Sir - As a student of Vernacular architecture I came across the following paragraph in the preface of a book: Cogges Manor Farm, The Excavations from 1986-1994 and the Historic Building Analysis, co-published by Oxfordshire County Council.
I quote: All historical monuments have a fragility that is often not apparent, until a situation of crisis suddenly appears before those who are charged with the care and promotion of the future heritage of the site, buildings and contents. Such a dilemma occurred at Cogges ten years ago when a proposal to redevelop the whole area as a theme park' came under consideration; eventually effort, influence and energy overcame this potential disaster. We should remember that the protection afforded by our systems control will forever be inadequate. Cogges will need the continued support of local people to ensure that it is secure . . .' This was written by councillor Geoffrey Fowler, chairman of Oxfordshire County Council 1995-96.
I would like to concur, we have enough theme parks and it is incumbent on the present generation to preserve high-quality examples of the past for future generations.
Cogges has such an enormous amount of history to relate.
People have lived on the site from Saxon times until 1974 when Oxfordshire County Council bought the farm from the Mawle family. Having such a community asset, such an historical gem to care for, is rare indeed.
The irony of history repeating itself is obvious, let's hope that those in power today are as enlightened as their predecessors.
Donna Thynne, Witney
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