THE BRADFORD-ON-AVON TITHE BARN. [To THE EDITOR or IKE "
SPECT1TOIL."] San,—This well-known fourteenth-century barn, one of the finest examples of the mediaeval tithe barn in England, is in imminent danger of collapse. The owner, Sir C. P. Hobhouse, Bart., has expressed his willingness to make it over without payment to the Wiltshire Archaeological Society on condition that the absolutely necessary repairs are carried out. Mr. H, Brakspear, F.S.A., has examined the building, and reports that many of the main timbers supporting the roof are so rotten that there may be a considerable fall of roof at any moment. He estimates the cost of necessary repairs at at least £775. The Society, which has no funds of its own which it can devote to this purpose, feels that it is out of the question to hope to raise anything like this sum at present, but if £200 could be provided at once, this would probably prevent the actual fall of the building. If this cannot be done, there is apparently no alternative but the demolition of the entire, building, which would be a misfortune, not merely to Bradford, but to the nation at large. The Society therefore ventures to appeal—even in the circumstances of the present time—, for the means of preserving the building. Donations may be paid to the "Barton Barn Account," Lloyd's Bank, Bradford. on-Avon, or sent to A. W. N. Burder, Esq,, F.S.A., Belcombe Court, Bradford-on-Avon.—I am, Sir, Sal, Clyffe Vicarage, Swindon. ED. H. GODDARD, Hon. Sec.
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