SUTURE ORC sessesta +i Ceitice TRESS PES ME ~ DELINEATIONS OF THE NORTH WESTERN DIVISION OF THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET, AND OF THE MENDIP CAVERNS. Aine a a we : Wp ae ») it ihe 4 » Ea N \ ‘ On anh il i Waa a if ‘ ‘ONE Vs Matin OR = Vy _ —_ z STOUR. ‘DELINEATIONS OF THE NORTH WESTERN DIVISION COUNTY OF SOMERSET, ANTEDILUVIAN BONE CAVERNS, S GEOLOGICAL SKETCH OF THE DISTRICT..~ ff t ny a ec A ‘ Ney Omaha Baye Mea | i bi j fi hi in BY JOHN RUTTER, AUTHOR OF FONTHILL AND ‘Irs ABBEY DEL fivienene 2 PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR, SHAFTESBURY. LONDON : LONGMAN, REES, AND CO. AND J. AND A. ARCH, CORNHILE:; MDCCCXXIX. TO GEORGE HENRY LAW, D.D. LORD BISHOP OF BATH AND WELLS. TO WHOSE SCIENTIFIC EXERTIONS AND LIBERAL PATRONAGE, GEOLOGISTS AND THE PUBLIC “ARE INDEBTED, FOR THE JUDICLOUS PRESERVATION AND INTERESTING EXHIBITION OF THE ANTEDILUVIAN REMAINS AT BANWELL, THE FOLLOWING Descriptive Arcount OF THAT PART OF HIS DIOCESE IN WHICH THEY ARE SITUATED, IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED BY THE AUTHOR. Ja diay: vs MeAROHEAD IA Os aa. ie cha Gmetad ec : ‘ Ag pas ces amet CAP REUT RN 1 en. COPAV AT ait) CAP Waaes OYE ADVERTISEMENT. Yue plan of the following Treatise, which originated in Notes taken in the summer of 1828, during two excursions through the North-western Division of Somersetshire, has been considerably enlarged by reference to numerous authorities, and by a more recent personal examination of the places described. The Author, in addition to his own labours, has gratefully te acknowledge the receipt of valuable communications from severai literary characters, including a gentleman connected with the Bristol Institetion; Groree BENNETT, solicitor, of Rolston, near Banwell; a lady of Banwell; Davin Wiittams, M.A. F.G.S. rector of Bleadon; and F. Boucner Wrieut, F.L.S. of Hinton Blewett. To Sir Ricnarp Cott Hoare, bart. F. R.S. F.S.A. he is also much indebted for the liberal permission of reference io his valuable topographical library at Stourhead; and to J. H. Smytu Pieorr, of Brockley Halil, F.S.A. F.G.S. high sheriff of the county, for the use of numerous highly finished drawings, from which many of the plates that accompany the work were epgraven; and for many other liberal efforts to render the work complete, and to aid him in his researches. These observations cannot be closed without also acknowledg- ing the kind and liberal attention which he received from the Clergy, and other Gentlemen of the district, during his excur- sions through it, and their subsequent perusal and correction ADVERTISEMENT. of his manuscript; he must also gratefully advert to the exertions of Grorce Emery, of the Grange, Banwell, in forwarding the publication, by making its object known, and in directing him to numerous sources of interesting information. He also feels much pleasure in noticing the readiness with which many respectable individuals in his own immediate neigh- bourhood, have encouraged his earliest efforts towards this publication; to Wiziit11m Patrerson, rector of Shaftesbury, he is particularly indebted for the final revision of the manuscript ; and to his friend Wittiam West, of the same place, for much useful information respecting the parish of Yatton, and several other parts of the district. The Author, together with his Subscribers, is also highly indebted for the following additional illustrations :—To Witt1Am Liste Bowes, canon of Salisbury, and his brother, Cuaruzs Bowtes, late recorder of Shaftesbury, for the view of Uphill church, of which parish their father was many years the rector; to Tuomas SHRAPNEL Brpputpu of Cleeve Court, rector of Brockley, for the appropriate Frontispiece ; to several gentlemen connected with Congresbury, for the View of its Church and Parsonage; to J. A. StepHenson, rector of Lympsham, for the View of its ele- gant Parsonage; and to Wiixi1Am Barnes of Chantry-House, Mere, for the Vignettes, executed by himself, at the head of the third, fourth, fifth, eighth, ninth, eleventh, and twelfth chapters. Amongst the works of reference, may be enumerated, Col- linson’s Somersetshire, Seyer’s Bristol], Sir Richard Colt Hoare’s Ancient Wiltshire, Bowles’s Hermes Britannicus, Transactions of the Geological Society, Buckland’s Reliquiz Diluviane, &c, OS Of « Somersetshire. ME? WILLIAM BEARD. Of W272 Aiill 42°O0LQ7" the. Banwell Caves Aetatis LVI. — ~ - ’ For John Rutters Delineation of OY orrcer'sees r Al ARG, - BROCKLEY HALL. The Sear Of SH Smyth Fegote LZ sg! towhom hes Plate ws respectf~ully inscribed, . Pub.in Lithog% by J. Rutter Shaftesbury ' ae af a zap? —- a Plat J The Sie 2 Soe Pub vee Ly lp og Remavns of . WOOW SiPiRUING Win O we. ropeerty OF ALL. Smithy Lrgolt.Lisg~. of Lro chley Mall. ts OY f Vv a utter Shafte wv Curvy I? a of Delineations omer: r RE Tah pa Fae Fs OPH CHIU R CH. This Plate is obligu ngly presented to the Work by the Rev.WiLisle Bowles, and Cha® Bowles Leg wh os¢ ather was,many years Rector of this Farish Pivb in Lithography by John Rutter, Shaftesbury. For Johu Lutter's Delineutions of Somers ctshire. Ilate / = =: —— —— ‘ = = : ‘ x NS . be ony NG SIRI er DMs sata ILS MOP S 16f Y fg ; ‘ Pn eed tf, 7 "A "4 ‘ LVM “tate td cUligenyliy pieesrarded: le shu the, Lew £7 Cen Cac Sd te : for JSohw Rhutters Delineationy of Somersrtshoive. Plate, 8 PB oe Lithog . by a. Ruller. Shaftesbury ASE 2O9 MOB INNDIIP I OD Gs, Lhe Seatol the late DO Whatley. viow the properly or Sar es Anthony Nickham Li3q. ol North Hill seear Frome. ?r Johw Rutter's Delineahons of Somersetshire’ Plate 9 = ae" EME? ¢ BAI WIE Lib CRU IRCIE Z GJ &.g 4 (4 @Oy ! ‘0 he LLU 4 zg PLL (PP 7 dibpeby = A _ A Fi he. i “es BL ret, ae £ ff : : y, Titd felile tJ CMAP UML §=LRAACAMMA Ez: 7 y \ the AM ey mags pSericaes eA a Son Diptera Psa A Mil hq | | PUL Uh thee Hs e y 4, Py of; ; er ra : . ne " hirvcled by the Bishop of the Mocese, who cs Lord of the Manor, for the accommodation of Vesttors to the Cay eis Published in lithe graphy by John Rutter Shaftesbury 190°9 SE I a a SS Ss a: ee " TE = DENS ee ne ee ne ibaa Bit Pa thao 1) fg: te ame pF Spe aro ptops mn Plate S/O LY SL (iF 3S fe) i] o 2L5 é i “f Hie a ‘ 2 Bip oes Re heen! WHEW OF Cie Ll, map | the North Western District of SOMERS E’'T S HIRE % Drawn ana Fi ngraved for hIRUVTERS DELINEATIONS &e rm 1829. c Flat Holm e Q : ime ‘Lh ght Flo, ALE yy '& mo may PAG al Bink ey, ZO Li ES a a ini Boo TM Anchor Head ae aut \ BY tae oe : (« GE OLO1Gi LC Ask, RE EE WN Ge. CL ALuviad. se Nee x it! > || Srfertor Doltée. tf) Zzeas. jg) CO Vvew Red Sandstone | | | ea Aegnetsan Loman 4 Le) Coal Shale Yrennant || Lol Millstone Greet. ery) Shelly Cheré of bel) Last Harptree : Stenhans, L. 7, a UVEVO SRALOCSOUTY. i Shaftsbury. CONTENTS. PAGE DEDICATION : Vv PEMEPEOMEGE MENT 7 40., -¢0 ogotl— ft 20.) cas DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBELLISHMENTS . XVII Sasee i InTROMmeTORY ..........-:2. .1=—8 GeneraL Summary 1. Boundary of the Bristol Channel 2. Levels of Brent, Weston, Yatton, and Banwell 3. Deri- vations 3. Mendip Hills 3. Agricultural Cultivation 4. Public Drainage 4. Parochial Churches 5. Norman Vesti- ges 5. Peculiarities 6. Manor or Court Houses 6. Ante- diluvian Bone Caves 7. Camps and Ancient Roads 8. PRE MU hs: ok fete tid 8 0k OM wie QE4O0 Lone Asuton 9. Manor 10. Ashton Court 11. Camp 13. Ashton Theynes 13. Ashton Lower Court 13. Church 14. —Flax Bourton 16. Belmont 16—Barrow Gournay 17. Court House 17. Church 18.—Backwell 18. Church 19. Architectural Terms 20. Population 21.—Chelvy 22. Court House 22. Church 22.—Nailsea 23. Manor23. Heath 23. Court House 24. Church 24.—Brockley 25. Brockley Hall 25. Paintings 26. Park 30. Carriage Drive 31. Brockley Church 32. Brockley Combe 33. Rhodiate Hill 35.—Congresbury 35. Saint Congar 35. Dolemoors 36. b Mi Ap He North Western District of SOMERSET SHIRE Drawn pA JJ Yj ZI ee SU: Ia Abboss eight > ie oe IRUU TERS % ‘ Ie DELINEATIONS &e 1829. ~ BRISTOL aS Jat + pf. wa cS hy, } jx = 2 e a 4 y, bie ug Flat Holm _—_ Ge ie! = IND a TS : \ SN , ZT TN ceanironeme Dy) Sar) ~ Light Ho, \\ Y l How Rock Ta Wy Reese = ts ay mM \ GEOLOGICAL REFERENCE. C9 Aduvial CS Mferter Polite CO Zea. CO MagnescanLimesto: (CS) Coal Shale UPe sell i via CO Mildstone Grit i K : \\ X CO Hountain Segama\\\ aN i// ; i : ‘ ) ee ‘4 een : N orrow Ud Red neon wih 5G) ZHWE EXPLANATION | Shelly Chert of f BA. British Antiquities. — ) Fast Harper ce B.S. British Station. Vay 7 . RA. Roman Antiquities Vows RS, Roman Station. BRS. British KRoman Station. d Stephan, Liublished wn Lithography by J haulta, Shaftesbury. ».¢ CONTENTS. Church 36. Charitable Bequests 37. Population 37—Pux- ton 37. Church 38.—Worle 39. Extensive View 39. Church 39. Monastic Barn 40, CHap. TWh 0.0 8 OO eee Weston-Surer-MaAre 41. Situation 41. Ancient State 41. Modern Appearance 42. Mentioned in Domesday 43. An- cient Manor 43. Bay 43. Beach 44. Hotels and Lodging Houses 44. Church 45. Interior 46. Church-yard 47. Public Amusements 47. Assembly Rooms 48. Sea Bathing 48. Hot and Cold Baths 49. Population 49.— Knight- stone 50.—Birnbeck Island 51. Guapo dV. oS ke Ge eee Worte Hirt 52.—Worlebury Camp 53. Originally British, but subsequently occupied by the Danes and Romans 55. Extensive Prospect 56. Earth Works 56.—Kewstoke 56. Pass of St. Kew 57. Church 57. Norman Arch 57.—Wood- spring Priory 58. List of Priors 59. Priory Ruins 60. Friars’ Hall and Grange 62.—Wyck St. Lawrence 63. Ro- man Guard Station 63.—Kingston Seymour 63. Manor House 64. Manor 64. Bishop of Coutances, note, 64. Kingston Church 65.—Kenn 65. Manor 66. Kenn Court 66. Church 66.— Yatton 67. Derivation 67. Goblin Combe 67. Cleeve Toot 68. Manorof Yatton68. Church 69. Enriched Chapel and Effigies 70. Ancient Sepulchre 70 Courtde Wyck 71. Claverham72. Charitable Bequests 72. Cadbury Camp 73. CHAP, Vig i. kw Ye ees Uruitt 75. Infirmary 76. Parsonage 76. Church 76. Ex- tensive Prospect 77. Earth Works 77. Uphill Cavern 78. Explanation of Vertical Section78. Situation 79. Discovery 79. Bones of the Hyena, &c. 79. The Cavern 80. Fis- sures 80. Evidences of three distinct periods 81. Descrip- tion of the Bones 82,—Bleadon 83. British Earth Works 83. Church 84.—Lympsham 84. Church85. Parsonage 85 CONTENTS. XI —East Brent 86. Monastic Mansion 86. Church 86, Brent Knoll 87.—South Brent 88. Church 88. Curious carvings on the seats 88.—Burnham 89. Light House 90. Church 90. Handsome Altar-piece 90.—Berrow 91. Bathing 91. Church 91.— Brean 92. Brean Down 92. Covered with Earth Works 93.—Steep Holm 94. Retreat of Giidas Bardonicus 94, Retreat of the mother of Harold 95.—Flat Holm 96. Light House 96. eeeee ok Pe ek Oe Re gm tape Oxpmixon 97.—Hutton 98. Manoror Court House 98. Brent Family 99. Church 99. Hutton Cavern 100. Explanation of Section 100. Originally discovered by Dr, Catcott 102. Recently explored by the Rev.~D. Williams 102. His pro- gressive discoveries 102. Bones of the elephant, tiger, hyena and other animals 103.--Locking 105. Church 105.--Churchill 106. Churchill Family 106. Court House 107. Church 107. Charitable Bequests 109.—Sandford Caves 109.—Up- per and Lower Langford 110. Langford Court 110.—Row- berrow 111. Centre of the mining district 111. Church 111. Shipham 112. Mendip Lodge 112. Doleberry Castle or Camp 114.—Burrington 115. Manor 115. Church 115. Burrington Combe 117. Ancient Catacombe 117. Exten- sive and intricate cavern 118. Rickford Combe 119.—Blag- don 119. Combe Lodge 120. Church120. Charitable Be- quests 121.—Butcombe 122. Manor House 122. Thrub- well Manor House 123. Church 123. Butcombe Barrow 124.—Wrington 126. Ancient Manor Roll 127. Barley Wood 128. Church 129. Charitable Bequests 130. Mere oy ee ek ee re Bp TEGO BanwE.wt 131. A place of great antiquity 132. East and West Rolston 133. Yarbury 133. Banwell Abbey 133. Bishop’s Palace 135. Towerhead House 135. Bishop God- win 135. Mineral Spring 136. Banwell Church 137. Rood Loft 138. Sculptured Stone Pulpit 139. Extracts from X11 CONTENTS. Churchwardens’ Accounts 140. Parish School 143. Chari- table Bequests 143 Banwell Park 143. Camp 144. Ram- part of Earth 144. Banwell Caverns 147. Section 176. Ornamental Cottage 147. Bone Cavern 150. Stalactite Cavern 152. Mr. Beard’s House 153. Bones of the Bear 155. Ofthe Wolf 156. Of the Ox 156. Of the Deer 157 Of the Fox 157. Concluding Observations 157. Rev. W. Lisle Bowles’s Lines on the Caves 160. Cuape VII... 06 el ee ee Loxton 161. Church 162. Charitable Bequest 162. Lox- ton Cave 163.—Christon 163. Court House 163. Church 164.—Compton Bishop 164. Church165. Crook Peak 166. -—Cross 166.— Winscombe 167. Manor 167. Church 167. Charitable Bequests 168.—Sidcott 169.—Weare 169.—Ax- bridge 170. Of importance to the Romans 170. Tesselated Pavement at Pitney, note, 170. Corporation of Axbridge 172. Ancient Manuscript 173. Axbridge Charters 176. Church 178. Charitable Bequests 180.—Cheddar 181. Ma- nor 182. Church 183. Cheddar Cliffs 185. Cuap. IX. EN ee Road from Cheddar to Bristol 188.--Charter House 189.——East Harptree 189. Richmont Castle 189. Manor of Kast Harp- tree 190. Coley 190. East Harptree Church 191. Chari- table Bequest 191. Public School House 191. Lamb Cavern 192.—West Harptree 193. Gourney, or Prince’s Manor 193. Tilly Manor194. West Harptree Church 195. Charitable Bequests 195.—Compton Martin 196. Bigfield Court 197. Manor of Moreton 197. Compton Martin Church 197.—_Nempnet 198.—Chew Stoke 198. Manor of St. Cross 199. Chew Stoke Church 199. Parsonage 199. Charitable Bequests 199._Chew Magna 200. Manor 201. Court House 202. Church Manor House 202. Sutton Court 202. Stowey Mead 203. Chew Magna Church 203. Cha- ritable Bequests 205..__Bow Ditch 205.—Stanton Drew 206. Manor of Stanton 206. Stanton Drew Church 206. Chari- table Bequests 207. Druidical Temple at Stanton Drew 208. CONTENTS. X1ll General Description 209. A Temple of the Druids 210, Opinions of the Rev. W. Lisle Bowles, Mr. Seyer, and Sir R. C. Hoare 211.—Maes Knoll 213.—Belluton 214.—Dun- dry 214. Manor 214. Church 215. Charitable Bequests 216.—Winford 217. Church 217.—Bishopworth218. Inyn’s Court 218.__Bedminster 218. St. Catharine’s Hospital 219. Bedminster Church 219. Inquisition of Goods at the Par- sonage in 1317, 220. [ist of “* Rentes,” &c. 221. “*De- canatus de Bedmystre”’ 221. Bedminster connected with the city of Bristol by a Bridge 222. eee se ee ee hee FO AO Wraxatt 223. Manor 224. Wraxall Court 225. Church 225. Roman Coins on Wraxall Hill 226. Charlton House 226. Charitable Bequests 226.—Fayland 227. Intrenchments 227. —Clapton 228. Manor House 228. Naish House 229. Clap- ton Church 229.—Tickenham 230. Court House 231. Church 232. Cadbury, or Tickenham Camp 233. Roman Coins 234.—Clevedon 235. Wake’s Tower 235. Manor 235. Hotel 236. Walks 236. Air 237. Church 238. Charita- ble Bequests 239. Clevedon Court 239. Cuap. XI. Mr Or ee ce ss pOAI A LOG Watton 1N GorpAno 241. Manor 242. Walton Castle 2492. Ancient Parish Church 243. Modern Church 243.—Weston in Gordano 244. Manor House 244. Weston Church 245. —Portishead 246. Manor 246. Manor House 247. Church 247. Charitable Bequest 248. Kingroad 248. Portishead Camp 249. Siege of the Fort 249. Capenor Court 251. Wansdike 252.—Portbury 252. Manor253. Portbury Priors 254. Church 254. Charitable Bequests 255. Portbury Camp 255.—Easton in Gordano 256. Manor 256. Church 257. Crockerne Pill 258. Ham Green 259. See ee on ae ke ee COBO MeO A Assor’s Lerten 260. Leigh Church 261. Manor 261. Leigh Court 262. Paintings 263. Great Hall 264. Billiard Room XIV CONTENTS. 264. Days of Admission, note, 264. Music Room 265. Library 266. Saloon 267. Drawing Room 268. Leigh Down 270. Roman Roads 270. British Station on the Avon 271. Bower Walls Camp 271. Stokeleigh Camp 272. Stokeleigh Slade 273. Ancient Ford across the Avon 273. Clifton Camp 274. APPENDIX A. eo We ah en GEOLOGICAL SKETCH 277. General Features of the District 277. Geological Boundaries 279. General View of the Series of Strata within the District 280. First Series ef Rocks 282. Old Red Sand-stone 282. Carboniferous, or Mountain Lime- stone 286. Mendip Mines in ditto 294. Caverns in ditto 295. Coal Measures 298. Mill-stone Grit 299. Lower Coal-shale 300. Pennant Grit 300. Upper Coal-shale 301. Collieries 301. Sections of the Coal Measures 302. Ditto at Bedminster 302. Ditto at Long Ashton 330. Ditto at Nailsea 303. Ditto at Backwell 304. Ditto at Stanton Drew 305-6. Second Series of Rocks 306. New Red Sand-stone Formation 306. Magnesian Lime-stone 307. Newer Red Sand-stone 310. Red and Variegated Marl 311. Lias 312. Inferior Oolite 313. Diluvial Deposits 314. Alluvial De- posits 315. List of recent Shells 317. Deposits of Tufa 318. APPENDIX B. yoo el RL cigs ele err BotranicaAL MemorAnpDA.—List of some of the more rare Plants found within the district, systematically arranged 319. Appenpbix C.—List or SEA Birps eer APPENDIX D. SASS ood eh) vb noe Seo Tur WANSDIKE 324. Derivation of itsname 324. Constructed by the Belge as a line of defence 324. Extends from the Thames to the Severn 325. Its course described 325. An- cient names of places on its line 327. CONTENTS. XV APPENDIX E. gS Ra ce te Rh EA Seat tos | Roman Roap from Uphill to Old Sarum. [as escaped the no- tice of our early antiquaries 328. Surveyed and Engraved by Sir R. C. Hoare 328. Its course described 329. Roman Settlement at Charter House 329. Ditto on Gear Hill 336. Ditto at Stockton Wood Corner 331. This Road connected with the Mendip Mines 333. APPENDIX F. Heh Se Re aabtst uh Aw Gath eV b ee Roman and British Antiquities within the district 332. InpEx TO Puiaces DescripeD. . . 334—336 lod PishaGr Oo UBSCRIBERS. (2 62. ee BO ae CLG Pre. SSS ——- a lll : =F yar oe arte Window in Tickenham Court House. CORRECTIONS AND ADDITIONS: Pace 3, ninth line, for westward, read eastward. - 3, fifteenth line, for eight, read five. ——- 4, thirteenth line, for Congresbury, read Wrington. -—— A, last line, add, excepting to the Barons of the Exchequer. —- 43, twenty-fifth line, for Hunter, read Winter. ——- 76, sixtn line, for northern, read southern. -—— 88, sixth line, for 1000, read 500. ADDITIONAL NOTES. The parish of Congresbury contains 4400 acres; that of Yatton 5400; and Kenn 1000. Flax Bourton has been detached from Wraxall by an Act of Parliament, and is now a Chapel to Nailsea. The manor of Bourton came by the Bampfylde family to that of the Smyths of Ashton Court. Since the account of Yatton was printed, it has been suggested, that the etymology of its name, proves only that it was the site of a flood-gate, by which the further influx of the tide was stayed. Itisalso the same gentleman’s opinion, that the waters of the Bristol Channel did not constantly extend, at any time, over the vallies of this district, since the flood of Noah. The untimely death of the Rev. F. BLackBuRNE, deprived the Author of one of his earliest supporters; to whom he had previously inscribed the Plate of Weston Super Mare, as a small acknowledgment of the friendly interest which its rector had felt in the success of the undertaking. DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBELLISHMENTS. Puatr I,.—Fronrtispiecer. Enriched Door-way and Stoup, formerly at the Chapel of Court de Wyck, now at the interior entrance of Cleeve Court, the residence of the Rev. T. §. Biddulph. These interesting relics are protected by an exterior porch; the sculpture, especially of the stoup, or consecrated water basin, is elabo- rate, and delicately executed. II.—Pace 35. ‘ Congresbury Church and Parsonage.—These are contiguous to each other, but being difficult to group, are engraved as se- parate subjects. The more ancient part of the parsonage is an interesting specimen of its era, especially the projecting porch. This leads to a spacious kitchen, which was, proba- bly, the original hall. The modern part contains several handsome apartments, and is shaded by a remarkably fine beech tree. The southern side of the church, with the eastern ends of the aisles and chancel, are shewn in the view. The chan- cel windows are good specimens of the perpendicular era, and are shaded by an unusually fine yew tree. In front of the porch are the remains of a fine old cross. III.—Pace 9. Brockley Hall.The seat of J. H.Smyth Pigott, Esq. This view of the west front is taken from the north-eastern aspect. IV.—Pace 41. Weston-Super-Mare.—This view is taken from Knightstone, and _ gives a good idea of the general appearance of the town and bay. The church, with its contiguous parsonage, shaded by Cc XVlll DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBELLISHMENTS. foliage, are the prominent objects on the left hand, the road from the beach occupies nearly the centre; Reeves’s Hotel being conspicuous from its height and size. The view on the right is bounded by Mr. Price’s pleasing residence; beyond which, the buildings extend as far towards the south as the large handsome edifice erected by Mr. Jacob. V.—PaceE 58 Remains of Woodspring Priory; taken from the south-eastern aspect. The part shown in the drawing, was the conventual church. The arched walls on the left, formed the eastern boundary of the cloisters; on the southern side stands the refrectory ; and on the western, was the principal entrance, formed by a handsome gateway, remaining nearly entire. The priory house stood on the eastern side of the church and cloisters; it was of considerable extent, the adjoining orchard being covered with its foundations. VI.—PaceE 75. Uphill Church.—This edifice stands on the apex of the hill, from which the name of the village is probably derived. It is sup- posed to occupy the site of a Roman post of observation ; and from its elevated situation, is a well known land-mark. The arch of a Norman door-way is perceptible in the centre of the — nave. VII.— Pace 85. Lympsham Rectory; with the summit of the handsome tower of its church. This elegant parsonage is situated in the midst of extensive lawns, richly shaded with foliage. The part shewn contains the library, with its attached octagon tower. VII. Pace 112: Mendip Lodge.—This delightfully situated residence has only its southern front shewn in the plate; the extensive offices, being detached, could not be exhibited. On the heights above, is the extensive fortification, called Doleberry Camp, IX.—Pace 137. Banwell Church.—This View gives a correct idea of the south- eastern aspect of this fine parochial edifice. The general arrangement, together with the exterior architectural orna- ments, may be distinctly traced in the plate. DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBELLISHMENTS. X1X Xi Pace 147; Ornamental Cottage on Banwell Hill.—The site of this building is romantic and commanding, overlooking a wide expanse of varied country, bounded on the west by the Bristol Channel. On the right hand of the path below the cottage, is the en- trance to the Bone Cavern; and above the cottage is the door-way to the Stalactite Cavern. Still higher, nearly on the apex of the hill, isa summer house, whose elevated situ- ation commands almost a panoramic view of the surrounding district; it has, however, been rebuilt in a different style, since the plate was engraven. The gate on the right leads towards Mr. Beard’s residence at Wint Hill. AL PAGE 235; Clevedon and its Bay —This view conveys a correct idea of the picturesque situation of this village, and of the undulations of its bay. The view was taken from the tree within the gate, which leads immediately to the eastern extremity of the village. The last house on the right hand is the hotel; the church is situated behind the high ground, called Clevedon Point, shewn on the left hand, which forms the southern extremity of the bay. Across the channel, the line of the Welch Coast may be distinctly traced. Or PAGcE. L544; Portrait of Mr. William Beard.—This may be considered an excellent likeness of the “‘ Genius Loci” of the Banwell Caverns; and as such, cannot fail of proving acceptable to the subscribers and to the public. XITI.— Pace 277. Map of the District, coloured geologically.—This has been care- fully reduced from Mudge’s Ordnance Survey, and corrected from personal observation. Though on a reduced scale, it correctly exhibits the situation of the places described, as well as the turnpike and cross roads ; the relative distances may be accurately ascertained by reference to the scale of miles. The geological divisions have been most carefully drawn and coloured; and, with the shading of the principal hills, will correctly exhibit, at one view, the general geological features of the district. It will also serve as an essential Map of reference to the Geological Sketch, which forms ' Appendix A. XX DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBELLISHMENTS. WOOD-CUT VIGNETTES. VienetTEe I.—Tirie-Pace. Description p. 61. Fragments from Woodspring ; consisting of a summit of one of the turrets which ornameut the western angles of the nave of the conventual church. The shield on the left hand is charged with a heart, between hands and feet pierced with nails, the usual emblem of the crucifixion. On the other is sculptured a chevron between two bugle horns. These shields were fixed on a pillar in a chapel attached to the south side of the conventual church of Woodspring. II.—Pace xv. Description p. 231. Window in Tickenham Court House.—This window faces the south-east, and is an unusually fine specimen, tolerably pre- served. It was formerly filled with painted glass. IIi.—Pace xxiv. Description p. 200. Ancient Cress in the church-yard at Chew Magna. IV. Norman Door-way in Kewstoke Church.—This fine arch forms the inner door-way of the porch. The whole of what is shewn in the plate, evidently remains on its original site, haying had the walls of the present church attached to it. Pace 1. Description p. 57. V.—Pace 9. Description p. 40. Monastic Barn at Worle.—The part shewn, is the centre of the side nearest the road, looking through the window across the building, beyond the southern door-way. ‘The original de- serves protection from further decay. VI.—Pace 41. Description p. 45. Weston Old Church.—This edifice, with the exception of the chancel, was taken down in 1824, and the present more ca- pacious building erected on the site. The south front is shewn in the plate; the chancel remains without alteration. VII.—Pace 52. Description p. 65. Ancient Tomb at Kingston Seymour.—This monument belongs to the Bulbeck family, and stands in the church-yard. ‘There is a similar one, of equally large dimensions, at East Harp- tree, called the ** Pay, or Money Table.” DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBELLISHMENTS. XX VIII.—Pace 53. Description p. 54. Worlebury Castle or Camp.—This remarkable fortification occu- pies the western extremity of Worle Hill, immediately above Weston Super Mare. The ground falls somewhat precipi- - tously on all sides, except the eastern, which is guarded by an unusual series of ditches and ramparts of loose stones. The waters of the channel flow round the termination of the hill, between which and the camp, is Mr. Pigott’s new road to Kewstoke. IX.—Pace 74. Description p. 22. Porch at Cheloy Court House.—This handsome entrance to the manorial residence of the Tyntes, remains nearly perfect; it communicated with a raised terrace, which enclosed the garden. Its roof forms a balcony, guarded by a stone para- pet, of a light and elegant character. X.—Pace 75. Description p. 92 Brean Down and the Black Rock.—This sketch exhibits the eastern termination of Brean Down, which presents a rough perpendicular front of lime-stone ; at its base is a farm house. In front is the Black Rock, within which is the mouth of the river Axe. XI.—Pace 78. Description p. 78. Vertical Section of Uphill Cave.—This section is supposed to have separated the rock in a line from north to south; it exhibits the several fissures communicating with the cavern, the floor of which is nearly level with the beach. XII.—Pace 96. Description p. 76. Uphill Parsonage.—This retired rectory is built in the cottage style; it is covered with foliage and trellis work, and is sur- rounded by lawns and shrubberies, laid out by the Rev. W. T. Bowles, the poet’s father. XIII.—Pace 97. Description p. 128. Cottage at Wrington in which Locke was born.—tThe gate on the left leads into the church-yard. ‘The philosopher was born in the room lighted by the upper window on the right; it is a small, plain apartment, having few indications of former XX DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBELLISHMENTS. respectability. It has been supposed that Locke was born here whilst his parents were accidentally detained in the town. This appears not to have been the case, for John Locke, the grandfather of the great John Locke, purchased an estate called Pilrow, at East Brent, of Sir John Whitmore, bart. in 1630, where he settled, and was succeeded by his second son, Christopher, who lies buried in East Brent church. Christopher had a son John, who possessed a farm at Mark, co. Somerset, now called Locke’s Broad Farm. The first mentioned John Locke purchased another estate at Wring- ton, which he gave to his eldest son, also named John; he was father to the celebrated John Locke, who was born at Wrington, August 29, 1532. XIV.—Pace 100. Description p. 101. Vertical Section of Hutton Cavern.—The insecure appearance of the floors between the caves, formed of masses of rock jammed between the strata, might well have produced the impression of being buried alive. XV.—Pace 114. Description p. 115. Doleberry Castle or Camp.—This entrenchment is situated on the highest point of the hil], above Burrington and Mendip Lodge. XVI. Sculptured Stone Pulpit in Banwell Church.—This elegant piece of sculpture was long secreted by a thick coating of mortar; probably with a view of preserving it from injury, imme- diately subsequent to the revolution. It was accidentally discovered during the recent repairs, and is surmounted by a richly ornamented oak sounding board, which could not be conveniently shewn in the drawing. Pace 131. Description p. 139, XVII.—Pace 145 _ Description p. 136. Pond and Mills at Banwell.—This fine sheet of water is orna- mented with a weeping willow and a pair of swans. It works an extensive writing paper manufactory and flour mill. XVIII.—Pace 146. Description p. 146. Vertical Section of Banwell Caverns.—The one on the left hand is called the Stalactite Cavern, the other, the Bone Cavern. DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBELLISHMENTS. XXIili XIX.—Paee 160. Description p. 181. Cheddar Cross.—This fine old hexagonal cross is correctly repre- sented in its present dilapidated state. XX.—Pace 188. Description p. 199. Ancient Parsonage House at Chew Stoke.—This curious old building is contiguous to the church, and is now used as a poor-house. ‘The arms sculptured on the front, relate to the families of Loe, Fitzpaine, Ansell, Rivers, Ragland, Malet, and others. XXI.—Pace 201. Description p. 202. Church Manor House at Chew Magna.—In this edifice the court- leets of the lord of the manor are continued to be held, though part is used as a school-room, and the remainder as a parish poor-house. The arms over the door are those of St. Loe. XXII.—Pace 208. Description p. 209. Ground Plan of the Druidical Temple at Stanton Drew.—This plan, though on a small scale, is believed to be very correct, having been reduced from a survey by Mr. Crocker. XXITI.— Pace 222. Description p. 165. Consecrated Water Drain in Compton Bishop Church.—This Piscina is in the south wall of the chance), and has a small arched cupboard immediately over it, secured by a door, with an antique lock and key. XXIV.—Pace 223. Description p. 229. Arches formed of Oak in Clapton Manor House.—This double archway is on the left hand of the entrance passage, beyond the porch, and communicated with antichambers leading to the baronial hall; no part of which now remains. XXV.—Pace 240. Description 231. Window in Tickenham Court House, divided into two lights, having cinque-foiled heads, and a quartre-foiled circle above. The windows generally are of this pattern, but of various di- mensions; they were originally filled with painted glass. XXIV DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBELLISHMENTS XXVI. Description p. 243. Ruins of Walton Old Church—These interesting remains are situ- ated north-west of the castle, and consist of the lower story of the tower, with the fine moulded archway which opened into the nave, XX VII.— Pace 259. Description p. 226, Font in Wrazxall Church, This font is capacious, and of the fifteenth century. The trefoiled panelling corresponds with that on the exterior of some of the seats XX VIII.—Pace 260. Description p. 263 Tonic Gateway and Lodge at Leigh Court.—These lead immedi- ately into the demesne, and are situated one mile from Rown- ham Ferry ; they are admired for their correct design. XXIX. Description p. 24. Sculptured Stone Flower-pot.—Several of these ancient vases re- main in the garden attached to Nailsea Manor House XXX. Description p. 35. Congresbury Cross, standing upon five tiers of steps, in the centre of the street. aN | tot i 7 = sil one nm m LIA i === en oe a = Ancient Cross at Chew Magna Norman Door-way in Kewstoke Church. CHAP. If. INTRODUCTORY. General Summary — Boundaries—Coast—Levels or Vales—De. rivations of Names—Mendip Hills—Agricultural Cultivation— Public Drainage—-Parochial Churches——Norman Vestiges— Manor and Court Houses—-Antediluvian Relics—-Camps and Ancient Roads. Tue following Descriptive Sketcu embraces one of the most interesting portions of the county of Somerset, including the Hundreds of Winterstoke, Brent with Wring- ton, Portbury, and Hartcliffe with Bedminster ; together with a few parishes in the Hundreds of Bempstone and B 2 DELINEATIONS OF SOMERSETSHIRE. Chew. This district is equally gratifying to the lover of picturesque scenery, to the antiquary, and to the geologist ; for within its bounds are situated the ANTEDILUVIAN Bone Caverns at Banwell, Hutton, and Uphill ; Cheddar Cliffs, and Brockley Combe; the monastic remains at Wood- spring Priory and Worle; together with numerous ancient manor ana court houses, and some of the most remarka- ble parochial churehes in the kingdom. All these are within a moderate distance of Bristol, and still nearer to Weston-Super-Mare; a very improving watering place on the Bristol Channel, which attracts numerous visitors. The boundary of the Briston CHANNEL, or Severn Sea, on the western side of this district, commences at Burnham opposite to Stert Island, at the influx of the river Parret, extending along the flat beach of Bridgewater bay, and its barrier of sand hills; thence by the village of Berrow to its northern point, where the coast is elevated into the lofty promontory of Brean Down, extending into the sea, and forming one of its most conspicuous head- lands. Nearly opposite to Brean Down, west-ward, is the Steep Holm, and more to the north the Flat Holm; on the east are the remarkable hill and village of Uphill, at the conjunction of the river Axe with the Bristol Chan- nel. Northward from Brean Down, is the Bay of Weston, with a fine sandy beach, two miles in length, to Anchor Head; and beyond Weston, at the western extremity of Worle Hill, is another vast rocky eminence, forming a most remarkable object by sea and land. Northward from this hill, is Kewstoke Bay, terminated by Sand Point and St. Thomas’s Head, the lofty and conspicuous boundary of the demesne of the Priory of Woodspring. From this point the coast is low as far as Clevedon, where it again exhibits rocks of considerable grandeur, which continue without much interruption to Portishead, the last promontory northward, and remarkable for its picturesque character. Hence the coast declines to King- Road, where the river Avon empties itself into the Bristol > INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. 3 channel; the course of this river forms the northern boundary of Somersetshire, as far as the city of Bristol; and few rivers can boast more beautiful scenery, than is to be seen on its woody banks. Within the sand hills which now bound the waters on this coast, are the rich and extensive Levels of BRENT, Weston, Yatton, and Banweutn, over the whole of which, in early ages, the waters of the channel flowed; ex- tending, according to tradition, as far westward as Long Ashton, and to Glastonbury and Somerton on the south ; some evident vestiges of which are left behind, not only in marine plants, shells, and fossils, but in the names of places : that of Banwell, for instance, being probably derived from its ancient British designation, Banawelli, compounded of Bann deep, and Welgi sea, though the town is now eight miles from the coast. Yatton is an equally striking in- stance ; its old name of Jatone, from the Saxon, signify- ing the Town port, this place having formed an entrance or port to the channel, which then extended over these vallies. The sea, from the formation of sand hills and other na- tural causes, gradually ceased to overflow these districts ; but even at so late a period as the year 1304, the 33rd of Edward I. it was found necessary to check its destructive inroads by the formation of sea-walls, dykes, drains, &c. for the security and improvement of the several levels.* These rich and extensive levels or vales are divided by portions of the Menpip range of hills, which runs in a south-westerly direction across the county; this was formerly well covered with timber, and plentifully stocked with deer, but now presents a rocky barren aspect.— Several parts of this range abound in valuable minerals, * Notwithstanding these precautions, the waters of the channel occasionally burst their bounds, especially in 1606, in which year was a remarkable flood, occasioned by a high spring tide, assisted by a strong wind. The waters of the channel broke over the sea-walls and inundated the flat lands to a wide extent, B2 4 DELINEATIONS OF SOMERSETSHIRE. the principal of which are lead, lapis calaminaris, man- ganese, and yellow ochre, which are found in veins, in banks, and in fissures of the rock. | The ascent on the north-eastern side of the Mendip hills is more gentle, and allows of more extensive cultivation; and the table-land of the interior has been many years in- closed, and much of it converted to arable land. The climate, however, is cold-and moist, being subject to fogs and mists, which, in unfavourable seasons, impede a per- fect ripening of the grain. On the agricultural cultivation of this district of Somer- setshire, we do not profess to enter into a minute detail. The low lands, mostly of alluvial soil, are noted for their richness and fertility.* But the principal attention in this division of the county, is paid to the management of the grass land. ‘The meadows are generally laid out in ridges, a few yards wide, inclining to a convex form, with inter- vening narrow drains, the occasional cleaning out of which produces a valuable supply of rich manure, after being di- gested in heaps. ‘The meadows are separ~ 2d by wider and deeper ditches, which, ultimately communicating with the public drainage, prevent superfluous water from remaining on the surface of the ground, and in dry seasons, by shutting the flood gates, asufficient supply is retained for the use of the cattle and moisture of the land. The public drainage of the fertile and valuable Levels is subject to the direction of a body of commissioners, who hold their sessions of Water Sewers at stated periods, under the authority of an Act of Parliament, at Wells, Axbridge, and Congresbury. At these courts, reports are received from the juries of the several: parishes connectec with the districts, through which flow the rivers Brue, Axe, and Yeo. ‘The commissioners are empowered tc inflict heavy penalties on persons neglecting to perform their stated duty on the drainage, and from their sentence there is no appeal. | * In the parishes of Burnham, Hunts-pill, and Mark, are pieces of land which have borne crops of wheat, year after year, without any manure, for twenty years together, and produce, even now, remarkably heavy crops. INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. 3 The expences attendant on this system are considerable, and the enclosure of nearly all the common lands, was felt as a serious hardship by many of the cottagers, who de- rived benefit from them; but when we regard the public advantage, especially if the land is of a valuable character, the improved salubrity of the district, and the increased facility of access to all paris of the levels, the advantages of the present system will be found to preponderate.* The limits of this volume will not permit the author to enter so largely, as he might wish, into architectural detail ; the parochial churches, will. however, form a prominent feature in this sketch, not only as being generally attractive to strangers, but as claiming marked attention from their elegant architecture and stately towers. ‘They are gene- rally erected in well chosen and picturesque situations, either on the declivity of a hill, or on some rising ground above the ordinary level of the plains, and consequently out of the reach of the ancient inundations of the sea. Many of the churches which the author visited, present a striking unifori ‘ty of general design with occasional va- riations, only to be accounted for by the probable supposi- tion, that they were amongst those erected by Henry VII. when he came to the crown in 1485, as a reward for the attachment which the county of Somerset had evinced towards the Lancastrian party, during the civil wars.— Some others are of earlier date, and were probably erected or repaired by the Glastonbury or Keynsham monasteries. Similar causes may also account for the deficiency of Nor- man or Saxon vestiges. Excepting numerous instances of * Tt must, however, be acknowledged, that enclosures considerably abridge the comforts of the poorer cottagers; who, however just in strictness the title of the landed proprietors may be to the whole benefit arising from an enclosure, have in many instances been deprived of essential advantages, so long enjoyed, whether by privilege, by sufferance, or by mere custom, that they naturally re- garded them as a sort of right; and in some cases were reduced to the extreme of pove ty from comparative comfort, or driven by despair to the commission of acts which rendered them amenable to the criminal laws. It would be well worth the consideration of those concerned in future enclosures, whether it might not be a judicious, as well as a humane measure, to appropriate small poruions of them to the poor families accustomed to derive benefit from the commons. —— 6 DELINEATIONS OF SOMERSETSHIRE. Norman fonts, only a few arches of that era were remarked; one is in Kewstoke church, which has the appearance of remaining upon its original site, the present building having been erected over it, without much attention to re- gularity or uniformity. The other is a fine Norman door way in the church at Christon, and the two are good speci- mens of that kind of architecture; a third instance is a richly ornamented arched door way in Flax Bourton church, and the fourth is in the church at Compton Martin, the chancel of which, affords the most interesting remains of Norman architecture, that the author has noticed through- out the district which he visited. The churches are generally built in the florid Gothic style, with lofty and enriched embattled towers, repeatedly presenting themselves to the eye of the traveller, emerging, _as it were, from the surrounding foliage. In the interior of these edifices, are two striking peculiarities; first, the sculptured stone pulpits, like the churches, very similar in design, but varying in the profusion of their ornaments ; and secondly, the richly adorned remains of the rood lofts; each having formerly on its centre, a large wooden cross, supported on the sides by rows of apostles; and in some instances, figures in ancient painted glass, are preserved in the rich compartments of the carved oak screens beneath these lofts or galleries.* Many parishes have, or had a manor or court-house, almost invariably contiguous to the church, and it is pro- bable that large portions of many of the churches were built by the lords of manors. In some cases the chancel formed the original chapel, to which were added the nave and tower; probably, as is still the case in Italy, by individual benefaction, as were certainly the aisles; the east ends of which were retained and screened off as the erector’s private * W. L. Bowles very justly remarks in his “‘ History of Bremhill, ” that nothing can equal the picturesque beauty of the towers and churches of Somer- setshire, and that some of them present the most perfect specimens of parochial edifices in the kingdom. INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. 7 chapels.* At all events, their situation plainly indicates a much more intimate connexion between the church and the manor, than exists at the present day. The remains of ancient court and manor houses form a striking feature of this district of Somersetshire, and one which cannot fail to attract the notice of observant strangers. In some instances, these mansions are retained as the resi- dence of the lord of the manor, and are consequently pre- served in excellent repair, though occasionally much altered in many of their original features, if not in their total cha- racter. Others have been entirely demolished and made to give way to the spacious modern mansion, or buried in the centre of more recent erections. The greater number have been reduced in size, and converted into farm houses and agricultural offices; whilst too many others have been en- tirely demolished, or at best a few mouldering walls alone, permitted to remain as indications of a manorial residence. H. Buckler remarks in his account of Eltham Palace, that the Court House at Clevedon, is unquestionably one of the most valuable relics of early domestic architecture in England; and the remains of those at Kingston Seymour, Tickenham, and Towerhead House near Banwell, together with Barrow and Nailsea Courts, may also be referred to, as interesting specimens, and as models of the style of architecture, which prevailed in their respective eras. But quitting these subjects, and transferring our notice te more natural, though mysterious productions, of this district, the visitor may find ample room for research, and abundant matter for speculation, in the Bone Caves at Banwell, Hutton, and Uphill; which are situated within elevated hills above the ordinary level of the waters, but evidently subject at some distant period to their operation. One of them was probably a den of hyenas; another con- tains the vestiges of the elephant and tiger; and a third apparently was tenanted by bears, wolves, and foxes, in succession. *See Notes on Cambridgeshire Churches. 8 DELINEATIONS OF SOMERSETSHIRE. Nor will the antiquary find this portion of the county of Somerset destitute of interest ; for, passing over the later vestiges of monastic establishments and manorial residences, he may discover, thickly scattered, remains of the Britons, Romans, Saxons, and Dangs; all of whom were anxious for the possession of a district, not only valuable in itself, but affording many strong positions for security and defence. The most interesting of these remains will be found to consist in the camps at Worle or Weston Hill, Cadbury Hill near Yatton, Dolebury, Wint Hill and Dinhurst Camps near Banwell, the two Camps on Leigh Down, and that of Maes Knoll, with the remarkable sepulchral Bar- row at Butcombe; together with the extensive Earth- Works at Bleadon; and the Roman Station at Uphill, from whence proceeded a Roman Road fifty-five miles in length, leading to the fortress of that nation, at Old Sarum in Wilt- shire. This ancient road is traced by Sir R. C. Hoare in his splendid work on Ancient Wiltshire, as “ via Sorbiodu- num ad Axium,’ from the ancient Roman name of Sarum, and from its opposite termination near the mouth of the river Axe. This road has been little noticed even by our more celebrated antiquaries ; an account of it will be found in the appendix. The very extraordinary boundary or military rampart, which still bears the name of Wansdike, is another curious" work of ancient times, and being connected at its north- western extremity, with the hundred of Portbury, a de- © scription of it will also be given in the appendix. It is supposed to have extended eastward to the banks of the Thames, and thus to have formed a communication between that river and the Severn, which it reached near the point where the Avon falls into it from Bristol. ‘The appendix will also contain an outline of the natural history of this division of the county, including botanical memoranda, and a geological sketch. Part of a Monastic Barn at /f¥orle. CHAP. II. Lone Asuron, Ashton Court, Camp, Ashten Theynes—Lower Court, Church.—F 1x Bourto nN, Belmont.—BarrowGournay, Court House, Church.— Backwewt, Church.—Cuetvy, Court House, Church.— Nairtsea, Heath, Court House.—Brock.tey, Brockley Hall, Paintings, Carriage Drive, Church, Brockley Coomb.—ConGrusnury, Church, Charitable Bequests.— Puxron.—Worte, Church, Monastic Barn. LONG ASHTON is a village of considerable extent, inhabited by many of the retired citizens of Bristol. It is pleasantly situated between two and three miles from that city, in a rich and wooded vale, having the lofty ridge of Dundry to the south, and a corresponding range of hills, commencing at the dis- jointed cliffs of St. Vincent, to screen it on the north. It 10 DELINEATIONS OF SOMERSETSHIRE. is celebrated for its extensive strawberry gardens, which are much frequented during the season by numerous parties from Bristol. The turnpike road from Bristol to Weston runs through the whole length of this village, forming, in many places, a commanding terrace, overlooking a pleasing variety of hill and vale, finely wooded, and interspersed with gentle- men’s seats. The upper road to Clevedon turns off towards the north near the turnpike, and passes on the south side of Rownham Lodge, till it reaches the summit of the hill, from which an extensive view is obtained of the city of Bristol, Clifton, Hotwells, the river Avon, and St. Vin- cent’s Rocks, which lie considerably below it. Ashton is a place of great antiquity, and was held in the time of Edward the Confessor by three Saxon Thanes, by whom it was called Easton, from its eastern situation from Portbury, which was then the most important place on this side of the river; and that it was also known to the Ro- mans, is probable, not only from their many stations in the vicinity, but also from the numerous coins of that nation occasionally dug up in the gardens, which are here culti- vated to a wide extent. LONG ASHTON MANOR was given, at the conquest, to the bishop of Coutances. In the reign of Henry I. it was possessed by Adam de Hey- ron, or Herun, who bore on his seal the appropriate design of three herons; by his only daughter and heiress it came to the de Alno family, which becoming afterwards cor- rupted into Dando, gave name to a tithing in this parish still called Ashton Dando. It was subsequently possessed by a family named de Lyons, descended from a follower of William the Conqueror, who came originally from the city of Lyons in France, and gave name to the tithing of Ash- ton Lyons. From them it was conveyed in 1454, to Richard Choke of Stanton Drew, afterwards the eminent Lord Chief Justice of England. He removed to Long Ashton, where LONG ASHTON. is he maintained a magnificent establishment, and on his death, in 1486, was buried in Long Ashton church, in which he founded a chantry, and endowed it with considerable lands, for the support of six priests. His grandson sold the manor in 1506, to Sir Giles Daubney, knt. having pre- viously given the church house, now the Angel Inn, with lands, to feoffees, for the use of the parish, so long as a prayer should be offered up on every Sunday, in Long Ashton church, for his own soul and those of his deceased ancestors. In 1541, this manor was conveyed by Henry Daubney, Earl of Bridgwater, to Sir Thomas Arundell, knt. of War- dour Castle, Wiltshire, who held other large possessions in Somersetshire, and who sold it in 1545, to John Smyth of Aylburton in Gloucestershire, esq. who was mayor and sheriff of Bristol; in whose family it still continues. About two miles from Bristol, adjoining the road from that city to Weston, is a castellated lodge and entrance gateway, leading to 7 ASHTON COURT, the seat of Sir John Smyth, bart. presenting an extensive front, pleasantly situated on a gentle eminence, in the centre of a luxuriantly wooded park, which was originally enclosed and planted by Thomas de Lyons, in 1391, under a licence granted by Richard IJ. and who from that time added the name of Ashton to the family appellation. The most ancient part of this building was erected by the Ash- ton Lyons, who resided in it, and whose arms and devices continue conspicuous on many parts of it. At the back part of the mansion still remains the ancient gateway lead- ing from the park into the outer court, in which the Gothic’ windows, battlements, and projecting buttresses, are pre- served, and it continues to be called the Castle Court. A low doorway, between two lofty turrets, forms the entrance into the second, or inner court, which contains the offices. 12 DELINEATIONS OF SOMERSETSHIRE. The front is one hundred and fifty feet in length, and contains several spacious apartments, which command a fine and pleasing prospect. This front was erected in 1634, by Inigo Jones, who was employed to modernize the ancient edifice, and to convert it into a regular quadrangular pile of building; but whose plan, from the unsettled state of public affairs, was never completed. Within this mansion is a gallery of paintings, amongst which is the following series of family portraits :—John, first Lord Paulet and his wife-—Thomas Smyth, M.P. for Somerset, 1639; he was also returned twice for the town of Bridgewater. On the breaking out of the civil war, he joined the royal cause, and was at Sherborne with the Marquis of Hertford, whem he accompanied in his retreat into Wales, where he was taken ill, and died at Cardiff in 1642; he married Lord Paulet’s daughter.—Hugh Smyth, © M.P. for Somerset in 1600, who was made a baronet in 1661.—Sir John Smyth, bart. M. P. for Somerset in 1685. —Christopher Kenn, of Kenn, sheriff of Somerset in 1575. —-F’. Rogers, sheriff of Somerset in 1604.—-Sir Hugh Smyth, knt. sheriff of Somerset in 1613.—Sir John Smyth, bart. sheriff of Somerset in 1733.—Matthew Smyth, 1580, son of John Smyth, mayor of Bristol in 1544.—Thomas Tewther and wife, of Ludlow in Shropshire, whose eldest daughter and coheir was wife to Matthew Smyth.—Eliza- beth Smyth, eldest daughter of Sir Thomas Gorges, knt. of Wraxall, 1627.—Thomas Smyth, M. P. for Bridgewater in 1627.—Florence, daughter of John, first Lord Paulett, wife to Thomas Smyth, M. P. for Somersetshire, and married secondly to Colonel Thomas Pigott of Brockley. —John Ashburnham, of Ashburnham, Sussex, groom of the bed-chamber to Charles I. and I].—Ann, wife to Hugh Smyth, K. B. and daughter of John Ashburnham.—Eliza- beth Smyth, daughter of Sir Samuel Astry, knt. of Hen- bury, Gloucestershire.—Sir Jarrit Smyth, M.P. for Bristol in 1756.—Mrs. Pigott, who married secondly, Sir Jarrit LONG ASHTON. Ls Smyth, M. P.—Sir John Hugh Smyth, sheriff of Somerset in 1773.—Sir Hugh Smyth, sheriff of Somerset in 1804.— Thomas Smyth.—Humphry Hook, mayor of Bristol in 1643.—--Helen Snachenberg, Marchioness Dowager of Northampton, maid of honour to Queen Elizabeth and wife of Sir Thomas Gorges, bart. of Longford Castle, Wiltshire, and Wraxall, Somersetshire, mother of Lady Smyth, 1627, buried in Salisbury Cathedral, &c. | On the hill immediately above the house, and now over- grown with trees and underwood, is ASHTON CAMP, occupying a large space, inclosed by a single ditch and rampart; which, on the side towards the house, are gradu- ally levelled, or were never completed; affording almost uninterrupted access from it, and suggesting the probable idea, that the chieftain who inhabited the entrenched fort above, quitted it when the times became comparatively quiet and peaceable, for the more convenient site below ; though still preserving a communication with the stronger position. Within the bounds of the present park, stood an ancient manor house, called ASHTON THEYNES, now entirely demolished, but long the residence of a family named de Theyne, probably descended from one of the three Saxon Thanes who held Ashton previous to the con- quest, and whose successors continued to hold the separate manor of Aston Theynes, till the reign of Edward III. In the valley, south of the village, is an old mansion house, called _ ASHTON LOWER COURT, which was formerly surrounded by a smaller manor, called Ashton Philips, anciently held by a family of much note, who derived their name from the place. ‘The man- sion was erected by Sir John de Aston, or Ashton, pre- 14 DELINEATIONS OF SOMERSETSHIRE. vious te the year 1265, at which time he had a dispute with the rector of Ashton concerning a chantry which he founded in the private chapel attached to this house, with- out due ecclesiastical licence. It must originally have been a large and handsome structure for the age in which it was erected. After the lapse of nearly six centuries, little remains, except the east wing, in which is a large apartment wainscoted with gilt-edged panels. At the south end stands the chapel, which is almost entire, the stone altar remaining in its original state, with a piscina in the south wall; and till within the last few years, the saints’ bell continued to hang in the niche over the entrance. LONG ASHTON CHURCH is a handsome structure founded by Thomas de Lyons, the upper stone of whose monument ts still remaining, and whose arms are emblazoned on the ceiling of the nave, viz. Argent, a chevron, Sable, between three lions dormant, cowered, Gules, which are also cut in stone in the west end of the tower. The church is chiefly of the perpendicular English style, and was probably erected in the reign of Richard II. about the year 1390, but has since undergone various alterations. It consists of a nave, north and south aisles, chancel, with a chapel on each side, and a tower at the west end. The interior of this edifice is strikingly handsome, and has recently been thoroughly repaired; generally in good taste, with the slight exception of paint- ing the clustered columns of the arches of the nave in imitation of marble, rather than restoring the face of the original stone. The Gothic oak screen is of superior workmanship, and its elaborate carvings have been lately re-gilt and painted. The ceilings of the aisles are di- vided into square compartments with ornamented angles. In the windows are the arms of Choke, Lyons de Ashton, and others, together with the figure of an abbot, a cardinal, and Edward the LV. with his queen, Elizabeth Woodville, now much mutilated. LONG ASHTON. 15 There are numerous elegant monuments within this church; the most striking are erected to the Smyth family of Ashton Court. In the north chapel, in the window of which are the figures above mentioned, is an elegant monument richly decorated with Gothic tracery of a superior character, to the memory of Sir Richard Choke, or Coke, and Margaret his wife, whose figures are placed beneath the canopy. In the south chapel is a large uninscribed tomb to the memory of Hugh Brook, Esq. of Lower Court, who died in 1556, whose helmet, spurs, and gloves, are suspended. There are also monuments to the memory of individuals of the Sparrow, Mordaunt, Howell, and other families. Within these few years there was a raised tomb in this church, enclosing the relics of Thomas de Lyons, its founder, surmounted by his effigy, and bearing this in- scription :— * Dic Facet Chomas DZpongs, miles, tus Benedictus Deus, Wmen.” This curious and ancient tomb was lately removed, for the purpose of levelling the floor, and no part of it pre- served, excepting the upper slab, which forms a paving stone in the passage between the chancel and belfry. Under an arch in the south aisle was an ancient tomb of one of the Gatcombe family, who resided, as early as 1296, in the reign of Edward I. at a place about two miles west of the church, where formerly stood a gate leading from the hill into the combe or valley, and thence called Gate- combe;.and from whom it has maternally descended to the present possessor, James Sparrow, esq. In the church-yard are the stone figures of a male and female of the Lyon family, with the remnant of an ancient inscription : “ DE SALME EYT MERCI AMEN.” re 16 DELINEATIONS OF SOMERSETSHIRE. Near the church is the old hall of the ancient rectory house, in which the abbot’s courts were held; and not far from it, is a fine old monastic farm house of considerable dimensions. In 1821, Long Ashton contained 4000 acres of land, 202 houses, 227 families, and 1168 inhabitants.* The benefice is vicarial, in the deanery of Bedminster. The Smyth family are patrons of the living, by purchase in 1603.—Rev. Israel Lewis, incumbent. FLAX BOURTON is three miles from Long Ashton. It is so called from one large estate within the manor having formerly belonged to the Abbot of Flaxley. ‘The road passes very near to the church, which consists of a nave and chancel, with a low tower; asaint’s bell was, till lately, hanging in the small turret over the extreme point of the roof. Strangers pass- ing through this place are sometimes amused by a story, that the minister occasionally preaches upon a pinnacle of the tower, because one, that was blown down a few years since, was cut into supports for the present pulpit. The door-way, leading from the porch into the church, is formed by a fine Norman arch. This place was originally a part of the extensive manor of Wraxall; in subsequent records it is styled Hamleta de Bourton, and was successively possessed by the families of Wrockshall,-Moreville, Gorges, Codrington, and by that of Bampfylde, in which it still continues. Flax Bourton contains 31 inhabited houses, 36 families, and 192 inhabitants. The living is a perpetual curacy, in the deanery of Bedminster, and is a chapel to Wraxall. North of Flax Bourton is BELMONT, the seat of the late G. P. Seymour, esq. now occupied by George Gibbs, esq. It is a handsome residence, seated * Most of the population returns throughout this work, have been taken from the Parliamentary Census of 1821. BARROW GOURNAY. 17 on the acclivity of the hill, with a fine wood in the back ground, above which, the bare summits of the heights rise in a picturesque manner. The plantations are intersected by delightful walks, with numerous openings, which com- mand extensive views over the rich vale of Bourton. BARROW GOURNAY. South of Flax Bourton is Barrow Gournay, which was granted by William Rufus to Robert Fitz-Harding; by whose grand-daughter it came to the Harptrees, one of whom adopted the name of Gournay, and annexed it to this manor, in order to distinguish it from the many other Barrows in this county; from the Harptrees it descended to the Berkeleys, and it afterwards was possessed by the Compton family. . The chief ornament of this parish is BARROW COURT, a fine old manor house, not far from the church, and occasionally inhabited by Charles Gore, esq. the present proprietor. It was originally a Benedictine Nunnery, founded by one of the Fitz-Hardings, in the reign of Richard I. and was afterwards liberally supported by grants from the successive lords of the manor. On the suppression of this Priory by Henry VIII. in 1536, the house and demesne lands were granted to John Drew of Bristol, on lease for twenty-one years, at the rent of 5/. 1s. 8d. who converted the old building into a dwelling house. This mansion is a remarkably fine specimen of the Eliza- bethan gabled style, having been preserved in its original - state, both as regards its interior arrangement, and its ex- terior appearance; the spacious courts and_ straight avenues never having been modernized. The great hall is a handsome apartment, with some family portraits and other paintings, and a few coats of arms in the windows; at one end is a music gallery, at the other a library. In c 18 DELINEATIONS OF SOMERSETSHIRE. the great dining room is a fine equestrian portrait of Charles I. passing under an arch. ‘The ceilings are many of them richly decorated, especially that of the principal staircase, which is curiously groined, with a very deep and handsome pendant in the centre, and on its walls are several family portraits. In the small drawing-room is a curious mantel-piece, surmounted by figures of Inno- cence and Justice, with the arms of Gore in thecentre. In one of the sleeping apartments are four ancient pieces of tapestry from seripture subjects, and the ceiling of another is most elaborately moulded, in a very curious and unusual style. BARROW CHURCH has been in a great measure rebuilt. It consists of a nave, chancel, and side aisle, extending the whole length, with a low tower at the north end. The former building was of considerable antiquity ; but several monuments are preserved, and a few coats of arms remained till recently in the windows, relating chiefly to the Gores and their family connexions ; in memory of several of these, there is a handsome marble monument in the chancel. In the south aisle is a curious monument of white, grey, and Sienna marble, with the figures of Francis James, L.L.D. and four sons behind him; at his side are his wife and five daughters kneeling; the whole surmounted by the arms of James, and dated 1616. Barrow Gournay contains 47 inhabited houses, as many families, and 285 inhabitants. ‘The living is a donative, in the deanery of Redcliffe.—Rev. J. Sparrow, incumbent. About half a mile west of Barrow, and south-west of the seventh mile stone from Bristol, on the Weston road is BACKWELL, a respectable, but scattered village, having several hand- Some residences. 'The manor is divided into two tithings, called Sores and Bayouse, from the de Batocis or de BACKWELL. | 19 Baiose, and the de Sor or de Sores, two families of dis- tinction, to whom these moieties were granted, more than 700 years ago, by William Rufus, on the death of the previous possessor, the Bishop of Coutances. Eastward from the church, but near the church yard, was formerly a park of 140 acres, surrounding the manor house, which was decorated with the arms of Churchill; but little of this now remains excepting a portion of one of the wings. BACKWELL CHURCH is an ornamental building, standing on a picturesque site having high rocky eminences, with deep glens, partly clothed with coppice wood and shrubs on the south and east, and a fine rich valley, bounded by distant hills in front. Its elegant, yet substantial tower is surmounted by richly ornamented pinnacles, connected by an open bal- lustrade, which being flung into deep relief by the back ground of wood, produces a very pleasing and picturesque effect when seen from the turnpike road. The tower of this church is almost unrivalled, both in its design and execution, and is evidently of two eras; the lower stories partaking of the early English, the upper one heing of a more decorated character. It is traditionally reported that a storm in 1603, greatly injured this, as well as many others of the fine Some ‘etshire towers, and that the upper story was afterwards rebuilt. The whole is of excellent masonry, the buttresses terminating in an un- usual manner, and the pinnacles highly finished. ‘The entrance door-way in tlie west front of the tower, is deeply moulded, and near the window above, is the following in- Sheets Xe-Y 5 ad It has not been satisfactorily deciphered, but the first three letters appear to stand for Jesus, and the conclusion c2 20 DELINEATIONS OF SOMERSETSHIRE. expresses the date, probably of the upper part of the tower, 1552,* The turret over the saints bell, is light and elegant; and in the church yard there is an ancient cross, remaining in almost its original state, mounted on four steps and a pedestal. The interior of this church has recently been repaired, and is now in an excellent state. The windows are of various characters and periods; in the north aisle is a fine one of the lancet form, but with mullions of more recent insertion ; likewise two fine specimens of the perpendicular era.* In the south wall of the chancel, are three canopied stalls, which are difficult to account for, but supposed to have been seats for the three ecclesiastical persons con- nected with the benefice; two rectors (one without cure of souls) and the vicar: or the rector, deacon, and sub- deacon. Near these arches are evident vestiges of a piscina, or drain for the superfluous consecrated water. Within the chancel is a Corinthian altar-piece, which blinds the east window. It was removed in 1771, from the * This inscription has been suggested to stand for an abbreviation of ‘‘ In Jesu spes mea.’* ‘* In Jesus is my hope,” or more probably, the first three letters may be the initials of ‘* Jesus Hominum Conditor,” and the last syllable an abbreviation of ‘* Supplicamus,’”’ meaning, ‘* Jesus, we beseech thee, take this building under thy protection,’’ and then follows the date, 1552. * The architectural terms generally used in this treatise, coincide with those in Rickman’s excellent ‘‘ Essay on English Architecture ;”’ in which he divides the styles into the following general divisions:—1. The Norman style; it pre- vailed for 124 years, from 1065 to 1189, during the reign of William I. to the end of that of Henry II. It is distinguished by its arches being generally semi- circular, with bold and rude ornaments.—2. Early English; it prevailed about 118 years, from 1189 to 1307, in the reign of Richard I. to the end of Edward I. It is distinguished by pointed arches, and long narrow windows without mul- lions, and a peculiar embellishment, called the toothed ornament.—3. Decorated English; continued rather more than 170 years, from 1307 to 1377, in the reign of Edward II. to the end of Edward IIT. It is distinguished by its large win- dows, which have pointed arches, divided by mullions and tracery in flowing lines, forming circles, arches, and other figures, not running perpendicularly; its ornaments are numerous and very delicately carved.—4. Perpendicular English ; prevailed about 169 years, in the reign of Richard EJ. to the end of Henry II. and partially much later. It is distinguished by the mullions of its windows and ornamented panellings, running in perpendicular lines, forming a complete distinction from the decorated style. Its ornaments are crowded, but delicately executed. See ‘ Rickman’s Essay,” for further particulars. BACKWELL. 91 old church of St. Leonard, in Corn street, Bristol. The font is circular, and of the Norman era. It had been deposited in the church yard, till the present incumbent had it repaired and restored to its original station and use. In the chancel is a large handsome tomb, surmounted by a figure of one of the Rodney family, to whom the adjoining chape! belonged. In the chapel is a monument having the figures of a male and female with six chil- dren, engraved on brass, which was once gilt, and bears an inscription to the memory of Rice Davis, who mar- ried aco-heiress of the Rodneys; date 1604 and 1658. _ The chapel attached to the chancel is interesting and curious, and was formerly open to the north aisle by an arch now walled up. It has a stone roof with deep ribs arched in an unusual manner. At its eastern end evi- dently stood an altar, and the piscina attached to it remains; on the floor are three ancient tomb-stones, apparently removed from other parts of the building, with ancient and mutilated inscriptions. In the chancel is a large ancient tomb, enriched with florid tracery and six coats of arms, above which, is a sculp- tured entablature of a corresponding character. On the tomb is the figure of one of the Rodney family clothed in armour, to whom the adjoining chapel belonged; beneath it was their family vault. Above this monument is a Saxon inscription, and a modern translation engraved on a brass plate, with the date of 1536. There are also a few marble monuments on the walls of this edifice. ‘The rectorial house is a handsome residence and appears to be of considerable antiquity, having several pointed windows of three divisions, and ornamental character. Backwell contains 131 houses, 156 families, and 863 in- habitants. In this parish the tithes are divided into three portions, severally belonging to the lay impropriators, a rector (Lord John Thynne), and a vicar, the Rev. —+ Wake; the Rey. T. H. Biddulph, Fellow of Mag. Coll. 29 DELINEATIONS OF SOMERSETSHIRE. Oxford and vicar of Shoreham, is possessed of the next presentation, and is at present the curate. CHELVY is about a mile to the northwest of Backwell, and lies between that place and Brockley; it is for the most part rich pasture land interspersed with wood. The manor was anciently held by Matthew de Moretaine, and afterwards by the de Astons, from an heiress of which family it came to the Percevals, who possessed it for many generations. It was purchased in 1029 by Edward Tynte, Esq. whose wife Ann was daughter of Sir Edward Gorges, Knt. of Wraxall; and whose descendants successively married heiresses of the Halsewell, Fortescue, Kemys, and Wal- ters’ families; the united properties derived from these connexions are now possessed by Charles Kemys Kemys Tynte, Esq. M.P. for Bridgewater. CHELVY COURT HOUSE is a fine old mansion near the church, and was formerly surrounded by a park, with a warren and a swannery; all of which are now appropriated to the use of the farm, ex- cepting a large portion of the mansion, which has been uninhabited for many years. It contains many handsome apartments, well wainscoted, with elegant gilt cornices and fine ceilings, all rapidly going to decay. It is in the later Elizabethan style, and the entrance on one side, was through an elegant porch, which remains nearly perfect. THE CHURCH is a small building of the decorated English style, con- sisting of a nave and chancel,-a south aisle belonging to the Tynte family, and a square tower at the west end, surmounted by a band of open quatrefoils. There are some remains of painted glass in the windows, and several monuments of the Tyntes, whose manorial pew is enclosed by pannels of oak, elegantly carved In the church yard is a cross, consisting of three rows of steps with a pedestal NAILSEA. 33 aud a shaft; contiguous to it, isa noble old grange barn, supported by massy buttresses, and with a lofty entrance. Chelvy contains nine houses, as many families, and 62 inhabitants. 'The living is in a rectory in the deanery of Bedminster.— William Shaw, D.D. is incumbent. At the distance of three miles northward from Chelvy, and so far out of the direct road from Bristol towards Weston-Super-Mare, lies NAILSEA, a considerable village on the south western edge of what was once an extensive moor, to which it gives its name. THE MANOR, with that of Bourton, has always been annexed to the ex- tensive royalty of Wraxall. It was formerly in possession of the de la More family, who probably derived their name of Bythemore, from the situation of their residence near the extensive moor of Nailsea. Subsequently this manor came to the lords of Hinton St. George, and from them, by an heiress, to the Percevals, by whom it was sold in 1582, to the Coles of Bristol, who disposed of the greater part of the lands in small portions. THE HEATH is to the eastward of the village, and was lately an exten- sive tract of rough land, thickly covered with timber and underwood, with the appearance of having formerly been a forest or chace; but it has been since enclosed and brought into cultivation. This tract, originally to all appearance poor and worthless, is extremely valua- ble in consequence of a bed of excellent coal which is found underneath its whole extent, and is worked in seve- ral places by shafts or pits, varying from fifty to seventy fathoms, and in some instances has been worked under ground to the distance of a quarter of a mile from the main shaft. The firm of Lucas and Co. Bristol, have increased the unportance and population of this district, by the establish- QA DELINEATIONS OF SOMERSETSHIRE. ment of an extensive manufactory for crown glass; and the buildings connected with it are inhabited by a numerous colony of persons in their employ, forming a distinct village of considerable extent. THE COURT HOUSE is situated at some distance from the village, adjoining the parish of Chelvy. Itis a fine and interesting specimen of the pure Elizabethan style, and must have been a hand- some mansion when inhabited by the Cole family; but being now used as a farm house, it is much disfigured by incongruous buildings for the use of the tenant. It was erected probably in 1593, according to a date on a stone mantel-piece in one of the upper rooms, many of which are panelled with oak. ‘The hall is in good preservation, with an ornamented door way, and a grand, or state cham- ber over it. | NAILSEA CHURCH is a large building consisting of a nave, chancel, south aisle, and a stately tower surmounted by a band of open quatrefoils. The pulpit is of stone, richly ornamented with panelling, and is singularly constructed ; the ascent for the minister, being up a narrow flight of steps in the wall, through a projecting aperture. In the chancel is a handsome old monument dated 1657, to the memory of Richard Cole, esq. his wife and three children, and a bro- ther, William, who succeeded to his estates ; above are the arms of Cole, quartered with others, and below, Azure, a lion rampant, Gules, impaling Cole. The windows, generally, are good specimens of the decorated English style, with one or two, of the later perpendicular era; some of them retaining portions of painted glass. The font is octagonal, and the sides ornamented with roses in quatre- foils; one of which contains a shield with arms. In a stone on the north side of the church is a brass tablet, about a century old, to the memory of Stephen Bennett and Mary his wife, with some curious latin verses, ex- BROCKLEY. 25 pressive of their mutual attachment. Another tablet commemorates Tobias Hort, gent. ob. 1722, with his arms, Sable, three bends wavy, Or. Returning to the direct road from Bristol, the next place worth notice is BROCKLEY, a rural village, a few miles north east of Congresbury, pleasantly situated, and consisting of a diversified surface, with many delightful prospects from the higher grounds. Its ancient name was Brocheliec, and it was held by a Saxon Thane in the time of Edward the Confessor, who con- tinued to possess it under the Norman dynasty. In 1525, the 19th of Edward ITI. half a knight’s fee within this parish was held by Peter de Sancta Cruce or St. Cross, at which time, other parts of the manor belonged to the family of de Ashton, who afterwards possessed the whole; for in 1367, the 4lst of Edward III. Sir Robert de Ashton died proprietor of it. This manor afterwards came to the Berkeleys, and in 1528, the 20th of Henry VIII. it belonged to Richard Harvey, from whose family it was purchased by Col. Thomas Pigott, who married Florence, widow of Thomas Smyth, esq. of Long Ashton and daugh- ter of John, first Lord Paulett.* It is now the property of John Hugh Smyth Pigott, esq. who has greatly en- larged and beautified the family mansion called BROCKLEY HALL, where he resides. This handsome seat combines comfort with elegance, and consists of a spacious entrance hall, surrounded with a numerous suite of apartments, richly furnished, and contains a series of paintings, consisting of choice specimens of the ancient masters, combined with a liberal selection from living artists; among the latter, are several from the pencil of Thomas Barker of Bath, well * This Jady lies buried in Long Ashton church, between her two husbands. 20 DELINEATIONS OF SOMERSETSHIRE. known as the painter of “ The Woodman.” The front of the house is adorned with an elegant Grecian Portico, with fluted columns; and in the centre of the roof is an octagonal dome, fitted up as an observatory, with one of Dolland’s powerful telescopes. The Hatz is decorated with family portraits, chiefly of the Mores of the Priory, Taunton; the Wadhams of Merri- field ; the Cowards of Sparkgrove; and the Pigotts ; among these are the following :—John, first Lord Paulett, by Vandyke, and his lady, who was heiress of the Kenns— of her grand children, by two marriages of her daughter, Florence, already mentioned, first with Thomas Smyth, Esq. of Long Ashton, and secondly with Colonel] Thomas Pigott of Brockley—of each husband—of Colonel John Pigott, M. P. for Somerset in 1705—of his son John Pigott, who died whilst sheriff of the county in 1730, by Sir Peter Lely—of several of the Coward family, including Thomas Coward, Esq. recorder of Winchester, by Sir Peter Lely —a fine portrait of Thomas Coward, Esq. sheriff of Somer- set in 1771, by Gainsborough *—Sir Hugh Smyth, sheriff of the county in 1803, by /7obday—and of Mr. and Mrs. Pigott, in water colours, by Prince Hoare—with their daughter Mrs. Provost and her husband, by Gainsborough. —There is also a fine painting by Breughcl, the “Seven Wonders of the World,” from Mr. Beckford’s collection. The chairs in the Hall are interesting, having once be- longed to Charles I. In the Breakrast Parvtour area few choice Cabinet Paintings by the old masters; amongst which are 1 A Cupid, leaning onabow . . . . . Correggio This fine Painting was once in the Collection of James II. and is numbered 757 in Bushes’ Catalogue. 2 AnBandseape 17). 05. 92° Qs eee 50 Ai Biemish Fain ets oe Se A pshover Full of Sighly finished small figures. * A grand daughter of Mrs. Coward, who was an heiress of the More family of the Priory, Taunton, was married to John Pigott, Esq. of Brockley; by this heiress, the Pigotts are descendants of Edward I. and of Sir Nicholas Wadham, founder of Wadham College. BROCKLEY. AF f Mhe-Salutation sus. (so. be eee a OA. Carrece? A fine cabinet Picture. ta ; ei dc use otihuas?...ud Guiercelde The Wise Mees Oitcnne sg gen ok OMe Pranks A beautiful cabinet Painting The Assumption... ss. « . . | 4) Correxio Boys blowing Bubbles . . . . . . Le Nain The ee with Martha and Mary. . . Raphael m@ Wandseape . 9... a Gaspar Poussin A Flower Piece .. ShvERE a ecr AY OIE MESSED St. John in the WY detiles: ~ ee « Andrea Sacchi The Saviour and Womanof Samaria Pietro Cartona Seremrative Alka’ +. tt a SPL} ae eS Sthkedon? The Duchess of Marlborough. . . . Netscher Man blowing a Pipe- . . . . M. A. Carravagio A fine spirited Picture in this Master’s best manner. Bisson 68.) 2: eiesds od) te C.oMeonardoe da Vinci This Painting was brought from Italy by Mr. Plunkett. peeeciuna Child. .--.7 > ...... Carlo Maratti Pee le EP ICCE +s 25. 5 yes, ee, Va Opsinel PEPTUSMIOSEADE 66. che oe ne ne se ym, Gaspard omssin ee ee ots, MT nw ye A LOMMIUS Mm Wattle Piece... :: “iano Seloierelate- oot OF 0-7) Cattle Market, or Saaine Whcrino. at Rome Claude From the Praslin Collection. Queen Elizabeth, whenachild . . . . . Holbein From the Collection of James II. and numbered 17 in Bushe’s Catalogue. OQneof the Medici family =. °.:5 0 00. 42 Ditian © A beautifui little Picture. m= Vessel on Wire... 6 8.0.04 4). 2 | > Kandervelde The Flight into Egypt. . . . . . Poelembourg One of this celebrated Master’s finest performances. A Lady playing on the Piano-forte. . . . Miéeris A highly finished and perfect Cabinet gem. Men playingatagame .. .. . Andrew Both From the Collection of William III. the Pictures of this Master are very scarce. Bacchus, Jupiter, and Neptune. . . . . Titian An undoubted specimen of this admirable Painter. PME CURANS ic Bi ie le «s,s is LOAD This Painting is admirably coloured. 28 DELINEATIONS OF SQMERSETSHIRE. 32 Andromeda chained to the Rock Landscape by Claude Figures by Poussin The female figure is most beautifully drawn and coloured; ee the landscape is in Claude’s best style. The Stair Case is lighted by a window of painted glass by Eginton, each pane containing a coat of arms of the family, or some one of its connexions. Its sides are also ornamented with several fine paintings : oo A Hunting Piece... . ., 1, ee A fine historical Picture from one of Racine’s Tragedies, 34 Bearand Dogs... oe Se ate? Gieeias 35 Portrait of Master Pig ott ey ero 36.A Battle Piece .° ... . . °. \. ah) Samer eaven 37,..Andtalian Scene .°. «. . wuy 8 4 ee 38,.The Judgment of Paris... .°) 20. 5) eae 39 A Boy plucking a Thorn from his foot . J. Barker This admirable performance may be justly ranked amongst tle best works of this celebrated Master, and it reflects much credit on the discrimination of the late Mr. John Pigott, that he so liberally patronized an Artist, whose works already rival those of the best English Masters, and will hereafter be sought after with equal avidity. in the Dinine Partour :— 40 TheCharge of the Life Guards at Waterloo. T. Barker «* The handling of these conflicting masses, displays a disdainful rapidity, de- cision, and vigour, which I do not remember to have seen surpassed in the works of any ancient or modern painter. The strokes of the pencil appear as if they had been rained down upon the canvas, with all the noble heat of a soldier, letting drive with his sabre at an enemy in battle.—W. Carey, Author of ‘“* The Fine Arts in England.” See areview of this spirited picture, in ‘* Ackerman’s Repository,” for 1828. Al The Falls of Ferni, near Rome . .. . TF. Shew A2 Napoleon at Elba, from a sketch by SHew TJ. Barker A3 ‘ Up Guards, and at them,”’ with Wellington’s Staff, and the flight of Napoleon . . TV. Barker A4 'The Bay of Genoa, from asketch bySuew 7. Barker 45° Boys Bird’Nesting’ eer 46 Hero and Leander, and companion . . . Hobday The portraits are those of Lord Byron and Miss Foot. at King George TV. oo Ol OF a ey The Drawine Room is elegantly fitted up with ebony furniture, of which, the celebrated chairs on silver castors, that were in the palace at Esher, and belonged to the magnificent Cardinal Wolsey, form a part; also two superb in) BROCKLEY. 99 \ tables of Florentine mosaic, from Rome; a pair of re- markably fine mirrors, and a splendid chandelier made by Blades.—Some of the paintings are 48 'The Lake of Guarda, in aii from a sketch by PSEA sis aivetein's oe in «aod Bapher PPUMEIE Eo dierent, Ue Gog. 8 Geer This picture is beautifully coloured and has great force in its chiaro oscuro. Mueememeluce . ww 5 «eo te )Loutherbourg Bryan, in his Digtionary of Painters, says this is one of his best performances. een. ee OmniChina Poeeeeimdscape .-. . . . oy ss ne. NOMCOlOrehosa Teoma OLot. Jerome . .” . «Wij pn dgrello This is considered a very fine orlginal sketch. 54 Old Woman Reading . . . . . . . Rembrandt The Lisrary is handsome, and fitted up with a well- selected and valuable collection of nearly six thousand volumes, including many rare editions of the classics. The paintings are 55 'The Lake of Avernus, in Italy, from a sketch re el fe ve a fs tae + ais aie PRR A fine and much adntired painting. 56 Portrait of the Duchess of Richmond . . Vandyke 57 A beautiful portrait of Master Pigott, in the costume of a Page of CharlesI.. . . . Barker Numerous paintings are scattered through the remain- ing appartments; these which follow, are selected as most worthy of notice: SEN aio a ieh ety” civ ig m (fuer ised nncen us'y) , MOY KE Sep maNude , .. - mi icin A Na inca oti gh SRO CIES 60 Temptation of St. bree siheaily a taisticegg Laretee nel Bemmnintow Castles os ows a Synth oy od oh)», darker G2 Atalian Sun-set.. ... ...- Sides tabla one mcey The Bay of Baie, in Italy, with the Town of seb and Caligula’s Bridge, from a sketch by T. Shew Seeouinait of Lady Smith, ..):.{..)...° 2... -ilobday 64 Chepstow Castle, by moon-light . . . . Barker A fine effective Picture. feo twe Pripute Money. . .,-.-. «+ \~, Guercino 30 DELINEATIONS OF SOMERSETSHIRE. 66 StiAnthony 2. i. eo ov os BRR Sie Pie An admirably fine and forcible performance of this esteemed Master. 67 Richard Reynolds .; «2 y4) ¢4 yi = ey A fine likeness of that excellent man, from which an engraving has been taken. 68 A Concert: HP" 8 SR Ee ee ey ee A fine boldly coloured Picture. 69 The Crowning of Bacchus... . . . Jordans A spirited and freely painted work. 70 The Astronomer. .-. «+ .o . * & Ue Ue ee 71° Cupid, (a fine sketeh). . » 1 sagt. oP eee 72 A Head te wee 73° A Lady and Child... . .. »'\ Dieonordema i amcs 74° General Washington. . .» .,. .\ os . see eeeecer A good likeness of this great man. To A Stay Tient (f° ON) ee Snyders 76 Hawking 050. a PE ee ee 77 Creation of Birds. . . . : . « Roland Sacury A curious picture of this master. 78 -A.Bear Hunt) .) 3))i oh o8* ek om i eS 79 Battle of the Boyne, andcompanion . . . Wyke SO William Pitt, an excellent likeness . . . Hoppner 81 Two Battle Pieces... ......6> osc 00) Wider ifaler 82. A Landscape .. 20%. )) +4. .') . 7 ee 83 An ancient portrait of Petrarch’s Laura’ . S. Martini A fine bust of Naporiron, by Canova, and the em- peror’s chairs and couch from Mal-maison, are much admired. Brockley Hall is surrounded by shrubberies and pleasure grounds, extending a considerable distance, including the romantic scenery of Brockley Coomb. THE PARK, as well as the rest of the grounds, is luxuriantly wooded ; not a tree has been allowed to be cut for several genera- tions; amongst these trees is a noble cypress, which in size and beauty, equals, if not surpasses, those of the luxuriant climate of Italy. It is also well stocked with deer, and contains an ancient HERONRY, an object now become rare, but formerly much coveted by English gen- BROCKLEY. ot tlemen, for the sport afforded by these birds in the favorite amusement of hawking. A CARRIAGE DRIVE, extending more than three miles, has been formed through the grounds. It commences at the bottom of the glen, through which it pursues its way, turning to the right, to the high ground above, which has been extensively planted. It continues its winding course along the very edge of the cliffs, on a level with the tops of the trees, which grow on its precipitous sides, through which are caught some fine views of the opposite rocks, rearing their naked heads above the surrounding foliage.* The road gradually inclines to the west, and after pass- ing a picturesque keeper’s lodge,t approaches the ruins of an old wind-mill, erected on the very apex of the down, commanding a panoramic view of the surrounding country, including Brean Down, Worle Hill, Cleeve Toot, Cadbury Hill, Yatton and its church, and the coast of Clevedon, crowned by the ruins of Walton Castle; beyond, are the waters of the Bristol channel, bounded by the coast of Wales. | e is “< From these towering heights we view All that can charm the wondering eye, The wide stretch’d valley, long pursue The bright sea, mingling with the sky.” The drive from the wind-mill proceeds down to the deer park, above the finely wooded heights containing the heronry; skirting which, a road leads across the entrance into the “ Coomb,”’ to another branch of the drive, through the woods on its opposite side, which commands some _ *Itis understood that Mr. Pigott intends to enrich its scenery by the erection of a fac-simile of the beautiful Temple of Vesta, at Tivoli, upon the highest point of the rocks. The model was brought from Italy, by Mr. T. Shew of Bath, under whose direction it will be built. Should this be carried into effect, it will not only harmonize with the mansion and its appointments, but will form a conspicuous land-mark from the Bristol channel, and from the coast of Wales. + This lodge is inhabited by the Plumleys,as game-keepers; in which capa- city they have served the Pigott family upwards of a century. 32 DELINEATIONS OF SOMERSETSHIRE points of view equally fine with those already noticed. The gardens are enclosed by high walls, containing from two to three acres of ground, divided by cross walls into three portions, the centre one being intended for the erection of spacious conservatories. BROCKLEY CHURCH is a small but well proportioned structure near the court- house. It has lately been covered with lead, and its ex- terior completely restored in the style of the several parts of the originai building. Its interior has been also appro- priately fitted up, and enriched with some beautiful efforts of the chisel, in rich and delicate carvings both of oak and stone; and the whole has been executed with such good taste, as to present an example wortliy to be followed in the restoration of other churches. ‘The new work in the chan- cel, in particular, displays great judgment, and the altar- piece is a perfect model, being composed of a stone screen of several compartments, surmounted by elaborate fineals — and tracery anda central canopy, under which is a fine paint-.~ ing of the descent from the cross, by Nicholas Poussin, from the celebrated Fresco of David de Volterra, in the church of la Trinité del monte, in Rome. The altar and the pulpit, which is ascended by steps leading out of the vestry, with its canopy, are of richly sculptured stone. For these, together with the sacramental plate, which is classically designed, the communion cloth elaborately worked by Fiemish nuns, a fine toned and powerful organ, and the elegantly fronted gallery, in which it stands, the parish is indebted to the munificence of J. H. Smyth Pigott, esq. of Brockley Hall. The whole of these works have been executed from sketches by the present rector, and un- der his immediate superintendance. An octagonal vestry room has been added by him, in the same style and cha- racter. The south transept forms the Pigott aisle, which has also been fitted up, by its owner, as a pew, in a handsome PROCKLEY. 33 manner. Within it are several family monuments,—of John Pigott, esq. who died in 1727—of his son John, who died in 1773—and his grandson John, who died in 1816—and also a very elegant monument, by Chantry, surmounted by a female figure, with the bust of, the late Rev. Wadham Pigott, who died in 1825. All the windows are of stained glass, in the old style, by Eginton; those in the south aisle, containing whole length figures of Nicholas Wadham, esq. and his wife, with that of Edward I. in armour, from both of whom the Pigotts trace their descent through the Cowards. The church is kept in a neat manner, as is the church- yard, deeply shaded with ever-greens, and no graves are allowed to project above the level of the turf. Contigu- ous to the church is an ancient house, one of the former residences of the Pigott family, called Brockley Court. Brockley contains 19 houses, as many families, and 173 inhabitants. The living is a rectory, in the gift of the Pigott family. The Rev. Thomas Shrapnel Biddulph, is the incumbent. This village is celebrated for the romantic ravine, called BROCKLEY COOMB, situated on its south eastern side, and affording an avenue leading to the summit of the hill and the downs. It is a fine romantic glen, more than a mile in length, and very narrow, each side being a steep cliff of transcendent rich- ness and beauty. The crags resemble ruins, and every fissure of the rocks affords an asylum for vegetation, which springs vigorously from them, and shades the surface covered with mosses of the richest tints. In the deepest parts, the trees are fine and lofty, and the rocks almost inaccessible to the height of nearly 300 feet, projecting in many places, and towering above the tops of the branches with rude gran- deur.* The steep ascent and rugged surface of them on * There is a small cave in the rocks on the eastern side, in which a hermit is said to have formerly dwelt. D 34 DELINEATIONS OF SOMERSETSHIRE. each side, are rendered very romantic by the fantastically wreathed forms of the roots of many trees and shrubs whick shoot out their branches across the glen. Along the bot- tom is a fine gravel road, and near the entrance of the Coomb, is a picturesque cottage, whither many parties of pleasure resort in the summer season, and where Dinah Swan, the guardian priestess of the glen, has resided for upwards of half a century. - Evans describes Brockley Coomb as an immense chasm in the mountain, winding upwards for a mile and a half, and terminating on a range of fine heathy downs. One principal charm of this delightful glen, is the circumstance of its being abundantly enriched with wood. He calls it a kind of paradise, which sylvan deities would be pleased to own. ‘Trees of all shapes and characters are here scattered in the most interesting confusion; the young aspiring ash, mixes its elegant foliage with that of the oak; whilst the ivy, and the gayer flowering shrubs, wreathing their ten- drils around the trunks and branches of the more naked trees, bestow an additional grace upon the whole. One side of the Coomb is a lofty mass of limestone rock ; yet the ledges of these rocks are so profusely ornamented with vegetation, as to resemble a garden fantastically sus- pended in the air. The rocks on the summit of the cliffs, are sometimes illuminated by the setting sun, so as to resemble, in detached portions, the fortifications of a city in thedistance. Its rays, when breaking through the differ- ent openings between the trees, and resting upon the edges of the variegated foliage, on the broken lines of rock, or on whatever object they chance to illuminate, throw a beautifully transparent golden tinge, such as the painter delights to observe in nature, and aims to appropriate by his art. A ramble over the summit of the rocks, te view the fine effects of light and shade on the woods, especially when enriched by the varied tints of autumn, will amply repay the visitor for his additional exertion. 3s ~ = d y or) CONGRESBURY. 3) ~~ About a mile further is CLerve, which is described in Yatton parish, of which it forms a part. Here the Bristol and Weston coaches generally change horses, at a small inn and posting house, called the Nelson. Beyond Cleeve is RHODIATE HILL; descending which, towards Congresbury, a rich and com- manding prospect is presented, bounded on the left by the mountainous range of Mendip hills; below may be dis- tinctly seen the village of Banwell; more to the right is the valley of Yatton, with the Bristol channel and the Welch coast beyond it. CONGRESBURY | is pleasantly situated a little above the neighbouring level. It is decently built, and has a large and lofty cross, proba- bly on its original’ site in the centre of the street, con- sisting of five tiers of steps, surmounted by a tall shaft with arms.* ‘The river Yeo runs through the village, over which is a stone bridge of two arches, the stream afterwards flowing through the level, and emptying itself into the Bristol channel below Wick St. Lawrence. At the village of Congresbury commences an extensive flat, called the Marshes, which extends to the coast of the Brist:] channel at Weston, several miles distant, possessing great depth and richness of soil. It is intersected by innu- merable dykes and drains, which do not, however, prevent its being occasionally inundated by land floods. According to ancient legends, this place derived its name from Saint ConGar, a religious hermit, son of one of the eastern emperors; who is stated by Cressy, in his Church History, to have stolen away privately, in a mean habit, * The remains of crosses are interesting, as the common sign of the Christian faith, beneath which our converted ancestors performed divine worship pre- viously to the erection of churches. They were usually set up in cross ways, or in the most frequented part of anytown. Someofthese were probably removed afterwards into church-yards, and new ones erected in the like situations, for the purpose, as is supposed, of putting the passers by in mind of offering up their prayers for the dead, whose remains were therein deposited. p2 — 36 DELINEATIONS OF SOMERSETSHIRE.- from the imperial court of Constantinople, in order to avoid a matrimonial connection enjoined by his parents. _ After travelling through Italy and France, he came into Britain, and finding this spot, which then belonged to the Saxon King Ina, very suitable to his wishes, being sur- rounded by water, reeds, and woods, he settled upon it;° built himself an habitation, and afterwards an oratory to the honor of the Holy Trinity. King Ina bestowed on him the little territory around his cell, wherein he insti- tuted twelve canons, and after settling his priory, he went on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, where he died, and his body was brought back to Congresbury and buried. ’ In this parish and the contiguous one of Puxton, were two large pieces of common land called East and West Dolemoors,* which were occupied till within these few years in the following remarkable manner. ‘The land was divided into single acres, each bearing a peculiar mark, cut in the turf, such as a horn, an ox, a horse, a cross, an oven, &c. On the Saturday before old midsummer day, the several proprietors of contiguous estates, or their ten- ants, assembled on these commons, with a number of apples, marked with similar figures, which were distributed by a boy to each of the commoners from a bag. At the close of the distribution, each person repaired to the allot- ment with the figure corresponding to the one upon his apple, and took possession of that piece of land for the en- suing year. Four acres were reserved to pay the expences of an entertainment at the house of the overseer of the Dolemoors, where the evening was spent in festivity. CONGRESBURY CHURCH is a handsome structure, consisting of a nave, chancel, side aisles, and tower surmounted by a lofty spire, which is a conspicuous object for many miles around. The roof of the nave is ribbed, with large square bosses at the inter- * From the Saxon Dol, share or portion. 5 PUXTON. 37 sections, and is very neatly ornamented with a deep cornice of carved oak trellis work, on both sides. An oak screen separates the chancel from the nave. The font appears to be truly Norman, and remains upon its original pedestal, in its first situation in one corner, with the ancient stone seat around it. Some of the windows of this church, are good specimens of the perpendicular English style; the upper compartments have been filled with painted glass, but only a few of the figures in them are in tolerable preservation. In the chancel is a piscina, beneath a double pointed arch, with elaborate ornaments ; and above the arches of the nave, are - two rows of clerestorial windows. CHaritaBLe Bequests.—The corporation of Bristol, as governors of Queen Elizabeth’s Hospital in that city, have granted, in obedience to a decree of chancery, an annuity of 10/. out of their manor of Congresbury, in lieu of certain rights, possessed by the parishioners of that place, of taking spars and stretchers out of a wood, which is parcel of the manor of Kingswood. This 10/. continues to be paid to the churchwardens of Congresbury; one third is applied to the repairs of the church, one third to the reparation of the highways, and the remainder is added to the poors’ stock. Congresbury contains 211 houses, 221 families, and 1202 inhabitants. The advowson of the church, together with the manor, was given by John Carr, esq. of Bristol, to the mayor and corporation of that city, in 1583, in trust, for the use of the Orphan’s Hospital, which he founded there. The living is a vicarage, in the deanery of Axbridge.—The Rey. Joseph Haythorne, incumbent. PUXTON is a small parish, two miles west of Congresbury, and was anciently a portion of the great manor of Banwell, being held of the Bishop of Bath and Wells, as superior lord. dts chief possessors were the families of ‘St. Loe, who held 28 DELINEATIONS OF SOMERSETSHIRE. it till the reign of Elizabeth, when Sir William St. Loe gave it to Ralph Jennings, esq. of Islington, whose son sold it to Wadham Windhan, esq. and from him it came by marriage to the grandfather of the hon. James Everard Arundell, now Lord Arundell of Wardour Castle; but on his death it reverted to the Windham family, and now belongs to William Windham, esq. of Dinton, Wilts. PUXTON CHURCH is a small edifice in the style of various ages, having a lancet window on the north side, with a good perpendicu- lar one on the south and others of various date. The porch was re-built in the year 1557, as appears by that date beneath a coat of arms, above the door. The tower overhangs the base considerably, towards the west, and has been in that situation from time immemorial. It contains only two bells out of the original five, on one of which is this inscription: Jowannes Vopa Brorr, “he shall be called John.” The original oak seats are retained and are of the rudest and most massy workmanship; on the right of the pulpit is the old iron frame for the hour glass, by which, sermons were formerly regulated, as mentioned by Butler. ‘¢ As gifted Brethren, preaching by A carnal hour glass, do imply.” Not far from the church, are the remains of the parson- age house, now only a cottage, with nothing to indicate its former respectability, except an ornamental turretted chimney, which has hitherto escaped what is miscalled *¢ repair.” Puxton contains 27 houses, 30 families, and 137 inhabi- tants. The church was formerly a chapel of ease to Ban- well. It is now a perpetual curacy, a peculiar in the deanery of Axbridge, and in the gift of the dean and chap- ter of Bristol. The lay impropriation, which formerly belonged to Bruton Abbey, was till lately, in possession. WORLE. 5 ak 39 ef John Lenthal, esq. of Burford, Oxfordshire, a descen- dant of the speaker to the long parliament, in 1650; it now belongs to John Francis, esq. as the lessee of the dean and chapter of Bristol.—Rev. Richard Davis, incumbent. _ Three miles east of Weston is the singularly situated VILLAGE OF WORLE, sheltered from the sea wind, by its remarkable hill, crowned with a wind mill; and rich in mines of lapis calaminaris, and other ores. . The road from Worle to Weston, formerly led round the declivity of the hill, a little above the level of the vale; but the present road is an ascent over a portion of Worle hill, the fatigue of which is compensated only by the com- | manding view which presents itself, previous to the sudden descent to Weston. In front, is the broad expanse of the Bristol channel, bounded by the Welsh coast, and dispersed over it are the white sails of different vessels, occasionally contrasted with the lengthened cloud of smoke from the steam packets, and the dark rocks of the Steep and Flat Holms; on the right, ascends the cold, bleak-looking hill of Worle, with its rampart of stone, grey with age and ex- posure to the elements; behind, is the rich and level vale of Congresbury, beautifully ornamented with houses and churches partially visible above the trees ; and immediately below, towards the left, is the village of Weston, with its smooth sandy beach terminated by Brean down, and sheltered by the hills from the keen winds, which blow from the north and east. The village is scattered over a considerable extent, being pleasantly situated on the south east declivity of the hill, which extends full three miles from east to west. It bears a cheerful character and the dwellings have generally an appearance of neatness and comfort. THE CHURCH is a small antique building, plainly but appropriately or- namented, It has nothing peculiar except its sculptured AO DELINEATIONS OF SOMERSETSHIRE. stone pulpit; and some ancient oak seats, which were pro- bably brought from the contiguous Priory at Woodspring. These seats are very solid, and turn up, so as to shew their rough carvings below, which represent in one instance, a dragon ; in a second, two faces within a mask; in a third, grapes, with vine leaves; and a fourth hasa shield with P B upon it. At ashort distance from the church, and nearly upon the same level, are the ruins of a fine old building, having much the appearance of a RECTORIAL OR MONASTIC BARN, built of superior masonry ; probably in some way connected with the adjacent priory of Woodspring, to which the living of Worle, was attached. The walls of this building are almost entire, forming a parallelogram, with gable ends about 70 feet long by 50 feet wide. The height inside is from 26 to 50 feet, and full 40 feet to the apex of the roof. The north side is supported by eight well wrought chiselled buttresses, and has an arched window in the centre, nearly level with the road; there is an appearance of smaller ones on each side, which have been filled up. The south side is level with the lower ground, and has also eight buttresses, more highly finished, whose copings are ofan ancient charac- ter. In the centre of this side only, is a door-way formed by a plain obtuse arch, nine feet wide and twelve feet high in the centre. At each end are three narrow lancet win- dows, very much bevelled from the interior, so as to be only three inches wide by two feet high on the exterior. Three other buttresses support each end wall, which is pierced with six rows of what appear to have been air holes, formed by three thin stones placed in the form of a triangle ; corroborating the idea, that it was originally intended for a barn, or agricultural store house. The parish of Worle contains 130 houses, 140 families, and 673 inhabitants. The living is a vicarage, in the deanery of Axbridge, and in the gift of the crown, but now vacant.—Rey. J. Price, late incumbent. ~ oe ia f Hi % 1 2 Weston Old Church. CHAP. IIl. Wesron-SuperR-Mare—Modern Appearance—Ancient Manor — Fashionable Season—Bay— Beach — Hotels —Sea Bathing— Public Baths —Church.—Knightstone.—Birnbeck Island. WESTON SUPER MARE, till within these few years, was a small retired village on the Somersetshire coast of the Bristol channel, at the com- mencement of that flat and marshy tract of land which ter- minates at Congresbury, provincially called, the Normarsh or Northmarsh. It was then inhabited by fishermen, and contained only a few scattered huts; but the purity of its | A? DELINEATIONS OF SOMERSETSHIRE. air, combined with its smooth and extensive sand beach, added to its vicinity to Bath and Bristol, rendered it at- tractive to those who sought relaxation from business, or desired a change of scene within a moderate distance, and thus it was gradually raised to the rank of a watering place, supplied with accommodations for numerous visitors. The fishermen’s huts have almost disappeared, and the town now contains about two hundred and fifty houses; a large portion of which are respectable residences, and even some elegant mansions; but notwithstanding this, its general appearance is little inviting to the stranger, espe- cially in gloomy weather, or when the ebb of the spring tides leaves open, large tracts of beach. But ona fine sum- mer evening, when the tide is in, nothing can be more beautiful than the scene which it presents; numerous groups walking on its smooth and extensive sands, intermingled with a variety of carriages, horses, fishermen wading with nets, and the villagers enjoying the exhilerating breeze after the fatigues of the day; all these combine to render the scene interesting to the feelings, and cheering to the spirits. To these is added the view of the town, lining the ample sweep of its capacious bay, and backed by the lofty hill, surmounted by its grey rampart of stones, with the pictu- resque church upon its lower declivity. In front, across the waters of the channel, is the distant coast of Wales, with a view of the vessels in the roads of Pennarth; and midway in the channel are the Steep and Flat Holms, ap- pearing, as it were, to float upon its surface; while the setting sun frequently produces a beautiful effect as it catches the sails of the different vessels passing up and down the channel. The town of Weston every year increases its accommo- dations, and consequently finds a fresh accession of visitors. From its situation it is calculated for an easy intercourse with Bath and Bristol; by which means it is enlivened by WESTON SUPER MARE. 43 a numerous influx of visitors during the season, which commences in the spring, and does not close until late in the year. The distance from Bristol is 21 miles, from Bath 53, from Wells 22, and from Bridgewater 20; several Be sielies run daily to hal from the two Vcore tuete cities, Though Weston is but recently become a place of any importance, yet we find the following notice of the state of the parish in the time of William the conqueror, as pre- served in Doomspay Recorp:—“ William holds of the bishop, (of Coutances,) Westone. Alger held it in the time of king Edward, and it was assessed to the geld for three hides and one virgate of land; the arable is sufficient for ~ three ploughs. In demesne there are two ploughs and two bordurers, and four villanes, and four bordars have two ploughs. ‘There are seventeen acres of meadow, and twelve acres of coppice-wood. Pasture, twelve furlongs long, and two furlongs broad, and six furlongs of moor. It was, and is worth sixty shillings.” THE ANCIENT MANOR, with a small hamlet to the eastward, called Asucomse, was held for many generations, until the beginning of the last century, by the family of Arthur, of Sleintat pill under the honour of Gloucester, by knight’s service. At the beginning of the last century, it passed into the family of Hunter, by the marriage of Mary, daughter and heiress of Edward Arthur, of Clapton, esq. to William Hunter, esq. whose family, in 1696, sold it to Col. John Pigott, from whom it descended to John Hugh Smyth Pigott, esq. of Brockley Hall, the present proprietor. WESTON BAY is on the south side of the Bristol channel, immediately opposite to Cardiff, on the Welch coast, and the islands called the Steep and Flat Holms. It is bounded on the southern side by the lofty ridge of Brean Down, which extends a considerable way into the sea, from which the bay makes a sweep of flat sandy beach to its northern ex- 44 DELINEATIONS OF SOMERSETSHIRE. tremity, where the western point of Weston hill juts into the channel, forming a head-land, named Anchor-head, be- yond which, a disjomted mass of rock, called Birnbeck, is incessantly lashed by the waves, which in storms, rage against this shore with tremendous violence. © .~ WESTON BEACH is an unusually fine extent of compact sand, extending up- wards of two miles, from the river Axe at Uphill, to Knightstone, beyond the town. The shore is so nearly level, that at ebb tide a stranger would suppose that the sea had abandoned the place; but at full tide the effect is fine ; and was there a bridge, or even a passage boat for horses to cross the river Axe, the ride might be continued over the sand from Weston by Berrow to Burnham, a distance of full seven miles; unequalled along the coast of the Bristol channel. But without crossing the Axe, the sands are sufficiently extensive to allow persons, either on foot, or horseback, or in carriages, to enjoy the refreshing breeze from the sea, with perfect seclusion. The beach is sometimes scattered over with various shells of the most common kind; but this shore affords but little to attract the attention, or to excite the curiosity of the professed conchologist ; the most curious being the small jand helix, and the viviparous snail; mixed with which are tellinas of various species, auger-wreaths, panamas, and the small olive shells, about the size of rice. On the rocks beyond Knightstone are nerites, limpets, and periwinkles.* Above the beach is an extensive level moor, reaching in a north easterly direction to Congresbury; on it are various plants usually found on lands that have been covered with the sea, and which are enumerated in the appendix, under the head of ‘‘ Botanical Memoranda.” HOTELS AND LODGING HOUSES. The constant resort of genteel visitors for retirement or amusement, as well as for the advantages of sea bathing, * Fer a more particular account of the shells of this coast, see Appendix. WESTON SUPER MARE. 45 soon rendered it necessary to increase the accommodations, and the erection of the Hotel, in 1812, led the way; since that time, the houses on the South Parade, Sea View, Belle Vue, and the row of houses fronting the beach, called Beach Parade, have all been erected, and the small fisher- men’s huts have given place to a considerable town of com- modious and handsome lodging houses. Reeves’s Hotel is a large square house, pleasantly situated near the Esplanade, and commands a fine view of the bay and Bristol! channel. It affords all the accommodations to be expected at an inn, united to an unusual degree of comfort. — There is also the Plough Hotel, situated at the other end of the town, at the bottom of West Street, near the Beach Parade, where visitors may be accommodated with comfort and economy. WESTON CHURCH is a neat modern structure, situated on a commanding spot, on the acclivity of the hill towards Worlebury, accessible to carriages, and within an easy distance of the town. It is large and commodious, consisting of a nave, 60 feet by 40, with a square tower, a chancel, and a projecting chapel on its northern side. The tower is divided into four stories, ornamented with a pinnacle at each corner, united by an open parapet; but it is rather too small in proportion to its height: within it are three small bells, and a clock with a conspicuous dial-face. The present edifice, with the exception of the chancel, was re-built about the year 1824; the former church having become much out of repair, and by far too small for the in- creased population of the place.* It is recorded, that in 1292, the church at Weston was valued at ten marks, charged with a pension of one hundred * The late Rev. Wadham Pigott gave, in his life time, £1000 towards this object, and the remaining sum of about £800, was made up by the sale of pews. This gentleman also left £200, of which, the interest is to be given in bread and meat to the poor on Christmas-day and the following Sunday, for ever. ee eS 46 DELINEATIONS OF SOMERSETSHIRE:. pounds of wax to the treasurer of Wells cathedral. In 1342, 16th Edward III. Walter de Rodney granted the advowson to the prior and convent of Woodspring; in whose possession it remained until the dissolution a mon- asteries by Henry Vill. The interior is fitted up with pews, we a capacious gallery extends round three sides. ‘The church is calcu- lated to afford accommodation to a congregation of 1000 persons; many seats being provided for strangers, and most of the lodging houses have pews attached to them by purchase. It is lighted by four rather high and narrow Gothic windows on each side. The chancel has two win- dows and a centre door-way to the south. It is supported by three well-wrought buttresses, and attached to the south east angle of the new church, into which it opens by a large noticed arch. The ceiling of the chancel is ribbed, with ornamented bosses at the intersections alternately ak a few shields, one charged with three clarions, and another with three roses. The font is a Norman relic. It was for a long time neg- lected, and suffered to lie exposed in the contiguous paddock, but the present rector has had it cleaned and restored to. its proper place in the church. It is of free-stone, ( Oolite,) unusual in this part of the country. This church has a small but handsome organ, said to have belonged to George III. The altar-piece is small, but beautiful, and represents the crucifixion. It was presented by John Hugh Smyth Pigott, esq.* In the chancel are four marble tablets, one of them, surmounted by the family arms, to the memory of Jeseph Rogers, esq. of Weston, who lost his life from a fever, caused by his exertions in attempting to recover the bodies of Mr. Elton’s sons, who were drowned near Birnbeck. Underneath, is a tablet to the memory of his daughter * The bust of the figure on the cross is exquisitely pour trayed, but the lower part is evidently restored or added by an inferior artist. WESTON SUPER MARE. AZT Harriet. Ona flat stone in the floor, is engraved a cross flory and a book, with a figure nearly obliterated; it is placed over a vault, but to hoes it pales is not cen n, though evidently to an ecclesiastic. Over the door-way leading from the chancel into an ancient chapel now used as ie vestry-room, is a tablet to the memory of Daniel Smith, esq. late of Mayfield Lodge, Derbyshire, and on the right of it, another to the memory of Robert Harvey Mallory, esq. of Woodcote, Warwickshire. The present lord of the manor, and liberal patron of the place, has had a handsome pew erected, enclosed with oak panels, some of which were brought from the church at Brockley; the centre panel is richly ornamented with carvings of the Pigott arms and crest. Above it are two escutcheons, one of them is emblazoned with the arms of Captain John Pigoit, sheriff of Somerset, who died in 1730, and the other with those of the late Rev. Wadham Pigott, who died in 1823. The church yard is elevated, with a handsome flight of circular stone steps. It commands an extensive and pleas- ing view of the Town, Bay, Brean Down, Black Rock, Uphill, the Steep and Flat Holms, and Weston hill, with Worlebury camp; within it are the mouldering remains of an ancient cross. A similar cross was also to be seen in the flat grounds, half way to Uphill, which probably formed the ancient beach; the bese now only remains, and is removed to anewly erected house, belonging to Mr. Richard Parsley, called White-Cross house. In the field immediately west of the church, the present rector discovered a Roman coin of the reign of Vespasian, in excellent preservation. The advowson is a rectory in the gift of the Bishop of Bath and Wells. ‘The glebe-house is contiguous, and being almost buried in fine elms and other foliage, it presents a very pleasing object— Rev. Francis Blackburne, rector. PUBLIC AMUSEMENTS. In fashionable and public amusements, Weston must be 48 DELINEATIONS OF SOMERSETSHIRE. acknowledged to be deficient ; “‘ health, not dissipation, ”’ is the lure it presents. Riding, walking, sailing, and read- ing, generally have the effect of banishing care from the mind; whilst the peculiar salubrity of the atmosphere, panels disease from the body. The beauty of its downs and neighbouring scenery, sotth a firm level sandy beach of two ands in extent, to which are now added, at the cost of the liberal dropeidliks some delightful drives and shady walks through occasional plan- tations, combined with cheapness and retirement, form the chief recommendations of Weston, and render it well adapted for family parties, who seek retirement, and whose enjoyments are chiefly confined to their own circle. THE ASSEMBLY ROOMS are situated on the beach, at the northern extremity of the Beach Parade. ‘They were erected in 1826, by the late Mr. John Thorn, and consist of a handsome suite of rooms — on the first floor, the largest is 40 feet by 20, and com- mands a fine view of the bay. On the ground floor are other large and commodious apartments. SEA BATHING. Asasea bathing place, Weston has gradually risen high in the estimation of the public. The strand is a fine level sand, firm and gradually descending; and when the tides are high, the bathing is not only pleasant but good, and at all times it is so at the end of the bay towards Uphill. This circumstance causes the sands to be much frequented at the hour of bathing; this, of course, is regulated by the tide, being about one hour and a half previous to, and after, high water; which is about 45 minutes earlier here than at Bristol dock gates. The bathing machines are well built, and are kept clean and neat; they are constantly in attendance, except at very low tides, and may be driven to any requisite depth into the tide; females being accompanied, if required, by careful and experienced bathing women. WESTON SUPER MARE. 4G Near Anchor head, about a quarter of a mile from the hotel, is the original bathing place, on a narrow pebbly beach, formed by an opening of the rock. It is inacces- sible to machines, but is romantic, secluded, and convenient at all tides, so that ladies frequently resort to it for bath- ing.* The accommodations consist of convenient dressing- rooms, and a careful and attentive guide lives in a tur- retted cottage at the upper end of the narrow beach. HOT AND COLD BATHS. On Knightstone are several hot and cold baths, plunging and shower baths of sea water, which were constructed at a considerable expence, and fitted up in a commodious manner, with every convenience ; each bath having a pri- vate dressing-room attached to it, and every attention paid to the accommodation of the bathers. Anopen cold bath, with dressing-rooms attached, has also been formed by enclosing a flat shelving portion of the rock with a break- water, within which the sea flows at high tide. Near the Post office, are other hot and cold plunging and shower baths, commodiously fitted up, under the su- perintendence of Mrs. Jane Gill, one of the original bathing women of the place. Weston can also boast of its chalybeate springs, at Mr. Smyth Pigott’s cottage, and at Tynning’s, near Mr. Hoge’s. That at Claremont is similar to No. 4 at Cheltenham. In 1821 it contained 126 houses, 147 families, and 738 inhabitants; though in 1811 the population was only 163. In 1828 it was supposed to contain nearly twice the above number, and to consist of about 250 houses, 280 families and nearly 1500 resident inhabitants. The visitors are calculated to amount to not less than two thousand during the season. * As this bathing place is appropriated exclusively to the ladies, gentlemen are considered as intruders, and will do well to avoid exciting the indignation of the priestess of the retreat, though it may not prove so fatal as that of Diana to Acteon. E a 50 DELINEATIONS OF SOMERSETSHIRE. KNIGHTSTONE was afew years ago a solitary rock extending into Wes- ton bay, and an island at high water, but joined the land at its retreat by a bank of loose pebbles thrown up by the sea. An enterprising individual lately purchased it, and raised a causeway above high water mark: it now forms a smaller or secondary bay, with Anchor-head for its other extremity. The present proprietor, the Rev. Thomas Pruen, has also erected a small pier on its eastern side, within which the fishing smacks lie at low water; here the fishermen land the produce of their nets, and here also parties generally embark. It is said to have derived its name from having been the burial place of a Roman knight, who probably had been stationed, either at the settlement at Uphill, or at the camp above, on the summit of Worle hill. The tra- dition is in some measure confirmed, by some human bones of a gigantic size having been discovered, when the rocks were blown up, preparatory to the present buildings. * The rock is composed of a veined limestone, and when polished for chimney pieces, ts known by the name of Weston marble. BIRNBECK ISLAND is at a short distance beyond Knightstone, near Anchor- head; composed of an immense fragment of rock, appa- rently broken from the termination of Worle or Weston- hill. Its summit is now covered with a thin stratum of. soil, on which is a spare growth of herbage; near the centre is a low hut, for the occasional protection of the fishermen, by whom it is much frequented. It is an island, except for about two hours at low water, at which time a causeway of pebbles is opened to the main land. * The author has examined some of these bones, which are in the possession of a gentleman of Bristol, who carried them from the island, and can youch for their gigantic dimensions. BIRNBECK ISLAND. 51 During the sprat and herring season, this island exhibits a most animating scene; the fishermen of Weston, who rent the stands, go after every tide, to collect the produce - of their nets, which is disposed of to dealers upon the spot : and then the children of the village are in the habit of gleaning into their baskets, the fishes that fall from them which, from time immemorial are considered to be their perquisite. Visitors are frequently induced to ramble to the Island of Birnbeck, but the rapid rise of the tide over the cause- way, by which alone it is connected with the land, renders it necessary to be careful in choosing the time for visiting it, as well as to guard against delaying the time of return. In the autumn of 1819, a melancholy and fatal accident occurred at this spot to two sons of C. A. Elton, esq. They were amusing themselves in searching for small fish and shells on the rock, until their retreat was cut off by the rapid rise of the tide, over the causeway. Not aware of the danger, they attempted to wade to the shore, but the youngest being carried away by the force of the cur- rent, the eldest rushed to rescue him, and both were swept away; the body of one was afterwards taken up in the Newport river, and that of the other at Clevedon. They were accomplished youths, and constant companions; the agonized feelings of their father, may be more easily im- agined than described. The rocks above the shore, beyond the island of Birn- beck, and beneath the lofty promontory of Worle-hill, are “of considerable height, against which, in stormy weather, the waves beat with great violence, and to a person stand- ing on the summit of the cliffs, produce a scene of terrific grandeur, beautifully described in the following lines, by Falconer. ‘** With boundless involution, bursting o’er The marble cliffs, loud-dashing surges roar ; Hoarse through each winding creek, the tempest raves, And hollow rocks repeat the groan of waves,” EQ u i Ancient Tomb at Kingston Seymour. CHAP. IV. - Worle Hill, Camp.—Kewsteke, Church.—Woodspring, Priory, Ruins. — Wyck St. Lawrence. — Kingston Seymour, Manor- House, Church.—Kenn.—Vatton, Cleeve Toot, Yatton Church, Ancient Sepulchre, Court de Wyck, Claverham, Charitable Bequests, Cadbury Camp. WORLE HILL AND CAMP. The road from Weston to Kewstoke, and thence to Woodspring, is by a new and delightful ascent over the ~ western declivity of Worle hill, for which the public are indebted to the liberality of John Hugh Smyth Pigott, esq. lord of the manor. ‘This road commences at the new lodge near Claremont, and gradually winding up the hill, WORLE HILL. od passes almost close to the north eastern angle of the camp, and commands a very fine view of Weston and Kewstoke bays, which are separated by the rocky promontory called Birnbeck. ‘This view of the two contiguous bays, Is re- markably fine at high water, and during the fishing season, is rendered interesting at its ebb, by the activity of the fishermen engaged in their occupations. dec MNT 4 HH I) Worlebury Camp. Worle-hill is an insulated ridge, about three miles long, but not more than a furlong in breadth, and includes a view of not less than 30 churches from its elevated summit. The western end projects into the Bristol channel, above the town of Weston, and is formed into one of the most remarkable fortifications in England. The iength of the space inclosed from the inner rampart on the east, to the point of the hill on the west, is about a quarter of a mile, and the medium breadth is about 80 yards; making an area, as supposed, of 15 or 20 acres. On approaching the o4 DELINEATIONS OF SOMERSETSHIRE. camp, from the east, about a quarter of a mile distant from it, is a barrow of loose stones, five feet high, and 15 feet in diameter, which appears not to have been dis- turbed since its formation. Before arriving at the outer rampart, seven ditches are sunk across the ridge of the hill, out of which it is probable that the stones were drawn, which formed the ramparts; besides which, the whole ground, for a considerable distance in front of the camp, is- still covered with loose stones. There are two ramparts, about 15 feet high from the bottom of the ditch, composed entirely of stones loosely placed, without a blade of grass or plant of any kind; these ramparts, with their corresponding ditches, cross the hill in a part where it is about 100 yards broad, and then, turning westward, are continued as far as the security of the station required; those on the north are soon rendered unnecessary by the rock, which is there precipitous; those on the south are gradually blended into the natural declivity of the hill, which is nearly as steep as the rampart itself, and, like it, is composed of loose stones. There is no indication of any building in the area, except a square excavation, about five feet deep, and seven feet square; the sides of which are built with loose stones without mortar; it has nearly the appearance of the mouth of a large square well, which might have been filled up when the place was abandoned. * Within the area of this camp, are several curious circles, difficult to explain, about 28 or 30 feet in diameter, prin- cipally towards the western point; but one is nearly in the centre, composed of separate stones, surrounded by a slight shallow excavation or ditch. On the north side of the camp, there is a subterranean passage from the top, through the rock to the lower part of the hill, but which is now almost filled up with stones. * Thisidea seems confirmed by the consideration, that without some internal supply of water, this camp, which was calculated to contain from 40,000 to 50,000 men, would have been by no means calculated for defence, if deficient in an article so essential as water, WORLE HILL. 25 This fortress is certainly of an extraordinary kind, and if the Danes ever constructed such places, it might well be supposed that this was a Danish camp; for the Danes much harrassed the shores of the Bristol channel in the 9th and 10th centuries; but it is much doubted whether the roving banditti, who were called by the general name of Danes, formed any of those fortresses, which are so com- mon on the hills of England and Wales. That they occupied this, and others in the same neighbourhood, at the period above-mentioned, there can be little reason to doubt; but the original formation belongs to the Britons. Some chieftain of the Hedui seems to have employed the whole strength of his clan, in fortifying this retreat for himself, his subjects, and their cattle, against the invasion of their enemies, by sea or land; and here he might have dwelt occasionally, with some of the principal of his de- pendant neighbours. Some time in the reign of Alfred, the Danes landed near Brent in Somersetshire, but were put to flight by him ; great numbers were drowned or slain, whilst others es- caped and fled to Worle-hill, where they fortified them- selves for a time.* This remarkable fortification t+ was occupied, and pro- bably enlarged and strengthened by the Romans, as one oftheir Castra Aistiva, or summer camps; and it is sup- posed to have been their last retreat in this western district: if not the strongest, it certainly was the most convenient they possessed in all these parts, for surveying the motions of the enemy; and, most probably, was held by them in connexion with their station on Uphill, and their corresponding strong hold on Brean down. * Seyer’s Bristol. +In the Saxon chronicle it is related that the Danes, in 998 issued from this encampment and advanced into the plain as far as Biddesham, where they were completely overthrown by the Saxons; and their camp at Worlebury subsequently taken and burnt. o6 DELINEATIONS OF SOMERSETSHIRE. The range of prospect from this camp, is unusually extensive and varied. On the north side is Sandy Bay, terminated by Sand Point; at the inland extremity of which is Woodspring Priory, with its conspicuous towe~_ . . . . . > . 7 rising above the surrounding foliage. Beyond this, is the bay and village of Clevedon, with the Severn Sea, and a long line of Welsh coast on its opposite side. More to the east are the glass works at Nailsea and Wyck St. Lawrence. On the west side are the waters of the channel, often pro- fusely scattered over with vessels; nearer in the fore- ground are the Holms, Brean Down, and the Town and Bay of Weston, which at high tides, appear to great ad- vantage from this commanding eminence. On the north, as before remarked, the camp is guarded by its natural barrier of perpendicular rocks, which are from 30 to 40 feet deep; beneath their base, at the edge of the water, is a narrow terrace, along which, is Mr. Pigott’s new road to Kewstoke. The ground to the west, at the brow of the hill, above Devonshire cottage, is covered with evident vestiges of extensive earth-works, one of which is a somewhat irregu- lar figure, approaching to the form of a parallelogram, from which there was a broad and gradual descent to the beach. Another embanked enclosure, though small, is in the form of an amphitheatre, and at the western extremity, beyond Claremont, is a tumulus, surrounded by a low ditch, curiously excavated from the sides of the shallow channel in which it is situated. KEWSTOKE. A neat lodge has been built at the termination of the new road on the further side of the hill, immediately below which, is the village of Kewstoke, two miles distant from Weston, containing a few farm houses and cottages, at some of which, retired lodgings are occasionally procured. The ancient name was Stoke, but it afterwards obtained an additional appellation from a saint who had his dwelling § KEWSTOKE. 57 in the hollow of the mountain above the village. The narrow craggy track, with full two hundred natural and artificial steps, by which he went to his daily devotions, still preserve his memory and name, being to this day called, the pass of St. Kew. It is now used as the church way from the hamlet of Milton, on the opposite side of the hill, and its summit commands a most extensive prospect. KEWSTOKE CHURCH stands immediately below this pass, and retains evident traces of having been a much larger and more ornamented edifice ; some of the walled up arches are still visible, as are also the figured corbels, from which, probably, sprung the arched ribs of a more lofty roof. The inner door-way, leading from the porch into the church, is formed by a fine old ornamented arch, which has decided characteristics of the Saxon, or more properly, the Normanera. It is semi- circular, supported by rather clumsy columns, with grooves winding spirally round them. The mouldings of the arch are charged with various sculpture, the lower moulding being ornamented with a triangular frette, forming a series of lozenge figures, filled up with the nail-head ornament. The second, or chief division, has the embattled fretie, or moulding, in deep relief, formed by a single round, tra- versing the face of the arch, making its returns and crossings always at right angles, so as to form the intermediate spaces into squares, alternately open above and below. ‘The upper division has the billetted moulding formed by lengths of a cylinder, fastened on alternately round the face of the arch, which is finished at the top by a deep vandyke moulding. Kewstoke contains 54 houses, 87 familes, and 429 in- habitants. The living is a vicarage, in the deanery of Axbridge, and in the gift of the crown. The Rev. Thomas Hume, incumbent. The great tithes, both of Kewstoke and Worle, are vested in twelve feoffees, in trust for Mrs. Alice Cole’s charity in the city of Bristol, for the mainten- 28 DELINEATIONS OF SOMERSETSHIRE. ance of poor persons, apprenticing poor lads, and other charitable purposes. From Kewstoke, a delightful ride of two miles over the sands, and about a mile through the fields, leads to 4» WOODSPRING. Woodspring is a considerable manor in the parish of Kewstoke, situated on the Bristol channel, about ten miles north west from Axbridge, five from Weston Super Mare, and twenty south west from Bristol. It appears to have been of considerable extent, even so early as the conquest, and is recorded in the Doomsday Survey as having been held by a Saxon, named Evuroac, in the time of Edward the Confessor; but his lands sharing the common fate of con- fiscation, this manor was granted by William the Con- queror to Serlo de Burci, who, with the king’s consent, gave it as a dowry with his daughter to William de Falcise. It was taxed for six hides, and the arable land was sufli- cient for twelve ploughs, besides ten acres of coppice and ten acres of pasture, with servants, &c. held in demesne, exclusive of several hundred acres which were at that time added to this manor. It is now celebrated for con- taining the site and ruins of WOODSPRING PRIORY, which was founded for regular canons of the order of St. Augustine, by William de Courteneye, in 1210, the 12th year of King John, It owes its foundation to the murder of Thomas 4 Becket; to the honour of whom, united with that of the Holy Trinity and of the Virgin Mary, this monastery was dedicated, its founder having been a de- scendant from William de Tracy, and nearly allied to the three other assassins of the archbishop ; and as all the de- scendants of these families became benefactors to this in- stitution, it was richly endowed, as the following list will testify. The founder, William de Courteneye, gave thereto all his lands at Woodspring, and a fardel, (a fourth part of a WOODSPRING. o9 yard-land,) in Northamnies.—Geoffrey Gilbewyn gave the manor of Locking.—Hugh de Newton* gave two messu- ages and 89 acres of arable land in Norton, nine acres of meadow, &c. in Woodspring, with licence to have a free and spacious road along the grounds of the said Hugh, towards Wampulleper.—Henry and John Engayne t gave the manor of Worle, and various homages and services.— Robert Offre, or de Ouvre, gave seven acres, and Maud his wife, all her lands in Chandfeld, and several parcels of land in Sandford, Bicknoller, and other places.—Alice, the daughter of the said Maud, and Robert de Ouvre, con- firmed their mother’s grants, and gave four acres in Sules- worth, one acre in Sulfbrodacre, three acres in le Heye, half an acre in Estre-dolmore, and half an acre in Westre- dolmore.—John, son of Robert de Eston, gave the homage of Martin de la Cume, in Milton.—Henry, son of Henry Pendeney, gave certain messuages and curtillages at Pen- deney, and lands in Locking and Locking Croft.—Henry Limeshest gave the service of Robert Wrench for lands in Sandford and Woodborough.—Richard Hordwell ¢ gave lands in Locking; all of which several donations were ratified and confirmed by King Edward the II. { The name of the earliest recorded prior who presided over this house, was John, who was living in 1266, 50th * This person possessed the estate called Newton’s near Worle, where he re- sided, and from whom it probably took its name. + This John Engayne was lord of Colam, in this parish, in the reign of Edward I. and was one of the 100 gentlemen who signed the Lincoln decla- ration of 1381. t{ Many poor persons of this name, and probably his descendants, now live at Locking and Banwell. I These extensive estates were valued by the king’s commissioners at the dissolution, at 871, 2s. 103d. according to Dugdale, or at 110/. 18s. 45d. accord- ing to Speed; very trifling sums when compared with their present value.— Vide Monasticon Anglicane, SES 60 DELINEATIONS OF SOMERSETSHIRE. of Henry IIJ.—Reginald was prior in 1317, 10th of Edward If. when he purchased 40 acres of land in Woodborough of Henry Loveshate, for the use of this monastery.— Thomas lived in 1883, 6th of Richard I1.—Thomas de Banwell died in 1414, 2nd of Henry V.—Peter Loviare was elected in the same year.—William Lustre died in 1457, 35th of Henry VI.—John Turman was elected in the presence of six canons, in 1458, 36th of Henry VI.—Richard Spryng was prior in 1498, 15th of Henry VII. and resigned in 1525, 10th of Henry VIII.—The last prior was Roger Tormenton, who was elected when five canons were present, September 24th, 1525, but on the 2Ist day of August, 1534, he, together with John Berche, sub-prior, and five canons, subscribed to King Henry’s supremacy, by which the fra- ternity became dissolved, and the extensive manors were granted to Sir William St. Loe, knt. who, in the 8th of Elizabeth, sold that of Woodspring to William Carre, from whom it descended by a collateral heiress to William Yonge, esq. of Ogborne St. George, and is now possessed by John Hugh Smyth Pigott, esq. of Brockley Hall. THE PRIORY RUINS are in a secluded situation, well calculated for religious retirement, being sheltered from the channel by a narrow shelf of rocks, called Swallow Cliff,* having on the land side a dreary insulated flat, closed in by the high ridge of Worle Hill. The principal entrance to the priory was in the west front, where still remains a wide arched gateway, with a contiguous one of smaller dimensions. A considerable part of this building, which was, in its original state, an extensive and handsome pile, is still stand- ing. The conventual church is almost entire, but con- verted into a farm house, the nave of which is the parlour * Swallow Cliff terminates in Sandy Point, on the summit of which is a large mound of earth and stones, called Castle Batch, and which is supposed. to have been the site of a small castle or battery. WOODSPRING. GI and other apartments, surrounded by offices for the use of the farm; to which purpose the premises have for many years been applied. Little, as Maton observes, did the original tenants imagine, that their whole premises were one day to be occupied by a farmer ; that their refectory was to be converted into a cart-house, and the church itself into a cellar. Modern windows have been substituted for the original ones, of which there were three with broad obtuse arches on the south side of the nave, and one of much larger di- mensions at the western end, below which was an entrance door-way which formerly had crockets and fineals. On the summit of the nave walls is an open parapet, pierced with quatrefoils, and at the western angles are octagonal towers, terminated by embattled turrets, the panels of which are also pierced with quatrefoils. At the eastern end is the tower, a handsome structure 65 feet in height, the walls of which are in excellent pre- servation, and partially clothed with ivy. It is divided into three portions, and is supported by diagonal set but- tresses, terminating below the parapet in crockets and fineals. The upper story is pierced with four large excellent windows of three lights, and a transom with trefoiled head. ‘The tower was originally surmounted by a pierced parapet, with ornamented pinnacles at the angles, and smaller ones in the centre, none of which remain. The interior has been completely extracted, and the shell of this beautiful tower left even without a roof, until the present proprietor had it leaded, to preserve it from further decay. On the north side of the nave, was a chapel, in which, on one of the pillars which support the tower, was a cherub holding a shield, whereon was sculptured a chevron be- tween three bugle horns; and on the opposite wall was another shield sustained in a similar manner, and charged with a heart between hands and feet pierced with nails, the =o x 62 DELINEATIONS OF SOMERSETSHIRE. usual emblems of the crucifixion.* The cloisters were on the south side of the church, but only the outer walls are now standing, the area being converted into a garden; at the south east anele of which, stands THE FRIAR’S HALL OR REFECTORY, an elegant structure, 44 feet long by 20 feet in width, the walls and roof of which remain tolerably entire. It was lighted by well formed equilateral arched windows of two lights, with cinque-foiled heads, and transomed with good tracery of the earliest perpendicular era filling the head of the arch. The roof is lofty, and is formed of oak ribs open to the tiling, with arched principals springing from ornamental corbels below the cornice. On the south side, are the ruins of a low round tower, built so as to project on the outside of the wall, the summit of which formed a sort of raised gallery or pulpit. At a short distance on the north west side, is the Mo- nastic Barn or Grange, a long and lofty cruciform pile, built in the most substantial manner, with massive but- tresses, which, together with the window and door frames, are of freestone, and evidently wrought with much care. On the south west of the priory are the remains of ex- tensive fish ponds, which supplied the prior’s table with carp and other fresh water fish. The buildings, which are now remaining, occupy a large space of ground, but the priory house, and the several offices, as they originally stood, extended much further, their foun- dations being spread over the adjoining orchard and field to a considerable distance. Notwithstanding this extent of the premises, the utmost number of the regular canons resident in the convent does not appear te have amounted to more than ten at any period, though the lay brethren and servants, were probably much more numerous. * These were the original and earliest emblems of christianity, which may also be observed in the churches at Cheddar, Rodneystoke, Chewton Mendip, and, probably, in other places. KINGSTON SEYMOUR. 63 WYCK ST. LAWRENCE. The road from Woodspring to Wyck St. Lawrence is somew hat intricate, being a path-way or horse-road through the meadows. It is a rural village, without any thing worthy of remark, except the remains of a fine old cross near the church-yard, and the stone pulpit in the church, which is of very delicate workmanship. Wyck St. Lawrence formed one of the Roman guard stations on the coast of the Severn and Bristol channel, a series of which commenced at Portishead Point, and were continued at intervals down the coast at Clevedon, Wyck Saint Lawrence, Worlebury, Brean Down, Stert Point, Watchet, Minehead, and Porlock. This place gave a name to its ancient and respectable possessors, the de Wyck family, who resided at Court de Wyck, near Yatton. They are mentioned as holding two knight’s fees in this county, so early as 1166, the 12th of Henry II. in the returns which were made for levying the aid for marrying the king’s daughter to the duke of Saxony. ‘Po this 'Phomas de Wyck, succeeded John de Wyck, who was living in the reign of king John, and whose son was a commander in the army of Edward I. against the Scots. Wyck contains 48 houses, 52 families, and 267 inhabi- tants. ‘The living is a rectory, but annexed to Congres- bury, in the deanery of Axbridge. It is in the gift of the mayor and corporation of Bristol, as appendant to the manor of Congresbury, and therefore included in the en- dowment of the orphan’s hospital by John Carr.—Rey. J. Haytherne, incumbent. KINGSTON SEYMOUR. This is a large parish, extending to the border of the Bristol channel, and consists mostly of rich grass land, which being low, and bounded on the north and south, by 64. DELINEATIONS OF SOMERSETSHIRE.: small rivers or main drains, is occasionally subject to in undations. It is defended from the waters of the channel, by high banks of earth, through which the spring tides have sometimes made breaches, and overflowed the ad- jacent meadows. 'These occur but rarely, and are gene- rally stopped during the ebb of the tide, by the country people, who flock to the spot for that purpose. The lands on this part of the coast, gain considerably from the water, by the gradual deposit of mud from the channel, and seve- ral portions have been occasionally banked off from the salt water, much to the advantage of the adjacent land- holders. * KINGSTON MANOR HOUSE is an interesting old mansion, attached to the rectory ; erected in the reign of Edward IV. whose favorite badge, a Rose en Soleil, appears in the front. It was built in the form ofa roman H and though greatly modernized, still retains the old banquetting hall, with its open ribbed roof and fine projecting porches; the interior of one of which, contained the entrance to the chief apartments of the man- sion. In the wall, over the high place within the hall, is a small aperture, a substitute for a window, sheltered by a canopy, and directed into the apartment above the with- drawing room, by which means the host and his family could command a view of the banquet. The manor of Kingston Seymour was granted by Wil- liam the Conqueror to the Bishop of Coutances, together with many others.t In the time of Henry II. it belonged * The occasional inundations to which these lands are subject, render the herbage unpalatable to cattle, for a year or two afterwards, and they produce offensive exhalations; the inhabitants, though generally robust and healthy, are subject to attacks of the ague, especially the younger part of them. + This famous Bishop of Coutances, and monopolizer of manors, lived at Bristol, where he was entrusted by William I. with the chief government of the castle. He was an especial favourite with the Conqueror, who made him immense grants of land, but only for his life, probably because he was an ecclesiastic, and therefore unable to leave any legal successors. Many of these lands were in the vicinity of Bristol, and he kept in demesne, or in his own hands, no less than six large manors in the hundred of Portbury alone. KENN.: , G5 to the family of Malherbe, who were lords of many other manors in this vicinity, and one of whom, in 1197, the 9th of Richard I. made a grant of this lordship to JA¥Zilo de Sancto Mauro, or Seymour, from whom the place derived its additional designation; it now belongs to John Hugh Smyth Pigott, esq. of Brockley Hail. A few years since, in a field within this parish, were found an immense quantity of fragments of pottery, some of which had evidently been baked, whilst others appeared to have been only in part subjected to the etfect of heat. KINGSTON CHURCH consists of a nave, chancel, and aisle, with a tower at the west end, surmounted by two deep bands of open trefoiled mullion work, and aspire. In the church yard is an old tomb of the Bulbeck family. In the chancel is an altar- piece, presented by J. H. Smyth Pigott, esq. of Brockley Hall. It represents the Transfiguration, painted by Smirke, which was engraved for Macklin’s magnificent edition of the bible. Within the church is a tablet in commemora- tion of a destructive inundation, which occurred January 20th 1606, owing to the sea banks breaking down and letting in the waters of the channel, for ten successive days. Another inscription states, that a similar catastrophe hap- pened in 1703, when a violent tempest again broke down the sea banks, and a great number of cattle and sheep, as well as a quantity of corn and hay, were swept away by the violence of the waves. Kingston Seymour contains 43 houses, 55 families, and 320 inhabitants. ‘The living is a rectory in the deanery of Bedminster, and in the patronage of J. H. Smyth Pigott, esq.—Rev. David Williams, incumbent. KENN is a small parish nearly north of Yatton and Kingston; adjoining which is an extensive flat, called Kénn Moor, containing a decoy pool, much frequented by wild fowl] G6 DELINEATIONS OF SOMERSETSHIRE. during the winter season. This common was enclosed about 20 years since, and, though still liable to injury from occasional floods, is extensively cultivated, and, as is usu- ally the case with alluvial soil, very productive. ‘This manor was also Pisses by the Norman William to the Bishop of Gouteaiee but, about the year 1150, it came to a family named Kehhe who resided for many gene- rations at Kenn Court. Of this family was Thomas Kenn, who, in 1684, was made Bishop of Bath and Wells by Charles If. He was one of the seven bishops, who were committed to the Tower for opposing the reading of the declaration of indulgence issued by James II. On the _ accession of William and Mary, he refused, however, to transfer his allegiance, and having relinquished his pre- ferment, he retired to Longleat, where he lived in privacy for many years. During his abode there he composed se- veral works, some of which have been published. He hes buried in the church of Frome Selwood, at the east end of the chancel. ‘This manor passed by an intermarriage of the heiress of the Kenns to the Paulett SOY who oes lately sold it in parcels, KENN COURT was a fine old manor house, but nearly the whole was modernized about fifteen years since. KENN CHURCH is a small fabric, having a turret with a pyramidal top at the west end. In the east wall of the chancel is an old monument, containing within a recess, the figures of a man in armour, and a woman with two daughters kneeling, in the dress of the time of Queen Elizabeth. On the base of the monument is a lady leaning on her arm, holding an infant in one hand and a book in the other. Above is an inscription to Christopher Kenn, esq. who died Jan. 2lst 1593, and to Dame Florence, his widow, who erected the monument. YATTON. 67 On the right side of the communion table is the monu- ment of “Sir Nicholas Stalling, knt. gentleman usher and dayly waiter of our late sovereign, of famous memory, Queen Elizabeth; and afterwards to our dread sovereign lord, King James.”’ dated 1603. Kenn contains 47 houses, 49 families, and 276 inha- bitants. ‘The living is a perpetual curacy, in the deanery of Bedminster, and is annexed to Yatton. YATTON is an extensive parish, celebrated for the fertility of its grass lands. The village is about a mile north from Congres- bury; consisting mostly of one very long street with many respectable houses. Its most ancient name was Jatone, which signifies the VYown-port, it having in early ages formed an entrance or passage to the channel when its waters overspread the valley; the extensive ridge or batch, on which the greater part of the houses and cottages are erected, is supposed to have been, in remote antiquity, a sand bank, which extended into the Bristol channel. 'This remarkable bank or ridge, is of a mixed loamy soil, rising a few yards above the level of the adjacent meadows, which join it on each side throughout its whole length of more than two miles. Its breadth is varicus, being generally from a quarter to half a mile.t ‘Lhe higher or eastern parts of the parish are of a very diversified character, rising into rocky eminences, partly ciothed with woods and intersected by deep ravines or combes; one of which, the Gosiin Coxse, presents the same features of wild and romantic interest, with mimic battlement, buttress, and pinnacle of native grey rock, in- termingled with tufts and sprays of evergreen foliage springing out of the interstices, which we have fully de- ¢ On the dry or barren pastures south of Yatton, the lesser Centory or Cen- cane ; ( Chironia Cenlaurium,) grows somewhat abundantly. A variety of this plant, with white blossoms, occurs near Denhead St. Mary, in Wiltshire. r2 i ( o% DELINEATIONS OF SOMERSETSHIRE. scribed in its neighbour and rival, of Brockley Combe. After pursuing its deep windings for upwards of a mile, its cliffs terminate in a lofty and somewhat insuleted eminence called CLEEVE TOOT, which rears its rugged and naked head to a considerable height above its base, so as to produce a very striking effect from the rich vale which it overhangs. Its summit is eapped by a mass of rock, which, from below, has all the appearance of an altar, and if we adopt the theory of Mr. Bowles in his recent History of Bremhill, that the name of Toot for elevated points, has been derived from their consecration to Thoth, the Celtic Mercury, we may easily suppose this to have been one of the ‘high places’’ on which the bloody sacrifices of a cruel superstition have been offered. In a little hollow, just beneath the summit, is what bears the traditionary title of, “the king’s chair,’’ being somewhat in the shape of a stone stall or throne, seated on which the adventurous visitant overhangs a giddy precipice of near 300 feet. On a high level platform im- mediately below the Toot, is a rude circular encampment, which was, probably, the strong hold of some Danish ehieftain,* as we find in Doomsday that his descendant, ‘¢ John the Dane,”’ held this manor of Yatton in the time of Edward the confessor. The Conqueror conferred it on Giso, the bishop of Wells, in whose successor, it continued until, in the troublesome times that ensued on the Reformation, the see was despoiled of this, and the adjoining great manor of Congresbury by the rapacity of the courtiers. The manor of Yatton, having been granted out by the crown, soon afterwards became the property of the Lords Poulett, by marriage with the heiress of Kenn, in whom * But here also the Roman has been. A coin of Antonine was, not long since, found in the neighbouring glen, and is now in the possession of the Rey. T: S. Biddulph at Cleeve Court. YATTON. 69 it continued until a few years since, when it was purchased by the Rev. Thomas Shrapnel Biddulph. The above pictu- resque scenery is included in the grounds of the mansion house of Cuerve Court, which is built in the old style, many parts of the original mansions of the Newtons and Pouletts having been judiciously introduced. YATTON CHURCH is a large handsome cruciform pile of building, having over the intersection of the aisles a large well-built tower, crowned with the base of aspire, the top of which was many years since thrown down. ‘The belfry contains eight fine bells, one of which is very ancient, and has this in- scription round it: | “ OBisericordias Domini in Cternum caritabs.” “* The mercies of the Lord for ever i will sing.” In the church-yard are the remains of a very large and lofty cross, the steps and base of which are alone existing. The exterior of the church is much ornamented, and if the spire were again restored, it would be strikingly handsome. ‘The west and north fronts are of a superior character, and present a pleasing subject for the artist. The west front is formed by the termination of the nave, having the appearance of a centre and two wings, separated by octagon towers with low spires, which are repeated on a smaller scale at the exterior angles. In the centre of’ the west front is a deeply arched door-way, with a fine well proportioned window above; in a niche over it, is the figure of a bishop wearing a mitre, and holding a crucifix before him. On the south side is a porch with a groined roof, containing much exterior ornament; over which, on a shield, are sculptured three fusils in fesse, impaling a chevron between three escallop shells. The interior has been thoroughly repaired ; it is lofty and spacious, with ornamented oak roofs to the side aisles, having a deep and curious hanging cornice. The roof of 70 DELINEATIONS OF SOMERSETSHIRE. the belfry beneath the tower is deeply groined. The lofty arches of the nave are supported by clustered columns, above which are two rows of five clerestory windows. The font is circular and ancient. e. In the wall of the south transept, which is the de Wyck aisle, are two elliptic arches over two ancient effigies of an old man and woman, much mutilated, supposed to represent some of the de Wyck family. In front of these figures stands an altar tomb of white marble, the sides of which are richly sculptured, and charged with fourteen shields, which once bore the arms of Newton and Sherborne im- paled with Perrot. On the top are two aged figures, a male and female, representing Judge Newton and his lady. On the eastern side of this aisle is a small chapel en- riched with highly decorated niches, which formerly con- tained images and much tracery. Onan altar tomb within, are the figures of Sir John Newton, knt. in armour, and his lady. This chapel has been completely repaired, and the arms of the successive lords restored, by the Rev. T. S. Biddulph, now lord of this manor, to which it belongs. Without the church-yard is a fine old rectorial house, held by James Tucker, esq. by lease, from the prebendary of Yatton, together with the rectorial tithes, which have been thus granted out to lay impropriators from the time of Henry the VIII. being one of the earliest instances on record. An ANCIENT SEPULCHRE was discovered in 1828, on the property of J. H. Smyth Pigott, esq. in a field called great Wemberham, within the parish of Yatton, and about a mile and a half north-west of the church towards Kingston Seymour. About a foot below the surface, was a freestone coffin with a lid, shaped to the body, and fractured; it was of uncommon thickness and had been excavated from a solid block. It contained, besides the principal bones of a skeleton of middle stature, some parts of a lead coffin. The local situation of this interment, is extraordinary, YATTON. rig f having, in former times, been a wild, lonely, spot, far dis- tant from human habitation, and over which the waters of the channel frequently flowed, previously to the modern embankments. ‘The head of the coffin pointed to the north west, a strong proof of its great antiquity, and it is con- jectured that it was originally covered by a tumulus, which was levelled for agricultural purposes; this will account for its lying so near the surface, and for the absence of large portions of the lead coffin. Atashort distance eastward from Yatton street, were the remains of the ancient mansion of COURT DE WYCK, so named from the family de Wyck, its ancient founders and possessors, who obtained their name from their early settlement at Wyck St. Lawrence. The ruins were ex- tensive till very lately; a few aged yews and elms alone remained of a noble avenue of trees, which led to a large gateway formed by two Doric columns, on which were the arms of Paulett and Popham impaled, opening to the grand court; on the left of it, towards the garden, stood the great hall. Beyond, on the same side, were ruins of the great parlour, with the ancient chimney piece, and its compartments of grotesque figures and scrolls. ‘The chapel occupied the north-west angle of the court, the entrance to which was beneath a deep pointed arch, and in the porch were receptacles for consecrated water.* The chapel was small, and had only one large and lofty window to light it from the court. Over the entrance was a small apartment with a window looking into the chapel, for the purpose of hearing mass. On the north was a gallery, and beneath it in the wall, was an elliptic arch, on the back of which, were the arms of Newton, impaled with a lion rampant, billetted, and at the north corner the arms of Chedder. * One of these, a relic of most beautiful and delicate sculpture, has been rescued from destruction, and now occupies a similar situation in the porch of Cleeve Court, to which the highly wrought door-way of the chapel, has also been transferred.—See the Frontispiece. 72 DELINEATIONS OF SOMERSETSHIRE. On this structure stood a small quadrangular open turret, which formerly contained a bell; in the court was the foun- dation of a cross, and a little to the west stood a much older and more massive one, called Stalling’s cross. On the 15th of October 1333, this mansion was the scene of great festivity, in consequence of Agnes, the daughter of John de Wyck, being married in this chapel or oratory, by special licence of Ralph, bishop of Shrewsbury, to Sir ‘Theobald de Gorges, of the adjacent lordship of Wraxall. This estate has recently been purchased of the Paulett family, by Stephen Cox, esq. who has entirely taken down the ancient mansion, and erected a handsome modern edifice near its scite. The noble barn alone remains in its pristine state. CLAVERHAM lies about a mile north-east of Yatton, and at a short dis- tance from Court de Wyck. It formerly possessed a free chapel, endowed with lands, the advowson having been held by the lords of the manor. It stood near the present old court house, where ruins of a large building, and grave stones have been dug up. There is here a substantial meeting house belonging to the Society of Friends, who are numerous in this vicinity. This building has an in- teresting exterior, and is of some antiquity, though rebuilt, this having been one of the original stations frequented by William Penn, the colonizer of Pennsylvania. CHARITABLE Bequests.—Joun Lane left by will 1007. the income to be paid to a schoolmaster in Yatton, for in- structing such poor children of the same place as the minis- ter and inhabitants should think fit; also 20/. the interest to be laid out in bread for the poor not receiving alms of the parish; also half an acre of pasture land for the same use. In 1742, about six acres of land in Kingston Sey- mour were purchased with this 1207. and invested in trustees. The rent was lately 10/. 10s. and is received by YATTON. 73 the churchwarden, who pays it to a schoolmaster in the parish, for teaching eight boys and girls to read, write, and cast accounts. The rent from the halfacre is 15s. which is annually distributed, with other funds, amongst the second poor; the sexton receiving 2s. for keeping the graves of the donor’s family “ well turfed and briered.”’ Rosert Davis gave the rent of six acres of ground to the poor inhabitants of Yatton; this land, with about nine acres of enclosed land, was let for 35/. per annum. In 1787, Mr. H. Turner gave 1007. In 1793, Mr. Christopher Battiscombe gave 40/7. In 1797, Mrs. Sarah Plenty gave 401. In 1779, Mr. John Butcher gave 20/. and in 1797, Mary his wife gave 10/. These four last bequests were for the benefit of the poor of Yatton, and in 1805 were ex- pended in the purchase of five acres of land called Monk- land, and about one acre and a half called Long Leg, in Congresbury parish, which were lately let for 10/, 16s. per annum. ‘The income derived from these, and a few other donations, is annually expended in bread and money to the second poor of this parish. Yatton, in 1821, contained 225 houses, 271 families, and 1516 inhabitants. The living is a vicarage and a peculiar, belonging to the prebend of Yatton, in the cathedral church of Wells.—Rev. Thomas Wickham, incumbent. To the south-west of the ridge of hills separating the vale of Ashton from the vale of Wrington, which termi- nates between Congresbury and Yatton, is a pointed hill, on the top of which is an ancient fortress, called CADBURY CAMP. It occupies the whole summit of the hill, and extends about 400 yards from east to west. It may be about 150 yards broad, though the breadth varies considerably, being much less towards the west. The area is from thirteen to twenty acres. The fortification is very rude and irregular, consisting in many places of little more than the steepness of the hill, assisted by a slight ditch wrought out of the . | | ) 7A DELINEATIONS OF SOMERSETSHIRE. rocky soil. Toward the eastern side is an oblique entrance, and further on toward the south is another strait; the south side is precipitous and rocky, and near this side to- ward the west, is a circular depression in the earth, having the appearance of a well, filled up. SF Porch at Chelvy Court House. SS 1 ANY e ae ; SS é LE