The French Inspector's Wisdom

I heard part of a programme on BBC Radio 4 today about Prosper Merimee, who was was employed as Inspector General of Historical Monuments in France in the 1830s.

He was apparently very effective in preserving the architecural heritage of his country. He was also a writer with a wide interest in literature. I wonder what he would make of the current sad state of The Three Cups hotel with all its literary connections if he were alive today.