Full text of "A visit to Sherwood Forest : including the abbeys of Newstead, Rufford, & Welbeck ; Annesley, Thoresby, and Hardwick Halls ; Bolsover Castle, and other interesting places in the locality"

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A VISIT

SHEKWOOD FOREST.

1 A VISIT

SHERWOOD FOREST,

INCLUDING THE

nf $etosteaft, a&uffnrir, $r OTeHwfc;
ANNESLEY, THORESBY,

AND

HARDWICK HALLS; BOLSOVER CASTLE,

OTHER INTERESTING PLACES IN THE LOCALITY.

CRITICAL ESSAY
€>n ttte Eife ana Ctmeg oC tKoflin

IL.UU8T- RAT-ED.

LONDON;

LONGMAN, BROWN, GREEN, AND LONGMANS ;

COLLINSON, MANSFIELD ;

ALLEN ; SHAW AND SONS, NOTTINGHAM.

1850.

The Copyright of this work is protected by
Statute 5 & 6 Viet. c. 45.

PUBLISHER'S PREFACE.

A series of bona fide letters being- placed in the
hands of the Publisher, containing (in his estimation),
an interesting and faithful description of Mansfield
and the neighbourhood, with historical, statistical,
and other information of some rarity and value, he
thought that their publication in a cheap form with
original illustrative drawings might not prove un-
acceptable to the inhabitants o/f his*, native town,

••:''2;«,: ^t«

to whom they are, in this little volume, "most respect-
fully dedicated.

WEST GATE, MANSFIELD,

1st January, 1850., -X

LETTER I.

MY DEAR

do well to remind me that I have not yet
supplied you with my promised description of the visit I
recently made to that most ancient of all the Towns on the
confines of the forest of " merrie Shirewood," known by the
name of Mansfield, or as it was, centuries ago, more quaintly
termed, "Mannysfeld in Shirewood in ye County of Not-
tingham."

My remembrances of this place and its neighbourhood are of
the pleasantest kind ; and you will not wonder if you consider
the character of the district to which I was introduced, teem-
ing as it does with wild and picturesque scenery, mouldering
ruins and noble remnants of the grandeur of bye-gone ages.

I was not idle, my friend, for as I wandered over the classic
locality of Sherwood's once mighty forest, and was led on from
place to place each invested with the charm of historic associ-
ation or legendary interest, I jotted down such memoranda as
would assist in my promised narrative.

Would that I could infuse into it some portion of the
enthusiasm with which I pondered over the time-hallowed
scenes around me, and felt in imagination carried back to the
days of our first Richards, Henrys, and Edwards, almost fancy-
ing that I could hear the huntsman's exciting shout, or the
boisterous mirth and jovial songs of those heroes of our
childhood, " bold Robin Hood and his merrie men !"

Ah ! you may smile at these foolish fancies, but you know
they are themes upon which I love to dwell ; for whatever
this utilitarian age may say to the contrary there is a charm
about the character and exploits of that wonderful Outlaw,
and in the customs and habits of our Ancestors when under
Norman sway, the remembrance of which is well calculated to
cause a thrill of delight in an English heart, and to recall
vividly the romantic faith and impressions of our boyhood.

Before taking you amid the more interesting scenes of the
forest, I must enter upon a hasty sketch of the present state
and early history of the town of Mansfield itself, which is now
situate on the border and was formerly in the very bosom of
" Shirewood," and may be with justice termed the Capital of
that Ancient Royalty.

It is, as you are aware, in the North division of Notting-
hamshire, and one part of its extensive parish abuts upon the
Scarsdale Hundred of North Derbyshire. The River Man,
or Maun (from whence it derives its name) flows along the
Southern and Eastern sides of the town, which is so completely
surrounded by a beautiful range of undulating hills, that
approach it as you will, it has an air of coziness and comfort,
calculated to create a very favourable impression upon the
mind of a stranger, nor is this impression destroyed by enter-
ing the place, which, instead of being as I once remember it,

a dull, dirty, miserable hole, is now a well lighted, well paved,
pleasing little town, with a market-place and public buildings,
calculated to throw those of more important towns sadly into the
shade. Thanks to the public spirit of the inhabitants, and
to the provisions of an act of parliament, passed, I think, in
1823, called the Mansfield Improvement Act, this spacious
and elegant market-place is now looked upon by its noble
own hall, savings bank, and a host of newly-erected shops,
where once stood a ponderous mass of such old dilapidated build-
ings, as would have disgraced the meanest village.

The town was evidently a place of some importance, prior
even to the Norman Conquest, for it is stated to have been a
favourite hunting seat of the Kings of Mercia, be this as it may,
it is quite certain that Edward the Confessor possessed a Manor
here, " which paid Geld or Tax for three Carucates* or six
Bovates."f "The Land being nine Plough Lands."| And
it is also certain that under the Conqueror there were some
nice little pickings here, to wit, "Two Carucates then in
" demesne, &c. one Mill, one Piscary, and a Wood two miles
" long and two miles broad." There were then two Churches,
" and the Towns of Schegby and Sutton were Hamlets of this
" great Manor, the Soke§ whereof extended into Warsop, Clune,
" Carberton, Clumber, Buteby, TuresLy, Thorpe, Scoteby,
"Rounton, Odenstow, Grymeston, Echering, Raneby, Bod-
" mescill, &c. It had likewise Soke in Wardbeck Wapentake."

* Carucate (from Carue a Plough) a Plough. Land, or as much Land as may
be tilled in a year by one plough.

f Bovata Terree. As much Land as an ox can till, or about 28 acres.

J Plough Land (ancient Law term) a certain quantity of Arable Land, near
a hundred acres.

§ Soke. (Saxon Socnea.) The Territory in which the chief Lord exercised
his liberty of keeping Courts within his own Territory or Jurisdiction.

In 35th of Edward the third, say A. D. 1362, Richard d«
la Vache, Kt. is called Lord of Mansfield, and held the
Manor from the King during life. He had also rent of Assize
of Freeholders £\7. 13s. 4d. and two Water Mills worth
£8 yearly in the Town, one in Mansfield Woodhouse, and
another in Sutton, members of the Manor of Mansfield.

In the llth of Henry the sixth, (1432). "The Jury find
"that Alianora the Wife of Sir Nicholas Dagworth, Knight,
" had and held, the day on which she died, the Manors of
" Mansfield and Lyndeby, in Shirewood, for the term of her
" life, by grant of Henry, late King of England, Grandfather
"of the present King, the reversion belonging to the said
" King. And they say that the aforesaid Manor and Lord-
•' ship of Mansfield extend themselves into the divers Towns and
"Hamlets following, to wit, "Mansfield, Mansfield Wood-
" house, Sutton, Warsop, Scofton, Neweton, Budby, Hokenall,
"Clombre, Nettleworth, Rodmerthwayt, Morhawe, Le Hill,
" Hotwayt, and Hayam de Fulwood."

" And they say that at Mansfield there is not any Manor
"house built, but there is there a site and that ^£33 rent is
" received as well by the hands of divers tenants of the afore-
" said Towns and Hamlets as for other rents of divers tenants
" belonging to the same Manor. And that there are within
"the precincts of the same Manor divers Woods, to wit,
" Lyndhurst, and Dalworth, and the out woods thereof. And
" there are there three mills, and there is a Court there holden
" yearly, from three weeks to three weeks, and that the Leet
" or view of Frankpledge is holden there twice yearly, and
" there is a certain Fair there, &c." But enough of these
dry details, suffice it to say, that the Manor which is Copy-
hold and of the Tenure of Gavelkind, after being tossed about

by Royal favor from one Lord to another (on one occasion
given by Henry the eighth to Thomas, Duke of Norfolk, for
his great victory over the Scots at Flodden Field) ; it came
by descent into the hands of the present noble and venerable
owner His Grace the Duke of Portland.

Several of the Norman Kings used to frequent this place,
in consequence no doubt of the facilities it afforded them for
enjoying the sports of the chase, both wolves and deer being
found in great plenty for centuries subsequent to the Norman
conquest. In consequence of these repeated Royal visits many
privileges were granted from time to time to the men of
Mansfield, bearing reference chiefly to grants of fairs, markets,
and most important rights connected with the forest adjoining.
King John built a palace near this Town, of which more anon,
and it is a singular fact, that one Gamelbere, an old Saxon
Knight, was allowed by William the Conqueror to retain two
Carucates of Land at Cuckney, for the service of shoeing the
King's palfrey "as oft as he should lie at Mansfield!" And
according to an old inquisition, Sir Henry de Faulconberge
held the Manor of Cuckney by the same tenure.

THE CHURCH

of Mansfield is dedicated to St. Peter, or as some authorities
surmise to St. Peter and St. Paul. It is uncertain when it
was first erected, but it is stated to have been nearly destroyed
by fire so early as the year of grace 1304, and was shortly
afterwards restored in a manner worthy of that period. It has
however, since undergone so many alterations and repairs that
in the present structure it would puzzle you to detect one
solitary specimen of the original ; the lower part of the tower
now covered with stucco, is undoubtedly the oldest. The

spire is ill proportioned, being evidently stunted in its growth,
two hideous modern porches protrude on the South side, and
with windows of every imaginable size, shape and style, some
with mullions, some without, you have a " tout ensemble" of
ecclesiastical architecture now happily seldom to be met with.
The interior has once been good, having some rather pretty
and well proportioned specimens of the lofty pointed arch, but
alas, for the depraved taste of the last century, there is scarcely
a column in the Sacred Edifice but has been rudely divested
either of its well moulded capital, or some other of its fair
proportions, in order to make room for a lot of galleries, or
those still more unsightly religious luxuries called pews ! It
contains North and South aisles, with a spacious nave and
chancel, and in a gallery at the West end, stands an elegant
and tolerably well toned organ, which was purchased by sub-
scription in 1755.

There were formerly ten chantries attached to this church,
the Lands whereof were given by Queen Mary, in fee to
Christopher Granger, Clerk, the Vicar, and William Wilde,
and John Chambers, the Churchwardens of the Parish, by
the name of the Governors of the Lands and possessions of
the Parish Church of Mansfield, (24th February, 4th and 5th
Philip and Mary), to sustain one chaplain or priest.

The living, a Vicarage, is valued in the King's books at
£7. 7s. 6d. present value (including the above named chap-
laincy) about £700 a year, now and for many years past
enjoyed by the Rev. Thomas Leeson Cursham, D. c. L.
Patron The Dean of Lincoln. His Grace the Duke of Port-
land being lay Impropriator and Lessee of the great Tithes.

Prior to the Reformation, the windows presented some fine
specimens of stained glass, including the Armorial bearings

of the Pierrepont's, D'Arcey's, Farrar's, and other families of
distinction, who had been identified with the town as benefac-
tors or residents, but alas, the destroying hand of time, or the
still more ruthless one of puritanical violence has swept these
memorials away, without even a vestige remaining.

Neither can I give you any better account of the monuments,
tablets, and crosses which you would naturally look for in a
Church of such Antiquity, for they, if ever they existed, have
shared the same fate as the windows, save and except that hid
behind a pew in the South aisle lies recumbent a stone effigy,
of that pious and charitable benefactress to the town, Dame
Cicely Flogan, who nourished in the days of Henry the eighth,
and who, in the exuberance of her kindness left ' inter alia' (as
we Lawyers say) an Estate to the Town, subject to the support
of a Bull and a Boar, to be kept for the gratuitous use of the
inhabitants for ever !

The Cartwrights of Ossington, from whom sprung the cele-
brated politician, Major Cartwright, formerly considered this
their family burial place, and here repose the remains of
Captain, or as he was more generally called Labrador Cart-
wright, brother to the Major, and whose habits and excentri-
cities are frequently the theme of conversation among those of
the " old standards," of the town who knew him, and who
still remember his hawking on the forest.

THE ROYAL FREE GRAMMAR SCHOOL.

On the South side of the Church and within the precincts
of the Church yard, stands the Free Grammar School, a poor
wretched looking edifice, not at all adequate in my humble
judgment to the wants of a town of ten thousand inhabitants,
and I cannot forbear expressing a hope en passant that the

Trustees will ere long take up arms against the sea of troubles
which encompasses them, and out of the splendid endowment
erect a School and School-house commensurate with the
Cf spirit of the age," and worthy in every respect of the name
and intentions of its noble Founder, the "good Queen Bess."

For many years this institution was of little or no advantage
to the Inhabitants, but it is now conducted with becoming
energy and attention by the two Masters, The Rev. A. C.
Row, M. A., and Mr. Espin.

The management of the School Estates is vested in the
hands of the Vicar and Churchwardens, who, as before stated,
were constituted a Corporate body for possession of Church
Lands by Philip and Mary, and were also singular enough,
again constituted a Corporation by Elizabeth, for possession
of School Lands, both these Estates have, in consequence of
mismanagement and ignorance, become so intermixed as not
to be distinguished, consequently only one Corporate Seal is
now used, of which as a curiosity I send you a pretty wax
impression.

There are other Schools in the Town, viz: "Clerkson's
Charity," founded by Faith Clerkson, in 1731, for the clothing
and education of poor boys and girls belonging to the parish.

This charity has long been of inestimable benefit to the poor,
and the Trustees are, at the time I write, erecting a spacious
School-house near the railway station, to enable them still
further to increase the utility of the foundation.

Thompson's School is a neat unpretending little structure,
situate in a back street called Toot-hill Lane, and was founded
by a charitable individual of that name, for the education of
poor boys and girls.

This good man has attained considerable celebrity in and
near Mansfield, not only by the deeds of mercy with which he
adorned the latter part of his chequered and remarkable life,
but also from the singularity of directing that his remains
should be interred, not in the burial place of his family, but
beneath the wild heather of his native forest ! His reason for so
singular an injunction (which was fulfilled) is said to be this.
Being one of the survivors of the disastrous earthquake at Lis-
bon, in 1755, of which he published an account in the 'Gen-
tleman's Magazine' of that date, he was on his return home,
so struck with the similarity of the situation and prospect to
that of the hill where he had escaped after the sudden earth-
quake, and from which he witnessed the succeeding awful
fire, and the destruction of much of his own property, that
by a whimsical fancy he resolved to be here buried.

A pleasant morning's walk brought me within the hallowed
precincts of " Thompson's Grave." A group of trees encircled
by a plain stone wall denote the spot, but

** No sculptor's art exhausts the pomp of woe,
Or storied urns record who rest below."

The prospect from this interesting spot is extremely beautiful
and varied ; with a back ground of noble oaks, on the right

hand and before you the wide expanse of forest wi£h its chang-
ing carpet of brown or purple heath and golden crested gorse
stretches itself for miles at the feet, bordered in the distance by
the more highly cultivated rising ground, which is still surmount-
ed by the distant hills of Yorkshire, and that part of Lincolnshire
where stands the noblest of English Minsters, whilst on the
other side may be seen the Churches of Sutton-in-Ashfield
and Kirkby, and the lofty turrets of Hardwick Hall, rising
majestically above the rich woodland seenery with which they
are surrounded, completing a landscape, which of its kind, is,
I think, unequalled.

As I have no wish to fatigue you with particulars of all the
charitable institutions of the town, I will now give you
a brief account of some of the public buildings. To begin
then with the recently erected

RAILWAY STATION,

It stands upon a portion of what has long been termed the
Portland Wharf, which was until lately, the terminus of the
Mansfield and Pinxton Railway, but now of the Nottingham
and Mansfield Branch of the Midland Railway. It is situate
within a shorter distance of the market-place than any station
with which I am acquainted. This makes the inhabitants the
more to regret that their turn of locomotive accommodation did
not arrive in the high and palmy days of railway speculation,
when "thousands" were lavished upon all kinds of cunning and
useless devices in architecture. Well, indeed, it would have
been had the company on all occasions exercised the same
rigid and laudable economy which has directed their oper-
ations here, and though not inclined to be censorious, it
must be confessed that this plain brick building contrasts by

no means harmoniously with the strong bold fronts of stone
around.

The passenger platform is not roofed over, but being rather
elevated above the neighbouring land, commands a view of a
picturesque though not extensive landscape, including the
High Oakham estate, of His Grace the Duke of Portland,
the Barracks, where generally repose a troop from Nottingham,
and an undulating graceful range of hills to which I shall have
occasion again to allude ; and in the centre of a ploughed field
on the summit of this range, stands the ruin of a square
strong building celebrated as having been erected by a
nervous gentleman, named Elliott, as an ark of safety from a
virulent fever, which in the last century raged in Mansfield.
Scarcely however had himself and family removed to this new
residence, when they fell victims to the destroying hand, from
which they had so fearfully, and as they thought securely
fled* The habitation has since been known by the appropri-
ate name of the " Folly House."

To the right as you enter the Station stands Broom
House, an elegant and I believe well managed private Asylum,
or Retreat, as it is more generally called. Thomas Wilson,
Esq. M. D. is the respected superintendant.

THE TOWN HALL

may be considered the next
building of interest, and it
is precisely that kind of
bold, spacious, and noble
building of which almost
any moderate sized town
would have just cause to

be proud. There is an excellent News-room and Library
connected with it, and the well proportioned front contains
one of the best Assembly rooms within miles of the place.
From a neat but not lofty turret shines forth the illuminated
fa$ade of a public Clock, liberally provided by the company of
spirited Shareholders, who, in 1836, advanced "the needful'*
for the erection of this handsome building, and the adjoining
Market-house, but who by the bye have hitherto received a very
miserable return for their enterprise.

The Architect, who so satisfactorily justified the confidence
of his employers, was Mr. James Nicholson, of Southwell,
assisted, I believe, by his son Mr. W. Nicholson, of Lincoln.

Almost adjoining the Town Hall stands a very pretty little
Savings Bank, well adapted to the wants of the district, and
at the corner of West-gate may be seen the

MOOT HALL,

with its handsome pediment of Armorial sculpture. This build-
ing was erected in 1752, by the Countess of Oxford, then Lady
of the Manor, and maternal ancestor of the present noble Lord,
the Duke of Portland. The Armorial bearings before named,
are her Ladyship's Arms, who built it at her own expense, as
a place wherein to transact the business of the Manor. It has
long also been used for the nomination and belting, as the
farmers call it, of " Knights of the Shire."

The Hall was originally supported upon massive stone
columns, the space being left open for the use of the market
people, but it was many years ago converted into a shop and
private residence.

THE BENTINCK MEMORIAL.

From the funds of a general subscription, is now in

course of erection in the
market-place, to the me-
mory of the lamented
Lord George Bentinck.
The very beautiful de-
sign is by Mr. T. C.
Hine, of Nottingham,
the Architect, and the
building is committed to
Mr. Lindley of this place.
The work progresses
well, and will, when fi-
nished, be an exquisite
structure in itself, and a
fit tribute to the indomit-
able courage and energetic
eloquence of him who
stood so boldly forward,
and so ably combatted
what he deeply felt to be
changes fraught with hazard to the prosperity of his country.

" 'Twas thine own genius gave the final blow,
And help'd to plant the wound that laid thee low :
So the struck eagle, stretch'd upon the plain,
No more through rolling clouds to soar again,
View'd his own feather on the fatal dart,
And wing'd the shaft that quivered in his heart ;
Keen were his pangs, hut keener far to feel,
He nursed the pinion which impell'd the steel ;
While the same plumage that had warm'd his nest
Drank the last life-drop of his bleeding breast."
B 3

The natural productions of Mansfield, consist of two kinds
of Stone (red and white), used for building purposes, and held
in high estimation for their beauty and durability ; an excellent
Limestone ; a Clay suitable for making the coarser kinds
of earthenware ; and a singular deposit of fine micaceous
Sand, of widely known value to iron founders for producing
the finer castings. This sand is found in one of the hills to
which I directed your attention from the railway station plat-
form, and the quarry is worked by Mr. Collinson.

Connected with the trade or commerce of the town, are the
various and extensive Factories stationed at intervals along
the industrious River Man, and of which the firm of Messrs.
Richard Greenhalgh and Sons possess three, employing nearly
500 hands in doubling cotton yarns for the lace trade of Not-
tingham, Buckingham, Belgium and Calais, as well as for the
ribbon manufacture of Coventry, and the Orleans and Merino
cloth of Bradford, &c.

The number of spindles in these three mills is about 30,000.
To the courtesy of one of the partners I was indebted for an
opportunity of seeing at their Field Mill, a large water wheel of
40 feet in diameter, weighing 70 tons, which with the con-
ducting water courses at two different levels, cut out of the
hard limestone rock, is a fine specimen of engineering skill
and enterprise, and was completed at the cost of .=£2,300.

I cannot help mentioning to the honor of this firm, the
praiseworthy sympathy they manifest for the whole well-being
and social improvement of their work people, and I heartily
wish them a continuance of the prosperity they so well deserve.

The Bleaching and Dyeing grounds of Mr. Perry; the
Steam Saw Mills of Mr. Lindley the eminent Builder ; the
extensive Iron Foundry of ^Messrs. Midworth and Sons; the

Sherwood Foundry of Mr. Wakefield, and that of Messrs.
Kirkland ; the LaceManufactory of Mr. Marsh, are all estab-
_ lishments of importance and interest.

The town I understand is also much engaged in the manu-
facture of Silk and Cotton Hosiery, with which in fact it has
been identified from a very early period, and many are the tales
now told of the terrors and prevalence of that system of Lud-
dism which prevailed to such a fearful extent some forty years
ago. Previous to that time some of the first houses in the
trade "took in" at Mansfield. Mr. Orton is now, I am told,
the principal hosier in the place, and possesses a superior
kind of machinery.

I give you a list of the few eminent

LITERARY MEN

whom this town has produced, and then for the present
farewell Mansfield, — in whose grey substantial walls I have
experienced much hospitality, and received much delight,
and of which I shall then have given, with all humility,
be it spoken, perhaps a more accurate account, though short,
than any I could refer you to, yet so ample are the materials for a
work of no little value, that at some future time I may endea-
vour, if not anticipated, to weave them into a Complete History
of the many striking and interesting events connected with its
past and present existence, and in such an undertaking I have
the promise of most able assistance.

First, is William de Mannesfield, a Dominician Friar,
who, in the 13th century, was held in considerable repute
for his learning.

Next we have Henry Ridley, M. D., who was born here in
1653, and is celebrated as the author of several important
medical works.

Dr. William Chappel, — a learned prelate, was born of
poor parents, and educated partly at the Grammar School
here, and partly at Christ's College, Cambridge, of which
he was elected fellow. He disputed with King James
when that pedantic Monarch visited Oxford, in 1624, and as
may reasonably be imagined foiled his Majesty, who was after-
wards pleased to remark that "he was glad that the Doctor
was his subject and not another's, lest he should lose the
Throne as well as the Chair." In 1638 he «was appointed
Bishop of Cork, but the Irish puritans persecuted him with
great severity as " popishly inclined," though it is remarkable
that when he was at Cambridge the high churchmen took him
to be a "puritan." Having left Ireland, he died at Derby in
1649, and was buried at the village of Bilsthorpe, near Mans-
field. The year before his death, this pious divine printed
" Methodus Concionandi," which was translated into English
soon after. He is supposed by many to have been the Author
of that celebrated work the " Whole Duty of Man."

Last and not least in local estimation, comes Robert
Dodsley, the eminent bookseller and author. An amiable
and accomplished man, whose memory will ever be esteemed
as a remarkable example of genius, springing up and advancing
to usefulness and honour amidst unfavourable circumstances.
He was born at Mansfield, in the year 1 703, of poor parents,
and though his father was then master of the Grammar School,
he does not appear to have had the inclination or the power
to give his son a liberal education, as the subject of this short
memoir frequently alluded to in his writings and in after life.

He was apprenticed to a stocking weaver, but feeling a dis-
like to that employment, he induced his master to cancel his
indentures, and succeeded, after some adversities in obtaining

the situation of footman in the establishment of the Honorable
Mrs. Lowther. His first attempt as an author took place
during the time he was in this lady's service, when he pub-
lished by subscription, a volume of Poems, called the " Muse
in Livery," which although perhaps destitute of any great
merit, served to attract both public attention and favor.

He now entered the service of Mr. Dartineuf, a noted volup-
tuary, and one of the intimate friends of Pope, and here wrote
an elegant little Dramatic Satire, entitled the " Toy Shop,"
a just and good natured rebuke on fashionable absurdities.
The merits of this performance attracted the notice of Mr. Pope,
who continued from that time to be his warm friend and zealous
patron, and by his influence, the piece was performed at
Covent Garden Theatre, in the year 1735, with very great
applause. Dodsley was now enabled by his profits as an
author to set up a Bookseller's shop in Pall Mall, where the
same prudence and worth which gained him esteem in his
former condition, now secured for himself and his establish-
ment the countenance of many of the first literary persons of
the day, including Pope, Lyttleton, Chesterfield, Johnson, and
Glover, and also many persons of rank, and he shortly became
of very high standing in the Metropolis. Proceeding at the
same time in his career as an author, he wrote the Farce
called the " King and Miller of Mansfield," founded on an
old ballad, and referring to scenes with which he had been
familiar in his early life. This succeeded so well, that he
produced a sequel to it, entitled "Sir John Cockle at
Court."

In 1741, he brought out a Musical Piece, called "The
Blind Beggar of Bethnal Green," and in 1744, animated by
a spirit of adventure uncommon in his own time, he published

a collection of Plays, by old authors, in twelve volumes. In
1 745 he tried to introduce on the stage a new species of Pan-
tomime in " Rex et Pontifex."

In 1748 appeared a loyal Masque in honor of the Peace of
Aix-la-Chapelle. His next work was the well known " Econo-
my of Human Life," in which the social duties are treated in
a style intended to resemble the scriptures and other oriental
writings.

Another of the more valuable works projected by Dodsley
was the "Preceptor," first published in 1749, and designed
to embrace what was then thought a complete course of
education. In 1758, he ventured to rise to tragedy and
composed "Cleoue," which although spoken unfavourably
of by Garrick, long drew full audiences at Covent Garden,
and was highly admired by Johnson. Annexed to this Tra-
gedy is an Ode entitled "Melpomene; or the Regions of
Terrour and Pity," A selection of Fables, in prose, accom-
panied by a well written Essay of Fable, was one of his latest
productions. Besides the above, he published a collection of
his own works under the modest title of " Trifles," in 1 vol.
8vo. and " Public Virtue," a Poem, in 4to. also a " Collection
of Poems by different hands," in 6 vols. 12mo. He also
had the discernment to see the merit, and usher into notice, two
works of certainly rather opposite character; "Tristram
Shandy" and " Young's Night Thoughts." For the first, a
publisher at York, to whom it was previously offered by
Sterne, refused to give 3630 !

Never forgetting the place of his birth, he thus exclaims
in one of his poems

" O native Sherwood ! happy now thy bard,
Might these his rural notes, to future time,

Boast of tall groves, that nodding o'er thy plain
Rose to their tuneful melody. But ah !
Beneath the feeble efforts of a muse
Untutored by the lore of Greece or Rome
A stranger to the fair Castalian springs
Whence happier poets inspiration draw,
And the sweet magic of persuasive song,
The weak presumption, the fond hope expires."

After a life spent in the exercise of every social duty, and
retaining the love and admiration of men of the brightest
abilities and highest rank, he fell a martyr to the gout, at the
house of his friend Mr. Spence, at Durham, and was interred
in the abbey church-yard, where his tomb is thus inscribed :

If you have any respect
for uncommon Industry and Merit,

regard this place,
in which are deposited the Remains of

Mr. ROBERT DODSLET :

who, as an Author, raised himself

much above what could have been expected

from one in his rank of life,

and without a learned education ;

and who, as a Man, was scarce

exceeded by any in Integrity of Heart,

and Purity of Manners and Conversation.

He left this life for a better, Sept. 25, 1764,

in the 61st year of his age.

If this is but a barren list of eminent men, it may be well
eked oat by those who, for the value of their

INVENTIONS

ought to be eminent, but who have suffered the too common
fate of genius, in seeing others of more plodding habits make

splendid fortunes upon the foundation of their discoveries,
while themselves sink into comparative obscurity.

The Circular Saw was invented here, by Joseph Murray,
who worked as a wood and iron turner, at the the rock valley
mills, under the late Mr. John Brown. The very first that was
produced of this now important instrument is in possession of an
intelligent old man, who keeps it as a choice curiosity. It is
made out of plain iron plate, measures four inches in diameter,
and dates as near " sixty years since" as makes no , matter.

This same Murray was son of the old servant of that name
who lived at Newstead abbey for many years, and who, at
length, became the faithful and favourite " old Joe Murray"
of Lord Byron.

It is a singular fact, that a fellow workman of Murray's,
named Joseph Tootel, was the inventor of the fluted or grooved
Rollers used in cotton spinning, and now known by the name
of "stretchers."

Two other inventions of great consequence to the cotton
trade were made by the late John Green, a native, and respect-
able ironmonger of Mansfield. These are the Inclined Plane
movement of the spindle, and the Cone movement ; both used
in the process of spinning, and neither of which have, I be-
lieve, even in this ingenious day, been superseded.

LETTER IT.

NEWSTEAD ABBEY.

)Y former letter having been rather more prolix than
you may think the merits of its subject deserved, I will en-
deavor to make amends by now leaving the comparatively
insipid records of a market town, for the consideration of one
of the most interesting places in the kingdom, whether regard-
ed as the ancestral and fondly loved domain of a mighty
poet ; immortalized by his repeated and ardent apostrophes in
its praise and to its memory; or from being in itself, in
the words of Washington Irving, " one of the finest specimens
in existence of those quaint and romantic piles, half castle half
convent, which remain as monuments of the olden times of
England. It stands too in the midst of a legendary neigh-
bourhood, being in the heart of Sherwood forest, and surround-
ed by the haunts of Robin Hood and his band of outlaws, so
famous in ancient ballad and nursery tale !"

It was a fine autumnal morning, that I sallied from my pleas-
ant quarters at Mansfield, upon this long anticipated pilgrimage,
and after a walk for about four miles upon the Nottingham

turnpike road, mostly bounded by extensive woods, occasionally
relieved by heathery glades, and patches of cultivation, and
passing within a few score yards a place of no less celebrity
than Fountain Dale, once abode of the "Saint militant"
Friar Tuck,* I arrived at an inn called "The Hut" lately
rebuilt in old English style, and which stands by the road side
but a few yards from the entrance to Newstead park, "for
the accomodation of the numerous parties who arrive to visit
the abbey.

Immediately in front of the park gates, stands a magnificent
oak tree, a remnant of the old forest, and which was
preserved from destruction by the liberality and good taste
of several gentlemen of Mansfield, who purchased it of the
poet's grand uncle and immediate predecessor, William,
fifth, or as he is called " the wicked" Lord Byron, in order
to prevent it sharing the fate which he, from pecuniary or too
probably malignant motives, ruthlessly dealt out to hundreds
of its noble and majestic brethren. The growth of this tree,
as if conscious of its importance, has been so supremely beau-
tiful both as regards shape, and the extent of its spreading
branches, that it cannot fail to call forth admiration.

Leaving the hut and turnpike road, the way lead through
the wilder portion of the park for about a mile when, as though
by enchantment, a most glorious scene burst upon the view ! On
the right hand lay a splendid sheet of water, fringed with
young woods that bow their whispering homage o'er the
margin,

" Her great bright eye all silently
Up to the sky was cast,"

reflecting all the depth and brightness of the tranquil heav-

* See Appendix.

ens ; aquatic wild birds studded the silvery surface, as though
they had a "vested interest" in the place, and possessed
a "protection order" against all molestation! A romantic
waterfall and the ruins of a rustic mill, together with the gentle
murmuring of the foaming falls added to the richly wooded
country around, served to complete a picture upon which me-
mory, so long as " she holds her seat," will love to dwell.

Turning to the left, the venerable abbey rises in solemn
grandeur, the long and lovely ivy clinging fondly to the rich
tracery of a former age. You in whom the poetic tempera-
ment is strong, would, I know, pardon any expressions of
enthusiasm that I might indulge in, but such feelings have
been so often and so well " done," that I leave you only to
conceive what every man must feel as he gazes for the first
time upon these walls, and remembers that it was here, even
amid the comparative ruins of a building once dedicated to
the sacred cause of religion and her twin sister charity, that
the genius of Byron was first developed. Here, that he paced
with youthful melancholy the halls of his illustrious ancestors,
and trod the sombre walks of the long banished monks. —
Feeling as he expressed

" Xewstead ! fast falling, once resplendent dome !
Religious shrine ! repentant Henry's* pride !
Of Warriors, Monks, and Danes, the cloistered tomb
Whose pensive shades around thy ruins glide.
Hail to thy pile ! more honor'd in the fall
Than modern mansions in their pillar'd state ;
Proudly majestic frowns thy vaulted hall
Scowling defiance on the blasts of fate."

* Henry the second founded Newstead immediately after the murder of
Thomas a Bec"ket.

Newstead abbey was founded, by Henry the second, in or
about the year 1170, as a priory of Black Canons, an order,
having for their tutelary Patron St. Augustine, and professing
great austerity of life and practice. It was dedicated to the
Virgin Mary, and there is still situate in a conspicuous niche of
the chapel ruins, a sculptured Virgin and Child, which with many
other specimens of early English sculpture is still in a beautiful
state of preservation. It continued to be a priory of some
importance until the time of Henry the eighth, who, in his zeal
for the temporal welfare of himself, and to the consternation of
the then 'religious world,' set about the wholesale destruction
of the monastic institutions of the country. Newstead, whose
revenues were then valued at £2 19. 18s. 8d. was too choice
a morsel to be overlooked, and it consequently fell a victim to
the Monarch's cupidity and sacrilege, and those venerable doors
which had for centuries been open for the reception of the
poor, the sick, and the way worn, became closed to their
prayers and cries.

Being granted by the same Royal favor to Sir John Byron,
who, at that time, held the distinguished and important ap-
pointment of lieutenant of the forest of Sherwood, it was
most likely held by him as an official residence, at all events
he converted it into one of more than ordinary splendour.
During the troubles which marked the history of the great
rebellion, which ended in the martyrdom of the unfortunate
and pious King Charles the first, the Byrons distinguished
themselves as warm adherents of royalty, and Newstead
bravely sustained a siege from the parliamentarians, thus as
Lord Byron sings

" The abbey once, a regal fortress now
Encircled by insulting rebel powers ;

War's dread machines o'erhang thy threatning brow
And dart destruction in sulphureous showers."

The " roundheads" were not the men either to forgive or
forget, and therefore on the death of Charles, the Byron estates,
including Newstead, were placed under sequestration, in com-
pany with a host of other delinquent's estates.

During the civil war, in 1643, Charles the first marked his
high sense of Sir1 John Byron's loyalty and devotion, by rais-
ing him to the peerage, and immediately after the restoration,
Charles the second restored the sequestrated estates to their
former owner, from whom they passed hy descent to the late
Lord Byron, who sold the abbey and estate (consisting of
nearly 4000 acres) in 1815, to T. Clawton, Esq. for^!40,000,
who was unable to make good the purchase.

The present esteemed owner, Colonel Wildman purchased
them in 1818 of Lord Byron, for about £1 00,000, and has since
hy his judicious alterations and improvements, proved him-
self a most worthy owner of a place at once the pride of the
forest, and the admiration of thousands who have, by his
courtesy, been permitted to traverse its spacious galleries and
venerable halls.

Not only has the gallant Colonel laid out immense sums in
its restoration and adornment, and the increase of its orna-
mental grounds, but he has rebuilt nearly every farm house
upon the estate.

At one time the park was of immense extent, containing no
less than 2700 head of deer, who could browse in uninterrupt-
ed seclusion beneath the shades of the broad spreading oaks,
for which this part of the forest was renowned., but the
hand which destroyed the noble timber of the estate, was

influenced also by the same motives to deal death and des-
c 3

traction amongst these graceful creatures, and that to such
an extent, that the carcases were for a length of time exposed
for sale in Mansfield market as commonly and at as cheap a
rate as forest mutton, until the whole of the noble herd was
literally exterminated.

The upper lake is formed by obstructing the waters of a
small river Leen, a work probably of almost equal antiquity
with the abbey itself. It was the old mill dam of the Monks
by which their corn mill was worked, and it possesses as
many traditions and fables as every other part of this romance
haunted valley.

These chiefly relate to the treasures which are supposed to
lie in its depths, and to the pranks of the "wicked" old Lord,
who, by the way, built the mimic fortifications on each side,
a poor compensation for the destruction of the ancient timber
which then surrounded it. The present rising woods were in
excellent taste, planted by the late Lord Byron.

A large brazen eagle and pedestal of antique workmanship,
was some years ago fished up from the bottom of the lake, and
which on being cleaned, was found to contain in the hollow
pedestal a number of parchment deeds and grants, bearing the
seals of Edward the third, and Henry the eighth, which had,
no doubt, been thus sunk by the Friars, for safety in some
perilous time.

One of the deeds thus discovered, with the great Seal of
England attached, is erroneously described by Washington
Irving as an " indulgence," or plenary pardon, for all crimes
the friars might choose to commit, &c. when in fact,
it has nothing whatever of this character, and did not emanate
from the Pope or Church of Rome at all ; but, when Henry
the fifth required money for the prosecution of his wars in

France, Chicheley, then Archbishop of Canterbury agreed to
find it, by making all the monasteries and religious houses which
had been impeached in the previous reign before the council
at Oxford, purchase (according to their means) a General
Pardon. The document in question is one of these pardons.

The whole are carefully treasured by Colonel Wildman,
and the eagle has been transferred to Southwell minster,
where in the chancel it fulfils the slightly diverted purpose of
being used as a lectern, or stand for a folio bible, instead
of supporting its former burden the missal.

Before visiting the interior of the abbey, it is well to enjoy
a walk through the pretty grounds, which have during the
past few years been tastefully arranged and enlarged by Colonel
Wildman. A gently winding path which commands a fine
view of the lower lake, leads to an aviary, in which are
some beautiful specimens of the gold and silver pheasant, and
after passing a rusticated Swiss cottage on the way to the
kitchen gardens, my guide, the intelligent old gardener, with
his well known civility, invited me into his own dwelling to
exhibit, if not the identical mysterious and inexhaustible bottle,
shewn to her Majesty at Balmoral, yet one quite as interesting
and hitherto as inexhaustible, viz : a bottle of port wine, which
belonged to a former Lord Byron, and now more than a hun-
dred years of age ! of course the crust and colour too have
almost disappeared. Having passed through the kitchen
gardens, which are well laid out and ornamented with neat
fountains, I was next attracted by a dismal looking pond,
enshrouded by some aged and venerable yews, probably as
ancient as the very abbey itself, and beneath the shade of
whose " melancholy boughs," the early occupants have, doubt-
less, oft reclined. At the head of this pond is a cold crystal

spring, which though I suppose, if these holy men are not
much libelled, must have afforded the monks more pure water
than they required, was certainly much esteemed and used by
Lord Byron.

The dark woods in which are two leaden statues of Pan and
a female Satyr, very fine specimens as works of art, are next
worthy of attention, chiefly because a tree is shewn whereon
Byron once carved his own name and that of his sister, with the
date, all of which are still legible. Lest this interesting speci-
men of his Lordship's " hours of idleness" should fall a victim
to that love of destruction to which we English are prone, the
Colonel has very properly ordered that no one shall be allowed
to go near the place without a guide. The very current story
of a lady (?) having cut out and carried away one or two letters
of the name is pure fiction.

These woods were planted by the " wicked Lord Byron"
before his fatal duel with Mr. Chaworth, and before the in-
dulgence of his wayward passions had brought him to the
condition of a solitary, morose and savage misanthrope.

The statues used to be called by the country people the old
Lord's devils, and the wood in which they stand the Devil's'
wood.

After crossing an interesting and picturesque part of the
gardens I arrived within the precincts of the ancient chapel,
near to which stands the neat marble monument, raised by
Lord Byron, to denote the last resting place of his favourite
dog, whose death he thus announced to his friend Hodgson.

" Boatswain is dead! he died in a state of madness on the
1 8th, after suffering much, yet retaining all the gentleness of
his nature to the last, never attempting to do the least injury
to any one near him."

You are aware that it was upon the death of this favourite
dog that the exquisite lines beginning

" When some proud son of man returns to earth,
Unknown to glory, but upheld by birth," &c.

were written, in addition to this epitaph, the monument
bears the following inscription :

" Near this spot

are deposited the remains of one

who possessed beauty without vanity,

strength without insolence,

courage without ferocity,

and all the virtues of man without his vices.

This praise, which would be unmeaning flattery,

if inscribed over human ashes
Is but a just tribute to the memory of

BOATSWAIN, a dog,

who was born at Newfoundland, May, 1803,
and died at Newstead abbey, November 18, 1808."

By a will which his Lordship executed in 1811, he direct-
ed that his own body should be buried in a vault in the garden,
near his faithful dog. This feeling of affection to his dumb
and faithful follower, commendable in itself, seems here to
have been carried beyond the bounds of reason and propriety.

The next point of attraction in these gardens is the
oak tree which the poet himself planted. It has now attained
a goodly size, considering the slow growth of the oak, and bids
fair to become a lasting memento of the noble bard, and to be
a shrine to which thousands of pilgrims will resort in future
ages to do homage to his mighty genius. He planted it on
his first arrival at Newstead, in 1798, and ever after displayed
• the greatest regard for its prosperity, actuated, it is said, by

an impression or fancy, that as the tree flourished so should
he, "as it fares," said he, "so will fare my fortunes."
When he again visited the abbey in 1807, he found his
pet tree choked up with weeds and almost destroyed, which
circumstance called forth those charming lines

" Young oak, when I planted thee deep in the ground,
I hoped that thy days would be longer than mine ;
That thy dark waving branches would nourish around
And ivy thy trunk with its mantle entwine," &c.

In a note to Murray's edition of his works, it is stated that
shortly after Colonel Wildman took possession, he one day no-
ticed this tree, and said to the servant who was with him, " here
is a fine young oak but it must be cut down, as it grows in an
improper place" "I hope not, sir," replied the man, "for it is
the one that my Lord was so fond of, because he set it him-
self." Since that time the Colonel and all around have taken
every possible care of it, and strangers inquire for it as the
" Byron oak," so that it promises to share in after times the
celebrity of Shakspeare's mulberry, and Pope's willow.

Return we now to the abbey and consider

THE INTERIOR.

" Full of long-sounding corridors it was,

That over-vaulted grateful gloom,
Thro' which the live-long day my sonl did pass,
Well-pleased, from room to room."

THE ENTRANCE HALL

Is approached by a gothic porch, the door being ornamented by a massive
bronze knocker, of antique and elaborate design. This room has a low groined
coiling, and contains a Canadian canoe and two plain Egyptian granite pedes-
tals. Next comes

35
THE MONK'S PARLOR, OR RECEPTION ROOM

In which is deposited the Visitors' book, containing an interesting collec-
tion of the autographs of the parties who have visited the abbey, for several
years past.

The windows in this room are prettily stained, one representing a vener-
able figure, probably St. Paul, surmounted by a cross.

Ascending a narrow stone staircase, you are next shewn

LORD BYRON'S BED ROOM

AYhich is now carefully kept in the same state as it was when occupied by
his Lordship. This room commands a splendid view of the lake. The posts
of the bedstead are gilt, and the walls are adorned with a portrait of Charles
James Fox, and several views of Cambridge, and in the dressing room ad-
joining, is a portrait of " old Joe Murray," pipe in hand, taken at the desire
of his indulgent master. Immediately adjoining, is

THE HAUNTED CHAMBER

A dismal room, where 'tis said the spirit of a restless Monk still at times
intrudes his ghostly presence ! During Lord Byron's time, was occupied by
his page. The bedstead is a specimen of good carving. You now enter
THE LIBRARY

On one side of which hang four portraits, by Sir Peter Lely, viz : — The
Countess of Rutland, Nell Gwynne, Mrs. Hughes, and The Earl of Rutland.
There is a portrait of Sir John Byron, sometimes called Longbeard, the first
lay owner of Newstead. Two portraits of Colonel Wildman and Geo. Wild-
man, Esq. by Lonsdale.

There is also a curious bell, found in a Budhist temple, at Ningpo, and
presented to the Colonel, by his friend Captain Goldsmith, R. N. It is un-
doubtedly of great age and of very massive and curious design.

The light and dark oak panelling in this room has a pleasing effect. The
three stained windows looking from the library into the cloisters, are some
of the ancient abbey windows, and are carefully protected from injury by
plate glass. The marble mantel piece with its wreaths of grapes, and the
antique chairs are very pretty. From the library you pass into
THE EASTERN CORRIDOR

By a doorway surmounted by a beautiful specimen of carving, representing
an elephant and warriors, with the Austrian eagle. A curious and antique
ebony couch, and several beautiful King Charles' chairs, surmounted by the
royal crown, stand in this corridor, from which you ascend by a few steps
into the

36
TAPESTRY BED ROOM

A truly splendid apartment, formed by the Byrons, for tlie use of King
Charles the second, over the marble mantel piece is a portrait of his Majesty,
and over the door, is one of his royal mother, Q-ueen Henrietta Maria. The
STATE BED, is surmounted by ostrich plumes, decorated with hangings and
coverlet of the most rich and costly silk tapestry all old French needle-work.

The ceiling is richly decorated with the Byron arms, in the centre of the
various heraldic devices, being a beautiful representation of the sky. The
Tapestry upon the walls is both " rich and rare," two of the pieces being
Bacchanalian subjects, and the other an Eastern one. There is a beautiful
inlaid cabinet in this room, and from the windows a fine view of Boatswain's
tomb is obtained.

THE TAPESTRY DRESSING ROOM

Adjoining and communicating therewith, is hung with some of the most
artistic and charming specimens of tapestry I ever saw, in six divisions,
representing Time, Ceres, and other subjects. The representation of
Time is a perfect picture, and demands especial observation. There is
also an antique tapestry couch. It also contains a portrait of Sarah Jennings,
Duchess of Marlbro', and an unknown one, supposed to be one of the Child
family.

In the lobby adjoining this room is an unfinished stained window, the
work of the late lamented Lady Gardiner, and underneath is a rich ebony
cabinet with marble slab. You next enter

KING EDWARD THE THIRD'S BED ROOM.

This, which is a richly panelled room, is one of the most ancient rooms of
the abbey, and was used by King Edward the third on his visit to Newstead.

The mantel piece consists of rich carved oak, surmounted by a large panel
of carved heads of Saracens, and others, each occupying a separate compart-
ment, and all richly coloured in heraldic style.

Here is a beautiful cabinet, inlaid with plate glass mirrors, a dressing table
with glass over, and tripod stand, all known to have been once the property
of Queen Elizabeth. This room contains several valuable portraits, including
the following personages : — Queen Mary of England, Mary Queen of Scots,
Richard the third, Henry the fourth, Henry the eighth, the Duke D'Artois.

The first two are exquisite little gems, whilst that of the Duke D'Artois
bears date so early as 1338. Another rich oak cabinet, probably of foreign
workmanship, adorns this room. The bedstead consists of massive carved
oak, bearing date 1630, the hangings of which, green and gold, were worked

in Mrs. Wildman and several friends, whose names are inscribed upon the
borders. To this room is attached a dark panelled dressing room.

The Bed room of His Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex, or as it is called
in the abbey books

KING KENRY THE SEVENTH'S LODGINGS

is the next, with its rich tapestry of Indian subjects, and antique mantel-
piece of panelled heads, similar to those in the best bed room. This room
contains a crimson four-post bed, surmounted by ostrich-feather plumes, and
a set of handsome carved oak chairs, the seats of which were worked by Mrs.
Wildman. Over the door is a portrait of the unfortunate Duke of Moii-
mouth, and in another part of the room is a portrait of one of the Byron
family in a masquerade dress.

Close by is the ,

THE DUKE OF SUSSEX'S SITTING ROOM

Perhaps the most interesting feature of this room is the portrait of poor
Boatswain, the faithful and honored friend of the noble poet. There is also
a portrait of a soldier of the 7th Hussars and his charger, several Landscapes
and a Sea piece. At one end is an elaborately carved cabinet, covered with
figures, and containing curious drawers. Another beautiful cabinet inlaid with
ebony and tortoise-shell, and a curious oak chest. We now approach

THE GRAND DRAWING ROOM

and truly a noble and imposing room it is. The richly decorated and slightly
arched ceiling with massive oak framework springing boldly from beautifully
carved corbels, the splendidly embossed compartments and elegant pendents,
contrasted with the oak floor so bright and highly polished, that you
almost fear to tread upon it, combined with the glittering effect of a large
gilt lantern-shaped chandelier suspended in the centre, amid an assemblage
of costly furniture and richly framed paintings, present a coup d'ceil, at once
effective and beautiful.

The East end is adorned with the following paintings : — Dogs and Stag,
by Oudry, very fine. Portrait of Thomas Wildman, Esq., M. P. (father of
Colonel Wildman), by Romney. Portrait of Lord Henuiker, by Romney.
Portrait of Sir John Gardiner over door, and on the other side, portrait of
Lady Gardiner. Along the North side are portraits of George the first,
Princess Dowager of Wales, (mother of George the third). George the
second. Queen Mary (wife of William the third). The celebrated portrait
D

of Lord Byron, by Phillips. William the third and George the third, by
Ramsey, and a fine portrait of the Earl of Arundel, and Boy, by Vandyck.

At the West end as a centre piece is a fine full length portrait of his late
Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex, by Lonsdale, in massive gilt frame. On
either side are portraits of Sir Hildebrand Oaks, by Russell, Colonel Ed-
ward Wildman, by Russell. Colonel Wildman, by Phillips. Mrs. Wildman,
by Londsdale, and between the windows on the South side is a fine painting
of two Sisters and Child, by Vandyck, and a portrait of James Wildman, Esq.
of Chilham Castle, Kent. Beneath the painting of the Dogs and Stag
stands a gilt cabinet, richly inlaid with tortoise-shell and silver, now a depo-
sitory for the celebrated scull cup of Lord Byron, made as you are aware, out
of the cranium of one of the Monks of Newstead. It is mounted in silver,
and has engraved upon it the inscription, found in his published works,
commencing

" Start not — nor deem my spirit fled."

The chimney-piece of this room is of beautiful Italian marble, having in the
centre a spirited piece of sculpture, representing Androcles and the Lion,
with two exquisite busts as jaumbs or supporters. There is a splendid gilt
cabinet placed under the portrait of the Duke of Sussex, and an ebony and
tortoise-shell one opposite the fire place. The antique oak chairs and richly gilt
furniture not enumerated are worthy of notice, and I ought not to omit men-
tioning that under a glass case is a model of a monument to Leopold the
first of Germany. This beautiful piece of work is of mother-of-pearl and
ebony, and is exquisitely conceived.

Leaving this noble room we descend by a few polished oak steps into the
WEST CORRIDOR, from which you enter the

GRAND DINING HALL

a noble room, being the ancient refectory of the abbey. The chimney-piece
is very beautiful, and projects boldly from the wall. The ceiling displays
bold oak framework springing from shield corbels, richly decorated with
armorial bearings, and the walls are ornamented with suits of ancient and
modern armour, stag's antler's and buffalo horns, &c. with excellent effect.
At one end is a very fine gothic screen, in three compartments, with a music
gallery over it.

The doorway leading from the West corridor is of the same style, and a
very beautiful specimen of carving. This room is pane led in oak to the
height of ten feet and measures about fifty -four feet by twenty-four, and
perhaps thirty-five feet in height.

THE BREAKFAST ROOM

adjoining, was formerly nsed as Lord Byron's dining room. The ceiling of
this room is richly emblazoned in azure and gold, in square compartments,
and is ornamented by another of k those beautiful many headed mantel- pieces
before described, save that in the centre of this one are the Armorial bearings
of the Byrons, upon which may be traced in ancient letter " Sir John Byron,
MD.L.VI." The chairs are covered with tapestry, illustrating many of the
fables of jEsop. There is a beautiful portrait by Rembrandt, of himself; also
the Infant Saviour, by Van Eyck, the finest specimen of this master
to be met with in England.

Descending the staircase, you are introduced into

THE CLOISTERS

which are precisely in the same state, saving ordinary dilapidations as in
the time of the Monks.

THE CHAPEL

a small dark groined room, formerly the chapter house of the abbey. In it
there are three stained windows representing the twelve Apostles. Returning
back to the cloisters, you are next shewn the stone coffin, which was found
near the high altar, when the workmen were excavating the vault, intend-
ed by Lord Byron for himself and his dog. The coffin contained the
skeleton of an Abbot, and also the identical skull before spoken of. In the
centre of the cloisters stands an old gothic fountain, which formerly stood iu
front of the abbey.

THE SERVANTS' HALL

although not usually shewn to visitors, interested me very much, not only
by its handsome groined ceiling, &c. but also from the fact of its having
formerly been the Xenodochium where the charitable Monks received " the
lame, the blind, the halt, and the poor," and doled out with kind and liberal
hand medicine and alms, according to their need.

Upon the principal staircase, is a large painting, by Walker, representing
Jacob and Rachel at the well.

Thus have I completed my pleasing, but too imperfectly
executed task of describing Newstead. To do it full justice,
would indeed require an able hand. Even Washington Irving
with all his pleasant gossiping powers, has not wholly succeeded.

In the pages of her poet alone, we find the truest notes to the
feeling this subject engenders harmoniously struck, and when
pursuing my way to Annesley, I turned to take a parting look
at the venerable abbey, some beautiful lines which Mr. Gait
sent to one of the magazines as original, came forcibly to my
mind, and as they are not, I believe, in any edition of Byron's
works, I cannot end better than by writing them out for your
perusal too.

" In the dome of my Sires as the clear moonbeam fails,
Through silence and shade o'er its desolate walls ;
It shines from afar like the glories of old,
It gilds hut it warms not, 'tis dazzling hut cold.

Let the sunbeam be bright for the younger of days ;
'Tis the light that should shine on a race that decays,
When the stars are on high and the dews on the ground,.
And the long shadow lingers the ruin around.

And the step that o'er echoes the grey floor of stone,
Falls sullenly now, for 'tis only my own ;
And sunk are the voices that sounded in mirth,
And empty the goblets and dreary the hearth.

And vain was each effort to raise and recall
The brightness of old to illumine our Hall ;
And vain was the hope to avert our decline,
And the fate of my fathers has faded to mine.

And their's was the wealth and the fullness of fame,
And mine to inherit too haughty a name ;
And theirs were the times and the triumphs of yore,
And mine to regret, but renew them no more.

And ruin is fixed on my Tower and my Wall,
Too hoary to fade and too massive to fall ;
It tells not of Time's, or the tempest's decay,
But the wreck of the line that have held it in sway."

ANNESLEY
After a picturesque walk through a country every footstep of

which is more or less associated with the name of Byron, I
entered the wild and park-like domain of Annesley, which is
contiguous to the Newstead estates, and about two miles dis-
tant from the Abbey. In the distance the eye rests upon the
interesting range of hills, so famous by the Poet's

" Hills of Annesley bleak and barren,
Where my thoughtless childhood strayed ;
How the Northern tempests warring,
Howl above the tufted shade.

Now no more the hours beguiling,
Former favorite haunts I see ;
Now no more my Mary smiling,
Makes ye seem a heaven to me."

One, the most conspicuous of these wood-crowned heights,
is more particularly interesting, from its being the scene of
his parting with Miss Chaworth (previous to her marriage
with a rival) ; a farewell, as he then thought for ever to
her

" who was his life,

The ocean to the river of his thoughts,
Which terminated all."

In the " Dream" the place, and most heart stirring incident
are thus vividly remembered.

" I saw two beings in the hues of youth
Standing upon a hill, a gentle hill,
Green and of mild declivity, the last
As 'twere the cape of a long ridge of such,
Save that these was no sea to lave its base,
But a most living landscape, and the wave
Of woods and cornfields, and the abodes of men
Scatter'd at intervals, and wreathing smoke
Arising from such rustic roofs ; — the hill
D 3

Was crown'd with a peculiar diadem
Of trees in circular array, so fix'd.
Not by the sport of nature, hut of man :
These two, a maiden and a youth, were there
Gazing — the one on all that was beneath
Fair as herself — but the boy gazed on her ;
And both were young — yet not alike in youth.
As the sweet moon on the horizon's verge,
The maid was on the eve of womanhood ;
The boy had fewer summers, but his heart
Had far outgrown his years, and to his eye
There was but one beloved face on earth,
And that was shining on him."

THE HALL

is a mansion of great antiquity, and of a most patchwork
style of architecture. So early as the Norman conquest it is
mentioned as of the fee of Ralph Fitz Herbert, and it was
afterwards possessed by the Annesley's for many generations,
from whom it descended by marriage to the Chaworths of
Wiverton, whose last representative by name,* the ladye-love of
Lord Byron, married John Musters, Esq. August, 1805.

Close to the Hall stands a venerable little church, approach-
ed from it by a shrubbery and almost connected with it by a
venerable ivy mantled terrace. A number of broad spreading
trees shelter the sacred edifice, and shed a solemn quietude
over the silent tombs.

The interior of the Hall is rambling and irregular, like its

* John Musters, Esq. a gentleman, whose family, under the name of De
Musters or De Monasteriis, was located in Nottinghamshire, according to
Doomsday book, prior even to the Norman conquest ; their chief residence
for the last two hundred years being Colwick Hall, near Nottingham, which
they purchased from the Byrons. Mr. Musters who ranked as one of the
most eminent sportsmen of his day, died at Anncsley, on the 8th of Septem-
ber last, in his 73rd year.

outward appearance; but the whole is invested by Byron
with charms that no modern mansion can boast.
In the " Dream" I have before quoted from, he says

" There was an ancient mansion, and before
Its walls there was a steed caparison'd :
Within an antique Oratory stood
The boy of whom I speak ; * *

he pass'd

From out the massy gate of that old hall,
And mounting on his steed he went his way ;
And ne'er repass'd that hoaiy threshold more.

The "antique Oratory" has long been a perfect and dis-
graceful ruin ; and chilling desolation now reigns through
the old halls of the Chaworths, in consequence of the recent
death of Mr. Musters. Every choice memento of " the bright
morning star of Annesley" and her long line of ancestors,
every article of furniture, antique china, paintings, &c. have
just been " scattered to the four winds" by that most relent-
less of all dispersers the auctioneer's hammer.

William Howitt thus touchingly alludes to the life of Mrs.
Musters.

" There is nothing in all the histories of mortal sorrows and
broken affections more mournful and striking than the idea
of this lady so bright and joyous-hearted in her youth, sitting
in her latter years, alone and uninterrupted in this old house
weeping over the poems which commented in burning words
on the individual fortunes of herself and Lord Byron."

An elegant writer in "Tait" thus strikingly impresses the
mind with the same deeply interesting but melancholy subject

THE LADY OF ANNESLEY.

" She sat in silence and her tears fell free
Over the open volume on her knee ;
She sat unheeding while the hollow hlast
Rushed thro' the trees, whose shadows overcast
The ancient Terrace walk. Within that room
The very aspect of decay and gloom
Seemed gathering round its inmate ; yet her eye
Ne'er glanced npon its fallen luxury.
Her bloom was gone for ever, sad and pale,
As a crushed lily withering 'neath the gale ;
With none to hreak her solitude, or view
Her tearful eye, her cheek of marble hue,
The few grey hairs amid each braided tress,
And anguish fading all her loveliness.
'Twas mournful that so sad a change should fall
Upon the Lady of that silent hall :
Was there not one to cheer her breaking heart,
To bid each wild and fearful dream depart ;
And win her back to gladness ! could it be
She was forgotten in her misery ?
Forgotten ! by that oft-repeated word
What bitter memories in her heart were stirred
Of him whose thoughts through all his wandering
Were ever turned to her — whom life could bring
No happiness. She thought of her own scorn
And all the wrong that Byron's name had borne ;
Then wildly gazed upon each line that told
Of love rejected — cherished hope grown cold —
Of thrilling agony — enduring care —
And genius fiercely striving with despair !
Her tears were dried but a dark shadow grew
Upon her smooth white brow — 'twas then she knew
How fervently he loved her — she is laid
Within her silent grave, beneath whose shade
All anguish is forgotten. — Stern decay
Hath found a home within her mansion grey ;
Dark ivy clings upon the Terrace wall,

And wild plants grow around the mined Hall ;
"While bending there its branches rich and green
A willow stands as if it mourned the scene.
Not often in the Court is heard the tone
Of human accents ; tall weeds have overgrown
The fountain, and its cooling waters lie
Hushed as the tears that flowed in Annesley !"

In addition to the exquisite beauty of the above lines, they
convey to the mind such a melancholy, yet truthful descrip-
tion of the present state of Annesley, that although written
thirteen or fourteen years ago, I cannot resist the temptation
of transcribing them for your especial edification.

Poor Mary Chaworth, well remembered is the awful night
which proved the harbinger of thy lamented death !

It was on the close of a dark drizzly miserable day, in the
month of October, 1831, that a mob of lawless ruffians, intoxi-
cated, nay maddened with success, rushed with demon shouts
past Sneinton church and in direction for the quiet and seques-
tered lane which leads to Col wick, near Nottingham. After a
momentary halt, occasioned by a consultation among the ring-
leaders, the fatal cry was raised " To Colwick Hall /" That
shout was received with acclamation by the multitude, and
passed from mouth to mouth with oaths and threats and yells
of fearful import. Along they sped, armed with broken
palisades and such other weapons as the requirements of their
devilish purpose could suggest, or the emergency of the mo-
ment supply.

Suddenly the noise and footsteps of the lawless intruders
fell upon the ears of the few inmates of Colwick Hall ; these
consisted only of Mrs. Musters, her daughter, and a few
domestics, who, paralysed with fear, fled at the approach
of wretches from whom they had nothing to expect but

violence or murder, especially if resistance were offered to
their mad career.

A few minutes, and that quiet home became a desolation,
and the scene of violence, drunkenness and crime, rarely
if ever surpassed. Every room was ransacked, every drawer
and cabinet burst open, and when plunder had done its
worst, the collected furniture was burnt upon the lawn, amid
the yells and execrations of the followers of those self-styled
Reformers, who, only the day before, in announcing the rejec-
tion of the Cora Bill by the House of Lords, headed their
placard with Nelson's well known motto " England expects
that every man will do his duty." How fearfully that glorious
watchword of our greatest hero was responded to by the
ignorant and the vicious, let the records of the reform riots and
this fearful tragedy bear witness !

But to return. These horrible proceedings were too much
for the delicate and already emaciated form of poor Mrs. Mus-
ters to withstand. In the wild excitement and terror of the
moment, she with her daughter fled from the Hall, and
sought refuge beneath the thick foliage of a laurel tree in the
shrubbery ; here trembling with cold and wet, for it rained
heavily, she witnessed the sad scene of devastation, and mourn-
fully awaited the departure of the destroyers.

From the effects of that fearful night she never entirely
recovered ; cold and terror hurried her to the grave, and she
died at Wiverton Hall, in February, 1832, a victim to as
diabolical an outrage as ever disgraced the annals of an Eng-
lish mob. Thus died the beloved of Byron, " a lady," says
Mr. Moore, " who combined with the many worldly advantages
that encircled her, much personal beauty and a disposition the
most amiable and attaching."

47
On leaving Annesley, I next reached the rural village of

LIN BY,

which bears evidence from the monastic ruins still to be
found, of having some centuries ago been a place of religious
importance, probably connected either with the Priory of
Newstead, or the one at Lenton, near Nottingham. A May-
pole still adorns this " village green/' and at the north and
south ends of the village stands two venerable Crosses. The
one at the north end, from its exquisite workmanship and fair
proportions, may be considered as fine a specimen of the village
cross as can be met with in almost any part of England. The
neat little church, dedicated to Saint Michael (and which con-
tains some ancient monuments of the Chaworth family) adds
much to the appearance of this rural spot, of which "Washing-
ton Irving says, "the moss-grown cottages, the lowly mansions
of grey stone, the gothic crosses at each end of the village,
and the tall may-pole in the centre, transport us in imagination
to former centuries.

Pursuing my walk a mile further, I arrived at

HUCKNALL CHURCH,

which has for ages been the last resting place of the Byron
family, and where repose the ashes of the Poet, marked
only by a neat marble slab, bearing the following inscription.

Li the vault beneath
where many of his Ancestors and his Mother are

Buried,

lie the remains of

GEORGE GORDON NOEL BYRON,

Lord Byron, of Rochdale,

in the County of Lancaster,

the author of " Childe Harold's Pilgrimage."

48
He was born iu London, on the,

22nd of January, 1788.
He died at Missolonglii, in Western Greece, on the

19th of April, 1824.

Engaged in the glorious attempt to restore that
countiy to her ancient grandeur and renown.

His sister, the Honorable

Augusta Maria Leigh,
placed this Tablet to his Memory.

This last home of the Poet is much frequented, and the
Album kept for visitors bears evidence of the heartfelt emotions
of many a pilgrim to his tomb. How appropriate for instance
are the following lines, composed by William Howitt, imme-
diately after the interment.

" Rest in thy tomb, young heir of glory, rest !
Rest in thy rustic tomb, which thou shalt make
A spot of light upon thy country's breast,
Known, honoured, haunted ever for thy sake.
Thither romantic pilgrims shall betake
Themselves from distant lands. — When we are still
In centuries of sleep, thy fame shall wake
And thy great memory with deep feelings fill
These scenes which thou hast trod, and hallow every hill."

Turning now homewards, I found I had crowded too much
into my day's purpose, for, still on the way objects of interest
rise before the traveller rapidly as if by command of a
magician's wand. Of these, Robin Hood's hills near Kirkby,
deserve from their picturesque appearance, a passing notice.

Kirkby Hardwick too, ought not to be forgotten, formerly
a monastery connected with Newstead abbey, or perhaps the
neighbouring priory of Felley. This ancient mansion was
bestowed upon George, Earl of Shrewsbury, by King Henry

the eighth, and is noticed by Leland, who calls it Hardwick
upon Line. It is now the residence of John Clarke, Esq.

Here Cardinal Wolsey, the once powerful favourite of a
tyrant Monarch, passed a night wearied and heart broken,
immediately before his death at Leicester.

A little nearer Mansfield and a pleasing view of Sutton Hall
and Works is obtained, and the beautiful sheet of water called
the King's Mill Reservoir, which was made by the Duke of
Portland some twelve years ago, as an auxiliary to that exten-
sive system of irrigation, which has for years occupied his
Grace's attention, and of which I shall give you further par-
ticulars shortly. The waters of this reservoir cover the once
romantic dingle where stood the antique water mill and cottage,
which are said to have been the scene of the humourous
rencontre between the King John and the redoubtable Sir
John Cockle, the Miller of Mansfield, and which was drama-
tized by Dodsley with so much success.

LETTER III.

HARDWICK HALL

" What ! is not this my place of strength" she said,
" My spacious mansion built for me,
Whereof the strong foundation-stones were laid
Since my first memory ?"

)T is hardly to be expected that one neighbourhood can
offer other scenes so interesting as those associated with Byron's
' strange eventful history ;' scenes that ever acquire a grow-
ing charm as the lapse of years softens the errors of the man,
and confirms the genius of the Poet. It is time indeed that
his enemies were content to say ' after life's fitful fever he
sleeps well,' and no more with narrow criticism try to bare
the abysmal deeps of his great Personality.

Leaving then Abbey and Poet with all their recollections,
accompany me now to Hall and Park, and Castle,

" Ancient homes of Lord and Lady,
Built for pleasure and for state."

and first upon the list is the noble building, with the title of
which I have headed this letter.

Hardwick Hall is little more than six miles to the North-west
of Mansfield, and one of the seats of that princely noble, the
Duke of Devonshire.

•jfc&py. ••...&*£ < J

It is a substantial stone building, in pure Elizabethan style,
and stands upon elevated table land, from whence there is a
fine view of the long chain of romantic hills bordering upon
the Peak of Derbyshire. The park, with its herds of deer,
numerous fish ponds, stately oaks, and richly wooded scenery,
presents many attractive features.

The present hall was built by the celebrated Countess of
Shrewsbury, and was finished in the year 1587. It is of an
oblong form studded with antique windows, and having six
square towers of commanding proportions, rising at intervals
sternly above the rest of the building, which is ornamented by
neatly carved open work battlements adorned here and there
with the noble lady's initials E. S. surmounted by a coronet.
The principal front is about 390 feet in extent ; a spacious
and formal flower garden surrounds this entrance, and giving
excellent effect to the approach. The walled yard or paddock
near, with its really magnificent range of stables will excite
the admiration of visitors, for they give a most exalted idea of
the state or hospitality which could require offices so extensive.
Gay and busy and exciting scenes must they have been which
these court yards were wont to witness in the profuse and
hospitable times of the extraordinary woman, by whose liber-
ality they were erected.

A short distance from the entrance stand the noble ruins of
what is termed the old Hall, only upheld from yielding to the
first winter's blast by most gigantic and luxuriant ivy which
clings with the vigour and affection of oft renewed youth to
the smitten remnants of her dismantled turrets.

I find no satisfactory account of the time the old hall was
built, but certain it is, that it was a place of great beauty and
importance during the reign of Henry the eighth.

In 1203, King John transferred the Hardwick estate to
Andrew Beauchamp, and it passed in 1258 to William de
Steynesby, who held it by the annual surrender of three
pounds of cinnamon and one of pepper ! John de Steynesby,
grandson of the above, died possessed of it 1330. Soon after-
wards the family of de Hardwicke were established here, and
possessed the estate for six generations.

One majestic room is now all that remains (except the outer
and lower walls) of this once beautiful residence. It measures
60 feet 6 inches by 30 feet 6 inches, and is 24 feet 6 inches
high, and has long been considered a model of most elegant
proportions ; indeed to use the words of an old writer,
" the old house has one room in it of such exact proportions,
and such convenient lights, that it was thought fit for a pat-
tern of measure and contrivance to the most noble at Blen-
heim." This room, which is called the Giant's chamber,
from two colossal figures standing there, still bears evidence of
having been finished in a superb style. In the north east end
was a large library, containing a pair of globes then very
valuable.

This part of the brave old mansion was pulled down when
the late Duke of Devonshire built what are called the grand
stables at Chatsworth.

The noble stable court, (perhaps few its equal) the extensive
park, that portion of the present park which lies to the west
and south of the house, with its fish-ponds, paddocks, &c. all
evince that the father of the Countess, John Hardwick, Esq.
enjoyed a plentiful estate, and its convenient accompaniments.

Dr. White Kennet, in speaking of this residence says, " the
old Hall is where the Countess was born. Before part of it
was demolished it was a large house, and contained perhaps

thirty rooms capable to be made lodging-rooms, besides lower
rooms for business." " It was built at three different times,
the middle part is the oldest, the west or south west end the
second built, the north east end the third building."

As the name of the Countess of Shrewsbury is so intimately
connected with the history of this district, it may not perhaps
be out of place to give a brief memoir of her life, so here it is.

Elizabeth, the celebrated Countess of Shrewsbury, was as
previously stated, the daughter of John Hardwick, Esq.
and of Elizabeth, the daughter of Thomas Leake, Esq. of
Hasland, in the county of Derby. She was born in the year
1521, and when scarcely fourteen years of age, she married
Robert Barley, Esq. of Barley, in the county of Derby, a
young gentleman of large estates, all of which he settled abso-
lutely upon his young wife, and therefore by his death, which
happened soon afterwards without issue, she came into posses-
sion of a valuable addition to her ancestral property, on the 2nd
February, 1532.

After remaining a widow about twelve years, she married Sir
William Cavendish, by whom she had issue as follows, viz :

Henry Cavendish, Esq. who settled at Tutbury, Stafford-
shire.

William Cavendish, the first Earl of Devonshire.

Charles Cavendish, settled at Welbeck Abbey, and the
father of William Baron Ogle, and Duke of Newcastle.

Frances, who married Sir Henry Pierrepont, of Holme Pierre-
pont, near Nottingham, from whom descended the Dukes of
Kingston and Earl Manvers.

Elizabeth, who espoused Charles Stuart, Earl of Lenox,
youngest brother to King James the first's father.*

* The issue of this marriage was the beautiful and accomplished Lady Ara-
E 3

Mary, who married Gilbert, Earl of Shrewsbury.

After the death of Sir William Cavendish, her Ladyship
again continued in widowhood for some time, but at length
married Sir William St. Lowe, captain of the guard to Queen
Elizabeth, and who had a large estate in Gloucestershire, which
in the articles of marriage, were settled on her Ladyship and
heirs, in default of issue by Sir William, and accordingly hav-
ing no child by him, she lived to enjoy his whole estate, to the
exclusion, not only his brothers, who were heirs male, but also
his own daughters by a former wife !

During this her third widowhood, the charms of her wit and
beauty captivated the then greatest subject of the realm,
George Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury, whom she brought to
terms of the greatest honor and advantage to herself as well as
to her children, for he not only yielded to a considerable joint-
ure, but also to an union of families, by taking her youngest
daughter Mary, to be the wife of Gilbert, his second son, and
afterwards heir ; and also giving the Lady Grace, his youngest
daughter to Henry, her eldest son.

On November 18, 1590, she was a fourth time left, and
until death continued a widow.

There were changes of condition in the life of this Lady,
that perhaps never fell to the lot of any other woman. To be
four times a wife, to rise by every husband into greater wealth
and higher honors, to have a numerous issue by one husband
only, to have all those children live, and all, by her advice be
creditably disposed of by marriage in her lifetime, and after
all to live seventeen years a widow in absolute power and

bella Stuart, who was educated at Hardwick, under the care of the Countess,
her grandmother, and whose affecting and melancholy history is second only
to that of her kinswoman Mary Queen of Scots.

plenty, and in addition to all this, to have been as it were the
founder of several of the most nohle houses which now adorn
the peerage, as well as the grandmother of a Princess of the
blood Royal, are certainly circumstances which seem to partake
more of the character of fiction than that of sober reality.

She had also the honor to be keeper to Mary Queen of Scots,
for many years, and it seems probable she frequently brought
her royal charge to Hardwick during that period.

She died full of years, honors, and worldly comforts, on the
13th February, 1607, and was buried in the south aisle of All
Saint's church in Derby, (where she had founded an hospital
for twelve poor persons) under a costly tomb which she took
care to erect in her own lifetime, and whereon a remarkable
epitaph was afterwards inscribed, and a recumbent marble
effigy of her Ladyship placed.

Most of this Lady's biographers agree that she was of noble
and commanding appearance, beautiful, accomplished, discreet
and talented, although perhaps towards the latter part of her
life rather inclined to be arrogant and despotic, hence her
union with the Earl of Shrewsbury, (who by the bye was not
all perfection himself), proved anything but a happy one. To
her credit however be it said, that in their disputes, which
ended in a separation, both Queen Elizabeth and Overton,
Bishop of Lichfield very warmly took the Lady's part. After
a careful examination of the character of this extraordinary
woman I am driven to the conclusion that she was more " sin-
ned against than sinning," and there are certainly no events
connected with her life, which could in my opinion, justify any
writer in speaking of her with such severity, as does one of her
own sex who says,* " His," the Earl of Shrewsbury's " proud

* Miss Strickland's Lives of the Queens of England, vol. 7.

and cruel wife whose temper could not be restrained by any
power either on earth or in heaven, soon became jealous of the
lovely and fascinating prisoner, and led her husband, a noble
of exemplary gravity, and a grandsire, a terrible life !"

In addition to her other extraordinary propensities, the
Countess was undoubtedly afflicted with what in modern times
is not inaptly termed a " building mania," and she had the
honor of building three of the most splendid seats that were
perhaps ever raised by any one person in the same county, viz :
— Hardwick Hall, of which I am now speaking, Oldcotes, near
Chesterfield, now in ruins, and that prince of mansions, and
gem of the Peak, Chatsworth. To assist in the erection or
rather rebuilding of this latter noble edifice, she caused a great
quantity of the materials to be removed from the old Hall of
Hardwick, which circumstance may partly account for the
extremely ruinous state of that ancient building.

To account for this Lady's rage for building, there is a tra-
dition (recorded by Walpole) that she was told by a fortune-
teller that her death should not happen while she continued
building, and accordingly she expended immense sums of
money in so doing ; and singular enough she died in a hard frost
when the workmen could not proceed with building operations !

Thus much for the history of Hardwick' s noble founder,
for the leading facts of which I am indebted to a copious
memoir of the Cavendish family, written by the learned Dr.
Kennett, once chaplain in the family, and afterwards Bishop
of Peterborough.

Leaving the romantic foreground and interesting ruins of
the ancient building,

•'Where now the spider is weaving his woof,
Making his loom of the sculptured roof ;

Where weeds have gathered and moss hath grown,
On the topmost ridge and lowest stone :

I will proceed to give you as accurate a description as I pos-
sibly can of the interior attractions of the present Hall.

Passing through a narrow gateway, you approach the west
front along a wide flagged pavement, and are admitted into the

ENTRANCE, OR GREAT HALL

which is of great magnitude, and fitted up with oak wainscoting and tapestry,
in admirable keeping with the rest of the internal furnishing and decorations,
which as a whole, is said to he the most faithful illustration of the domestic
habits of the days of Elizabeth, that any building in England affords.

This apartment contains a bust of Mary Queen of Scots, by Westmacott.
On a pedestal, bearing an armorial escutcheon, is the following brief inscrip-
tion:

Maria Regina Scotorum

Nata 1542,

A suis in exilium acta, 1568,
Ab hospita neci data, 1587.

Along the west end of the hall runs the Minstrel gallery, supported by
four pillars, and forming a sort of vestibule to the entrance.
Leaving the hall, we ascend by the north staircase into

THE CHAPEL

hung with tapestry, representing some of the leading incidents connected
with the life of Saint Paul, including his conversion and shipwreck. The
chairs and cushions, &c. contain some rich and costly specimens of antique
needlework, and as such are interesting and deserving of attention.

THE DINING HALL

is fitted up with small panels of dark oak wainscoting. Over the chimney-
piece is the following motto.

" The conclusion of all thinges, is to feare God and keepe his commaund-
mentes," underneath are the initials E. S. surmounted by a coronet and the
date 1597.

There are several portraits in this room, including the first Duke of Devon-
shire. Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire. Horatio, first Lord Walpole.
The Right Honorable Henry Pelham, and the Earl of Southampton, Lord
Treasurer to Charles the second.

A door on the north side of this room opens into

THE CUT VELVET BED ROOM

which was formerly hung with ancient silk drapery, richly embossed with
emblematical figures, in gold and silver lace and thread ; but is now hung
with tapestry, in good preservation, pourtraying Flemish subjects. Over
the doors are specimens of the old needlework decently restored.

The arms of Cavendish, Shrewsbury, and Hardwick are emblazoned over
the chimney-piece.

Returning through the dining-room, and proceeding along the gallery be-
fore alluded to, and from which there is a commanding view of the entrance
hall, you enter

THE DRAWING ROOM

which is also wainscoted in beautiful dark oak panels for a considerable
height, above which is some fine tapestry, representing the story of Esther
and King Ahasuerus.

In this room are several portraits, including Sir William Cavendish, taken
in his 42ud year, and considered fine. Charles James Fox and Countess
Spencer, mother of Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire. Over the chimney-
piece are the Hardwick arms, surmounted by a coronet, and supported by
two stags, underneath is the following distich.

" Sanguine, cornu, corde, oculo, pede, cervus et aure.
Nobilis at claro ; pondere nobilior."

By the south door of this room you enter

THE DUKE'S BED ROOM

which is hung with splendid tapestry, representing Abraham and the angels,
Isaac and Rebecca, and other scriptural subjects.

A DRESSING ROOM

adjoins, looking south, in which are some interesting specimens of the
Countess of Shrewsbury's needlework.

Returning through the drawing room, you reach the

GRAND STAIRCASE

the walls of which contain some splendid specimens of tapestry, on which
may readily be traced the story of Hero and Leander.

There is a curious ancient chest near the drawing room door, supposed to
have belonged to George Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury.

On arriving at the top of the staircase, a fine old door (surmounted by the
Hardwick arms) presents itself, and which enters into the

STATE ROOM, OR PRESENCE CHAMBER

a noble room, 65 feet long, 33 feet wide, and 26 feet high. The walls to the
height of 15 feet are adorned with rich tapestry, representing the chief
events of the Odyssey.

Above the tapestry, there is a basso relievo representation of a stag hunt,
and the court of Diana. The arms of England are over the fire-place.

The furniture in this room is extremely rich, and chiefly of the time of
James the second, together with some curious old chairs and stools recently .
restored.

At the north end of the room is a canopy of embroidered black velvet,
with chair and foot-stool to match, the inside being ornamented by the Hard-
wick arms quartered with the Brace's of Elgin. In front of the canopy
stands a long table of Queen Elizabeth's time, beautifully inlaid.

In a spacious recess stands the state bed, with rich crimson velvet canopy,
and noble ostrich plumes. The curtains are of crimson velvet and elaborately
covered with gold and silver tissue, and there are also carved chairs and
stools covered with the same material, to match. The whole are in a good
state of preservation. We next come to the

LIBRARY

the walls and doorways of which are hung with tapestry. From the windows
of this room a splendid prospect may be obtained.

The library contains a considerable number of curious and valuable works,
and the walls are graced with several paintings, including the celebrated
Countess of Shrewsbury herself. A fine portrait of the fourth Duchess of
Devonshire on horseback. (The horse was painted by Van Blooman, the
landscape by Horizonte, and the portrait by Kent, in 1747). The first Duke
of Devonshire when a youth, and Jeffery Hudson, the celebrated dwarf (painted
by Vandyck). From this to the

GREEN ROOM

the walls of which are now hung with beautiful silk tapestry. The library
and green room were originally the same height as the presence chamber.
You next enter the interesting room known as

MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS' ROOM

which is somewhat small, situate in one of the square towers. The prin-

cipal object of attention in this room is the Queen's bed, which being hung
with black velvet, has rather a gloomy but not unpleasing appearance
the hangings are richly embroidered with flowers in colored silk, by the
hands of the Royal prisoner and her attendants.

Over the door are the Royal arms of Scotland, with the initials M. R., and
round the whole is the inscription

" Marie Stewart, par le grace de Dieu, Royne de Scosse, Douariere de
Trance." Crest a lion. Motto, " In my Defens."

THE BLUE ROOM

amongst other attractions, contains a representation of the marriage of
'Tobias, placed over the mantel-piece.

The next and perhaps most attractive room is

THE PICTURE GALLERY

which extends the whole length of the eastern front, measuring 166 feet in
length, forty-one feet in width (including the window recesses) and 26 feet
high.

Some very ancient tapestry (removed from the old Halls at Chatsworth
and Hardwick) may be seen in this noble apartment, part of it bearing date
so long since as 1478.

The windows in this gallery, although no larger than the others on the
same story, are of most enormous proportions, and are altogether computed
to contain 27,000 panes of glass. Hence no doubt the origin of the saying,

"Hardwick Hall,
More glass than wall."

There are two splendid chimney-pieces here, composed of black marble and
alabaster, one surmounted by a piece of sculpture, representing "Pity,"
the other a companion-piece, representing " Justice ;" they are supposed to be
the work of either Stephens, a Flemish sculptor, or Valerio Vicentino, an
Italian artist.

The immense number of paintings hanging in this room, consist chiefly of
family portraits, a catalogue of which would far exceed my limits. The fol-
lowing will however, be probably found the most interesting, viz : —

Queen Elizabeth ; the Countess of Shrewsbury ; the beautiful Arabella
Stnart ; Henry the seventh and Henry the eighth ; (cartoon, by Holbein) ;
Mary Queen of Scots when young ; William, first Duke of Devonshire, the
same on horseback ; Lord William Russell ; Georgiana, Duchess of Devon-
shire ; Third Earl of Burlington ; Robert Boyle the Philosopher ; Thomas
Hobbes ; Seventh Earl of Derby j Lord Treasurer Burleigh.

Hardwick was for many years the abode of the semi-infidel
philosopher Hobbes, who having in early life been tutor in
the Cavendish family, found here an asylum in his declining
years, and here also after being more or less domesticated
with the family for nearly seventy years, this eccentric man,
who with all his philosophy, would never allow himself to be
left in the dark, died, or as he himself terms it, " crept out of
the world," at the advanced age of ninety-one years. He was
buried at the little church of Ault Hucknall close by; an
edifice, which is supposed to have been one of the ancient stone
churches, built by the Saxons.

Thus much for the noble Hall of Hardwick, its history, its
present state, and its associations. Having refreshed myself
at the little Inn below the Hall, kept by the loquacious and
obliging Mrs. Riggott, I proceeded through a highly cultivated
and beautiful country to

BOLSOVER CASTLE

distant perhaps three miles from Hardwick, another ancient
seat of the princely Cavendishes, now the property of the
Duke of Portland, and occupied by the Rev. Hamilton Gray,
the present highly esteemed and accomplished incumbent of
Bolsover.

The town of Bolsover, which is about eight miles from Mans-
field, is a quiet ancient looking place, and was at one time of
sufficient importance to rank as a market town. It is spoken
of as such so early as 1225. The market was held on Fri-
day, but was discontinued about the middle of the seventeenth
century.

The manor is copyhold, of a similar tenure to that of Mans-

field. His Grace the Duke of Portland being the present
Lord.

The "Bolsover buckles," which were held in so much
repute by our grandfathers, were formerly made here in great
quantities. Their celebrity arose from a peculiar process of
case-hardening, which not only enabled the manufacturer to
impart a most brilliant polish, but also rendered them of so
exceedingly good temper, that it was said a loaded cart might
pass over a Bolsover buckle without injuring its shape.

The church is a plain Norman structure with a tower and
low spire, and is dedicated to Saint Mary. The present value
of the living being about ^8130 ^ annum. In the interior
are some elaborate and costly monuments to several members
of the Cavendish family.

On approaching the town from the Glapwell road, the most
glorious scenery lay extended before me, as all at once I found
myself on the very ridge of a range of hills which fell some-
what precipitately from where I stood and formed with a cor-
responding range rising in the distance a long sweeping valley,
of the greatest extent, variety, and beauty. To the extreme
left, the noble woods and lofty turrets of the hall I had just
visited rose in grandeur ; the village of Heath with Sutton Hall,
the seat of one of the Arkwright's formed a pleasing front ;
and with the vast iron districts of Staveley and Renishaw on
the right, completed a magnificent panorama ; the noble hills of
the Peak and the Yorkshire moors extending themselves as a
misty-shaded back ground along the distant horizon. The
varied and glowing tints of a rich autumnal foliage although
somewhat sad precursors of approaching winter added greatly
to the beauty of the charming landscape.

On nearer acquaintance, the town bears evident traces of

having been at some period of its history strongly fortified.
I found the Castle all I had been led to expect.

" A mighty maze but not without a plan."

There is no doubt that William de Peverell (to whom the
manor was granted by his father William the Conqueror) built
a Castle at Bolsover, and there is still a road, called the
Peverell road, leading in direction of South Wingfield, where
he possessed a manor house. The ancient Castle formed one
of the strong-holds of the disaffected Barons, during part of
the troublesome reign of King John, but it was at length
reduced by Ferrars, Earl of Derby, who was afterwards ap-
pointed its governor.

In 1552, Edward the sixth granted a lease of the manor to
Sir John Byron, and two years afterwards granted the same
in fee to the Talbots, by whom it was leased in 1608 to Sir
Charles Cavendish for 1000 years, at a rent of ^£10 ^ annum,
and in 1613, he bought the manor; the purchase deed being
enrolled in chancery on the 20th August that year.

At that time the Castle was in ruins, but there was even
then too much mettle in the Cavendish blood to allow it to
continue so, consequently the same year Sir Charles commenced
the erection of the present mansion, under the superintendance
of Huntingdon Smithson, who was sent to Italy by the mu-
nificent owner expressly to collect materials for his designs.
This celebrated architect, died at Bolsover in 1648, and was
buried in the chancel of the church.

A great portion of the buildings then erected are now in
ruins, but there is nothing particularly picturesque in their
appearance, which partakes more of the effect produced by
having being dismantled by careful workmen, than of succumb-

ing to the ravages of time ; the massive grey walls being still
as firm and free from decay as can well be imagined.

Some idea may be formed of the style and magnitude of
this splendid range of buildings, from the fact, that one gal-
lery now standing, measures 220 feet in length, by 28 feet in
width. The dining room was 78 feet by 33 feet, and a lodg-
ing room 36 feet by 33 feet, the out buildings are in propor-
tion, the whole range measuring 2/6 feet from the east corner
of the house.

It was in these noble rooms tjiat William, the right loyal
and princely Earl of Newcastle (A. D. 1634) entertained King
Charles the first and his Queen on a scale of magnificence,
seldom if ever equalled in the annals of Baronial liberality, in
fact, according to the Duchess of Newcastle's memoirs of her
husband, it cost him no less a sum than from 14 to £ 15, 000 !
The table linen alone cost £1 60. On this occasion, Ben
Jonson was employed as a sort of master of the ceremonies to
prepare the speeches and scenes, and Welbeck Abbey was set
apart for their Majesty's lodgings.

Having alluded to the munificence of the first Earl of New-
castle, it may be interesting to mention the extent of his
resources and the generous sacrifices he made in support of
his Royal Master's cause.

From the memoirs of the Duchess, it appears that in the
year 1649, when the King found it necessary to raise an army
to subdue the disaffected Scotch, the Earl of Newcastle find-
ing his Majesty's exchequer exhausted, generously lent his
Majesty .£10,000, and raised a troop of horse consisting of
one hundred and twenty gentlemen, (which was afterwards
called the Prince of Wales' troop), all well equipped, and each
attended by his own servant without charge to the King.

His Lordship also fortified and garrisoned the town of New-
castle, Bolsover Castle, and other places at his own expense,
and gained many advantages over the parliamentary forces.
By a survey made of his estates in 1641, he possessed a rent
roll of £22,393. 9s. 3d. a prodigious income for those days.

After the murder of the King, these splendid estates were
placed by the parliament under a sequestration, the Earl him-
self having fled to Antwerp, where he chiefly resided until
his return to England at the restoration.

The Duchess computes her husband's losses consequent
upon those unhappy and disgraceful struggles at no less than
56941,303. Os. Od. for which she thus accounts :

The loss of his estates during the civil war and his
banishment, amounted with interest to

Estates actually lost, producing an annual income 1
of 565229, she estimates at J

Sold for payment of his debts ^656,000

Value of his woods which were cut down ^645, 000

Grand total 30941,303

What a melancholy picture does this statement present,
of the troubles and adversities which then so heavily oppressed
our land, and how fervent ought our aspirations to be for
deliverance " from all sedition, privy conspiracy and rebellion."
Although Bolsover Castle was strongly fortified, and well
provided for by the Earl of Newcastle, it could not withstand
the overpowering influence, openly and covertly, of the vic-
torious Puritans, and it surrendered upon honorable terms to
Major General Crawford, in 1644. From the account of its
capture it appears to have been well manned, strongly fortified
with great guns, "one whereof carried eighteen pound bullets,"
and was well stored with ammunition and provisions. One
F 3

hundred and twenty muskets, two mortars, nine barrels of
powder, besides pikes, halberts, drakes, matches, &c. fell into
the hands of the victors, who bestowed great pains in demo-
lishing this splendid edifice, in order as well to enrich them-
selves as to shew their spleen against the noble and loyal owner.

After the restoration some feeble attempts were made by
the Earl, by this time created the Duke of Newcastle, to repair
the injuries the fabric had sustained, but with a shattered for-
tune and advancing years, a total restoration was not attempt-
ed. Enough was accomplished however to enable various
branches of the family to reside there, but as this took place
during a time in which is little worthy of record, it is sufficient
to mention that this and several other estates, including
Mansfield and Welbeck, descended from that noble branch of
the Cavendishes through those of Holies and Harley to the
present owner and Lord of the Manor, His Grace the Duke
of Portland.

As before stated, the only part of the Castle now occupied
is the residence of the Rev. J. H. Gray, and is not shewn to
casual visitors when the family are at home. With the excep-
tion of what is termed the star chamber, there is little perhaps
beyond the glorious prospects from the windows to interest
the visitor.

The gardens belonging to the Castle are pretty though small,
and are graced with a classically designed fountain of elaborate
work, ornamented with the busts in alabaster of eight of the
Roman Emperors, and a statue of Venus in the act of getting
out of a bath with wet drapery in her hand, but the water which
once played around the lovely goddess has long ceased to
dance and sparkle at her feet.

And here I must conclude my account of Hardwick and

Bolsover, once places of almost regal splendour, and now so
interesting, that no lover of either his country's history, or of
the picturesque in scenery ought, if "within a day's march,"
to neglect visiting.

To vary the ramble, I returned to Mansfield by way of the
village of Houghton, and so to the charming little valley of
Pleasley Forge, where 'I found two spacious and noble looking
cotton mills, recently erected Phrenix-like, upon the ashes of
their more humble predecessors, which by a singular fatality
were burnt down within a few years of each other, to the great
loss of several insurance offices.

Leaving this valley with its busy mills and lakes, its stately
swans and richly wooded declivities, I passed the spot celebrated
as being the site of two Roman villas of considerable pretensions,
which were discovered by Major Rooke, in 1 786, and of which
he sent an interesting account to the Antiquarian Society,
(vide Archseologia, vol. 8, p. 363), but nothing is now to be
seen save the ruins of a wall, which the Major in his Antiqua-
rian zeal caused to be erected over the spot, in order to pro-
tect the remains from that total annihilation, which notwith-
standing has long since been their fate.

Passing on, I soon reached the village of

MANSFIELD WOODHOUSE,

an ancient and respectable little place, a mile and a half
from Mansfield, and once the seat of the Digby family, eminent
for their loyalty and zeal in the service of the first Charles.

The church in this village is of great antiquity. It is dedi-
cated to Saint Edmund, and so early as 1304 appears to have
suffered by fire, after which the steeple, previously of timber,
was rebuilt with stone, of which there are several quarries in

the parish consisting chiefly of that durable kind, called mag-
nesian limestone.

On approaching the church I found to my delight that the
spirit of restoration had been abroad in her purest form, the
whole body of the church being in course of rebuilding in a
most admirable manner.

The tower records show that in the reign of Henry the
sixth, Sir Robert Plumbton held one bovate in this parish, by
the service of winding a horn to frighten the wolves away from
the town, which at that time was (like Mansfield) surrounded
by a densely wooded forest. There is still a large tract of
forest belonging to this parish, but an act of parliament has
been obtained during the last session for its enclosure. The
inhabitants of Mansfield are applying for similar powers with
regard to that part of the forest lying within their parish, so
that ere long the heath covered hills of old Sherwood will be
clad with verdure, and the waving cornfields will usurp the
place of the graceful ferns (filices), or the still more pleasing
golden crested* ulex Europceus, furze, gorse, or whin, which
ever you please to call it.

Thus it has remained for the utilitarians of the nineteenth
century to demolish the last remnant of " merrie Shirewood,"
the most ancient, most extensive, and decidedly most interest-
ing of all the royal forests.

* See Appendix, Note 2.

LETTER IV.

WATER MEADOWS, ETC.

)NXIOUS to see the ruins of King John's palace, and
that splendid vestige of ancient Sherwood called Birkland,
I set out at day-break in the direction of what is generally
called the Flood Dyke, and by its side on a private road of the
Duke of Portland's, leading from near Mansfield for several
miles through his Grace's estates. It proved both a lovely
and an interesting walk, inasmuch as it displayed a system of
irrigation which although the work of one individual, may safely
take its stand as one of the most important and comprehensive
ever recorded in the annals of agricultural improvement. A
man of ordinary mind and means might have shrunk from
such an undertaking with dismay, but the indomitable per-
severance of this noble projector, has enabled him to overcome
every obstacle, and to reap the reward of a long and honorable
life passed in improving his estates, and in developing the
productive resources of the district.

The waters of the river Man, after turning the thousands of
spindles which whirl and dance over its stream, are diverted
from their natural channel by means of an artificial canal
to a much higher level parallel to, but at some distance

from the bed of the river, by which means the land lying be-
tween the two streams, that is, between the natural river and
artificial the one can be with the assistance of the shuttles,
carriers. &c. readily irrigated at pleasure.

These are the apparently perfectly simple and successful
means adopted, and it is when considered how comprehensively
they are carried out, and that the land was formerly rough,
boggy, and valueless, that the scheme and its effects can be
thoroughly appreciated, and no lover of agriculture can look
upon the now verdant meadows and luxuriant pastures which
meet his gaze in long and pleasing succession, without the
very highest admiration and even wonder.

His Grace first commenced this system of improvement
about thirty-six years ago, and has had I believe, a staff of men
locally called " the Duke's navigators," more or less employed
ever since, so^ that at the present time his flood-meadows
represent an amount of capital invested for improvement
literally astonishing.

Thinking the particulars of these works might interest you,
I obtained them from an authentic source by the courtesy of
a friend, and now send them merely premising that, independ-
ently of the formation of the "King's Mill" dam (named hi a
previous letter) these beautiful works have cost upwards of
one hundred pounds ^ acre 1

These then were His Grace the Duke of Portland's water
meadows, in the county of Nottingham, on the 25th October,
1849.

A. E. P.

In Clipstone and Clipstone Park, called Clipstone loin o i o
water meadows ]

In Mansfield Woodhouse, called Mansfield Wood- 1 ,-- j 2(j
house water meadows j

A. R. P.

In Mansfield and Sutton, called High Oakhaml ~- i 04
water meadows j

At Lindhurst, called Lindhurst water meadow . . 48 2 3

In Gleadthorpe (Warsop Parish), called Glead-1 ?* « «
thorpe water meadow J

In Carburton, called Carburton water meadow . . 56 0 27

In Welbeck and Norton, called the Kennel water]
meadows J 33

making a grand total of. 586 0 34

To this statement may be added a large extent now forming
at Cuckney, and a further one at Milnthorpe, in Norton town-
ship.

In the words of the Rev. J. Curtis " the value of this pro-
ject is very perceptible, during its whole length a perennial
fertility is maintained, and luxuriant crops of grass and clover
flourish over a district where comparative sterility once reigned
in absolute and apparently interminable power. If it has not
already, it will in time amply repay the immense outlay incur-
red in uVformation."

Proceeding for several miles through these verdant mea-
dows by the lower road, which is on the edge of a charming
little trout stream, I then passed through a wood of stately
young oaks, called Cavendish wood, and shortly found myself
close to the stack yard and buildings of the Lodge in Clipstone
park (built on the site of a former mansion, part of the remains
of which are incorporated with the present edifice) and used as
the farm house, which with its spacious and convenient ap-
pendages, its ingenious excellent and numerous implements, is
altogether an object of high and pleasing gratification. Dean
Swift has observed that he is the best patriot who causes

two ears of wheat to grow where one grew before. The
noble proprietor of this domain has done more — he has dis-
pensed upon a district of rigid barrenness the grateful aspect
of verdure and abundance. Nobility well deserves its honors,
its privileges, its influence, and its authority, when its revenues
are thus expended in "scattering blessings over a smiling
land."

Leaving this interesting farm yard with its healthy, well clad
labourers, majestic horses, implements in endless variety, first
rate stock, its unequalled stack yard, its host of one horse
carts and Dutch barns, I entered the little rural happy looking
village of

CLIPSTONE.

I say happy looking, and when I tell you that the labourer's
cottages have all the neatness and beauty of country villas,
with their trellised porches, climbing honeysuckles and blush-
ing roses, in addition to gardens, homesteads, and cottage
cows, you will think that I use the term advisedly. This
village although now a comparatively obscure hamlet, was
evidently at one time a place of much importance ; some
writers even asserting that during the Saxon heptarchy a palace
was built, and occupied by one of the Kings of Northumber-
land, be this as it may, it is certain that it was a Royal manor,
and possessed a Royal residence, very soon after the Norman
conquest, and that it was a frequent and favorite residence
of King John. It was also here that the lion-hearted Richard
received the congratulations of the King of Scotland on his
return from the Crusades. These incidents are enough to
clothe the place with more than ordinary interest. I there-
fore eagerly sought out all that remains of the Palace ruins,
and found in an arable field surrounded by a contented flock

of forest sheep, a pile of thick and rugged walls, perforated
with what were once no doubt richly traced gothic windows.
This remnant still frowns upon the storm and defies its power,
and may if permitted, endure for ages to come, for I found
on examination that the walls are composed of small pieces
of the imperishable magnesian limestone, and a concrete as
hard and durable as that by which the massive foundations of
the discovered Roman remains are generally cemented.

Although this place has been by some writers designated a
mere " hunting box," there can be no doubt it was from its
magnitude more deserving of the name of a Palace, for in
addition to the incidents connected with its history already
stated, I find that not only are several of the Royal grants to
Nottingham and elsewhere dated from it,but also that in 1290,
King Edward the first held a parliament or royal council
here ; and immense cellars and extensive foundations near
the present ruins existed but a few years ago.

On a bold bleak eminence some distance from the "Palace"
ruins, stands another structure which although of modern date,
is not the least attractive feature of this district. This is a
beautiful gothic Lodge recently erected, and called by the
villagers " the Duke's Archway," a name by the bye hardly
calculated to attract the notice its beauty will well repay. As it
lay however in the most direct route for Birkland, I made a virtue
of necessity and paid the Archway a visit, little expecting to
find a building rich in decoration, perfect in its various styles
of architecture (for it is scarcely pure gothic) admirably ap-
propriate to its situation and purpose, and displaying that taste
and refinement in details for which its eminent architects
(Scott and Moffatt) are so justly celebrated.

The first stone was laid in June, 1842, and the building

was completed in 1844, under the able superintendence of
Mr. Lindley, whose eminence and taste as a builder I have
before had occasion to allude to. It is built of the beautiful
limestone found at Mansfield Woodhouse, the surface of which
being highly dressed, its countless magnesian particles glitter
in the sun as if sprinkled with diamond dust.

CLIPSTONE LODGE

In the centre, as will be seen by the drawing is a noble
carriage way, and on either side are comfortable dwellings,
while the principal room which is over the archway, is dedi-
cated by its noble founder to the cause of education, for the
benefit of the villagers of Clipstone.

The prospects from this room are most beautiful, including

Birkland with its thousand aged oaks, the venerable church of
Edwinstowe, and a wide expanse of splendid forest scenery.
Some of these views have been recently taken by a London
artist for His Grace, and the paintings, which are of large di-
mensions, adorn the walls of the school.

Placed in the very centre of the locality identified with their
exploits, the Duke has happily adopted this tasteful work, to
commemorate the heroes of the famous " Garland/' for

our gpactou* fele 3t tln'nfc t£ere te not one
33ut j&e of &o6m $ootr jfcQ fceartr, antr Utttle
&nlr to tlje entr of time, tBe taleg sbzll ne'er fce tone
<®l Jrrarlet, (&eorge*a*<&reen, antr iHud^, t&e mtller*^ gon ;
(0f Cucfc t^e merrg frtar, ieijtc^ mang a sermon ntalfe
$n prafee of Mofiin l^ootr, \)i& outlaid antr t^efr tralre,"

In three niches on the south side of this elegant exterior are
beautiful and characteristic statues in Caen stone, of the
redoubted Outlaw himself, his friend scarcely less famous
Little John, and the loving and devoted Maid Marian, or Clo-
rinda; whilst looking northward, stand the lion-hearted
Richard, the Merry Friar, and the brave and gentle minstrel
Allan-a-dale. As works of mechanical art, these figures are
worthy of high admiration, but most so is the happy realization
of the ideal of these sylvan heroes. Four hares (symbolic of
the chase) are placed at intervals, whilst over the eastern and
western door-ways and surrounding the Ducal arms, are two
significant mottos from the well known lines of Horace.

Tu secanda marmora

Locas sub ipsum funus, et Sepulchri,
Immemor struis domos :

Lib. 2. Car, 18. V. 17.

Leaving the Lodge and following the course of a wide grassy
road extending for miles, known as the Duke's drive, I soon
entered that noble vestige of the ancient forest called Birkland,
which with the adjoining wood of Bilhagh, was granted by the
Crown to the Duke of Portland, in exchange for the perpetual
advowson of St. Mary-le-bone. The former, containing 94 7|
acres, still belongs to his Grace, but the latter, which lies
nearer the Thoresby estates, was conveyed by exchange to
Earl Manvers, in lieu of estates at Holbeck and Bonbusk,
contiguous to that of "Welbeck Abbey.

In the reign of King John the Abbey of Welbeck appro-
priated six acres, and one Robert Lesington eight acres, and
in 1 290 the same Abbey obtained a grant of free warren.

By a survey made in 1609, there were found to be 21,009
oak trees in Birkland, and 28,900 in Bilhagh, and they were
in general even at that time past maturity. In 104 years, that
is, from 1686 to 1790, there had been cut down no less than
27, 199 trees!

The indefatigable Major Rooke published "descriptions
and sketches" of some remarkable oaks in this locality.
From this account it appears that in cutting down some
trees in the Hays of Birkland and Bilhagh, letters were found
cut or stamped in the body of the trees marking the King's
reign. One with the letters I. R, about one foot within the
tree and the same distance from the centre. These the Major
concludes were for James Rex. Another contained W. M.
and a crown, about nine inches within the tree and three feet
three inches from the centre, these he thinks were for William
and Mary. A third contained the letter I. with an imperfect
impression of a blunt radiated crown, resembling those repre-
sented in old prints on the head of King John. These were

eighteen inches within the tree, and above a foot from the
centre, and the Major presumes were cut or stamped upon the
outside of the tree during the reign of King John. Two of
these trees were felled in 1786, the other 1791. "This ex-
tensive grove of ancient and majestic oaks," says Major Rooke,
"is beautifully diversified by the slender and pendant branches
of the silver-coated birch, with which this wood abounds.
Many of these remarkable oaks are of great antiquity, one may
venture to say a thousand years old. Several of them measure
above thirty-four feet in circumference, and notwithstanding
the hollowness of their trunks, their tops and lateral branches
are rich in foliage."

Although the woodman's work of destruction has progressed
rapidly since Major Rooke' s time, many of these ancient
picturesque denizens of the forest are yet left to us. Per-
haps of these, the two most remarkable are the "major oak"
and the "butcher's shambles," both of enormous proportions,
the major being ninety feet in circumference, and his branches
covering a diameter of 240 feet! The "butcher's sham-
bles" has been said to be the identical tree wherein Robin
Hood kept his venison ! but this, though popularly credited,
will hardly meet your belief, and in fact all it can legitimately
boast of in this way is, that it was the depository of
the mutton unlawfully slaughtered in the wood by a daring
and notorious sheep stealer, who many years ago nourished
at the neighbouring village of Clipstone! But though I
dispel the savory legend connected with this tree, I have no
wish to underrate its really surprising bulk, on which alone it
may be content to rest its claims to notice.

Another, and perhaps the most interesting tree of the dis-
trict, is the "parliament oak," which stands a short distance
G 3

from Birkland, on the turnpike road leading to Mansfield from
Ollerton. With a massive trunk shattered and rent asunder,
bereft of his noble arms, branchless, and decrepit, this patriarch
of the forest, once of sufficient consequence to invite even
Royalty beneath his shade, now leans for support against
the sturdy props with which he has been surrounded.

This aged tree bears the distinguished name of the parlia-
ment oak, from the well authenticated fact, that beneath its
wide-spreading branches King John and his Barons held a
brief but earnest consultation, in consequence of intelligence
having been brought to the Royal party (whilst hunting in
Clipstone park) of a second revolt of the Welsh. This took
place in 1212, and the first result was, according to Rapin,
the execution of twenty-eight Welsh Hostages, then confined
in Nottingham Castle.

Passing through the village of Edwinstowe, which is most
charmingly situate within the very midst of the forest, and
which boasts an ancient though recently restored church,
with a tall and somewhat graceful spire, I was not long e're I
reached the ancient

ABBEY OF RUFFORD

Here indeed is one of nature's sweetest solitudes, where no
sound is heard save the melody of the woodland songsters,
the hurried splash of the water fowl, and the low booming of
the venerable corn mill at the foot of the lake, where, acccord-
ing to tradition, the holy fathers of Rufford were wont to
resort for the purpose of grinding their corn.

The estates of Rufford or Rugforde, were previous to the
Norman conquest, held by Ulf a Saxon Thane, but after that
period, passed to Gilbert de Gaunt, nephew of the conqueror,

whose grandson Gilbert, having been created Earl of Lincoln,
founded in 1148 on his Rufford estate an Abbey for monks of
the Cistercian order, and in honor of the blessed Virgin Mary.
It was endowed with the lands of Ruiford and other estates,
colonised by monks brought by the founder from Rivaulx
Abbey in Yorkshire. Few remains of the holy brotherhood
can now be traced save the noble building they inhabited,
the history of both superiors and inferiors, abbot and monk,
being, like their mortal remains, hidden in dust and obscurity.

At the period of the destruction of monastic houses by
Henry the eighth, only fifteen monks were found in the Abbey,
with an annual revenue of 56254. After their expulsion, the
Abbey, together with the estate, were granted by the King to
George, Earl of Shrewsbury, in exchange for some estates in
Ireland. They passed by the marriage of the grand-daughter
of the Earl of Shrewsbury to Sir George Saville, of Barrowby,
in Lincolnshire, from whom they have descended to the pre-
sent noble owner The right Honorable John Lumley Saville,
eighth Earl of Scarbrough, Viscount and Baron Lumley, and
Lord Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire, who makes Ruiford his
principal seat, and to whom it is much indebted for its resto-
ration and present beauty.

The interior has many attractions, amongst which is shewn
the room used by George the fourth, on his visit to Rufford,
when Prince Regent, and to whose honor the then noble owner
made Rufford Abbey as it were an " open house," and caused
the whole domain to resound with amusement, festivity, and
joy. Apropos of his Royal visit to Rufford, I may tell you
that the elder Dibdin was engaged as a sort of master of the
ceremonies. During one of those delightful rambles in the
neighbouring woods of which the Poet frequently availed him-

self, he was struck with the occupation and manner of an aged
woodman, beneath whose axe a venerable oak had just fallen.
This common-place incident, although trifling in itself, was
not lost upon the sensitive mind of Dibdin, it in fact gave rise
to his celebrated song "The Woodman's Stroke," which was
first sung by the author on one of the evenings during the
Prince's stay at Ruff or d.

Some four pleasant miles from Rufford stands the less in-
teresting, but more splendid residence called

THORESBY

the residence of that best of landlords the generous, warm
hearted Sailor-Lord, Earl Manvers.

This mansion was built by the last Duke of Kingston, on
the site of the old house which was burnt down on the 4th of
March, 1745. It is a brick erection, standing upon a rusti-
cated stone basement, and the principal front is adorned with
a beautiful stone portico of the Ionic order.

There is a tone of grandeur and magnificence about the
interior arrangements of this residence well calculated to
gratify the visitor, but both time and space will prevent me
from giving you a detailed account of its respective internal
attractions.

The court yards, stables, offices, &c. are unusually spacious
and well arranged ; and the gardens speak much in favor of
the taste of the celebrated Duchess of Kingston, under whose
superintendence the greater part of them were constructed ;
but all these appendages fall into utter insignificance when com-
pared with the surpassing beauty of its very queen of Parks.

Severed from ancient Sherwood whilst yet in her pri-
mitive splendor, this noble domain, forming an area of about

thirteen square miles, has escaped the rude hand of the de-
stroyer, and exists a glorious vestige of nature's unsparing
handiwork and never failing beauty. Time defying oaks and
lofty beeches crowd upon the view at every turn, whilst hun-
dreds of deer sport, recline, and browse beneath their wide-
spread branches. The spacious and placid sheets of water
lend additional and refreshing beauty to the scene, the minia-
ture fort and full rigged vessel guarding the large lake, indica-
ting the early predilections of Thoresby's present Lord.
The village of

BUDBY,

which as I have before stated, lies within the King's great
Manor of Mansfield, is situate at the south west comer
of Thoresby Park, under a thickly wooded aclivity with
the river Meden gently flowing past. This village belongs
solely to Lord Manvers, and is looked upon as the very
model of village comfort and beauty, and in truth it well
deserves the celebrity. The cottages are all built in the
Swiss or Gothic style, and every attention must have been
paid to the picturesque in their erection. The neat and lux-
uriant gardens with which they are surrounded, combine to
make this pretty little town all that the most romantic and
fastidious taste could wish. But why should I dwell upon
one single scene, when all around is lovely ! And indeed I see
my space is nearly exhausted, therefore I must reserve for
another letter, the last, though not least, of the attractive Man-
sions I have been permitted to visit, the seat of the vener-
able Duke of Portland.

LETTER V.

WELBECK ABBEY.

' And one, an English home — gray twilight pour'd

On dewy pastures, dewy trees,
Softer than sleep — all things in order stored,

A haunt of ancient Peace.

)N passing through the almost endless plantations which
appear to surround this venerable seat, it is impossible not to
admire both the rich beauty of the scenery, as well as the
luxuriant evidences of the unprecedented zeal of his Grace
and his immediate predecessor, in promoting the growth of
timber. And all the country around is a wide model of that
fine system of farming, for which the noble owner and his
tenantry have long been celebrated.

The original Abbey was founded in the reign of King Ste-
phen, for Prsemonstratensian Canons, and was dedicated to
St. James, and eventually became one of the richest Abbeys
in Nottinghamshire. In 13th Henry the eighth (the year of
its dissolution) its annual revenues amounted to j£250. It
was first purchased by Richard Whalley, from whom it passed
to Sir Charles Cavendish, who, as I have before stated, was

the youngest son of the Countess of Shrewsbury. Sir Charles'
son became Duke of Newcastle, and wrote the celebrated trea-
tise upon horsemanship, and he it was who erected the beau-
tiful riding house at Welbeck (1623) which for extent and
fine proportion is not equalled probably by anything of the
kind in the kingdom. From this family the present Duke of
Portland is maternally descended.

Few remnants of the ancient Abbey now remain, and these
are old sepulchral monuments affixed to some of the inner
walls, the rest having been erected so recently as 1604; the
style however is in strict accordance with its former character,
and its pointed gables, clustered chimneys, battlements, turrets,
and towers, all unite in giving to Welbeck Abbey a remarkable
and antiquated appearance.

Pleasing and beautiful though this mansion from its situation
undoubtedly is, I do not find many very remarkable reminis-
cences connected with its history, except that it has on several
occasions been visited by Royalty.

In 1619, King James paid Sir William Cavendish a visit
at Welbeck, where he was entertained with the greatest
magnificence. The following year Sir William was created
Baron Ogle.

In 1633, King Charles the martyr making his progress into
Scotland to be crowned, did the noble proprietor the honor of
resting at Welbeck, where his Majesty and Court "were
received in such a manner, and with such excess of feasting as
had scarcely ever been known in England." On this occasion
the services of Ben Jonson were secured to write plays, or
masques, the performance of which was for the amusement of
the Royal party. The first of these is entitled " Love's
Welcome; the King's entertainment at Welbeck, in Not-

tinghamshire, a house of the right honorable William, Earl
of Newcastle, Viscount Mansfield, Baron of Bothal and
Bolsover, &c. at his going into Scotland, 1633." Gifford, in
speaking of this masque says, " the object was merely to in-
troduce in a kind of anti-masque a course of Quintain, per-
formed by the gentlemen of the county, neighbours of this
great Earl, in the guise of rustics, in which much awkwardness
was affected, and much real dexterity probably shewn." The
following eulogium upon the unfortunate Monarch appears to-
wards the conclusion of the piece, which being now rare, may
not be an uninteresting extract,

such a King

As men would wish, that knew not how to hope
His like, but seeing him ! A Prince, that's law
Unto himself; is good for goodness' sake —
And so becomes the rule unto his subjects ;
That studies not to seem or to shew great,
But be: — not dressed for other's eyes and ears,
With visors and false rumours, but make fame
Wait on his actions, and thence speak his name."

The Welbeck gardens are much celebrated for their beauty
and extent, and are well supplied with rare exotics and choice
fruit.

Within the precincts of the park the following trees may be
fairly classed in the catalogue of

REMARKABLE OAKS.

The Greendale oak, which has not been inaptly called the
"Methuselah of trees."

Major Rooke in speaking of this tree in 1779, says, "this
famous oak is thought to be above 700 years old, and from
its appearance, there is every reason to suppose it has attained

to that age at least. The circumference of the trunk above
the arch is 35 feet 3 inches, height of the arch 10 feet 3 inches,

width about the middle 6 feet
3 inches, height to the top
branch 54 feet. The Countess of
Oxford had several cabinets made
of the branches and ornamented
with inlaid representations of the
oak." The height of this tree
at the present time is about 50
feet, andTts"principal attraction consists in its having an archway
cut through its sturdy trunk sufficiently wide as the " natives"
say for a carriage to drive through!

THE PORTER OAKS,

Are so called from there having been a gate between them.
The dimensions of these trees as given by Major Rooke are, —
height of one 98 feet, the other 88 feet ; circumference of the
former at bottom 38 feet, the latter 34 feet.

, THE SEVEN SISTERS

is another interesting tree, and so called from its having had
seven stems or trunks issuing out of one stool in a perpendi-
cular direction. The same authority gives the height of this
tree as 88 feet, and the circumference at the bottom at 34 feet.

THE DUKE'S WALKING STICK

is described by the Major as being in height 111 feet 6 inches,
solid contents 440 feet, weight, 1 1 tons ! " It may be doubted,"
says he, " whether this admirable tree can be matched by any

other in the kingdom." This noble fellow has alas ! long
ceased to exist, and its title transferred to a fine young oak
near the Abbey, straight as a pike staff, and nearly 100 feet in
height, and 70 feet to the branches; this "youngster" is
about 130 years old.

At the bottom end of the beautiful winding lake at Welbeck,
and within sight on one side of the Abbey, and on the other
of the Mansfield and Worksop turnpike road, the noble Duke
is now erecting at an enormous expense, a beautiful Iron
Bridge of graceful proportions, and calculated to have, from
every point of view, a most imposing effect. A short distance
from it is the gate and the oak tree, near which, on the 21st,
September, 1848, the lifeless body of Lord George Bentinck
was found.

On the west side of Welbeck park is an ancient and exten-
sive mansion called Woodhouse Hall, which is even now
surrounded by a moat, and presents a venerable appearance.
Thoroton says that the first Earl of Kingston, who died in
1 643 resided here, and there is no doubt but it originally be-
longed to the neighbouring village of Cuckney, and was in
fact the site of the Castle of Cuckney, erected by the founder
of Welbeck Abbey. This rarely visited, but interesting
residence, is now occupied by a respectable farmer.

In concluding this account of Welbeck Abbey, I would fain
have expatiated upon the many noble qualities, generous im-
pulses, and exalted virtues of its present aged and venerated
owner the Duke of Portland, but the sentiments of those
around him are so well expressed in an address, which was
presented to his Grace some time ago, that I prefer sending
you a copy of it.

TO THE MOST NOBLE WlLLIAM HENRY CAVENDISH SCOTT,

DUKE OF PORTLAND :

We, the inhabitants of Mansfield and its vicinity, in public
meeting assembled, beg most warmly to congratulate your
Grace upon an eveiit which cannot but be hailed with pleasure
by every one to whom your many virtues are known, namely,
that of completing your eightieth year.

It is under ordinary circumstances highly gratifying, to see
the good and the great in life, enjoying a revered and honor-
able old age, but when such blessings fall to the lot of one,
possessing so large a share of our veneration and regard as
your Grace has ever done, we feel a pleasure which language
can but feebly express.

As a liberal benefactor to the district in which we reside,
and as a promoter of every object calculated to soothe and
alleviate the sorrows and sufferings of our poorer fellow crea-
tures, or to advance the cause of religion and education ; at
once kind, charitable, and humane, your name is affectionately
endeared to us ; and our earnest hope is, that it may please
Almighty God to continue His blessing towards you, so that
you may long remain in the uninterrupted enjoyment of health
and happiness, and also of that peace of mind " which passeth
understanding."

Dated at Mansfield this 2/th day of June, 1848.
Signed

FRAS. HALL,

Chairman.

Here then my pleasant task concludes. Hurried and im
perfect as these descriptions are, they may, I hope, both gra-
tify and amuse you ; beyond this I do not aspire. For my

own part, in looking back upon my rambles ; whether I think
of the Sacred Edifices which the zeal and devotion of former
generations raised to the service of God, or of the extent and
splendour of the Baronial Halls I have attempted to describe,
or of all the interesting scenes with which nature's most
lovely domain " Old Sherwood" is studded, I feel more than
gratified with my visit to this charming portion of our native
land, and exclaim with the American Poet,

" O what a glory doth this world put on,
For him, who with a fervent heart, goes forth
Under the bright and glorious sky, and looks
On duties well performed, and days well spent !
lor him the wind, ay, and the yellow leaves,
Shall have a voice and give him eloquent teachings."

ERRATA.

Page 22, line IS, for Essay of Table,
read Essay on Fable,

46, line 10, for Corn Bill,

read Reform Bill.

70, line 3,/or artificial the one,
read the artificial one.

APPENDIX.

Note 1. Page 26.
ROBIN HOOD.

It will scarcely be expected that one should be able to offer an authentic
narrative of the life and transactions of this extraordinary personage. The
times in which he lived, the mode of life he adopted, and the silence or loss of
contemporary writers are circumstances sufficiently favorable indeed to romance,
but altogether inimical to historical truth. The reader must therefore be
contented with such a detail however scanty or imperfect, as a zealous pur-
suit of the subject enables one to give ; and which though it may fail i<?
satisfy, may probably serve to amuse.

The industrious Sir John Hawkins, from whom the public had been pre-
viously taught to expect ample gratification upon the subject, acknowledges
that the history of this popular hero is but little known, and all the scatter-
ed fragments concerning him could they be brought together, would fall far
short of satisfying such an inquirer, as none but real and well authenticated
facts will content ; " we must," he says, "take the story as we find it." It
is not therefore pretended that the present attempt promises more than to
bring together the scattered fragments to which the historian alludes. This,
however, has been done, according to the best of the compiler's information
and abilities ; and the result is, with a due sense of the deficiency of both,
submitted to the reader's candour

ROBIN HOOD was born at Locksley, in the county of Nottingham, in the
reign of Henry the second, and about the year of Christ 1160. His extrac-
tion was noble, and his true name was Robert Fitzoot-hes, which vulgar pro-
nunciation easily corrupted into Robin Hood. He is frequently styled, and
commonly reputed to have been Earl of Huntingdon ; a title to which, in the
latter part of his life, at least, he actually appears to have had some sort of
pretension. In his youth he is reported to have been of a wild and eztra-
H 3

vagant disposition ; insomuch that, his inheritance heing consumed or for-
feited by his excesses, and his person outlawed for debt, either from necessity
or choice, he sought an asylum in the woods and forests, with which im-
mense tracts, especially in the northern parts of the kingdom, were at that
time covered. Of these he chiefly affected Barnsdale, in Yorkshire, Sherwood,
in Nottinghamshire, and, according to some, Plompton-park, in Cumberland.
Here he either found or was afterwards joined by a number of persons in similar
circumstances,

" Such as the fury of ungovern'd youth
Thrust from the company of awful men."

who appear to have considered and obeyed him as their chief or leader, and
of whom his principal favourites, or those in whose courage and fidelity he
most confided, were LITTLE JOHN, (whose surname is said to have been NailorJ,
WILLIAM SCADLOCK (Scathelock or Scarlet), GEORGE-A-GREEN, pindar or
pound-keeper of Wakefield, MUCH, a miller's son, and a certain monk or friar
named TUCK. He is likewise said to have been accompanied in his retreat
by a female, of whom he was enamoured, and whose real or adopted name
was MARIAN.

His company, in process of time, consisted of a hundred archers; men,
says Major, " most skilful in battle, whom four times that number of the bold-
est fellows durst not attack." His manner of recruiting was somewhat sin-
gular ; for in the words of an old writer, " wher soever he hard of any that
were of unusual strength and ' hardines,' he would desgyse himselfe, and,
rather then fayle, go lyke a begger, to become acquaynted with them ; and,
after he had tryed them with fyghting ; never givethem over tylhehadusedmeans
to drawe them to lyve after his fashion :" a practice of which numerous in-
stances are recorded in the more common and popular songs, where, indeed,
he seldom fails to receive a sound beating. In shooting with the long bow,
which they chiefly practised, " they excelled all the men of the land ; though
as occasion required, they had also other weapons."

In these forests, and with this company, he for many years reigned like
an independent sovereign ; at perpetual war, indeed, with the King of Eng-
land, and all his subjects, with an exception, however, of the poor and needy,
and such as were " desolate and oppressed," or stood in need of his protec-
tion. "When molested, by a superior force, in one place, he retired to another,
still defying the power of what was called law and government, and making
his enemies pay dearly, as well for their open attacks, as for their clandestine
treachery. It is not, at the same time, to be concluded that he must, in
this opposition, have been guilty of manifest treason or rebellion; as he

most certainly can be justly charged with neither. An outlaw, in those times,
being deprived of protection, owed no allegiance: "his hand 'was' against
every man, and every man's hand against him." These forests, in short, were
his territories ; those who accompanied and adhered to him, his subjects :

The world was not his friend, nor the world's law.

and what better title King Richard could pretend to the territory and people
of England than Robin Hood had to the dominion of Barnsdale or Sherwood
is a question humbly submitted to the consideration of the political philoso-
pher.

The deer with which the royal forests then abounded (every Norman tyrant
being, likeNimrod, "a mighty hunter before the Lord),"would afford our hero
and his companions an ample supply of food throughout the year ; and of
fuel, for dressing their venison, or for the other purposes of life, they could
evidently be in no want. The rest of their necessaries would be easily pro-
cured, partly by taking what they had occasion for from the wealthy passen-
ger, who traversed or approached their territories, and partly by commerce
with the neighbouring villages or great towns.

It may be readily imagined that such a life, during great part of the year,
at least, and while it continued free from the alarms or apprehensions to
which our foresters, one would suppose, must have been too frequently sub-
ject, might be sufficiently pleasant and desirable, and even deserve the com-
pliment which is paid to it by Shakspeare, in his comedy As you like it, (act
1. scene 1), where on Oliver's asking, "where will the old duke live?"
Charles answers, " They say he is already in the forest of Arden, and a many
merry men with him; and there they live like the old Robin Hood of Eng-
land ; and fleet the time carelessly as they did in the golden world."

But , on the other hand, it will be at once difficult and painful to conceive,

When they did htar

The rain and wind beat dark December, how,
In that their pinching cave, they could discourse
The freezing hours away!

Their mode of life, in short, and domestic economy, of which no authentic
particulars have been traditionally preserved, are more easily to be guessed
at than described.

That our hero and his companions, while they lived in the woods, had re-
course to robbery for their better support is neither to be concealed nor to
be denied. Testimonies to this purpose, indeed would be equally endless and
unnecessary. Fordun in the fourteenth century, calls him' " ille famossisi-
mus siccarius" that most celebrated robber, and Major terms him and Little

John, "famatissimi latroncs" But it is to be remembered, according to
the confession of the latter historian, that, in these exertions of power, he
took away the goods of rich men only ; never killing any person, unless he
was attacked or resisted : that he would not suffer a woman to be maltreated ;
nor ever took any thing from the poor, but charitably fed them with the
wealth he drew from the abbots, I disapprove, says he, of the rapine of the
man ; but he was the most humane and the prince of all robbers. In allusion,
no doubt, to this irregular and predatory course of life, he has had the honor
to be compared to the illustrious Wallace, the champion and deliverer oi his
country ; and that, it is not a little remarkable, in the latter's own time.

Our hero, indeed, seems to have held bishops, abbots, priests, and monks,
in a word, all the clergy, regular or secular, in decided aversion.

"These byshoppes and thyse arrhebyshoppes,
Ye shall them bete and bynde,"

was an injunction carefully impressed upon his followers : and, in this part
of his conduct, perhaps, he may find ample justification in the accounts of
the pride, avarice, uncharitablenes, and hypocrisy of a portion of the clergy
of that day who were supported in pampered luxury, at the expense of those,
whom the craft of the Romish priesthood retained in superstitious igno-
rance and irrational servility. The abbot of St. Mary's, in York, from some
unknown cause, appears to have been distinguished by particular animosity ;
and the sheriff of Nottinghamshire, who may have been too active and offi-
cious in his endeavours to apprehend him, was the unremitted object of his
vengeance.

Notwithstanding, however, the aversion in which he appears to have held
the clergy of every denomination, he was a man of exemplary piety, according
to the notions of that age, and retained a domestic chaplain (friar Tuck no
doubt) for the diurnal celebration of the divine mysteries. This we learn
from an anecdote preserved by Fordun, as an instance of those actions which
the historian allows to deserve commendation. One day, as he heard mass,
which he was most devoutly accustomed to do, (nor would he, in whatever
necessity, suffer the office to be interrupted), he was espied by a certain sheriff
and officers belonging to the King, who had frequently before molested
him, in that most secret recess of the wood where he was at mass. Some of
his people, who perceived what was going forward, advised him to fly with all
speed, which out of reverence to the sacrament, which he was then most de-
voutly worshipping, he absolutely refused to do. But the rest of his men
having fled for fear of death, Robin confiding solely in him whom he rever-
ently worshipped, with a very few, who by chance were present, set upon his

enemies, whom he easily vanquished ; and, being enriched with their spoils
and ransom, he always held the ministers of the church and masses in greater
veneration ever after, mindful of what is vulgarly said :

Him God does surely hear
Who oft to th ' mass gives ear.

Having for a long series of years, maintained a sort of independent sove-
reignty, and set kings, judges, and magistrates at defiance, a proclamation
was published, offering a considerable reward for bringing him in, either dead
or alive ; which, however, seems to have been productive of no greater success
than former attempts for that purpose. At length the infirmities of old age
increasing upon him, and desirous to be relieved in a fit of sickness, by being
let blood, he applied for that purpose to the prioress of Kirkley's-nunnery,
in Yorkshire, his relation, (women, and particularly religious women, being
in those times, somewhat better skilled in surgeiy than the sex is at present)
by whom he was treacherously -suffered to bleed to death. This event hap-
pened on the 18th of November, 1247, being the 31st year of King Henry
III. and (if the date assigned to his birth be correct) about the 8?th of his
age. He was interred under some trees, at a short distance from the house ;
a stone being placed over his grave, with an inscription to his memory.

Such was the end of Robin Hood : a man who, in a barbarous age, and
under a complicated tyranny, displayed a spirit of freedom and independence,
which has endeared him to the common people, whose cause he maintained,
(for opposition to tyranny is the cause of the people), and which in spite of the
malicious endeavours of pitiful monks, by whom history was consecrated to
the crimes and follies of titled ruffians and sainted idiots, to suppress all
record of his patriotic exertions aud virtuous acts, will render his name im-
mortal.

" Dum juga mentis aper-fluvios dum piscis amabit,
Dumque iliyinu pascentur apes, dum rore cicadse,
Semper bonus, uomenque tuum, laudcgque mauebunt."

With respect to his personal character ; it is sufficiently evident that he
was active, brave, prudent, patient ; possessed of uncommon bodily strength,
and considerable military skill ; just, generous, benevolent, faithful and be-
loved or revered by his followers or adherents for his excellent and amiable
qualities. Fordun, a priest, extols his piety, and piety by a priest, is regard-
ed as the perfection of virtue ; Major (as we have seen) pronounces him the
most humane and the prince of all robbers; andCamden, whose testimony is
of some weight, calls him <: prcedonem mitissimum" the gentlest of thieves.

As proofs of his universal and singular popularity : his story and exploits
have been made the subject as well of various dramatic exhibitions, as of in-
numerable poems, rhymes, songs, and ballads : he has given rise to divers pro-
verbs ; and^to swear by him, or some of his companions, appeal's to have been
a usual practice ; he may be regarded as the patron of archery : and, though
not actually canonized, (a situation to which the miracles wrought in his
favor, as well in his lifetime as after his death, and the supernatural powers
he is, in some parts , supposed to have possessed, give him an indisputable
claim), he obtained the principal distinction of sainthood, in having a festival
allotted to him, and solemn games instituted in honor of his memory, which
were celebrated till the latter end of the sixteenth centuiy ; not by the popu-
lace only, but by kings or princes and grave magistrates, and that as well in
Scotland as in England ; being considered, in the former country, of the
highest political importance, and as essential «to the civil and religious liber-
ties of the people; the efforts of government to suppress them frequently pro-
ducing tumult and insurrection : his bow, and one of his arrows, his chair,
cap, and slipper were preserved with great care till within the last centu-
ry ; and not only places which afforded him security or amusement, but even
the well which quenched his thirst, still retain his name : a name which, in
the middle of the present centuiy, was conferred as an honorable distinction
upon the prime minister to the king of Madagascar.

After his death his company was dispersed. History is silent in partiru-
lars: all that we can, therefore, learn is, that the honor of Little John's
death and grave is contended for by rival nations ; that the place of his (real
or reputed) burial was long " celebrous for the yielding of excellent whet-
stones ;" and that some of his descendants, of the name of Nailor, which he
himself bore, and they from him, were in being so late as the seventeenth
century.

NOTE 2. Page 68

To the courtesy of an accomplished medical friend, the publisher is indebted
for the following list of Plants growing about Mansfield Forest :

Vaccinium myrtillus Bilberry

Vaccinium Vitis Idcea, Red wliortellcrr < €•••, ; berry

Drosera rotundifolia Round leaved Sundew

Erodium maritimum Sea Storks-bill

Ulex Europceus Common Furze, Whin, or Gorse

Ulex nanus Dwarf Furze

Genista tinctoria Dyer's Green-weed, Wood-waxen

Genista Anglica Petty Whin, Needle Green-weed

Tormentilla officinalis Common Tormentil

Tormentilla reptans Trailing Tormentil

Conyza squarrosa Ploughman's Spikenard

Gnaphalium dioicum Mountain Cudweed

Calluna vulgaris Common Heath, Ling

Erica cinerea Fine leaved Heath

Erica Tetralix Cross leaved Heath

Verbascum Thapsus Mullein

Pinus sylvestris Scotch Fir

Typha latifolia Great Cats-tail

Eriophorum vaginatum Hare's-tail, Cotton grass

Eriophorum angustifolium Common Cotton grass

Batrychium lunaria Common Moonwort

Lycopodium clavatum Club Moss, Stag's-horn Moss

Lycopodium Selago Fir Club Moss

Lycopodium inundatum Marsh Club Moss

Cladonia rangiferina Rein Deer Moss

FINIS.

INDEX.

PAGE

Annesley Hall 40

Birkland and Bilhagh 76

Bolsover Castle 61

Budby 81

Clipstone 72

Lodge 74

HardwickHall 50

Hucknall Church 47

Linby 47

Mansfield : 5

Woodhouse 67

Newstead Abbey 25

Oaks (Butcher's Shambles, the) 77

-(Major, the) , .. .. 77

Parliament, the) 77

Oaks of Birkland 76

Welbeck 84

Plants, indigenous . / 95

Robin Hood (Life of) 89

Rufford Abbey 78

Thoresby 80

Water Meadows 69

Welbeck Abbey 82

Collins on, Printer, Mansfield.

ADVERTISEMENTS.

To Railway Travellers & others.

In consequence of the extensive alterations which have recently
heen made in the

'
The Proprietor confidently solicits the support of Visitors

and others, assuring them that they will meet with every
comfort and attention which the most fastidious can desire.

(Driven by experienced guides)

TO BIRKLAND, NEWSTEAD, & HARDWICK,

and all other attractive places in the Neighbourhood.

GENERAL FURNISHING IRONMONGERY, CASTING,

AND AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT WAREHOUSE,
MARKET PLACE, MANSFIELD.

MESSRS. JOHN & JAMES ALDR1DGE,

PROPRIETORS OF THE ABOVE ESTABLISHMENT,

Beg to assure their Friends and the Public generally, that they shall ever
feel grateful for the kind encouragement they have already met with, proving t
as it does, that their system of conducting business, viz :— THAT OF PUR-
CHASING ON THE BEST POSSIBLE TERMS, and being satisfied with
A I AIR AND REASONABLE PROFIT, has been properly appreciated by
that best of tribunals, Public opinion, before which absurd and empty pro-
fessions of " Extraordinary Advantages," " Cheap Bargains," &c. must sooner
or later explode like the soap-bubbles of childhood. They, however, venture
to assert, that every article purchased at their establishment will, on compa-
rison, be found as cheap and good as those supplied by any other respectable
house, however attractive and high sounding their boastings may be.

Having recently fitted up a range of commodious Workshops, and secured
the services of first-rate workmen, they are enabled to execute all kinds of
Engineering and Smith's Work, Bell-hanging, Brazing, and Copper, Zinc,
and Tinplate Work, in a superior style, and with expedition.

They beg respectfully to call public attention to their present extensive
and carefully selected stock of GOODS, of which the following is merely a
summary, viz : —

A GENERAL ASSORTMENT OF CASTINGS,

Consisting of Kitchen Ranges, Cooking Apparatus, Stove Grates, elegant

Black and Bronzed Fenders, Warm Air Stoves, Bronzed and Berlin-

black Hat, Coat, and Umbrella Stands, Door Steps, &c. &c.

CONSISTING OF MOST OP

CROSSKILL'S CELEBRATED IMPLEMENTS,

GILLOTT'S PATENT GUILLOTINE STRAW CUTTER,

being decidedly the best ever invented.

TTTOEW

£&Unnotoing
REVILL'S PATENT BARLEY CHOPPER.

ALDRIDGE'S IMPROVED IRON LAND ROLLER,

of great power and utility for pressing light soils.

Fergette's Patent Waterproof Covers, for Carts, Waggons,
and Stacks.

IMPROVED CAST IRON MANGERS, RACKS, AND TROUGHS.

Turnip arid Corn Skeps, of all sizes.

Iron Hurdles and Gates ; also Wire and other Fencing, of the most fashion-

able and elegant designs, and adapted for Parks and Pleasure Grounds,

as well as for general farming purposes.

SOLE AGENTS FOR GODDARD's CELEBRATED

LEICESTERSHIRE HALT REMEDY,

for the cure of Foot Rot and Lameness in Sheep and Cattle.

GARDENING fy HORTICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS,

and Ornamental Work of first-rate quality and most admirable designs,

Consisting in part, of Elegant Cast Iron Bordering, Flower Stands, Wire
Trellis Work for Arbours and Verandahs, Patent Garden Engines, Syringes
and Rollers ; also a large stock of Hoes, Rakes, Spades, Shears, fyc. suitable
alike for the Workman, the Amateur, or Lady-florist.

AN ENDLESS VARIETY OP

GENERAL FURNISHING IRONMONGERY,

Including Joiner's Tools, Brass Furnishings, Cornice Poles, Rings, and Cur-
tain Bands, of the most modern and elaborate designs ; Locks in every variety,
including Chubb's Bramah's, Ducie's, and Windle and Co.'s Patents. Bath*
of every description. Elegant Trays. A splendid assortment of Cutlery :
and, in fact, almost every article required in the domestic Leconomy of either
the Mansion or the Cottage.

J. and J. ALDRIDGE would also call the especial attention of Sportsmen
to their splendid stock of

And to assure them that they can be supplied at their establishment, not only
with these articles, but also with POWDER, SHOT, PERCUSSION CAPS,
WADDINGS, and every other article required by the sporting world, on such
reasonable terms, as will, the proprietors confidently hope, insure them a con-
tinuance of their future commands. Guns, &c. repaired by experienced and
competent workmen.

AGENTS TOR THE SALE OP

which they are now prepared to offer at the reduced price of 5s. *$ gallon.

The extraordinary success which has attended the use of ALDRIDGE'S
IMPROVED COWL FOR THE CURE OF SMOKEY CHIMNIES, in-
duces the proprietors to strongly recommend their adoption by those troubled
with this hitherto incurable nuisance.

OLD ESTABLISHED
WINE! AND SPIRIT VAULTS,

WHOLESALE AND RETAIL,

Begs to announce that he is appointed sole Agent for

ROASTED IN SILVER CYLINDERS,

WHICH IS NOW SO GENERALLY USED,
A TRIAL IS SOLICITED.

A choice assortment of GENUINE and PURE

TEAS, SUGARS, SPICES,

And every Article connected with the Grocery business of the
best quality, and on the most reasonable terms.

THE STOCK OF

"HE GREATEST CARE,

recommenTleel tO^arties who wish to have a
lowest rqjrmnerating price.

Takes this opportunity to thank his Friends and the Public,
for their liberal support, especially since he entered upon his
present Central Premises.

His determination is and ever will be to deal only in the best
and purest Articles known in the trade, and to personally super-
intend the dispensing of Prescriptions and Family Recipes.

HORSE AND CATTLE MEDICINES.

§S>JE!EMI (DHLS*

<&&$tntt oC &iu(0bf*$, Jrauceg anlr

Sole Inventor and Preprietor of Oldham's celebrated

FOOT ROT OINTMENT FOR SHEEP.

Rich Cut Glass Smelling Bottles and Articles for the Toilet.

. j£aTmmt5j>0 aW&ratrtr df amtlg ^ilte,

Roper's Plasters, and other established, Patent Medicines.

'—ri

* Observe near the Town Hall, Market Place, Mansfield^
13 \

In the press and shortly will he published, uniform with Foster's Popular
Charts of Home, France, and Britain ; English History and the Colonies.

Drawing Columbier, Price 3s. 6d., Beautifully Printed.
A CHRONOLOGICAL CHART OF

FROM THE CREATION TO THE PRESENT TIME.

Compiled from the most authentic sources, and comprising
nearly 2,000 events.

The whole forming a most interesting and valuable work of reference, and
one which ought to have a place in every house in the empire.

BY RICHARD ALLEN.

ii.
THIRD EDITION. 32mo. Cloth, Gilt. Price 6d.

Consisting of simple consonantal signs of the same thickness ; with fifteen
vowel signs, or STENOGRAPHY, PHONOGRAPHY, PHONOTYPE, and
SHORT HAND made easy; easily written and as easily read. A New
System, capahle of the greatest abbreviation and the most perfect legibility ;

A BOOK FOR THE MILLION!

For the Minister, the Missionary, the Day and Sunday School Teacher, the
Clerk, the Reporter, and all those who have little time or weak memories.

ALSO FOR THE BLIND.

Not a book of rules and arbitrary characters, but of principles clearly
explained, and elucidated by examples.

BY W. PLUMB.

in.
Third Edition. Royal 8vo. Sewed 3s. Handsomely bound in cloth, gilt, 5s.

P E S T U S.

A POEM.
BY PHILIP JAMES BAILEY.

A very limited number of copies of this extraordinary work only remain to
be disposed of, and as it is not probable that another cheap edition will be
issued, an early application, by those who are desirous of possessing it at its
present low price, is requested.

LONDON :

Pickering, 177> Piccadilly; Hamilton, Adams, & Co., 33, Paternoster Row;
Collinson, Mansfield ; Allen, Nottingham, and all BookseDers.

(g)

(SUCCESSORS -TO MR. BUNTING)

CHEMISTS & DRUGGISTS,

MARKET PLACE, MANSFIELD.

PHYSICIAN'S PRESCRIPTIONS AND FAMILY RECIPES CAREFULLY
DISPENSED WITH MEDICINES OF THE PUREST QUALITY.

N. B. Every Prescription is entered in the Prescription Book, and numbered,
and may be referred to at any future time.

GENUINE PATENT MEDICINES.

FAMILY MEDICINE CHESTS SUPPLIED AND REFITTED.

Best London Vinegar for Pickling. Pickles and Fish Sauces of all kinds, fyc.
Camphine, and superior Sperm Oil for Lamps.

Wax, Sperm, and Composite Candles. — Wax and Composi-
tion Night Mortars, of superior quality. — BelPs Wax Vesta
Matches and Fire Boxes. — All kinds of Paints, Oils, and Water
Colours. — Manufacturers of Mustard, Soda Water, & Lemon-
ade.— Lemon Kali. — Seidlitz and Soda Powders. — Horse and
Cattle Medicines. — Sheep Ointment (warranted). — Foot Halt
Ointment and Dipping Composition. — Farmers' Friend for
preventing the Smut in Wheat.

H. and H. beg respectfully to thank their numerous Friends
and the Public for the very liberal patronage they have received
since they succeeded to the above business, and trust that by
strict personal attention, and the sale of none but Genuine
Drugs and Chemicals, to merit a continuance of that distin-
guished patronage so long conferred on their predecessor.

JOHN BIRKS,

BOOT AND SHOE MAKER,

Returns his sincere thanks to the Nobility, Clergy, Gentry,
and Inhabitants of the town and neighbourhood of Mansfield,
for the very liberal patronage and support conferred on him
for the last twenty-six years, and hopes, by a due regard to the
selection of the best Materials, combined with superior Work-
manship, to ensure a continuance of their favors in that depart-
ment of his business executed to order.

J. B. also takes this opportunity of stating, that he has
constantly on hand a very large assortment of every description
of useful Goods connected with the trade, from the first quality
downwards, and which he is determined to offer at the very
lowest remunerating price.

TOBACCO, SNUFF, and CIGAR

(OPPOSITE THE BENTINCK TESTIMONIAL),
MARKET PLACE, MANSFIELD.

Cigar Cases, Fancy Pipes, and Snuff Boxes in great variety.

TO GENTLEMEN PARTICULAR IN DRESS.

The NEW PALETOT and SHOOTING COAT, made from the
finest Llama Cloth, in every variety, at reasonable prices.

AN ASSORTMENT OF THE NEWEST STYLES IN

TROWSERINGS, WAISTCOATINGS, &c.

Mourning to any extent at a few hours Notice.

HUNTING and DRESS COATS, LIVERIES, LADIES' HABITS,
which for workmanship and style are unsurpassed.

LEEMING STREET, MANSFIELD.

MILLINER AND DRESS-MAKER,

Invites the attention of the LADIES to her Fashionable
assortment of MILLINERY, STRAW & CHIP BONNETS,
RIBBONS, FLOWERS, &c. Also to her superior style in
DRESS and MANTLE making.

Ladies supplying their own materials will receive every
attention.

APPRENTICES AND IMPROVERS WANTED.

West Gate, Mansfield,

CHURCH STREET, MANSFIELD;
WHOLESALE AND RETAIL

All

SILK MERCERS,
$a6rrtra0i)n*0, posters, patters, &t.

FUNERALS COMPLETELY FURNISHED.

Gentlemen's Clothes made in the highest style of fashion.
MOURNING IN A FEW HOURS NOTICE.

A GOOD STOCK OF CARPETS

ALWAYS ON HAND.

THOMAS BENTON,

BOOT AND SHOE DEPOT,

Begs most respectfully to thank the Public for the kind
encouragement he has hitherto received, and to assure them
that every Article sent from his Establishment, is of the very
best workmanship, and may be relied upon for durability.

AH© <D®:EK

IF REQUIRED.

STOCKWELL GATE, MANSFIELD,

FOUR DOORS FROM THE MARKET PLACE.

WM. BUTTERWORTH,

GROCER AND TEA DEALER,

Takes pleasure in announcing to the Public, that the favour
awarded to the TEAS and COFFEES, supplied by him, is
attributable to the experience and judgment in their selection,
and to the small profit charged upon their cost.

W. B. has ever avoided appearance of extreme cheapness
on the one hand, and extravagant charges on the other. He is
now supplying excellent

TEAS
Congou Tea, @ 4s. ^ ft. Rich and full flavoured, 4s. 8d. and

very superior ditto, 5s. Fine Hyson, 4s. 8d. ; 5s. ; 5s. 4d.

to 6s. Gunpowder Tea, 4s. ; 4s. 8d. ; 5s. 4d. ; 6s. to

6s. 8d.

COFFEES,
Ceylon, Is.; Is. 4d. Plantation, Is. 4d. ; Is. 6d. ; Is. 8d.

Jamaica Is. 6d. ; Is. 8d. ; 2s.

TORDOFF and SON'S Cocoa, 8d. ^ ft. in £ ft packets.
THORNE and Co.'s Cocoa, 8d. ^ ft. in £ ft packets.
Durham Mustard, loose and in £ and | ft packets.

SEEDS.

Hemp, Rape, Canary, and Carraway.

HOPS.

North Clay, Kent, and Sussex.

CHEESE, &c. WHITING, CHALK, &c.

WHOLE and SPLIT PEAS. LINSEED and SALT.

CHURCH STREET, MANSFIELD,

Returns his sincere thanks to his Friends and the Public for
the kind patronage he has received, and begs to assure them
it will ever be his study to merit a continuance of their sup-
port.

PRESCRIPTIONS

AND

ACCURATELY PREPARED.

AN EXQUISITE PERFUME.

FAMILY APERIENT PILLS.

Camposituim
HORSE AND CATTLE MEDICINES

Of every description, from the most approved Recipes.

FISH SAUCES, &c.

G-. CORRALL,

IPILMIB, EA

Respectfully announces that he has just replenished his Stock
with a selection of

T? TT *ffi? T^3 T^?

li ±LQ w jSfl las

JEWELLERY,

PLATE AND PLATED ARTICLES,

AMERICAN & OTHER CLOCKS, &c. &c.

The quality of which he can confidently recommend, and
which he will offer at such prices as shall give entire
satisfaction.

Orders for Plate executed on the shortest notice and most
reasonable terms.

G. C. takes this opportunity of sincerely thanking the
Clergy, Gentry, and Inhabitants of Mansfield and its Vicinity,
for the liberal patronage he has hitherto received, and which
it will ever be his study to merit.

EVERY DESCRIPTION OF

WATCHES, CLOCKS, PLATE, & JEWELLERY

CAREFULLY REPAIRED.

ALLEN & COMPANY,

IflXB®, (BffiETOOT

WHOLESALE AND RETAIL

GROCERS, TALLOW CHANDLERS, &c.

DEALERS IN

MERCHANTS.

TEAS, COFFEES, SPICES.

OF SUPERIOR QUALITY.

N. B. A. & Co. avoid quoting low prices as quality makes
Articles cheap.

ARTIST,

CHURCH-SIDE,
MANSFIELD,

HAIR MEMENTOS.

Every description of HAIR JEWELLERY, in Chain
Brooches, Pins, Rings, Bracelets, &c. made and elegantly
mounted in fine gold.

Gentlemen's Wigs, &c. made to any colour, on the shortest
notice, which for elegance and durability cannot be surpassed.

A SUPERIOR ASSORTMENT OF

SHELL, HORN AND IVORY COMBS.

ACCORDIONS, VIOLINS, BOWS, BOW-HAIR AND STRINGS.

Work Boxes, Dressing Cases, Carpet Bags, Hair Trunks,

Rope and Wool Mats, Cricket Bats and Balls, selected

from the stocks of the best makers.

PRIVATE ROOMS FOR HAIR CUTTING

FAMILIES ATTENDED.

CHAPMAN,

WEST GATE, MANSFIELD,

TWO DOORS FROM THE MARKET PLACE.

TEA & COFFEE WAREHOUSE

WEST GATE, MANSFIELD,

JJo (Bo

Teas are considerably cheaper as will be seen from the follow-
ing list of prices : —

BLACK TEA, ^ ft.

s. d.

3 . 4 Good and useful Tea

3 6 Excellent and full flavoured

4 0 Fine rich Congou

This Tea is strongly recommended to
families and large consumers.

4 8 Truly fine and choice Tea

5 0 First class Tea, very superior.

GREEN TEA, ^ ft.

0 Hyson flavour

6 Good family Tea

0 Full and rich flavoured, strong-
ly recommended

8 Choice Tea, cannot failto please

0 Superior rich Tea

0 Bright silvery leaf. Rich and
delicate flavour.

Good small Tea, @ 2s. 6d. ^ ft., in ift. and ilb. packets.

d.
0

COFFEE, V- ft.

Good strong Coffee

Rich and full flavoured, a sterling family article
Fine rich Jamaica, much recommended
Rich delicate flavour, very choice

J. C. Hawkes invites particular attention to his COFFEE
packed as under :

s. d.

2fts of rich mellow Coffee 2 6

lib „ ditto ditto ditto 1 4

|ft „ ditto ditto ditto 0 8

£ft „ ditto ditto ditto 0 4

This Coffee requires no boiling, and is a combination of six
sorts, peculiar for strength and richness. To prove its sterling
quality, it only requires to be tested \vith the packed Coffee
sold by Agents at a much higher price.

WORKS PRINTED AKD PUBLISHED

PARK STREET, WORKSOP.

THE VISITOR'S HAND-BOOK TO WORKSOP and its Neighbour-
hood, containing a descriptive and Historical account of the Antiquities,
Noblemen's, Seats, and other objects of interest, in this beautifully pictu-
resque locality ; with numerous Engravings, by Measom, Williams, Dahtiel,
£c. from drawings, by Mr. F. Trachsel. Compiled by Robert White.

Price 6d., cloth 9d. Second Edition, carelully corrected (will be ready
about May).

MISSIONS ; OR A WORD FOR THE HEATHEN, being Facts and
Anecdotes, selected from the Journals and Letters of Missionaries.

BY ROBERT RAMSDEN,

Author of " Triumphs of Truth :" with four Engravings by Blanchard, from
Drawings by J. Gilbert, 12ino. Price 5s. London: James Nisbet and Co.,
Berners Street.

IS " INDEPENDENCY" OF GOD? THE QUESTION CONSIDERED,
in a Letter containing a brief summary of reasons for leaving that system.

BY W. HUGILL, late Independent Minister, Worksop.
London : J. K. Campbell, High Holborn. Price Four-pence.

HEAVENLY SHADOWS displayed in the Tabernacle and its Furniture,
executed on a scale of £ of an inch to a cubit, in Illuminated Papyro-plastics.

BY EDWIN SMITH.

accompanied with a Book of descriptions, and a Plan of the Camp of Israel.
Price £1. Is.

SHORTLY WILL BE PUBLISHED,

AN AUTHENTIC REPORT OF THE DISCUSSION between the Rev.
R. P. BLAKENEY, B. A., Incumbent of Hyson Green, and the Rev. J. B.
Naghten, Roman Catholic Missionary Priest, Brigg. Held in the Music
Hall, Worksop, on the Evenings of January 30th, 31st, and February 1st,
1850, with four Illustrations, (will be ready in April).

BIBLE ASSOCIATION REPORTS, by HELEN PLUMPTEE, Author of
" Scripture Stories." 18nio. cloth. Second Edition.

THE TABERNACLE, its uses to Israel, and Spiritual application, with
a variety of Illuminated Illustrations, representing the various metals and
colors peculiar to the original Mosaic structure. Cloth. Demy 4to.
Price 10s. 6d.

A PROSPECTUS of Interesting Biblical and Educational Models and
Illustrations, may be had on application.

WHOLESALE AND RETAIL DEALER IN

CORN, FLOUR, CHEESE, &c.
STOCKWELL GATE, MANSFIELD,

Begs to solicit from his Friends and the Public, a continuance
of that support which he has hitherto enjoyed.

TILLAGES of the hest quality, including LINSEED CAKE,
GUANO, RAPE DUST, and AGRICULTURAL SALT,
on the most reasonable terms.

A carefully selected variety of TURNIP SEED, from the
most eminent growers, warranted true to kind, and from pure
Stocks.

JOHH RYCROFT,
PLUMBER, GLAZIER, & GAS-FITTER,

WEST GATE, MANSFIELD.

IRON PIPES OF ALL SIZES, GAS-FITTINGS, &c.
ON HAND.

GUARDIAN FIREAND LIFE

INSURANCE OFFICE.

COUNTY HAILSTORM INSURANCE COMPANY.

Insurances may be effected on the most reasonable terms, and
every information obtained on application to

MR. C. J. WEALS,

Land Surveyor and Valuer, Mansfield.

WILLIAM WATSON,

AUCTIONEER, APPRAISER, & AGENT,

STOCKWELL GATE, MANSFIELD,

Respectfully informs the Public that he is prepared to submit
for public sale or private contract, property of every descrip-
tion, on liberal terms.

Real Estates, Commercial Property, Household Furniture,
Publican's, Grocer's, Draper's, &c. Fixtures and Stocks
valued either for Sale, Transfer, Partnerships, Administrations,
Assignments, &'c. &c.

W. W. will be happy to render assistance to Executors,
Administrators, Assignees, or other persons who may require
the services of a person accustomed to general business.

All confidential communications attended to and regarded
with the strictest fidelity.

Fashionable French and Beaver HAT WAREHOUSE;
CAPS in Cloth, Furs, &c. in the newest style ; an extensive
stock of Berlin Wools and Patterns ; Silk ; Canvass ; Purse
Ornaments, Knitting and Crotchet Books; Materials for
Ladies' Work, Hosiery, &c.
Observe the Address, W. Watson, Stockwell Gate, Mansfield.

THE NORWICH UNION
Fire Insurance Society.

SUBSCRIBED CAPITAL
£550,000.

Insurers in this Old Established Society, are entitled to a
liberal return of profits.

MR. JAMES CARTER, Church Street, Mansfield,
Agent for this District.

LORD BYRON'S POETICAL WORKS.

THE PUBLIC ARE CAUTIONED against deceitfully spurious
Editions, which are lettered "Byron's Poetical Works," "By-
ron's Poems," &c., but do not contain more than half his
works. No EDITION is COMPLETE, excepting those Published
by MR. MURRAY, as he alone is the Proprietor of all
COPYRIGHT.

Tlw following are the only complete and Copyright editions.
I.

LORD BYRON'S LIFE AND LETTERS.

By THOMAS MOORE. With Portraits & Vignette. One Vol. lloyal 8vo. 15*.

n.
LORD BYRON'S LIFE AND WORKS.

Collected and arranged with Notes by Moore, Ellis, Ileber, Jeffrey, Lockhart,
£c. Plates. 17 vols. fcap. 8vo. 63*.; or half morocco, 90*.
in.

LORD BYRON'S POETICAL WORKS.

With Vignettes, 10 vols. 18mo. 25*. ; or gilt edges, 35*.

LORD BYRON'S POETICAL WORKS.

With Portrait and Vignette. One Volume. Royal 8vo. 1 5*.

LORD BYRON'S CHILDE HAROLD.

Wrtth Portit.it and Sixty Vignette Engravings. 8vo. 21*.

LORD BYRON'S CHILDE HAROLD.

With Vignette. 24mo. 2*. 6</.

VII.

LORD BYRON'S TALES AND POEMS.

With Vignettes. 2 vols. 24mo. 5*.

VIII.

LORD BYRON'S MISCELLANIES.

With Vignettes. 3 vols. 24mo. 7*. 6</.

LORD BYRON'S DRAMAS.

With Vignettes. 2 vols. 24mo. 5*.

LORD BYRONS' DON JUAN.

With Vignettes. 2 vols. 24mo. 5*.

LONDON : JOHN MURRAY, ALBEMARLE STREET,

AND ALL RESPECTABLE BOOKSELLERS.

DA 670 .835 C3 1850 IMST

Carter, James,

A visit to Sherwood Forest

47229079

STUOifr*

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Full text of "A visit to Sherwood Forest : including the abbeys of Newstead, Rufford, & Welbeck ; Annesley, Thoresby, and Hardwick Halls ; Bolsover Castle, and other interesting places in the locality"

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