Letter: A tradition that died

Sir: David James ('Every home needs its moat', 8 April) is right in pointing out that our architectural heritage was created without the kind of restrictions he complains about. The reason is that it was produced by people working within a living tradition, who were able to draw on the accumulated experience of the past to build sound and sensible buildings which we find beautiful.

It is because the 20th century deliberately turned its back on this tradition that we now need experts to ensure that our surviving old buildings are repaired or altered properly, using suitable materials.

Yours faithfully,

LUCY ARCHER

Dedham, Essex

10 April