THE PRESERVATION OF OXFORD'S CHARMS.
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.]
Sue,--It has been for some time noticeable that our old towns are beginning to be beset by " skyscrapers." Some capitalist buys a bit of ground, and raises a commercial building as lofty as possible, to get the utmost rent from a small site. This throws the adjacent parts of a street entirely out of proportion. I venture to offer my earnest protest against the application of this damaging treatment to the University and City of Oxford and its ancient colleges. Already several years ago a monster building was erected at the corner of George Street, overlooking and dwarfing the Colleges and houses of Broad Street. In the Cornmarket Street the old White Hart' Inn was changed into an enormous coffee and eating house, the gable of which destroys the effect of the ancient tower of St. Michael's. Not far off the almost unique old ' Golden Cross' Hotel is being altered by a modern front where only a few carved beams are to be retained. In the High a similar gable to that just referred to soars far above some old houses which it entirely puts out of countenance. What is the course to be taken ? Citizens who still care for the honour of their ancient city should rouse themselves to induce their Town Council to pass a by-law limiting the height of new buildings, and an archi- tectural expert should be called in to advise. Old Oxonians should be made aware of the danger, and join with residents to save what remains of the dignity and beauty of their Alma Mater.—I am, Sir, &e., S. HARVEY GEM Goodrich House, Ross-on-Wye. (M.A. Univ. Conj.
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