COOMBE HILL, BUCKS.

PURCHASE FOR THE NATION.

Canon Rawnsley and Mr. Nigel Bond, hon. secretaries of the National Trust for Places of Historic Interest and Natural Beauty, write from the offices of the Trust, 25, Victoria Street, Westminster :-

“One of the most striking spurs of the Chilterns, commanding a wide view of the Vale of Aylesbury, is Coombe Hill. It stands 850ft. above sea-level, and from the top on a clear day can be seen the Berkshire Downs and Salisbury Plain to the south-west, the Cotswolds to the west, and on very clear days the Malvern Hills are also visible. The view extends as far round to the east as Ivinghoe and far to the north as the eye can reach.”

“On the top of the hill is erected the Buckinghamshire County Memorial to the men who fell in the South African War. The 105 acres immediately around this war monument have been purchased by Mr. Arthur Lee, M.P., and his wife, who have resolved to throw it open to the public except on one day of the year, when all public rights of way will be closed, in order that they may keep control of the property in their hands. They have determined after their deaths to bequeath it to the National Trust to be preserved as an open space for ever. Your readers will be glad to learn of this public spirited effort to secure from all encroachment another great view-point for that nation’s enjoyment”