Curiosities of Great Britain: England and Wales Delineated Vol.1-11
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Title: Curiosities of Great Britain: England and Wales Delineated Vol.1-11
Author: Thomas Dugdale
Other: William Burnett
Release date: September 24, 2011 [eBook #37519]
Language: English
Other information and formats: www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/37519
Credits: Produced by Robert Cicconetti, Graeme Mackreth and the
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*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CURIOSITIES OF GREAT BRITAIN: ENGLAND AND WALES DELINEATED VOL.1-11 ***
Produced by Robert Cicconetti, Graeme Mackreth and the
Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
(This file was produced from images generously made
available by The Internet Archive/Canadian Libraries)
[Illustration: Frontispiece.
_Designed & Engraved for_ Dugdales England & Wales _Delineated._]
CURIOSITIES of GREAT BRITAIN.
ENGLAND & WALES
Delineated.
_Historical, Entertaining & Commercial._
Alphabetically arranged
_By Thomas Dugdale. Antiquarian._
_assisted by WILLIAM BURNETT. CIVIL ENGINEER._ --1835--
[Illustration]
Warkworth Hermitage. Northumberland.
Drawn and Engraved for DUGDALES ENGLAND & WALES Delineated. _London
Published by L. Tallis. S. Jewin Street. City._
[Illustration: Drawn by J. Satmon
KNARESBOROUGH CASTLE.
Engraved by E. Mansill
Drawn & Engraved for Dugdales England & Wales Delineated.]
[Illustration: Drawn by J. Marchant.
THEBERTON HOUSE THE SEAT of THOS GIBSON ESQ.
Engraved by D. Buckle.
Drawn & Engraved for Dugdales England & Wales Delineated.]
[Illustration: CITY OF DURHAM,
DURHAM.
Drawn & Engraved for Dugdales England & Wales Delineated.]
[Illustration: THE QUEEN'S PALACE, PIMLICO.
_MIDDLESEX._
The birth place of The Prince of Wales, born, Novr 9. 1911, also of
the Princess Royal, born. Novr 21, 1810.
Drawn & Engraved for Dugdales England & Wales Delineated.]
[Illustration: WESTMINSTER ABBEY.
Drawn & Engraved for Dugdales England & Wales Delineated.]
[Illustration: YORK.
_OLD BRIDGE OVER THE RIVER FOSS._]
[Illustration: PENRICE CASTLE.
_GLAMORGANSHIRE_
Drawn & Engraved for DUGDALES ENGLAND & WALES Delineated.]
[Illustration: TRETWR.
_BRECKNOCKSHIRE._
Drawn & Engraved for DUGDALES ENGLAND & WALES Delineated.]
[Illustration: NEW POST OFFICE.
_St. Martins le-Grand_
_LONDON._
Drawn & Engraved for DUGDALES ENGLAND & WALES Delineated.]
[Illustration: NEW ROYAL EXCHANGE.
_LONDON._
Drawn & Engraved for DUGDALES ENGLAND & WALES Delineated.]
[Illustration: DUNSTABLE PRIORY CHURCH,
(WEST FRONT.)
BEDFORDSHIRE.
Drawn & Engraved for DUGDALES ENGLAND & WALES Delineated.]
[Illustration: PLYMOUTH SOUND.
FROM MOUNT EDGCOMBE.]
[Illustration: MANERBEER CASTLE,
_PEMBROKESHIRE._
Drawn & Engraved for DUGDALES ENGLAND & WALES Delineated.]
[Illustration: _West Tower of_
GOODRICH CASTLE,
_HEREFORDSHIRE._
Drawn & Engraved for DUGDALES ENGLAND & WALES Delineated.]
[Illustration: Drawn & Engraved by J. Grey]
CARLISLE CASTLE,
CUMBERLAND.
[Drawn & Engraved for DUGDALES ENGLAND & WALES Delineated.]
[Illustration: BANK OF ENGLAND.
_LONDON._]
[Illustration: CITY OF BRISTOL,
_GLOUCESTERSHIRE AND SOMERSETSHIRE._
Among the numerous distinguished individuals to whom Bristol has had the
honour of giving birth, are Lilly, Chatterton, Mrs. Mary Robinson,
Mrs. Hannah More, Southey, Sebastian Cabot, the first discoverer of the
continent of America, & many others.]
[Illustration: KNARESBOROUGH CASTLE,
_YORKSHIRE._
About a mile down the river from this Castle, is St. Robert's Cave, the
scene of the murder committed by Eugene Aram, which was discovered
thirteen years afterwards.]
[Illustration: BATTERSEA BRIDGE.
_SURREY._
Drawn & Engraved for DUGDALES ENGLAND & WALES Delineated.]
[Illustration: BATTLE ABBEY.
_SUSSEX._
Drawn & Engraved for DUGDALES ENGLAND & WALES Delineated.]
[Illustration: LLANTHONEY ABBEY.
_MONMOUTHSHIRE._
Drawn & Engraved for DUGDALES ENGLAND & WALES Delineated.]
[Illustration: COWBRIDGE,
_GLAMORGANSHIRE._
Drawn & Engraved for DUGDALES ENGLAND & WALES Delineated.]
[Illustration: VALE OF TAFF.
Drawn & Engraved for DUGDALES ENGLAND & WALES Delineated.]
[Illustration: LAUGHARNE CASTLE,
_CAERMARTHENSHIRE._
Drawn & Engraved for DUGDALES ENGLAND & WALES Delineated.]
[Illustration: RUNNEY MEAD, OR MAGNA CHARTA ISLAND.
_NEAR EGHAM, SURREY._
This place is celebrated in history as the spot where the assembled
barons in 1215, obtained from King John, the grant of Magna Charta.]
[Illustration: KIRKSTALL ABBEY, NEAR LEEDS.
_YORKSHIRE._
Drawn & Engraved for DUGDALES ENGLAND & WALES Delineated.]
[Illustration: GOLDSMITH'S HALL.
_FOSTER LANE, CHEAPSIDE, LONDON._
Drawn & Engraved for DUGDALES ENGLAND & WALES Delineated.]
[Illustration: MIDDLESEX HOSPITAL.
Charles Street Mary-le-bone.
This Hospital was instituted for sick & lame patients in 1745. The
present substantial building was completed in 1835.]
[Illustration: ENGLAND & WALES]
[Illustration:]
[Illustration: ENGLAND & WALES
With its Railroads & Canals.]
[Illustration:]
[Illustration: BEDFORDSHIRE.]
[Illustration:]
[Illustration:]
[Illustration: BERKSHIRE.]
[Illustration:]
[Illustration: BUCKINGHAMSHIRE.]
[Illustration: CAMBRIDGESHIRE]
[Illustration:]
[Illustration:]
[Illustration: CHESHIRE]
[Illustration: CORNWALL.]
[Illustration:]
[Illustration: CUMBERLAND.]
[Illustration:]
[Illustration: DERBYSHIRE.]
[Illustration:]
CURIOSITIES OF GREAT BRITAIN.
ENGLAND AND WALES DELINEATED:
HISTORICAL, ENTERTAINING, AND COMMERCIAL.
EXPLANATION OF THE LETTERS SUBJOINED TO THE NAMES OF PLACES.
bo borough
chap chapelry
co county
dis district
div division
ext. p. extra parochial
ham hamlet
hun hundred
la lathe
lib liberty
m. t. market town
pa parish
pre precinct
qr quarter
ra rape
ti tithing
to township
vil village
wap wapentake
ward wardship
E. East
W. West
N. North
S. South
S.E. South-East
S.W. South-West
N.E. North-East
N.W. North-West
E.R. York.--N.R. York.--or W.R. York ... East, North, or West Riding
of Yorkshire.
Map| Names of Places.| County. | Number of Miles From
+--+------------------+----------+------------+---------------+
34|Abbas Combe pa|Somerset |Wincanton 3|Milborne Port 6|
15|Abbenhall pa|Gloucester|Newnham 4|Mitchel Dean 1|
33|Abberbury[A] pa|Salop |Shrewsbury 8|Melverly 3|
42|Abberley pa|Worcester |Bewdley 6|Tenbury 11|
14|Abberton pa|Essex |Colchester 4|Witham 12|
42|Abberton pa|Worcester |Pershore 6|Alcester 8|
29|Abberwick to|Northumber|Alnwick 3|Wooler 14|
58|Abber-cwm-Hir chap|Radnor |Rhayader 6|Knighton 15|
9|Abbey-Dore pa|Hereford |Hereford 11|Hay 14|
17|Abbey-Holm[B] pa|Cumberland|Wigton 6|Allonby 7|
+--+------------------+----------+------------+---------------+
|Dist.|
Map| Names of Places.| Number of Miles From |Lond.|population.
+--+------------------+---------------------------+-----+-----+
34|Abbas Combe pa|Shaftesbury 8| 105| 448|
15|Abbenhall pa|Monmouth 13| 116| 235|
33|Abberbury[A] pa|Montgomery 15| 161| 1798|
42|Abberley pa|Kidderminst 8| 125| 590|
14|Abberton pa|Maldon 13| 47| 203|
42|Abberton pa|Worcester 10| 103| 90|
29|Abberwick to|Rothbury 7| 311| 135|
58|Abber-cwm-Hir chap|Presteign 18| 186| 368|
9|Abbey-Dore pa|Ross 16| 140| 533|
17|Abbey-Holm[B] pa|Carlisle 17| 309| 3056|
+--+------------------+---------------------------+-----+-----+
[A] ABBERBURY, or Alberbury, a parish and township, partly in the
hundreds of Cawrse and Deythur, in the county of Montgomery, and partly
in that of Ford, in the county of Salop. Warine, sheriff of this county
in the reign of Henry I., founded an abbey for black monks, a cell to
Guardmont, in Limosin, which, at the suppression of alien priories was
bestowed by Henry VI. upon the college founded by Archbishop Chiechley.
Benthall, Eyton, Rowton, Amaston, and Wollaston, are all townships of
this parish. At Glyn, in this parish, is the celebrated Old Parr's
cottage, which has undergone but little alteration since his time; it is
timber-framed, rare, and picturesque, within view of Rodney's Pillar on
Bredden Hill, in Montgomeryshire. In Wollaston Chapel is a brass plate,
with his portrait thus inscribed: "The old, old, very old man, Thomas
Parr, was born at the Glyn, in the township of Wennington, within the
chapelry of Great Wollaston, and parish of Alberbury, in the county of
Salop, in 1483. He lived in the reigns of ten kings and queens of
England, viz. King Edward IV., King Edward V., King Richard III., King
Henry VII., King Henry VIII., King Edward VI., Queen Mary, Queen
Elizabeth, King James I., and Charles I.; he died in London, (sixteen
years after his presentation to King Charles,) on the 13th of November,
1635, and was buried in Westminster Abbey, on the 15th of the same
month, aged one hundred and fifty-two years and nine months. At the age
of one hundred and five, he did penance in the church of Alberbury, for
criminal connexion with Catherine Milton, by whom he had offspring."
[Sidenote: Old Parr's cottage and birth-place, who lived in the reigns
of ten kings and queens.]
[Sidenote: Did penance at the age of 105.]
[B] ABBEY-HOLM is a small town in the ward of Allerdale. The original
consequence of this little town was derived from an abbey of Cistercian
monks, founded here, about the twelfth century, by Henry I. of England,
as the crown rolls imply. Its benefactors were many in number, and by
the magnificent grants and privileges with which it was endowed, it
acquired so much importance, that during the reigns of Edward I. and II.
its abbots, though not mitred, were frequently summoned to sit in
parliament. The abbey was pillaged and burnt during the incursion of
Robert Bruce, but afterwards rebuilt with great magnificence; few
vestiges, however, of its monastic buildings now remain. From the ruins
the Parochial Chapel was formed, and there yet stands a part of the
church in its original form. During the reign of Henry VIII. the abbey
was chiefly dilapidated; the church continued in good condition till the
year 1600, when the steeple, one hundred and fourteen feet high,
suddenly fell down, and by its fall destroyed great part of the chancel.
Its total ruin was nearly accomplished by an accidental fire five years
afterwards. This fire took place on April 18, 1604, and was occasioned
by a servant carrying a live coal into the roof of the church, to search
for an iron chisel; the boisterous wind blew the coal out of his hand
into a daw's nest, by which the whole was ignited, and within less than
three hours it consumed both the body of the chancel and the whole
church, except the south side of the low church, which was saved by
means of a stone vault. Almost due-west from Abbey-Holm, in a strong
situation near the sea coast, are some remains of Wulstey Castle, a
fortress, which was erected by the abbots to secure their treasures,
books, and charters from the sudden depredations of the Scots. "In this
castle," observes Camden, "tradition reports, that the magic works of
Sir Michael Scot (or Scotus), were preserved, till they were mouldering
into dust. He professed a religious life here about the year 1290, and
became so versed in the mathematics, and other abstruse sciences, that
he obtained the character of a magician, and was believed, in that
credulous age, to have performed many miracles." The story of Michael
Scot forms a beautiful episode in Scott's "Lay of the Last Minstrel,"
the notes to which furnish some curious information respecting that
extraordinary personage. Sir Michael Scot, of Balwearie, we are told,
flourished during the thirteenth century, and was one of the ambassadors
sent to bring the Maid of Norway to Scotland, upon the death of
Alexander III. His memory survives in many a legend; and in the south of
Scotland, any work of great labour and antiquity is ascribed either to
the agency of auld Michael, of Sir William Wallace, or the devil. The
following are amongst the current traditions concerning Michael
Scot:--He was chosen, it is said, to go upon an embassy, to obtain from
the King of France satisfaction for certain piracies committed by his
subjects upon those of Scotland. Instead of preparing a new equipage and
splendid retinue, he evoked a fiend in the shape of a huge black horse,
mounted upon his back, and forced him to fly through the air towards
France. When he arrived at Paris, he tied his horse to the gate of the
palace, and boldly delivered his message. An ambassador with so little
of the pomp and circumstance of diplomacy was not received with much
respect, and the king was about to return a contemptuous refusal to his
demand, when Michael besought him to suspend his resolution till he had
seen his horse stamp three times: the first stamp shook every steeple in
Paris, and caused all the bells to ring; the second threw down three of
the towers of the palace; and the infernal steed had lifted up his hoof
to give the third stamp, when the king rather chose to dismiss Michael,
with the most ample concessions, than to stand to the probable
consequences. Another time, it is said that, while residing at the tower
of Oakwood, upon the Ettrick, about three miles above Selkirk, having
heard of the fame of a sorceress, called the Witch of Falsehope, who
lived on the opposite side of the river, Michael went one morning to put
her skill to the test, but was disappointed by her positively denying
any knowledge of the necromantic art. In his discourse with her, he laid
his wand inadvertently on the table which the hag observing, suddenly
snatched it up and struck him with it. Feeling the force of the charm,
he rushed out of the house; but as it had conferred on him the external
appearance of a hare, his servant, who waited without, hallooed upon the
discomfited wizard his own greyhounds, and pursued him so close, that,
in order to obtain a moment's breathing to reverse the charm, Michael,
after a very fatiguing course, was fain to take refuge in his own common
sewer.
_Fair_, October 29, for horses and horned cattle.
[Sidenote: The Abbey destroyed by the accidental firing of a daw's
nest.]
[Sidenote: Michael Scot, the magician.]
[Sidenote: Scottish legends.]
[Sidenote: The fiend horse.]
[Sidenote: French King's concession.]
[Sidenote: The witch of Falsehope.]
Map| Names of Places. | County.| Number of Miles From |
+--+--------------------+--------+-------------+-------------+
16|Abbots Ann pa|Hants |Andover 2|Salisbury 16|
11|Abbots Bickington pa|Devon |Holsworthy 6|Torrington 9|
35|Abbots Bromley[A] pa|Stafford|Uttoxeter 7|Lichfield 10|
12|Abbotsbury[B] pa|Dorset |Dorchester 10|Bridport 10|
+--+--------------------+--------+-------------+-------------+
|Dist.|
Map| Names of Places. |Number of Miles From |Lond.|Population.
+--+--------------------+--------+-------------+-----+-------+
16|Abbots Ann pa|Stockbridge 6| 66| 562|
11|Abbots Bickington pa|Hartland 13| 220| 77|
35|Abbots Bromley[A] pa|tafford 11| 1129| 1621|
12|Abbotsbury[B] pa|Weymouth 10| 127| 874|
+--+--------------------+----------------------+-------------+
[A] ABBOTS BROMLEY. The hobby-horse dance, an ancient custom, was
observed here till the civil war.--Ten or twelve of the dancers carried,
on their shoulders, deers' heads, painted with the arms of Paget, Bagot,
and Welles, to whom the chief property of the town belonged. The horns
yet hang up in the church, but the custom is now discontinued. The
parish includes Bromley, Bagot's liberty, and Bromley Hurst township.
Bagot's park is the deer-park of Lord Bagot, whose seat is at
Blithefield.
_Market, Tuesday._--_Fairs_, Tuesday before Mid-lent Sunday, May 22,
September 4, for horses and horned cattle.
[Sidenote: Hobby-horse dance]
[B] ABBOTSBURY consists of a single parish, divided into three streets,
nearly in the form of the letter Y, lying in a valley surrounded and
protected by bold hills near the sea. There is a tradition that this
place was called Abodesbyry by St. Peter himself, in the infancy of
Christianity, but it is more probably supposed to have derived its name
from the magnificent abbey, originally founded here, in the early part
of the eleventh century. The ruins of the abbey (which was once large
and splendid, but is now nearly demolished), consist of a large barn, a
stable, supposed to have been the dormitory, a porch which belonged to
the conventual church, the principal entrance, a portion of the walls,
and two buildings conjectured to have been used for domestic purposes.
The barn, which, when entire, was the largest in the county, is now so
dilapidated, that only a part of it can be used. The church, in which
Orcus and his wife, the founders, were buried, is, with the exception of
the porch and a pile of ruins under some neighbouring elms, totally
destroyed; but the numerous chantries and chapels which belonged to it
sufficiently prove its ancient magnificence. On an eminence, at a short
distance from the town, stands a small building called St. Catherine's
Chapel, which is supposed to have been erected about the time of Edward
IV., and which from its height and lofty situation, serves both for a
sea and land mark. Abbotsbury Church appears to have been built a short
time before the reformation; the pulpit is pierced by musket balls, said
to have been fired by Cromwell's soldiers, at the officiating minister,
whom, however, they missed. But it is more likely to have occurred at
the time of Sir Anthony Astley Cooper's attack on the royalists, at the
siege of Sir John Strangeway's house, in 1651. About a mile to the
south-west of Abbotsbury, is the "decoy," where great quantities of wild
fowl are annually taken. But the object which most engages the attention
of strangers, in the neighbourhood of this town, is the celebrated
"swannery," which, not long since, was the property of the Earl of
Ilchester. In the open or broad space of the fleet are kept six or seven
hundred swans, formerly one thousand five hundred, including hoppers--a
small species of swans, who feed and range, and return home again.
_Fair_, July 10, for sheep and toys.
[Sidenote: Tradition of St. Peter]
[Sidenote: A ruined abbey.]
[Sidenote: St. Catherine's chapel, a sea mark.]
[Sidenote: Wild fowl decoy, and swannery.]
Map| Names of Places. | County. | Number of Miles From
+--+---------------------+----------+--------------+---------------+
11|Abbotsham m.t.& pa|Devon |Bideford 2| Torrington 7|
44|Abbotside, H.&Low pa|N.R. York |Askrigg 0| Middleham 7|
34|Abbotts Isle pa|Somerset |Ilminster 4| Ilchester 11|
11|Abbotts Kerswell pa|Devon |Newton Bush 2| Totness 7|
18|Abbotts Langley[A] pa|Herts |St. Albans 4| Watford 4|
34|Abbots Leigh pa|Somerset |Bristol 3| Bedminster 3|
15|Abbotsley pa|Hunts |St. Neots 4| Huntingdon 12|
42|Abbots Morton pa|Worcester |Evesham 4| Alcester 8|
12|Abbots Stoke pa|Dorset |Beaminster 3| Crewkerne 10|
16|Abbotston pa|Hants |Alresford 4| Basingstoke 12|
33|Abdon pa|Salop |Ludlow 9| Bridgenorth 11|
53|Abenbury Fecham to|Flintshire|Wrexham 4| Chester 10|
52|Abenbury Vawr to|Denbigh |Wrexham 3| Llangollen 12|
50|Aber[B] pa|Caernavon |Bangor 6| Aberconway 9|
51|Aberaeron to|Cardigan |Aberystwith 17| Lampeter 14|
51|Aberarth vil & pa|Cardigan |Lampeter 14| Aberystwith 14|
56|Aber Bechan to|Montgomery|Newtown 2| Montgomery 7|
52|Abercwhiler to|Denbigh |Denbigh 4| St. Asaph 3|
54|Aberavon [C] bo. & pa|Glamorgan |Neath 6| Bridgend 14|
48|Aberbaidon am|Brecknock |Abergavenny 5| Crickhowel 3|
50|Aberconway [D] m.t.|Caernarvon|Bangor 15| Llanrwst 12|
+--+---------------------+----------+--------------+---------------+
|Dist.|
Map| Names of Places. | Number of Miles From |Lond.|Population.
+--+---------------------+-------------------------+-----+---------+
11|Abbotsham m.t.& pa|Barnstaple 10| 204| 386|
44|Abbotside, H.&Low pa|Richmond 12| 208| 762|
34|Abbotts Isle pa|Taunton 10| 133| 380|
11|Abbotts Kerswell pa|Torquay 6| 189| 442|
18|Abbotts Langley[A] pa|Hemel Hemp 6| 17| 1980|
34|Abbots Leigh pa|Keynsham 9| 116| 360|
15|Abbotsley pa|Potton 4| 58| 369|
42|Abbots Morton pa|Pershore 6| 99| 236|
12|Abbots Stoke pa| Bridport 6| 143| 587|
16|Abbotston pa|Winchester 9| 57| 248|
33|Abdon pa|Ch. Stretton 9| 153| 170|
53|Abenbury Fecham to|Mold 7| 187| 111|
52|Abenbury Vawr to|Mold 8| 187| 214|
50|Aber[B] pa|Caernarvon 15| 240| 552|
51|Aberaeron to|Cardigan 23| 208| ...|
51|Aberarth vil & pa|Tregaron 13| 222| 976|
56|Aber Bechan to|Welsh Pool 11| 178| ...|
52|Abercwhiler to|Caerwys 4| 208| 487|
54|Aberavon [C] bo. & pa|Swansea 11| 192| 572|
48|Aberbaidon am|Brecon 14| 148| 1781|
50|Aberconway [D] m.t.| Caernarvon 24| 236| 1245|
+--+---------------------+------------------------+------+---------+
[A] ABBOTTS LANGLEY. Before the Conquest, and till the dissolution of
the monasteries, this place was in the possession of the abbots of St.
Albans. About the time of Henry I., Nicholas Breakspear, a native of
this place, was advanced to the rank of cardinal, and at length became
pope, by the title of Adrian IV.; being the only Englishman that ever
attained that dignity. He died, not without suspicion of poison, in
1158.
[Sidenote: Englishman made Pope.]
[B] ABER (which signifies the mouth of a river, port, or harbour) is
situated on the river Gwyngregyr, which here discharges itself into the
Irish Sea. The native Welsh princes had a palace at this place, some
remains of which are shewn as the residence of Llewelyn ap Griffith. It
is one of the ferries to Anglesea, and a convenient place from which to
visit the formidable Penmaen Mawr mountain. The passage from hence
across the Laven Sands to Beaumaris is by no means safe, as the sands
frequently shift; but the large bell of this village is constantly rung
in foggy weather, in the hope that its sound may serve to direct those
whom imperious necessity obliges to cross under all disadvantages. Two
miles from this pleasing village, following the banks of the stream,
which flows through highly picturesque scenery, there is a most romantic
glen, and a very fine waterfall; the upper part of this cataract is
sometimes broken into three or four divisions, by the rugged force of
the impending cliff, but the lower one forms a broad sheet, and descends
about sixty feet, in a very grand style.
_Mail_ arrives 3.15 A.M., departs 9.32 P.M.--_Inn_, Bull.
[Sidenote: Ferry to Anglesea.]
[Sidenote: Laven sands dangerous. The bell constantly tolled in foggy
weather.]
[Sidenote: Romantic glen, and waterfall.]
[C] ABERAVON is situated at the mouth of the river Avon, on Swansea Bay,
and has a harbour for small vessels. Although no charter exists for a
market, one has been held here, more than a century past. There is a
ridiculous belief, amongst the people of this place, that every
Christmas Day, and that day alone, a large salmon presents himself in
the river, and allows himself to be caught and handled by any one who
chooses; but it would be considered an act of impiety to detain him.
_Fair_, April 30.
[Sidenote: Singular account of a Salmon.]
[D] ABERCONWAY is an ancient fortified town, beautifully situated upon
the estuary of the river Conway. The town is nearly of a triangular
shape, and is thought by some to have been the Conovium of the Romans.
The annals of this place commence no earlier than with the history of
its castle, which was erected in 1284, by command of Edward I., as a
security against the insurrections of the Welsh. Soon after its
erection, the royal founder was besieged in it, and the garrison almost
reduced by famine to surrender, when they were extricated by the arrival
of a fleet with provision. At the commencement of the civil wars, it
was garrisoned on behalf of the king, by Dr. John Williams, Archbishop
of York. In 1645 he gave the government of the castle to his nephew,
William Hookes. Two years after, Prince Rupert superseded the Archbishop
in the command of North Wales. He endeavoured to obtain redress from the
king, but failed. Enraged at this injury, he joined Mytton, and assisted
in the reduction of the place. The town was taken by storm, August 15,
1646, but the castle did not surrender till November 10. This fortress
remained in tranquillity till a grant was made of it, by King Charles,
to the Earl of Conway and Kilulta; when he had scarcely obtained
possession, before he ordered an agent to remove the timber, iron, lead,
and other materials. It was held on lease, by Owen Holland, Esq. from
the crown, at an annual rent of six shillings and eightpence, and a dish
of fish to Lord Holland, as often as he passed through the town. Thus,
unprotected, it has suffered material injuries from wind and weather,
and is reduced to a state of rapid decay. The ruins are remarkably
picturesque, and very extensive. The town was surrounded by high massive
walls, twelve feet thick, strengthened at intervals by twenty-four
circular and semi-circular towers; these, with the four principal
gateways, remain in tolerable preservation. There are scarcely any
remains of the Cistercian Abbey, founded by Llewelyn ap Jorwerth, in
1185. The church contains a few modern monuments, belonging to the
family of the Wynnes, formerly of this place. The font appears ancient;
it is composed of black marble, curiously carved, and supported by a
cluster of pilasters, standing upon a pedestal. In Castle Street is a
very old house, called the college, which has a singular window,
decorated with several coats of arms of the Stanley family. A day school
is also kept in an ancient mansion, called Plas Mawr, situated near the
market place, which was erected in 1585, by Robert Wynne, Esq. of
Gwyder. The river Conway rises out of Llyn Conway, at the south
extremity of the county, in the mountains of Penmachno. The ferry is of
importance, as it lies upon one of the great roads from London to
Ireland, but is justly considered a dangerous passage, and many are the
accidents which have occurred. On Christmas Day, 1806, the boat
conveying the Irish mail coach, was lost, and all the passengers,
including the coachman and guard, were drowned, except two. At the
Ferry-house a noble bay is formed where the tide enters the river. In
this view, indeed, there are all the ingredients of a sublime and
beautiful landscape. Few rivers, in England or Wales, in so short a
course as twenty-nine miles, present so great a variety of beautiful
scenery. Below Luna Hall, the falls of the Conway exhibit a noble
cataract, about fifty feet; the stream of water, shooting directly from
one aperture in the solid rock to a considerable distance, descends into
a rocky basin, surrounded by hanging woods. One mile below this town, at
Trefriw, the river becomes navigable, and contributes to the supply of
the surrounding county. In Conway town there still exists a pearl
fishery, and a chain suspension bridge has been recently erected in lieu
of a dangerous ferry. The vale of Conway teems with interesting objects.
Upon the west side is the abrupt termination of the Snowdon chain, down
the declivities of which, through innumerable chasms, fissures, and
channels, rush the superfluous waters of the lakes above, to mingle with
the parent ocean. The principal employment of the poor, in this
neighbourhood, is gathering the different species of fuci, commonly
called sea-wreck, thrown up by the tide, or growing upon the breakers.
This wreck they put into a kind of square fireplace, made upon the sand,
and heat it till it becomes a liquid and forms a cake; when further
baked or burnt it resembles cinders, and is called barilla or impure
fossil alkali; in this state it is sold to manufacturers of soap and
glass.
_Market_, Friday.--_Fairs_, March 26, April 30, June 20, August 19,
September 16, October 20, and November 15.--Inns, Harp, Bull's Head,
and White Lien.--_Mail_ arrives 2 A.M., departs 10-3/4 P.M.
[Sidenote: The Conovium of the Romans.]
[Sidenote: Town taken by storm, in 1646.]
[Sidenote: Curious tenure--6s. 8d. and a dish of fish.]
[Sidenote: Cistercian Abbey, founded by Llewelyn ap Jorwerth in 1185.]
[Sidenote: The ferry considered dangerous; loss of the Irish mail and 14
passengers, in 1806.]
[Sidenote: Falls of the Conway present a noble cataract, shooting from a
solid rock.]
[Sidenote: Pearl fishery and suspension bridge.]
[Sidenote: Manufactory of barilla.]
Map| Names of Places. | County. | Number of Miles From
+--+------------------------+----------+-------------+-------------+
54|Aberdare[A] pa|Glamorg |Mer. Tydvil 6|Bridgend 18|
50|Aberdaron pa|Caernarvon|Pwllheli 16|Nevin 16|
54|Aberddaw, East ham|Glamorg |Cowbridge 5|Bridgend 10|
55|Aberdyfi to|Merion |Aberystwith 9|Towyn 5|
58|Aberedwy[B] pa|Radnor |Builth 4|Hay 12|
56|Abererch pa|Caernarvon|Pwllheli 3|Crickieth 8|
45|Aberford[C] m.t. & pa|W.R. York |Tadcaster 6|Leeds 8|
47|Aberffraw pa|Anglesea |Bangor 17|Newborough 6|
26|Abergavenny[D] m.t. & pa|Monmouth |Monmouth 17|Crickhowell 7|
+--+------------------------+----------+-------------+-------------+
|Dist.|
Map| Names of Places. |Number of Miles From |Lond.|population.
+--+------------------------+------------------------+-----+--------+
54|Aberdare[A] pa|Brecon 20| 182| 3961|
50|Aberdaron pa|Bardsey Isle 5| 258| 1389|
54|Aberddaw, East ham|Llandaff 12| 179| ...|
55|Aberdyfi to|Machynlleth 9| 217| ...|
58|Aberedwy[B] pa|Radnor 13| 169| 344|
56|Abererch pa|Nevin 8| 234| 1365|
45|Aberford[C] m.t. & pa|Ferry Bridge 9| 186| 925|
47|Aberffraw pa|Holyhead 12| 258| 1367|
26|Abergavenny[D] m.t. & pa|Usk 9| 145| 4230|
+--+------------------------+------------------------+-----+---------+
[A] ABERDARE. _Fairs_, for cattle, April 19, Whit-Monday, November 14.
[B] ABEREDWY. This delightful village derived its name from its
situation, near the junction of the River Wye and Edwy. Nothing in
nature can exceed the beauty of the neighbouring scenery. The Edwy
descends through lofty walls of rock; in some places, broken into crags,
which frightfully overhang the abyss. Near the place are the ruins of a
castle, the retreat of the last native Welsh Prince, Llewelyn ap
Gruffydd. The object of Llewelyn's journey to Aberedwy was to consult
the chief persons of the district, upon the best means of successfully
opposing the King of England, then invading Wales. On his arrival he
found himself disappointed. Instead of meeting with friends, he was
surrounded by the enemy. Edmund Mortimer and John Gyfford, acquainted
with his route, marched from Herefordshire, with their troops to meet
him. The enemy were numerous--resistance was in vain--Llewelyn withdrew
to Builth. The mountains being covered with snow, he caused the shoes of
his horse to be reversed, in order to baffle pursuit, but the
treacherous _smith_ betrayed him. Llewelyn broke down the bridge of
Builth, but was closely followed by the English forces, who fruitlessly
attempted to gain it. Sir Elias Walwyn crossed the river, with a
detachment, about eight miles below, at a place called Little Tom's
Ferry Boat, and coming unexpectedly on the Welsh army, routed them.
Llewelyn himself was attacked and slain, unarmed, in a narrow valley,
not two hundred yards from the scene of action. Adam Francton, the
murderer of Llewelyn, took no notice of his victim, but joined in the
pursuit of the Welsh. Returning with the view of plundering the slain,
he discovered the wounded person was no other than the Prince of Wales;
for on stripping him, he found a letter in cipher and his privy seal.
The brutal Francton, overjoyed that the Welsh prince had fallen into his
hands, cut off his head, and sent it to the King of England, and thus
perished the last native Prince of Wales.
[Sidenote: Ruined castle--the retreat of Llewelyn, the last native
Prince of Wales.]
[Sidenote: His horses shoes reversed.]
[Sidenote: Betrayed by his smith.]
[Sidenote: His army routed, and himself slain.]
[Sidenote: His head sent to the King of England.]
[C] ABERFORD is situated upon the River Cock, on the great northern
road, on the banks of which river was fought the famous battle of
Towton, in 1461, so called from a village in the vicinity. The town
consists of a long straggling street, in the north of which are the
remains of a Norman fortification, called Castle Carey; and the whole is
in the line of the ancient Roman road. This town is curiously situated,
as respects township: the west side is in Aberford-cum-Parlington; the
east of the same end is Lotherton-cum-Aberford, and the north of the
river is Aberford alone.
_Mail_ arrives 4.11 P.M., departs 8.46 A.M.--_Inn_,
Swan.
[Sidenote: Here the famous battle of Towton was fought.]
[D] ABERGAVENNY, (the ancient Gobanium of the Romans,) and its environs,
have strong claims to the traveller's attention. Its castle and
delightful terrace overlook the rich vale of Usk; its church, abounding
in costly sculptured tombs, its beautifully variegated mountains, all
conspire to render this place particularly attractive. This town was
once fortified, and many portions of the work remain, particularly
Tudor's Gate. The western entrance is furnished with two portcullises,
and remarkable for the beautifully composed landscape seen through it.
The style of building which forms the remains of this fortress marks its
origin to have been subsequent to the Norman epoch. Excursions are
frequently made to Blaenavon Iron Works, about six miles distant, which
employ upwards of four thousand men. The mountainous territory
containing these mineral treasures of iron, was demised by the crown to
the Earl of Abergavenny, and is held under a lease by Hill and Co. A
principal excursion from Abergavenny is that which leads northwards to
Llanthony Abbey, a majestic ruin, seated in a deep recess of the black
mountains, at the very extremity of Monmouthshire. Abergavenny is a
place of much resort, being the thoroughfare from the west of Wales to
Bath, Bristol, and Gloucestershire. Its principal manufacture is
flannel, and its annual fairs for cattle are well attended.
_Mail_ arrives 2 P.M., departs 11 A.M.--INNS, Angel, and
Greyhound.--_Bankers_, Hill and Co., draw upon Esdaile and
Co.,--Jones and Co., draw upon Williams and Co.--_Fairs_, May 14,
lean cattle and sheep; 1st Monday after Trinity, linen and woollen
cloths; September 25, horses, hogs, and flannel.--_Market_ Tuesday.
[Sidenote: Gobanium of the Romans.]
[Sidenote: Tudor's Gate.]
[Sidenote: Blaenavon Iron Works. 4000 men employed.]
[Sidenote: Llanthony Abbey, a majestic ruin in the black mountains.]
Map| Names of Places. | County | Number of Miles From
+--+------------------------+----------+--------------+---------------+
26|Abergavenny hun|Monmouth | ... | ... |
52|Abergele m.t. & pa|Denbigh |St. Asaph 7|Holywell 17|
49|Abergorlech chap|Caermar |Llandilo Var 7|Lampeter 9|
49|Abergwilley to & pa|Caermar |Caermar 2|Llandilo Var 15|
56|Aberhafesp pa|Montgomery|Newton, 3|Llanydloes 11|
56|Aberhaly to|Montgomery|Llanfair 6|Newton 5|
49|Abermarles to|Caermar |Llandovery 7|Llangadock 3|
48|Aberlyfni ham|Brecknock |Hay 4|Brecon 11|
49|Abernant pa|Caermar |Caermar 4|Llaugharne 10|
54|Aberpergwm chap|Glamorg |Neath 10|Brecon 20|
56|Aber-Rhiw pa|Montgomery|Welsh Pool 5|Montgomery 4|
51|Aber-Porth pa|Cardigan |Cardigan 7|Newcastle 9|
48|Aberyskir pa|Brecknock |Brecon 4|Llandovery 16|
51|Aberystwith[A] m.t. & pa|Cardigan |Tregaron 15|Machynlleth 18|
26|Aberystwith pa & chap|Monmouth |Abergaven 7|Crickhowell 7|
4|Abingdon[B] m.t.|Berks |Oxford 6|Wallingford 11|
+--+------------------------+----------+--------------+---------------+
|Dist.|
Map| Names of Places. | Number of Miles From |Lond.|Population.
+--+------------------------+-------------------------+---------------+
26|Abergavenny hun|Monmouth | ... | ... | 30818|
52|Abergele m.t. & pa|Denbigh |Aberconway 12| 224| 2506|
49|Abergorlech chap|Caermar |Caermar 14| 209| ...|
49|Abergwilley to & pa|Caermar |Newcastle 16| 214| 2675|
56|Aberhafesp pa|Montgomery|Llanfair 10| 180| 535|
56|Aberhaly to|Montgomery|Montgomery 10| 180| ...|
49|Abermarles to|Caermar |Lampeter 14| 198| ...|
48|Aberlyfni ham|Brecknock |Builth 12| 160| 100|
49|Abernant pa|Caermar |Newcastle 11| 222| 654|
54|Aberpergwm chap|Glamorg |Merthyr Tyd 13| 188| ...|
56|Aber-Rhiw pa|Montgomery|Newtown 9| 172| 2429|
51|Aber-Porth pa|Cardigan |Lampeter 24| 235| 485|
48|Aberyskir pa|Brecknock |Builth 14| 173| 110|
51|Aberystwith[A] m.t. & pa|Cardigan |Aberllelwyn 5| 208| 4128|
26|Aberystwith pa & chap|Monmouth |Pontypool 8| 153| 5992|
4|Abingdon[B] m.t.|Berks |Wantage 10| 56| 5259|
+--+-----------------------+-----------+--------------+-----+---------+
[A] ABERYSTWITH, a market town and seaport in the hundred of Glenaur
Glynn, and also a township in the parish of Llanbadarn Vawr. It is
situated at the confluence of the rivers Ystwith and Rhyddol, at which
the former falls into the sea in the bay of Cardigan. The building of a
castle, of which some vestiges remain, is attributed to Edward I. It
stands on a craggy eminence projecting into the sea at the west of the
town, and affords a magnificent view of the whole line of Welsh coast
within the bay of Cardigan. The streets are steep and uneven.--The
houses, which are principally formed of dark slate, present a very
singular appearance. For some years past its celebrity, as a summer
retreat and bathing-place, has been annually increasing, which is
greatly contributed to by the beauty of the neighbourhood, and the
commanding prospects around. The roads to it have been made excellent,
and the customary amusements of plays and assemblies during the season
add to the attractions for summer visitants. There was formerly a
herring fishery, and the practice of fishing is still carried on with
considerable advantage by the natives. About seven miles north of
Aberystwith, on the sea coast, a considerable extent of land, has, by
drainage, been recovered; twelve miles of embankment have been formed;
and two navigable cuts, with a road of three miles and a stone bridge
completed.
_Mail_ arrives 7 A.M. departs 5 P.M.--_Fairs_, 1st Monday in May and
November, chiefly for hiring servants.--_Bankers_, W. Davis and Co.,
draw on Esdaile and Co.--_Inns_, Gogerddon Arms, Old Lion, and
Talbot.--_Markets_, Monday and Saturday.
[Sidenote: Fine bathing place.]
[Sidenote: Twelve miles of embankment.]
[B] ABINGDON, at the very edge of the county of Berkshire, was called
Shovesham, by the Anglo-Saxons, until the foundation of the abbey, from
which period it began to assume the name of Abbandeen, or the Town of
the Abbey. This monastery, the monks of which were Benedictines, was
founded by Cissa, an Anglo-Saxon monarch, in 675. During the reign of
Alfred it was demolished by the Danes, and remained in ruins till King
Edgar partly restored it, in 954. Ethelwold, the abbot at that time,
erected and embellished the church, and his successors contributed to
its increase. After the Conquest, the wealth and grandeur of the abbey
were equal to any similar foundation in England. William the Conqueror
kept Easter in the abbey, A.D. 1084; and here was educated his youngest
son, Henry, surnamed Beauclerc, afterwards King Henry I., in whose
reign, one of the most eminent characters who received sepulture within
the abbey, was the celebrated Jeffery of Monmouth, author of the British
History,--a work, from which some of our best poets have derived
materials for their sublime compositions. Shakspeare's Lear, and
Milton's Comus, were both supplied from Jeffery's history. He flourished
in the reign of Henry I. Among the natives of Abingdon, whose talents
have rendered their possessors eminent, was Sir John Mason, a statesman
of the sixteenth century. His memory is the more worthy to be revered,
because, from a very obscure origin, his genius and perseverance
advanced him to the rank of privy-counsellor, ambassador to France, and
chancellor of the University of Oxford. His father was a cow-herd and
his mother, sister to one of the abbey monks, who attended to his early
tuition, and sent him to Oxford, where he became a fellow of All Souls'
college. While in this situation, the liveliness of his temper
occasioned him to be chosen to compliment Henry VIII. on his visit to
the University, in the year 1523, which being executed in a most
graceful manner, engaged the favour of the monarch, who promoted him to
the honourable offices above-mentioned. He died in 1566, and was buried
in St. Paul's cathedral.
_Mail_ arrives 2.49 A.M., departs 12.10 A.M.--_Fairs_, 1st Monday in
Lent, May 6, June 20, August 6, September 19, cattle; Monday before
Old Michaelmas, statute, and December 11, horses and
cattle.--_Bankers_, Knapp and Co., draw on Williams and Co.--_Inns_,
Crown and Thistle, and Queen's Arms.--_Markets_, Monday and Friday.
[Sidenote: Monastery of Benedictine monks.]
[Sidenote: William the Conqueror kept Easter, and his son was educated
here. Jeffery of Monmouth buried in the abbey.]
[Sidenote: Sir J. Mason, born here--his father a cow-herd.]
Map| Names of Places. | County | Number of Miles From |
+--+-----------------------+----------+--------------+-----------------+
37|Abinger pa|Surrey |Dorking 4|Guildford 10|
15|Abinghall pa|Gloucester|Newnham 6|Mitchel Dean 1|
28|Abington pa|Northam |Northam 2|Wellingboro 9|
6|Abington, Gt.& Lit. pa|Cambridge |Linton 3|Cambridge 9|
6|Abington in the Clay pa|Cambridge |Royston 5|Potton 7|
23|Ab Kettleby pa|Leicester |Melton Mow 3|Leicester 16|
15|Ablington ti|Gloucester|Fairford 5|Cirencester 7|
10|Abney ham|Derby |Tideswell 5|Sheffield 14|
49|Above Sawdde ham|Caermar |Llangadock 1|Llandovery 7|
22|Above Town div|Lancashire|Garstang 11|Burton 11|
22|Abram to|Lancashire|Wigan 4|Bolton 9|
15|Abson with Wick chap|Gloucester|Bristol 8|Sodbury 5|
21|Abthorp chap|Northam |Towcester 3|Brackley 9|
54|Aburthin pa|Glamorg |Llantrissant 8|Bridgend 7|
24|Aby pa|Lincoln |Alford 2|Louth 9|
46|Acaster Malbis pa|W.R. York |York 4|Selby 8|
46|Acaster Selby to|W.R. York | ... 5| ... 7|
22|Accrington, New to|Lancaster |Blackburn 4|Haslingden 5|
22|Accrington, Old chap|Lancaster | ... 6| ... 4|
30|Achurch pa|Northam |Thrapston 4|Oundle 4|
43|Acklam pa|N.R. York |New Malton 6|Gt. Driffield 15|
44|Acklam chap|N.R. York |Yarm 5|Stockton 3|
28|Acklington to|Northum |Alnwick 8|Morpeth 13|
45|Ackton to|W.R. York |Pontefract 3|Wakefield 5|
45|Ackworth[A] pa|W.R. York | ... 3| ... 7|
+--+-----------------------+----------+--------------+-----------------+
|Dist.|
Map| Names of Places. | number of Miles From |Lond.|Population.
+--+-----------------------+-------------------------+-----+-----------+
37|Abinger pa|Ockley 5| 2| 767|
15|Abinghall pa|Monmouth 12| 118| 235|
28|Abington pa|Moulton 3| 67| 155|
6|Abington, Gt. & Lit. pa|Newmarket 12| 50| 594|
6|Abington in the Clay pa|Cambridge 15| 42| 259|
23|Ab Kettleby pa|Loughboro 13| 108| 331|
15|Ablington ti|Northleach 7| 85| 103|
10|Abney ham|Chapel-Frith 8| 164| 112|
49|Above Sawdde ham|Llandilo Var 8| 195| 803|
22|Above Town div|KirkbyLons 15| 240| 591|
22|Abram to|Chorley 11| 197| 511|
15|Abson with Wick chap|Marshfield 4| 107| 824|
21|Abthorp chap|Banbury 15| 63| 477|
54|Aburthin pa|Cowbridge 1| 173| ...|
24|Aby pa|Horncastle 12| 142| 204|
46|Acaster Malbis pa|Tadcaster 8| 190| 707|
46|Acaster Selby to| ... 8| 190| 201|
22|Accrington, New to|Burnley 8| 208| 4960|
22|Accrington, Old chap| ... 6| 208| 1323|
30|Achurch pa|Kettering 12| 73| 239|
43|Acklam pa|York 14| 210| 827|
44|Acklam chap|Guisboro 9| 244| 371|
28|Acklington to|Rothbury 13| 300| 285|
45|Ackton to|Leeds 9| 174| 51|
45|Ackworth[A] pa| ... 11| 174| 1660|
+--+-----------------------+-------------------------+-----+-----------+
[A] ACKWORTH is a parish and township, in the upper division of Osgold
Cross Wapentake, nominally divided into higher and lower Ackworth. It is
celebrated for its Quakers' School, which was purchased in 1777, with
eighty-five acres of land, from the trustees of the Foundling Hospital,
and rendered a seminary for the children of the more humble class of
Friends. The number of pupils, is one hundred and eighty boys, and one
hundred and twenty girls.
[Sidenote: Quakers' school.]
Map| Names of Places. | County | Number of Miles From
+--+------------------------+----------+-------------+---------------+
27|Acle[A] m. t. & pa|Norfolk |Norwich 11|Yarmouth 9|
45|Acomb pa|W.R. York |York 2|Wetherby 10|
29|Acomb East to|Northumb |Corbridge 15|Aldston Moor 9|
29|Acomb West to|Northumb | ... 5| 18|
17|Aconbury[B] chap|Hereford |Hereford 4|Ross 9|
21|Acrise pa|Kent |Folkstone 4|Dover 8|
7 |Acton to & pa|Chester |Nantwich 2|Tarporley 9|
7 |Acton to|Chester |Northwich 4|Frodsham 7|
52|Acton to|Denbigh |Wrexham 1|Holt 5|
25|Acton pa|Middlesex |Harrow 8|Brentford 3|
29|Acton to|Northumb |Alnwick 8|Rothbury 8|
36|Acton pa|Suffolk |Lavenham 3|Sudbury 3|
42|Acton Beauchamp pa|Worcester |Bromyard 4|Worcester 11|
33|Acton Burnell[C] to & pa|Salop |Wenlock 7|Shrewsbury 7|
+--+------------------------+----------+-------------+---------------+
|Dist. |
Map| Names of Places. | Number of Miles From |Lond. |Population
+--+------------------------+------------------------+------+------+
27|Acle[A] m. t. & pa|Loddon 8| 121| 820|
45|Acomb pa|New Malton 20| 201| 882|
29|Acomb East to|Hexham 11| 275| 36|
29|Acomb West to| ... 3| 275| 523|
17|Aconbury[B] chap|Ledbury 14| 130| 163|
21|Acrise pa|Canterbury 11| 67| 194|
7 |Acton to & pa|Middlewich 11| 166| 3928|
7 |Acton to|Chester 15| 177| 309|
52|Acton to| ... 9| 190| 215|
25|Acton pa|Uxbridge 10| 5| 2453|
29|Acton to|Morpeth 10| 300| 91|
36|Acton pa|Bildeston 8| 57| 565|
42|Acton Beauchamp pa|Ledbury 10| 122| 239|
33|ACTON Burnell[C] to & pa|Ch. Stretton 7| 155| 381|
+--+------------------------+------------------------+------+------+
[A] ACLE. _Market_, Thursday.--_Fair_, Wednesday before Michaelmas day.
[B] ACONBURY. At this place a nunnery of the order of St. Augustine was
founded by Margery, wife of Walter de Lacey, in the reign of King John.
The Cliffords were large benefactors to this house, which, at the
dissolution, possessed _L75. 7s. 6d._ per annum. There are some remains
yet standing, occupied as a farm house. On the summit of Aconbury Hill,
a bold and extensive eminence, well wooded, and commanding a charming
view over the adjacent county, are traces of a large encampment.
[Sidenote: Nunnery.]
[C] ACTON BURNELL is celebrated for the remains of an ancient castle,
founded by Robert Burnell, bishop of Bath and Wells, a man of eminent
abilities, first treasurer, and afterwards chancellor of England, who
was much employed by King Edward I. in Welsh affairs. He died at
Berwick, in 1292, and was buried in the cathedral at Wells. The castle
is a quadrangular building, with a square tower at each corner. The hall
in which King Edward I. held his parliament, in 1283, was 183 feet long,
by 41 broad, but the gable ends only remain. The Statutum de
Mercatoribus enacted here, is from that circumstance better known as the
Statute of Acton Burnell. The successor of the bishop, at the castle,
was Sir Edward Burnell, son of Philip Burnell and Maud, daughter of
Richard Arundel. He served in many actions in Scotland, under Edward I.,
and always appeared in great splendour, attended by a chariot decked
with banners of his arms. He was summoned to parliament from the fifth
to the eighth year of Edward the second's reign, and died in 1315. In
1346, the castle came into the possession of Nicholas Lord Burnell, who
died in 1382, and is buried in the church under an altar tomb, inlaid
with his effigy in brass. In the reign of Henry VI. the Lovell family
were in possession of this estate, which was forfeited by Lord Lovell,
in consequence of his adherence to King Richard III. Henry VII. being
seated on the throne, granted Acton Burnell, together with other estates
in this county, to Jasper Tudor, Earl of Bedford; after whose death it
reverted to the crown, and Henry VIII. granted it to Thomas Howard, Earl
of Surrey, distinguished for his valour at the battle of Flodden. Sir
Humphrey Lee, of Langley, in this parish, was created a baronet, May 3,
1620. Acton Burnell Park is now the residence of Sir Edward Joseph
Smythe, Bart. whose family have been seated here from the time of
Charles II., when Sir Edward Smythe, of Esh, in Durham, created a
baronet, Feb. 23, 1660, married the daughter and heiress of Sir Richard
Lee, Bart. of Langley. The mansion, on a verdant lawn, bordered by a
shrubbery, presents a handsome elevation of fine white stone, having a
noble Ionic portico, under which is the carriage entrance. Behind the
house is the deer park, on a finely wooded eminence, affording one of
the most beautiful prospects in the county. The chapelry of Ruckley and
Langley is in this parish.
[Sidenote: Edward I. held his parliament here in 1283.]
[Sidenote: Lord Burnell's effigy in brass on the altar tomb.]
[Sidenote: The seat of Sir E.J. Smythe.]
Map| Names of Places. | County | Number of Miles From |
+--+-----------------------+----------+--------------+---------------+
7|Acton Grange to|Chester |Warrington 4|Northwich 10|
15|Acton Iron pa|Gloucester|Chip. Sodbu 2|Thornbury 7|
33|Acton Pigott chap|Salop |Much Wenlo 6|Shrewsbury 8|
33|Acton Reynold to|Salop |Shrewsbury 8|Wem 6|
33|Acton Round chap|Salop |Wenlock 3|Bridgenorth 6|
33|Acton Scott pa|Salop |Ch. Stretton 4|Bish. Castle 10|
35|Acton Trussell to & pa|Stafford |Penkridge 3|Stafford 4|
15|Acton Turville chap|Gloucester|Tetbury 11|Chippenham 12|
35|Adbaston pa|Stafford |Eccleshall 14|Newport 5|
31|Adderbury East to & pa|Oxford |Banbury 3|Deddington 3|
33|Adderley pa|Salop |Drayton 4|Whitchurch 8|
29|Adderston to|Northumb |Beiford 3|Alnwick 12|
17|Adforton to|Hereford |Ludlow 8|Presteign 8|
9|Addingham pa|Cumberland|Kirk Oswald 2|Penrith 8|
45|Addingham pa|W.R. York |Skipton 5|Ottley 8|
37|Addington[A] pa|Surrey |Croydon 4|Westerham 10|
5|Addington pa|Bucks |Winslow 2|Buckingham 5|
21|Addington pa|Kent |Maidstone 7|Rochester 8|
28|Addington, Gt to & pa|Northamp |Thrapston 4|Kettering 7|
28|Addington, Lit to & pa|Northamp | ... 5| ... 8|
21|Addisham pa|Kent |Wingham 3|Canterbury 6|
45|Addle[B] to & pa|W.R. York |Leeds 5|Ottley 6|
46|Addle-cum-Eccup to|W.R. York | 5| ... 6|
45|Addlingfleet[C] pa|W.R. York |Snaith 11|Burton 2|
+--+-----------------------+----------+--------------+---------------+
|Dist.
Map| Names of Places. |Number of Miles From |Lond.|Population
+--+-----------------------+-------------------------+-----+---------+
7|Acton Grange to|Runcorn 5| 183| 148|
15|Acton Iron pa|Bristol 9| 112| 1372|
33|Acton Pigott chap|Ch. Stretton 9| 154| ... |
33|Acton Reynold to|Drayton 12| 152| 173|
33|Acton Round chap|Ludlow 17| 145| 203|
33|Acton Scott pa|Ludlow 10| 155| 204|
35|Acton Trussell to & pa|Lichfield 15| 131| 551|
31|Acton Turville chap|Sodbury 5| 102| 236|
35|Adbaston pa|Hodnet 7| 152| 601|
31|Adderbury East to & pa|Aynhoe 4| 70| 2471|
33|Adderley pa|Wem 12| 157| 468|
29|Adderston to|Wooler 10| 319| 322|
17|Adforton to|Knighton 8| 150| 218|
9|Addingham pa|Aldstn Moor 12| 291| 719|
45|Addingham pa|Keighley 5| 213| 2251|
37|Addington[A] pa|Bromley 5| 12| 463|
5|Addington pa|Bicester 11| 50| 74|
21|Addington pa|Wrotham 3| 27| 206|
28|Addington, Gt to & pa|Higam Ferrers 5| 70| 282|
28|Addington, Lit to & pa| ... 5| 70| 264|
21|Addisham pa|Sandwich 6| 62| 390|
45|Addle[B] to & pa|Bradford 8| 205| 1063|
46|Addle-cum-Eccup to| ... 8| 291| 703|
45|Addlingfleet[C] pa||Howden 6| 170| 478|
+--+-----------------------+-------------------------+-----+---------+
[A] ADDINGTON is on the borders of Kent. Addington Place, a seat erected
by Alderman Trecothick, in 1772, was purchased in 1807, for the
residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury. The manor of Addington is
held by the feudal service of finding a man to make a mess, called
Gerout, in the king's kitchen, at the coronation, and serving it up in
his own person at Westminster Hall. In the reign of William the
Conqueror, Addington appears to have been held by Tezelin, cook to the
king, which accounts for the origin of the required culinary service.
The Archbishop of Canterbury is now the claimant of the service alluded
to. Near the village is a curious cluster of tumuli, or mounds of earth
raised over the bodies of the slain, about twenty-five in number, of
inconsiderable height. One of them is nearly forty feet in diameter, two
are about half that size, and the rest very small.
[Sidenote: Coronation custom.]
[Sidenote: Cluster of tumuli.]
[B] ADDLE. The church in this town is considered to be one of the most
perfect specimens of Roman architecture remaining in England. In 1702,
the traces of an ancient Roman town, with fragments of urns, and of an
aqueduct of stone were found in the adjacent moor.
[Sidenote: Roman architecture.]
[C] ADDLINGFLEET. A parish and township in the lower division of Osgold
Cross, including the townships of Fockerby, Haldenby, and Eastoft. The
village is situated very near the junction of the Trent with the Humber,
the latter river being one of the largest in the kingdom, formed by the
united waters of the Trent, Ouse, Derwent, Aire, and other minor
streams. At this part it is about a mile broad, it is the Abus of
Ptolemy. It runs towards the east, washing the port of Hull, where it
receives the river called by the same name; from thence, taking a
south-easterly direction, it expands itself into an estuary nearly seven
miles across, and mingles with the German ocean. This river, which, with
very few exceptions, receives all the waters of Yorkshire from the Ouse,
and the greater part of those from the midland counties from the Trent,
commands the inland navigation of very extensive and commercial parts of
England; namely, those of the Mersey, Dee, Ribble, Severn, Thames, and
Avon; it also forms the boundary between Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.
[Sidenote: Boundary between Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.]
Map| Names of Places. | County | Number of Miles From |
+--+-------------------+----------+--------------+-------------+
7|Adlington to|Cheshire |Macclesfield 6|Stockport 6|
22|Adlington[A] to|Lancaster |Wigan 4|Chorley 4|
24|Addlethorpe to & pa|Lincoln |Alford 7|Spilsby 11|
15|Adlestrop pa|Gloucester|Stow 4|Burford 11|
22|Admarsh chap|Lancaster |Burton 11|Kirkby Lon 15|
5|Adstock pa|Bucks |Winslow 3|Buckingham 4|
28|Adstone ham|Northamp |Towcester 7|Daventry 8|
8|Advent chap|Cornwall |Camelford 2|Bodmin 10|
45|Adwalton[B] ham|W.R. York |Bradford 4|Leeds 7|
31|Adwell pa|Oxford |Tetsworth 2|Thame 5|
45|Adwick-on-Dearne ch|W.R. York |Rotherham 6|Barnsley 8|
45|Adwick pa & to|W.R. York |Doncaster 4|Thorne 10|
12|Aff-Piddle pa|Dorset |Dorchester 9|Bere Regis 4|
7|Agden to|Chester |Malpas 3|Whitchurch 3|
7|Agden to|Chester |Knutsford 6|Warrington 10|
43|Agelthorpe to|N.R. York |Middleham 3|Bedale 6|
8|Agnes, St[C] cha|Cornwall |Truro 9|Redruth 7|
+--+-------------------+----------+--------------+-------------+
|Dist. |
Map| Names of Places. |Number of Miles From |Lond. |Population
+--+-------------------+-------------------------+------+------+
7|Adlington to|Altringham 10| 2| 1066|
22|Adlington[A] to|Bolton 9| 264| 1082|
24|Addlethorpe to & pa|Wainfleet 9| 134| 176|
15|Adlestrop pa|Moreton 6| 86| 196|
22|Admarsh chap|Garstang 12| 240| ... |
5|Adstock pa|Bicester 11| 52| 445|
28|Adstone ham|Brackley 10| 67| 166|
8|Advent chap|Launceston 15| 230| 246|
45|Adwalton[B] ham|Huddersfield 8| 192| ... |
31|Adwell pa|Watlington 4| 41| 48|
45|Adwick-on-Dearne ch|Doncaster 7| 167| 145|
45|Adwick pa & to|Pontefract 9| 166| 918|
12|Aff-Piddle pa|Blandford 12| 111| 442|
7|Agden to|Nantwich 11| 177| 104|
7|Agden to|Altringham 1| 179| 99|
43|Agelthorpe to|Masham 4| 226| 188|
8|Agnes, St[C] cha|Falmouth 14| 256| 6642|
+--+-------------------+-------------------------+------+------+
[A] ADLINGTON. Through this township runs the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.
It contains several coal mines. Adlington Hall, the seat of Sir Robert
Clayton, Bart., was rebuilt about 1780; it stands in a low situation, on
the borders of an extensive park, and contains some very good pictures,
amongst which is a head of Charles I., taken after death. Ellerbeck Hall
is the seat of John Hodson, Esq. In this neighbourhood is Park Hall, the
seat of R.P. German, Esq. The inhabitants of Adlington are chiefly
employed in the cotton manufactories of the vicinity.
[Sidenote: Seat of Sir. Robert Clayton, Bart.]
[B] ADWALTON formerly possessed a market which is now disused. On
Adwalton Moor, a battle was fought, in 1642, between the Earl of
Newcastle, commanding for the king, and the parliamentary general, Lord
Fairfax, in which the latter was defeated.
_Fairs_, February 6, March 9, Easter Thursday, Thursday fortnight
after Easter, Whit-Thursday; and every second Thursday thence to
Michaelmas, for lean cattle; November 5, and December 23.
[Sidenote: Battle fought here in 1642.]
[C] St. AGNES is situated on the Bristol Channel. The town and parish,
including a considerable mining district, is thickly strewed with the
cottages of the miners. It is more frequently called Lighthouse Island,
from a very high and strong light-house erected here, to warn the
mariner from the rocks, which are more numerous about this than any
other of the Scilly Islands. This building is upwards of sixty feet
high, and stands on the most elevated ground. The light is produced by
twenty-one parabolic reflectors of copper, plated with silver, and
having each an argand lamp in its focus. The reflectors are disposed of
in three clusters, of seven in each cluster, and the frame in which they
are fixed stands perpendicularly to the horizon, on a shaft united to a
machine below, which makes the whole revolve every two minutes. By this
motion the light progressively sweeps the whole horizon; and by its
gradual intermission and increase, it is readily distinguished from any
other. Its brilliancy is also extraordinary; and by these combined
efforts its benefits are greatly increased, as the seaman is at once
rendered completely sensible of his situation. This light was designed
by the ingenious Mr. Adam Walker, (lecturer on natural and experimental
philosophy,) under whose inspection it was constructed. The light-house
itself is of stone, and was erected, as appears from an inscription over
the door, by Captain Hugh Till, and Captain Simon Bayley, in the year
1680. The charges attending the light are defrayed by the Trinity House.
At St. Agnes is a pilchard fishery. St. Agnes' Beacon, six hundred and
sixty-four feet above the level of the sea, is formed out of an ancient
cairn, or tumulus of stones; near which, a summer-house has been built,
from whence is a fine view of St. Ives, and an extensive sea prospect.
Near the same spot is St. Agnes' Well, of which many miraculous stories
are in circulation, from its presumed holy and sanative properties.
This place gave birth to John Opie, whose persevering genius advanced
him to the highest rank in his profession. He was born at Harmony Cot,
in May 1761. The opening years of his existence indicated that he must
plod through life in the dull occupation of a carpenter, as successor to
his father and grandfather. He distinguished himself at a very early
period, for originality and strength of mind, and at twelve years of age
commenced an evening school in St. Agnes, teaching arithmetic and
writing, and reckoning amongst his scholars some who had nearly doubled
his years. His first humble attempts at portrait painting were with a
smutty stick, against the white-washed wall of his paternal cottage,
where he exhibited, in _dark colours_, very striking likenesses of the
whole family. His next step was to draw with ochre on cartridge paper.
He was apprenticed to his father, but from some unascertainable cause
was turned over to a sawyer; and it was literally in the bottom of a
saw-pit that Dr. Walcot, better known by the appellation of Peter
Pindar, (who had previously seen and admired some of Opie's rude
drawings,) first beheld this untutored child of genius, under whose
patronage he was protected, and his fame promoted. After visiting
Exeter, (where he was persuaded to change his surname, which originally
was Hoppy, to that of Opie,) finding his success was commensurate with
his abilities, it was soon determined they should be brought to act in a
wider sphere; and, in 1780, the Doctor and his pupil repaired to London,
where not agreeing as to the mode of living together, they separated,
and although their attachment had been cemented by long-continued
kindness, subsequently to this period, yet they were never after
cordially united. The opinion Opie entertained of the services which he
had received from the Doctor, may be gathered from the following curious
_note of hand_, which was said to be in the possession of the latter: "I
promise to paint, for Dr. Walcot, any picture or pictures, he may
demand, as long as I live; otherwise, I desire the world will consider
me as a ... ungrateful son of a ..., John Opie." It is not certain that
he ever deviated from this voluntary obligation, but it is matter of
pleasant remark, that he always made his friend pay eighteen-pence for
the canvass! Opie was as fortunate in London as he had been at Exeter.
To Pindar, however, he was indebted for his introduction to public
notice. Through him his pictures were shown to Mrs. Boscawen, by whom
Opie was introduced to the late Mrs. Delaney, who procured for him the
notice of King George III. An opportunity was contrived for the royal
family to see his picture of the _The Old Beggar Man_; soon after which,
Opie was honoured with a command to repair to Buckingham House. The
artist's account of this interview was given in the following
characteristical manner to Walcot, who has often been heard to relate it
with great humour. "There was Mr. West," said Opie, "in the room, and
another gentleman. First, her majesty came in; and I made a sad mistake
in respect to her, till I saw her face, and discovered by her features
that she was the queen. In a few minutes his majesty came hopping in. I
suppose," said Opie, "because he did not wish to frighten me. He looked
at the pictures and liked them; but he whispered to Mr. West--'tell the
young man I can only pay a gentleman's price for them.'" The picture
which his majesty bought was that of _A Man Struck by Lightning_. The
price given was L10, with which Opie returned to the Doctor full of
spirits. His friend, when he heard the story, said, "Why, John, thou
hast only got L8. for thy picture." "Indeed, but I have though," cried
Opie, "for I have got the L10. safe in my pocket." On this he showed him
the money. "Aye," rejoined the Doctor, "but dost thou know his majesty
has got the frame for nothing, and that is worth L2." "D--- it, so he
has," cried Opie--"I'll go back and knock at the door, and ask for the
frame; D--- it, I will." He was actually about to put his resolve into
execution, till dissuaded by the Doctor. Popularity naturally followed
this notice of royalty. The ladies, however, soon deserted him, as his
likenesses were not flattering; for where Nature had been niggardly,
Opie refused to be liberal. He afterwards became better acquainted with
the art of pleasing them; a change which has been attributed to Mrs.
Opie, who used to stand over him, and endeavour to make him sensible of
the graces of the female form. It was in the year 1786, that Mr. Opie
became known as an exhibitor at Somerset House; soon after which he
aspired to academical honours, and ultimately attained the rank of Royal
Academician, and afterwards succeeded Fuseli, in the professorship of
painting. He was twice married, but at what period his first hymeneal
union occurred we are not informed--it was inauspicious. His second
marriage, which took place on May 8, 1798, was more fortunate; and in
the society of the late Mrs. Opie, the amiable author of many beautiful
and interesting literary compositions, he enjoyed a delightful relief
from the toilsome duties of his profession. Mr. Opie was in the daily
acquisition of wealth and fame, and rapidly advancing to the very zenith
of popularity, when his mortal career was suddenly closed by death, on
Thursday, April 9, 1807, in the forty-sixth year of his age. "As a
portrait painter he has great claims to praise, particularly in his men,
which are firm, bold, and freely delineated, and occasionally well
coloured. His women are heavy, inelegant, and chiefly accompanied with a
hardness that destroys all beauty."
[Sidenote: Very high and strong light-house.]
[Sidenote: St. Agnes' beacon.]
[Sidenote: Birth-place of John Opie, the painter.]
[Sidenote: First attempts at portrait painting.]
[Sidenote: Genius fostered by Dr. Walcot.]
[Sidenote: Anecdotes of Opie.]
[Sidenote: Introduction to the King.]
[Sidenote: Opie's relation of his interview with royalty.]
[Sidenote: Royal economy.]
[Sidenote: First known as an exhibitor at Somerset House, 1786.]
[Sidenote: Died in 1807.]
Map| Names of Places. | County. | Number of Miles From |
+--+------------------------+------------+-------------+---------------+
9|Aglionby to|Cumberland |Carlisle 3|Brampton 6|
22|Aighton to|Lancaster |Clitheroe 6|Blackburn 7|
43|Aikber to|N.R. York |Middleham 5|Richmond 6|
46|Aike to|E.R. York |Beverley 6|M. Weighton 9|
9|Aikton to & pa|Cumberland |Wigton 4|Carlisle 9|
24|Ailsby pa|Lincolnshire|Gt. Grimsby 4|Caistor 9|
28|Ailsworth ham|Northamp |Peterboro 4|M. Deeping 9|
43|Ainderby Myers to|N.R. York |Catterick 3|Richmond 4|
43|Ainderby Quernhow to|N.R. York |Thirsk 6|Northallerton 8|
43|Ainderby Steeple to & pa|N.R. York |Bedale 5| 2|
9|Ainstable pa|Cumberland |Penrith 11|Carlisle 11|
46|Ainstie dis|W.R. York | | |
43|Aiskew to|N.R. York |Bedale 1|Northallerton 6|
44|Aismondersly |W.R. York |Ripon 1|Aldborough 5|
22|Ainsworth to|Lancaster |Manchester 7|Bury 3|
9|Ainthorn to|Cumberland |Wigton 10|Carlisle 12|
22|Aintree to|Lancaster |Liverpool 6|Ormskirk 8|
44|Airton to|W.R. York |Settle 6|Skipton 6|
43|Airyholme to|N.R. York |New Malton 7|York 16|
43|Aisenby to|N.R. York |Borobridge 6|Ripon 6|
43|Aislaby to & pa|N.R. York |Whitby 2|Scarboro 18|
13|Aislaby to|Durham |Stockton 4|Darlington 11|
24|Aisthorpe to & pa|Lincoln |Lincoln 7|Gainsboro 12|
29|Akeld to|Northumb |Wooler 2|Coldstream 9|
5|Akeley to & pa|Bucks |Brackley 9|Buckingham 3|
36|Akenham pa|Suffolk |Ipswich 4|Woodbridge 9|
18|Albans, St[A] bo & to|Herts |Watford 8|Dunstable 12|
+--+------------------------+------------+-------------+---------------+
|Dist.|
Map| Names of Places. |Number of Miles From |Lond.|Population
+--+-----------------------+---------------------------+-----+---------+
9|Aglionby to|Penrith 18| 302| 107|
22|Aighton to|Preston 12| 210| 1980|
43|Aikber to|Bedale 4| 234| 43|
46|Aike to|Gt. Driffield 7| 190| 86|
9|Aikton to & pa|Abbey-holm 7| 309| 753|
24|Ailsby pa|Barton 15| 165| |
28|Ailsworth ham|Stamford 9| 83| 289|
43|Ainderby Myers to|Middleham 7| 222| |
43|Ainderby Quernhow to|Ripon 7| 217| 107|
43|Ainderby Steeple to & pa|Darlington 12| 223| 802|
9|Ainstable pa|Kirk Oswald 5| 295| |
46|Ainstie dis| ... | 199| 8740|
43|Aiskew to|Richmond 9| 223| 586|
44|Aismondersly |Masham 7| 212| |
22|Ainsworth to|Bolton 8| 189| 1584|
9|Ainthorn to|Gretna Green 8| 315| 203|
22|Aintree to|Prescott 10| 212| 247|
44|Airton to|Arnecliff 7| 230| 179|
43|Airyholme to|Helmsley 6| 223| |
43|Aiseny to|Thirsk 5| 211| |
43|Aislaby to & pa|Pickering 15| 237| 402|
43|Aislaby to|Yarm 1| 244| 143|
24|Aisthorpe to & pa|Kirton 12| 140| 89|
29|Akeld to|Kirk Newton 3| 322| 171|
5|Akeley to & pa|Sto. Stratford 6| 59| 291|
36|Akenham pa|Needham 7| 73| 119|
18|Albans, St[A] bo & to|Hatfield 6| 21| 4772|
+--+------------------------+--------------------------+-----+---------+
[A] St. ALBANS is situated on the river Ver, or Muss, and consists of
three parishes; parts of two of which, extend beyond the limits of the
borough. It is said to have been the site of the ancient British
metropolis of Cassibelanus, and is very near that of the ancient Roman
Verulam, mentioned by Tacitus, being the same as the Saxon
Watlingceaster, so called because seated on the road called
Watling-street. It was here that Queen Boadicea made her celebrated
assault on the Romans, and failed, after an immense slaughter of seventy
thousand men. In 795, Offa, king of Mercia, erected an abbey here, in
memory of St. Alban, the British protomartyr, who was born here in the
third century. He served in the Roman army, but was converted to
Christianity by a monk, named Amphilabus, and suffered during the
Dioclesian persecution, A.D. 303. The abbey subsequently obtained great
privileges, and became very rich, the revenues at the dissolution
amounting to upwards of L2500. per annum. Monastic foundations had their
origin in this country, about the time of St. Augustine, who came from
Rome, to convert the Pagan Saxons to Christianity; and when Offa
ascended the throne of Mercia, about twenty great monasteries had been
founded in England, and about the same number of episcopal sees
established. Offa's zeal prompted him to do what many of his crowned
predecessors had done; but being undetermined whom to select as the
patron saint of his establishment, it is recorded that, while at the
city of Bath, an angel appeared to him in the silence of the night,
desiring him to raise out of the earth the body of Alban, the first
British martyr, and place his remains in a suitable shrine. Even the
memory of Alban had been lost for three hundred and forty years; but the
king assembling his clergy and people at Verulam, an active search was
made for his body with prayer, fasting, and alms; when it is said a ray
of light was seen by all to stand over the place of burial, similar to
the star that conducted the magi to Bethlehem. The ground was therefore
opened, and, in the presence of the king, the body of Alban was found.
Offa is said to have placed a golden circle round the head of the
deceased, with an inscription, to signify his name and title, and
immediately caused the remains of the saint to be conveyed to a small
chapel, without the walls of Verulam, as the town was then called, until
a more noble edifice could be raised for its reception. This is said to
have occurred on the 1st day of August, 791, four hundred and
ninety-four years after the martyrdom of Alban. Offa afterwards made a
journey to Rome, and obtained the desired privileges of his intended
foundation, with great commendations for his zeal and piety, from the
pope, when he undertook to build a stately church and monastery, to the
memory of St. Alban. From this abbey the town originated, which early
obtained considerable importance. The abbey church, which claims
particular attention for its size, beauty, and antiquity, is constructed
of Roman brick, to which age has given the appearance of stone. A stone
screen, erected before the communion table, in 1461, is much admired for
the richness and lightness of its sculpture. The tombs of the founder,
Offa, and that of Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, are shown here; and, not
many years ago, the leaden coffin, containing the body of the latter,
was opened, and the corpse found nearly entire. The Roman antiquities
discovered on the site have been very numerous. The effect of the
venerable abbey, when seen from a distance, is extremely imposing;
situated upon an eminence, its massive towers rise majestically above
the houses of the ancient town, which is well, known to have derived its
first importance from the Romans, since which, it has increased chiefly
under the protecting influence of successive abbots of this rich and
powerful monastery. The prospect of its mouldering ruins, forces upon
the mind a melancholy train of reflection on the instability of all
human institutions.
_Market_, Saturday.--_Fairs_, March 25 and 26; October 10 and 11, for
horses, cows, sheep, and hiring servants.--_Inns_, Angel, and White
Hart.--_Mail_ arrives 10.15 P.M. Departs 4.30 A.M.
[Sidenote: Originally the British metropolis.]
[Sidenote: King Offa's extraordinary vision, which induced him to build
the abbey.]
[Sidenote: St. Alban's body found after a lapse of 494 years; a golden
circle placed round his head.]
[Sidenote: Duke of Gloucester's body found nearly entire.]
Map| Names of Places. |County.|Number of Miles From |
+--+--------------------+-------+---------------+----------------+
38|Albourn pa|Sussex |Hurst 2|Brighton 8|
33|Albrighton to & chap|Salop |Shrewsbury 4|Wem 7|
33|Albrighton pa|Salop |Shiffnall 6|Bridgnorth 10|
27|Alburgh pa|Norfolk|Harleston 3|Bungay 5|
31|Albury pa|Oxford |Tetsworth 3|Thame 4|
+--+--------------------+-------+---------------+----------------+
|Dist. |
Map| Names of Places. |Number of Miles From |Lond. |Population.
+--+--------------------+-----------------------+------+---------+
38|Albourn pa|Cuckfield 6| 42| 362|
33|Albrighton to & chap|Ellesmere 12| 157| 1054|
33|Albrighton pa|Wolverhamp 7| 137| 98|
27|Alburgh pa|Norwich 16| 103| 586|
31|Albury pa|Wheatley 3| 45| 239|
+--+--------------------+-----------------------+------+---------+
Map| Names of Places. | County. | Number of Miles From |
+--+---------------------+---------+----------------+------------+
18 |Albury pa|Herts |Bp Stortford 5|Standon 4|
37 |Albury pa|Surrey |Guildford 6|Dorking 7|
27 |Alby pa|Norfolk |Aylesham 6|Cromer 5|
12 |Alcester lib|Dorset |Shaftesbury 1|Sherborne 16|
39 |Alcester[A] m.t. & pa|Warwick |Warwick 16|Stratford 8|
38 |Alciston pa|Sussex |Seaford 5|Hailsham 5|
19 |Alconbury pa|Hunts |Huntingdon 4|Kimbolton 8|
19 |Alconbury Weston chap|Hunts | ... 5| ... 8|
27 |Aldborough pa|Norfolk |Aylesham 5|Cromer 6|
43 |Aldborough to|N.R. York|Richmond 7|Darlington 5|
46 |Aldborough to & pa|E.R. York|Hull 11|Hornsea 6|
45 |Aldborough[B] pa & to|W.R. York|York 18|Thirsk 10|
41 |Aldbourn[C] to & pa|Wilts |Marlboro 7|Ramsbury 3|
18 |Aldbury pa|Herts |Tring 3|Dunstable 7|
22 |Aldcliffe ham|Lancaster|Lancaster 2|Garstang 10|
36 |Aldeburgh[D] m.t.|Suffolk |Orford 5|Saxmundha 7|
+--+---------------------+---------+----------------+------------+
|Dist.|
Map| Names of Places. | Number of Miles From |Lond.|Population.
+--+---------------------+--------------------------+-----+------+
18 |Albury pa|Buntingford 7| 35| 631|
37 |Albury pa|Godalming 7| 29| 929|
27 |Alby pa|N. Walsham 6| 26| 346|
12 |Alcester lib|Salisbury 20| 101| 227|
39 |Alcester[A] m.t. & pa|Bromsgrove 12| 103| 2405|
38 |Alciston pa|Lewes 7| 64| 266|
19 |Alconbury pa|Stilton 9| 63| 765|
19 |Alconbury Weston chap| ... 8| 63| 441|
27 |Aldborough pa|Holt 9| 126| 275|
43 |Aldborough to|Bernard Cas 10| 240| 522|
46 |Aldborough to & pa|Hedon 6| 185| 620|
45 |Aldborough[B] pa & to|Ripon 6| 207| 2447|
41 |Aldbourn[C] to & pa|Swindon 8| 73| 1418|
18 |Aldbury pa|Berkhampst 4| 34| 695|
22 |Aldcliffe ham|Kirk. Londs 17| 238| 96|
36 |Aldeburgh[D] m.t.|Dunwich 10| 94| 1341|
+--+---------------------+-------------------------+------+------+
[A] ALCESTER is situated at the confluence of the two small rivers, Alne
and Arrow, having a bridge over each. It is supposed to have been a
Roman station; Roman coins, urns, and similar relics, having been
frequently found here. The Roman way of Icknield Street also passed
through it, and from its situation it is deemed the Alana of Richard of
Cirencester. It was anciently a borough by prescription, and of some
note in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, when it became the
property of the Beauchamps, and afterwards of the Grevilles. The church
is a fine gothic structure; the market is well supplied with corn; and
the manufacture of needles is very extensive. Here is a Free School,
founded by Walter Newport, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, and various
alms-houses and small charities, originating in different benefactors.
Traces of the site of an abbey, founded in the reign of King Stephen, to
the north of the town, are still visible.
_Market_, Tuesday.--_Mail_ arrives 9-1/2 A.M., departs 8-1/2
P.M.--_Inn_, Angel.--_Fairs_, March 20, June 23, Tuesday before April
5, May 18, 2nd Tuesday in July, for cheese.
[Sidenote: A Roman station.]
[Sidenote: Many relics of antiquity found.]
[Sidenote: Traces of an abbey founded by King Stephen.]
[B] ALDBOROUGH. _Fair_, September 4.
[C] ALDBOURN. _Market_, Tuesday.
[D] ALDEBURGH is pleasantly situated in the valley of Slaughton, and
bounded on the eastern side by the sea, which has made considerable
encroachments, and nearly washed a street away. The river Ald runs on
the south side, and forms a convenient quay. The town is mean in
construction, and chiefly inhabited by fishermen and seafaring people.
Soles, lobsters, and other fish are abundant. It is remarkable as the
birth-place of the late Rev. George Crabbe, emphatically styled the
_Poet of the Poor_, who was born December 24, 1754. His father was an
officer in the Customs, and at first gave him an education, merely
suitable to follow the same pursuit; but when his prospects brightened,
he removed his son to a classical seminary, where he was instructed for
a surgeon and apothecary, to which profession he was in due time
apprenticed, but relinquished all views of establishing himself in
practice. At a very early period he became a versifier; and among his
precocious attempts was a prize poem, on _Hope_, which was inserted in
the _Lady's Magazine_, then published by Mr. Wheeble. Crabbe came to
London, in 1778, with L3. in his pocket, and made versification his
chief study. His first published work was _The Candidate_, a poem, in
quarto, which came into the world anonymously, in 1780, and was
favourably received. A short time afterwards, his poverty and poetry
induced him to seek the patronage of Edmund Burke, to whom he submitted
a large quantity of miscellaneous composition; he had no introduction to
Mr. Burke, excepting his own letter, stating his circumstances; no
recommendation but his distress, and yet his application was attended
with success. His patron introduced him to some of the first men in the
country, and soon after became the means of benefiting his fame and
fortune; he selected from young Crabbe's works, _The Library_ and _The
Village_, suggesting at the same time certain corrections and
improvements. Among the eminent persons to whom he was thus introduced,
was the Right Hon. Charles James Fox, Sir Joshua Reynolds, at whose
mansion he first beheld, and was made known to, Dr. Johnson, who gave
the young poet his opinion of _The Village_. Mr. Burke having directed
Mr. Crabbe's views to the church, in 1781 he was ordained a deacon by
the Bishop of Norwich, and priest by the same dignitary in the following
year; he was next appointed domestic chaplain to the Duke of Rutland at
Belvoir Castle. As Mr. Crabbe had not received a university education,
he was offered a degree by Trinity College, Cambridge, but eventually
received the grant from the Archbishop of Canterbury, at Lambeth, and
thus became a Bachelor of Laws. Burke also introduced Mr. Crabbe to Lord
Chancellor Thurlow, who presented him to rectories in Dorset and Lincoln
consecutively. He had previously a curacy at Strathorn, a village near
Belvoir Castle, where he married and became a father; he was universally
respected for his talents and virtues, and died at Trowbridge, at seven
o'clock in the morning of the 8th of February, 1832. The publications of
Mr. Crabbe have placed him high on the roll of British Poets.
_Market_, Wednesday and Saturday.--_Fairs_, March 1, and May 3, for
toys.--_Inn_, White Lion.--_Mail_ arrives at 9-1/2 A.M. departs 5-1/2
P.M.
[Sidenote: Birth place of the Rev. George Crabbe, the poet. Biographical
sketch of his life.]
[Sidenote: Crabbe's arrival in London, 1778.]
[Sidenote: His first published work well received.]
[Sidenote: Crabbe's introduction to eminent persons.]
[Sidenote: Promoted to the church.]
[Sidenote: Died at Trowbridge 1132.]
Map| Names of Places.| County. | Number of Miles From |
+--+-----------------+----------+--------------+---------------+
27|Aldeby pa|Norfolk |Beccles 3|Yarmouth 11|
18|Aldenham pa|Herts |Watford 3|St. Albans 6|
41|Alderbury to|Wilts |Salisbury 3|Downton 4|
27|Alderford pa|Norfolk |Reepham 3|Norwich 9|
15|Alderley pa|Gloucester|Wickwar 4|Wooton 2|
7|Alderley pa|Chester |Macclesfield 5|Knutsford 5|
4|Aldermaston[A] pa|Berks |Reading 10|Newbury 8|
42|Alderminster pa|Worcester |Evesham 10|Stratford-Av. 5|
41|Alderton pa|Wilts |Malmsbury 6|Tetbury 7|
15|Alderton pa|Gloucester|Winchcomb 3|Cheltenham 7|
28|Alderton pa|Northamp |Towcester 4|Northampton 9|
36|Alderton pa|Suffolk |Woodbridge 7|Orford 9|
7|Aldersey to|Chester |Chester 8|Tarporley 8|
16|Aldershott pa|Hants |Farnham 3|Odiham 8|
10|Alderwasley to|Derby |Wirksworth 1|Matlock 4|
7|Aldford to & pa|Chester |Chester 5|Malpas 10|
45|Aldfield to|W.R. York |Ripon 3|Ripley 4|
14|Aldham pa|Essex |Coggeshall 4|Colchester 6|
36|Aldham pa|Suffolk |Hadley 2|Stow-Market 9|
38|Aldingbourn pa|Sussex |Chichester 4|Arundel 7|
22|Aldingham pa|Lancaster |Ulverstone 5|Dalton 4|
21|Aldington[B] pa|Kent |Hythe 6|Ashford 7|
+--+-----------------+----------+--------------+---------------+
|Dist. |
Map| Names of Places.| Number of Miles From |Lond. |population.
+--+-----------------+-------------------------+------+--------+
27|Aldeby pa|Lowestoft 7| 112| 530|
18|Aldenham pa|Elstree 3| 17| 1494|
41|Alderbury to|Farley 3| 80| 1323|
27|Alderford pa|Aylesham 7| 108| 40|
15|Alderley pa|Tetbury 8| 108| 200|
7|Alderley pa|Congleton 8 172| 1338|
4|Aldermaston[A] pa|Kingsclere 5| 49| 636|
42|Alderminster pa|Shipston-Sto. 6| 89| 454|
41|Alderton pa|Chippenham 8| 103| 213|
15|Alderton pa|Tewkesbury 7| 102| 330|
28|Alderton pa|Sto. Stratford 9| 58| 162|
36|Alderton pa|Ipswich 12| 79| 575|
7|Aldersey to|Malpas 5| 175| 138|
16|Aldershott pa|Frimley 6| 35| 665|
10|Alderwasley to|Bakewell 9| 138| 424|
7|Aldford to & pa|Tarporley 9| 177| 710|
45|Aldfield to|Borobridge 7|2 08| 133|
14|Aldham pa|Neyland 6| 48| 407|
36|Aldham pa|Ipswich 8| 66| 318|
38|Aldingbourn pa|Bognor 5| 62| 833|
22|Aldingham pa|Lancaster 15| 277| 884|
21|Aldington[B] pa|New Romney 8| 60| 732|
+--+-----------------+-------------------------+------+--------+
[A] ALDERMASTON. _Fairs_, May 6, July 7, for horses and cattle, and
October 11, for pedlery.
[B] ALDINGTON. Elizabeth Barton, commonly called the Holy Maid of Kent,
a religious impostor, lived in the reign of Henry VIII. She was a
servant at Aldington, and having been for a long time afflicted with
convulsions, which distorted her limbs and countenance, and threw her
body into the most violent agitations, acquired a power of
counterfeiting the same appearances whenever she pleased. Richard
Master, who then held this living, with other ecclesiastics, thinking
her a proper instrument for their purpose, induced her to pretend that
all she said and did, was by a supernatural impulse, and taught her to
act her part in the most perfect manner. Thus she pretended to be
honoured with visions; to hear heavenly voices and most ravishing
melody; she declaimed against the wickedness of the times, against
heresy and innovations; exhorting all persons to frequent the church, to
hear masses, to make frequent confessions, and to pray to our lady, and
all saints. This artful management, with her apparent piety, virtue, and
austerity of life, completely deceived even Sir Thomas More, Bishop
Fisher, and Archbishop Warham, the last of which appointed commissioners
to examine her, to whom she was instructed to say, in her counterfeit
trances, that she should never recover till she went to visit the image
of the Virgin Mary, in a chapel dedicated to her in this parish, which
was done. After that she pretended that she was called to be a nun, and
the Archbishop being fully satisfied with the reports, had her placed in
the nunnery of St. Sepulchre, Canterbury, where she alleged she had
visions and revelations of a divine nature, so as to completely impose
upon the public. The main object of the priests, her managers, was
directed publicly to announce how God had revealed to her, "that in case
the king should divorce Queen Catherine of Anjou, and take another wife
during her life, his royalty would not be of a month's duration, but
that he should die the death of a villain," which created considerable
excitement, and much controversy: encouraged by the lenity of the
government, the ecclesiastics in this conspiracy, resolved to publish
the revelations of the nun throughout the kingdom. They had communicated
them to the Pope's Ambassadors, and exhorted Queen Catherine to persist
in her resolutions. At length this confederacy became a serious affair,
and Henry ordered the maid and her accomplices to be examined in the
Star Chamber, where they confessed all the particulars of the imposture;
and afterwards, upon a scaffold erected at Paul's Cross, were compelled
to hear their confession publicly read; they were confined in the Tower
until the meeting of parliament, by whom the whole affair was pronounced
to be a conspiracy against the king's life, and crown. The nun, and her
confederates, were eventually attainted of high treason, and executed at
Tyburn, April 20th, 1534, where she confessed the imposture, laying the
blame on her accomplices, the priests; craving pardon of God, and the
King.
[Sidenote: The History of the Holy Maid of Kent.]
[Sidenote: Holy Maid of Kent.]
[Sidenote: The imposture detected.]
[Sidenote: Herself and confederates executed at Tyburn.]
Map| Names of Places. | County. | Number of Miles From |
+--+-----------------------+----------+--------------+----------------+
42|Aldington ham| Worcester| Evesham 3| Moreton 10|
35|Aldridge pa| Stafford| Walsall 3|Sut. Coldfield 4|
36|Aldringham pa| Suffolk| Aldeburgh 2| Saxmundha 5|
38|Aldrington pa| Sussex| Brighton 5| Steyning 6|
9|Aldstone Moor[A] to & pa|Cumberland| Carlisle 25| Kirk Oswald 12|
15|Aldsworth pa|Gloucester| Northleach 4| Fairford 6|
16|Aldwark to| Derby| Wirksworth 4| Ashbourn 6|
44|Aldwark to| N. R York| Borobridge 5| Easingwold 4|
45|Aldwarke to| W. R York| Rotherham 2| Sheffield 4|
28|Aldwinckle-all Saints p| Northamp| Thrapston 3| Kettering 10|
28|Aldwinckle-St Peter pa| Northamp| ... 3| ... 10|
4|Aldsworth[B] pa| Berks|East Ilsley 4| Wallingford 7|
+--+------------------------+----------+--------------+----------------+
|Dist. |
Map| Names of Places. | Number of Miles From |Lond. |Population.
+--+-----------------------+-------------------------+------+---------+
42|Aldington ham|Alcester 10| 96| 104|
35|Aldridge pa|Lichfleld 6| 116| 1804|
36|Aldringham pa|Dunwich 7| 94| 362|
38|Aldrington pa|Worthing 7| 55| 615|
9|Aldstone Moor[A] to & pa|Haltwhistle 10| 272| 6858|
15|Aldsworth pa|Burford 4| 78| 353|
16|Aldwark to|Winster 6| 145| 97|
44|Aldwark to|Knaresboro 9| 202| 190|
45|Aldwarke to|Barnsley 8| 172| ...|
28|Aldwinckle-all Saints p|Oundle 5| 76| 247|
28|Aldwinckle-St Peter pa| ... 5| 76| 171|
4|Aldsworth[B] pa|Newbury 11| 50| 268|
+--+------------------------+------------------------+------+--------+
[A] ALDSTONE MOOR, in Leath Ward, is situated on the borders of
Northumberland, in the most picturesque and romantic part of the county.
The town itself stands upon a hill, at the bottom of which runs the
river Tyne. The immediate vicinity abounds in lead-mines, on estates
which once belonged to the Derwentwater family. On the attainder of the
last earl, they were granted in aid of the support of Greenwich
Hospital, from the trustees of which national institution, the mines are
at present leased. Satin spar is found in this parish; there is also a
pool on Gildersdale Fell, the slime of which is used for painting
yellow. About three miles from the town, are the earthworks of Whitley
castle, where relics of antiquity have frequently been discovered.
_Market_, Saturday.--_Fairs_, last Thursday in May, 1st Thursday in
September, for cattle, horses, linen and woollen cloth.
[Sidenote: Picturesque and Romantic scenery.]
[Sidenote: The slime of a pool use for painting yellow.]
[B] ALDWORTH is pleasantly situated on a hill: here was anciently a
mansion belonging to the family of De La Beche, the site of which is now
Beach Farm. In the churchyard is a remarkable yew-tree, the trunk
measuring nine yards in circumference, at upwards of four feet from the
ground. The church is celebrated for its very ancient monuments, nine in
number, disposed in enriched arches on each side, and in the centre of
the interior; these are supposed to belong to the De La Beche family,
and from the costume of the figures upon the tombs, may be referred to
the fourteenth century; six of them are knights in armour; two are
females, and one in the common habit of the time; some of the knights
are represented lying cross-legged; these had vowed, or accompanied a
crusade; the workmanship is excellent, and the attitude and expression
of each of the figures that remain perfect, are exceedingly graceful,
but several of the monuments are now considerably mutilated. The font is
very ancient, and remarkably plain, but very capacious, and somewhat
singular in its form.
[Sidenote: Remarkable yew-tree, nine yards round.]
[Sidenote: Church celebrated for ancient monuments.]
Map| Names of Places. | County. | Number of Miles From |
+--+------------------------+----------+--------------+--------------+
29|Alemouth to|Northumb |Lesbury 2|Alnwick 5|
28|Alesworth ham|Northamp |Deeping 7|Wandsford 3|
37|Alfold pa|Surrey |Guildford 10|Godalming 7|
24|Alford m.t. & pa|Lincoln |Saltfleet 12|Lincoln 34|
34|Alford pa|Somerset |Shepton 7|Castle Cary 2|
10|Alfreton[A] pa|Derby |Derby 14|Wirksworth 10|
42|Alfrick chap|Worcester |Bromvard 6|Worcester 8|
38|Alfriston pa|Sussex |Newhaven 5|Seaford 3|
24|Algarkirk pa|Lincoln |Fosdyke Br. 3|Boston 6|
31|Alkerton pa|Oxford |Shipston 8|Banbury 6|
21|Alkham pa|Kent |Canterbury 12|Dover 4|
15|Alkington ti & to|Gloucester|Old Passage 10|Berkeley 1|
10|Alkmonton to|Derby |Derby 10|Ashbourn 5|
22|Alkrington to|Lancaster |Rochdale 7|Manchester 6|
41|Alcannings pa & to|Wilts |Calne 7|Devizes 4|
29|Allendale pa & to|Northumb |Aldsto. Moor 10|Hexham 8|
29|Allen-Head pa|Northumb | ... 9|Hexham 12|
8|Allen, St. pa|Cornwall |St. Michael 4|Truro 4|
17|Allensmore pa|Hereford |Thruxton 2|Hereford 4|
29|Allenton pa & to|Northumb |Wooler 16|Rothbury 8|
34|Aller pa|Somerset |Taunton 11|Somerton 6|
9|Allerby to|Cumberland|Wigton 8|Cockermout 7|
43|Allerston pa|N.R. York |New Malton 8|Pickering 5|
46|Allerthorpe pa|E.R. York |York 11|Pocklington 2|
43|Allerthorpe to|N.R. York |Northallerton 6|Bedale 5|
22|Allerton to|Lancaster |Warrington 12|Liverpool 6|
34|Allerton Chapel pa|Somerset |Wells 10|Axbridge 3|
45|Allerton Chapel pa|W.R. York |Halifax 7|Leeds 2|
45|Allerton to|W.R. York |Ottley 5|Bradford 4|
45|Allerton Bywater to|W.R. York |Wakefield 6|Pontefract 5|
45|Allerton Mauleverer[B] p|W.R. York |Wetherby 5|Knaresboro 4|
+--+------------------------+----------+---------------+-------------+
|Dist.|
Map| Names of Places. | Number of Miles From |Lond.|Population.
+--+------------------------+--------------------------+-----+-------+
29|Alemouth to|Morpeth 19| 311| 415|
28|Alesworth ham|Peterborough 5| 87| 289|
37|Alfold pa|Haslemere 9| 41| 514|
24|Alford m.t. & pa||Louth 11| 142| 1784|
34|Alford pa|Glastonbury 8| 115| 137|
10|Alfreton[A] pa|Mansfield 9| 139| 5691|
42|Alfrick chap||Gt. Malvern 10| 119| 493|
38|Alfriston pa|Hailsham 6| 55| 694|
24|Algarkirk pa|Donnington 7| 111| 651|
31|Alkerton pa|Kineton 6| 77| 192|
21|Alkham pa|Folkestone 4| 69| 542|
15|Alkington ti & to|Dursley 3| 113| 1167|
10|Alkmonton to|Uttoxeter 7| 134| 79|
22|Alkrington to|Oldham 1| 187| 367|
41|Alcannings pa & to|Marlborough 9| 88| 811|
29|Allendale pa & to|Haltwhistle 10| 273| 5540|
29|Allen-Head pa|Allendale 4| 268| ...|
8|Allen, St. pa|Falmouth 12| 252| 637|
17|Allensmore pa|Ross 12| 131| 592|
29|Allenton pa & to|Bellingham 15| 310| 822|
34|Aller pa|Bridgewater 8| 128| 490|
9|Allerby to|Abbey-Holm 6| 313| ...|
43|Allerston pa|Scarborough 10| 220| 385|
46|Allerthorpe pa|M. Weighton 6| 212| 185|
43|Allerthorpe to|Thirsk 6| 218| 167|
22|Allerton to|Prescott 6| 202| 374|
34|Allerton Chapel pa|Bridgewater 11| 132| 313|
45|Allerton Chapel pa|Bradford 8| 194| 1730|
45|Allerton to|Keighly 4| 200| 1733|
45|Allerton Bywater to|Leeds 6| 182| 375|
45|Allerton Mauleverer[B] p|Borobridge 5| 202| ...|
+--+------------------------+--------------------------+-----+-------+
[A] ALFRETON, is situated about two miles from the commencement of the
moors, which extend so widely in this county. The town is supposed to
have been built by King Alfred, and to derive its name from him. The
spot is shown where the house stood in which he lived. The inhabitants
are principally employed in a stocking manufactory, and in the
neighbouring collieries. Earthenware is also made in this place, and the
Monday market, for corn, is considerable. In Greenhill Lane, near this
town, seven hundred Roman coins, were discovered by a labourer employed
in repairing a fence.
_Markets_, Monday and Friday.--_Mail_ arrives 2-1/4 P.M., departs
9-1/4 A.M.--_Fairs_, horses and cattle, October 8, and November 22,
statute.--_Inns_, Angel, and George.
[Sidenote: Built by King Alfred.]
[Sidenote: 700 Roman coins found here.]
[B] ALLERTON MAULEVERER, is situated in a very beautiful part of
Yorkshire. The park now in the possession of _Lord Stourton_, consists
of about four hundred acres, in which is a superb mansion; the land is
very rich, and charmingly diversified by a variety of hills, dales, and
groves, which are considerably enlivened, and receive much additional
beauty, from a very fine expanse of water. An octagonal tower has been
built on a lofty hill, finely shaded with trees; it consists of two
rooms, and is approached by a double flight of steps, each of which, as
well as the terrace around the building, are protected by iron
palisades. From this commanding situation, all the various beauties of
the park are seen to the greatest advantage, and many extensive and
diversified prospects are enjoyed. Here was a priory of Benedictine
monks, founded by Richard Mauleverer, in the reign of Henry II., which
was dissolved about three centuries afterwards by King Henry VI. The
manor was the seat of the Mauleverer family for more than five hundred
years, when Sir Richard, the last heir, who died unmarried, left the
estate by will to his mother, who, afterwards by marriage, conveyed it
to the Arundel family, and from them it became the property of the
Honourable, William Monkton Arundel, Viscount Galway, whose son, the
late Lord Galway, sold it in the year 1786, to the late Duke of York,
who afterwards occasionally resided in the park, with George IV., then
Prince of Wales. The estate, comprising four thousand five hundred and
twenty-five acres, was sold by the Royal Duke to Colonel Thornton, for
L110,000; and was, in 1805, resold by that gentleman to the late Lord
Stourton, father of the present proprietor. The mansion stands on a
gentle elevation; it was erected by his Royal Highness the Duke of York,
and has since been considerably improved.
[Sidenote: Extensive park and mansion.]
[Sidenote: Picturesque tower.]
[Sidenote: Here was a Priory of Benedictine monks.]
[Sidenote: Sale of the estate by the late Duke of York, for L110,000.]
Map|Names of Places.| County. | Number of Miles From |
+--+----------------+----------+------------+--------------+
39|Allesley pa|Warwick |Coventry 2|Nuneaton 8|
10|Allestrey pa|Derby |Derby 2|Ashbourn 14|
23|Allexton pa|Leicester |Rockingham 6|M. Harboro 9|
9|Allhallows pa|Cumberland|Wigton 5|Market Ireby 4|
21|Allhallows pa|Kent |Rochester 7|Sheerness 5|
12|Allington pa|Dorset |Bridport 1|Lyme Regis 8|
21|Allington[A] pa|Kent |Maidstone 2|Rochester 7|
+--+----------------+----------+------------+--------------+
|Dist.|
Map|Names of Places.| Number of Miles From |Lond.|Population.
+--+----------------+-----------------------+--------------+
39|Allesley pa|Kenilworth 6| 93| 875|
10|Allestrey pa|Alfreton 13| 128| 501|
23|Allexton pa||Uppingham 5| 89| 68|
9|Allhallows pa|Allonby 7| 308| 205|
21|Allhallows pa|Queenboro 6| 36| 263|
12|Allington pa|Beaminster 5| 136| 1300|
21|Allington[A] pa|Wrotham 8| 32| 37|
+--+----------------+-----------------------+-----+--------+
[A] ALLINGTON. Situated in the hundred of Larkefield, in the lathe of
Aylesford, near the river Medway. ALLINGTON CASTLE was originally
built in the Saxon times, by a noble family denominated _Columbary_,
but was razed afterwards by the Danes. The manor was given after the
conquest to Bishop Odo, (in whose time there was a _church_ at
Allington,) and on his disgrace, to the great Earl Warrenne, who is
stated to have had the castle rebuilt, which, however, seems to be
doubtful, as the famous Sir Stephen Penchester, constable of Dover
Castle, in the reign of Edward I., and then owner of this manor, had a
license to fortify, and embattle, his mansion-house here. It passed
afterwards to the _Cobham_ family; and from them to the _Brents_, by
whom it was alienated to Sir Henry Wyatt, a descendant from a worthy
Yorkshire family; who, besides losing seventeen manors, was deprived of
his liberty for engaging in the plot against Richard III. in favour of
the Earl of Richmond; but when success had crowned the attempts of the
latter, he was released by the new king, knighted, made banneret, a
knight of the bath, and a privy counsellor. He made this castle his
residence; and here was born his accomplished son and successor, Sir
Thomas Wyatt. This gentleman who was equally renowned, as a scholar, a
soldier, and a statesman, (in consequence of which he was considered to
be "the delight of the muses and mankind") made this a "fair seat," and
was visited here by Henry VIII., (as his father Sir Henry had also
been,) with whom he was a great favourite; though he appears in some
degree to have unintentionally excited his jealousy, through the
admiration which his accomplishments had raised in the breast of the
fascinating Anne Boleyn. He died in his thirty-eighth year, at
Sherborne, in Dorsetshire, of a violent fever. His son Sir Thomas Wyatt,
the younger, being deprived of his estates and life, for treason against
Queen Mary, this castle and manor became vested in the crown, and were
granted, on lease by Elizabeth, to John Astley Esq., master of her
jewels, in her eleventh year. His son, Sir John Astley, afterwards had
the whole granted to him by the queen's letters patent, dated in her
twenty-sixth year, and from his family it was transferred to that of
Lord Romney, and is now the property of the present earl. The remains of
the castle are particularly curious and interesting, but give the idea
rather of a fortified dwelling, than of a place of strength. The moat
still exists, as does the entrance gateway, which was erected by the
Cobhams. Besides the castle and parsonage, (a mere cottage,) there is
only one house in this parish; though Sir Stephen de Penchester is
recorded to have procured a grant of a market weekly, and a three days
annual fair for his manor of Allington.
[Sidenote: The castle.]
[Sidenote: Mansion given to Bishop Odo.]
[Sidenote: Sir Henry Wyatt deprived of seventeen manors and his liberty,
for treason.]
[Sidenote: Sir Thomas Wyatt, was an accomplished scholar, soldier and
statesman.]
[Sidenote: Parish consists of one house, a church, and a cottage.]
Map| Names of Places. | County. | Number of Miles From |
+--+-----------------------+----------+------------------------------+
41|Allington pa|Wilts |Amesbury 4|Salisbury 6|
41|Allington to|Wilts |Chippenham 2|Malmsbury 9|
41|Allington to|Wilts |Devizes 4|Calne 7|
11|Allington, East pa|Devon |Kingsbridge 4|Dartmouth 6|
11|Allington, West pa|Devon | ... 1|Modbury 7|
24|Allington, West pa|Lincoln |Grantham 5|Newark 10|
22|Allithwaite, Upper to|Lancaster |Cartmel 3|Hawkeshead 11|
22|Allithwaite, Lower to|Lancaster | ... 1| ... 13|
9|Allonby to|Cumberland|Wigton 11|Cockermouth 9|
7|Allostock to|Chester |Knutsford 5|Middlewich 5|
36|All Saints, St. Elm pa|Suffolk |Halesworth 5|Bungay 5|
17|Almeley pa|Hereford |Weobly 5|Kington 4|
12|Almer, West pa|Dorset |Blandford 6|Bere Regis 6|
35|Almington to|Stafford |Drayton 1|Newcastle 12|
39|Almington & Delph to|Warwick |Tamworth 2|Atherstone 7|
38|Almodington pa|Sussex |Chichester 6|Bognor 10|
45|Almondbury[A] pa & to|W.R. York |Huddersfield 2|Barnsley 10|
15|Almondsbury pa & ti|Gloucester|Thornbury 4|Old Pas. Hou. 5|
34|Almsford pa|Somerset |Castle Cary 1|Bruton 4|
43|Alne pa & to|N.R. York |Easingwold 3|Borobridge 6|
39|Alne, Great chap & to|Warwick |Alcester 3|Henley-Arden 5|
29|Alnham pa & to|Northumb |Alnwick 14|Wooler 11|
29|Alnwick[B] m.t. & pa|Northumb |Newcastle 34|Morpeth 9|
+--+-----------------------+----------+--------------+---------------+
|Dist.|
Map| Names of Places. | Number of Miles From |Lond.|Population.
+--+-----------------------+-------------------------+-----+---------+
41|Allington pa|Andover 11| 77| 80|
41|Allington to|Bath 13| 95| 162|
41|Allington to|Marlboro 10| 88| 162|
11|Allington, East pa|Totness 7| 205| 677|
11|Allington, West pa|Plymouth 18| 207| 872|
24|Allington, West pa|M. Mowbray 16| 115| 357|
22|Allithwaite, Upper to|Ulverstone 11| 255| 759|
22|Allithwaite, Lower to|..by Ferry 6| 257| 838|
9|Allonby to|Abbey-Holm 8| 315| 783|
7|Allostock to|Northwich 6| 168| 448|
36|All Saints, St. Elm pa|Harleston 5| 105| 439|
17|Almeley pa|Leominster 7| 107| ...|
35|Almington to|Eccleshall 10| 158| 340|
39|Almington & Delph to|Coleshill 10| 112| 264|
38|Almodington pa|Selsea-Bill 4| 68| ...|
45|Almondbury[A] pa & to|Wakefield 9| 186| 30606|
15|Almondsbury pa & ti|Bristol 8| 117| 1408|
34|Almsford pa|Glastonbury 9| 114| 304|
43|Alne pa & to|Thirsk 9| 212| 1967|
39|Alne, Great chap & to|Stratford 7| 103| 343|
29|Alnham pa & to|Rothbury 9| 314| 278|
29|Alnwick[B] m.t. & pa| ... 11| 308| 6788|
+--+-----------------------+-------------------------+-----+---------+
[A] ALMONDBURY is situated near the river Calder, in the upper division
of the wapentake of Aybrigg. Here is a grammar school, founded by patent
from James I. and endowed with about L120 per annum. This place is noted
for its extensive woollen manufactories. It was anciently called
Albanbury. In the neighbourhood traces of an ancient castle, on an
eminence, are still discernable. It is supposed, by some antiquarians,
to have been the Campodonum of the Romans, and subsequently a royal seat
of some of the Saxon kings.
[Sidenote: Grammar school founded by James I.]
[Sidenote: Ancient castle. Campodonum of the Romans.]
[B] ALNWICK, is on the high road from London to Berwick, and usually
regarded as the capital of the county. It is situated partly in the
southern division of Barnborough Ward, and partly in the eastern
division of Coquetdale Ward. It is built irregularly, on the declivities
of a hill, near the river Alne, over which a handsome stone bridge was
erected by the late Duke of Northumberland, which bears the Percy crest
on the parapet; there is also another bridge, of one arch, lower down
the river; these two bridges serve as boundaries to the fine lawns
surrounding the castle. At the head of Pottergate is a tower or
clock-house, built in 1786. An abbey of Premonstratension canons was
founded at Alnwick by Eustace St. John, in the year 1147. It was
pleasantly situated on the northern margin of the Alne, the site of
which was granted, in 1549, to Ralph Sadler, and Lawrence Wennington,
after which it became the seat of the Brandling family, and also of the
Doubleday family, by whom it was sold to the Duke of Northumberland. A
fine gate house still remains, on which the Percy arms is visible. This
town has a spacious market place, and a considerable town hall, in which
the sessions and county courts are held. It is paved, watched, and
lighted, under an act passed in 1821. Although the county town, the
assizes are held at Newcastle. Alnwick Castle has been for many
centuries a fortress of great strength, and the family mansion of the
Percys'; it stands on an eminence on the south side of the Alne,
opposite to the town, and commands a beautiful view of the country. The
walls are flanked with sixteen gothic towers, the battlements of which,
are ornamented with figures of ancient warriors: it is very celebrated
in border history, and was peculiarly fatal to the kings of Scotland, of
whom Malcolm II. and his son Edward, fell before it; and William,
surnamed the Lion, was taken prisoner. The castle has lately undergone a
complete repair; great attention having been paid to the restoration of
the gothic ornaments in their original style. The chapel has been
rendered extremely beautiful, by the introduction of a ceiling, in
imitation of the celebrated one of King's College, Cambridge. There is
also a handsome window, on the model of one at York Minster, and the
walls are painted in the manner of those of the cathedral of Milan. The
tenants of the estate at Alnwick, in the year 1818, erected a monument
to the memory of the late Duke of Northumberland, who died in 1817, and
was buried in Westminster Abbey. The Percy column, as it is called,
stands on a beautiful knoll, adjoining the road on the southern entrance
to the town; it rises without a pedestal, and may be seen in every
direction, it is eighty-three feet in height, but may be ascended easily
by a circular flight of stairs within. There is an immemorial custom
continued here on the proclamation of the several fairs; divers adjacent
townships, which are free of toll in the borough, by this service, send
their deputies to attend the bailiff, on the eve of the fair, when he
makes proclamation; after which they keep watch all night in every part
of the town, and this is the most perfect remains of watch and ward
retained in any part of this country. It is said that King John, having
endured considerable inconvenience from the miry state of the roads, in
humorous revenge, directed that for the future, the freemen of Alnwick,
should be made in the following manner, which is still observed.--On St.
Mark's day, those who are to be made free, assemble in the market place,
dressed in white, with white caps, and a sword by their side. They
proceed on horseback from this place to the town moor, headed by the
four chamberlains, attired in the same manner, where they alight and
rush through a muddy pool; having performed this ceremony, they change
their soiled garments, and return to the town. Here is a free school,
supported by a revenue arising out of the tolls, and various minor
charities.
_Market_, Saturday,--_Mail_ arrives 6-1/4 A.M., departs 5-1/2
P.M.--_Fairs_, Palm Sunday eve, for shoes, hats, &c.; May 12th,
horses and horned cattle; last Monday in July, linen and woollen
cloth; 1st Tuesday in October, and October 28th, horses and cattle;
and Saturday before Christmas Day, for shoes, hats, and
woollens.--_Bankers_, Ridley and Co., draw on Glynn and Co.--_Inn_,
White Swan.
[Sidenote: An abbey of monks, founded in 1147.]
[Sidenote: Fortress of great strength.]
[Sidenote: The fall of Malcolm II. and his son Edward.]
[Sidenote: Monument to the memory of the late Duke of Northumberland.]
[Sidenote: Curious customs in Alnwick.]
[Sidenote: Making freemen at Alnwick through a muddy pool.]
Map| Names of Places. |County.| Number of Miles From |
+--+----------------------+-------+------------+------------+
14|Alphamstone pa|Essex |Halstead 5|Sudbury 5|
36|Alphaston pa|Suffolk|Sudbury 7|Lavenham 3|
11|Alphington pa|Devon |Exeter 1|Topsham 5|
27|Alpington pa|Norfolk|Norwich 6|Loddon 5|
7|Alpraham to|Chester|Tarporley 3|Malpas 8|
14|Alresford pa|Essex |Colchester 5|St. Osyth 6|
16|Alresford, New[A] m.t.|Hants |Southamp. 19|Winchester 7|
+--+----------------------+-------+------------+------------+
| |Dist.|
Map| Names of Places. |Number of Miles From|Lond.|Population.
+--+----------------------+--------------------+-----+------+
14|Alphamstone pa|Colchester 10| 50| 277|
36|Alphaston pa|Bury 10| 61| 309|
11|Alphington pa|Chudleigh 8| 167| 1236|
27|Alpington pa|Hempnell 6| 119| 197|
7|Alpraham to|Nantwich 7| 176| 418|
14|Alresford pa||Manningtre 8| 56| 297|
16|Alresford, New[A] m.t.|Alton 10| 57| 1437|
+--+----------------------+--------------------+-----+------+
[A] NEW ALRESFORD, is in the north division of the hundred of Alton:
seated on the river Itchin, at no great distance from its source. It was
anciently a more populous place than at present, the navigation of the
river, having at one time extended from Southampton to this town;
whereas, it now ceases at Winchester. Alresford is divided into two
parishes, of which that of Old Alresford is deemed the mother church.
The town, which formerly sent a member to parliament, is governed by a
bailiff and eight burgesses; and the petty sessions are held here. There
is a manufacture of linseys of some consequence, but generally speaking,
the trade is much decayed. At Tichbourne Hall, about two miles distant,
the seat of Sir H. Tichbourne, there has been bestowed annually, on Lady
Day, from the reign of Henry II. a gift to every applicant of twopence
in bread or money; of which bounty, in some years, no less than
seventeen hundred persons have partaken.
_Market_, Thursday.--_Mail_ arrives 3-1/2 A.M. departs 11-1/2
P.M.--_Fairs_, last Thursday in July, and October 17, sheep,
&c.--_Bankers_, Knapp & Co. draw on Barclay & Co.--_Inn_, Swan.
[Sidenote: Formerly a populous place.]
[Sidenote: Tichbourne Hall, seat of Sir H. Tichbourne.]
Map| Names of Places. | County. | Number of Miles From |
+--+--------------------+---------+------------+--------------+
16|Alresford, Old pa|Hants |Southamp. 19|Winchester 7|
35|Alrewas pa|Stafford |Lichfield 5|Burton 8|
35|Alewas Hayes dis|Stafford | ... 4| ... 9|
7|Alsager pa|Chester |Sandbach 5|Congleton 9|
10|Alsop-le-Dale pa|Derby |Ashbourn 6|Longnor 8|
22|Alston to|Lancaster|Preston 6|Blackburn 6|
42|Alstone chap|Worcester|Tewkesbury 5|Evesham 7|
35|Alstonefield pa & to|Stafford |Ashbourn 6|Longnor 6|
22|Altcar chap|Lancaster|Ormskirk 6|Liverpool 11|
8|Alternon pa|Cornwall |Launceston 8|Camelford 8|
22|Altham to & chap|Lancaster|Burnley 5|Colne 11|
14|Althorne pa|Essex |Maldon 6|Southminster 3|
24|Althorp pa & to|Lincoln |Burton 5|Epworth 5|
27|Althorpe ham|Norfolk |Fakenham 2|N. Walsingh. 3|
48|Altmawr chap|Brecon |Builth 3|Brecon 12|
45|Altofts to|W.R. York|Wakefield 4|Leeds 8|
16|Alton[A] m.t. & pa|Hants |Southamp. 29|Basingstoke 10|
41|Alton Barnes pa|Wilts |Marlboro 7|Devizes 7|
12|Alton Pancras pa|Dorset |Dorchester 7|Cerne-Abbas 3|
41|Alton Priors chap|Wilts |Devizes 7|Marlboro 7|
7|Altringham[B] m.t.|Chester |Knutsford 7|Stockport 10|
+--+--------------------+---------+------------+--------------+
|Dist.|
Map| Names of Places. | Number of Miles From |Lond.|Population.
+--+--------------------+----------------------+-----+--------+
16|Alresford, Old pa|Alton 10| 57| 459|
35|Alrewas pa|Bromley 5| 124| 1607|
35|Alewas Hayes dis ... 6| 124| 77|
7|Alsager pa|Nantwich 8| 157| 446|
10|Alsop-le-Dale pa|Winster 6| 145| 61|
22|Alston to|Clitheroe 9| 222| 1030|
42|Alstone chap|Pershore 7| 101| 78|
35|Alstonefield pa & to|Winster 8| 144| 5169|
22|Altcar chap|Prescott 13| 214| 505|
8|Alternon pa|Bodmin 16| 222| 1069|
22|Altham to & chap|Blackburn 6| 212| 413|
14|Althorne pa|Rochford 6| 42| 352|
24|Althorp pa & to|Glandford Br 12| 165| 981|
27|Althorpe ham|Holt 10| 111| 9|
48|Altmawr chap|Aberedwy 2| 170| 43|
45|Altofts to|Pontefract 3| 186| 502|
16|Alton[A] m.t. & pa|Farnham 10| 47| 2742|
41|Alton Barnes pa|Pewsey 4| 82| 138|
12|Alton Pancras pa|Sherborne 10| 120| 210|
41|Alton Priors chap|Pewsey 4| 82| 205|
7|Altringham[B] m.t.|Manchester 9| 179| 2708|
+--+--------------------+----------------------+-----+--------+
[A] ALTON is seated on the river Wye; it is a pleasant open town,
consisting of three streets, of which the principal contains some
handsome houses. It is governed by a constable appointed by the
magistracy, and a petty sessions are held in the town. The district
around is celebrated for the superiority of its hop plantations, and
possesses manufactures of druggets, serges, and other worsted fabrics,
which are dyed in the wool. It was at Alton that Sir William Waller, in
December 1643, obtained some advantages over the forces of Lord Hopton,
who had taken his post in the town, the regiment commanded by Colonel
Bowles retreated to the church, but not having time to barricade the
doors, threw down their arms, and surrendered; but the Colonel himself,
refusing quarter, was slain on the spot. Amongst the celebrated men to
whom this town has given birth, may be mentioned William de Alton, a
Dominican Friar, who lived in the time of Edward II., and wrote on the
universality of the pollution of mankind by original sin. John Pitts,
the Roman Catholic Biographer, who was born in 1560, and died in 1616;
and William Curtis the Botanist, who was born about 1746, and died in
1799.
_Market_, Saturday.--_Mail_ arrives 2 A.M. departs 12-3/4
A.M.--_Fairs_, Saturday before May, sheep and lambs, September 29,
cattle and toys.--Commercial Banking Company, draw on Williams, and
Co.--_Inn_, Swan.
[Sidenote: Celebrated for hops, and manufactures in serges and other
worsted fabrics.]
[Sidenote: Church converted to a fortress.]
[B] ALTRINGHAM is a very neat market-town in the parish of Bowden, and
hundred of Bucklow, near which the Duke of Bridgewater's canal passes
from the Mersey at Runcorn, to Manchester; it possesses several
factories of yarn, cotton, and worsted, and the vicinity supplies the
markets of Manchester well with fruit and vegetables. This town was
anciently a fee for the barons of Dunham Massey, one of whom granted to
it a guild mercatory in the thirteenth century.
_Market_, Tuesday.--_Mail_ arrives 4-1/2 A.M., departs 9-1/2
P.M.--_Fairs_, April 29, August 5, November 22, for cattle and
drapery.--_Inns_, Bowling Green and Unicorn.
[Sidenote: Yarn, cotton, and worsted manufactories]
Map| Names of Places. | County. | Number of Miles From |
+--+------------------------+----------+-------------+-------------+
7|Alvanley chap|Chester |Frodsham 3|Warrington 9|
7|Alvaston to|Chester |Sandbach 9|Middlewich 10|
10|Alvaston to & chap|Derby |Derby 4|Kegworth 8|
40|Alvechurch[A] pa|Worcester |Bromsgrove 4|Redditch 4|
41|Alvediston pa|Wilts |Hindon 7|Wilton 8|
33|Alvely pa & to|Salop |Bridgenorth 6|Bewdley 8|
11|Alverdiscott pa|Devon |Bideford 4|Barnstaple 6|
16|Alverstoke pa|Hants |Gosport 1|Tichfield 6|
45|Alverthorpe to|W.R. York |Wakefield 1|Leeds 7|
30|Alverton ham|Notts |Newark 7|Bingham 7|
31|Alvescott pa|Oxford |Burford 5|Bampton 3|
15|Alveston[B] pa|Gloucester|Thornbury 3|New Pas 6|
39|Alveston pa|Warwick |Stratford 2|Warwick 7|
35|Alveton pa & to|Stafford |Cheadle 4|Uttaxeter 6|
24|Alvingham pa|Lincoln |Louth 4|Saltfleet 8|
15|Alvington ham|Gloucester|Blakeney 6|Coleford 6|
19|Alwalton pa|Hunts |Peterboro 5|Stilton 6|
11|Alwington pa|Devon |Bideford 4|Torrington 6|
45|Alwoodley to|W.R. York |Leeds 4|Ottley 5|
17|Amberly ham|Hereford |Hereford 6|Bromyard 9|
38|Amberly pa|Sussex |Arundel 4|Petworth 4|
16|Ambersham, North ti|Hants |Midhurst 3| ... 4|
16|Ambersham, South ti|Hants | ... 3| ... 4|
29|Amble to|Northumb |Alnwick 9|Morpeth 11|
35|Amblecoat ham|Stafford |Stourbridge 1|Dudley 4|
40|Ambleside[C] m.t. & chap|Westmorlnd|Kendal 13|Helvelyn 8|
+--+------------------------+----------+-------------+-------------+
|Dist.|
Map| Names of Places. | Number of Miles From |Lond.|Population.
+--+------------------------+------------------------+-----+-------+
7|Alvanley chap|Chester 10| 188| 341|
7|Alvaston to|Whitchurch 11| 164| 46|
10|Alvaston to & chap|Burton 12| 124| 364|
40|Alvechurch[A] pa|Birmingham 11| 114| 1548|
41|Alvediston pa|Shaftesbury 9| 92| 239|
33|Alvely pa & to|Cleobury 9| 133| 836|
11|Alverdiscott pa|Torrington 4| 200| 334|
16|Alverstoke pa|Fareham 6| 79| 12637|
45|Alverthorpe to|Dewsbury 5| 183| 4859|
30|Alverton ham|Southwell 9| 118| 16|
31|Alvescott pa|Whitney 6| 74| 361|
15|Alveston[B] pa|Bristol 9| 119| 800|
39|Alveston pa|Henley 9| 96| 650|
35|Alveton pa & to|Ashbourn 8| 42| 2391|
24|Alvingham pa|Grimsby 18| 153| 292|
15|Alvington ham|Chepstow 7| 128| 281|
19|Alwalton pa|Wandsford 5| 80| 294|
11|Alwington pa|Barnstaple 12| 206| 486|
45|Alwoodley to|Wetherby 8| 193| 142|
17|Amberly ham|Leominster 8| 135| 25|
38|Amberly pa|Worthing 11| 51| 637|
16|Ambersham, North ti|Haslemere 6| 49| 121|
16|Ambersham, South ti| ... 6| 49| 183|
29|Amble to|Felton 6| 301| 247|
35|Amblecoat ham|Wolverhamp 8| 122| 1157|
40|Ambleside[C] m.t. & chap|Winanderm 1| 278| 1095|
+--+------------------------+------------------------+-----+-------+
[A] ALVECHURCH is situated in the middle division of the hundred of
Halfshire; it was formerly a borough and governed by a bailiff, chosen
annually at the court of the lord of the manor. The church is a large
structure of Anglo Norman architecture, but the tower is modern. It
however contains many ancient monuments: a hospital was founded here by
Nicholas Lewkenor, of Hadsor, in 1580. The bishops of the county
formerly had a palace here. Bishop Brain, Chancellor of England, in the
reign of Edward III., to whom the Black Prince, wrote a circumstantial
account of the battle of Poicters, died here in 1361. Bishop Latimer put
it in repair in the reign of Henry VIII., it seems to have been merely a
timber building. It has not been inhabited by any Bishop since the
restoration, and was nearly a century ago, entirely pulled down, when
the park was converted into farms. The river Arrow, which rises in the
Lickey Hills, runs through the parish, towards Beoley Park, and
Warwickshire; and the Ikenield Street, also passes it. This town
formerly consisted of several streets, but is now fallen into decay, it
however, receives some benefit from the Worcester canal, which passes
it, and joins the Stratford-and-Avon canal, at King's Norton.
[Sidenote: Church of Anglo Norman architecture.]
[Sidenote: Dilapidations of time.]
[B] ALVESTON. This parish contains the vestiges of two Roman camps; the
one on the top of a hill called Oldbury, near the Severn; the other
called Castle Hill; in both which places, various relics of antiquity
have been discovered.
[Sidenote: Two Roman camps.]
[C] AMBLESIDE is seated on the decline of a hill, at the extremity of
the romantic lake Winandermere, of which a branch passes through the
town. It is held by Horsley, to be the site of the Roman Dictus. It is
scarcely in the power of language to do justice to the romantic beauties
of this neighbourhood; perhaps the most beautiful scenery in England, is
to be found in its vicinity. Here is an extensive manufactory of woollen
cloth.
_Market_, Wednesday.--_Fairs_, Wednesday after Whit-Sunday, for
horned cattle October 29, ditto and sheep--_Mail_ arrives 9-1/2 A.M.,
departs 7 A.M.
[Sidenote: Site of the Roman Dictus.]
Map| Names of Places. | County.| Number of Miles From |
+--+--------------------------+--------+-------------+-------------+
57|Ambleston pa|Pembroke|Haverfrd.W. 5|Fishguard 3|
31|Ambrosden pa & to|Oxford |Bicester 2|Aylesbury 14|
24|Amcotts ham|Lincoln |Burton 4|Glandford 10|
5|Amersham[A] bo. m. t. & pa|Bucks |Aylesbury 14|Chesham 3|
41|Amesbury[B] m.t. & pa|Wilts |Salisbury 7|Stone-Henge 3|
+--+--------------------------+--------+-------------+-------------+
|Dist. |
Map| Names of Places. Number of Miles From |Lond. |Population.
+--+--------------------------+---------------------+-----+--------+
57|Ambleston pa|Newport 10| 266| 574|
31|Ambrosden pa & to|Oxford 12| 51| 914|
24|Amcotts ham|Epworth 9| 165| 359|
5|Amersham[A] bo. m. t. & pa|Beaconsfield 5| 26| 2612|
41|Amesbury[B] m.t. & pa|Andover 14| 77| 544|
+--+--------------------------+---------------------+------+-------+
[A] AMERSHAM, or Agmondesham is situated on the Misbourne, a branch of
the river Colne. The town which is seated in a vale between two wooded
hills, consists of a long street on the road from Uxbridge to Wendover;
it is intersected about the centre, by a cross street from Chesham to
High Wycombe, at the point of which stands the church. The market is
held in the Market House, or Town Hall, built by Sir William Drake,
about 1680; it is a brick building supported by pillars and arches, with
a lanthorn and clock, and said to be the handsomest in the county.
Amersham was a parliamentary borough by prescription, but by the Reform
Bill of 1832, is now disfranchised. The church was extensively repaired
in 1778, in the chancel of which are monuments of the family of the
Bents of Leicestershire, who had a seat in the parish; and a monument of
Henry, son of Sir Patrick Curwen, Bart., who died in 1638; and also
several monuments of the Drake family, in the chancel and the adjoining
mausoleum; among which are those of Montague Gerrard, by _Sheemaker_,
and the wife of the late Mr. Drake, by Henry Cheere. About a mile
northward from the town, is Shardeloes Park, the seat of Sir Thomas
Tyrwhitt Drake: the estate was formerly in the possession of the
Brudenell's, which family terminated in a peeress, and brought
Shardeloes to the Cheynes; afterwards it became the seat of William
Totehill, Esq., where he entertained Queen Elizabeth in one of her
progresses. Francis Drake, of East Sherwin, Surrey, who was one of the
gentlemen of the bedchamber to James I., married Jane, the daughter and
heiress of William Totehill, Esq. The mansion is beautifully situated on
the brow of a hill, overlooking an immense sheet of water, covering
thirty-five acres, and commands a delightful prospect, particularly
towards the east, where the town of Amersham, and the surrounding
eminences, covered with wood, present a very picturesque appearance. The
gardens, formerly much admired for their beauty, were originally formed
by Sir William Drake, about 1666, but have been modernized by Richmond,
for the late proprietor. Here is also a Free Grammar School, the
scholars of which are entitled to three exhibitions in Corpus Christi
College, Oxford, bequeathed by Dr. Challoner, a canon of Windsor, in
1620; and likewise four alms houses, with other minor charities. The
manufactures are chiefly lace, sacking, and all kinds of white cotton,
wrought by machinery; and the markets are well attended.
_Market_, Tuesday.--_Fairs_, Whit-Monday for horned cattle, and
September 19, for cattle, and statute.--_Inns_, Crown and
Griffin.--_Mail_ arrives 7 A.M., departs 9-1/4 P.M.
[Sidenote: Town Hall, built by Sir W. Drake, 1680.]
[Sidenote: Shardeloes park.]
[Sidenote: Entertainment of Queen Elizabeth.]
[Sidenote: Picturesque views.]
[B] AMESBURY, or Ambresbury, is situated on the river Avon, and is said
to derive its name and origin from an abbey, founded by the British
Prince Ambrosius; which abbey was subsequently changed into a convent of
Benedictine monks, of which some remains are still to be seen. In the
parish, and about two miles from the town, is the celebrated British
monument, known by the name of Stone-henge. Antiquaries differ in their
opinions as to the probable application of this structure; the majority,
however, deem it to have been a druidical temple, or a grand tribunal of
justice. Out of twenty-four enormous stones, of which the outer circular
range appears to have been formed, seventeen are still standing, and
seven on the ground; of the inner circle, eleven out of the nineteen of
which it was formed are still upright, and the remainder prostrate. The
distance of the inner circle from the outer one is about eight feet,
forming a walk between the two of about three hundred feet in
circumference; the stones are from eighteen to twenty feet high, from
six to seven feet broad, and about three feet thick, and there is an
appearance of the whole having been surrounded with a trench, over which
were three passages. There are numerous barrows and tumuli around it,
where many skeletons and military weapons have been discovered.
Conjecture has been at a loss to ascertain the means by which such solid
masses could have been conveyed, and placed in so elevated a situation
without the aid of machinery. It stands near the summit of a hill; even
at the distance of half a mile the appearance is awful; but on a nearer
approach, the eye is still more delighted with the greatness of its
contour. On entering the building, either on foot or horseback, these
ruins fill the mind with astonishment, which it is impossible for the
pen adequately to describe. Other buildings have fallen by
piece-meal--here a single stone is a ruin. As you advance farther, the
greatness of every part, and the singular construction of the whole,
causes additional surprise. Some authors suppose that this noble temple
does not owe its defacement so much to the introduction of Christianity,
as to the rude and barbarous hands of the neighbouring peasantry, who
have carried away the stones for their own purposes. At a house which
occupies part of the ancient nunnery, a society of nuns of St.
Augustine, from Flanders, have taken up their abode, probably attracted
by the supposed sanctity of the situation. Near the town stands the once
celebrated house of the Dukes of Queensbury, built by Inigo Jones, and
subsequently improved by the Earl of Burlington. The neighbourhood
abounds with clay used for making tobacco pipes, and the river Avon
supplies a very much admired species of fish called loach. In the
vicinity is a camp, called Vespasians. It consists of a triangular area
of 39 acres, defended by a ditch and vallum, and bounded on two sides by
the Avon. This may have been occupied by the Romans, but its
construction and position indicate a British origin.
_Market_, Friday.--_Mail_ arrives 11 P.M., departs 4 A.M.--_Fair_,
May 17, June 22, December 18, for horses, sheep, and horned
cattle.--_Inn_, George.
[Sidenote: Founded by the British Prince Ambrosius.]
[Sidenote: Stone-henge.]
[Sidenote: Its awful appearance.]
[Sidenote: Nunnery of St. Augustine.]
[Sidenote: Camp of 39 acres.]
Map| Names of Places.| County. | Number of Miles From |
+--+-----------------+----------+-------------+------------+
47|Almwich[A] pa|Anglesey |Beaumaris 20|Llanerch 6|
43|Amotherby to|N.R. York |New Malton 3|Pickering 7|
15|Ampney Cruci pa|Gloucester|Cirencester 3|Northleach 9|
+--+-----------------+----------+-------------+------------+
|Dist.|
Map| Names of Places.| Number of Miles From |Lond.|Population.
+--+-----------------+------------------------+-----+------+
47|Almwich[A] pa|Holyhead 21| 261| 6285|
43|Amotherby to|Helmsley 11| 221| 246|
15|Ampney Cruci pa|Lechlade 9| 87| 599|
+--+-----------------+------------------------+-----+------+
[A] ALMWICH, a seaport town in the parish of the same name, in the
hundred of Twerclyn. It is situated on the north coast of the Island of
Anglesey; and from a small village (in consequence of the discovery of a
rich copper-mine in the Parys mountain) has been augmented into a
considerable town: the appearance of this celebrated mountain is very
rude; it is bare of vegetation, in consequence of the suffocating fumes
which issue from it. The Romans are supposed to have obtained copper ore
from this place, as many vestiges of what, it is imagined, were their
operations, are still traceable. The great riches of the site were not,
however, discovered until March 2, 1768, by the lessees of Sir Nicholas
Bayley, afterwards Earl of Uxbridge; and equally successful was the Rev.
Edward Hughes, proprietor of another part of the same ridge. The
substance of the mountain being ore, it has not been worked in the usual
way, by shafts and levels, but by direct excavation. "Nature," Mr.
Pennant observes, "hath been profuse in bestowing her mineral favours on
this spot, for above the copper ore, and not more than three-quarters of
a yard beneath the common soil, is a bed of yellowish greasy clay, from
one to four yards thick, containing lead ore, and yielding from six
hundred to a thousand pounds weight of lead from one ton; and one ton of
the metal yields not less than fifty-seven ounces of silver. Mixed with
the earth are frequently certain parts, of the colour of cinnabar;
whether these are symptomatic of the sulphurous arsenical silver ores,
or of quick-silver, I will not pretend to decide. Something interferes
with the successful smelting of this earth in the great, insomuch that
it has not yet been of that profit to the adventurers, which might
reasonably be expected from the crucible assays of it." From this
mountain arises a mineral water, which turns the syrup of violets red,
without any signs of chalybeate. To enumerate the mineral substances
found from time to time would prove a tedious employment, and perhaps an
unimportant one. The following are the principal and most useful:--1.
Yellow sulphurated copper ore; 2. Native copper, in small quantities; 3.
Sulphate of copper, both chrystallized and in solution; 4. Sulphate of
lead, containing a small portion of silver; 5. Black ore, containing
copper with galenea, calamine, and some silver; 6. Native sulphur. Not
far from Parys Mountain is the port whence the ore brought from the
mines is transported to Liverpool and Swansea; it is a chasm between two
rocks, large enough to receive thirty vessels, each 200 tons. The two
companies employ fifteen brigs, from 100 to 150 tons burden, besides
sloops and other craft. The articles exported from these copper mines
are principally a coarse copper from the smelting-house, a richer copper
ore, dried precipitate of copper from the vitriol pits, refined sulphur,
ochre, alum, and green vitriol. Though much improved by the copper
companies, this port is so exposed to the swell of the ocean, as to make
it difficult and dangerous of access, during the prevalence of high
northerly winds.
_Fair_, November 12.
[Sidenote: From this place the Romans obtained copper ore.]
[Sidenote: Lead ore which yields silver also.]
[Sidenote: Various minerals.]
[Sidenote: The port, a chasm between the rocks.]
Map| Names of Places. | County. | Number of Miles From |
+--+---------------------+----------+-------------+-------------+
15|Ampney Down[A] pa|Gloucester|Cirencester 6|Cricklade 3|
15|Ampney, St. Mary,} | | | |
| or Ashbrook } pa|Ditto |Cirencester 4|Fairford 5|
15|Ampney, St. Peter |Ditto |Cirencester 4|Fairford 4|
43|Ampleforth pa & to|N.R. York |Helmsley 4|New Malton 13|
16|Amport pa|Hants |Andover 5|Ludgershall 5|
3|Ampthill[B] m.t. & pa|Bedford |Bedford 8|Woburn 7|
36|Ampton pa|Suffolk |Bury 5|Ixworth 5|
+--+---------------------+----------+-------------+-------------+
|Dist.|
Map| Names of Places. | Number of Miles From |Lond.|Population.
+--+---------------------+------------------------+-----+-------+
15|Ampney Down[A] pa|Fairford 4| 85| 463|
15|Ampney, St. Mary,} | | | |
| or Ashbrook } pa|Bibury 3| 88| 115|
15|Ampney, St. Peter |Cricklade 5| 86| 180|
43|Ampleforth pa & to|York 18| 223| 623|
16|Amport pa|Salisbury 13| 69| 731|
3|Ampthill[B] m.t. & pa|Toddington 7| 46| 1688|
36|Ampton pa|Thetford 8| 76| 110|
+--+---------------------+----------+-------------+-------------+
[A] AMPNEY DOWN. The church of this place is very curious, and is said
to have been built by the Knights Templars, about the year 1260. Under
the window at the south-end of the transept, is the tomb of Sir Nicholas
de Villiers and his lady, with their effigies, represented under an
arch. The knight is represented as a crusader, in mail and surtout, with
his legs crossed, his feet resting on a lion, and his right hand on the
hilt of his sword; on his left arm is a shield bearing the Cross of St.
George, charged with five escalop-shells. This figure is of hard blue
stone; that of the lady is of free-stone, and much mutilated. Below the
effigies of the knight is a mutilated inscription in the Saxon
character. An ancient mansion, built by the family of the Hungerfords,
in the reign of Henry the Eighth, was repaired and modernized, as to its
exterior, a few years ago. It belongs, with the manor, to the family of
Eliot, of Port Eliot, in Cornwall.
[Sidenote: The church built by the Knights Templars.]
[B] AMPTHILL is situated between two hills in the centre of the county.
Here is an obelisk of Portland stone, forming a receptacle for a pump;
and also a Gothic cross, which was erected in 1744, to the memory of
Catherine of Arragon, by the Earl of Upper Ossory, who was then
proprietor of Ampthill Park, at a former period the residence of that
ill-treated Queen. This park, which lies to the west of the town, is now
the seat of Lord Holland; it was constituted a royal domain by Henry
VIII., who conferred a name on the annexed estates, the "Honour of
Ampthill;" the old castle in which Queen Catherine resided, stood on a
more elevated ground than the present mansion, which is a magnificent
structure, with wings, and a flight of steps leading to a handsome hall;
the park, which is now united with that of Houghton, is spacious, and
presents several most delightful prospects. At the entrance of Ampthill
Park there is a pear tree, under which it is reported that Sir Philip
Sydney wrote a part of his Arcadia.
_Mail_ arrives 6 A.M.. departs 8-1/2 P.M.--_Fairs_, May 4, and
November 30, for cattle.--_Inn_, White Hart.
[Sidenote: Under a pear-tree in Ampthill park Sir Philip Sydney wrote
part of his Arcadia.]
Map| Names of Places. | County. | Number of Miles From |
+--+--------------------+---------+------------+-------------+
57|Amroth[A] pa|Pembroke |Narbeth 6|Tenby 6|
18|Amwell, Great[B] pa|Hertford |Ware 1|Hoddesdon 3|
18|Amwell, Little chap|Hertford |Ware 1|Hoddesdon 3|
24|Ancaster[C] pa|Lincoln |Grantham 6|Sleaford 8|
13|Ancroft chap|Durham |Berwick 6|Coldstream 10|
24|Anderby pa|Lincoln |Alford 6|Spilsby 10|
32|Anderson, or | | | |
| Anderstone pa|Dorset |Blandford 7|Bere Regis 3|
7|Anderton pa|Chester |Northwich 2|Warrington 9|
22|Anderton pa|Lancaster|Wigan 3|Bolton 4|
36|Andover[D] m.t. & pa|Hants |Salisbury 18|Stockbridge 7|
+--+--------------------+---------+------------+-------------+
|Dist.|
Map| Names of Places. | Number of Miles From |Lond.|Population.
+--+--------------------+----------------------+-----+-------+
57|Amroth[A] pa|Llaugharne 10| 251| 654|
18|Amwell, Great[B] pa|Hertford 3| 20| 1321|
18|Amwell, Little chap|Hertford 3| 20| 369|
24|Ancaster[C] pa|Newark 14| 116| 491|
13|Ancroft chap|Wooler 10| 253| 1384|
24|Anderby pa|Saltfleet 12| 142| 217|
32|Anderson, or | | | |
| Anderstone pa|Poole 12| 110| 54|
7|Anderton pa||Knutsford 6| 175| 327|
22|Anderton pa|Chorley 5| 201| 343|
36|Andover[D] m.t. & pa|Whitchurch 7| 64| 4843|
+--+--------------------+----------------------+-----+-------+
[A] AMROTH. The castle of Amroth, now modernized, from the house
formerly called Eare Wear, was in the 15th century, a settlement of the
Elliott's. The present proprietor is Captain Ackland, by purchase, from
a female representative of the Elliotts. The most judiciously
assimilating additions have been made so as to give it every appendage
of convenience and luxury. The antique porch is nicely preserved. The
conservatory and grapery are entered from the dining-rooms, which was
once a vaulted roofed ale cellar, or castle prison. A portion of this
vault remains unaltered. From the lawn is a beautiful and interesting
view of Tenby. The church of Amroth, on the road to Ludchurch, is
situated on a limestone rock, which has been reduced on every side, and
is remarkable for a curiously disposed tower.
[Sidenote: View of Tenby.]
[B] GREAT AMWELL is supposed to have derived its name from Emma's Well,
a pure water-fountain that issues from a hill, and forms one of the
sources of the New River. Here is a monument erected by Mr. Milne, to
the ill-requited Sir Hugh Middleton, in a small islet formed by the said
river. Sir Hugh, notwithstanding the assistance afforded him by
Parliament, and the City of London, ruined himself by procuring supplies
of water to the metropolis. Great mystery envelopes the latter period of
his life. It is traditionally reported that he retired to the village of
Kemberton, near Shiffnall, in Shropshire, where he resided some time in
great indigence, under the assumed name of Raymond, and it is said that
during such residence he was actually employed in paving the streets.
The poet Warner, author of "Albion's England," lies interred here. The
church is situated on an eminence, the picturesque beauty of which has
been justly celebrated by the admirable poet, usually denominated Scott
of Amwell, from his residence in the village, and the title of his poem.
[Sidenote: Emma's Well, one of sources of the New River]
[Sidenote: Indigence of Sir Hugh Middleton.]
[C] ANCASTER. This parish is situated on the great Roman road, called
Ermin-street, and bears strong evidence of having been a Roman station;
many authors unite to fix here the ancient Causennae. It occupies a low
situation, and at the north end flows a small brook. From the vestiges
which remain of military works it has certainly been a place of great
strength. A great number of coins, and other antiquities, have been
found here in such quantities, as to become a source of considerable
emolument to the inhabitants of the place; so much so, that at one time
many became extensive dealers in them. These coins are of various
Emperors. Several mosaic pavements have also been discovered here. It is
highly probable from these circumstances, that Ancaster was the Causennae
of Antoninus. About the town are several quarries of stone, which is
found very near the surface. Ancaster once gave the title of Duke to the
head of the Bertie family, but that Dukedom is now extinct.
[Sidenote: Mosaic pavements.]
[D] ANDOVER, situated on the river Anton, is supposed to have been the
Andaoreon of the Romans; and this opinion seems to have been
countenanced by the remains of several ancient encampments in the
neighbourhood, and by the Roman road, which runs from Winchester to
Cirencester, and passes through the town. The antiquity of the
corporation is as remote as the reign of John, but the present charter
was granted by Queen Elizabeth; the town is extensive, and two of the
streets are handsome and wide. There is a spacious town-hall, supported
by arches, under which the weekly market is held. The church, situated
at the north of the town, is a large Gothic building, consisting of a
nave, side aisles, and chancel, with a transept on the north, and a low
tower rising from the centre; it existed in the time of the Conqueror,
and is dedicated to St. Mary. Within four miles of the town is held the
great annual fair of Weyhill, which, as it lasts for a week, causes much
circulation of money in Andover. In addition to the many small Roman
encampments in the immediate neighbourhood, there is a very large one on
the summit of Bury Hill, about two miles to the S.S.W.
_Market_, Saturday.--_Mail_ arrives 2-3/4 A.M., departs 11-3/4
P.M.--_Fairs_, Friday and Saturday after Mid-Lent, for cheese,
horses, and leather; May 17, November 13, for sheep, horses, leather,
and cheese.--_Bankers_, T. & W. Heath, draw on Masterman and
Co.--_Inns_, Star and Garter, and White Hart.
[Sidenote: Weyhill Fair.]
Map| Names of Places. | County. | Number of Miles From |
+--+-------------------------+-----------+-----------+--------------+
54|Andrew, St. pa|Glamorgan |Cardiff 5|Llandaff 5|
54|Andrew, St. Minor pa|Glamorgan |Cowbridge 3|Bridgend 6|
36|Andrew, St. Ilketshall pa|Suffolk |Bungay 4|Beccles 4|
34|Angersleigh pa|Somerset |Taunton 4|Wellington 4|
29|Angerton (High) to|Northumb |Morpeth 9|Hartburn 1|
29|Angerton, (Low) to|Northumb | ... 9| ... 2|
57|Angle pa|Pembroke |Pembroke 9|Milford by W 6|
47|Anglesey, Isle of[A] |North Wales| | |
22|Anglezarke to|Lancaster |Bolton 6|Chorley 5|
+--+-------------------------+-----------+-----------+--------------+
|Dist.
Map| Names of Places. | Number of Miles From |Lond.|Population.
+--+-------------------------+-----------------------+-----+--------+
54|Andrew, St. pa|Cowbridge 8| 165| 474|
54|Andrew, St. Minor pa|Cardiff 15| 175| 16|
36|Andrew, St. Ilketshall pa|Halesworth 7| 106| 512|
34|Angersleigh pa|Ilminster 11| 145| 54|
29|Angerton (High) to|Rothbury 12| 290| 64|
29|Angerton, (Low) to| ... 13| 289| 55|
57|Angle pa|The Lightho. 4| 264| 458|
47|Anglesey, Isle of[A] | | | 48328|
22|Anglezarke to|Blackburn 9| 203| 168|
+--+-------------------------+-----------------------+-----+--------+
[A] ANGLESEY (Isle and County of), forms one of the six counties of
North Wales, and is situated at the north western extremity of the
principality. It is watered on three sides by the Irish sea, and
separated on the eastern side from Caernarvonshire, by the serpentine
strait of Menai, from three-quarters to half a mile broad. Its form is
irregular, being indented with many small bays and creeks, which gave it
some maritime importance under its native princes. It has received
numerous appellations from the ancient Britons; the most approved of
which was Mon, signifying remote, Latinised by the Romans into Mona, the
"nurse of Wales," from its fruitfulness; and changed by the Saxons into
Angles-ey, or the Englishman's Island. It was the principal
establishment of the Druids in Britain, until this island was invaded by
the Romans, A.D. 59, under Suetonius Paulinus, who ordered their groves
to be cut down, and stationed a garrison to insure obedience. The
climate of Anglesey is mild, and the sea-breezes render the weather more
temperate here than in the other counties of North Wales, although from
the same cause it is less clear: that portion of the island which
borders on the Menai, the site of the terrific Druidical groves, is
richly wooded. The interior, on the contrary, owing to the great
scarcity of fuel, has been rendered nearly devoid of wood; and the
greater part of the island possesses little of hill and dale beyond a
gentle and undiversified undulation of surface; its general aspect is
uninviting and cheerless. The land, however, is good, and under proper
management very productive, as respects both tillage and pasturage.
About 25,000 head of black cattle (exclusive of sheep and hogs), are
annually supplied to the English market, where they are much admired for
their flavour and tenderness, occasioned by the short bite of the
pasturage on which they feed. Before the erection of the suspension
bridge, the passage of the numerous droves of cattle at the five
authorized ferries of the Menai, was a very extraordinary sight; they
were made to swim over, guided by the drovers in boats. Butter, cheese,
hides, tallow, wax, and honey, form also great articles of trade here;
throughout the island there are but few manufactures of any importance.
The shore abounds in some of the most highly prized marine productions,
and is especially celebrated for the variety and beauty of its sea
shells. Anglesey is as interesting to the antiquary, as to the natural
philosopher. The ancient British vestiges are very numerous; comprising
no less than twenty-eight cromlechs, or Druidical altars, together with
circles, monumental stones, entrenchments, and other remains of a
similar description, both British and Roman, which will receive
attention in their proper places; several of the parish churches (of
which the whole, seventy-four, stand near the coast), with various
monastic remains, also deserve examination on the score of antiquity.
Mona, now Anglesey, was the chief seat of the Druids, A.D. 59. Suetonius
Paulinus, in the reign of Nero, was invested with the command of an
army, and prepared to signalize his name by victories over those
barbarians. Finding this island the chief seat of the Druids, he
resolved to attack it, and bring into subjection a place which was the
centre of their superstition, and which afforded protection to all their
baffled forces. The Britons endeavoured to obstruct his landing on this
sacred island, both by the force of their arms, and the terrors of their
religion. The women and priests were intermingled with the soldiers upon
the shore; and running about with flaming torches in their hands, and
tossing their disheveled hair, they struck greater terror into the
astonished Romans by their howlings, cries and execrations, than the
real danger from the armed forces was able to inspire. But Suetonius,
exhorting his troops to disregard the menaces of a superstition which he
despised, impelled them to the attack, drove the Britons off the field,
burned the Druids in the same fires which those priests had prepared for
their captive enemies; destroyed all their consecrated groves and
altars--and having thus triumphed over the religion of the Britons, he
thought his future progress would be easy in reducing the people to
subjection; but in this expectation he was disappointed. The
circumference of the island is seventy-six miles. The sea-passage from
Holyhead to Dublin, is about sixty miles, which is now traversed by
steam packets daily. Next to agriculture, and the rearing of cattle,
mining affords most employment to the labouring population; a great
number of persons are also engaged in fishing and catching wild-fowl,
round the coast. It comprises 200,000 acres of land.
[Sidenote: Originally the principal establishment of the Druids.]
[Sidenote: Annual exportation of cattle.]
[Sidenote: Prized for its marine productions.]
[Sidenote: Invasion of the Romans]
[Sidenote: The Druids burnt in the fires they had prepared for their
enemies.]
Map| Names of Places. | County. | Number of Miles From |
+--+----------------------+----------+---------------+-------------+
37 |Agmering pa|Sussex |L. Hampton 4|Arundel 4|
46 |Angram to|N.R. York |Tadcaster 3|Wetherby 7|
43 |Angram Grange to|N.R. York |Easingwold 4|Thirsk 7|
29 |Anick to|Northumb |Hexham 2|Corbridge 3|
29 |Anick Grange to|Northumb | ... 2| ... 3|
46 |Anlaby to|E.R. York |Hull 4|Beverley 7|
27 |Anmer pa|Norfolk |Castle Rising 6|Burnham M. 10|
30 |Annesley pa|Nottingham|Mansfield 6|Nottingham 10|
39 |Ansley[A] pa|Warwick |Nuneaton 5|Atherstone 3|
35 |Anslow, or Annesley to|Stafford |Burton-on-T. 3|Uttoxeter 9|
+--+----------------------+----------+---------------+-------------+
|Dist.|
Map| Names of Places. | Number of Miles From |Lond.|Population.
+--+----------------------+--------------------------+-------------+
37 |Agmering pa|Steyning 8| 58| 928|
46 |Angram to|York 6| 194| 67|
43 |Angram Grange to|Borobridge 11| 217| 28|
29 |Anick to|Newcastle 18| 278| 163|
29 |Anick Grange to| ... 18| 278| 36|
46 |Anlaby to|South Cave 7| 171| |
27 |Anmer pa|Lynn 11| 106| 132|
30 |Annesley pa|Newsted Ab. 3| 134| 402|
39 |Ansley[A] pa|Coventry 9| 101| 773|
35 |Anslow, or Annesley to|Abbots Brom 8| 128| 270|
+--+----------------------+--------------------------+-----+-------+
[A] ANSLEY became the property of the Ludford family, by purchase, in
1613. Ansley Hall, an irregular but commodious residence, the manorial
seat of John Newdigate Ludford, Esq., is situated in an extensive park,
rich in natural and artificial beauties, containing a hermitage erected
with the materials of an ancient oratory, in which Warton, who visited
it in 1758, left his beautiful verses, beginning:--
Beneath this stony roof reclined,
I sooth to peace my pensive mind.
On an insulated spot is also a Chinese temple, or cell, which contains a
monument of the Purefoy family, removed from Caldecote Church in 1796.
Ansley church has some remains of Saxon and early Norman architecture,
and a square tower of remarkable beauty at the west end.
[Sidenote: A hermitage and Chinese temple.]
Map| Names of Places. | County. | Number of Miles From |
+--+---------------------+----------+--------------+--------------+
18|Anstey[A] pa|Herts |Barkway 3|Buntingford 4|
23|Anstey chap|Leicester |Leicester 4|Mount Sorrel 5|
39|Anstey pa|Warwick |Coventry 5|Nuneaton 6|
41|Anstey pa|Wilts |Hindon 5|Shaftesbury 6|
11|Anstey, East pa|Devon |Dulverton 3|S. Moulton 10|
11|Anstey, West pa|Devon | ... 4| ... 9|
45|Anston to & pa|W.R. York |Worksop 6|Tickhill 7|
8|Anthony, St. pa|Cornwall |Falmouth 5|Helston 8|
8|Anthony, St. pa|Cornwall |St. Mawes 2|Falmouth 3|
27|Antingham pa|Norfolk |N. Walsham 3|Cromer 6|
8|Anthony, West, or St.| | | |
| Jacobs[B] pa|Cornwall |Devonport 4|Saltash 4|
7|Antrobus to|Chester |Northwich 4|Warrington 8|
24|Anwick pa|Lincoln |Sleaford 5|Tattershall 8|
28|Apethorpe chap|Northamp |Wandesford 4|Stamford 7|
24|Apley chap|Lincoln |Wragby 2|Lincoln 10|
15|Apperley ham|Gloucester|Tewkesbury 4|Cheltenham 6|
24|Appleby[C] pa|Lincoln |Glandford B. 7|Burton 5|
+--+---------------------+----------+--------------+--------------+
|Dist.|
Map| Names of Places. |Number of Miles From |Lond.|Population.
+--+---------------------+-------------------------+-----+--------+
18|Anstey[A] pa|Stocking Pel. 4| 33| 417|
23|Anstey chap|Loughboro' 8| 100| 850|
39|Anstey pa|Rugby 10| 93| 268|
41|Anstey pa|Wilton 9| 95| 348|
11|Anstey, East pa|Bampton 6| 169| 166|
11|Anstey, West pa| ... 7| 169| 226|
45|Anston to & pa|Sheffield 10| 152| 776|
8|Anthony, St. pa|Lizard Point 12| 275| 300|
8|Anthony, St. pa|Truro 9| 270| 144|
27|Antingham pa|Aylesham 6| 126| 248|
8|Anthony, West, or St.| | | |
| Jacobs[B] pa|St. Germains 3| 123| 3099|
7|Antrobus to|Frodsham 11| 179| 476|
24|Anwick pa|Metheringh 9| 120| 235|
28|Apethorpe chap|Oundle 6| 84| 297|
24|Apley chap|Horncastle 12| 143| 152|
15|Apperley ham|Glocester 6| 104| 401|
24|Appleby[C] pa|Barton 8| 163| 517|
+--+---------------------+-------------------------+-----+--------+
[A] ANSTEY. In this village are the remains of a castle, built in the
reign of the Conqueror, by Eustace, Earl of Boulogne, for the purpose of
keeping the English in greater subjection; it was demolished in the time
of Henry III., and the parish church formed of its materials. The moat
surrounding the mount upon which the keep was built, with additional
works made in the reign of King John, still remains. In the south aisle
of the church is an ancient monument, with the effigies, as
traditionally reported, of Richard de Anstre the founder. The Roman road
called Ermine Street, passes through this village.
[Sidenote: Ruins of a Castle.]
[B] ST. ANTHONY, consists of the two manors of East and West Anthony,
formerly in the Dawney family, but now in that of the Carews. East
Anthony House, the seat of the Right Hon. Reginald Pole Carew, M.P., is
situated on a branch of the Lynher Creek, nearly opposite Trematon
Castle. It is a large square building, of Pentuan stone, finished by
Gibbs the architect, about the year 1721. This mansion contains a
respectable collection of old portraits, amongst which is one of Richard
Carew, the historian, with a device of a diamond on an anvil, with a
hammer suspended over it. The church contains several monuments well
deserving attention. Besides numerous memorials of the Carew family,
there is in the chancel, the form of a lady, on a brass plate, beneath
an elegant gothic canopy, in memory of Margery Arundell, who died Lady
of the Manor in the early part of the fifteenth century. Sir Alexander
Carew, a gentleman of large property, and one of the representatives of
the county, at the commencement of the civil wars, being averse to the
measures of the court, and having been intrusted by Parliament with the
command of St. Michael's Island and Fort, he attempted to deliver them
into the King's possession; but the design being discovered to the
Parliament, he was suddenly seized and carried prisoner to Plymouth, and
there the women were so enraged against him, that it was with difficulty
he was rescued from their vengeance. From thence he was conveyed by sea
to London, where he was expelled by the Commons, and being tried by a
court-martial, was found guilty and beheaded on Tower Hill, December 23,
1644. WEST ANTHONY, or St. Jacobs. This is a very pleasing
village, which has risen into importance from its proximity to the towns
of Devonport, Plymouth and Stonehouse; it is a favourite residence of
the officers connected with the dockyards and navy at these important
towns. Near this place is Mount Edgecomb, the residence of the Earl of
that title; it is celebrated for the beauty of its situation, near the
sea, and being a much admired stroll for the inhabitants of, and
visitors to Plymouth.
[Sidenote: Mount Edgecomb.]
[Sidenote: Seat of the Carew family.]
[Sidenote: Sir A. Crew beheaded.]
[C] APPLEBY is situate on the river Ancholme, which rises in the wolds
near Market Raisin, whence, it takes a northerly direction near
Glandford Bridge, it is navigable to the Humber for barges of small
burden. That very ancient British road--the Ermine-street--passes
through the village. This line of road was afterwards adopted by the
Romans; it enters the county to the west of Stamford, and preserving
nearly a due northerly direction, passing through the city of Lincoln,
continues its course to the banks of the Humber; it is cast up to a
great height, and is in some places seven yards in breadth.
Map| Names of Places. | County. | Number of Miles From |
+--+------------------------+-------------+--------+-------------+
10|Appleby, G. & Lit.[A] pa|Derb. & Leic.|Ashby 6|M. Bosworth 7|
40|Appleby[B] m.t. & pa| Westmor |Brough 8|Penrith 14|
+--+------------------------+-------------+--------+-------------+
|Dist.|
Map| Names of Places. | Number of Miles From |Lond.|Population.
+--+------------------------+----------------------+-----+-------+
10|Appleby, G. & Lit.[A] pa|Atherstone 7| 112| 1150|
40|Appleby[B] m.t. & pa|Orton 9| 270| 1459|
+--+------------------------+---------------------+------+-------+
[A] APPLEBY, a populous village, which connects the four counties of
Leicester, Derby, Stafford, and Warwick. Here is a free grammar school
for 100 boys, founded by Sir John Moore, in 1697.
[B] APPLEBY. This town is situated on the river Eden, by which it is
almost surrounded, and by some antiquaries it is supposed to occupy the
site of the Roman station Aballaba. It has been the county town since
the reign of Edward the Confessor. It is governed by a Mayor, Aldermen,
and capital Burgesses; the Mayor having authority to arrest for any sum
without limitation. Appleby did send two representatives to Parliament,
but has been disfranchised by the Reform Bill. It has many times been
assailed by the Scots, who burnt it in 1388; and in 1598 it suffered
seriously by a pestilence, from which time it has never recovered its
former size and consequence. The town at present consists of one broad
street, built irregularly on the slope of a hill, at the upper part of
which stands the castle, which is of early Norman, if not of Saxon
origin; and at the lower end the parish church. The ancient market
houses or cloisters, were pulled down in 1811, and a handsome gothic
building, erected by Smirke, in their stead. Here are also a town-hall
and gaol; and at each end of the town stands a stone obelisk or cross.
Appleby received charters from Hen. II., John, and Hen. III., all which
were given up to James II., since which period it has subsisted as a
borough by prescription. Crackenthorpe Hall, a manorial residence in
this parish, was from the earliest period of authenticated record, the
mansion of the Machels, a Saxon family, who eventually alienated it to
the late Earl of Lonsdale. Near this seat, which is at present
neglected, is a Roman camp 300 yards long and 150 yards broad, with
three entrances, and a watch tower or fort, at the distance of bow-shot.
Appleby has produced some eminent characters, among whom should be
noticed Thomas de Veripont, Bishop of Carlisle, in 1255. Thomas de
Appleby, Bishop of Carlisle, in 1363. Roger de Appleby, Bishop of
Ossory, in 1404; and Dr. Christopher Potter, Provost of Queen's College,
Oxford, Prebendary of Windsor, and Dean of Worcester; the last named was
vice-chancellor of Oxford when the civil wars of Charles I. broke out,
and sent all his plate to the king, stating that he would drink as
Diogenes did, from the hollow of his hand, before his majesty should
want. Here is a free Grammar School, richly endowed, which is open to
all the children of the town upon paying 2s. 6d. per quarter to the
Master; and also five scholarships, founded by the Earl of Thanet at
Queen's College, Oxford, and entitled to participate in five exhibitions
of L60. per annum at the same college, on the foundation of Lady
Elizabeth Hastings. An Hospital for thirteen widows, founded by the
celebrated Anne, Countess of Pembroke and Montgomery, heiress of the
Cliffords, the possessors of the castle for several centuries; by the
marriage of whose eldest daughter it became the property of the family
of Tufton, Earl of Thanet. The main portion of the present castle which
is of a square form, was built in 1686 out of the ruins of a part of the
former, by Thomas, Earl of Thanet. Appleby Castle survived the attacks
of the Parliamentary Army, under the influence of its owner, the
aforesaid Countess Anne, but was compelled to yield in 1648. The church
of St. Lawrence, which was partly built by the same spirited lady,
contains a noble monument to her memory. The market is one of the best
supplied with corn in its vicinity. It however possesses but little
trade, and no manufacture of importance.
_Market_, Saturday--_Mail_ arrives at 1-1/2 A.M., departs 11-3/4
P.M.--_Fairs_, October 7 and 8, for sheep, &c; November 24, for
sheep and oxen; November 5, for pigs.
[Sidenote: Burnt by the Scots.]
[Sidenote: Eminent characters born here.]
[Sidenote: Appleby castle.]
Map| Names of Places. | County. | Number of Miles From |
+--+-------------------------+----------+-------------+---------------+
11|Appledore pa|Devon |Bideford 2|Torrington 11|
21|Appledore[A] m.t. & pa|Kent |Tenterden 4|New Romney 7|
38|Appledram pa|Sussex |Chichester 2|Portsmouth 16|
16|Appledurcombe ham|Hants |Newport 6|Niton 3|
5|Appleford chap|Berks |Abingdon 4|Dorchester 3|
16|Appleshaw,[B] vil. & chap|Hants |Ludgershall 4|Andover 5|
40|Applethwaite[C] to|Westmor |Ambleside 5|Bowness 3|
4|Appleton[D] to & pa|Berks |Abingdon 5|Oxford 6|
22|Appleton to|Lancashire|Warrington 7|Prescot 5|
44|Appleton to|N.R. York |Catterick 3|Richmond 4|
43|Appleton-le-Moors to|N.R. York |Pickering 5|Kirkby 3|
43|Appleton-le-Street to|N.R. York |New Malton 4|Pickering 7|
46|Appleton Roebuck to|N.R. York |York 7|Selby 8|
44|Appleton on Wisk to|N.R. York |Yarm 7|Northallerton 7|
30|Appletree ham|Northamp |Banbury 7|Daventry 10|
44|Appletrewick[E] to|N.R. York |Skipton 8|Settle 16|
+--+-------------------------+----------+-------------+---------------+
|Dist.|
Map| Names of Places. | Number of Miles From |Lond.|Population.
+--+-------------------------+------------------------+-----+---------+
11|Appledore pa|Barnstaple 7| 204| 1450|
21|Appledore[A] m.t. & pa|Rye 6| 61| 698|
38|Appledram pa|Petersfield 13| 64| 188|
16|Appledurcombe ham|Shanklin 3| 91| ...|
5|Appleford chap|Wallingford 6| 52| 179|
16|Appleshaw,[B] vil. & chap|Salisbury 13| 68| 355|
40|Applethwaite[C] to|Kendall 8| 270| 417|
4|Appleton[D] to & pa|Wantage 10| 61| 447|
22|Appleton to|Liverpool 11| 195| 1439|
44|Appleton to|Bedale 6| 228| 83|
43|Appleton-le-Moors to|Helmsley 8| 231| 269|
43|Appleton-le-Street to|York 18| 218| 860|
46|Appleton Roebuck to|Tadcaster 5| 189| 638|
44|Appleton on Wisk to|Darlington 11| 232| 553|
30|Appletree ham|Southam 9| 77| 83|
44|Appletrewick[E] to|Burnsall 1| 224| 425|
+--+-------------------------+------------------------+-----+---------+
[A] APPLEDORE is situated on the banks of the river Rother, in the
hundred of Blackburn, lathe of Scray, and was a place of some maritime
consequence in the reign of Alfred. The town is at present chiefly
inhabited by graziers and others employed in the marshes, to which it is
very near. The church is built on the foundation of a castle or fort,
which had been erected by the Danes, who sailed up to this town in the
year 893.
_Market_. Tuesday.--_Fairs_. Jan. 11, and 4th Mon. in June for cattle
and pedlery.
[Sidenote: Principally inhabited by Graziers.]
[B] APPLESHAW.--Great Show Fair, Friday and Saturday before Weyhill
Fair. Nov. 4 and 5, all for sheep.
[C] APPLETHWAITE. All the fisheries on the lovely lake of Winandermere
belong to the inhabitants of this thriving village, and subject only to
a tithe of the fish caught to the Rector of Winandermere, who makes
composition for the same, by a sum prescribed by each boat. The red
char, esteemed so great a delicacy, is said to be peculiar to the lakes
of Winandermere and Ullswater; this delicious fish is taken in nets
during the months of October and May, when they are potted and sent to
different parts of the kingdom. About the beginning of September a grand
regatta is given on the lucid waters of the lake, attended by families
of the first distinction.
[Sidenote: Lake of Winandermere.]
[Sidenote: Grand Regatta.]
[D] APPLETON. This village was the birth place of the famous physician
and chemist, Edmund Dickinson, who was born in the year 1624. At 20
years of age he went to the university of Oxford; in 1655, (he published
a work to prove) that the Greeks borrowed the story of the Pythian
Apollo, and all that related to the Oracle of Delphos, from the Holy
Scriptures. In consequence of some excellent cures, he was appointed
Physician to Charles II., and afterwards became a convert to the
doctrine of the Transmutation of Metals; and wrote a work, the object of
which is to prove, "that the method and mode of the creation of the
universe, (according to the principles of true philosophy,) are strictly
and concisely laid down by Moses." He died in 1707.
[Sidenote: Birth place of the learned Edmund Dickinson]
[E] APPLETREWICK. In this village was born William Craven, the founder
of the noble House of Craven, who by his industry and good conduct arose
from an humble station to the dignity of Lord Mayor of London--a proof
of the advantages attendant on industry.
[Sidenote: House of Craven.]
Map| Names of Places. | County. | Number of Miles From |
+--+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+--------------+
4|Arborfield[A] to|Berks |Wokingham 5|Swallowfield 3|
22|Arbury to|Lancaster|Newton 3|Warrington 2|
7|Arclid to|Chester |Sandbach 2|Congleton 5|
45|Arden to|W.R. York|Thirsk 10|Stokesley 11|
38|Ardingley[B] pa|Sussex |Cuckfield 4|E. Grinstead 7|
4|Ardington pa|Berks |Wantage 3|Abingdon 8|
14|Ardleigh pa|Essex |Colchester 5|Manningtree 4|
31|Ardley pa|Oxford |Bicester 4|Middleton 3|
45|Ardsley to|W.R. York|Barnsley 2|Wakefield 11|
45|Ardsley,[C] East & West to & pa|W.R. York|Wakefield 5|Leeds 6|
+--+-------------------------------+---------+-----------+--------------+
|Dist.|Popul
Map| Names of Places. |Number of Miles From |Lond.|-ation.
+--+-------------------------------+---------------------+-----+--------+
4|Arborfield[A] to|Reading 4| 36| 268|
22|Arbury to|Liverpool 18| 186| 280|
7|Arclid to|Middlewich 6| 162| 79|
45|Arden to|Kirkby 10| 227| 130|
38|Ardingley[B] pa|Crawley 7| 33| 587|
4|Ardington pa|East Ilsley 7| 57| 404|
14|Ardleigh pa|Dedham 2| 56| 1545|
31|Ardley pa|Aynhoe 5| 58| 170|
45|Ardsley to|Rotherham 8| 172| 1029|
45|Ardsley,[C] East & West to & pa|Huddersfield 11| 187| 2303|
+--+-------------------------------+---------------------+-----+--------+
[A] ARBORFIELD, in the hundred of Sonning. In this parish, near the
church, is an ancient Manor-house, well worthy of the observation of the
Antiquary; it was built by the family of the Standens, who were Lords of
the Manor in the 17th century. The last male heir of this ancient family
was Edward Standen, the person alluded to in the popular ballad of Molly
Mogg.
_Fair_, October 5, cattle.
[Sidenote: Molly Mogg.]
[B] ARDINGLEY. In the parish church are several monuments of the ancient
families of the Wakehursts and Culpeppers; one of which is a tomb to the
memory of Nicholas Culpepper and his lady, who died in the beginning of
the sixteenth century. This monument bears his portraiture with that of
his wife and eighteen children. Nicholas Culpepper, the celebrated
herbalist and astrologer, was born in London in 1616, and after
receiving his education at the university of Cambridge, was apprenticed
to an apothecary. He came to London and settled in Spitalfields about
1642. He commenced a war with the College of Physicians, by accusing
them of deceit and ignorance, and published a translation of their
"Dispensary," giving an account of the supposed virtues of each drug,
and the complaints in which they were used. He was also author of the
"Herbal," which is written with much clearness, and distinctly
explained. It passed through many editions. From the tenor of his
writings, it may be gathered that he joined or at least favoured the
Jesuits.
_Fair_, May 30, Pedlary.
[Sidenote: Culpepper, the herbalist and astrologer.]
[C] ARDSLEY. The birth place of James Nayler, a Quaker, who was
remarkable both on account of the extravagance of the delusions which
for some time possessed him and his followers, and the excessive
severity of the punishment which was inflicted upon him. He was the son
of an industrious little farmer, who supported his family by the
cultivation of his own estate. About the age of twenty-two he married,
and removed into the parish of Wakefield, where he continued till the
breaking out of the civil wars in 1641. He then entered into the
parliament army, and served as a soldier eight or nine years, at first
under Lord Fairfax, and afterwards as quarter-master in major-general
Lambert's troop in Scotland; till, being disabled by sickness, he
returned home about the year 1649. At this time he was a member of the
Independent party, and continued so till the year 1651, when the
preaching of George Fox made him a convert to the communion of the
Quakers, as they are called. Among them he soon commenced preacher, and,
according to their judgment, acquitted himself well both in speaking and
writing.
[Sidenote: J. Nayler, the Quaker, a remarkable fanatic;]
[Sidenote: becomes a soldier.]
In the beginning of the following year he imagined he heard a voice,
calling upon him to renounce his kindred and his father's house, and go
into the west, promising that God would be with him. In obedience to
this voice, which he believed to be the voice of God, he went about
preaching from place to place, and greatly increased the numbers of the
new sect. Towards the close of the year 1654, or early in 1655, he came
to London, where he found a meeting of Friends which had been
established by Edward Burrough and Francis Howgill, among whom he so
greatly distinguished himself by his preaching, that many drew invidious
comparisons between him and his brethren, which created uneasiness and
differences in the society. To such a length did these proceed, that
some women, admirers of Nayler, assumed the liberty of interrupting and
disputing with Howgill and Burrough in the midst of their preachings,
and thus disturbed the peace of the meetings. For this conduct they were
reproved by these preachers; upon which they complained so loudly and
passionately to Nayler, that he was weak enough to take their part, and
was so intoxicated with their flattering praises, that he became
estranged from his best friends, who strongly disapproved of and
lamented his conduct. In the year 1658 we find him in Devonshire, where
he was committed to Exeter jail for propagating his opinions. Here he
received letters from some of his female admirers and others, written in
the most extravagant strains, calling him the everlasting Son of
righteous--the Prince of peace--the only begotten Son of God--the
fairest among ten thousand, &c., and some of his followers kneeled
before him in the prison, and kissed his feet. It is but justice,
however, to the Quakers in general to mention, that they had now
disowned Nayler and his adherents.
[Sidenote: Committed to Exeter Jail for blasphemy.]
Soon afterwards Nayler was released from imprisonment, and intended to
return to London, but, taking Bristol in his way, as he passed through
Glastonbury and Wells, his deluded attendants strewed their garments
before him. When they came to Bedminster, about a mile from Bristol,
they carried their extravagance to the highest pitch; for they formed a
procession in imitation of our Saviour's entrance into Jerusalem, in
which a man walked bare-headed before Nayler, and a woman led his horse,
while other women spread their scarfs and hankerchiefs in the road, and
the company sung, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God of hosts; Hosanna in
the highest! holy, holy is the Lord God of Israel!" In this manner these
mad people made their entrance into Bristol, marching through the mire
and dirt, to the amazement of some, and the diversion of others; but the
magistrates thought proper to interfere, and, after what had passed,
committed them to prison. Soon afterwards they were sent to London and a
committee was appointed by parliament to examine witnesses against
Nayler, upon a charge of blasphemy, for admitting religious worship to
be paid ti him, and for assuming the names and incommunicable titles and
attributes of our blessed Saviour. Before the committee, he did not deny
what was alleged concerning the extraordinary proceeding in Exeter jail,
and at his entrance into Bristol; while defending himself by maintaining
that the honours which he received were not shown to him, but to Christ
who dwelt within him; and if they were offered to any other than to
Christ, he disowned them.
[Sidenote: Extravagant conduct of his admirers.]
However, the committee having made a report to the house on the fifth of
December, declaring the charge well founded, on the following day he was
sent for, and heard at the bar; and on the eighth they resolved that
"James Nayler is guilty of horrid blasphemy, and that he is a grand
impostor, and a great seducer of the people." The next business to be
determined on was, the nature of the punishment to be inflicted on him;
which occupied the debate of the house, both on forenoons and
afternoons, till the 16th of December, many members being for putting
him to death, (and losing their vote, as secretary Thurloe informs us,
only by fourteen voices,) while many other members totally disapproved
of the severity which was used against him. At length, on the following
day, after a considerable debate, the majority came to the resolution,
"That James Nayler be set in the pillory, in the Palace-yard,
Westminster, during the space of two hours, on Thursday next; and be
whipt by the hangman through the streets from Westminster to the Old
Exchange, and there likewise be set with his head in the pillory, for
the space of two hours, between the hours of eleven and one on Saturday
next; in each place wearing a paper, containing an inscription of his
crimes: And that at the Old Exchange, his tongue be bored through with a
hot iron; and that he be there also stigmatized in the forehead with the
letter B: That he be afterwards sent to Bristol, and be conveyed into
and through the said city on horseback, with his face backward, and
there also publicly whipt the next market-day after he comes thither:
And that from thence he be committed to prison in Bridewell, London, and
there to labour hard till he be released by parliament; and, during that
time, be debarred the use of pen, ink, and paper, and shall have no
relief but what he earns by his daily labour."
[Sidenote: Condemned by the House of Commons for blasphemy.]
[Sidenote: Cruel sentence--his tongue bored with a hot iron.]
On the eighteenth of December, the first part of it was carried into
execution with the greatest rigour; but he was brought into a state of
such extreme weakness by his cruel whipping, that, upon repeated
applications to the parliament, his punishment was respited for one
week. The Protector was then addressed, and wrote a letter to the house,
which, though it occasioned some debate, obtained no resolution in
favour of the prisoner. On this the petitioners presented a second
address to Cromwell; but, it is said the influence of the ministers
prevented its effect.
[Sidenote: His punishment respited]
On the twenty-seventh of December, the remainder of Nayler's sentence
was executed at the Old Exchange. Afterwards he was sent to Bristol,
where he was publicly whipt, from the middle of Thomas-street, over the
bridge to Broad-street. From Bristol, he was brought back to Bridewell,
London, where he was confined about two years; during which his mind
recovered from the frenzy which had governed it, and he felt deep
humiliation and sincere repentance on account of his past conduct.
After the protector's death, Nayler was released from prison, and went
to Bristol, where, in a public meeting, he made a confession of his
offence and fall, in a manner so affecting as to draw tears from most of
those who were present, and having afforded satisfactory evidence of his
unfeigned contrition, was again received into the communion of his
friends.
[Sidenote: His contrition and death.]
Nayler did not long survive his enlargement, for having left London in
October 1660, with the intention of going home to his wife and children
at Wakefield, he was taken ill in Huntingdonshire, where, it is said, he
was robbed and left bound in a field. Whether he received any personal
injury is not known, but being found towards evening by a countryman, he
was carried to a friend's house, at Holm, near King's Ripon, where he
expired in the month of December, when about 44 years of age. The
expressions uttered by him about two hours before his death, both in
justice to his name, which is so conspicuous in the history of the
reveries of
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