In this case the old church would remain as a very serviceable chapel of ease. The galleries might be removed, the pews cut down, and proper chancel arrangements introduced at a very small cost. We should thus be spared the loss of the associations which cling about our old church, and the convenience of an increasing population would be amply provided for.
This is too much, perhaps, to hope for. I will only say that such a proposal, provided only it included the preservation of the present church, would have, I feel sure, the cordial support of the parishioners.
I must apologise, Mr. Vicar, for the length to which this letter has extended. I could not in a shorter space, express fully and clearly my views upon a subject which interests me beyond expression. These views are the result of more than two years consideration of the question by one who has the building before his eyes every day, and is one of the congregation who worship in it. I am anxious beyond measure to divert the Parish from an act of vandalism, which it has been led to contemplate, mainly I believe from an erroneous opinion as to the condition of the present Tower.
As a professional man, I assert, as I have already done, that there are no grounds whatever for pulling down our Tower. Such an act would be an outrage on good taste, and a wanton waste of public money.
I have the honour to be,
My dear Sir,
Your faithful servant,
GEORGE GILBERT SCOTT.
To the Revd. Sherrard B. Burnaby,
Vicar of Hampstead.
Printed by J. Hewetson, 5, High Street, Hampstead.
FOOTNOTES.
[7] The inclination southward, estimated at ½″ or ¼″ of an inch, is too trivial to need remark.