at this moment looking for a But for Shaw's Corner to offset the cost of maintenance. but under the Historic Buildings and Ancient Monuments Act, 1953, the Minister of Works can now make grants for the Upkeep of these buildings, or buy them, or help the National Trust to do so. The sums available at present to do this— p50,000 for maintenance and £500,000 (spread over five years) or purchases—are quite inadequate, and the Minister admitted as much. However, the Chancellor of the Exchequer is pre- Pared to reconsider the sum available for maintenance, after a Year's operation of the Act. Certainly, if such buildings as .Howsham Hall are to be anything more than a bitter-sweet memory, ample and energetic provision must be made—and quickly.
Previous page
