Hinchingbrooke. By the Earl of Sandwich. (Arthur L. Humphreys. 6s.
net.)—Every owner of a great house ought to write, or see that there is written, a competent history and description of it. It is the same sort of duty that falls on the parson of a parish ; for obvious reasons, it is easier of accomplish- ment. Hinchingbrooke was in old time a nunnery, and part of the house still bears the name. It was very poor, the revenue being under .£20 per annum ; but nuns often contrived to keep holy and soul together on very small means. At the Dissolution it was granted to Sir Richard Williams, who took the name of Cromwell—Thomas Cromwell was his uncle—for sufficient reasons. His grandson, Sir Oliver (1562-1655), wasted his means, and sold Hinchingbrooke to Sir Sydney Montagu—the name, we are authoritatively told, is to be pronounced " Mountagn "—and from him the present owner is descended. The family has been prominent in English history, sometimes creditably, sometimes otherwise. The writing of this book, with its full account of a famous house, is a considerable asset on tho right side.
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