Among the best half-timber houses in Lancashire is Smithells Hall (Plate VI), where the bold quatrefoil work makes a variation in decorative effect. It is of very ancient foundation, but the existing work dates from the early sixteenth century. It passed into the Ainsworth family about a hundred years ago at a cost of £21,000, and has since been preserved as a family residence. Turton Tower (Plate VII) is also a few miles from Bolton. The embattled stone tower, built for defence, belongs to an earlier period than the wood-and-plaster portion and affords a remarkable contrast in style. In Bolton, and now belonging to the Corporation, is the interesting old building known as the “Hall i’ the Wood” (Plate V), a description which has lost its point as much as the original “Bolton-le-Moors.” Cotton-spinning accounted largely for the transformation, and it is appropriate enough that the Hall i’ the Wood should be a museum, reminding visitors of the history of a son of Bolton who revolutionised the local industry, namely Samuel Crompton. The picturesque old building, which once fitted so well into the open landscape, became dilapidated and was divided up into tenements at the end of the eighteenth century. Among those who lodged there in poverty was Crompton, then engaged in perfecting his machine. Bolton operatives did not look with favour on mechanical aids to labour, and Crompton had to hide his “mule” from rioters. At last he disclosed his secret, and the idea which helped to make Bolton rich gained immortality for the inventor, but little else. Indeed, but for a few friends who came to Crompton’s aid, poverty would have claimed another genius. As a Museum the Hall i’ the Wood will remain in perpetuity as the shrine of this remarkable man. Another historic building to end its days as a museum is Aston Hall, Warwickshire (Plates IX and LI), which after a period of suspense came under the administration of the Birmingham Corporation. The majestic appearance of the building remains in spite of attacks by man and time. The central entrance leading to the hall is noteworthy as an innovation in planning. With its curved gables, towers, and chimneys, the exterior is picturesque, while the interior is attractive in many ways, not the least interesting feature being the oak staircase which was damaged by cannon-shot during the Civil War. Sir Thomas Holte, the first owner, was a Royalist and entertained Charles I at his “poor house of Aston” just before the battle of Edgehill, for which hospitality revenge was taken by the Parliamentary army. Aston Hall was once the residence of James Watt, son of the great engineer. In the middle of the nineteenth century it was saved from demolition, the mansion, together with its surrounding acres, being purchased for general use.