What a pity that such a magnificent early house was allowed to fall slowly into such a state of disrepair and become a target for thieves. Wasn't Sutton House enough warning? Who bought the fireplaces? Is it possible to trace them, as with the Sutton House panelling? There are two houses of similar period in Stoke Newington High Streeet, they are in good repair and look magnificent. Can we see that this is well and sympathetically restored?

I am researching family history and trying to find information on Hackney House built by a Mr Brockelbank (one of my ancestors) in the reign of George I. All I know is that it was built at a cost of £28,000 on a lawn of 18 acres (this information is by way of a family history by my great grandfather). Any information would be so appreciated.

In 1997 I was working as Development Director at Cordwainers College, then an independent shoe design and leather crafts college. I conceived and put together a plan to save and restore the New Lansdowne club with partners the Crafts Council and Renaisi, and put together a comprehensive application to the National Lottery (Heritage Lottery Fund), It was supported by the Cordwainers Livery company, Hackney council members and the local MP and would not only have saved the building but also made a major contribution to the regeneration of the area. Sadly the application was turned down by the HLF on the grounds that they did not think there was a market for a craft centre and museum in that location. Is there perhaps any chance that my original concept could be resuscitated now that there is so much more interest in craft and also given the changed demographic of the area which might now support such a project?