132 LIFE OF SIR JOHN LUBBOCK 



CH. 



land company, which resold it in small building 

 lots for the erection of cottages. Much corre- 

 spondence, expressing regret at this vandalism, 

 appeared in the papers, and many suggestions 

 that the land should be purchased by some 

 public body. No steps, however, were taken. 



One day Sir John Lubbock received a telegram 

 from Mr. Bryan King, the Rector, whom he 

 knew slightly, saying that if nothing were done 

 the erection of the cottages would begin the 

 following Monday ; that the cottagers them- 

 selves regretted building on that particular site, 

 and would part with their interest for a sovereign 

 apiece. Could anything be done ? He tele- 

 graphed at once to Mr. King to give them each 

 their sovereign, and buy the land for him. This 

 was done, and he subsequently bought some 

 more land, including Silbury Hill, and after- 

 wards the West Kennett farm, containing the 

 celebrated West Kennett tumulus and Hackpen. 



The following letter on the subject from the 

 Reverend A. C. Smith, Secretary of the Wiltshire 

 Archaeological Society, shows that the county, 

 if not the whole country, acknowledged a debt 

 of gratitude to him for the purchase. 



Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History 



Society 



Yatesbury Rectory, Calne, Wilts, 

 23rd November 1871. 



My dear Sir — As Secretary of the above Society, it 

 is only my duty to offer you our most sincere thanks for 

 the public spirit and liberality you showed in purchasing 

 the land at Avebury, which was imperilled by the 

 threatened profanation of villas, and I do so in the name 

 of the " Wilts Archaeological Society," as well as on my 

 own account. 



