One sees with a good deal of regret that the Duke of Norfolk has sold Norfolk House in St James's Square. Even the most pugnacious Socialist has sneaking regard for the great old' mansions of London, und, under the combined attacks of death duties and super-tax they are all going. Devonshire House, Lansuowne House, Grosvenor House, Dorchester House, the Adam buildings in the Adelphi, all have departed: Some have become museums like Hertford House: some Keep up the old appearance outwardly but are emees thin, like Crewe House. The greatest of all, Somerset House, is the headquarters of our modern' inquisition. The Dukes of Norfolk have lived in St James's Square since 1684, though the house now sold was not" built till 50 years later. Its frehitect was famous for the extraordinary solidity of his building, Against the mere ravages of Time Norfolk "House might stand for another 1,000 years, But the Duke cannot afford it, and so it will give way for more offices—of which there fare too many already. The house was offered for auction in 1990 but withdrawn. at £250,000, What it sold for now Is not to be stated.
How much more admirable is Nature than man. While ancient houses go. down like ninepins, a Phinoeeros and a swan have success {ally defied the attempts of the "developer" to evict them,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.