GLASTONBURY ABBEY PURCHASE FUND.
[To THE EDITOR OF TER " araciatea.."]
Sta,—Will you help me to complete the balance still owing on the Glastonbury Abbey Purchase Fund ?
Glastonbury Abbey may well kindle the imagination and draw out the reverence of all persons who care for the history of the Christian faith in England. It is possibly the earliest Christian settlement in our land ; apparently it was protected by sur- rounding morasses from invasion by the heathen Saxons until the time when these had become Christian, and were thus inclined to preserve this ancient church.
Besides being the resting-place of many of our early saints, and of some of our Saxon Kings, it is, as Professor Freeman said, " the one great religious foundation which lived through the storm of English conquest, and in which Briton and Englishman have an equal share."
The property fell into private hands on the suppression of the monasteries, and, after many changes of ownership, was finally bought on my behalf by Mr. Jardine, of Nottingham, at an auction, held on June 6th last, for £30,000, exclusive of costs, my object being to preserve it for the Church of England. It has now been arranged to vest the property in the "Bath and Wells Diocesan Trustees," incorporated for this purpose, who will retain complete control over it until the whole of the purchase-money has been paid off ; after which the Abbey and its lands will be held by the Trustees, subject to the direction of a Council com- posed of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Bishop of the diocese, and certain other Bishops and laymen. The first duty of the Trustees will be to provide for the preser- vation of these historic ruins from further decay. From a report made by Mr. Car6e, architect to the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, it appears that a further sum of at least £1,500 will be required for this purpose, and to secure that this spot, hallowed by sacred memories, shall hereafter be reverently cared for. At the same time, it is desired to do nothing which shall in any way hinder such access to the Abbey as the public have hitherto enjoyed. Towards the required sum about £25,000 has already been given or promised, but more than £5,000 is still wanted, besides the £1,500 required under Mr. Caroe's report. Accounts have been opened in the names of the honorary treasurers,—namely, the Bishop of Bath and Wells; A. F. Somerville, Esq., Dindor House, Wells ; and C. Gathorne Hill, Esq., Hazel Manor, Compton Martin ; at Stuckey's Banking Company, Limited, Wells ; and at the Wilts and Dorset Banking Company, Limited, Glastonbury.
Arrangements have been made with both of these banking companies for the reception of donations at any of their branches, or, if preferred, donations may be sent direct to either of the honorary treasurers. The Rev. J. M. Alcock, Godnoy Vicarage, Wells, Somerset, has been appointed honorary secretary to the Committee of the Purchase Fund.—I am, Sir, ete.,
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