Surely anyone should know that an empty unguarded house is certainly bound to attract vandalism, it is a sitting target for anybody who wishes to relieve a bit of tension.

The real culprits are those who have let it decay and fall to ruin and have not lifted a finger to prevent it, and did not really want to in the hope of getting it demolished to make room for the building of more modern rubbish.

Vandalism is an easy escape fore those who do not want to bother.

I wish every success to the lady who is proposing to restore it, for I am sure that for anyone who has the neccessary funds and interest it is a very worthwhile project.

For over 300 years this gracious house built of Northamptonshire stone, had been the home of numerous rectors and their families - people who played a great part in the daily life of the parish in good times and bad.

After 22 years as rector, John Owen left this house in 1629 to become Bishop of St Asaph.

His successor, Dr Robert Sibthorpe, lived in more exciting times. Charles I appointed him as chaplain after hearing he had given a rousing address against Parliamentarians. For his defiance the Roundheads descended on Burton in 1644 sacked the rectory and plundered his goods. Dr. Sibthorpe was restored to the living in 1660, but died after two years and is buried in the chancel of our church.

Fourteen years later in 1676 a member of a noble Northamptonshire family was appointed to the living - Thomas Montagu, grandson of the Earl of Manchester - he liked Burton and here he remained for 42 years until his death in 1719.

Sir John Dolben of Finedon succeeded and held the living until his death in 1756 - to him is attributed the refronting of the rectory as over the doorway is the date 1753.

In 1844 the Rev. David Barclay-Bevan added bay windows and also a large east wing which was ultimately demolished in 1951.

At the turn of the century and indeed until 1939, the gardens were a fine feature - some of the magnificent old trees still remain - and the grounds were famed for their three tennis courts, terraced lawns and rare shrubs. "Open" days were very popular when the town band would play and garden fetes and parties were numerous.

Until only four years ago during the incumbency of the late R.W. Sharpley, the rectory housed a magnificent collection of antiques and works of art, and with his retirement after 30 years in the parish ended an era.

It is hard to believe that in so short a time such destruction and desolation could take place. the history of the house will live on long after its demolition, but its irrepairable loss will be one that Burtonians should not have had to suffer.

When I was there recently it appeared basically very sound and dry. True, some of the windows had been broken and doors forced. In one place plaster had come down from a wall. Otherwise it seemed that a comparatively small amount of work would put it in a habitable condition. The missing pieces of the balustrade, e.g. are on the ground below.

The building could be a great asset to Burton Latimer in the same way as the Manor House is to Kettering - a centre for clubs and societies and for public and private functions.