” 
86 . NOTES ON HOPE CHURCH. 
Society, on the proposed changes will already have reached you. 
The latter report ought to carry much weight, as one of the 
gentlemen signing it is diocesan architect, and the other a skilled 
archzeologist of growing repute. As for Mr. Scott, those who are 
acquainted with his work recognise in him all the ability of his 
father, coupled with the conservative caution that character- 
ised Sir Gilbert’s riper years. I have not the pleasure of knowing 
the Vicar of Hope, but I cannot imagine it possible that he will 
persist in any hastily conceived plan of restoration, so destructive 
of history, when a better course has been so courteously pointed 
out in the able reports to which I have referred. 
If the authorities at Hope insist on carrying out Mr. Abbott’s 
original plans, I can only say that it will be the most wanton des- 
truction of historic work ever perpetrated in the county. I use the 
words ‘‘ most wanton” deliberately, for though better work than 
that at Hope has been destroyed during the past century, and 
even during far more recent years, still not one of these other 
cases of Vandalism will have been such a gross instance of sinning 
against knowledge as the overthrow of Hope chancel after Mr. 
Scott’s report. I cannot bring myself to believe that the Vicar or 
those in charge of the funds, will persevere in their original plans ; 
but, in case any such determination should be shown, might it not 
be wise for those who have promised to subscribe to the work to 
withhold for the present their moneys? This could be done in all 
fairness, when an architect of worldwide repute has reported that 
much which was represented as necessary is in reality un- 
necessary. 
Permit me one other remark. Any architect who may persist, 
in the face of Mr. Scott’s report, in pulling down Hope chancel, 
must inevitably utterly ruin his reputation. Can anyone wish to 
be handed down to posterity as the unnecessary destroyer of an 
historic building, rich in interest, and abounding in reverent 
associations with the faith once delivered to the saints ? 
Faithfully yours, 
J. CHARLES COX. 
Christ Church Vicarage, Lichfield, 
27th April, 1881. 
