THE KING'S HOUSE 125 



found that the sum 1788, 135. 3d. had been laid 

 out upon this lodge in 1769 and 1777, they 

 thought the sum excessive, and, " having the 

 buildings viewed by a competent and experienced 

 surveyor," found that the work might be done 

 for 390 less than the authorised estimate." 



The question of the excessive expenditure on 

 the repairs of these lodges in the Forest had 

 been the subject of comment from various influ- 

 ential persons and memorialists for some sixty 

 years previously. In 1724 the verderers had 

 taken upon themselves to interfere in the matter, 

 which was one quite outside their jurisdiction, 

 and received a somewhat severe snub from the 

 Commissioners of the Treasury in reply. 



But there was no doubt room for a good deal 

 of suspicion and comment about the large sums 

 which were spent on these lodges, and the possible 

 peculation connected with them. And since they 

 were only held as an emolument of a compli- 

 mentary and altogether sinecure office, public 

 indignation rose. The result was* the gradual 

 disappearance of all these charming old resi- 

 dences. It is a great pity that they were not 

 preserved and utilised on sounder conditions. 

 Ironshill Lodge must have been rather a fine 

 old house, from what we can read of it. Its 

 final office was to serve as an abode for French 



