HAMPSTEAD HEATH. 55 
Sir Spencer Wilson had already advertised his 
property for building leases, and with a view to 
this, had converted it into an offensive and unsightly 
brick-field. It was understood that Lord Mansfield 
had no idea of selling his Ken Wood property or any 
part of it; but he was already of a great age, and his 
heir, the late Lord Stormont, made no secret of his 
intention to realise the building value of the land 
whenever he should come into possession of it. 
Under these circumstances, a Committee of a repre- 
sentative character was formed early in January, 1884, 
for the purpose of effecting the enlargement of Hamp- 
stead Heath by the purchase of as much of the properties 
of Lord Mansfield and Sir Spencer Wilson as would be 
possible. The Duke of Westminster was President 
of this body, and the writer was Chairman of its 
executive Committee. Among other active members 
were Mr. Burdett Coutts, Mr. C. E. Maurice, Mr. 
Harben, Mr. F. E. Baines, C.B., Mr. Robert Hunter, and 
Miss Octavia Hill. The difficulty of the scheme consisted 
in effecting an arrangement at the same time with both 
landowners, and in providing the means for the purchase 
of a very large amount of land out of funds, more or 
less of a public character, not under the control of the 
Committee. Lord Mansfield’s property consisted of 348 
acres, and Sir Spencer Wilson’s of 60 acres, immediately 
abutting on the Heath. 
The whole of 1884 and the best part of 1885 were 
occupied in difficult and delicate negotiations with 
the two landowners. Sir Spencer Wilson agreed to 
