Following last week’s report of the demolition of a beautiful old arch, A sixth-former from Stamford School wrote to the Editor to express her anger. (Stamford was to become the first conservation area in 1967.)
“Sir – it was with great delight that I noticed the Gothic arch discovered on the Stamford School site where demolition is in progress, but I was horrified and disgusted to see the work of demolition continue and the arch razed to the ground.
There is little enough, indeed, in Stamford to remind us of the beauty of the old town and these reminders consist mainly of little brass plaques, informing one that ‘this was the site of so-and-so.’ Now this, the first discovery of note for many years in Stamford, has been shamefully pulled down within 48 hours of its being first uncovered.
RAVAGING ARMIES
We deplore the ignorance, the stupidity of ravaging armies who sacked some of the finest churches in the country, amongst which armies we find the Lancastrians who burnt down the Church of the Holy Trinity, the site of which is in St. Paul’s Street opposite Brazenose Lane.
In my opinion the arch was part of this church and my theory is substantiated by two main points. In the first place the church whose remainder now constitutes Stamford School chapel, was demolished (in peace) because its existence was not thought necessary. Surely no-one would have been careless enough to leave one large arch and wall standing? Then concerning the Church of the Holy Trinity, very seldom is it possible to burn completely a strong, stone building like a church. Generally something remains – if only an arch. This Gothic arch, then, as the last part of the Holy Trinity Church still left standing, was of even greater interest and value particularly when, for centuries, it was believed that the church had been entirely destroyed.
IGNORANT
In demolishing it, Stamford School – a seat of learning one should imagine – can only be classed with the ignorant pillagers who burnt down the rest of the church.
I believe plans had already been drawn up for the flats which I understand are to be built on the site, but surely the discovery of this arch was far more important? What do a couple of hundred pounds matter where a piece of ancient England is concerned? There must be many people who would willingly have contributed to this cost in order to save the arch. I, for one, would have given my last penny to save and restore it.
The arch could even have been preserved without spoiling Stamford School’s building plans. It would have been possible, surely, to move it to another place, perhaps onto council property or even a small corner of the school grounds?
BELONGED TO GOD
It cannot be denied, too, that this arch was part of a church and as such, it was not within the power of the school authority to order its demolition; it was the property of God equally as much as other Stamford churches.
I fully realise that it is now too late to save this particular relic of the old town but let it be a lesson to all in future. It is for the Borough Council to prevent a recurrence of this wilful destruction and Stamford School to preserve and not destroy such relics which may happen to be on their land.
BRENDA M. SMITH
Sixth Form, High School, Stamford.”
The Stamford Mercury, 21st November, 1958.