What to See in England eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 254 pages of information about What to See in England.

What to See in England eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 254 pages of information about What to See in England.
in ruins at the commencement of the last century, when it was taken in hand and restored by the then Duke of Norfolk.  Of the ancient buildings, the keep, the entrance gateway, and parts of the walls, are all that now remain.  The keep or Bevis Tower is an old Norman structure with walls 8 to 10 feet thick, having in the centre the castle dungeon, reached by a narrow staircase in the wall.  The restoration was made as much as possible in conformity with the style of the old fortress, and the interior is a good example of modern Gothic art, the new chapel being an interesting example of this.  The Baron’s Hall, with its open chestnut roof and stained-glass windows, is perhaps one of the most striking features in the castle.

A fine stone bridge of three arches connects the two portions of the town.  It spans the river Arun, which is navigable up to Arundel for vessels of 150 tons burden.

[Illustration:  Photochrom Co., Ltd.

ARUNDEL CASTLE.

Built soon after the Conquest by Roger de Montgomery.  It was much damaged during the Parliamentary War, but was repaired by a former Duke of Norfolk early in the 19th century.]

OLNEY, BUCKS

THE HOME OF COWPER

=How to get there.=—­Train from St. Pancras.  Change trains at Bedford. 
  Midland Railway.
=Nearest Station.=—­Olney. =Distance from London.=—­60-1/2 miles. =Average Time.=—­1-1/2 hours.

                     1st 2nd 3rd
=Fares.=—­Single 8s. 1d. ... 4s. 9-1/2d. 
          Return 16s. 2d. ... 9s. 7d.

=Accommodation Obtainable.=—­“Bull Hotel,” etc.

Olney was for a period the home of the delicate and sensitive poet William Cowper, who was born at the parsonage of Great Berkhampstead.  His father was chaplain to George II.  Cowper lost his mother at a very early age, and the sad event made a deep impression on his mind.  In after years he wrote a poem addressed to his mother’s portrait which it is said has drawn more tears than any other poem in the English language.  Cowper was sent to school at six years of age, but was very unhappy there, and it laid the foundation of that settled gloom which oppressed him all through life.  When Cowper had finished his studies at the Westminster School he commenced the study of law, and was afterwards called to the bar; but he never practised, for he hated law.  Cowper was offered several appointments, but failed in examinations for them from extreme nervousness.  By the kindness of friends an income was secured for him and he went to reside at Huntingdon.  Here he formed an acquaintance with Mrs. Unwin, the “Mary” of his poems, which ripened into deepest friendship.  He enjoyed much tranquil happiness during the time of his residence with the Unwin family.

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What to See in England from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.