YALE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY MOCKEXrS JOURNAL. MOCKETTS JOURNAL. * *^ A COLLECTION OF INTERESTING MATTERS, RELATING TO REMARKABLE PERSONAGES, ANCIENT BUILDINGS, MANNERS AND CUSTOMS, &C., BEGINNING FROM THE YEAR 50. ALSO, PARTICULARS OF VARIOUS CHURCHES; ORIGIN OF THE RECULVERS ; 3Parorf)ial ilMatttr^s xtlatibt to ^t. J^tttt's, WITH OBSERVATIONS ON AGRICULTURE (the result of forty years' experience) ; AND THE PRICES OF CORN, CATTLE, AND LABOUR, COLLECTED FROM MANUSCRIPTS OF THE AUTHOR S ANCESTORS, TOGETHER WITH THOSE OF HIS OWN, DURING THE LAST FIFTY YEARS. INTERSPERSED WITH TOURS TO CAMBRIDGE, NORFOLK, HAMPSHIRE, BERKSHIRE, DEVONSHIRE, AND FRANCE. CANTERBURY- KENTISH OBSERVER GENERAL PRINTING OFFICE. SOLD BY u. BARNES, KINg's ARMS LIBRARY ; AND ALL BOOKSELLERS. 1836. Bs^ S.^0 5r- C. W. BANKS, PRINTER, KENTISH OBSERVER GENERAL PRINTING OFFICE. PREFACE. In submitting the following pages to the judg ment of my friends and the public, I am desi rous of stating, that their contents were never intended for the use which has now been made of them. Consisting, partly, of documentary and other matter, left by my ancestors, and partly, of things collected by myself, dating back to a period of fifty years, they were con sidered by me only as gatherings for the amusement, or information, of my family. But, at the request of many valued friends and re- VI. PREFACE. spected neighbours, (among some of whom I have spent sixty years, while residing at Hope ville Farm, the place of my birth,) I issued proposals for publishing these collec tions, by subscription ; and, encouraged by the kind and liberal patronage which those proposals received, I now present them to my patrons. Whether they will afford to others, the same amusement they have yielded to me, I cannot pretend to determine : but I hope they will. I aimed at nothing beyond furnishing entertainment and instruction, and must claim every indulgence for my authorship ; my whole life having been passed in occupations, ill adapted to those pursuits which are necessary to qualify any one to aspire to literary excel lence. PREFACE. Vil. It is only necessary further to observe, that though this work bears the form of a journal, a strict chronological order, in enter ing the different subjects, has not been fol lowed ; nor, indeed, have I attempted to methodise its miscellaneous and multifarious contents ; but have preferred that sort of irre gularity, which would always leave the reader in doubt as to what topic would engage his at tention, as he turned over each leaf of the volume. John Mockett. St. Peter's, Thanet, July, 1836. TABLE OF CONTENTS. PAGE. Isle of Thanet.— St. Peter's Parish, Church, &c 1 Broadstairs — North Foreland — Kingsgate .... 2 Men of Kent .... .... .... 3 Gavelkind .... .... .... .... 4 Kent, (East and West) .... .... 5 Shipwreck .... .... .... — Murder of John Ansell .... .... — Shipwreck at Reculver .... .... 6 Eminent men in Kent .... .... 8 Sea-weed, a matter of importance to farmers .... — Ancient Buildings .... .... .... 9 Draper's Hospital .... .... .... 10 The York East Indiaman .... — Barbers and Surgeons .... .... .... — Prices of Wheat 11 Miscellaneous Occurrences and Discoveries .... 13 Storms .... .... .... .... 17 Umbrellas first introduced into Italy .... .... 21 Remarkable Persons .... .... .... 22 Prices of Cattle, Labour, &c. .... .... 24 Chronological Table of Events, from the Creation to the birth of Christ .... .... 28 Duel at Kingsgate .... .... .... 30 Kent Elections .... .... .... — Fatal Accident at St. Peter's .... — Riots at Birmingham .... .... .... 31 X. table of contents. PAGE. Sea Beacon, near Monkton, Thanet. ... 31 Gad's HUl Robbery . .... . • • • — No Religion .. .... •••• 33 Waste Lands in Kent .... .... .... — ¦ Sea coast .... .... .... — Loyal Yeomanry — its officers, number of members, &c. — Loyal Foot Volunteers ... .... 34 Oak timber on the estates of J. P. Plumptre, Esq., and Lord Egremont . . .... .... — Grand Match of Cricket at Dan de Lion .... 35 Foot Race on Blackheath .... .... — Review in Albion Place, Ramsgate .... 36 Presentation of Colors to the Romney Light Dragoons — Target Shooting at Margate .... .... — The first occupiers of Canterbury barracks .... — Foot Race at Wrotham . . .... .... 37 Battle on Bexley Heath .... .... — Origin of Spencers .... .... .... — Tour into Norfolk .... .... .... gg Seat of the Earl of Orford .... .... 39 Effects of Taxation .... .... .... Remarks upon Agriculture in Norfolk .... 40 Lynn and Swaff ham .... .... . . 4 ^ Yarmouth .... .... ... 43 Norwich .... ___ 43 Norwich Cathedral and Bishop's Palace .... 44 Norwich and Norfolk Hospital .... .... Eminent men in Norfolk .... . _ 45 Population of Norfolk ... .... Kent Sea Bathing Infirmary .... ac Singular accident . . Tour into Cambridge .... .... . _ Agriculture .... .... .... _ . „ Hobson's Choice, (origin of the saying) . , Ehzabeth Woodcock buried in the snow .... 40 table op contents. xi. PAGE. Fire at Barnwell .... .... 50 East Kent Agriculture .... .... .... — Weights of the bells in St. Peter's Church 51 Royal Review of the Ise of Thanet Troop of Yeomanry 53 Ramsgate .... .... .... .... 54 Canterbury Cathedral .... .... .... 55 Sandwich .... YorkMargate Church .... .... .... 56 Charities in the Isle of Thanet .... .... — Wreck of the Margate Corn Hoy , 57 St. Peter's Church Clock 58 Wreck of the Hindoostan East Indiaman .... ^ — Military Defence .... .... .... — Kingsgate .... .... .... .... 59 Margate Court of Request .... .... 63 Murder of Mrs. Ward .... .... .... — St. Peter's Association for the Protection of Property — Royal Jubilee . .... .... 64 Public Roads .... .... .... 65 Population of St. Peter's .... .... 66 Margate Pier .... .... .... — Grand Dinner at Margate .... 67 Maidstone . .... 68 Hops .... .... .... .... — Kit's Cotty House .... . .... — ¦ Bankrupts .... .... .... 69 Telegraph .... .... .... — Ecclesiastical Courts in England .... .... 70 Annual produce of Com .... — Dover .... ... .... .... — Subscription for the poor at St. Peter's 72 Celebration of the Peace .... — Embarkation at Dover for Calais .... 74 Visit to Boulogne . . .... 75 xu table op contents. PAGE. St. Omer . . .... 76 Observations on the customs of France .... 78 French money .... .... .... 79 Kings of Prance .... .... .... 80 Kings of England since the Conquest .... 83 St. Peter's Organ . .... .... 84 Isle of Thanet Hunt .... — Agricultural depression .... .... 85 Thanet Ranelagh Gardens .... .... — North Down Hill Obelisk _ Population of Kent .... .... 86 Population in England, divided into five classes 87 Coal Club .... — Quex Tower .... .... .... — Swanscombe, near Gravesend .... .... 88 Sevenoaks .... .... .... .... — Lenham .... .... .... .... — Rev. John Pigott, vicar of St. Peter's .... 89 Agricultural distress .... .... .... go Buonaparte .... .... .... g^ The Island of St. Helena .... .... Army and Navy .... . . . , gg Corn Bill _ Benefit Club _ Bill of Fare for the Coronation Dinner of King George the IV., July 19, 1821 Bill of Fare for King Edward I., 1272 Farming the Poor .... .... q . Cesses, Pensions, Rents, &c. .... ^ , q- Thomas Sheridan's Tablet St. Peter's Church Appointment of Organist " Presentation of an elegant silver salver to Mr. Mockett 100 St. George's Church, Ramsgate , „, • Table of Longevity ,._ 93 9899 table of contents. XIU PAGE. Trinity Church, Margate 103 Broadstairs Pier 104 St. Peter's Fairs — Copy of return made by the parish officers of St Peter's to the House of Commons 105 Gunpowder Treason .... 106 Cricket Club — Steam Boats .... ..... 108 St. Peter's — Chronological Events of 974 years 109 St. Peter's Mill and Obelisk 111 Broadstairs Chapel .... 113 Population of Broadstairs .... 115 Sea Bathing Infirmary .... — Troop Dinner .... .... 116 The Oldfield Family — Extraordinary Circumstance .... • • • • ' Mai^dte Savings Bank .... 117 Poor of St. Peter's 118 List of Aged Persons .... .... — Price of Land .... 119 Broadstairs Pier and Harbour 120 A Kentish Sampson .... — Fatal Accident .... .... 121 Hale Lands— (St. Peter's.) . 122 County Meeting on Penenden Heath 123 Ramsgate Savings' Bank — Hop Duties 124 The Budget of 1828 125 Rural Sports — A Shipwreck 126 Fire at Sackett's HiU 127 Trinity Chapel, Margate — Tivoli Grardens 128 Culmer's Charity — Taddy's Charity — XIV. table of contents. IncendiariesSouth-down flock of Sheep Population of Kent " Swing " taken Thrashing Machines Savings' Banks Crofts V. Paul Number of Inhabitants in Great Britain Population of St. Peter's St. Peter's Church-yard .... Origin and Progress of Newspapers Fire at Eastry Church Reform Religious Institutions Cultivation of the United Kingdom The Farmer's Manual Consumption of Stable Articles in England Variations in the Average Prices of Wheat (per quarter) Foreign Supplies of Wheat, Barley, and Oats, im ported into the United Kingdom Enclosures National debt Van Dieman's Land. Longevity of a Sheep BeUs Matters relative to St. Peter's County Elections Post Office Origin of the Penny Post Tour into Hants and Berks Local Taxation The Amphitrite, convict ship East Kent and Canterbury Public Dinner The Curate of St. Peter's Thanet table of contents. XV. PAGE. Schools and Parochial Lending Library - . 164 Duke of Wellington . . . .165 Wonderful Ox in Scotland ... — Revenues of the Church defended . . 166 Kent Election . - . . 167 Appalling calamity .... — Cricket Club . . . .170 Vicars of St. Peter's . . . I7I Calls Grange, Thanet . . 175 Memorable Events . . . 178 Particulars relative to several Churches in Kent . 180 Margate . . . .193 Ramsgate. .... 203 St. Lawrence .... 206 St. Peter's . . . .207 Particulars respecting St. Peter's Parish and Church .... 210 Religious Recapitulatory Table . . 213 The family of Mockett as yeomen and cultivators of the soil . . . 215 First Tour to Devonshire . . . 217 Return to St. Peter's . . . 239 Rules by the Poor Law Commissioners . . — Second Tour to Devonshire . . 251 Return from Devonshire . ¦ . . 290 Arrival at St. Peter's . . . 294 The East Kent Agricultural Association . . 295 Sale of St. Peter's Workhouse . . 299 Statement shewing the Contributions and Expenditure for each Parish in the Isle of Thanet Union, for the Quarter endmg 25th March, 1836. . 301 Annual amount of Hop Duty . . 304 Average price of Com from 1792 to 1836 . 305 Observations on Agriculture . . . 307 on Cattle . . . 318 TABLE OP CONTENTS. PAGE. Observations on Poultry . . • 320 on Bees . . .322 Labourers' Cottages .... 323 Farmers' Srrvants .... 326 Hints respecting the advantages of husbandry-ser vants being partly paid in kind . 327 Improvements in St. Peter's and Broadstairs, &c. 327 MOCKETT'S JOURNAL. 1786. ISLE OF THANET. ST. PETERS. ' Thanet has long been called the garden of England j and St. Peter's being my birth place, claims my attachment ; not only as regards myself, but because it gave birth to many of my ancestors, who resided on the farm near the church, from 1657. It has long been remarked as a beautiful rural village, the inhabitants respectable and very hospitable. This parish contains a population of about 1,740 inhabi tants, and 2,584 acres of land; it is two miles from Rams gate, and the same distance from Margate. — The church is very neat, and was built in 1184. The duty performed by the Rev. John Pigott, Vicar. There are a great many respectable yeomen residing on, and farming, their own es tates ; the labourers are well provided for, by their wages being paid chiefly in kind, instead of cash. They have their wheat for grist, their corn for a pig, at reduced prices ; the house rent on low terms, so that in harvest they outset the same; and, when Michaelmas arrives, they are secured for another year, provided their conduct entitles them to remain in the same service The single men are generally of good cha racter, and if otherwise they would not be taken into the far mer's service ; for it is to be observed, that men, as wagoners, (second, or third men,) are engaged by farmers, according to A 2 BROAnSTAIRS. KINGSGATE. [A. D. 1786. the size of the farm for one year, at wages in proportion to their situation, to look after four horses called a team ; each wagoner has a mate, a lad, nearly a man grown; the second and third, less in proportion, to work with them, and to look after their respective teams, each keeping his place with exactness. They are all boarded at the farmer's house, and by good conduct they ensure service from year to year, and many, after marriage, become good labourers. BROADSTAIRS Is a small fishing place in this parish, and has a very ancient chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The inhabitants are few, they have vessels trading to Iceland, to the cod fishery, and to enable them to perform their voyage many farmers, and their sons, are induced to advance a sum, which they call venture, say ten, fifteen, or twenty pounds, in shares, towards freighting those vessels, and partake of the profits, if any, on their return. The harbour has a wooden pier, which affords protection to small ships in the winter gales ; here are sailors of the best description; many ships and their crews have been saved by the exertions of these men, who have ventured their fives to save others. Mr. Thomas White, ship-builder, em ploys a large number of hands, and has sent from his stocks, some of the best East and West India Vessels. The North Foreland Light-house is a conspicuous building, with a fire on the top made of coals, which are stirred up to give a blaze, to warn the mariners to be careful of the rocks around this coast, to Kingsgate and Margate. Kingsgate, the seat of Lord Holland, is beautifully situ ated near the gateway to the Sea. In the year 853, a battle was fought by the Kentish men, and the Danes, under Earle Alchere and Duke Wada. Hen- gist took upon himself the title of King of Kent, in 455 ; another King, called Vortigem, being on a visit to him, and having a beautiful daughter, Rowena, it was contrived that she a. D. 1786.] MEN OF KENT. 3 should pass through the hall during the feast ; Vortigem, the King, was just going to drink, when, being struck by her beauty, he arose and presented the cup to Rowena, who very humbly received it ; knelt down, and drank " Health to King Vortigem." This circumstance was the origin of drinking healths in England. Thanet gives the title of Earl to the family of Tufton, long resident at Hothfield, in Kent ; Earl of Thanet, baron Tufton, &c. Many men of note and learning, were natives of Thanet, such as Nicholas de Thorn, in 1283 ; William de Thorn, 1330 ; Stephen de BirchingtOn, 1380, and Marcellus Daun de lyon, 1426. King Alfred established the distinction of men of Kent, and Kentish men, at Rochester. In 855, King Alfred invented lanthorns ; and in 872 he wore a crown of honour, which was the first ever used in England. He was illustrious as a King, and a famous au thor. MEN OF KENT. The distinction between the men of Kent, and Kentish men, arose in consequence of a battle between the Saxons and the Danes, with King Alfred, when they laid siege to Ro chester, and were obliged to abandon their design. Al fred recovered East Kent and Thanet, and secured the coast. Thus Rochester and West Kent became entitled to be called men of Kent ; and East Kent, including Thanet, are Kentish men. The distinction between them, has been kept up by a law called Gavelkind, which has been handed down to posterity, and is as follows : — 4 gavelkind. [a. d. 1786. Distinction between lands in Gavelkind and at Common Law. Gavelkind. Common Law. Descent — to all the sons or Descent — to the eldest son or heirs equally. heir male by primogeniture Alienation — by an infant heir Alienation al 21. or tenant in Gavelkind, at the age of 15. Dower — the widow is endowed Dower — the widow is endowed of a moiety during widowhood. of one-third for life. Curtesy — the surviving hus- Curtesy the husband takes band has one moiety for life, which the whole for life, if there has been ceases on his again marrying. issue of the marriage. Will — Gavelkind lands have Wills — at common law, lands always been devisable by will. not generally devisable till the statute of 32 Henry 8, and 34 and 35 Henry 8, whereby two-thirds of lands in chivalry, and the whole of the socage lands became devisable; and by statute 12, Gar. 2, military tenures were converted into socage, so that the whole became devisable by will. This custom is considered to be founded in nature, in reason, and in justice, as being one of the ancient liberties, franchises, and privileges, used and established through the county of Kent, as their proudest birth-right and inheritance. The maintenance of their primitive customs, has greatly con tributed to that race of sturdy yeomanry, which have so long been the pride of Kent, and England's glory. They used to lead the front in armies, and have never forfeited this pre cedency which occasioned the following lines, " In war, and every virtuous way, " A man of Kent still bears the day." Another proverb is, " The father to the bough, And the son to the plough." The Isle of Thanet contains 41 square miles ; or about 3000 acres of Arable Land 3500 acres of Marsh Land 6500 a. D. 1786.] KENT, (east and WEST.) KENT, (EAST AND WEST.) This county has been estimated at 1,200,000 acres ; and, in circumference, to measure 174 miles ; from East to West, 66 miles ; its breadth about 26 miles. There are two great rivers — the Thames, and the Medway altitude above the level of the sea, Dover Castle, 469 feet Alington Knole, 329; Goudhurst, 491 ; Greenwich, 214 HoUingbourn Hill, 616; Paddlesworth, 642; Shooter's Hill, 44 ; Swingfield Steeple, 442 feet. In 1616, September 20, the decrees of Broadstairs har bour were confirmed by the Honorable Edward Lord Zouch, which give power to the Pier wardens to meet in the vestry room, of St. Peter's Church, to choose Pier wardens, annually, to look after the said Pier and Harbour. In 1656, John Hall, and John Russell, churchwardens of St. Peter's, with a jury from Minster Court, set out the boun daries of the parish lands, (see Church Register book, under date 1621.) In 1564, Broadstairs Pier, and the road to it was the fee estate of the Culmer family. The number of inhabitants in that year was 1 86. ship wreck. The Halsewell East Indiaman, Capt. Peirce, was wrecked ; and melancholy to relate, himself, two daughters, several la dies, and 168 others, perished ; there were only 82 persons saved, at a sea mark called St. Adhelm's Head. murder. John Ansell, of the parish of St. Peter's, residing at a cot tage called Sackett's Hill, near Margate, was murdered on his road from that place, where he had been drinking with Charles Twyman and others, on the 2nd April, to a late hour. 6 shipwreck at reculver. [a. d. 1786. and was found by some persons who carried him home. A great hue and cry was made after Charles Twyman, but he was never taken, consequently has escaped justice (1836). His house was searched the next morning, and it has been con- " jectured that he was in a closet at the time, but his distressed wife leaning against the door, they did not remove her : if therefore, he was there, it led to his escape. Ansell was buried at St. Peter's, on the 9th April. shipwreck at reculver. When England was shaken by the feuds of the houses of York and Lancaster, Geoffry de Saint Clair, who resided near the banks of the Medway, married Lady Margaret de Boys, of high birth, who had Frances and Isabella, twin-daughters. Lady Margaret died ; and the grief of Saint Clair almost overpowered his reason, and he died in about a year after. The daughters were frequently visited by their uncle, John de Saint Clair, who was Abbot of St. Augustine, in Canterbury, a man of much learning. Frances was soon after appointed the Lady Abbess of a Convent near Faversham. The same roof having ever covered them, Isabella declared the grave alone should divide them ; but by the repeated solicitations of Frances and her uncle, Isabella was prevailed upon to relinquish her intentions of entering on a monastic life, and she took up her residence at her venerable father's mansion, accompanied by her aunt. Here they passed 14 years in peace ful retirement, when the Abbess was seized with a fever. Frances, during her sister's illness, made a vow to the blessed Virgin Mary, that if she recovered, she would send some costly offering to a chapel which was consecrated to her at a little port called " Bradstow, in Thanet." On her recovery, Isabella intended to accompany her sister in this devout pur pose ; and the roads being little frequented in those days, and a horse almost the only conveyance, they resolved to go in a passage sloop that went, at stated times, from Faversham to Bradstow, and other parts along the coast. On the 1st of A. d. 1786.] shipwreck at reculver. 7 May, 1500, they took two attendants, and sailed in the evening, and had not been out above two hours before a violent storm arose. To save themselves, they run the vessel on the shore at a place called Reculver, a small village on the borders of the Isle of Thanet. The night advanced, and a thick fog prevented them from discerning exactly where they were. Every endeavour to reach the shore was frustrated ; the long boat was hoisted, when immediately, every one was eager to rush into it. The only thoughts of Frances and Isabella were their mutual preservation. The captain, almost by force, dragged the Lady Abbess and her sister from the cabin, under the certainty that the vessel must bulge in a short time ; and scarcely had he helped the first down the side of the ship when the boat pushed off, under the impression that all must perish, if any more were put in. Consequently, those who remained in the vessel were resigned to their fate. It was four hours after the arrival of the boat before any one durst venture out again. Isabella had remained in the cabin, although one side was washed away, and the room in part fiUed with water. They led her from this wretched place trembling, and scarcely sensible of what they were doing; but hearing that her sister was preserved, life seemed to flush anew in her countenance. Frances, transported at the sight of her sister, when she reached the shore, ran to meet her, who, the moment she approached, sunk down, over powered with fright and fatigue, and was carried to bed, where she died the evening following.. This loss plunged the Lady Abbess into that deep distress which minds, formed like hers, must inevitably feel. She caused the body of her unfortunate sister to be deposited with every mark of respect in a vault on one side of the shrine of Saint Benedict; and Frances failed not to transmit, by the hands of her confessor, her intended offering to the Virgin of Bradstow. Soon after, to perpetuate the memory of her sister, as well as to direct mariners in their course, she caused a very ancient church, just above the village of Reculver, which had fallen to decay, to be restored and enlarged, and 8 eminent men in KENT. [a. d. 1786. erected two towers with lofty spires, which she directed should be called The Sisters, and endowed them very liberally from her own fortune. She lived to see her will executed, and bestowed many other charitable donations. She died in 1512, most sincerely and deservedly lamented. Her remains, pur suant to her own desire, were deposited by the side of her sister, and a monument was erected near the place, with figures kneeling, hand in hand, before a cross, to record their unshaken friendship. EMINENT MEN IN KENT. 1510 Sir Nicholas Bacon born near Tonbridge. 1606 William Somner born, at Canterbury, and died I669. He was one of the greatest antiquarians of his time. 1676 Benjamin Hoadley born. He was bishop of Winches ter 23 years, and died in 176I. 1663 George Bing, Lord Viscount Torrington, born in Kent; died in 1709. 1650 Sir George Rook born, and died in I709. 1491 WiUiam Caxton born; who introduced the art of printing. 1117 Thomas a Becket, archbishop of Canterbury, mtirdered, aged 54 years. SEA WEED. A matter of importance to farmers, residing near the coast, was tried in the 35th year of the reign of Queen Elizabeth, by Lord Conyngham, Lord of the manor, to prevent persons taking sea weed, from the sea shore, which his lordship failed to prevent. N. B. The custom has hitherto been retained, and persons collect flints, chalk, or sand to this time, (i836.( J. M. A. D. 1786.] ANCIENT BUILDINGS. ANCIENT BUILDINGS. 50 London is supposed to have been built by the Romans. 54 Dover Castle, (54 years before Christ,) by Julius Caesar. 65 The City of Rome was burnt by " Nero." 172 The Church in Dover, (Roman fortification.) 610 Saint Paul's Church, London, rebuilt on the foundation of an old Temple of Diana (built in the year 50.) 630 The first Nunnery in England was built at Folkestone. 670 Mynster Abbey, in Thanet, founded by Donoeva. 826 Saint Martin's Church, in Canterbury, built. 857 Leeds Castle, in Kent, (rebuilt in 1306, and again in 1826) Lyme Castle prior to 791. 1010 Richborough Castle ruined by the Danes. 1070 Hastings Castle buUt. 1050 Margate Church as a Chapel to Mynster. 1062 St. Lawrence, ditto. 1075 Canterbury Castle built. 1 147 Faversham Abbey built. 1184 Canterbury Cathedral finished (began in 1174.) 1 184 St. Peter's Church, Isle of Thanet, built as a chapel to Mynster. 1230 Hengrove Castle built by Sir Henry de Sandwich (near Margate.) 1282 Aldington Castle built. 1385 Stonar built by the French (near Sandwich). 1387 Westgate, at Canterbury, built. 1506 Reculvers built by Frances De Saint Clair of Faversham. 1530 Deal Castle and Walmer built, and Sandown. 1540 Sandgate Castle built, and Saltwood. 1580 Saltwood Castle destroyed by an earthquake. 1662 Drury-lane Theatre built. 1094 The Bank of England established in London. 10 draper's HOSPITAL. [a. d. 1786. Near Margate is a building called Drapers ; which contains ten dwellings, and a place of worship, founded by Michael Yoakley, of Margate, a Quaker, in 1 707. On a white marble tablet is the following inscription : — In much meekness the God of might did bless, With increase of store, Not to maintain pride nor idleness But to relieve the poor : Sucli industrious poor as truly fear the Lord, i Meek, ^ ¦ ¦¦ r quiet spirit, j Of -J humble and J- According to his Word Glory to God alone. the YORK EAST INDIAMAN. On the 1st of "January, during a violent storm at North East, the York East Indiaman, homeward bound, was driven from her anchors, over Margate sand, and close to the back of the Pier, on which the whole of the passengers and crew were landed. To commemorate the providential escape of the officers and crew, to remind the seamen in no danger to despair, Francis Cobb, Esa., Deputy, directed this inscription to be engraven. barbers and surgeons. In the reign of Edward the 4th, 1461, the barbers of Lon don were incorporated as barbers and surgeons. In 1745, they were separated, by an Act of Pariiament, of George II. and made two distinct corporations. A. D. 1786] prices of wheat. 11 PRICES OF WHEAT. £. s. d. £. s. d. 1196 King John 0 13 4 1587 Excessive }» 4 0 (at per qr. of S bushels.) exportation 1202 Ditto 0 12 0 1594 2 16 0 1205 Ditto 0 12 0 1595 2 13 4 122'2 Henry III. 2 0 0 1596 Much rain 4 0 0 1237 Ditt.o 0 3 4 1597 Ditto 5 4 0 1246 Ditto 0 16 0 1657 Cromwell 2 18 0 1'247 Ditto 0 13 4 1659* 2 4 0 1258 Ditto 0 16 0 1660 Charles II. 2 16 6 1270 Edward I. 4 16 0 1661 Ditto 3 10 0 1286 Ditto 0 2 8 1662 Ditto 3 14 0 1287 Ditto 0 3 4 1663 Ditto 2 17 0 1288 Ditto 0 1 6 1664 Ditto 2 0 6 1289 Ditto 0 6 0 1665 Ditto 2 9 4 1299 Ditto 0 6 8 1666 Ditto 1 6 0 1302 Edward II. 0 4 0 1667 Ditto 1 16 0 1315 Ditto 1 0 0 1668 Ditto 2 0 0 1316 Ditto 1 10 0 1669 Ditto 2 4 4 1317 Ditto 0 6 8 1670 Ditto 2 1 8 1331 Edward III. 0 7 6 I67I Ditto 2 2 0 1336 Ditto 0 2 0 1672 Ditto 2 1 0 1338 Ditto 0 3 4 1673 Ditto 2 6 8 1351 Ditto 0 6 8 1674 Ditto 3 8 8 1360 Ditto 1 6 8 1675 Ditto 3 4 8 1361 Ditto 1 6 8 1676 Ditto 1 18 0 1363 Ditto 0 15 0 1677 Ditto 2 2 0 1369 Ditto ± 0 0 1678 Ditto 2 19 0 1379 Richard II. 0 4 0 1679 Ditto 3 0 0 N.B. Red wine 4d. 1680 Ditto 2 5 0 and white do. 6d. 1681 Ditto 2 6 8 per gallon 1682 Ditto 2 4 0 1387 Henry IV. 0 2 0 1683 Ditto 2 0 0 1416 Henry V. 0 16 0 1684 Ditto 2 4 0 1423 Henry VI. 0 4 4 1685 James II. 2 6 8 1445 Ditto 0 4 6 1686 Ditto 1 14 0 1447 Ditto 0 9 3 1687 Ditto 1 5 2 1463 Edward IV. 0 2 0 1688 William III . 2 6 0 1464 Ditto 0 6 8 1689 Ditto 1 10 0 1559 Ehzabeth 0 8 0 1690 Ditto 1 14 8 1560 Ditto 0 8 0 1691 Ditto 1 14 8 1574 A dearth 2 16 0 1692 Ditto 2 6 8 By Richard Mockett's account, (Deputy of Dover.) 12 PRICES OF WHEAT. [A. D. 1786 £. s. d. 1693 William III. 3 1694 Ditto 3 1695 Ditto 2 1696 Ditto 3 1697 Ditto 3 1668 Ditto 3 1699 Ditto 3 1700 Ditto 2 1701 Ditto 1 1702 Ditto 1 1703 Ditto 1 1704 Ditto 2 1705 Ditto 1 1706* 1 1707 Queen Anne 1 I7O8 Ditto average 3 1509 Ditto 3 1710 Ditto 2 1711 Ditto 2 1712 Ditto 2 1713 Ditto 2 1714 George I. 1 1715 Ditto 2 1716 Ditto 2 1717 Ditto 1 I7I8 Ditto 1 1719 Ditto 1 1720 Ditto 1 1721 Ditto 1 1722 Ditto 1 1723 Ditto 1 17-24 Ditto 2 1725 Ditto 2 1726 Ditto 1 1727 George II. 2 1728 Ditto 2 1729 Ditto 1 1730 Ditto 1 1731 Ditto 1 1*32 Ditto 1 1733 Ditto 1 1734 Ditto 1 1735 Ditto 1 ] 736 No return 1737 1 7 8 4 0 13 0 11 0 0 0 8 4 4 0 0 0 17 8 19 6 16 6 16 6 10 0 5 2 16 H 9 4 9 7 8 0 1 2 5 4 4 8f 18 2^ "^2 2 8 0 5 14 8 11 Oi 3 10| 13 4 12 0 10 H 12 10 3 H 0 lOf 17 4 8 2 12 9 4 3 5 13 2i5 ¦1 18 24 15 lOi 13 6i 738 739740 (average) 741 Ditto 742 Ditto 743 Ditto 744 Ditto 745 Ditto 746 Ditto 747 Ditto 748 Ditto 749 Ditto 750 Ditto 751 Ditto 752 Ditto 753 Ditto 754 Ditto 755 Ditto 756 Ditto 757 Ditto 758 Ditto 759 Ditto 760 George III. 761 Ditto 762 Ditto 763 Ditto 764 Ditto 765 Ditto 766 Ditto 767 Ditto 768 Ditto 769 Ditto 770 Ditto 771 Ditto 772 Ditto 773 Ditto 774 Ditto 775 Ditto 776 Ditto 777 Ditto 778 Ditto 779 Ditto 780 DittoDitto 783 Ditto £. s. 1 11 1 13 2 2| 8 lOi 1 82 4 14 9 6 H 1 11 1 12 1 1 1 12 1 80 0 12 10 12 0 8 14 0 1 19 2 13 10 2 889 11 2 5 6 36 6 10 1 14 16 7 3 17 13 10 5 6 3 10 18 7 88 I 1 0 2 8 8 10 4 0 16 2 3 1 2 12 6 2 13 10 2 19 2 15 2 16 2 19 2 2 2 2 1 2 * Price taken at Lady Day, at Michaelmas, and the average taken yearly. OCCURRENCES AND DISCOVERIES. 13 MISCELLANEOUS OCCURRENCES AND DISCOVERIES. 130 The form of Godfathers and Godmothers first ap pointed. Christmas day was first observed as a festival in 98. 142 Lent was first instituted, but not in Kent until 640. 274 Candle light introduced in churches. 400 Bells invented by Paulinus, Bishop of Nola. The first tunable set in England were hung in Croyland Abbey, in Lincolnshire, in 960, and used to be bap tized in churches in 1020. 435 The Romans finally departed from this Island 488 years after their first entrance into it. 481 The shoeing of horses first introduced (saddles in 304.) 551 The Silk manufacture introduced into Europe by silk worms from Serinda to Constantinople. 600 Pens first made of quills. 716 A cotton paper manufactory established at Mecca. 725 A ferry boat at Sarr, in Thanet, which Egbert gave to St. Augustine, Canterbury. 742 Burial places first permitted in England. 846 King Ethelwolf ordained tythes to be collected and ex empted the clergy from legal tribute. 853 Tithes. — The first charter by which the tithes were granted in England may be considered as a curious historical document. The -following is given as a literal translation of it :— " I, Ethelwolf, by the grace of God, King of the West Saxons, &c. with the ad vice of the Bishops, Earls, and all persons of distinc tion in my dominions, have, for the health of my soul, the good of my people, and the prosperity of my kingdom, taken the honourable resolution of granting the tenth part of the lands throughout my whole kingdom to the church and ministers of religion, to 14 OCCURRENCES AND DISCOVERIES. be enjoyed by them with all the privilege of a free tenure, and discharged from all the incumbrances in cident to lay fees. This grant has been made by us in honour of Jesus Christ, the blessed Virgin, and all Saints, and out of regard to the Pascal Solemnity ; and that Almighty God might vouchsafe his bles sings on us and our posterity. — Dated at Wilton, A. D. 853, at the feast of Easter." 872 Crowns of honour first used. 1067 The Cinque Ports began their privileges. 1087 The greater part of the city of London was burnt, and most of the chief towns in England. 1092 Great part of London, was burnt down, in the reign of Rufus. 1095 In the reign of King Wilham Rufus, there were six hun dred houses blown down, in London, and near Bow Church ; the beams were blown into the air 27 feet in length; and, with their fall, were driven twenty three feet deep into the ground. 1123 In the reign of King Henry I., Lincoln was nearly all burnt on the 9th May. 1127 Churchwardens and Overseers appointed. 1135 Rents first made payable in England (in money.) 1136 In King Stephen's reign, the first bridge (being of tim ber) inLondon burnt. 1 1 80 Windows of glass first used for houses. 1192 Lord Mayor was first elected as chief officer in London. 1290 Wind Mills invented. 1340 Blankets first used in England, and made by a man named Blanket. 1342 Printing first used on paper ; the first book pubhshed in 1493. 1355 Pressing of sailors commenced. 1366 Simon Ishp, the first person who had an epitaph upon his tomb in Canterbury. 1470 Almanacks first published by Marten Ukus at Breda. OCCURRENCES AND DISCOVERIES. 15 1371 June 3rd, the cathedral at Rochester burnt down, and the next day, the whole city of York, with the Ca thedral, and 39 churches ; on the 27th, the city of Bath was also burnt. 1483 There were only four printing offices, in England. 1492 Beer first introduced into England. 1509 Gardening introduced in ditto, from the Netherlands. 1 520 Hops Ditto from Artois. 1543 A steam engine was exhibited by a sea officer, called " Blaso de Gavay," before the Emperor Charles the fifth, in the Harbour of Barcelona, on the 17th of June, with plaudits from the multitude, on board of a vessel, called the Trinidad, having wheat on board, and moved forward. 1564 Coaches were introduced by W. Boorman, a Dutchman, who became coachman to Queen Elizabeth. 1572 Women's masks, busks, fans, bodkins, and periwigs, were introduced from France to London. 1573 Poor's rates began in England. Amount collected in 1 580 was 188,81 1 in 1680 665,562 1780 155,6804 1784 2,185,889 1826 6,000,000 1579 Morgan Hubblethorne, a dyer, was sent into Persia, at the expence of the city of London, to learn the arts of dying and making carpets. Pocket watches were invented by a German. 1589 Coaches first used in England; and in l66l, an act passed to prevent men riding as being too effeminate. 1605 November 5, Gunpowder Treason plot discovered. 1607 Hudson's Bay discovered, by Captain Hudson. 1607 January 27th, about 9 in the morning, the Severn banks were laid under water, and many hundreds of men, women, and children, perished in the floods ; cattle and sheep swept away together, houses, barns, ricks of corn and hay were all involved in the common ruin — 16 OCCURRENCES AND DISCOVERIES. the dead carcasses of men, women, cattle, wild beasts, foxes, hares, rats, &c. At a place in Merionethshire, there was a maid milking, who was so suddenly sur rounded with the waters, that she could not escape ; several ways were devised to bring her off, for two days, but in vain, till two young men contrived a raft, and with great labour and hazard, fetched her away half dead ; she was in the midst of beasts of all sorts, that had got there for safety, such as foxes, hares, dogs, cats, and rats, with others of like sort ; but they never once offered to annoy each other, freely enjoying themselves. 1642 Van Dieman's Land discovered by Tasman, a Dutch man. 1662 The train bands in every parish, (on the same system as the late volunteers) formed into companies as soldiers. Those at St. Peter's, were under the command of Messrs. Underdown, Mockett, and Witherden. 1668 Sept. 3rd, as violent a storm of wind, as ever was known (the time Oliver Cromwell died) ; the effects were terrible, and also in France; wrecks along each coast. 1666 The great and terrible fire of London, commenced on the 2nd of September, 1 666, which broke out at Mr. Farryner's, a baker's shop in Pudding-lane, by Fish- street, near Thames-street, in the dead of Sunday night, and ended at the east end of Tower-street. King Charles II., and the Duke of York, with their guards, made the round of the fire, usually twice a day, and for many hours together, and distri buted, to the workmen, money out of a hundred pound bag, which they carried with them for that pur pose. His Royal Highness the Duke of York, the no bility, lord mayor, and others, assisted the miserable sufferers , proclamations, and orders to justices of the peace, to send provisions into Moorfields, and other places, for the distressed. The damages sustained VIOLENT STORMS. 17 by the fire is almost inconceivable, and it is evident that it was done by the papists. The gross estimate at the time was accounted very moderate, at £10,730, 500, there were 13,200 houses burnt dovvTi — eighty- seven parish churches — six parish chapels — fifty-two halls — four stone bridges — three city gates. The Royal Exchange, Sessions House, jail of Newgate, Guildhall and offices, St. Paul's (just finished, re built,) printed books, stationary, wine, tobacco, &c. &c. This dreadful and destructive fire continued un til the 6th of September; overrun three hundred and seventy- three acres within the walls; there was nothing but naked streets and naked fields, and it was very justly said — " Wo unto us ! our sins have pulled down our houses." Ifi67 A monument was erected of the Doric order, fluted, and is 202 feet high, which cost £14,500. designed by Sir Christopher Wren, to commemorate this sad event. The City rose out of its ashes, after the dreadful fire, by building continued streets, instead of the old, narrow, and incommodious streets, dark, irregular, and of wood. Oates, in his narrative, says, "the dreadful fire was principally managed by Strange, the provincial of the Jesuits, in which the society employed eighty-six men, and spent £700 in fire-balls, and were gainers of fourteen thousand pounds by the plunder." 1686 Wye Church steeple fell down just as the congrega tion had quitted the church yard, and no accident oc curred to any person, STORMS. 1665 At Deal, on November 14, 15, 16, and 17, (both day and night) the storm continued, with much hail. At Dover, a circumstance happened, not unworthy of notice : — Sir Arthur Kingsley's Prize was so beaten by the waves, that three of his men were washed 18 VIOLENT STORMS. overboard by one sea ; their lives were saved by ano ther wave, which threw them back into the ship, with a dead man in their company. A Volume would not contain a narrative of the sad effects, throughout the kingdom ; the loss of human life, and damage done to cathedrals, churches, steeples, houses, trees, &c. In Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, and Hereford shire, whole branches of fruit trees were blown off. The fish were blown out of the canal in St. James's Park, and lay on the bank side ; the ships in the river Thames were all blown from their moorings : the damage was incredible. " Never was known a night of such distraction, Noise so confused and dreadful !" (Dryden.) " Fear chills the heart : what heart can fear dissemble, When steeples stagger, and when mountains tremble 1" November 26, at Fareham, in Hampshire, six barns were blown down. The damage in the parish of Hatfield, in Hertfordshire, was very great ; at Brenchley, in Kent, a stately steeple fell on the church. Great Nov. ] 4, Peckham also suffered in like manner. At Chatham church, the lead was rolled up together, and blown off to twenty yards distance ; in fact, it is stated that eleven hundred and seven houses, in Kent, were blown down ; orchard, and other trees, destroyed. 17, At Hawkhurst, eleven bams were blown down ; all the windmills in town and country were blown down. 26, There were twelve ships of war lost, and 1611 men, with 524 guns. " Prepare to hear The worst report that ever reached your ear — One friend may mollify another's grief, But public loss, admits of no relief." The Restoration lost 386 men and 70 guns ; the Nor thumberland, 253 men ; the Mary, 272 men ¦ Mr. Thomas Powell, slop-seller of Deal, and Mayor, whose humanity, courage, and charity, deserve to OCCURRENCES AND DISCOVERIES. 19 be recorded from time to time, for ever. It is stated that the people of Deal, were highly blamed for their barbarity, in neglecting to save the lives of the poor wretches, who hung upon the mast and rigging of the ships, on the Goodwin Sands, when the tide was out. Some boats, in quest of booty and plunder, had gone very near those sufferers, who were sure the next tide would wash them into eternity, but as no body concerned themselves for the lives of their fellow creatures, Mr. Powell made application to the custom-house officers for assistance, but their boats and men were rudely refused. Ptovoked with this unnatural conduct, and finding some men af fected with the distress of their countrymen, he of fered five shillings for every man that should be saved, which soon manned the boats, and a crew of stout honest fellows took the custom-house boats, for which he knew he was liable to trouble ; he hazarded the thing, and accompanied the men, by which means they brought on shore two hundred souls, who were nearly dead with hunger and cold ; these, he fur nished with meat, drink, and lodging, but several of them died the next day ; he applied to the agents to help them to London ; the answer was, they had no order, and would disburse nothing ; consequently the mayor gave them money, and passes to Gravesend. After a long time, he obtained repayment of his mo ney. 1 737 The Foundling Hospital began building ; founded by Captain Cromer, who died January 29, 1751, aged 55 years. 1750 Westminster bridge finished and cost £389,500. 1754 The marriage act passed which requires two or more witnesses. 1767 On the 6th January, a violent gale of wind at N. W. brought on a most furious tide at Margate, which in- 20 OCCURRENCES AND DISCOVERIES. jured the pier and jetties to the amount of £1,000 ; the houses on the parade, and buildings between Hall's Library and the sea, were so injured, that the in habitants removed their goods, &c. " Poor Broadstairs, in St. Peter's parish, has felt the whole force of the storm, the pier is utterly destroyed, and, probably, ruined for ever. Twelve ships belonging to the Ice land cod fishery, and one vessel on the stocks, will, with great difficulty, if ever, be got out. The place is undone, and many honest people turned adrift, to seek their bread where they can find it. What makes their calamity the more pitiable is, that their pier having suffered very great damages in the storm of 1763, they presented a petition for a Brief, which was rejected ; their case is truly deplorable, and yet they bear these accumulated miseries with most unexampled patience." (Copied from an Original.) January 10th, at Newcastle, they had a great fall of snow, with lightening and thunder ; two vessels sunk in the har bour, others were sunk to prevent their being damaged by running foul of each other. 1776 A brick bridge built over the river, at Sturry, by Mr. Gray, of St. Peter's, Thanet. The Americans declared themselves independent. I78I Muslins first manufactured in England. 1785 Blanchard and Jefferys, ascended in a balloon from Do ver to Calais. 1786 Hall's Library, at Margate, built by Joseph Hall. 1787 The theatre at Margate built, and cost £4,000. Convicts first transported to Botany Bay, from Eng land. 1789 General Washmgton elected the first President of the United States of America. 1799 A royal review of all the Kentish troops of Yeomanry, and foot Volunteers, by his Majesty George III. in the Moat Park, Maidstone, all of whom were en- OCCURRENCES AND DISCOVERIES. 21 tertained by the Right Hon. Lord Romney, Lord Lieu tenant of Kent, on the 1 st day of August. 1809 A stone coffin, containing a complete skeleton, was found under the parish church of Leeds, which had been built 700 years. A flight of Eagles visited the coast of Hastings. 1814 Gas first introduced in London, for lighting shops, lamps, &c. 1816 Vauxhall bridge opened. 1817 Waterloo ditto, 18th June. New coinage of gold and silver issued. By the newspapers it is stated, that 20,000 sacks of wheat are consumed weekly in London. 1823 The Courier newspaper stated that eleven of the princi pal brewers in London brewed, in the last twelve months, 1,538,018 barrels of porter. 1825 South America established her independence. 1827 His Royal Highness the Duke of York died, Jan uary 5th. The Bishop of Rochester died, 22nd February. The King of Saxony died. May 5th. Mr. Canning, (Premier,) died, 8th August. UMBRELLAS First introduced into Italy from the East, and from thence into other countries : used as a shade to keep off the sun. In the year 1783, an eminent surgeon, at Edinburgh, having occasion to walk a great deal in his profession, had one ; and, in 1786 and 1787, they were used by three or four persons in St. Peter's. Nor were there more than that number in other adjoining places in Thanet. In fact, they were rarely to be seen, and considered as a curiosity. 22 REMARKABLE PERSONS. [A. D. 178/. REMARKABLE PERSONS. 636 Honorius, Archbishop of Canterbury, divided England into parishes. 827 Egbert is named as the first King of England. 938 King Ethelstan caused the Bible to be translated into the Saxon language, which was then the mother tongue. 1052 Earl Godwin, invaded England. 1069 William the Conqueror ordered the curfew bell to be rung at eight o'clock at night. (Which practice, in some places, continues to the present time.) 1076 The revenue of William the Conqueror was four bun ded thousand pounds sterling. He died September 9th, 1087, aged 61 years, having reigned twenty-one years in England. 1340 Bertholdus, the person who discovered gunpowder, died. 1625 Thomas Parr died on the 15th November, aged 152 years and 9 months. He hved in ten reigns. His son lived to the age of a 113 years. His grandson 1 09 years. 1635 Robert Hooke, the inventor of the pendulums of watches, bom ; and died in 1702. 1637 Died, March the 20th, at Aberconway, Nicholas Hookes, gentleman, who was the forty first child of his father, William Hook, by Ahce his wife. 1648 Died at Leigh, in Cheshire, Thomas Damme, aged 154 years. 1652 Wilham Mead, M. D. died, October the 28th, 1652, aged A. D. 1787-] REMARKABLE PERSONS. 23 148 years, and 9 months; he was buried in Ware Church Yard, Herts. 1670 Died at EUerton, upon Vale, in Worcestershire, Henry Jenkins, aged I69 years ; (buried at Bolton, York.) 1679 Robinson Crusoe returned to England, after having been 28 years, 2 months, and 19 days, a resident on an uninhabited island, on the coast of America, near the river Oroonque, 1719 Died at Salisbury, George Stanley, aged 115 years 1724 Thos. Guy, bookseller, aged 79 years, he left £200,000 to maintain his hospital, called " Guy's Hospital." 1728 February 2nd, was buried at St. Gile's, Cripplegate, Mr. John White, aged 1 04 years ; his remains were at tended by eight men as pall bearers, each person being upwards of 100 years of age. 1730 Hannah Snell, the female soldier, had a pension settled on her for life by government. 1736 Mrs. Harrison, wife of Mr. Harrison, an undertaker, residing in Vere Street, was brought to bed of her 35th child by one husband. 1 743 Died at Waldershare, in Kent, James Jobson, aged 1 12 years ; he had seven wives, nineteen sons, and nine teen daughters. 1748 Died at Sydenham, John Hussey, farmer, aged 116 years. 1751 July 15th, at Mapleton, Mrs Mary How died from a fall out of a tree, where she had been gathering apples, aged 112 years. Mr. Owen O'Neal, aged IO7 years. He had buried nine wives. 1753 January, the wife of John Delay was delivered of a son ; she was 68 years old, and her husband 70. In April, Mrs. Byrens, of the New Inn, Chancery, was safely delivered of three boys and two girls, four of which were baptized and did well, as also the mother. 24 PRICES OF CATTLE AND LABOUR. [A. D. 1788. 1772 January the 23d, died at Litchfield, Mrs. Dunn, aged 138 years. 1795 January 3d, died, Mr. Josiah Wedgwood, the celebrated potter, from whom the ware called wedgwood, derived its name. 1799 General George Washington, died December 14. 1 809 Mr. Simion Paps, (a little man, shown to the pubhc) aged 28 years, weighing only twenty seven pounds, was twenty eight inches high, and writes an exceeding good hand, as per copy done by him for J. M. 1811 John Leary died at Limerick, aged 112 years. 1813 Mrs. MaryMeigham, (Donoughmore,) 129 years. 1814 Mary Innes, (Isle of Sky) 127 years. 1826 Mrs. Ann Holmes, at Weighton 117 years. PRICES OF CATTLE, LABOUR, &c. 1299 An Act of Common Council, for the price of victuals, to be sold in London Market, by consent of the King and nobility. — The price of an ox, 6s. 8d. ; a cow 5s. ; heifer 2s. ; a sheep 4rf. 1302 The price of a cow 6s. ; a bull 7s. 4:d. ; ewe sheep 8d. ; a pair of shoes, 4rf. 1314 A stall-fed ox, £1 4s. ; a grass-fed ditto, 16s. ; a fat sheep. Is. 2rf. 1317 A man's labour per day, one penny. 1336 A fat ox, 6s. 8d. 13.59 An instance of rapidity, with which a crop of wheat was cleared from the ground, consisting of 300 acres, viz., 19 reapers for one day, at 4>d. and boarded themselves. 80 Ditto for 1 ditto at 3d. and kept on board 104 Ditto for 1 ditto at 3rf. ditto which was concluded in two days ; the usual price A. D. 1788] PRICES OF CATTLE, LABOUR, &C. 25 being Is. lid. per acre, and a pair of gloves. (Gloves continue as a gift to the present time, 1836.) 1351 It was arranged that workmen should take their wages in part, at lOd. per bushel, (or 6s. 8d. per quarter) ; mowing meadows, Sd. per day; hay makers, one penny per day ; thrasing wheat, 2| 091,000,00 £40,100,000 Thus, twenty years ago, the British farmer's stock in trade A. D. 1832.] THE farmer's MANUAL. 145 was worth /or Of the above importations we find there has arrived in the port of Lon- 570,373 cwt. 1,085 * Lowest price during the year. t Highest price. In 1829, we find the highest average price to be 75s. lid., while the lowest was 55s. 4d. ; and up to the month of Sep tember, prices were decidedly better than in the last year. I The quantities placed against this month are compiled from private sources, the Gazette statements not being yet published. We believe, however, our figures will be found to not materially differ from the official account. A. D. 1832.] THE farmer's MANUAL. 147 don alone — of wheat 655,172 quarters, of barley 37,979 quarters, of oats 229,059 quarters, and of flour 92,867 barrels. The operation of the duty, as regards foreign wheat during the last year, has been as follows : — s. d. 7 Weeks, duty was 30 8 perqr. 2 Ditto 29 8 1 Ditto 28 8 1 Ditto 27 8 1 Ditto 26 8 4 Ditto 25 8 5 Difto 24 8 4 Ditto 23 8 s. d. 2 Weeks, duty was.. 22 8 per qr. 9 Ditto '. 21 8 5 DiUo 20 8 3 Ditto 18 8 2 Ditto.... 13 8 1 Ditto 10 8 2 Ditto 6 8 3 Ditto 2 8 By an official statement, lately published, the following ap pears to be the amount of the duties on Foreign Corn re ceived in the last and preceding year : — Com Duties in 1829 £913.686 1830 796,877 The quantity of Foreign Wheat which has been imported into Great Britain, from the passing of the last Corn Act (9th Geo. IV.) 15th July, 1828, to the close of the year 1830, is about three millions and a half qf quarters ! or, in other words, about eight miUions of gold has been expended among foreigners for that article which a wise government would have devised the policy of producing at home, by encouraging the cultivation of waste land, and therein a more general dif fusion of rural employment ; more especiaUy as the inter- charge of national commmodities has had httle or nothing to do with this immense traffic. The quantity of English Flour which arrives in the port of London, has not materially varied during the last seven years, being about 450,000 sacks annuaUy, — County Chronicle. 148 MISCELLANEOUS. [A. D. 1832. ENCLOSURES. By an official document (1827), it appears that since the commencement of the last century upwards of six millions of acres of land have been enclosed. Acres. In the reign of Queen Anne 1,438 George 1 17,660 Georgell 318,778 George III 5,686,100 George IV. to 1827 300,800 6,325,076 Eleven parts in twelve of the above were inclosed in one reign, that of George HI., the constant patron of agri culture. NATIONAL DEBT, January 5th, 1832, — The public ex- £. s. d. penditure amounts to 47,123,298 3 11 The public income 46,424,440 17 H^ £695,857 5 11^ VAN DIEMAN S LAND. This island is about 210 miles in length, and 150 in breadth, comprising fifteen millions of acres. The population, 24,000 whites, and 1,500 aborigines. It was discovered by Tasman, a Dutch navigator, in 1624. In 1813, the colony was placed on the same footing as New South Wales, for the reception of convicted felons from En gland. In 1825, the Van Dieman's Land Company was formed under the sanction of government, with a capital of £250,000. to be embarked in agricultural operations, which have so far A. D. 1832.] MISCELLANEOUS. 149 succeeded, that, in 1 830, the revenue exhibited an excess of in come over expenditure of £20,000. There are now five weekly newspapers ; some schools ; and several places of worship. LONGEVITY OF A SHEEP. Mr. William Comrie, a farmer, in Auchterorder, was in possession of a ewe, of the Leicester breed, which was last Jtdy attested to be 26 years of age. In October, 1831, it was stated in the newspapers, that there were 604,477 quarters and four bushels of malt con sumed in one year. BELLS. Paulinias, Bishop of Nola, the first person who introduced beUs, in the year 400; — and The Bishop of Orleans in 610. The following are the weights of sundry large bells : — The Empress Anne of Moscow weighs 432,000 pounds. Boris Godinus weighs 288,000 Novogorod great bell weighs 700,000 Vienna ditto .... 402,000 Saxony ditto . , . . . 30,000 Great Tom of Oxford 18,000 St. Paul's, of London . 11,400 Ghent, in Flanders 11,000 Great Tom of Lincoln 10,400 Worcester great bell . 6,600 York 6,600 Gloucester 6,000 HOUNDS. In England there are 139 packs of fox-hounds. In ditto 109 packs of harriers. In Scotland there are 2 packs of harriers. In ditto 9 packs of fox-hounds 150 ST. PETER s. [a. d. 1832, ST. PETER'S. January 13th, Mr. Gabriel Ford and myself were requested, by the inhabitants of Broadstairs, to present a petition to our Vicar, the Rev. E. L. Sutton, for permission to perform the office of baptism in Bradstow chapel, by the Rev. Mr. Davies. The Vicar cordiaUy received our petition, and forwarded it to his Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury, who was pleased to give his consent. A short time after, Mr, Charles Birch's and Mr, Vowell's children, and others, were baptised ; paying double fees, in order to secure the Vicar his right of half. February 9th, the St. Peter's Association held their 24th annual meeting and dined together. For the first time, I was prevented from attending. March 2 1st, a general fast was kept, with great solemnity, March 22nd, the Venerable the Archdeacon Croft held his visitation here ; and, after taking much notice of the commu nion plate and books, he surveyed very minutely the church. Having expressed his entire satisfaction at the good order in which he found every thing, I took the opportunity of shewing him the pulpit, which had lately been removed, without any order of vestry, and without his sanction, as I understood. He was not aware that any apphcation had been made to the Ecclesiastical Court, and, therefore, under all circumstances, recommended that it should be restored to its original situation and a vestry be called for that purpose. Having signed the parish book to that effect, we separated. It very soon became known, and most of the parishioners were delighted. Shortly after, meetings were held, when it was considered better to enter into a subscription to remove it, rather than by litigation to oblige those who had removed it, to replace it, or to put the parish to a second expense of £24. and upwards. Conse quently, a subscription was commenced, and the pulpit, with the sounding-board, was restored to the place where it had always stood, from the year 1 753, the pride of our ancestors. A. D. 1832.] ST. peter's. 151 and the admiration of the public. The pews which had been taken away in the removal, were now made good, and the re spective famihes officially placed in them by me as church warden, on the following Sunday. PERAMBULATION. May 24th, the Rev. E. L. Sutton, Vicar, the parish officers, clerk, sexton, schoolmaster and his boys, with others, assem bled at ten o'clock in the morning, to go to the extent of our parish, by the cliff, beyond Northdown, to meet the Margate gentlemen ; and, having provided purple ribbons and cockades, together with white wands, we set out. The parties having met, and finding the boundary-stone right, a few pence were thrown round ft, as a scramble for the boys. A few bump- ings at divers places, and a variety of other sports ensued. It is " no mistake," if a man or two get into a pond by a rush from the rest ; it is all right. On our arrival at the Star Inn, we lunched with our Margate friends. In proceeding through Northwood, we had the pond, as usual, to pass, as being the real boundary. Much mirth of course followed. When we arrived at the Red Lion Inn, we found a good dinner of roast beef prepared for us by our libera] host, Mr. Newbolt ; the worthy Vicar took the chair, and as churchwarden, I was ap pointed his deputy. The fatigues of the day gave us good ap petites ; and after the cloth was removed, we drank many loyal toasts to " Church and King," and separated in good friend ship. The ringers, &c., together with the school and other boys, had a round of beef and plenty of beer provided for them at the Committee-room, in order to lessen the expence which would have been incurred at the Inn, for all their dinners. N. B. I have narrated these particulars, because I am con fident that a convivial day, on such occasions, by the minister and his parishioners, unites them all in friendship. It will be seen, in my last account of the perambulation, that sixteen 152 ST. peter's. [a. d. 1832. years had elapsed since our parishioners had been the boun daries. Consequently, we were much troubled to find persons who knew them. vestry meeting. In consideration of the organ being very much out of re pair, the churchwardens called a vestry meeting, which was well attended, the Vicar in the chair. Resolutions were passed, that the organ should be put into repair, the organist to have his usual salary, and the church singers their annual remune ration from the churchwardens as heretofore. N. B. See vestry book as to the large and respectable number of signatures. EASTER-DAY. March 29th, 1 834, the Sunday Schools commenced under the direction of the Vicar and officiating Minister. John Mockett and H. H. Blackburn, treasurers ; Robert Farley, school master, £15. per year ; Miss Farley, school mis tress, £15. per year. At ten o'clock the Rev. Dr. Masters, Rev. Mr. Darnell, Messrs. H. H. Blackbum, R. S. Tomlin, John Mockett, Tho mas Musssared, and Robert Hurst, themaster and the mistress, and the boys, met at the school (called " Church School," from its being under the roof of the church,) when the Rev. Dr. Masters read prayers and an exhortation to the master, mis tress, and children. These finished, we all attended church. In a few days after, Mr. Blackburn and myself began to collect names as subscribers towards supporting the same. HOP DUTIES (official). £. s. d. Rochester 108,408 3 0 Sussex 102,942 9 0 Canterbury 67,086 19 4 Hereford 19,594 12 2 Derby 1,125 0 10 Essex 1,773 17 4 Hants 9,876 3 0 £. s. d. Salisbury 6 126 13 0 Worcester 4,551 2 1 Lincoln 4,945 2 10 Stourbridge 1,319 16 0 Suffolk 1,182 4 8 Wellington 125 10 0 Bedford 112 18 8 a. D. 1832.] ELECTIONS. 153 There is a long list of hop duty connected with sundry other places; the lowest £,. s. d. is Bath, Is. 8d, The total amount, (as signed G. A. Cot- trell,) is 329,936 17 9 N. B. In my statement of 1828, the amount was 244,953 11 8\ Shewing an increase in six years of £84,983 0 Of CHURCH RATES RECEIVED IN ENGLAND AND WALES. From Easter, 1830, to Easter, 1831 £446,247 12 0 In Church rates, ditto 51,919 1 0 From Estates 18,216 0 0 From Mortuary, or Burial fees 41,489 17 0 Poors' rates 39,382 12 0 From Pews and Sittings, and other sources . . 66,559 16 0 £663,814 18 0 ELECTIONS. In consequence of the Reform Bill, the votes were given at Ramsgate this year, instead of Maidstone, as formerly, and I was selected to convey those for Sir Edward Knatchbull, from St. Peter's. Having referred to the Kent elections, I find the Knatchbull family have had the honour of serving, as members of Par hament, from the year 1713 — viz Knatchbull. 1727 KnatchbuU 1761 KnatchbuU 1790 Knatchbull 1796 KnatchbuU 1806 KnatchbuU 1812 KnatchbuU 1SI8 KnatchbuU 154 POST OFFICE. 1820 Knatchbull 1826 Knatchbull 1830 KnatchbuU 1832 Knatchbull [a. d. 1832. NEWSPAPERS. I have stated the origin of newspapers, and their progress to three daily, and six weekly. There were in 1815. . 252 weekly, in London. In 1829 18,000,000 ditto. In 1830 20,000,000 ditto. In 1831 22,000,000 ditto. POST OFFICE. In 1724 The net Income was £96,339 1739 . . . . 97,250 1764 . . . . 116,182 1774 . . . . 164,077 1784 . . . . 196,533 1789 . . . . 318,610 1799 . . . . 733,150 1809 . . . . 1,213,049 1814 . . . . 1,532,153 1832 . . . . 1,4,57,132 And the total number of letters received in London, on an average, daily, 637,178. Ditto in Liverpool, 70,018. Dublin, 80,610. Cork, 11,511. ORIGIN OF THE PENNY POST. Mr. David Murray, an upholsterer, in Paternoster Row, projected, in 1683, the Penny Post Ofl&ce. Government gave him a pension of £200, per year, for his life. A. D. 1832.] POSTAGE OF LETTERS. 155 POSTAGE OF LETTERS. Distance not exceeding 15 miles .... fourpence, 15 not above ... 20 fivepence. 20 and not above 30 sixpence. 50 ditto 60 sevenpence. 60 ditto 80 eightpence. 80 ditto 120 ninepenc^. 120 ditto k 170 tenpence. 170 ditto 230 elevenpence. 230 ditto 300 one shiUing. And so in proportion, progressively, one penny for every hundred miles. HANTS AND BERKS. June 8th. — My son William, and myself, set out for London on our way to Hampshire and Berkshire. Having spent a few days in London, we proceeded to my friend, Mr. A. O. B., Avington Park, where we found him and his family in good health ; and, in his usual friendly and hospitable manner, did every thing to give us pleasure. We were highly delighted with the elegant mansion of his Grace the Duke of Bucking ham ; the gardens and park were delightful ; and the abun dance of game, with the wild fowl in the beautiful lakes, was a treat beyond description to us, who had come from the open fields of Thanet. The com fields, in general, are large ; the soil light. They grow good barley and oats ; but the crops of every kind of grain are greatly injured by the game. The price of the land is low, however, in proportion ; and though we should feel it grievous to see our crops injured in the manner theirs is, the farmers there expect it. I learnt from the gamekeeper, that 408 pheasants and 361 hares, with 13 woodcocks, were killed in January last, by the Duke, and a party of friends, in four days shooting ; and I have no doubt, such was the fact, from 156 WINCHESTER. \ A.. D. 1832. the game of every description which rose up before us in cross ing the fields. We visited Winchester Cathedral, which was built before the year 857 ; and my son copied the foUowing : — " A union of two brothers from Avington, the Clerks' family, were grandfathers, father, and son, successively. Clerks of the privy seal, WiUiam the granfather had two sons, both Thomas's, their wives both Amys, their heirs both Henry's, and the heh-s of Henry's both Thomas's, both their wives in- heretrix, and both had two sons and one daughter ; and both their daughters issueless, both of Oxford, both of the Tem ple, both officers to Queen Elizabeth, and our noble King James, both Justices of Peace, both agreed in arms, the one a Knight, and the other a Captain." In the Cathedral yard, is a stone to the memory of Thomas Fletcher, who died 12th May, 1764, aged 26 years, of a fever caused by drinking small beer, when he was hot. " Here sleeps, in peace, a Hampshire grenadier, Who caught his death by drinking cold small Beer. Soldiers, beware, from this untimely fall. And when you're hot, drink strong, or none at all." The magnificent Palace, began by Charles II., in 1682, is unfinished, as he died 6th February, 1685. In 1 756, there were 5000 French prisoners of war placed there ; and, in 1792, there were from 700 to 1000 banished clergy, &c., from France, permitted to reside there. To express their sense of the obligation they owed to our Sovereign, they erected a marble tablet, in that part which was used by them as a chapel. Having enjoyed the hospitalities of our host and his family, and seen the city and country around, we took our departure for Berkshire, with every sentiment of satisfaction, that he had done all in his power to make us happy. When we arrived at Reading, the chaise of our friend from Purley was waiting to convey us to his hospitable roof. Nothing could exceed .the kindness of our reception. The next day we were taken over the extensive farms in the A. D. 1832.] WINDSOR. 157 occupation of our friend, E. S., Esq. The beauty of the coun try, and the superior mode of agriculture, soon convinced us we had got into a neighbourhood of wealthy and opulent men. Here was land at low rents, producing, from good cultivation, abundant crops. The stock of every description was excellent, especially the fatted bullocks, which were far beyond anything we had been used to. It happened that the Montem, at Windsor, took place ; and as it occurs but once in four years, we considered ourselves for tunate in having the opportunity of witnessing this ancient custom. His Majesty always gives £100. The Queen, Prince George, and others of the Royal Family, each gave something ; so that £900. was collected. It was supposed, there were 600 noble men and gentlemen's sons present. Every one is expected to contribute, for which he has a printed ticket given him, to prevent his being asked again. This was the grandest sight I ever saw. The Royal Family and noblemen were close to me ; the carriages reached for miles ; and the cheering of the populace, the flags flying, the happy countenances of the multitude, and the curious ancient dresses of the young men, made such an impression on me as will never be forgotten. As we returned to Reading, the crowd was immense ; carriages of every description ; horses in the highest condition ; men, women, and children, by thou sands ; and yet, not an accident. On the east of Windsor, is a noble seat belonging to the Duke of St. Alban's. Windsor great park is 14 miles in cir cumference, and is well stocked with deer. In the village of Aldworth, a place of great antiquity, is a venerable Gothic Church, in which are several ancient monuments with stone figures, five of which are supposed to have been Knights Tem plars. In the church -yard is a very large yew tree, twenty- seven feet in circumference. Its branches extend to a great distance, and it is supposed to be one of the largest yew-trees in England. Before the invention of gun-powder and fire- 158 READING. r^- ". 1832. arms, every parish was obhged to have yew-trees, that the branches might be made into bows, for the use of the archers in battle. Wantage, the birth-place of King Alfred in 849 ; justly styled the great King of England, the deUverer of his country, the scourge of the Danes, the law-giver, and the re storer of rehgion and learning. He died 28th Oct., 900 ; and was buried hi the Cathedral Church of Winchester, beloved and honoured by his subjects in every part of his kingdom. Windsor is delightfuUy situated on the banks of the Thames. The Church is a spacious, ancient structure, built in 1686. The Castle, originaUy erected by WiUiam the Conqueror, was greatly improved by Henry I. Edward III. was born there — who rebuilt it on the same spot, under the directions of Wil Uam of Wiekham, (afterwards Archbishop of Canterbury,) in the Gothic style. Reading is a very neat tovm, divided into three parishes, each having a large population, and a market on Saturday. The corn is pitched in sacks, in the open streets, and the far mers open one sack for a sample. The novel sight of such an immense quantity of com, of every sort, standing ready for ticket-porters to carry to purchasers, was very great to us Kent ish men. The corn is, generally, good ; and so is their cattle — some of which are driven forty mUes to the London markets. In 1121, Elfrida, the wife of King Edgar, erected a Monas tery in Reading; and King Henry I. was interred in the chancel of the Church. Here are three very good churches, which are weU attended. The Sabbath is very strictly ob served here. We saw the gaols, and the tread -mill, that terror to evil doers. The machinery is very simple. It was the invention of Mr. Cubitt, of Ipswich, and is now become general in every county. If the men do not keep on at the required pace, a bell rings, so that a certain check is kept on their labour, and the task-master gets his full work performed, e\ en though he himseh may be at a distant part of the building. A. D. 1832. I LOCAL TAXATION. 1,59 Maidenhead used, formerly, to be an indifferent place ; but it has now become extremely populous. It has a good weekly market, and is 26 miles from London, Here are eight alms'-houses erected by James Smith, Esq. The extensive common, called Maidenhead Thicket, was formerly noted for highway robberies. Bray, a village to the south-east of Maidenhead, is where the Vicar of Bray preached against the Court of Rome, in the reign of King Henry VIII. In the reign of Edward VI. he changed ; and in that of Queen Mary changed again ; being determined, as he said, to " live and die Vicar of Bray." Having spent our time very delightfully with our friends, and highly gratified by their kind and hospitable attention, the beauty of the country, and the novelty of the scenes, we pre pared for our departure with much regret. We reached Lon don, where we stayed two days, and then returned home to our farm, to see about harvest. LOCAL TAXATION. The breadth and strength of back of the burthen-bearers of England is marvellous ; for over and above the taxes, properly so called, the following is the amount of the local charges paid in England and Wales for the year ending 25th March, 1827, and there is no reason to believe that they are much diminished : — £. Poor and County Rates, sum expended. . . . 7,803,465 Highway Rates 1,121,834 Church Rates 564,388 £9,489,687 There are many odds and ends of local charges which are not comprehended in these 9| miUions — ex. gr. the sew- 160 LOCAL TAXATION. [a. D. 1832. ers' rates, and, we believe, some of the rates under local acts for police. If, however, we take this sum as the total of local taxation, except tithes, we shall see how much is applicable to public purposes in England alone, exclusive of the parliamentary taxes. The tithes and other property in the hands of the church, and the fees paid for ecclesiastical services, may be taken, we think without exaggeration, at two millions and a half : many have estimated it at much more. The inquiries of the Commissioners into charities show that the income of the eleemosynary foundations, including the favoured ones which were exempted from their visitation, cannot be less than a million. We have thus the following items of income con secrated to public purposes before a farthing is raised for the Exchequer . — County, Poor, Church, and Highway Rates. . . Qi mUlions. Tithes &c ^ ditto. Charitable foundations 1 ditto. Total 13 This is the amount in part of Great Britain — exclusive of Scotland and Ireland. In estimating the expenditure of the government, these great items must always be taken into con sideration; for, though we do not contend that the suras raised under the heads we have enumerated could be apphca ble to the other purposes of the government, yet it must be seen how many of those expences, which form the heaviest charges of other governments, are provided for without the aid of parhament. The maintenance of rehgion, including the repass of churches— the greater part of the administration of justice— the support and government of the poor— the mak ing and repairing of the most important pubhc buddings, and of aU the bridges and roads— nearly all the intemal police of the kingdom— the seminaries of education, and seats of sci ence, great and small— and a considerable part of the mih- A. D. 1832.] LOCAL TAXATION. 16l tary force (the militia) — are all provided for on a scale of the greatest liberality, without having recourse to extraordinary im positions (in every sense) under which the people have la boured for the last century, and the loans, of which the accu mulation has now amounted to 800 mUlions. What proportion these local charges bear to the present rent of the land of England does not exactly appear, as the last year for which the rent is ascertained is the last assessment of the property tax, April, 1815. The annual value of the real property of England and Wales was then £51,898,422. In the agricultural districts a reduction of from a quarter to a third has generally been made. The great extension of budd ing in towns, may have, in some parts, compensated for this re duction ; but as the rates are heaviest in many counties where there has been little building, it is clear they must fall on them with dreadful severity. If we take the county of Bedford for instance, the value of the real property, in 1815, was £34,682. If the rent has faUen 25 per cent, it will give a present amount of between £250,000. and £260,000. a year. The total expen diture for rates in that small county amounts to £160,230. — about 2s. in the pound on the whole rental of the county. It is not to be wondered, that the agricultural interest complain under this pressure. We shall return to these valuable do cuments ; but we must, in the mean time, remark how large a reward some counties are now reaping for their vigilance and sagacity in administering the poor laws. In Northum berland, aU the rates only amount to Is. 7^d., while in Sussex they amount to 6s. 9id. in the pound (both on the old valua tion). — Glohe 162 MISCELLANEOUS. [a. D. lS.'i3, CONVICTS LOST. August 29. — The Amphitrite, convict ship, sailed for New South Wales, from Woolwich, Captain Hunter, commander, Mr. Forester, surgeon, with 108 female convicts, twelve children, and a crew of sixteen persons. At three o'clock in the afternoon, she struck on the sand, east of Boulogne harbour, and by four o'clock it was known to be a British ship. In a few minutes after the vessel had gone aground, Pierre Henin, a brave French sailor, resolved to go alone and reach the vessel. A pilot boat was at last dispatched, and soon after five came under her bows. The Captain refused any assistance. The consequence was, (as appears by a long account in the newspapers,) that all perished, except three. The only men saved in this hor rible loss of lives, and in sight of, and close to, the port and town, were named Owen, Rice, and Towsey. Upwards of 60 bodies were picked up, and buried the next day. Whose fault was all this ? The Captain has been blamed for his obstinacy ; but he is dead. The surgeon has been blamed for tenacity ; but he, too, is dead. The English Consul is of course to blame. It is stated, that the heavy penalty of £1,000., in which the Captain and Surgeon are bound, for every convict that escapes, induced them not to allow them to be landed ; and, thus, they both perished with them. east KENT AND CANTERBURY PUBLIC DINNER. The ment of Kent had a grand dinner at the Assembly Rooms, to commemorate the King's late glorious declaration to support the Constitution in Church and State. Lord Win- chUsea in the chair. Sir E. KnatchbuU, M.P., J. P. Plumptre, Esq., M.P., the Earl of Roden, Lord Maidstone, Hon. S. R. Lushington, Sir E. Dering, Archdeacon Croft, the clergy and gentlemen, amounting to ^50, sat down to a sumptuous dinner. Many were obliged, for want of room, to get their dinners at the different Inns. A. D. 1833.] ST. peter's. 163 ST. PETER'S. January 22. — The Vicar appointed the Rev. Dr. George Masters, to be his Curate for the year ensuing. January 28. — A collection was made at the Church, in behalf of the National Schools of the Established Church, by order of Government, amounting to £6, 9s. February 20 — Ash Wednesday. The Rev. Dr. Masters gave us service, and continued voluntarily to do so during Lent. This was the first time it had ever been known to be per formed in this parish. It was very well attended. Seeing the general satisfaction which this circumstance oc- casonied, I prevailed on him to give us the additional sermon which we had so often and so long sought ; first by application to the Vicar, and then to his Grace the Archbishop, who died before his answer was sent to us ; and, lastly, at the Visi tation. The Doctor having permission from the Vicar, to do as he liked, upon the understanding that no addition would be made to his salary, he consulted several of us upon the matter. As far as I was concerned, I strongly recommended him to commence, and trust to his congregation for the reward. He did so, and the satisfaction he gave may be estimated by the rewards that followed. This was in March, and in order to shew the good effect of the Doctor's conduct, I shall state what took place. the CURATE OF ST. PETEr's THANET, AUGUST, 1833. " The inhabitants and visitors of this parish having, with pleasure, observed the great improvement in the church ser vice, and feeling that the Rev. Dr. George Masters, our pre sent Curate, is justly entitled to our best thanks for the inde fatigable exertions he has used in promoting the interests of 1757 factress. j Edward Cowell. . 1768 Stephen Baker ..1703 Edward Bing 1765 Captain Brooke. .1708 Mary Gurney 1776 Thomas Gurney ) .,„„. Lidden. \ "^° Ann Gurney J jgj^ Staines. S Richard Staines, > , o„„ Esq. \ 1^^^ Ann Pegden 1747 Nicholas Pegden ..1813 Mary Pegden 1814 Mary Lloyd, niece of ditto, wife of Rev. Dr. Lloyd, and daughter of Elijah Mockett, St. Peter's, and her son Hy MockettLloydJ Thomas Andrews 1775 Benj. Kidman,) j ga Esq. S Thomas Chap man, Esq. James Dixon ....1823 ;>1816 ;i823 SarahSalter,and ^ Francis Fors- M835 ter. Esq 3 Sir Thos. Staines.. 1830 Lady Gunning . .1832 Boughton Bowers. 1784 Elizabeth Towerd. 1834 Thos. Cobb, Esq. .1836 Wm.Cobb 1784 Isaac Silver 1791 John Wheatley ..1673 Wm. Prince 1723 FrancisCobb,Esq. 1782 John Rowe 1823 Abraham Rowe . .1824 John Sackett 1798 Abrose Sackett ..1813 Sarah Bouchuy Kggg Cramp. James Smith . . Robert Brooke. Ann,wifeof Jno. Mockett. Francis Boyd . . George Hall . . Thomas Gore .. .1701 ..1668I 1701 .1823 . 1 7,')6 .1816 RAMSGATE. In addition to the former entries, relative to Ramsgate, I have collected the following. In commemoration of His Majesty's embarkation, and re turn to Ramsgate, in 1821, an Obelisk of granite, fifty feet in height, was erected by private subscription, with the following inscription -. — TO George the Fourth. King of Great Britain and Ireland. The inhabitants and visitors of Ramsgate, have erected this Obelisk, as a grateful record, in his selecting this Port for his embarkation on the 25th September, and his happy return on the 8th of November, in the Roval George, of Ramsgate ; but the royal progress was so rapid, as to_ 204 RAMSGATE. |a. D. 1S36. preclude any preparations for his reception, and thousands were disap pointed in an opportunity of expressing their congratulations to their gracious monarch, upon his safe and happy return to his domin ions. Sir William Curtis was just in time to receive his Sovereign, at Ramsgate, whence his Majesty (escorted to Harbledown, by Lieut. Col. Garrett, and such of the Thanet Yeomanry Cavalry, ,is were as sembled,) proceeded immediately for London. His 31ajesty was much gratified by hia reception, and by a letter from Lord Sidmouth, to Sir William Curtis, he was graciously pleased to order the Harbour, in future, to be called " royal." Dated November the 27th, 1821. On Albion Mount, Lady Augusta de Ameland, has pur chased a large house, for her residence. The town is enlarged very much, and become a favourite watering place. The Harbour, which has since been denominated a " Royal Harbour,'' has continued to be improved every year. The length is about 2000 feet. From the new stone stairs it is 1,650 feet. The sum expended for its construction was between 6 and £700,000 ; In 1754 a curious frame work of timber, called Jacob's lad der, was constructed, to facilitate the communication of the workmen, whilst they were building the west head. According to the census of 1821, Ramsgate had 12,508 souls; in 1801, only 3,300 ; and in 1811, 4,221 souls. The Savings' Bank was established in 1818 ; the Dispensary, in 1820, and the Theatre was built in 1826. In the same year, coaches commenced going to and from London daily. I can remember when they used to be two days ; starting at five o'clock ; got to Canterbury to dinner ; Rochester to supper and sleep ; and off by five or six next morning, for London. 1832 Mrs. Henry Dawson, residing in Wellington House, had the clock put up at her own expense. a. d. 1836. 1 ramsgate. 205 A tablet was erected at the entrance of the church to re cord so munificent a gift. Signed by Richard Harvey, Vicar ; John Bourn, and Stephen Norwood, Churchwardens. There are the following tombs, tablets, or grave-stones. Lieutenant William Hutchinson, R. N. 1826 John Wilkinson .' 1828 John Jackson, Esq, 1828 Sir Wilham Curtis 1829 aged 76 Thomas Fawsett, Esq., 1839 aged 72 Elizabeth Carhsle 1830 aged 22 Ann Bland 1831 Thomas Templeman, Esq., 1833 Medmer Goodwin 1834 aged 79 The interior of the Church is very neat, all the pews be ing alike. The Church-yard is well enclosed, and there are a num ber of tombs and grave-stones. The first tomb, 1828, is that of Mr. Layng, surgeon. 1829, Mr. John Burgess, banker. A grave-stone, 1827, to Mr. Joseph Cocking. This town has wonderfully improved ; and the immense number of people, of the first respectability, that resort to it, has made it of much importance. To add to its conveniences, they have recently erected water-works. The steam-vessels to and from London, as well as those to and from Calais, induce hundreds to visit this place, in addition to the large number of annual visitors. The libraries, baths, and every other accommodation, are superior to most towns. The Court of Request has been of much benefit to trade. 206 ST. LAWRENCE. [a. D. 1836. and the parishioners have had meetings to consult on the pro priety of obtaining a charter to incorporate the town. " Notice. — The petition to his Majesty for a charter of in corporation, as adopted at a public meeting of the inhabitants, held on the 23rd instant, will lie for signatures at the Town- hall this day, (Thursday) from nine o'clock in the forenoon until five o'clock in the afternoon ; on Friday, from twelve o'clock at noon until five o'clock in the afternoon ; and on Saturday, from nine o'clock in the forenoon until five o'clock in the after noon : and all inhabitant householders who are in favour of the measure, are requested to sign the petition without delay, " By order of the committee, " John Mercer, Jun. " Hon. Secretary. " Ramsgate, 25th February, 1836." ST. LAWRENCE. In addition to the particulars already given respecting this Church, I may add that the Rev. Mr. Sicklemore, has just been appointed vicar, instead of the late Rev. Richard Harvey. The house is modern, and has a good garden, but the living is very small, for such a large parish and population. The gallery bears the date of 1733; but others were erec ted all over the Church, during the time that Ramsgate belonged to the parish. Here are many tombs, and tablets ; among them are the following : — 1810 Rear Admiral WiUiam Fox, aged 77 years. His Royal Highness, Prince William Henry Duke of Clarence, and St. Andrew's, &c., &c.. Admiral of the Red, erected this tablet, in memory of au uninterrupted friendship which had subsisted for thirty- one years. A. D. 1836.] ST. peter's. 207 1809 John Earl of Dunmore, aged 78 years. 1 830 Lady Augusta Murray. 1810 Richard Lytton, Esq., 1821 Rev. Richard Harvey, A. M., aged 86 years, and vicar of this parish, 55 years ; the tablet was put up by his friends, as a sincere memorial &c., of his virtues, and their loss. 1814 Rev. William Abbott, B. D., aged 92 years. 1795 Capt. Joseph Norwood 66 years. 1827 George Austen, Esq., 72 years. In the church-yard, are tombs to the memory of the fol lowing persons : — 1803 Christopher Mayhew, Esq., 1811 Edward Daniel aged 86 years. 1820 Robert Goodson aged 55 years. 1830 Josiah Culmer aged 76 years. 1800 Stephen Holman. 1793 Daniel Hooper, 1820 Captain Richard Kemp aged 84 years. 1802 " A tribute of affection, to the memory of Charlotte Ab bott, daughter, of John Abbott, by Major Henry Biekwith, of the 52nd Regiment, to whom she was be trothed : aged 21 years, &c. &c.," " Let her example teach others how to die." 1835 John Garrett, Esq, ST. PETER'S. I shall give some further information respecting this Church, as I have of those at Margate and Ramsgate. The Rev. E. L. Sutton, as before stated, succeeded the Rev. John Pigott, in 1820, and as he died on the 8th February last, to the regret ofhis parishioners, the Rev. John Hodgson, from Sittingbpume, succeeded ; consequently, neither the curate, (the Rev. Dr. George Masters,) nor the Rev. C. G. Davies, (of Broadstairs Chapel of Ease,) were wanted ; the former, because the vicar did the duty ; and the latter, because his son, and 208 ST. peter's. [a. d. 1836. the Rev. Mr. Bourdillion, did the duties there. In the vestry is a complete tithing table, which I found in the parish chest during my office of churchwarden, in 1 824, and hung it up ; it is dated 1760; and has a representation of harvest- men, hay makers, fruit, and other titheable articles, with the foUowing observations : — " Hallow thy tithes unto God with gladness, Eccle. 25th. So shall thy barns be filled with plenteousness, Prov. 3rd. Tithes are a tenth part of the increase, and were first appointed by Moses, of all lawful things, as appertaining to God." In the chancel are two beautiful monuments, to the memory of the Rev. George Lovejoy, and Elizabeth Lovejoy ; a small one to Jacob Shipton, and a stone to the Rev. John Dean, M.A., vicar 41 years; he died llth March, 1757, aged 70 years.In the Centre Aisle — The Rev. John Pigott, 44 years vicar, died 1820, aged 87 years ; Mrs, Pigott and Mrs. Langley ; Thomas Sheridan, Esq., 1825 ; Captain Richard Burton, 1833, aged 27 years ; John Burton, 1 833, aged 29 years ; sons of Sir Richard Burton ; Elizabeth Boys, wife of Edward Boys, Esq., of Salmstone, daughter of Elijah Mockett, died 1810, aged 44 years; Arabella, wife of George Boscawen, Esq., 1818, aged 72 years ; Ann, wife of Robert Brown, Esq., 1812, aged 41 years. North Aisle — Over the vestry door, are the Royal Arms, 1660; the Rev. Cornelius Willes, A.M., vicar 19 years, died 1776; Paul Kirby, 1721; John Kirby, 1781 ; John Cooper, 1769; Daniel Pamflett, 1698 ; Manases Norwood, 1636 ; (tomb and two helmets above) ; Mrs. Sarah Lancaster, 1797; Rev, Roger Huggett's tomb, and a tablet, to a large family, and also of Thomas Read, and his family ; Peter Omer, 1709, (a tomb;) grave-stones to John Witherden, 1681; Thomas Re»d, 1759; John Goodwin, 1807; Roger Read and wife, 1800; A. d. 1836.] ST. peter's. 209 John Dekewer, Esq., and family, 1748, 1762, 1818, (very handsome tomb and tablets.) This family had been liberal benefactors to the parish. West Aisle — Vincent Underdown, gentleman, and family, 1753; Robert Gore, gentleman, wives and family, 1795 ; Mr. Thomas Gray, 1783 ; Mr. John Gray, 1817 ; Rev. Thomas Reynolds, 1754, (neat tablets.) Grave-stones — Daniel Culmer, 1690 ; Richard Cul mer, 1434 ; Sarah Simons, 1733 ; R. Brown, Esq., 1832. A very handsome marble font stands here, the liberal donation of John Dekewer, Esq. Here are leathern water-buckets in case of fire, and a new chest to put in the door curtains, after the winter season. South Aisle — Henry Jenkin, 1645 ; Robert Wild, 1690 ; Robert Cock, 1762; Robert Barfield, Esq., 1833, aged 71 years ; Lady Dryden, 1824, aged 72 years, of Northamptonshire. Here are five bene faction boards neatly executed, in gilt letters, exceedingly well done by Mr. Mussared. In the front of the gallery are the Royal Arms, well painted by Mr. Thomas Rowe, of Margate, with the following names attached to them : — Rev. E. L. Sutton, Vicar, John Mockett and James Read, Churchwardens. 1824. The three large chandehers were put up in 1758, by sub scription ; and the first person buried by candle-light from them, was Mr. Robert Crofts, of Dumpton. Mrs. Boscawen was the last, 1818. In the church-yard, among the tombs and grave-stones, I ob served the following : — Wilham Norwood's tomb, 1622 ; another, without name, dated 1633 ; Roger Taddy, 1695 ; John Culmer, 1709 ; John White, 1768; John Taylor, 1784; Richard Sackett, 1789; 210 MEMORANDUM. [a. D. 1836. Robert Crofts. 1800 ; Elijah Mockett, 1797 ; Richard Mockett, 1721 ; Daniel Church, 1731 ; Daniel C. Brasier, 1831 ; Tho mas Blackburn, 1779 ; John Birch, 1730 ; Harry Ketchley, 1826; John Hurst, 1789; Captain Gooch, 1830; Captain Isacke, 1831; Stephen Nuckell, 1834; Samuel Lancaster, 1824'; George Summers, 1800 ; R. Preston, 1825 ; — Under- down, 1726, and 1775; Cooper, 1811. Grave-stones: — To the families of Witherden, Sackett, Mockett, Norwood, Huggett, Hurst, Sampson, Cramp, Strong, Righton, Newbolt, John Crofts, R. Joy, W. Goodson, Bayley, Oldfield, Hodgman, &c. &c. N.B. The number of tombs and grave-stones in this church-yard, is by far greater than ever I saw in any village ; and, therefore, I must be excused for not noticing more. MEMORANDUM. Having finished the particulars of Church matters, I shall return to the late ministers, and show the respect in which they had been held. It has been already mentioned, that the Rev. Dr. George Masters, curate, had £50 given to him for his extra services in Lent, together with a further do nation; the particulars of which have before been stated. The gratitude of the parishioners was again manifested, at a later period, for his indefatigable exertions, in promoting their spiritual and temporal welfare, during the three years he officiated at a salary of £135 pounds per year ; by presenting him with an elegant tea service of plate, which cost sixty guineas, accompanied with a purse of gold containing forty sovereigns. I trust I shall not be considered as taking too great a hberty, in copying the following portion of the correspondence which took place on the occasion : — " St. Peter's Thanet, 19th June, 1835. " Rev. Sir, — We, the churchwardens of this parish. A. D. 1836.] MEMORANDUM. 211 are desired, by the committee of subscribers, to request your acceptance of a tea service of plate, as a memento of their affection and esteem for you, and to record their grateful sense of your kind exertions in promoting their spiritual welfare, and the general good of the parish, while filling the situation of curate amongst them. Permit us to assure you, with what gratification we fulfil this agreeable duty ; and to subscribe ourselves, with great esteem and regard, " Yours truly, &c., &c." The inscription on the plate was as follows : — " Presented by the parishioners of St. Peter's, Thanet, 1835, to the Rev. George Masters, D. D., (curate of this parish, in the years 1833 and 1834,) together with a purse of gold, in addition to two former subscriptions of two hundred and fifty guineas, as a testimony of affection and esteem, and to record their acknowledgments of his exertions in promoting their spiritual welfare, and the general good of the parish." In reply to the above, the Rev. Dr. acknowledged, in his letter, the high honour conferred on him, in the strongest language possible ; and begged the inhabitants and visitors to accept of his most sincere and heartfelt thanks and gratitude, for this, and all other favors so kindly and liberally conferred upon him. The Rev. Mr. Davies, was equally respected by his congre gation at Broadstairs, and I am gratified to learn that he has now obtained a much better living. The experience of the last few years, has clearly proved that since we paid only three-pence per acre for the tithes of our lands, and but very little for houses and gardens in 1819, and for 40 years before, we had only one sermon given on Sundays at church, by the vicar, (which occasioned six dissenting chapels in the parish) ; now we have two at St. Peter's Church, and two at Broadstairs Chapel of Ease ; and are paying six teen times as much for our best land, and others in propor tion. But mark the difference ; and observe, the amount paid 212 MEMORANDUM. [A. D. 1836. is not, nor has it ever been, the object ; but the smallness of the duties performed. We have now four sermons every Sunday to full congregations, instead of one to only a few persons. The demand for tithes, although very high, has been paid cheer fully, and the liberality of the parishioners to Dr. Masters, is a proof of my assertion. The next subject I shall treat upon, is the law of election- voting ; the following Notice was issued by the Overseers of St. Peter's : — " Notice of the making out of the Lists to be given by the Over seers. " We do hereby give notice, that we shall, on or before the last day of July in this year, make out a List of all persons entitled to vote in the election of a Knight or Knights of the Shire for the Eastem Division of the County of Kent, in re spect of property situate wholly or in part within this parish ; and all persons so entitled are hereby required to deliver or transmit to us, on or before the 20th day of July in this year, a claim in writing, containing their Christian name and sur name, their place of abode, the nature of their qualification, and the name of the street, lane, or other like place, wherein the property, in respect of which they claim to vote, is situate ; and if the property be not situated in any street, lane, or other like place, then such claim must describe the property by the name by which it is usually known, or by the name of the ten ant occupying tfie same ; and each of such persons so claiming must also at the same time pay to us the sum of one shilling. Persons omitting to deliver or transmit such claim, or to make such payment, wiU be excluded from the register of voters for the Eastern Division of this County. But persons whose names are now on the register, are not required to make out a fresh claim so long as they retain the same qualification and con tinue in the same place of abode as described in the register. (Signed,) George Witherden, William Croft, Edward Mockett, Overseers of the parish of St. Peter, Thanet. 20th June, 1835." A. D. 1836.] RELIGIOUS SECTS. 213 UNIONS. 1835, March 28th, the Overseers received printed documents, with instructions to fiU up forms, for the purpose of the Union, agreeable to the Reform Bill, to unite St. Lawrence, Minster, Monckton, Sarr, St. Nicholas, Ville of Wood, Stonar, and St. Peter's, in one Union. A petition was got up, and presented, from our parish, against its being united, as having a good house, &c. The reply was, that the Overseers had no power, and no redress, but to appoint two guardians from the parish, to meet those of others of the Union. RELIGIOUS RECAPITULATORY TABLE, Shewing, at one view, the names, and origin of the names, by which the chief sects in the Christian world are distinguished. Christianity is a revelation from God, by his son Jesus Christ. Its professors hold various opinions, and are thus denominated : I. According to their opinions respecting the Person qf Christ. Trinitarians — From the Latin word Trinitas, which denotes a three-fold unity in the Godhead. Sabellians — From SabeUius, who lived in the third century, and held a modal, or nominal Trinity. Arians — From Arius, a popular divine of Alexandria, who flourished about the year 315. Socinians — From Faustus Socinus, who died at Cracow, in Poland, 1604. II. According to their opinions respecting the Means and Measure of God's Favour. Calvinists — From John Calvin, a reformer, who flourished at Geneva, about 1540. Arminians — From James Arminius, the disciple of Beza, who flourished about 1600. Baxterians — From Richard Baxter, an eminent puritan, who died in 1691. Antinomians — From two Greek terms, signifying "against," and "the moral law." 214 RELIGIOUS SECTS. [a. d. 1836. III. According to their opinions respecting Church Government and the Administration qf Ceremonies. Papists — From the Latin word for Pope, papa signifying a father, or Parent, and usually resides at Rome. Greek Church — From their native language, which is the Greek tongue. Protestants — From their protesting against a decree of Charles the 5th, 1529. Episcopalians — From Episcopus, the Latin term for Bishop, Inspector, or Overseer of a diocese. Dissenters — From the Latin word dissentio, to disagree with, or dissent from, any person, or body, Presbyterians — From the Greek, signifying elder, senior, or presbyter. Independents — From the independency of each church in its own discipline or government. Baptists — From the Greek verb signifying to baptise, dip, or immerse. Pcedobaptists — From the Greek words signifying a baptiser of infants. Scotch Church or Kirk — Established in Scotland, by John Knox, who died in 1572. Seceders — From the Latin secedo, signifying to secede or withdraw oneself from any person or body. MISCELLANEOUS SECTS. Quakers — From the agitation or quaking with which their first preachers addressed their auditors. Methodists — From the first methodical strictness of their reli gious conduct. Jumpers — From the act of jumping used in their religious services. Moravians — From Moravia, the country whence they first arose. Universalists — From the belief, that all men wUl be finally happy. Sandimanians — From Robert Sandeman, a popular writer amongst them. A. D. 1836.] THE FAMILY OF MOCKETT. 215 Sabbatarians — From their observance of the Jewish Sabbath, or seventh day. Hutchinsonians — From John Hutchinson, born in Yorkshire, 1674. Muggletonians — From John Muggleton, who lived in Cromwell's time. Mystics — From a Greek word, importing a secret, mysterious meaning. Swedenborgians — From Emanuel Swedenburg, who died 1772. Millenarians — From the Latin ' mille,' a thousand, the years of Christ's future reign upon earth. THE FAMILY OF MOCKETT AS YEOMEN AND CULTIVATORS OF THE SOIL. 1564 Richard Mockett, by his will, bequeathed to his son the term of years of the parsonage of Crapphill, held by him, under the Archbishop of Canterbury. " To his second son Tymothe, his freehold house and garden, and five pieces of land at Challocke, and also one tenement, called Pylchers, and twenty-five acres of land." " To his Sonne Christopher, all his estates, in the paryshe of Nonington, Goodnestone, Woodnesborough, and Barfreston. (And desired to be buried in Nonyng- ton Church, beside his family." " To his Sonne Richard, his messuages, lands, and woods, in the paryshes of Challocke, and Wye, &c." 1575 Richard Mockett died at Billyng Court, possessed of that manor. 1612 Richard, son of ditto, resided at Cheeseman's farm, near Birchington, and conducted the estates of Sir Henry Crispe, during his absence, when he was taken from his house, by pirates, and carried away * * In addition to the preceding statements respecting Sir Henry Crispe, I have since found, that the enterprise of carrying him away from Quex, was effected by Captain Golding, of Ramsgate, who had taken refuge with king Charles tlie second, in France, and adopted this plan to procurt money. 216 THE FAMILY OF MOCKETT. [a. D. 1836. 1657 Richard, son of ditto, purchased the farm at St. Peter's, and married Sarah Sampson, of Reading-street, farm. 1702 Isaac, son of ditto, held Calls Grange, with Thomas Underdown of Joss farm. 1739 Richard, son of ditto, occupied St. Bartholomew's, 298 acres, near Sandwich. 1752 Isaac Mockett occupied Knowlton Court Farm. 1755 Elijah Mockett occupied St. Peter's farm, and Calls Grange, with John Underdown, 1763 Elijah Mockett occupied St. Peter's farm, and Bromstone in addition. 1770 Wilham Mockett, Dent deLyon, 1782 Elijah, in addition to St. Peter's, purchased Bird's HiU farm, of John C. Brasier. 1797 John Mockett, son of ditto, succeeded his late father. 1800 Ditto purchased nine-tenths of the estate. 1824 Ditto, these two properties were united, and agreed upon by the parties concerned, to name it Hopeville farm. 1825 Ditto, the parish books, and other records now acknow ledge, by their entries, the estate of " HopeviUe." 1833 John Mockett, of HopeviUe farm, St. Peter's, 1834 Edward Mockett, son of John Mockett, from Downbar ton farm. 1835 Edward Mockett, in addition, has the Dane farm, late Edward Taddy, Esq. 1836 The above particulars were collected by me, when I had seven sons and two daughters, with the wish of con veying to them their pedigree. The Almighty has thought proper to separate us, by taking six, and their mother, from me. My three surviving sons have now an account of their ancestors for two hundred and seventy-two years ; from a father who has frequently suffered under the deepest afflictions for thirty years, in the fuU conviction, " that man is born to trouble as the sparks fly upwards." — J. M. A. D. 1834.J DEVONSHIRE. 217 FIRST TOUR TO DEVONSHIRE. June 12th. — Having spent a few weeks at Canterbury, after I left my son Edward in possession of Hopeville Farm, St. Peter's, I proceeded to London, on my way to Teignmouth, in Devon ; I passed a few days in London, and then took the coach to Winchester, 120 miles. In passing through the New Forest, which is very extensive, we saw a great number of ponies and foals, which the poor are permitted to turn in gratis ; some of these they use in a variety of ways ; others they leave until of an age to be sold. They are considered hardy, and are much sought after at Canterbury and other markets. They are commonly called foresters, and used to be cheap. Most of these people live in huts of their own building. As we proceeded, we saw large plantations of fir and other trees, and extensive sheep walks. The coaches, however, proceed at such a rapid rate, that persons, not knowing the country, can get but little informa tion, unless they sit by the coachmen, some of whom are very inteUigent men, and much superior to the old fashioned, bluff, coarse, and uncivil creatures, who drank every time they stopped, so that, by the end of their journey, they were nearly tipsy. Such men would not do under the improved system ; nor could they drive such horses as are now used, which go from ten to twelve miles an hour, with scarce any time allowed for passengers to get refreshments on the road. Before we reached Winchester, we found the land good and well-culti vated ; but near Southampton, the soil is indifferent. The population of Southampton is very large, and the inns, shops, &c,, of superior style. The next day, I proceeded to Dorchester and Bridport, The weather was unfavourable, with a thick fog, so that the coun try could not be seen. The gentlemen's houses, built in a style of elegance, were thatched, as were the cottages. This is so cus tomary, that we passed a church that was thatched ; beauti fully done with reeds. From Bridport, we drove on to Exeter ; E e 218 DEVONSHIRE. [a. d. 1834. very hilly. The arable land is fenced with stone walls, and large flocks of sheep run over a great extent of country. We passed through Honiton, which is celebrated for its manu facture of lace. There are some good houses and pleasure grounds in this neighbourhood, and the country is very beautiful. Exeter is a fine city : the population large ; the inns good. It being one o'clock, when I arrived, I had but little time for observation before the coach proceeded to Teignmouth, my destination. Our route lay through many small towns and villages, over a delightful country, well planted with orchards. There are also good pastures, with cows, sheep, &c. We passed through Dawlish, a very neat watering-place, on to Teign mouth, where, when I arrived, (having travelled 260 miles from home,) my friend, Mr. Hervey, surgeon, met me at the office, to conduct me to his house with a hearty welcome. Here I had the pleasure to find Mrs. Hervey, and her little boy, in good health. We had tea, over which we spent our time most agreeably. Teignmouth, East and West, are so joined together, as not to be observed by those who do not know the boundaries. In each there is a Church, and all their parochial matters are se parate. Mr. Hervey resided in East Teignmouth, where there are Public Rooms, Assembly Rooms, Billiard Rooms, and Libraries. A delightful walk, called the Den, by the sea shore, with a drive for carriages, is very much frequented by the pub lic ; for, as the country is hilly, and the roads indifferent, (ex cept the turnpike ones which are very good,) few go out, un less on business. The Manor of East Teignmouth, belongs to Lord Courtenay, and of the West, to Lord Clifford,whose seat is at Ugbrooke, near Chudleigh. The seat of the former is at Powderham Castle, near Exmouth. In the olden time, both famihes discharged the duties of chivalry, and commanded Devon and Cornwall. Devon is bounded by Somersetshire on the East ; Cornwall on the West ; the Bristol Channel on the North ; the English Channel on the South. It is about 200 miles in circumference ; has forty market a. D. 1834.] DEVONSHIRE. 219 towns; 394 parishes; 1,733 villages; II7 vicarages; and one city, (Exeter.) The principal rivers are the Ex, the Tamar, the Torridge, the Taw, and the Plym. The inhabitants are celebrated as a strong and robust people. On the road from Teignmouth to Shaldon, is a very hand some bridge, which was finished on the 8th of June, 1827, under the direction of Mr. Hopkins. It is 1,671 feet long, and 26 wide, and cost £26,500. The present rent is £905. per year. Each person pays one penny to go over it, and the same to return ; horses, two-pence ; • and every beast and car riage in the like proportion. The Church at East Teignmouth was re -built in 1823, and is equal to any remains of Saxon antiquity in the kingdom. The rich carved stone altar-piece, executed by Kendal, with the fine picture of our Saviour crowned ; the highly wrought and ornamental mahogany pulpit, and reading-desk ; the rich stained window, by Mr. Gray, of London ; a very fine organ ; and the vaulted transept and porch, produce a degree of pleasure to the spectator. It is fitted up for 1,780 persons, and the duties are performed by the Rev. Mr. Phillot, curate to Dr. Richards, in a way highly satisfactory to a full and very respectable congregation, twice on Sundays. The prayer he used before his sermon made such an impression on my mind, that I entered it in my Journal ; and I hope to be excused publishing it for the edification of others. " Let us pray for the whole race of mankind, dispersed over the face of the earth, by whatsoever sect, title, or party distinguished ; that those who have not received the light of the Gospel, may, by the blessing of God, speedily come to the truth ; and that those, to whom he has imparted this blessed hope, may, by a suitable improvement in virtue and goodness, deserve the in estimable benefit. Let no religious difference ever make us forget the indispensable duties of humanity • let the frailties and errors of our brethren, rather excite our compassion than our resentment, remembering that we also have much to be forgiven. May this congregation, O Lord, receive thy word 220 DEVONSHIRE. [A. D. 1S34. and practice it with sincerity. For the rest, O God ! may we, with confidence, look up to thee, summing up our imperfect petitions in that most excellent form of prayer which our Lord himself hath taught us, saying, Our Father, &c." West Teignmouth Church, or Chapel, to Bishopsteignton, has eight bells in the tower, which is a lofty structure of the octagonal shape, 76 feet in diameter, with octagonal buttresses. This singular building is calculated to hold 2,000 persons. It has no organ ; the Rev. Mr. Rhodes does the duties to a very full congregation, and preaches extemporaneously. These towns derive their names from being situated on the North West, and North East bank of the river " Teign." In the reign of Henry the Eighth, a statute passed to amend the Haven of Teignmouth. In that of Henry the Third, a market was granted on Sa turdays. In 1253, a fair was granted, of one day, three times a year. In 1690, the French fleet made a descent here, and burnt the place. A petition was sent to the King, stating that property to the amount of £11,030. 6s. lOd. had been de stroyed. The collection was so liberal, that the whole a- mount was obtained, and the street, called " French Street,'' was rebuilt, which is now (1835) standing. Myrtles, and other evergreens, grow ten or twelve feet high, in consequence of the mildness of the climate; so that the gardens, with those plants, and the geranium hedges, by far exceed any thing I ever saw, as to beauty and perfec tion. The elm-trees by the road-side, and in the lanes, are very high. The custom is to trim off the branches, every three or four years, to encourage the growth of the tree. This answers very weU in this moist country, where, in many of the roads, and along the hedges, the water is continually running. Orchards.— Orchards are very general, and planted with rough apples for cyder ; but table-fruit, as they call it, (eating- A. D. 1834. 1 DEVONSHIRE. 221 apples or pears) is scarce and very dear. Cyder is cheap, 25s. per hogshead. Cyder. — The farms are very smaU ; but from the advantages of cyder, and their dairies, they do not cultivate much corn. The meadows produce great crops of grass ; hence they fatten a great number of cattle, which are very fine. The Devonshire Agricultural Society was formed in 1791, for the improvement of agriculture. In 1820, there were 11,265 hogsheads of cyder, sent from the ports of Exeter and Dartmouth, to London. To return to Teignmouth. There are races and regattas an nually, in August, which have been well supported. Here is also a Mechanics' Institution. The following is a Syllabus of the Lectures given at this Institution, during the first Session. April 29 — J. Sweetland, Esq., on the advantages of Useful Knowledge. May 2— Mr. Curtis Water. 9 — Mr. Harvey Electricity. 1 6 — Rev. E. D. Rhodes Astronomy. 23 — Mr. Edwards Pneumatics. 30— Mr. W. R. Jordan Natural History. June 6 — Mr. J. B. West Hydrostatics. 13 — Mr. Tozer Jurisprudence. 20— Mr. Curteis Chemistry. 27 — Mr, Eaton Mechanics. July 4 — Mr. Harvey Natural History. 1 1 — Rev, E, D. Rhodes Astronomy, 18 — Mr. Edwards Pneumatics. 25 — Rev. H. J. Ro.per Phonics. August 1 — Mr. J. B. West Hydrostatics. 8 — Mr. Eaton Mechanics. 15 Mr. W. R. Jordan Natural History. 22 — Rev. H. J. Roper Phonics. 29— Mr. Curtis Chemistry. J. B. West, Honorary Secretary 222 DEVONSHIRE. [a. d. 1834. Babbicombe is a very romantic place. Its beautiful ser pentine walks are accommodated with rustic chairs, grottoes, and every thing to render it delightful to a party of pleasure. The bay and sea-shore are also much frequented by jjcrsons who collect shells ; there are lime-stones, and exquisite speci mens, from marble quaries, in the vicinity. Ringmore and Shaldon. — Ringmore Church is just over the long bridge, on the right ; Shaldon is on the left. The inhabitants of both attend this place of worship. The Church is very ancient, and appears to have been enlarged at different periods ; there is the date of 1639. Mr. Hervey and myself attended on the day the Rev. Mr. Hutton read himself in, and preached, extempore, to a crowded and respectable congregation. The late vicar was of the old school. Dawlish is a particularly neat Church ; has recently been fitted up with much taste ; and has a good organ. It is one hundred and twenty feet long, and fifty-four wide ; capa ble of containing 2,000 persons, and has some very handsome marble tablets.. One of them is to the memory of Mrs. Bay- lay, wife of the vicar of Margate, who died at her sister's in Dawlish. Of course it surprised me ; I was also very much astonished to find a rev. gentleman, from near Sandwich, that day at church, who, with two others from Kent, were residing in this place, and with whom I dined, and spent many happy hours, during my stay in Devon. The Rev. Dr. Perkins has the living. In the Church-tower are six bells. The church-yard has two small yew-trees, which have not been long planted. There are eleven family tombs close together, although the church yard has abundance of room. A short distance from the Church is an estate called Luscombe, belonging to Charles Hoare, Esq., of London, banker, who has a delightful man sion here, and farms the land in superior style. His horses, harnesses, cows, pigs, and poultry, were, by far, more like those in Kent, than any I had seen in Devon. A. D. 1834.] DEVONSHIRE. 223 The village of Dawlish, being close to the sea, has public baths, and libraries, shops, good inns, lodging houses, machines for bathing, sedan chairs, and carriages of every sort, pub lic schools, and Bible societies. There are regattas annuaUy. The houses are very good, and fit for families, with coach houses, stabling, and exceedingly well-planted gardens. I never saw, anywhere, such fine myrtles, geranium hedges, and all sorts of beautiful evergreens, with flowers of every descrip tion. A rivulet runs through the village to the sea. On the 10th of November, 1810, a sudden swelling of the rivulet washed away several lodging houses, and a new lawn, in the lower part of the viUage. Its ravages extended as far as Haldoii. Haldon, Ashcombe, and Mamhead, are but a short dis tance from this place. My friends, Messrs. Michell, Jones, Eaton, and Elliot, sen., were very kind in accompanying me in these, and other walking excursions ; one or other joined me as often as opportunity suited. We young men of Teign mouth, walked to every place, within eight or ten miles out, and back again in a day ; though any three of us, together, counted more than 208 years. Newton Abbott and Newton Bushell, are the names of two parishes now united, constituting one town. It was here that William, Prince of Orange, first read his proclamation, on the pedestal of the Town Cross, still standing to commemorate that event. It was singular that I should meet with a school-fellow, whom I had not seen but once for upwards of forty years. He recog nised me walking up the town with Mr. Michell. We were much pleased to see each other, and frequently met after wards, whan we enjoyed many good jokes together. He lived a few miles beyond Newton ; myself, seven miles from it. The population, by the census of 1831, was 1,859, including the adjoining parish of Wolborough, which has a paved foot path all the way from the town ; half a mile, at least. The Church is ancient, and has a very neat light screen in it. The 224 DEVONSHIRE. [a. d. 1834. church-yard has many graves, with stones along the edge to form the shape of the grave, and then filled up with earth. They are not so neat as our brick-graves, constructed of a proper shape, and which wUl last for ages. Here are three Churches, and a Chapel of Ease, building. The Market has been removed ; and a new one was built in 1826. We saw, at a watch-maker's, a carriage run on a circular board, stop, and take up a figure, (meaning to imitate life,) and proceed round and round. It attracted considerable notice. The market is held on Wednesday, and people frequent it from Teignmouth and other places, to supply their own mar kets, or themselves and families. Apples are in great abun dance all round this neighbourhood, and cyder is manufactured at about sixteen shillings per hogshead. The fruit is gathered in October for London, or for exportation ; but for early con sumption, it is left upon the ground after dropping off, and then thrown up in heaps for several weeks, to improve and soften the cyder. In going up the river from Teignmouth to Newton, in the regular passage (daily) boat, we saw the farmers carrying wheat upon drays, or sledges, to the ricks ; that is, they gene rally make a rick of the produce of each field, however small — say one, two, or at most, three acres ; if they exceed that quantity, then two or three ricks are made for the accommo dation of carrying them home. These ricks are particularly well thatched, and, of course, secure from rain. As we approached Newton, we saw several young herons, curlews, and other birds, as awkward as goslings, stalking about on the swamps, where no person could venture to follow them. The sea-guUs, and a variety of other large birds, procure a living on these shores. The boats are generally rowed by a man and his wife. The price is sixpence, there and back, and no fee expected. A. D. 1834.] DEVONSHIRE. 225 ToTNESs is one of the most ancient towns in the kingdom, and the situation is singularly fine. By a date, 3d April, 1449, the prior, Richard Stoke, gave £10. to erect the present belfry. The Church was re-built in 1432, and has an elegant screen of stone ; the altar piece is of Grecian design. It was incorporated by a charter from King John. Haccombe, a demesne long inherited by the Carew family. It is the smallest parish in England, as to the number of dwellings, which are only two— the mansion-house, and the parsonage. In the Church are various monuments to the Carew famihes, up to July, 1 828, Bishopsteignton is two miles from Teignmouth, and be longed to the See of Exeter, before the conquest ; the river Teign, runs at the foot of the parish, on the South side, for two miles, " with fat and fertile fields." The Rev. John Comjms is the lord of the manor. The Church is very ancient: eighty-two feet long, and thirty-five feet wide. The Vicarage-house is a handsome building, near the Church, where Mr. Comyns (the Vicar) resides. Mr, Comyns is also Vicar to West Teignmouth, to which the Rev, Mr. Rhodes is Curate. The Church has recently been fitted up, and very much improved ; the congregation is exceedingly respectable. The church-yard, which has laurels planted, so as to form a hedge round it, looked particularly neat, Radway is a place with the remains of a Palace, Bishop Bronsecombe resided here nearly a century before Bishop Grandison. In a letter from the latter, to Pope John the 12th., dated 1322, he describes the Palace as a beautiful struc ture. It is now in ruins, Mr, Hervey and I took a plan of it. Round the premises, were some exceUent orchards, with apples in abundance, and some fine elm-trees by the roadside F f 226 DEVONSHIRE. [a. d. 1834. Kingsteington, anciently a demesne of the Crown, and, by Henry I., bestowed on Richard de Burden : the manor belongs to the Clifford family. The Church was consecrated May 3, 1318. The tower is a stately structure, eighty-two feet high. The Church is in good repair ; a stream runs by the footpath leading to it. This viUage has a great number of poor families. There are day-pits, whence is obtained the material which is ex ported to the potteries of Staffordshire, &e. Bovey-Tracey, a small town in a single street. This parish was an ancient manor of the Tracey family, barons of Barnstaple ; heirs of the Sir WiUiam de Tracey who took the lead in Thomas a Becket's assassination, at Canterbury, 1170. This Church is dedicated to that saint. The pulpit and screen are of exquisite workmanship. King Henry the 3rd, (1259), granted a market on Thursday, and a fair for three days, on the 7th July annually, being the feast of St. Thomas of Canterbury. Here are coal pits, and potteries for coarse earthenware, Ideford. — This Church is particularly ancient, and every thing corresponds. The door and lock ought to be sent to the British Museum, as a curiosity. I thought Fordwich, in Kent, beat any thing I ever saw ; but this rude workmanship excels it. My friend, Mr. Jones, and myself, happened to meet a bridal party, who had just been married, which gave us the opportunity of entering the Church. There are three bells, and they rang merrily for the happy couple just united. The Vicar's house and gardens are very near the Church. The cottages, and every thing round the neighbourhood, indi cate poverty. Stokeinghead, about four miles over the bridge, in au op posite direction to the last place, is, if possible, more ancient and more deplorable. My friends, Mr. Michell and Mr. Jones, A. D. 1834.] DEVONSHIRE. 227 found this Church undergoing repairs, by taking the old oak benches away, with an intention to put up pews. The anti quity of this Church, and of the houses, or rather the mud cots, is beyond description. The clergyman's house, and a school room, have just been fitted up. Chudleigh has frequently suffered by fire ; and, in conse quence of the houses being, in general, thatched, the destruc tion has always been very great. Two hundred houses were burnt on the 22nd of May, 1807, at noon, from a baker's shop having caught fire. A public subscription was set on foot, for the sufferers, and the sum of £21,000. collected to re-build their dwellings. The Church, dedicated to St. Mary, was consecrated No vember the 6th, 1259, by Bishop Bronsecombe. It is 109 feet in length, and 36 wide ; the tower 22 feet high, and contain ing six bells. In 1669, a Free Grammar School was founded here. The town is greatly improved by wide streets, and good shops of every sort ; and the Clifford's Arms Inn, with others, afford excellent accommodation. As we walked over the barren heath, everything looked dreary ; but on a nearer approach, the land was well cultivated. It appeared singular to see three horses in a plough, with two drivers ; a girl to lead the first horse, and a boy the others. In Kent, a boy drives four horses with regularity ; by which means, we get one acre and a half of land well ploughed with one man and a boy, in eight hours ; or one and a quarter, with three horses ; but we never have two drivers to a plough, or wagon, with three or four horses, neither do we use reins, the men guiding them by their voice. After we had our dinner, (for one shilling each), we looked over the town, and walked our seven miles back to tea. Ugbrook, near Chudleigh, is the seat of Lord Clifford, and from its varied beauties of wood, water, rocks, &c,, may be called the gem of Devonshire. The park abounds with deer ; and the noble family of Clifford trace their pedigree to Rich- 228 DEVONSHIRE. [a. d. 1834. ard II,, Duke of Normandy, 1026. The present peer has greatly improved the natural beauties of Ugbrook, and is the sixth baron of Chudleigh, About half a mile from the town is Chudleigh Rock, which rises, almost perpendicularly, to the height of several hundred feet. Torbay was the principal station of the Channel fleet, un der Earl St. Vincent, who held his head-quarters, and councils of war, at Tor Abbey, In 1688, the Prince of Orange landed at Brixham, and Sir Charles Hardy sought refuge here, from the fleets of France and Spain, under the command of Dorvilliers. ToRauAY is one of the most popular and esteemed water ing-places in England, and was first brought into notice by the families of the officers, stationed in the Bay, in 1805. It is a place of the greatest natural beauties ; hill and dale, well planted, and a variety of gothic-built houses, in every direc tion. The town is more frequented in winter, from its being such a very mild climate ; many persons are recommended to reside here, by their medical attendants, particularly in con sumptive cases. In summer it is excessively hot, chiefly in consequence of the reflection from the lime-stone rocks on each side, and the surrounding hills. The Harbour is built of stone, (quarries of which are abun dant in the neighbourhood,) and in shape resembles that of Ramsgate, but is much smaUer. There are good shops, in the London style ; a Royal Hotel ; the Commercial Inn ; and others. The new Church is like a dissenting chapel, both the inte rior and exterior. In consequence of the increased popula tion, besides visitors, a Chapel of Ease is building. My friend, Mr. Michell, having challenged me to walk and see this place, I could not weU refuse a journey of eight miles, when my chaUenger was tumed 82 years. Under these circumstances we set out on the 4th of August, at nine o'clock in the morning, and saw men reaping, mowing, and cutting peas. A. D. 1834.] DEVONSHIRE. 229 neither of which they did as we do in Kent ; consequently I showed them, having, in my youth, learned every branch of harvest-work, and the use of agricultural implements. Hav ing arrived, we dined, and then looked over the town ; and on our return, walked round by St. Mary's Church, a village so named, of a large size. The Church is a fine ancient struc ture, and has a large tower very high. The Church-yard is fuU of tombs, and black head or grave-stones, which are taken from the slate-coloured stone quarries, in this neigh bourhood. By the church-gate is a board, hung up in a tree, for the purpose of putting on parochial notices and bills of sales, in stead of their being affixed to the church doors. Harvest. — In harvesting their com, I perceived it to be green. The wheat is cut with a hook, which strikes inwards, close to the ground ; and the sheaves are made up very small ; barley and oats were mowed as in Kent, but cut sooner, and lie but a few days, when they are carried into small ricks, which are exceedingly weU thatched. They are, consequently, se cured from rain, and by being in small ricks, they do not get heated. The thatch is taken off with care, when carried to the barns, and preserved for two or three years, for the same purpose. Beans and peas are not much grown ; but vetches very general. The farms are not large, and being in orchards, pasture, and corn, there is but little of each to manage. The produce of the apples is made into cyder, which is the com mon beverage. The cows being very good, and the pastures excellent, the farmers are induced to pay due attention to the dairy ; consequently, their butter and clotted cream are in high repute, particularly in London, which receives a constant supply of both by the coaches, &c. There is but little corn grown, beyond the consumption of the farmer, except by those upon a larger scale, and they are few in number. As a proof of the small quantities that are grown, I have seen men clean ing wheat, by sifting it from a cart, on a hill, to blow away 230 DEVONSHIRE. [a. d. 1834. the chaff, the corn falling on a sail-cloth, and then put into sacks and carried back. This, the men told me, was their usual method. In Kent, we set store by the chaff, as food for horses ; but here their horses run to grass all the year, and have hay given them on the pasture land. Another custom they have, is that of carrying out manure, or strong lime, for their lauds, on horses' backs. Carts are used occasionally. I have seen sacks of corn brought into town on horses' backs, laid in crooks, on pad-saddles. Hay, also, is cut in long tresses, and laid over the backs of the horses. The sheep are very good, but they do not dock the lambs until November, when they go on turnips, which they are turned upon with others, without restraint, or folded as we do in Kent. The men and maid-servants are hired by indentures of apprentice, from any age until they are twenty-one. I was at a farm house for a week, near Exeter, and learnt that poor persons' children are put out to farmers from twelve or fourteen years of age ; and the parish officers give five pounds, as a premium, to the master or mistress, who take them into board and clothe, for the time agreed upon. When they behave properly, they give them money on fair-days or holidays. Thus they continue, with an understanding that their good conduct will secure them other service in future. The female servants are sought after for dairy-maids in gentlemen's families ; and others prefer an apprentice for many reasons. The introduc tion of orchards is supposed to date 300 years back. Cher ries, pears, and walnuts, are raised in some parts, for market. The cyder is made in pound houses ; a sort of hovel, contain ing the mill and screw press, with cisterns to ferment the liquor, &c. The apples are gathered to make rough cyder ; but are allowed to drop off, and are thrown in heaps, to mellow, (which prevents them from fretting, as they term it,) for cyder intended for present use. Estates are held here by life tenure ; the proprietors of the fee-simple, lease their estates generally for three lives, or ninety-nine years. Leases of this kind are valued at eighteen years' purchase of the gross rent A. D. 1834.] DEVONSHIRE. 231 and taxes. The lessee is generally bound to keep up buildings and fences. The practice of beat-burning has long been intro duced. In an old tract in the British Museum, it is called " Devonshiring," and in many parts here, as well as in Kent, and other places, it is termed " Denshiring." Customs. The style of driving the plough, is with two horses, generally ; but sometimes with three, in which case they have a girl to guide the first horse, (in addition to a boy to the wheel-horse,) who keeps on chanting, counter-tenor ; the boy, at intervals, throwing in his hoarser notes to animate the horses, as music does a marching army ; or the song, men rowing boats. You can hear them, at a distance, caU out in a breath, " Wot Peter," " Wot Tom," or " Bob," as may happen to be their names, (these being the general names of horses.) The word " Wot," is to keep off; " Comehither," is to you; and " Wey" is to stop. Their ploughs are very simple, and cost about sixteen shillings ; the harrows and roUs are good. Their forks are very smaU, as if made for children ; and the shovels have long handles, four and five feet long, with a small plate, in the shape of a heart divided ; this is used in prefer ence to those we have, which they called " engineer's tools," and obhged a man to stoop ; which they never do at any work. The ladders are made the round side of the rib within. We have the flat side inwards, which gives more room for a man's foot in going up or down, as bricklayers, thatchers, &c. The former, in this county, draw up their materials by a winch. The horses are small, but exceedingly active, and fit for troopers ; many of them are used by the yeomanry. The plan of having fojir horses in a team, is not observed, as in Kent ; for when they leave work, they are soon after turned out to graze. The cows, and other stock, are not shut up in a farm-yard, as with us, to make a good heap of manure, and fed with oil-cake and hay ; for as they get plenty of lime cheap, and less carriage, and obtain good crops, which 232 DEVONSHIRE. [a. d. 1834. nature produces without much labour, they do not require ar tificial means. Their cows being good, they pride themselves much on their daries, which enable them to rear many pigs, and occa sion them to be cheap. Fatted pork is only five shiUings per score. Having perambulated the sterile rocky sides of the hiUs, I shall return to the pleasures of Teignmouth. The Me chanic's Institution afforded much pleasure, once a week, as I have observed. The ball-rooms are fashionably attended, and the books in Croydon's weU-conducted library, amuse and instruct those who are fond of a good selection. The public walks are much frequented by genteel persons ; the tradesmen are very obUging and respectable ; the town is well supplied with meat, poultry, and fish. Coals, wine, &c., by the traders, and other craft. Coaches from Veal's Lon don Hotel, to Exeter, on to London, every day ; and the Mail from London every evening. Bankers, Messrs. Langmead, and Jordon. Magistrates — Messrs. Sweetland, Langmead, and Curtis, who hold a court occasionally Ijetween the assizes, which are held at Exeter, as the whole of Devon is in that diocese. In West Teignmouth, are schools, where from two to three hundred children are educated on the national system, founded by the Elwill family; another was founded in 1731, by Capts. John and Thomas Coleman, by their joint benefactions, where thirteen children are instructed. The Rev. Mr. Rhodes gives lectures, and examines them once a month. He also gives lectures at church, on Wed nesday evenings, to a fuU congregation, which we used to attend. The climate of this place is recommended to invalids, in pre ference to France, or Lisbon. The mjrrtle, and other plants, flourish, unsheltered, with beautiful verdure. Torquay Regetta was an interesting sight ; the day being fine, we made up a large party of ladies and gentlemen, and A. D. 1834.1 DEVONSHIRE. 233 were highly delighted to see all the gay equipages and fash ionable persons from every part of the county. Soon after this, the Teignmouth races commenced, (August,) which also was a gay scene. A regatta followed, and much amuse ment was occasioned by six women, who rowed a boat against six men round the boundaries, and won the match. They were cheered tremendously on their arrival. This town, and Shaldon village, have a large number of very masculine wo men, who are in the constant habit of attending the fishing- boats. They were, on this occasion, dressed in white with blue ribbons. The scene occasioned much mirth. Dawlish, three mUes from hence, had its annual races and regatta, and, of course, many of the same persons at tended. The autumn now began to close upon us, and the friendly evenings commenced, with invitations to tea, cards, 8cc. Thus we spent our time happily, until the period arrived for my visiting Kent again ; and having, with much regret, taken leave of my kind and hospitable friends, Mr. and Mrs. Hervey, I set out for Exeter, on my way to London. The following memoranda were made during my journey -. — March 11, 1835. — Having spent eight months very much to my satisfaction, I set out for Exeter, and arrived at Cockrani's Inn, where I took my place for the next morning, when, un fortunately, it rained. But, having booked myself by the Pilot coach, I was obliged to proceed, or lose my fare. Tfie roads were good, and we saw a great number of large planta tions of fir and forest trees on to Wellington. It continued to rain so heavily, that we passengers put down our umbrellas and faced it. Having got wet through, I made up my mind to stop at Bridgwater, and change my clothes, rather than proceed, at the hazard of being laid up, and a doctor's bill to pay. There being a fair for stock, butter, cheese, cloths, &c., I walked down after dinner, with my umbrella, and was much surprised to see the quantities of every sort, and the whole sale manner in which they dealt. One man vnth a wagon- 234 DEVONSHIRE. [a. d. 1834. load of cheese, butter, &c., would sell the whole to another man, who also has a wagon, with a cover, which he backs to the other, and the load is soon exchanged from one to the other. These wagons and carts appeared to be so numerous, that I took the trouble to count them, and found there were 115. Here is an excellent church, well enclosed with iron railing. The market-place is fine, and the quay well stored with goods ; several ships unlading. The next morning I left the Clarence Hotel, for Bristol. It was a beautiful morning, and I enjoyed the view of the country, it being such a contrast to the hills of Devon ; flat, just like Sandwich flats, with some corn fields, which were badly cultivated. The beans were in wide rows, about nine to the rod, and as thick as possible ; we put eleven to the rod, and as thin as we can have them to be regular : consequently, they produce more. Teazle. — The teazle is planted in rows, about a foot apart each way, from plants of two years old, taken from a bed, as we do cabbages. When it is ripe, they cut it by hand with a knife peculiarly formed, and then fasten it to polls to dry. It cannot be stacked, because the pressure would destroy the spines. In order to secure it, it is hung up in sheds ; some in cottages, even in the bed-rooms, by those whose gardens are cultivated. When dry, picked, and sorted for sale, in bundles, ten thousand best and small, make a peck. They vary from £4. to £22. the peck, according to the season and demand ; but from £5. to £7. is the average price. The manufacturers t)ccasionally import teazle from Holland and France, when the price exceeds £8. The dressing of a piece of cloth, consumes from 1,500 to 2,000 heads, which are used repeatedly, in the different stages of the process, according to the fineness of the cloth. The Church Hill turnpike roads are very good ; the cottages and houses are generally covered with pantile roofs. A. D. 1834.J DEVONSHIRE. 235 Bristol — The fields by the road are fenced with stone walls, for many miles, up to Bristol, where the houses are mostly covered with pantile roofs, until you get into the city, which, I learn, is mentioned by Nonnius, as one of twenty- eight cities of Britain, in 620. It stands principally in Gloucester ; and Robert, earl of Gloucester, son of Henry I., was founder of the Castle. Bristol extends from east to west two miles, and three from north to south ; and covers a surface of 1840 acres. The streets are narrow, in the ancient parts, which are now (1835) lighted with gas. The Cathedral and the Church of St. Mary, Redclift, are the only parts of the original buildings founded in the reign of King Stephen, by Robert Fitzharding, whose monument is still preserved. There are twenty-six Churches. Saint Mary Redclift is, on all accounts, entitled to be considered the first parish Church in England. It was commenced in 1249, by Simon de Burton ; and five Chapels of Ease have been built since. In the eleventh century, here was a mart for slaves, collected from all parts of England ; young men and women ; of the latter, particularly those who were pregnant. They were sold in the public market, tied together with ropes. This was prior to the trade being removed to the West Indies. I dined at a friend's, (No. 12, Berkley Square,) and saw as much of the town as time would permit. The old parts have a very crowded population ; the new parts, and those building, are in the improved London style. The trade of every sort is very considerable, particularly in bacon. A steam- vessel landed eleven hundred hogs, the day before I was there, to one bacon merchant, from Ireland, whence they arrive, after a few days voyage, without injury, such as they used to sustain, during a long voyage, in sailing vessels, from suffocation and starvation. They now come safe 236 DEVONSHIRE. [a. d. 1834. to hand in a day or two, instead of being as many weeks. The large number of pigs, reared by the Irish, causes them to be cheap ; and the quantities bro^^ht to England, have 'been the reason of pigs and bacon being so cheap in this country, as to prevent the little farmers from rearing them with such profit as would remunerate him for his trouble, and, conse quently, we have a much less quantity for our markets, which, if otherwise, would enable many of our people to obtain a profit that would assist him to pay the high rents for his land, which the Irish, who rear and sell those pigs, know nothing about. By these means, the poor of England will, in a few years hence, be as poor as they are in Ireland, because their corn, pigs, &c., can be sold for much less than we can bring them to market. — J. M. Bath. — The land is well cultivated, and the pastures are stoked all the winter, as in Devon. The buildings in this place and neighbourhood are very regular, and constructed with stones taken from the adjoining quarries, so that the greatest uniformity is observed. A book, called " A Guide to all Watering and Sea-bathing Places," printed in 1806, relates, that Richard Nash, Esq., master of the ceremonies at Bath, was called King of Bath. His codes serve to display his character as a man of whim, taste, and knowledge; Under his administration, rao j-abA, or dignity, had any influence. He desired the Duchess of Queensbury, yvhb appeared at a dress ball, in an apron of point lace, worth five hundred guineas, to take it off ; which she did, and at the same time, requested his acceptance of it. Another time, the Princess Amelia requested to have one dance more, after eleven o'clock. He replied that the laws of Bath, like those of Lycurgus, were unalterable. To shew his gallantry, he took up a gentleman by his breeches aiid the collar of his coat, and threw him over into one of the baths, in consequence of his improper observations to a lady, whilst bathing, quite naked , which was then cus- A. D. 1834.] DEVONSHIRE. 237 tomary. The gentleman sent him a challenge, and a duel took place, by which Mr. Nash was wounded in the pistol-hand. My authority farther states, that both sexes used to bathe to gether, quite naked, and not in private. Mr. Nash drove a carriage with six beautiful grey horses, and several out-riders. The Prince of Wales, the Prince of Orange, and the nobility, gentry, &c., all treated him with the greatest respect. His picture is in the assembly-rooms. He died in I76I, and was buried, at the expence of the corporation, in the Abbey Church, with much pomp ; and was succeeded by Mr. Collet. The public baths, and also the King's and Queen's baths, and the hot baths, are furnished with every accommodations for health and luxury ; but privately and separately. The first discovery of these baths, was 863 years before Christ ; and 2698 years since, up to 1835. OBSERVATIONS. What a change since both sexes bathed together, at Bath, and other places in England. Modesty is now properly ob served, and endeavours to keep pace with religion. Slavery, as I have shewn, was once the trade of Bristol, in a public market, and since of the Indies, but is now abolished. La dies, too, now wear fringed trowsers down to their ancles, for fear of shewing their legs. Machines with guides are used for bathing, and the authorities at watering places prevent persons from bathing improperly. So far, we are improving. Bath is a beautiful place ; with elegant buildings, and noble streets. The land is well cultivated ; the stock good, and pastured, as in Devon, aU the winter. Devises is in Gloucestershire. The lands on this road have much larger fields, and are cultivated by men of capital and respectabUity. The land is light and stony for many miles. In the town we were amused by seeing the town bea dle in a peculiar dress, in conformity to an ancient custom (or charter). He had a red cap, in shape hke a hunting cap 238 DEVONSHIRE. [a. d. 1834. and a jacket of various colours. On a plain of some extent, consisting of rough grass, is the shape of a large horse, cut out many years ago, by a shepherd's boy, on the side of a hill. The land being poor, the grass has never grown since the turf was taken away ; consequently, this white horse is seen for a considerable distance in several directions, and is likely to remain so. It is exceedingly well done ; and the hill, or place, is called White-horse Hill. As we approached to ward London, I discovered we had got into Berkshire, by the well managed lands, which denoted that a wealthy population resided in the neighbourhood ; and I regretted very much, that my time would not permit me to make any calls on my friends. We passed through Reading, and proceeded by Bushy Park, to London ; and, having reached the Spread Eagle, I had my box taken to Jack's Coffee House, Mark Lane, where I had, on all occasions, found good accommoda tions by the same person for thirty-one years. Occupying my old quarters for two days, and visiting several of my friends, I proceeded on the third, for Canterbury ; thence to Mar gate, and then to St. Peter's ; and what I felt, I cannot de scribe, after an absence of eleven months from my native place, and the house I was born in, and where I had con stantly resided, until this excursion. a. d. 1835. j new poor laws. 239 ST. PETER'S. On the 17th of March, 1835, I arrived at my native-place, having returned from my long tour into Devonshire. I was most happy to find my family in good health, and myself sur rounded by manj' kind neighbours. I soon discovered that, during my absence, many alterations had been made in several families ; and a variety of circumstances had occurred to change the general order of matters. The Rev. E. L. Sut ton, our late respected vicar, was dead ; in consequence of which, neither the Rev. G. Masters, D.D., our curate, nor the Rev. C. G. Davies, of Broadstairs, would be wanting in future. This was a very unexpected change. The New Poor Laws, also, made a very great alteration in our parochial matters ; and, as they are not generally understood, I shall introduce some portion of them for the information of my readers. The Reform BUI having passed, the Poor Law Commissioners were appointed, and the following Rules were published : — To all to whom these presents shall come. We, the Poor Law Commissioners for England and Wales, send Greeting. Whereas, in pursuance of the powers given to us, in and by an Act passed in the fourth and fifth years of the reign of his present Majesty King William the Fourth, intituled "An Act for the Amendment and better Administration of the Laws relating to the Poor in England and Wales," we, the Poor Law Commissioners for England and Wales, ap pointed under the said Act, did, by an Order under our hands and seal, bearing date the , order and declare that the parishes and places named in the margin of the said order, which are situated in the count .... of , being the same which are now named in the margin at the foot of this page, should, on the day of be, and thenceforth should remain, Junited for the administration of the laws for 240 new poor laws. [a. d. 1835. the relief of tlie poor : And further, that on tlie day of , in the manner therein mentioned, the said parishes and places should re spectively electa Guardian or Guardians for the said Union. And whereas, by the said Act, it is provided that the Poor Law Com missioners shall prescribe the duties of Guardians, and shall also, as and when they shall see fit, direct the Guardians of any Union to appoint such paid officers, with such qualifications as the said Commissioners shall think necessary, for superintending or assisting in the administration of the relief and employment of the poor, either within or out of a Work house, and for the examining and auditing, allowing or disallowing, of accounts in such Cnion, and otherwise carrying the provisions of the said Act into execution : and the said Commissioners are thereby em powered to define, and specify, and direct the execution of the respective duties, and determine the continuance in office or dismissal of such paid officers, and the amount and nature of the security to be given by, and regulate the amount of salaries payable to, such officers respectively, and the time and mode of payment thereof. Now know ye that, in pursuance qf the said provisions qf the said Act, We, ihe said Poor Law Commissioners, do hereby order, direct, and declare, that — 1 . Upon, and from and after, the said , the ordering and directing of all relief to the poor of the several parishes and places com prised in the Union constituted by the order hereinbefore recited, and the building, hiring, and providing of any workhouse, poorhouse, or other premises for the reception and maintenance of paupers therein, and the altering, improving, or enlarging the same, or any other existing work house or poorhouse within the said Union, and the regulation and ma nagement thereof, and the hiring or purchasing of land for such work house or workhouses, or for the employment of paupers therein, shall appertain and belong exclusively to the Guardians of the said Union ; subject, however, in all cases to the powers of the Poor Law Commis sioners for the time being, and such orders, regulations, rules, and directions, as are herein contained, or as may hereafter be issued by the said Commissioners : and saving and excepting such powers and autho rities as in the aforesaid Act are given or reserved to Justices of the Peace and Overseers of the Poor. 2. No Guardian shall have power to act in virtue of such office, except as a member, and at a meeting of the said Board of Guardians, and except A. D. 1835.] NEW poor laws. 241 as hereinafter is provided With reference to summoning extraordinary meetings of the Guardians, and except also as in the aforesaid Act is excepted . 3. All the powers and authorities hereby or by the said Act granted to or vested in such Guardians, shall and may from time to time be exercised by the major part of the Guardians who shall attend at any meeting to be holden as is herein directed : but no act of any such meeting, except for the purpose of adjourning the same, shall be valid, unless three Guar dians at least shall be present and concur therein. 4. The Guardians shall at their first meeting elect out of the whole number of Guardians a chairman and a vice-chairman, who shall conti nue to act as such until the next annual election of Guardians shall take place; and at every meeting during the year the chairman, or in his absence the vice-chairman, shall preside; and if at any meeting the chairman and vice-chairman shall be absent, the Guardians present shall elect a chairman of that meeting : And when there shall be an equal num ber of votes upon any question, including the vote of the presiding chair man, he shall have a casting vote. MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF GUARDIANS. 5. The first meeting of the Guardians shall be held at on the 183 . . . ., and shall commence at ten o'clock in the forenoon ; at which meeting every Guardian is hereby required to attend : but if three Guardians be present at such first meeting, the non-attendance of the remainder shall not invalidate the proceedings of such meeting. 6, The Guardians shall meet once at least in every week at for the execution of their duties, and shall, at their first meeting, deter mine upon some fixed day of the week, and some fixed hour between eight o'clock in the forenoon and two o'clock in the afternoon for holding such weekly meetings, and also on some convenient place for holding the same, 7. Notice of the first of the said weekly meetings, and of the place, day and hour fixed for holding the same, shall be given in a manner here inafter directed ; but it shall not be necessary to give notice of any other than the first of such weekly meetings. 8. If three Guardians be not present at any weekly or other meeting, the Guardian or Guardians who shall be present shall adjourn the same to the next day of weekly meeting, or to such other day previous to the next weekly meeting, as he or they shall think fit ; and, thereupon, the H h 242 NEW poor laws. [a. d. 1835. clerk shall make an entry in the minute book of the adjournment, and of the cause thereof; and in case no Guardian shall attend, the clerk shall make an entry of such failure of attendance ; provided, that, in either case, one hour and no more shall be allowed to elapse from the time fixed for the commencement of the meeting before any such entry be made as is above directed. 9. The majority of the Guardians present at any weekly meeting may, if necessary, adjourn the same, to the day of the next weekly meeting, or to such other day previous to the next weekly meeting, as they may think fit. 10. Any two Guardians, by a notice in writing according to the Form A, may direct the clerk to the Board of Guardians to sum mon an extraordinary meeting of the Board at any time by such notice as hereinafter is mentioned. 11. Notice of the first weekly meeting of the Guardians, and notice of adjournment of a weekly or other meeting, and notice of an extraordinary meeting, shall be given in writing according to the Forms B, C, and D, and signed by the clerk to the Board of Guardians; and two days, at least, before the day upon which the meeting to which such notice relates is to take place, the clerk to the Board of Guardians shall give or cause to be given to each Guardian resident within the Union, or cause to be left at his place of abode, a copy of such notice. 12. If any case of emergency shall arise, requiring that a meeting of the Guardians should immediately take place, they, or any of them may meet, and act as if a regular notice had been given ; and may take such case into consideration, and give order therein, provided always that such order shall only be valid and have effect, until the next weekly meeting of the Board of Guardians. PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD. 13. At each weekly meeting of the Board of Guardians, the business shall be conducted in the following order : — Firstly. They shall read over the minutes of the preceding weekly meeting, and of any extraordinary meeting which shall have been held during the preceding week, and cause au entry of the same having been so read to be made in the minutes. Secondly. They shall dispose of such business as may have arisen out of the minutes so read, and give the necessary directions thereon. A. D. 1835.] NEW poor laws. 243 Thirdly, They shall consider and decide upon, and give the necessary directions respecting all applications which shall have been made since the last meeting, and also respecting the amount and nature of relief to be given or continued to the paupers upon the books of the parishes or places in the said Union, or within any of the workhouses thereof, until the next weekly meeting, or during such other time as such relief may be deemed to be necessary. Fourthly. They shall hear and consider applications of any paupers which maybe made at the existing meeting; but no such application shall be heard, unless such p;iupers shall have previously applied to the relieving officer for the parish from which such paupers claim relief. Fifthly. They shall determine the kind of work to be performed by the paupers, either in or out of the workhouse. Sixthly, They shall examine the books and accounts of the several re lieving officers, receive reports on the state of the workhouse or workhouses of the Union, and give all needful directions thereon. Seventhly. They shall give the necessary directions to the church wardens and overseers of the several parishes in the Union, for pro viding such sums as may be requisite for the relief of the poor of such parishes, and for defraying such proportion of the general ex penses of the Union, as shall be lawfully chargeable on such parishes respectively. Eighthly. The Guardians present, or the presiding chairman in their behalf, shall sign the minutes of the proceedings. APPOINTMENT OF CLERK, TREASURER, AND RELIEVING OFFICERS, 14. At the first meeting of the Guardians, or within one month after the same, the Guardians shall appoint a fit and proper person to be clerk to the Board of Guardians, and a fit and proper person to be treasurer to the said Union, and shall take such security for the proper discharge of the said office of treasurer as shall seem to them necessary and fitting ; and shall also appoint such and so many competent person or persons as the said Board of Guardians shall think fit, to be a relieving officer or relieving officers of the said Union, and shall likewise determine the parishes or places for which each such relieving officer shall act ; and in case and so often as any person so appointed shall die, or resign, or be removed, the said Board of Guardians shall, as soon as conveniently may 244 new poor laws. [a. d. 1835. be after such death, resignation, or removal, proceed in like manner to a new appointment; and the salaries of such clerk, treasurer, or relieving ofScers, shall be such as the said Poor Law Commissioners shall from time to time direct. 15. If any such clerk or relieving officer shall be at any time prevented by sickness or accident from the performance of his duties, the Board of Guardians may appoint a competent person to act as his temporary sub stitute. 16. If the Board of Guardians shall, in the event of any vacancy in the office of relieving officer or clerk, delay to make a new appointment, or to appoint a substitute in case of sickness or accident as aforesaid, the duties hereby required to be performed by such relieving officer shall in the cases aforesaid, and also in the mean time, and until the first relieving officer shall be appointed as herein directed, be performed by the over seers of the poor of the several parishes and places in the Union respec tively ; and the duties of clerk to the Board of Guardians shall in the like cases be performed by the vice chairman, or in his absence by some Guardian to be appointed by the chairman. 17. No person shall be chosen as such relieving officer unless he will undertake to reside in one of the parishes for which he may be appointed to act, and to devote his whole time to the employment, not following any other trade or profession whatsoever, nor unless he can read and write and keep accounts. DUTIES OF THE CLERK. 18. The following shall be the duties of the clerk :— ¦ Firstly. To attend all meetings of the Guardians, and to enter punc tually into a book at every meeting the minutes of all the proceedings thereat ; which minutes shall be submitted to the presiding chair man of the same for signature. Secondly. To keep all such accounts, books of account, minute books, and other memoranda, as the Board of Guardians may think neces sary, and as the Poor Law Commissioners may require. Thirdly. To conduct the correspondence of the Board of Guardians according to their directions; and lo make all necessary copies thereof, and preserve the same, and all letters and documents be longing to the Union. Fourthly. To give such notices of adjourned and other meetings of the Guardians as hereinbefore are mentioned. A. D. 183^.] NEW poor laws. 245 Fifthly. Generally to observe and fulfil all lawful orders and direc tions of the Board of Guardians ; and likewise the rules, orders, and regulations already or to be hereafter issued by the Poor Law Com missioners. DUTIES OF THE RELIEVING OFFICERS. 19. The following shall be the duties of each relieving officer: — Firstly. To attend all weekly meetings of the Guardians, and all other meetings when summoned for that purpose. Secondly. To receive all applications for relief, and to examine into the merits and circumstances of each case, and report the same to the Board at their next weekly meeting. Thirdly. In cases of sudden and urgent necessity, to give such tempo rary relief as each case shall require, either by placing the pauper in the workhouse, or affording relief out of the house, in articles of absolute necessity, but not in money; whether the applicant for relief be settled in any parish or place comprised in the Union or not. Fourthly. As soon as he shall have notice of the sickness of, or of any injury received by, any pauper in any of the parishes or places for which he may be appointed to act, he shall notify the fact to the medical officer, and in the mean time furnish such relief as the emergency of the case may call for; and shall also furnisVi such further relief, in or out of the workhouse, as the case, upon the certi ficate of the medical officer, may appear to require. Fifthly. To keep a separate, full, and true account of all monies re ceived and disbursed by him, for, or on account of the relief of the poor of each parish, for which he shall be appointed to act, and also of aU articles received and given out by him for the relief of the out door poor, and to balance such account weekly, and present the same for inspection and approval, at the meeting of the Guardians. Sixthly. To report to the Board of Guardians at their weekly meeting all cases in which relief shall have been given by the churchwardens or overseers of the poor of any parish or place for which he shall be appointed to act. Seventhly. To keep a- book in which he shall enter the name of, and other particulars relating to the paupers relieved out of the work house, and the amount of relief afforded to them respectively; and to produce such book for the inspection of the Guardians, at every weekly meeting of the Board. 246 NEW poor laws. [a. d. 1835. Eighthly. Once in every quarter of a year, as soon as conveniently may be after the respective days following, namely; Lady-day, Mid summer-day, Michaelmas-day and Christmas -day, he shall make out a list according to Form E, for each of the parishes or places for which he may be appointed to act, of the paupers who have received relief during the previous quarter, and of the relief afforded them in or out of the workhouse, and shall affix copies of such lists respec tively upon the principal doors of the parish churches of the parishes or places for which such lists are made; which copies shall remain so affixed for three successive Sundays. Ninthly. Generally to observe and fulfil all lawful orders and direc tions of the Board of Guardians, and likewise the rules, orders, and regulations already or to be hereafter issued by the Poor Law Com missioners. 20. DUTIES OF CHURCHWARDENS Aiv'D OVERSEERS OF THE POOR. Firstly. The churchwardens and overseers of the poor of every parish or place in the Union shall make, assess, and collect all rates which shall be necessary for the relief of the poor, and for defraying all other charges and expenses which by law now are, or hereafter may be, chargeable on the same ; and shall duly and properly satisfy all such charges and expenses; and shall, at the end of each quarter, submit to the auditor of the Union a distinct account and balance sheet, ex hibiting the amount so collected and the amount so disbursed. Secondly. They shall, from time to time, pay over from the rates so col lected, all such sums as by the authority of the Board of Guardians expressed to them in writing, according to the Form K, signed by the presiding chairman of any meeting and two other Guardians present at the same, and countersigned by the clerk, shall be directed to be provided from the poor-rates of their respective parishes for the necessary relief of the poor thereof, and for defraying such proportion of the general expenses of the Union, as shall be lawfully chargeable on such parishes respectively; and shall pay over such sums to such person or persons, at such times and places as by the same authority shall be directed, and shall take such per son's receipt for the same ; and shall produce such authority and such receipt as their vouchers for those payments before the auditor of the Union in passing their quarterly accounts. . D. 1835.] NEW poor laws. 247 Thirdly. They shall provide, at the expense of the parish or place, a Rate Book according to Form G : and shall duly and punc tually make the entries therein of the several matters men tioned in the headings of the several columns of the said Form; and every rate for the relief of the poor in such parish or place, and the allowance of such rate by the Justices, shall be recorded in the said Rate Book. Fourthly. If any churchwarden or overseer of the poor of any parish or place in this Union shall in any case of sudden and urgent neces sity deem it right that temporary relief to any pauper in articles of necessity, should be given out of the workhouse, such churchwarden or overseer shall, if possible, cause the same to be given by the re- relieving officer, for such parish or' place; but if such churchwarden or overseer shall give such relief himself, he shall forthwith report the same in writing to such relieving officer. Fifthly. If any churchwarden or overseer of the poor of any parish or place in this union shall be ordered under the 54th section of the Poor Law Amendment Act to give temporary relief in articles of absolute necessity, but not in money, to any poor person not settled nor usually residing in the parish, and shall give such temporary relief accordmgly, he shall forthwith report the same in writing to the relieving officer for each parish or place. Sixthly. If any churchwarden or overseer of the poor of any parish or place in this Union shall receive an order directing relief to be given to any person (duly certified under the hand and seal of one of the signing Justices, to be of his own knowledge wholly unable to work) without requiring that such person shall reside in any workhouse, he shall forthwith transmit the same to the relieving officer for his parish to be laid before the Board of Guardians at their next meeting, that the Board of Guardians may be enabled without delay to give to the relieving officer the necessary directions as to the amount and nature of the relief to be given. Seventhly. The churchwardens and overseers of the poor of the several parishes or places in this Union, are hereby enjoined in all things where their aid may be necessary or required by the said Guardians, or by any relieving officer acting under the directions of the said Guardians, to give their aid in carrying the orders of the said Guar dians into effect, and generally to observe and fulfil all lawful orders 248 NEW poor laws. [a. d. 1835. and directions of the Board of Guardians, and likewise the rules orders, and regulations already, or to be hereafter issued by the Poor Law Commissioners. RELIEF. 21. Immediately from and after the first meeting of the Board of Guar dians above directed, the Guardians of the Union, and the churchwardens and overseers of the several parishes and places comprised therein, and the relieving officers of the said Union immediately from and after the time of their appointment shall, to such extent as in the convenient and proper discharge of their several duties they may be enabled, observe and conform to, and carry into effect the following Rules and Regulations relating to the relief of the poor in the said Union ; and from and after the day of 183 , the said rules and regulations shall become peremptory and binding upon the patties above- mentioned, and shall not be departed from in any case, nor shall any relief be thereafter given from the poor-rates of any parish or place in the Union contrary thereto : — Firstly. No relief shall be given in money (except in cases of sickness or accident) to any able-bodied male pauper who is in employment, (the same not being parish work,) and in the receipt of earnings ; nor to any part of his family who shall be dependent on him, or for whose relief and maintenance he shall be liable. Secondly. If any able-bodied male pauper shall apply to be set to work by the parish, one-half at least of the relief which may be afforded to him or to his family shall be in kind. Thirdly. One-half at least of the relief which may be afforded to widows or single women not being aged or infirm, shall be in kind. Fourthly. No relief shall be given to any able-bodied male pauper by payment or payments, of, for, or on account of the rent for his house or lodging, or for the house or lodging of any part of his family who shall be dependent upon him, and for whose relief and maintenance he shall be liable, or by allowance towards such rent. Fifthly. Except in case of accident, sickness, or other urgent neces sity, no relief shall be afforded from the poor-rates of any parish or place comprised in the said Union, to any pauper between the ages of sixteen and sixty, belonging to any such parish or place com prised in the said Union, who shall not be resident therein : Provided always that this regulation shall not extend to any person not being A. D. 1835.] NEW poor laws. 24& an able-bodied male pauper between the ages of sixteen and sixty who shall, on the day herein appointed for the first meeting of the Guardians, be in the receipt of relief from any parish or place com prised in the said Union, although not resident in such parish or place, and although such person shall continue a non-resident : but in every such case due inquiry shall be made as to the propriety of such relief being continued. MEDICAL RELIEF. 22. The Guardians shall contract with some competent person or per sons duly licensed to practise as a medical man, to be the medical officer or officers of the said Union, and to attend duly and punctually ypon all sick paupers belonging to and resident within the Union, either in thy workhouse or otherwise, and to supply such sick paupers with necessaie medicines ; and such contract shall contain a clause, by which the said medical officer shall engage to attend, at a fair and reasonable charge per head, to be named in such contract, on all persons not belonging to any parish or place comprised in the ?aid Union, whom by law any such pa lish or place may be bound to relieve, whether under suspended orders of removal or otherwise. 23. The medical officer shall in every case, when required by the Guardians, or the relieving officer, or by the pauper on whom he is attend ing, give a certificate under his hand of the sickness of such pauper, or other cause of the attendance of such medical officer, the extent and na ture of such sickness at the time of giving such certificate, and its proba ble duration, and such other particulars as may show how far the appli cant is prevented from attending to his usual calling. 24. The medical officer shall make a weekly return to the Board of Guardians, according to the Form F, and shall also attend the Board of Guardians when summoned by them for that purpose. RELIEF BY WAY OF LOAN. 35. Any relief, or the cost price thereof, which the Board of Guardians shall, after due consideration of the circumstances of the case, think fit to give by way of Loan, to or on account of any able-bodied male pauper, between the ages of twenty-one and sixty; or to or on account ofhis wife, or any part of his family under the age of sixteen, shall be considered as a loan to such pauper, and shall be recoverable as such under the provisions of the Poor Law Amendment Act, 250 NEW poor laws. [a. d. 1835. PURCHASE OF PROVISIONS AND OTHER ARTICLES. 26. The Board of Guardians shall order and direct the purchasing of the supplies of bread and flour, and meat, and other articles required for use in the workhouse, or for the relief of the paupers out of the work house in such manner as may appear to such Guardians best calculated to prevent imposition, and to promote economical management ; and that with such view, snch purchases shall, so far as circumstances will allow, be made upon tenders, after public advertisement in one county news paper at least. ACCOUNTS. 27. The Guardians shall, at their first weekly meeting, or within one month of the same, appoint a competent person to be auditor of the ac counts, and immediately report such appointment to the Poor Law Com missioners ; and such auditor shall four times in every year, that is to say within thirty days of each of the following days, namely, Lady-day, Mid summer-day, i\lichaelmas-day,and Christmas-day, examine and audit, al low or disallow the accounts of the said Union, and of the several parishes comprised therein, according to the laws in force for the time being for the administration of the relief of the poor; and the said auditor, having audited the quarterly acount, shall with his own hand write a certificate of such audit at the foot of such account according to the Form H, and such accounts so audited, allowed, and certified, shall be open at all reasonable times to the inspection of the rate-payers of the parish or place to which such accounts relate. 28. That such auditor shall receive for the performance of such duty such sum as the Board of Guardians, with the consent of the Poor Law Commissioners, shall determine; and the auditor so appointed shall remain in office (unless he shall previously die, or resign) until he be removed therefrom by the said Commissioners, or by the said Board of Guardians, with the consent in writing of the said Commisssioners ; and in either of such cases, another auditor shall be in like manner appointed Given under our hands and Seals, this day of in the year One Thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty To the Overseers of the Poor and Churchwardens of the several Parishes and Places comprised within the Union, and to the Board of Guar dians of the said Union when constituted. For the parish of St. Peter's, Mr. John Mockett Cramp A. D. 1835.1 DEVONSHIRE. 251 and Mr. Thomas Christophers were chosen, and a very ar duous undertaking it was. The inhabitants, as weU as the paupers, felt great indignation at the power being placed in other hands, and our parish authorities losing, in a great measure, that which they had so long possessed. SECOND TOUR TO DEVONSHIRE. August 5. — Having made arrangements to visit my friends in Devonshire, again, 1 proceeded to Deal, for the purpose of going on board the Zephyr steam- vessel, from London to Topsham, which takes in passengers at Deal. I got on board about five o'clock in the afternoon, and on enquiry was told I should be landed at Exmouth, by seven or eight the next evening. As I am but a very inexperienced sailor, I chose a berth on deck, thinking I could encounter one night better there than by going below. It tumed out that we were two nights on board. Captain Speirs and his men were very at tentive to me in my illness ; but nothing did me so much good as the sight of the red cliffs, which convinced me that we were on the coast of Devon ; it cheered up my spirits ; as I was aware we should soon see Exmouth, which we did about six o'clock in the morning. Having arrived safely at my lodgings, in Bicton- street, a cup of coffee refreshed me, and I prepared to attend the regatta with my friends. It was a gay day ; all the fashionables of Devon were present, and I was introduced to several families. Exmouth is six miles from Teignmouth. The town is large, but the ancient part has narrow streets and low houses, which are mostly thatched. In Bicton-street and Bicton -place, there are good houses, and a magnificent church and steeple, built by Lord and Lady RoUe, in a superior style, where service is performed three times on Sundays, to a very full congregation. The Beacon HiU is a long range of elegant famUy houses. At the entrance 252 DEVONSHIRE. [a. d. 1835. is Ewin's Public Library, which is well attended. I used to go every day to read the papers, and met with some friends from Kent, and many others. Louisa Terrace is beautifully situated just beyond ; and a great many gentlemen's houses are building, called Adelaide Place, Lyon House, &c., on the road to Exeter, with gar- deijs. This town belongs to the parish of Littleham, a mile and a half in the country ; consequently the new Church is a Chapel of Ease to that parish. In order to give no offence, by having two faces to the new church clock, which could not be seen every way, there is none. The clock goes very well, and people know the time once in each hour, when it strikes. Here are good shops, and inns of every description and accommoda tion, and many of the best tradesmen I ever saw. The new houses are weU finished. The Church has been bmlt in a masterly manner, with good workmanship ; the organ and singing are both ex cellent. I regretted to see a second-hand Royal Arms put up, far too smaU for its situation, and evidently used on some for mer occasion of less importance. The Rev. Mr. Gatty, assisted by others, performs the duties much to the satisfaction of a crowded congregation. The re gulation of providing for the aged and other poor persons, by giving them the preference in the centre aisle, is well judged. The aged men are towards the pulpit ; others next, and the young last. The aged women, and others, are classed in hke manner, on the opposite side of the passage. The most re spectable inhabitants, trades-persons, &c., have pews round the church, and two large galleries. The river being so near, which ebbs and flows to a great distance, many persons are enabled to get their hving by col lecting cockles, and other shell fish, in abundance, which they seU in the town. Littleham is the mother church, one mile and a half in- A. D. 1835.J DEVONSHIRE. 253 land. The structure is very ancient ; a screen separates the two chancels, neither of which is ceiled. There are several good tablets in both ; the reading and clerk's desk are on one side, and the pulpit on the other, with a sounding board. The Royal Arms are dated 1731 ; the Rev. Mr. Pressgrave, Vicar. Here are tombs and tablets to the memory of the Rev. John Humphry, 1673 ; Thomas Trevihan, 1740, aged 88 years ; Mr. Henry Humphry, 1746, who left £50, to the poor, and on his tablet is a ship well executed on grey marble. Thomas Read, Rector, 40 years, 1706; Rev. Thomas Warren, Vicar, 16 years, 1772. Sarah Spry, died 1788, and left £100. in trust, for the inte rest to be given in shirts and shifts, to poor men and women, on Easter-day for ever. Two tablets to the daughters of Robert Peel, Esq. ; one 13, 1824, and the other 22 years of age, 1825. In the church-yard is a very handsome tomb, to the me mory of Frances Hubert, Countess Nelson, who died the 6th of May, 1831, aged 73 years. There are many tombs and grave-stones, of persons who died at Exmouth, which, being a watering-place, and having no burial ground, accounts for the great number. Hence it is filled to excess. In the church-yard is a very ancient house ; one room of which is used for a school, and for the vestry. The cottages round this neighbourhood are very old. There are some good farrns, occupied by Mr. Merchant, Mr. Francis Pearse, and others ; the orchards are well sheltered by Velry large elm-trees ; the roads are low and dirty. WiTHYCOMBE Church, or Chapel to St. John's, one mile from hence, has the duties done by the Rev. Mr. Trevor, twice on Sundays, and the singing in the country fashion. The altar-piece is very gaudy, in the Catholic style, with angels, candlesticks, &c. The pews are good, but have an earth-bottom, as have the aisles. The church was re-built in 1720. The font has a 254 DEVONSHIRE. [a. d. 1835. date 1661 and a curious wooden top. This Church is much frequented in consequence of the pleasant walk, and there be ing several good houses on the road to it. In September, two cows were reported to be seized with hydrophobia, belonging to Mr. Merchant. Mr. Land and my self walked over, and saw them in a shed, loose ; they looked very fierce, and had some slaver at their mouths ; they also refused water. Mr. Merchant was out ; so we could not ob tain the particulars ; we therefore caUed again on the llth, and found they had both been shot, as well as the shepherd's dog. It was much feared that other cows, or cattle, might also be taken iU ; but they were not. In this neighbourhood are brick fields and kilns, the only ones I have seen in Devon. Lymstone is a large viUage two miles hence. There are a great number of gentlemen's houses, beautifully situated, with good views of the river, and the country opposite. We walked over the church, which was enlarged in 1830, and re fitted. The duties were well performed by the Rev. Mr. Hull, to a good congregation. The Royal Arms have no date ; and there were no Scripture boards, nor commandments ; so I told them they could have ten from Wingham, in Kent ; for as they had twenty there, it was likely they would part with ten of them. It occasioned a laugh ; but I thought the observation, coming from a stranger, might induce them to have these mat ters done ; particularly if they should take me for an Archdea con, as once occurred in Berks, where one of the church wardens promised, that aU the matters I had pointed out should be attended to before the next visitation. a. D. 1835.] MEMORANDA. 255 MEMORANDA. October 5. — In consequence of being at so great a distance (more than 260 miles) from my native place, and feeling anxious for its welfare, I obtained intelligence from my youngest son, Charles, who is a good scribe, and who sent me the following particulars, which enable me to keep up my Parochial Journal. A meeting was held at Broadstairs, (not the vestry, St. Peter's,) on Monday, the 5th October ; the Rev. John Hodgson, Vicar, in the chair ; when the opinion of that meeting con sidered it higly advisable, that schools, in connexion with the National School Society, should be instituted in this parish, for the education of the children of the poor, in religious and useful knowledge, at a cost not exceeding one penny per week, for each child. October 12. — Another meeting was held at Broadstairs, when it was the opinion of the meeting, that schools, in con nexion with the National School Society, should be instituted in that parish, for the education of the children of the poor, in rehgious and useful knowledge, at a cost not exceeding one penny per week, each child : and a liberal subscription, to the amount of several hundreds, was set forth. December 31. — A meeting was held on Thursday, 31st De cember, at the vestry-room of St. Peter's Church, for the purpose of authorizing, so far as the parish may be concerned, the Vicar, and other parties, to use a piece of ground immedi ately adjoining the East end of the parochial Chapel, at Broad stairs, for the building, thereupon, a gallery, opening into the said Chapel, and schools for the education of the children of the poor, by means of voluntary subscriptions, and without any charge to the parish. It was resolved unanimously, " That this meeting do con sent to applications being made for a faculty, in the case of such being needed, on account of the erection of the whole. 256 DEVONSHIRE. [a. d. 1835. or any part, of the building, proposed to be raised, in the Chapel-yard, at Broadstairs, according to the preceding reso lution, &c. &c." Signed by a large number of parishioners. N.B. — The first stone of three National Schools, to be built at Broadstairs, according to the above resolutions, was laid on Friday, the 22d of April, 1836, by Miss Trecothick. Education has now become so general, that the poor begin to claim instruction for their children, beginning with infants, some of whom require a mother's care. Michael's observation, in the play of the " Adopted Child," (1 79.5,) may be apphed : — " He liked nature's independence, honesty." And then says — " Fine doings, to make poor people scholars ; and when they get it, I wonder who is to mind the ferry boat?" Sir Bertrand replies, " I have a fancy to have the boy edu cated ; there's earnest of what I intend for you," (offering a purse,) to which Michael replies, " I'll starve first ; " throwing it away. Alorone is just by the turnpike-gate, as you come from Lympstone, into the Exeter road. It is a romantic building, and, like most other respectable houses, is thatched. The in terior is very curious, as every room is circular, and, the pan- nels being in imitation of the doors, strangers are so deceived, as to render it difficult for them to find the door. This is the case in all the rooms. The offices are very good, and so are the gardens; there is a beautiful park -hke lavm, in front, in the occupation of Miss Barminter, somewhat advanced in years, having a lady as her companion. She keeps a good estabhshment, and fuUy enjoys the comforts of a retired life. The situation commands the most unbounded sea and land views, which are beautiful beyond description. On the estate is a Chapel of the Calvinist persuasion, in a a. D. 1835.] DEVONSHIRE. 257 circular form, with four cottages, or alms-houses, containing very comfortable apartments, for four aged women, each of whom has ten pounds per year, besides house-rent. The walls are decorated with shells, of various shapes, in the most tasteful manner. There is a garden to each house ; in one of them, were strawberries in blossom, on the 14th of December. The Chapel, or place of worship, is called " The point in view;" the Minister has a neat, good family house to reside in, and a salary of £70., per year, and does duty twice on a Sun day, and once in the week. Some years since, the family of this lady came from France, and built these places, and endowed them. Mount Pleasant. — A village just over the water to Daw lish, and Teignmouth, consisting of a few good houses, and an inn, called Mount Pleasant, where all the boat-men land, or take passengers ; many of whom walk from Dawlish over the Warren, and refresh themselves here, before they proceed. It was here, one night, that in consequence of a storm, none of the boats would venture to cross the river, and I was obliged to stop till the morning. Here are very good accommodations, and the house is much frequented by sportsmen, watermen, and their passengers, to and from Dawlish, Teignmouth, Tor quay, and other places. Paington. — The Church is 139 feet long, and 43 in breadth, and has a fine stately tower. It belonged to the see of Exeter before the Conquest, and is ranked amongst the most fruitful manors in the county. It is three miles from Torquay. The trade in cyder is carried on to a great extent. Small vessels bring coals, and take, in return, the produce of the orchards. ToRR Abbey is a sort of rocky island, approachable at low water. It is separated from a projecting chff by the sea; K k 258 DEVONSHIRE. [a. d. 1835. much corroded by the saline spray in the upper parts, and undermined and excavated by the surge below. Here is the immense cavern, called Kent's Hole. There are three entrances ; two lateral, and another in front ; the roof may be nearly thirty feet high, and the length 130 feet. Bradninch. — This is a smaU Corporation tovra, govemed by a Mayor, &c. ; there are several paper mills. In 1666, the town was nearly consumed by fire. Its church is dedicated to St. Deny's. The greater part of the place belongs to the Duchy of Cornwall. Ford is a mile South of Newton Abbot, and belongs to the Courtenay famUy. It was built in the reign of James I.. In 1625, Charles I. took up his abode here. The situation of Ford House is retired, and truly delightful, in the midst of a beautiful lawn. One day, after dinner, he conferred the honor of knighthood, on Richard Reynell and Thomas Rey- well, in the presence of their wives, and divers lords and ladies, saying unto them, " God give you joy." Near Ford is the widow's house, bearing this inscription : — " Its strange a phophet poor should be : If strange, then is the Scripture strange to thee." This was founded by Lady Lucy, wife of Sir Richard Rey nell, for the reception of four clergymen's widows, each of whom was to receive an annuity of £5. per year ; and, to en title them to the residence and annuity, "They shall be noe gadders, gossupers, talkers. Tale-bearers, nor given to reproachful words ; Nor abusers of anye, and no man may be Lodged in any of these houses, nor any beer, Ale, or wyne, be found in them." This house is now the residence of Ashford Wise, Esq. In the vicinity is Stover House and Bradley House. The elegant residence called Haccomb House, is occupied by Sir Henry A. D. 1835. I DEVONSHIRE. 259 Carew, bart. Ugbrook, is the seat of Lord Clifford, and dis plays a beautiful intermi.vture of wood, rock, lawn, and water. The canal and raUway remain private property, in the hands of his Grace the Duke of Somerset. The principal traffic is in coarse clay, (shipped from Teign mouth, for the Staffordshire potteries) and granite, of which some thousand tons are annually exported to London, and other places. Powderham Castle, near the river Exe, is supposed to have been built in the year 970, to prevent the Danes from coming up the river to Exeter, when they landed at Teign mouth, or else by William de Ore, a noble Norman, who came to England with the Conqueror, to whom the King gave Pow derham. The park and plantations are about ten miles round. The red deer are numerous, and the timber very fine, particu larly the oaks. The present Earl employs a large number of persons on the grounds, whom we saw making improve ments. The late Earl having recently died in France, his fur niture, books, &c., were sold, to the amount of £120,000. which was directed, by his will, to be given to his butler ; all the other servants were provided for very liberally, during their lives. Belvedere, a high tower, stands very conspicuously on the hill, in the park. If he should reside here, and spend good part of his large income, (£60,000. per year,) it will be nefit the whole neighbourhood. The Church is small, but neat ; the tower square, and has three bells. Having spent a delightful day here, walking round the house, and in the beau tiful gardens, we proceeded to Kenton. Kenton has a very good Church, particularly well fitted up. The pulpit is ancient and well carved. The screen is of good workmanship ; the pews are numbered ; those for the poor, in the centre aisle, are on the right, marked " Men's free seats," and on the left, arc " Women s free seats." The tower is 260 DEVONSHIRE. [a. D. 1835. lofty, and buUt of square stones, of good workmanship ; the clock has a date 1820, with a face ; not Uke Exmouth, without one. This parish is large, and the inhabitants respectable. In the neighbourhood, are many gentlemen's residences ; for, as it is the road from Torquay, Teignmouth, &c., to Exeter, the stages present a great accommodation. From hence we walked to Starr Cross, to the Courtenay Arms, and took a boat to Exmouth. Mamhead is two mUes from Kenton, a mansion built by Sir Peter BaUe, an eminent loyalist, who died 1680. The fa mily of Nightingale succeeded. A tragi<:al event occurred in these grounds, by Mrs. Nightingale being struck dead by light ning, and falling into her husband's arms as they were walking. In 1823, the estate was sold to B. W. Newman, Esq., who re presented the city of Exeter. He has erected a new mansion with a handsome terrace. The edifice has four fronts, and re flects the highest credit on the designs of the architect, A. Salvin, Esq. BovEY. — Here are rocks of granite ; also at Hennock, and Lustleigh. On Bovey Heath field, the perpendicular depth of the strata, is about seventy feet ; and from eighteen inches to four feet thick. In Teigngrave are many tin works, some very ancient. Pipe-clay and potters'-clay, in the vale of Kingsteignton, are from fifteen to twenty feet deep ; and from ten to twelve thou sand tons are annually sent to Teignmouth, and thence for warded to London, and Liverpool, to supply the potteries. St. John's. — From its remote situation, this is caUed " St. John's in the Wilderness." Here is one of the most ancient churches in Devon, or in England ; there are no pews, but staUs ; the pulpit, communion table, and font, are origmals in deed ; the bier also is about the same date. In fact the biers in this county, are different from those in Kent, and have hoops to lay on the paUs. A. D. 1835.J DEVONSHIRE. 26l In the tower is a bell dated 1055, with a fine strong frame ; the names on it are Thomas Churchill, and S. Drake, church wardens. This led me to suspect the date, as there were cer tainly no churchwardens so early as the eleventh century ; and on closer inspection it appeared as if the top of a figure of six had been cut off, which made it an 0. If so, the date should be 1655, instead of 1055. When I got home to din ner, I referred to my memoranda and found that church wardens were appointed in 1 123, so that the point is clear that a trick had been practised. The timbers of the floor are suffering much, for want of a little expence to keep out the rain. I found that in conse quence of Withycombe Chapel of Ease being in this parish, the minister does the duty there ; nothing being done here but the celebration of marriages and funerals, which in some mea sure accounted for the neglected state in which everything was. Near the communion is a grave-stone, to the memory of Mary Rix, 1726, aged 92 years, highly spoken of as to her good qualifications ; some neat marble tablets to the memory of the Webbers, 1809 ; Bourke, Esq., 1815; Rice, Esq., 1816, &c. In the church-yard is a grave- stone, with others enclosed, (to appearance a portion of the original church, which has evi dently been in part taken down,) to the memory of Mary, wife of William Hullnow, who, by her will, left 20s. per year to wi dows, and to old maids 2s. each. There are a great number of tombs, and grave-stones ; one of the former is to the memory of Mr. Eadmead, surgeon, formerly of Greenwich, Kent, da ted 1808. The church-yard is full of brambles and rubbish, and may well be called a " wilderness." It certainly has all the appearance of a neglected place of worship. There were many flowers out in blossom, growing round the church-yard, bearing yellow berries ; some of these I gathered for my friend to ornament his mantle-piece with, and the remainder I kept to carry into Kent, to be sown, and the plant to be called " St. John's." N. B. I beg to observe they have been carried to St. 262 DEVONSHIRE. [v. D. 1 835. Peter's, and sown in the garden of HopeviUe farm. — March 1836. Sidmouth. — This is a very ancient town ; there is a fine old Church, in good order ; and from the increase of poptda- tion, the church-yard, like that of Littleham, is ftdl of graves. It appears to me very extraordinary that these two burial- grotmds are not enlarged, or that others are not provided, by purchasing fields for the purpose. This town is like Exmouth, Dawlish, and Teignmouth, as a watering place. Here are li braries, public rooms, very good inns, and some fine shops ; in fact, Sidmouth possesses every necessary accommodation. The place is much indebted to the attractions of Knowle Cot tage, the much admired marine viUa of T. L. Fish, Esq., by whose liberality the public have permission every Monday (if fine), from July to October, to view the superb coUection, gra tis. The road to the Cottage is overshadowed by an exube rantly rich foilage for a considerable distance. At the end of this very delightful walk, it may fruly be caUed a fairy spot. The grand suite of rooms, one himdred feet in length, with two elegantly painted glass bay v\indows, which give light to the splendid apartments. Here are vast collections of unpa- raleUed costly articles, arranged upon seventy tables, large and smaU, placed up the centre, and on the sides ; comprising su perb Geneva, and Parisian clocks, (the face of one represent ing a sun flower). Select specimens in bronze, fiUagree works, incomparable fine Dresden, and oriential china figures, carved ivory, rare boxes of Florentine, Mosaic, alabaster, and artificial flowers, &c. Near the centre of the room, is an elegant basin ewer, of opal, which cost 300 guineas, manufactured at Dres den, for the Empress Catherine of Russia. In the windows, ai-e fine paintings upon glass, much admired ; over the chim ney-piece is a fine portrait, (by Stewartson), of T. L. Fish, Esq., and in another part, there is one of Thomas Fish, Esq., his father. There ai-e also some fine pictures, pourti-ayiiig marriages, baptism, the sacrament, and eoiifirination, besides moonhght \ lews, sun-setting, &c. In the mornmg room, the A, D. 1835.] DEVONSHIRE. 263 large Gothic windows are embellished with paintings upon glass ; some of Harding's fine pictures on ivory, a chandelier, Dresden china, &c. In the recess, or alcoves, are some choice productions of Italian sculpture. Breakfast-room. — Here is an exquisite specimen of carved ivory, late the property of Josephine Buonaparte, which occupied a place in the chapel, at the Palace of St. Cloud. In this room is a matchless wonder of mechanism, in a glass case, consisting of a Chinese rope dancer, and two musicians. The exterior of the Cottage. — This truly romantic villa, was built by the late Lord De Spencer, in 1810, and is thatched, forming nearly a quadrangle. It contains forty rooms ; but Mr. Fish has considerably reduced their number, and made the house more comfortable as an abode. There is a verandah, 300 feet in length, and 12 in width, supported by superb oak pollards, at equal distances, and surrounded with ivy, myrtle, roses, &c. The upper lawn is exceedingly beau tiful. It has a fountain of marble, classically designed ; the basons containing a variety of gold and silver fish. Two green china vases, supported by pillars of the same antique taste. Along this front, are orange and lemon trees, bearing fruit in great perfection, together with many other superior and rare plants, which excite the admiration of all florists. The Conservatory is well stored with exquisite, and rare plants : among them a remarkably fine camphor tree, a native of Japan, from which exudes the camphor sold by the drug gists. The entrance, columns, and pediments of this Gothic archway, are formed of the most costly shells from each quarter of the Globe. The lower Lawn has a large American Aloe, upwards of 100 years old ; blossomed in 1826. Here, too, are some grand specimens of the hydrangia, one of which is 60 feet in circum ference ; also a grotto, and an elaborate piece of shell- work. 264 DEVONSHIRE. [a. d. 1S35. Aviary. — The domed aviary contains rare foreign birds. In its centre, is a foimtain, and an oval basin, containing gold and sUver fish. This part is decorated with splendid balsams, &e., in china vases. Park. — In the outer park, the kangaroos, from Botany Bay, are remarkably tame. They have bred upon the estate. We saw one of their young carried in the bag, or pouch of its mother. There was another which ran upon its hind legs in their usual manner, and jumped along at a great rate. There were also two Cape sheep, two small Indian buffalos, the gazeUe, Georgian axis, and other deer. Among the birds were two black swans, two splendid macaws, two crown birds, paroquets, cockatoos, parrots, gold and siver pheasants, a fine pehcan of the wilderness, and two emeus, which stand seven feet high, and can out-run greyhounds. Remarks. — The treasures of Knowle Cottage, and the ex pense incmTcd by Mr. Fish, in amassing so great a coUection of curiosities, are reported to be " one hundred and forty thousand In every room, and at every part of the premises, there are men or maid-servants to attend upon the visitors, but by no means to receive any gratuity. In fact, as the men are out of hvery, and as the females are aU weU dressed, they are not generally known ; which is a protection to the articles. Tlie greatest order prevaUs, though there are six or seven hundred persons, some days, not only from Devon, but from London, and every part of the kingdom, which is a great be nefit to Sidmouth, by causmg plenty of money to be spent there. The road from Exmouth is very narrow and hilly, for some miles ; the viUages denote poverty, except Otterton, in which some large horse -chesnut trees in a row, hung close to our carriage as we passed. The Church stands on high ground, and appeared to be a good one. Just before we reached Sidmouth, the scenery was very beautiftd. The gen tlemen's houses are delightfully situated, and the traveUer ap- A. D. 1835.] DEVONSHIRE. 265 pears quite above the town. The descent is very bad ; but as it is only a short distance, people, in general, get out, and walk. The sea comes up here, just as it does at Dawlish ; their bathing machines, &c., also resemble their's, without any hood, like those at Broadstairs, &c. I endeavoured, when residing at Teignmouth, to prevail on them to have hoods and curtains, as in Kent, but could not succeed. To conclude this excur sion, I must confess, we had a delightfully pleasant day, and the ladies were highly gratified ; indeed, it was impossible for any of us to be otherwise. N.B. — I forgot to mention another beautiful residence, that ofhis late Royal Highness the Duke of Kent, who died here, in 1820, immediately after the demise of his lamented father, George III. On the Western HiU, on the Peak, is the Signal House, erected during the war. The Fort Field has a flag, staff, and four pieces of cannon. Some of the paths have altogether an Alpine appearance ; and on Salcombe Hill, you may see forty miles, to the elevated points of Dartmoor. BvDLEiGH Salterton, — This place has a rivulet which runs through it, similar to Dawlish. It is four miles from Exmouth ; there is a sea-shore like other parts of Devon, and a parade for visitors. The lodging-houses are fitted up in style, with good accommodations, and are well filled. Here is a Chapel of Ease, built by Lord RoUe ; an inn, (" RoUe's Arms,") shops, and every thing requisite to make a retired hfe comfortable. St. Mary Clist is a small viUage, near Heavytree ; and close to the Church is Winslade House, the residence of Henry Porter, Esq. (late the residence of Lord Graves, one of whose daughters married — Cuthbert, Esq., of Stone House, Thanet, in St. Peter's parish). This is a princely mansion ; the grounds and gardens are dehghtful; the furniture superb; and everything in the most elegant style. L 1 266 DEVONSHIRE. [a. d. 1835. SowTON Clist is a small parish, about a mUe from St. Mary's. Here is a very small Church ; the tower nearly covered with ivy. A short distance from it is a mansion, called Bishop's Court, the residence of John Garrett, Esq., (son of Mr. Garrett, the large tea-dealer, London,) who, with his family and domestics, attend regulEirly at church, and are particularly kind to the poor. In this neighbourhood the sheep, oxen, cows, and hogs, were loose in a large enclosed field of turnips. Seeing such an unusual sight, I walked in, to have some conversation with a person I saw there on horseback, and who, I supposed, was the owner of the cattle. I mentioned the waste they must make, by running over the whole field at once. He observed, that what one head of stock spoiled, the other would eat, as they differed in their choice ; and the land was trod all over and manured alike. I remarked that we farmers, in Kent, folded our sheep, and carted turnips into the farm-yard for other cattle. He thought that was a great deal of unneces sary trouble ; for he had pursued this plan all his life, and considered it best ; so Mr. Hayward, a much older man than myself, was left to enjoy his own opinion ; but we agreed that 40s. per acre was by far too much for any arable land. I learned that St. Mary Clist took its name from the river Clist, as the rivers Teign and Exe gave names to places in their vicinity. Alphington is about a mUe from Exeter, on the Teign mouth road ; where I took lodgings for a week, to see the city and neighbourhood. I attended the church ; the Rev. Richard Hehcan took his text from the 3rd chapter of Genesis, 9th verse : — " And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him — Where art thou ?" He impressed on his congrega tion how necessary it was for them, individually, to ask them selves the same question ; and they would discover they were still in darkness, &c. &c. The church was well attended. In the front of the gallery is a date 1 632 ; in the centre panel. A. D, 1835,] DEVONSHIRE. 267 the King's Arms ; and in the others are the arms of many families of former days. Over the west-door is a stone, neatly engraved, to the memory of Richard Cole, son of the present clerk, who was unfortunately struck dead in June, 1826, during a storm of thunder and lightning, aged 14 years. The event is thus recorded, to shew the uncertainty of life. The Church was so shaken by it, that it rent the walls, by which means a Catholic font was discovered near the communion table which had escaped observation, in consequence of its having been plastered, and whitewashed over, from time to time. Here are many ancient tombs and stones. The service is quite in the rural style, although but a mile from the city. In consequence of the women and girls being in the habit of walking into the church with their pattens on, to the annoy ance of the congregation, a board was placed over the inner door with these words — " Please to take off your pattens." This request was paid due attention to, and the people left them in the porch, instead of taking them in their hands to their seats. The consequence was, some wag cut off one ear from each ; so that about twenty persons had to walk home in the dirt, which taught them to take better care of their pattens in future. This trick put me in mind of an innkeeper, who was continually losing his boot-jack, at Hythe, in Kent. The waiter brought in a highly finished boot -jack for me, which attracted my notice, and I took it to look at, when I found it very heavy ; say 40 lbs. to 50 lbs. I naturally en quired the cause for having an iron boot-jack ; when the answer was — " Why, Sir, the gentlemen travellers from Lon don always used to carry master's proper boot-jacks away before he had this made on purpose to keep it; and prevent its being packed by mistake ; so this we have had for three years." The Vicars house is close by the church-yard, and is a good residence, pleasantly situated in the road from Teign mouth to Exeter. The pasture lands are very good round this neighbourhood. 268 DEVONSHIRE. [a, d, 1835. and so are the orchards. There is a remarkably well-stocked nursery ground, and extensively beautiful gardens, green and hothouses, &c., carried on with great spirit, and no expence spared to accommodate the public. During my stay here, I enjoyed much pleasure by walking in to see the beauties they contained, and the splendid way in which every thing was conducted. Yeomanry. — October 8th, 1835. — The Yeomanry, con sisting of nine troops, came to Exmouth, to perform eight days' duty ; Colonel, the Right Hon. Lord RoUe, who, with Lady RoUe, on horseback, accompanied by a great number of gentlemen, and others, attended. The horses are small, but active ; the yeomen middle-aged and of good conduct. It was a pleasing sight to see them at church, on the 1 1th, when his Lordship, with his venerable grey locks, and his worthy lady, walked up the centre of the church, which was crowded, from having upwards of five hundred persons added to the usual number of the congregation. On Wednesday, the 14th, they were reviewed on Woodbury Hill, a delightful and well adapted spot, with beautiful views of an extensive country. Our friend Mr. Land, surgeon, and family, accompanied us in a carriage to the ground, and we obtained a good situation to see the troops perform their ex ercise, which they did, with much credit, in a true military style, according to my opinion ; and, after thirteen years service as a yeoman of Thanet, my judgment may be considered cor rect. On the ground we saw the Earl of Devon, Sir E. S. Prideaux, Bart., Sir Walter Carew, Mr. Chichester, M. P. Sir John Duckworth, Bart., Sir T. Drake, Bart., Captain Rich, Captain Nesham, Mr. and Mrs. St. John, &c. Much credit was given to Captain Clark, their Adjutant. The day passed off uncommonly well. It was very amusing to see many of the yeomen's wives, and other women, on horseback, who appeared to have come some distance to see the review, and had rode, in turns, on one horse. A. D. 1835.] DEVONSHIRE. 269 A few days after, the officers enlivened the scene by having hurdle races. They left the town much regretted, and re turned to their respective homes. Bicton. — The mansion of Lord RoUe is very near this place. He is the proprietor of a large quantity of land, and estates, besides the greater part of Exmouth, called Bicton - place, Bicton-street, and the Terrace called Louisa Terrace, (after Lady RoUe) ; most of which are leased out for three lives. It is here that he and Lady RoUe built the noble Church I have mentioned ; and I hope they will put a face to the clock, that we may know the time oftener than once an hour, in case I should ever be there again. Bicton has a fine mansion, and a park with large venerable trees. This liberal benefactor, and his lady, are entitled to every praise for their marked attention and benevolence to the poor ; their liberality in supporting the worship of God, is shovim by erecting the highly finished Church, at Exmouth, and Chapels of Ease in other parishes. They are also munificent patrons of schools &c. In addition, his Lordship gave a splendid donation of £1,000. towards the subscription in aid of the Irish Clergy, be sides £1,000. and two five hundred pounds at Exeter, in Jan uary, 1836, to the Devon institutions and public buildings. The Church, at Bicton, is dedicated to the Holy Trinity ; is small, and placed in silence and solitude ; built in 1409- Woodbury Castle stands on the edge of a very high hill, and is deeply entrenched. The White Church, of Up Ottery, is a principal feature ia the distance. Passing Honiton, towards Monkton, the Church is secluded with firs. The roads are narrow, with a few cot tages. LuppiT is a small hamlet, where Dr. William Harris was bom, well known as a biographer. He wrote memoirs of James I., Charles I., Oliver Cromwell, Hugh Peters, and Charies II. CoLYTON is a compact little village, near Sidmouth. The Church is a large handsome structure. The tower has six 270 DEVONSHIRE. [a, D, 1835. beUs ; on the south side, is the burial place of the De la Poles, and on the north is the burial place of George Younge's famUy, and of Captain WUson, who discovered the Pelew Islands. Extraordinary Case of Accidental Entombment. — "Near the village of Dailly, A)rrshire, a man named John Brown, a native of Mid Lothian, about 60 years of age, em ployed in the coal works ; the roof set down, which inter cepted his egress, and confined him in this subterraneous abode from the 8th of October, to the 31st. At four o'clock in the morning of the latter day he was restored again to light and liberty, being thus twenty-three days without one morsel of food. When entombed, he had a smaU portion of tobacco, sufficient for one day's consumption, and two smaU flasks of lamp-oil. Some of the latter he attempted to swallow, but was unable to do so ; and the only sustenance he took, besides the tobacco, was a strong chalybeate water, within the range of his prison, which was very bad indeed. He never despaired of tdtimately escaping ; he calculated his time by the noise of the workmen, at stated intervals. His feelings of hunger left him after the second day. When he was foimd, he was ex tended on the ground on his breast, nearly dead, his extremi ties cold, and his voice reduced to a whisper. His dark, un shaven beard, sunken features, and glistening eyes, gave him an unearthly appearance ; his pulse was regular, and he put out his hand to Dr. Hills, and asked him to return thanks to God for his deliverance. In consequence of great care as to his diet of milk, &c., he recovered. It is singular that, on a former occasion, he was entombed in another coal-pit, for three days and three nights, which in some degree, perhaps, composed his mind during the twenty -three days above stated. A. D. 1835.] DEVONSHIRE. 271 Fire at Hatfield. — This noble mansion, one of the oldest in the kingdom, was burnt down, and the lamented Marchioness of Salisbury perished in the flames. It is stated, that the fire broke out in her room ; and it is supposed she was writing letters before dinner, and her cap caught the can dle ; and, although every assistance was rendered, the flames could not be stopped, until nearly the whole was consumed. Notwithstanding there were one hundred and fifty labourers employed in clearing away the rubbish, the unfortunate lady's bones were not found for several days, when they were in part discovered, and buried at Hatfield, with great solemnity, at tended by her family, friends, and neighbours. She was of great age, and very much respected. Barracks, originally, were huts, or a lodge, for soldiers in a camp. In 1739, they are mentioned as permanent buildings for the lodging of troops. From 1793, to November the 1 0th, 1804, a time of war with France, the expenditure in Great Britain, for building barracks, amounted to £4,115,383. 6s. ifd. From November the llth, 1804, to December the 24th, 1819, it cost for Great Britain and Ireland, including the artillery, £3,220,857. 17s. 5d. Plymouth, one of the largest maritime towns in England, and a place of considerable antiquity, is situated at the mouth of the river Plym. In 1389, the French burnt a great part of the town, but were repulsed, with a loss of five hundred men, by Hugh Courtenay. St. Andrew's Church is particularly in teresting, and has been erected, at least, five hundred years, and contains many curious monuments. The organ is supposed to surpass all that are in the West of England. In 1823, a Chapel of Ease was built, and in 1828 applications were made for two new Churches, one for St. Charles, and the other for St. Andrew, which the Commissioners readily granted. The Victualling Office is an extensive range of buddings, where, in one day, they could bake bread for one thousand six hundred men, at one pound for each. 272 DEVONSHIRE. [a. D. 1835. The Harbour is capable of receiving one thousand sail of ships. The Royal Hotel and Theatre were built in 1812. The Guildhall is a modern structure, of a triangular form. The Exchange is a place of general resort, built in 1813. A spacious piazza surrounds an open area, which contains the Reading Room, Chamber of Commerce, Marine Insurance Office, Oil Gas Company, and the Steam Packet Company. The Market is very convenient. The Mechanic's Institution was formed in 1826, to which C. Greaves, Esq., gave one hun dred pounds. There are also a public hbrary, the Freemason's Hall, and Auction Mart. Among the numerous charitable institutions. The Household of Faith is not one of the least remarkable. It owes its origin and support to the late Rev. Dr. Hawker. The Grammar School was erected in 1573. Here are two mail coaches for London every day. Hackney coaches and other carriages. The population in 1821 amounted to 30,998 persons. In the year 1654, a special order was directed to the Mayor from Oliver Cromwell, then Protector, that, in future, aU per sons were to be married in the Guildhall, by the Mayor and Justices. A remonstrance, in a very submissive style, was ex hibited against it ; but the order was made peremptory, on the ground that marriage " was a civil contract." N.B. — What would the people of England say to this now (1835) ?— J. M. BucKLAND MoNACHORUM has E Very handsome Church, which contains the monument of Lord Heathfield, the gaUant defender of Gibraltar, executed by J. Bacon, R. A., 1795. He was the seventh son of Sir Gilbert Elhot, Bart., and closed a brUliant career with immortal glory. In another vault is Sir Francis Drake and family. BiDEFORD.— Neither the age of the Church, nor the name A. D. 1835.] DEVONSHIRE. 273 of its Saint, is known. It originally formed a cross. The tower is square, and about 70 feet in height, containing six bells, which, from being so near the river, has a very harmo nious sound. The treble has for its motto : — " Peace, and good neighbourhood." The tenor : — " I to the Church, the living call, " And to the grave I summon all." In 1785, the Church was enlarged, and will accommodate two thousand persons. It is a small sea-port town ; the streets are of a good breadth, and being in a sloping direction, it is much cleaner than towns in general. Here are an ancient free Grammar School, Sunday Schools, anda Bank, openedin November, 1791. By a Charter, granted in 1610, the government is vested in a mayor, aldermen, and recorder. Appledore is a smaU sea-port town, three miles below Bideford. It was here that Hubba, the Dane, landed, in the reign of Alfred, by whom he was discomfited and slain, with 1,200 men, before Kenny Castle. This memorable spot adjoins the grounds of Thomas Hogg, Esq., in whose mansion is a tablet to record the important victory. There are boats from Barnstaple, with goods and passengers, three times every week. Barnstaple stands on the east side of the river Taw, in a broad and fertile vale. It is a very ancient place. At the time of the Conquest, there were forty burgesses. The pri vileges were confirmed by a Charter, which was granted by James I. The Church is an ancient Gothic structure, in the centre of the town, in which there is a fine toned organ. Here are Charity Schools for boys and girls. Gay, the poet, was bom in the vicinity, in 1688. The North Devon Friendly Institution was estabhshed in April, 1825, for the benefit of the working classes. M m 274 DEVONSHIRE. [a. d. 1835. Besides the fairs and markets held here, there are the North Devon Cattle Shows, in AprU and December. The population in 182 1 , amounted to 5,079 inhabitants, but since it has been resorted to as a sea-bathing place, it has won derfully increased. The principal seats are, the Castle HiU, and the beautiful residence of Earl Fortescue. Wrestling. — The men of the moors in Devon, and the ad jacent county, are famed for wrestling, and this practice has not declined. The two champions step forth, stripped to their doublet and hose, and shake hands in token of friendship ; whoever overthroweth his mate, is accounted to give the fall. Silver prizes are given for this, and other feats of agility, by the Carew famUy and others. Ilfracombe. — There are several villas beautifully situated upon the eastern bank of the river Taw. Tavistock is a large and populous town, where manufac tures of serge and woollen cloths are carried on. The mining business, and tin melting, together with the iron foundry, afford employment to many of the inhabitants. The Church is a large building, and the once celebrated Abbey has some remains. In a stone coffin, dug out of the ruins, are some human bones, of gigantic size, supposed to be those of Adulph, whom William of Malmesbury describes as being of such im mense stature, that he could stride over rivers ten feet wide. The Duke of Bedford built a free school, in 1822, at his own expence, and gave £1 00. towards a new road to Launceston. In the same year, an elegant building, in the Greek style, was opened as a public library, by a number of gentlemen. The EJpke of Bedford has built a handsome house on the banks of the Tamar, of a very singular description, with verandahs, where each person of the family, has his separate lodging under a separate roof. Devonport is a large town, indebted for its rapid increase to the establishment of the Dock-yard and Naval Arsenals. A. D. 1835. I DEVONSHIRE. 275 The town and Dock-yard are defended by strong fortifications ; the streets are regular and wide ; the foot-paths are paved with variegated marble, obtained in the neighbourhood, and presents a beautiful appearance. In 1817, a new Chapel was opened, in the Dock-yard ; it is a fine specimen of modern Church architecture. The rigging- house is a handsome build ing, four hundred and eighty feet long ; the geometrical staircase is admirably wrought. The blacksmith's shop is two hundred and ten feet square, and has forty-eight forges for anchors, &c., which, when at work, consume one thousand, three hundred chaldron of coals in a year. The largest anchor weighed five tons, worth £360. The largest cables are twenty-five inches in circumference, and one hundred fathoms long, worth £400., and contain three thousand, two hundred and forty yarns. The diversity of em ployment, ingenuity and activity, exhibited in the various de partments of a Dock-yard, presents a very interesting spec tacle. Diving Bell. — Among the objects highly worthy of notice is the diving Bell, which is made of cast-iron, and weighs four ton, two hundred pounds. It is six feet long, four broad, and five high ; and contains one hundred and twenty cubic feet. There is nothing either difficult or hazardous in the use of this machine, provided care be taken, that the tackles, &c., are cor rectly arranged. The Granby and Marlborough barracks, with the magazines, excite much attention. The Market is held three times a week. The principal inns are EUiott's Royal Hotel, Weakley's Hotel, and the George Inn. Eddystone Light-house stands on a rock at the entrance of Plymouth Sound, about nine miles from the land. The many fatal accidents which happened to ships, suggested the propriety of erecting a Light-house, on that spot. Conse quently, in 1696, one was buUt by Mr. Winstanley, who, with great art and expedition, completed the work. 2/6 DEVONSHIRE. [a. D. 1835. In November, 1703, during a dreadful storm, it was blown down, and the ingenious builder, with several others, perished. It is stated, that when Mr. Winstanley was on the eve of departure for the rocks, some friends intimated the danger he ran. He replied, " that he was so well assured of the strength of his budding, that he only wished to be there in the greatest storm that ever blew under the face of the heavens, that he might see what effect it would have upon the structure." Most fataUy for the architect, his wishes were too amply gratified. Another was erected, which, while being repaired, in Decem ber, 1755, took fire, and was destroyed. While one of the men was looking up at the flames, a quantity of molten lead fell on his head, shoulders, and into his mouth. He died twelve days after, when a quantity of lead was found in his stomach, weigh ing seven ounces. In 1774, the present building was constructed by Mr. Smea- ton. It consists of four rooms, one over another ; and on the top there is a gaUery, and a lanthorn, which are much pro tected by a break-water. AsHBURTON. — The Church is a handsome building, with a tower ninety feet high. The chancel contains several stalls, like those in collegiate Churches. A curious incident hap pened at the new inn, kept by Mrs. Aldridge. A large oyster had expanded its jaws in a cellar; two mice, searching for prey, pounced on their victim, and seized it with their teeth : the oyster, shrinking at the wounds, closed its sheU, which crushed the marauders to death. .They were for some time exhibited as a curiosity by the landlady to her guests. A similar circumstance, of an oyster clasping a mouse with its shell, has been recorded in one of the epigrams of the Greek Anthology. The population of this place is upwards of four thousand; several eminent men have been educated in this Grammar School. Dartmoor is a wild tract of uncultivated country, twenty miles long, and about eleven broad ; containing thirty thousand A. D. 1835.J DEVONSHIRE. 277 acres. Many of the fragments, on the south side, wear the aspect of ruined fortifications. In a plain below Fox Tor, are still to be seen the remains of a gigantic tomb, erected about three centuries and a half ago, to the memory of John Child, of Plymstock, who perished in a snow storm, which overtook him while hunting on the moor ; and being benumbed with cold, he crept into his horse's belly for warmth, and wrote with its blood : " He that finds and brings me to ray tomb, " The land of Plymstock shall be his doom." He was found dead the next morning, and by his will he di rected that wheresoever he should be buried, to that Church his lands should belong, as he had no issue. His body being found by Tavistock men, the Plymstock people, to prevent his remains being buried there, resorted to the expedient of stopping the bridge, where the corpse was to pass. But they were deceived by a guile; for the Tavistock men, forthwith, built a slight bridge, and passed over at another place, without resistance ; buried the body, and enjoyed the lands. This immense waste is in the parish of Lydford, and was of old a Royal demesne. King John granted it to the Earl of Cornwalhs. The prison, built during the last war, for the re ception of prisoners, is at the end nearest to Plymouth, called Town Royal, or Prince Town. It has been known to contain 9,600 men during the war ; but since the peace of 1814, many of its dwellings are deserted. Mr. Tyrwhitt enclosed a part, and built an elegant house on it, for his residence, a few years since. N.B. — His example surely is worthy to be followed ; and the poor might also be accommodated on a liberal plan, in stead of their emigrating to other parts, which they do by thousands, and leave our own wastes uncultivated. J. M. Crediton. — The Church is an elegant structure, in the form of a cross. The tower is 100 feet high, near where stood 278 DEVONSHIRE. [a. d. 1835. the Cathedral formerly. In the Saxon times, no fewer than 12 Bishops had their seats here, between the years 924 and 1049, when the see was removed to Exeter. In 1743, four hundred and fifty houses were destroyed by fire; and in I769, the market and shambles, together with several houses, were similarly destroyed. In 1698, six hun dred houses were consumed; and in I6l2, the loss was esti mated at £35,000. In 1731, another fire destroyed two hun dred of the best houses, with several manufactories, to the amount of £150,000.; and on Whitsun eve, 1785, between sixty and seventy houses were burned. Here is a noble Free Grammar School, founded by Peter Blunder, a poor boy, who afterwards became a rich merchant. Bamfylde Moor Carew, king of the beggars, was brought up here, and educated at Blunder's school. He was a good scholar, (his father, at the time, being Rector of Bickley,) and, although descended from one of the most ancient families in Devon, and aUied to others, yet nothing could draw him from a hfe of MENDICITY. He died at a great age, and was buried in the adjoining parish ground (Cadleigh), his body not being permitted to be interred in the family vault of the Carews. A new Market-house has recently been erected, by subscrip tion, at a cost of £9,000. Plympton is of great antiquity, and, probably, one of the smaUest towns in the kingdom. Its charter of incorporation is far more ancient than that of Plymouth. It is stated, that " Plympton was a borough town. When Plymouth was a furzy down." In the GmldhaU dining-room are the portraits of George I. and II., Sir Joshua Reynolds (by himself), and several mem bers of the Corporation. In 1821, there were 100 houses, and 763 inhabitants. Sir Joshua, a native of this parish, evinced an early propensity for drawing, by copying some sketches, ' made by his elder sister, when only eight years of age. He was afterwards placed under Thomas Hudson, the A. D. 1835.] DEVONSHIRE. 279 most celebrated portrait painter of that time. By his literary and professional talents he exalted his own name, that of the arts, and of his country. He died 23rd February, 1792, and was interred in St. Paul's Cathedral, with every honour that could be shewn. His pall was supported by three Dukes, two Marquises, and five other noblemen. Dartmouth is a very considerable sea-port town, most delightfully situated near the river Dart. Here are three Churches, a new Town Hall, and a well constructed Market- house, built in 1829. The Harbour is very safe, and capable of containing 500 sail. An extensive trade is carried on with the Newfoundland fishery. The Castle defends the entrance ; and, with its round towers, presents a very prominent object. A new line of road has been constructed to Plymouth, by way of Dawlish, Teignmouth, Torquay, Paington, and Dartmouth. To the north lies the port of Torbay, the principal rendezvous of his Majesty's shipping. About two miles and a-half on the opposite side of the Harbour is Brixham. Brixham has the largest fishery in the kingdom, and is considered one of the finest nurseries for seamen. A new Church has lately been built, (which wiU hold 1,100 persons,) assisted by a grant of £1,200. from the Church Commissioners. There is a Literary Society and a good Reading Room, and many genteel residences. Upton-house is near ; and at Berry- head are some Barracks, which were erected last war. A Pier has also been built within these few years. No less than one hundred sail of vessels are employed here in the fisheries, for London, Bath, and Bristol markets. ToTNESS has an ancient Gothic Church, the screen of which is much admired. The pulpit is formed of one solid block, and elaborately ornamented. Here is an excellent Grammar School and a Library. The Castle, built in the reign of William the Conqueror, and several other antique edifices, and picturesque ruins, are in its vicinity. The population, nearly four thousand persons. 280 DEVONSHIRE. [a. d. 1835. Dartington Church is of some antiquity. It contains the arms and effigy of a Duchess of Exeter. There is also an alabaster monument, to the memory of Sir Arthur Champe- roune, on which are the figures of his wife and seven children, with the arms of the family. He was the first that possessed Dartington. The parish contains three thousand acres, and the population is not large. CoLLUMPTON. — The people are mostly employed in manu factures. The turnpike road from Bath and Bristol to Exeter, runs through the main street, which is very long, and is of some advantage to the wooUen, serge, broadcloth, and kesey- mere manufactories. The Church is a large, handsome building, with a lofty tower. The altar is ornamented with a good painting. The south aisle was built by John Lane, a clothier, ia 1552. In 1798, seven houses were burnt down, in consequence of a rocket faUing on the roof of a thatched house. In 1821, there were six hundred and ninety-five houses, and three thousand, four hundred and ten inhabitants. The mar ket is on Saturday. ,The country round is highly pleasing, and the views extend over a rich landscape, weU wooded and watered. It is the principal place on the river Culme. ExETER. — The population of this city is 32,963 persons, and is a place of great antiquity, having been a British settle ment long previous to the Roman invasion. It is supposed to have been buUt about the year 162. The city is nearly two mdes in length, and upwards of one in breadth. The venera ble and magnificent Cathedral is entitled to our attention. It was begun in 1 1 50, by Bishop Warlewart, and finished by Cotirtenay, in 1485. Other accounts say that Leofric, the first Bishop of Exeter, built it in the eleventh century. In 1 138, it received great damage, during the siege of Exeter, by King Stephen, and was finally repaired by Bishop MarshaU, in 1194, and improved by Bishop Grandison, in 1327. In 1818, the altar-screen was removed, and replaced by a new one, of stone, executed after the design of Mr. John Kendal, archi- A. D. 1835.] DEVONSHIRE. 281 tect. The length of the whole church is 390 feet, and 75 in breadth. The organ is supposed to be one of the finest in England. It was built by John Loosemore, in 1665, and has since been improved by Jordan and Micheau. The great Peter Bell, brought from Llandaff, weighs l2,500lbs. A curious as tronomical clock was given by Bishop Courtenay, who also gave the Peter Bell. Here are a great number of singular and beautiful tombs ; amongst which may be noticed, that of the Baroness Southampton, lady of Lord Southampton, and Rachel Charlotte O'Brien, wife of Captain E. I. O'Brien, of his Majesty's 24th regiment. Her clothes catching fire, and seeing the flames communicating to her infant, she lost all regard for her own safety, and, to save her child, rushed out of the room. She preserved its life, but sacrificed her own. She expired 13th December, 1800, aged 19 years. There are fifteen churches within the walls, and four in the suburbs. In 1813, St. Sidwell Church was re-built, and a magnificent building it is. Several other churches were en larging and improving ; many of the old ones are small, like those at Canterbury, which require enlarging, and full duties on Sundays ; for when there is only one service, and persons, anxious to attend twice, are obliged to go to the neighbouring churches, at the chance of getting a seat for themselves, and none for the remainder of their family, so that they are obliged to be dispersed, some will go to church, others to meet ings, and, on their return, all are complaining, round their firesides, of the difficulties they have encountered. A bill to enable commissioners to improve Exeter has lately passed, and very great alterations have been begun. Some of the roads are raised from ten to twenty feet high upon arches, to enable the public to ride, drive, or walk, without having those steep hills to ascend which abound round the city. The public institutions, charitable and literary, are numerous. They comprise Grammar Schools, College ditto, the Devon and Exeter Hospital, (erected 1741,) an Asylum for Lunatics 282 DEVONSHIRE. [a. d. 1835. several literary societies, many excellent libraries open to the public, assembly and ball-rooms. Ladies Clothing Society, and an Indigent Female Relief Society. The Theatre, with a handsome stone front, was destroyed in 1820, but has since been re-bnUt. Here are mail coaches to and from London daily, and four dehveries from the two penny post. From Bath, Bristol, &c., there are coaches, vans, and flys. Tiverton.— On Sunday, the llth of January, 1835, were buried three persons, whose united ages made two hundred and eighty-one years ; and on Sunday the 1st of February, three others, amounting to two hundred and fifty-four years : the eldest, (97), had been deputy 'sexton upwards of forty years. The average of the first three, was ninety-three and a half each, and of the second, eighty-four ditto. In addition to these, Woolmer's Exeter paper states the death of Mr. Roberts, aged eighty-four years ; and ]\Iiss Quartley, eighty ; and Mr. Blake, eighty-three years. N.B. — These speak well for Devon, as to longevity, Tiverton is the next- town, in importance, to Exeter, and was incorporated by King James I., in 1615. The old Church being too smaU, another was buUt in 1 825, and the curious porch erected by John Greenvtay, in 151 7, was taken down and re-built. Fox Hunt. — January, 29, 1835, an extraordinary Fox hunt took place by T. J. Phihpps, Esq., of Landew. His hounds were thrown off in Swainicott Wood, where they unkenneUed a fox, in the presence of thirty horsemen ; and many noted riders, possessing pluck and courage, determined to be up. After passing a tremendous heavy countr)' to Broadridge, &c., there were only three horses in, the two Mr. Glanville's, and Mr. Langraan ; when, in consequence of night having ap proached, they were compelled, with much reluctance, to call off the hounds that w^re np ; being only seven couple out of A. D. 1835.] DEVONSHIRE. 283 twenty that were thrown off in the morning, after a run of nearly six hours, through sixteen parishes, and a distance of upwards of fifty miles. The whipper-in, with two others, in sight. Mr. Langman was seen, for the last hour, with his hat in hand, cheering the pack, when the bulk of the, field, with blood and courage, could not " come to the scratch." EMINENT MEN. To enumerate aU the learned and eminent men who were natives of this county, would occupy too much space for this journal ; I shall, therefore, select but a few : — 1191 Archbishop Baldvrin, who accompanied Richard I. to the Holy Land. He was bom at Exeter. 1341 William Courtenay, Archbishop of Canterbury. 1545 Sir Francis Drake. 1552 Sir Walter Raleigh. 1642 Rev, John Barham, a learned antiquary. 1 656 Lady Mary Chudleigh, an ingenious poetess. 1659 John Churchill, the immortal Duke of Marlborough, born at Aske, 24th June, 1650. 1670 Sir John Fortesque, born at Fortesque. 1709 John Shebbeare, M.D., a political writer, born at Bideford. MISCELLANEOUS. 1 584 Sir Walter Raleigh, discovered Virginia ; he was bom at Budley. Sir Walter, one morning, had a tankard of ale brought to him by his servant, who, on seeing smoke issue from his mouth, he threw it all in his face, and alarmed the house by exclaiming his master was on fire, for he saw the smoke come from his mouth. 1S88 Defeated the Spanish Armada. 1599 Set out on a voyage to Giuana. 284 DEVONSHIRE. [a. d. 1835, 1618 October 29, he was beheaded in Palace Yard, to satisfy the court of Madrid, for some pretended treasonable practices on the accession of King James. 1 722 The famous John Churchill, Duke of Marlborough, one of the ablest statesmen, most polite courtiers, and most iUustrious heroes of his age, died I6th June, in the 73rd year of his age. He was interred, with great pomp, in Westminster Abbey, having retired a few years from public life. In 1646, Barnstaple was infested with the plague, brought in by a vessel from the Levant, when four sons of one family, died on the 17th August, (one day.) A dreadful storm of thunder and lightning happened in 1662, during divine service, in the Church at Withycombe, and a ball of fire striking thereon, killed three persons, and wounded sixty others. N.B. — In making extracts from different authors, I may be excused for observing, " I vouch not for the truth d'ye see, I only tell what's told to me." Topsham is the port of Exeter, and the Quay belongs to the Chambers of Exeter. Here are vessels exceeding 200 tons. Their chief business is ship- building. The population is about 3,556. The market is held on Saturday. f' Topsham has one long 'street, bordering on the east bank of the river Exe. The Church stands nearly in the centre. I shall now return to Exmouth. We passed Mount Radford, a mansion built by M. Radford, Esq., in the sixteenth century. In 1826, it was established by shareholders, as the College School. Litterton Park has been called the pride and ornament of this part of the county. Ebford House has a beautiful view of the ocean. There are large lime kilns by the road side. Lord Heathfield has a modern mansion. His extensive sta- A. D. 1835.] DEVONSHIRE. 285 hies were built for raising a breed of the finest Arabian horses in Great Britain. Sir John Duckworth has a noble residence on this road. The land in this neighbourhood is very good, and there are seve ral respectable farm residences. We passed a Unitarian Chapel, erected in 1 774 ; the burial place has a great many tombs and grave- stones. The cottages, in general, are very ancient, hav ing their chimneys on the outside of their houses ; although only built of mud, they have stood several centuries. The ap ple trees in this, and other places, are covered with moss of a grey colour, not yellow, as in Kent. The leaves being off, and the fruit hanging on, the appearance, to me, was very singu lar, at so late a period, 7th December. But it is the general opinion that the fruit improves by hanging until it drops. Marpool Hall is an ancient seat, and the neighbourhood abounds with gentlemen's houses on to Exmouth. At Lymstone Church, erected in 1409, on the site of the original structure. There is some stained glass, and on one of the panes of a window in the north aisle, St. George is pic tured with this inscription : — " The holy Knight, who sle>)v the dragon by his might." Bank of England. — In the year 1694, the Bank was pro jected by Mr. William Patterson, a Scotch gentleman, and first opened on the 27th of July, when it received its charter of incorporation with a capital of £1,200,000 1722 The amount of capital 3,400,000 1764 The amount of capital 9,800,000 1816 The amount of capital 14,553,000 N. B. In 1758, the notes in circulation were not less than £20 1759 Ditto Ditto £10 1793 Ditto Ditto £5 1 797 Ditto Ditto £1 and £2 1829 April 5, the £1 and £2 called in, and the £5 and £10 remained. 286 DEVONSHIRE. [a. d. 1835. The expences of the Bank of England are very great. It maintains an establishment of more than 800 officers, clerks, porters, and messengers. It also pays to the Stamp Office, upwards of £70,000. annually, as a composition for the du ties upon its notes and bills. In 1809, the first year when bankers were required to take out a license, the number issued was 702 ; but in 1832, only 636 licences were demanded. London Consumption. — The cattle sold in Smithfield Market, from the 12th of November instant, for the last twelve months, were Beasts : 156,000 Calves 21,000 Sheep 1,500,000 Pigs 20,000 £. The cattle sold for 8,500,000 Poultry 80,000 Milk 1,250,000 Butter 1 1,000 Wheat, a million of quarters per year. In Leadenhall Market, 14,000 rabbits are sold, weekly, dur ing the season. It is supposed that a mUlion a year, is expended for fruits and vegetables. A. D. 1S35.J DEVONSHIRE. 287 GUY FAWKES. Exmouth. — " Pray remember poor Guy," is uttered in sup plicating tones of all sorts, on the 5th of November, in this town, to bring to recollection the fearful plot, so daringly de signed to sweep off all the potential authorities of the land, by one grand explosion. It is curious, and somewhat conso ling, to observe, that if a blind and savage superstition was the chief exciting cause of the plot, it was the counteracting workings of a natural humanity that occasioned its failure ; for it is quite clear, that but for the kind and warning letter sent to Lord Monteagle by one of the conspirators, in which he was entreated not to attend the opening of parliament, the plot would have succeeded ,- at least so far as the blowing up of the House of Lords, vrith its royal, noble, and official assemblage. " What a fire and commotion, and miserable desolation ! No King, no Queen, no Prince, no issue-male, no Councillors of State, no Nobilily, no Bishops, no Judges. O 1 barbarous ! And more than Scythian, or Thracian cruelty." Fawkes was taken at midnight, and, with his associates, tried, condemned, and executed as traitors, in Old Palace Yard, in 1605. It was the custom of my father, all his life, to encou rage a bonfire on this day ; and he reserved old baskets and other articles, to assist in making the blaze, that boys and young folks might not forget the circumstance: I have fol lowed his example in this and all rural sports. It gives a spirit of life even to the most indolent ; and children, from an early age, naturally enquire the cause, and by these means all matters of this sort, are handed down from one generation to another. I am a great advocate for bell-ringing on memorable occa sions , it keeps up loyalty, and draws attention to the causes which would otherwise be, in a great measure, overlooked. 288 DEVONSHIRE. [a. d. 1835, Such things are of more value than it is generally imagined. Men and boys should be encouraged to employ their leisure hours at some pastime, the manly game of cricket, running, coits, &c., or they grow effeminate, or sit in a public house for want of amusement. I may be excused for adding, that per sons in every parish should endeavour to accommodate people, by letting them sport in their meadows. It is but a few weeks they can indulge in those pastimes ; and, however hard it may fall upon one or two, in a parish, to do this, they may be as sured there are others who would do it if they had it in their power ; but it requires a larger field than many possess. In towns and populous villages, it would be well if a plan could be adopted to hire, on a long lease, or even purchase, by sub scription, three or four acres for a sporting field, which could be let out for stock from October to May to graze, and then sported upon during the summer. I have mentioned, that in Devon and Cornwall, the men wrestle, and play at coits, hurl ing, cricket, &c. In Hants, Berks, &c., they have May-poles erected throughout the month, to keep hohdays in turns ; that is, each public-house has, what they term, Mayings, for young people to assemble to dance, play coits, cricket, &c. I have seen persons going in a variety of conveyances to these dances, for they make it a rule to attend ; distance appears to be no consideration, and as poles, boughs, flags, &c., are hoisted many days before, during the necessary preparations, they become generally known, and the lads and lasses look forward to the happy meeting. The public-houses are by no means so numerous as in Kent, or they could not all get a " Maying." In fact, I know many parishes that have neither public-house nor beer-shop. It may be right to observe, that these inland counties have no regattas, horse-racing, public- gardens, and other amusements, as at watering places ; there fore, they have very properly adopted this plan of amusement for persons of all ages. A. D. 1835.] DEVONSHIRE. 289 December 18. — In consequence of circumstances requiring my presence in Kent, I took my leave of my friends, Mr. and Mrs. Hervey, Mr. Michell, Mr. Jones, Mr. Gervis, Mr. Greaves, Mr. West, &c. &c,, at Teignmouth, six miles across the river, and paid my respects to all my friends here, from whom I had received unbounded hospitality and kindness. I took my de parture with much regret, as the distance would separate us for some time. Having arrived at Exeter, I resumed my for mer quarters at the White Lion Inn, from which, the next morning, I proceeded, by the Red Rover coach, to South ampton. Honiton. — The streets are very wide. ¦ There are a great many lace makers ; in fact, there are some in every village, but Honiton is considered the best in Devon. The country is beautiful ; and there are several gentlemen's houses in the neighbourhood. Charmolt is a small village, in which there is a very neat Church building ; the country is hilly and barren. In the valleys, the sea looked beautiful on our right, as we proceeded along. Chidwick is a small ^village, with a very ancient Church. In this neighbourhood, we saw sheep in folds, feeding upon turnips, as in Kent. The lands in the valleys appeared to be much better cultivated , the hills are tremendously high. Bridport, in Dorset, is also very hilly. The arable land is fenced vrith stone walls. Here we saw tares or vetches growing, as also turnips well planted out. The flocks of sheep were large. Some were folded with lambs, which appeared to be very early, and well managed. The land, in general, was under good cultivation ; and as we approached Dorchester, there were two rows of very fine trees for a considerable distance before entering the town. Here are two Churches, and a Chapel of Ease ; a fine market ; good inns ; capital shops, &c. The streets are very wide ; and the roads good to Blandford. 290 return from Devonshire. [a. d. 1835. Blandford is a large town. Here we dined at the Crown Inn, with permission to eat, drink, and be merry, for one half hour only. We set to, in right earnest ; and having done justice to the good things on the table, and paid the demand, we were punctually summoned by a caU from the coachman, "Now, gentlemen, we're ready." We passed through some large plantations of fir trees, and some well managed lands, to Southampton; the roads very good; horses fresh, coachmen respectable, and company agreeable ; so the time passed pleasantly. Here I found a grand entrance to the town ; splendid houses, first rate inns, and superior shops, with every accommodation that London could afford. The next day, I proceeded to Winchester, and to our surprise, the hoar frost had covered the land. We felt the cold so intense, that although only a twelve-miles stage, we could hardly encounter it, having come from the mild climate of Devon. Winchester. — Havinghadsome refreshment, andrecovered from the cold, I walked down to the corn-market, where I found my worthy old friend, Mr. B , whom I accompanied to his hospitable roof at Avington, wthere I spent my Christ mas, in the good old style of English hospitality. The social glass went merrily round, and every heart forgot its sorrows. In addition to these comforts, we had the gratification to see the mansion of Avington Park, the seat of the Duke and Duchess of Buckingham, who bountifully furnished beef, mutton, and bread, for the poor of four parishes. It was a glorious sight, to see all these on tables, with tickets, according to the size of each poor family. The next day, old and young, with happy countenances, went to fetch the treasures so liberally pro\ ided for them. Avington. — The Church was built in I77I ; the tower is of brick, with six bells ; the pulpit, pews, and gallery^ are of mahogany, built at the expence of the Marchioness of Car narvon, wife of James Brydes, Marquis of Carnarvon, only A. D. 1835.J RETURN FROM DEVONSHIRE. 291 son of Henry, Duke of Chandos. She died the 14th of Au gust, 1768, before the Church, she had ordered, was finished. It is stated on the tablet, that she was " religious without en thusiasm ; just without severity ; charitable without ostenta tion ; generous without profusion ; blessed with beauty, rank, and fortune." She died in the prime of life (aged thirty-four years). The Communion is paved with marble ; the aisle is also marble, and the Royal arms are on the gallery. Here is ser vice twice on Sundays; as there ought to be in every Church. On Christmas-day, my friends and myself received the sacra ment, and it was highly gratifying to see so many poor at tend. The population is under three hundred persons ; and there is neither public-house, beer-shop, nor Dissenting Chapel. Easton is an adjoining parish, nearly the whole of which belongs to the Duke ; the poor being partakers of the above bounty. The Church is very ancient ; the chancel-ceiling is particularly good ; and the horse-shoe arches are very superior. The pulpit is carved, and of wainscot, and, like all the pews, fitted up in a masterly manner ; during the official situation, as churchwarden, of my friend, Mr. Baker, a few years since, to whom I jocularly observed, " I should have though t,by the neat ness of the Church, that somebody from St. Peter's had been there,fittingitup ;"not thinking, at the time,thatit was his doing. The Rev. Robert Denny performs the duty for the Rev. J. Riddle, the Vicar. Here is one of the Roman dippen, or crossing fonts ; a proof of its antiquity. The tower is low, and has three bells. There are several good tablets and flat stones in the Church ; one to the memory of Hogatha Barlow, widow, and daughter of Humfrey Welsborne, 1568, whose five daughters married five bishops — viz., the Bishops of Chichester, Coventry, He reford, Durham, and Winchester. She died the 1 3th of June, 1 595, upwards of 90 years of age. 292 RETURN FROM DEVONSHIRE. [a. D. 1835. In the church-yard, are several stones, and one to Lucy Baker, daughter of my friend. In many instances, the graves are protected by a frame of a peculiar construction, something like a sheep-crib. In this large village is a public-house called the Bat and Ball, and one beer-shop. KiLMESTONE, a Small village, between Alresford and Win chester. The population is over 200, but neither public-house, beer-shop, nor Dissenting Chapel. The Church is very small ; no tower: and, consequently, the bell is in the roof. It has lately been fitted up, and repaired. On one of the head-stones is a date 1693, and two tombs of 1823. Opposite, is Kilmister House, part of which is used for a farm-house, by a very active, intelligent man, a large oc cupier. Adjoining are a spacious farm and premises, occupied by Mr. Henry Budd, (late from Betshanger, in Kent). My friend Mr. Baker, and myself, were invited to spend the day with him, which we did on the 28th of December ; and after look ing over his well arranged farm yards, the capital stock, and all in excellent condition, from the method and regularity of feeding them, and the large number of fatting hogs and pigs, we were taken to see the sheep, amounting to twelve hun dred, many feeding on turnips ; they were the best we had seen all round the country. The goodness of the turnips was accounted for by being drilled ; consequently the system is much admired ; seed of the superior sorts (particularly the Swedes) he had from Mr. Robert Matson, of Wingham, Kent, who is famed for furnishing almost every county. The pro duce was double that of many others, which I had seen. Having been over upwards of 600 acres, we returned to dinner, and ended the day in the good old English style of friendship, and arrived safe back at Avington. Avington. — After having spent the above happy day at Kilmestone, we crossed the country, over barren fields and A. D. 183.0.] RETURN FROM DEVONSHIRE. 293 sheep walks, for miles, with a few farm-houses, scattered about, but so lonely, that I wonder any one ever takes them. The next day, we were highly amused to see the game in Avington Park, and in the fields, gardens, &c., for in conse quence of a hoar frost, and a little snow, the hares, pheasants, and partridges, were to be seen walking about as unconcerned as rooks would with us. The wild ducks, vidgeons, geese, and swans, sat as quiet as if they were aware of their safety. The four brown and white Spanish donkies, belonging to her Grace the Duchess, as well as the deer, sheep, and cows, were aU supplied with hay, in consequence of the severity of the weather. December 31st. — My time having expired, I took leave of my friend and his worthy family, and proceeded to Winches ter, on my way to Reading, and thence to St. Peter's, ac cording to my first arrangement. Having left the hospita ble roof of my friend, he accompanied me to Winchester, where I took the Reading coach. Soon after we left, I saw a great number of lambs on the right, and the lands appeared to be well managed. On the left is a very ancient Church ; and a httle farther is King's Worthey, a small, ancient Church, near which a new house is building for the clergyman, (a son of Sir Thomas Baring,) in the good old fashioned style of Elizabeth. Sir Thomas has a very fine mansion, park, and woods, on the right. The turnpike road is much improved by being lowered. Strathfieldsaye, the seat of his Grace the Duke of Wel lington. The parks are very extensive. Several gentlemen's houses are on the road to Reading, where I arrived at the George Inn, and took up my abode. 294 RETURN FROM DEVONSHIRE. [a. D. 1836. January 1st, I called on my friends in this town, and was driven over to Purley, with my friend, to see the rest of the family, where we stayed until a late hour. The moon shone briUiantly, and the snow increasing the light, we returned flying, behind a very spirited horse, at an hour when robbers, if there were any, had got quietly housed. The next day I proceeded to London, and, on my arrival, took up my old quar ters at Jack's Coffee-house, Mark Lane, where I had, for thirty- one years, found good accommodation. There I stayed two days, that I might see some of my London friends, and then I set out for Canterbury. Having arrived safely, I at tended St. Dunstan's Church, to hear my very old friend, the Rev. Mr. Bunce, whose friendship I have enjoyed at least thirty-five years. This Church is very ancient, in good repair, and has se veral exceedingly good marble tablets, six hatchments, and a particularly fine worked top to the font. The pulpit is of ori ginal design, with a sounding board, which gives one an idea of grandeur, not to be found in the modern churches, where they resemble those of Dissenting Chapels. I was much amused with the " Sunday Reader," edited by the Rev. I. E. N. Molesworth, Rector of St. Martin's, the oldest church in Canterbury, and where Christianity was first embraced by a British King. The title page of each number bears the foUowing portion of Scripture. " Kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their Queens thy nursing mothers." — Isaiah, xlix. January. — Having left Canterbury, I returned once more to my native place, and found all my famUy well ; but the hand of death had taken many of the ancient and most hberal persons, whose loss to the parishioners will not be easily re placed. The death of so many valuable friends, and the changes in other respects, by removals, alterations in pro perty, and other circumstances, really shook my nerves, when I A. D. 1836.] miscellaneous. 295 reflected that all this had been the work of a single year, and thought of the wonderful alteration which a few years more would make. February 2nd. — The St. Peter's Association, for protecting property, held their 28th Annual Meeting, when the same good friendship was displayed as at the commencement. Mr. R. Collard, the Secretary, gave a most satisfactory account of the flourishing state of the funds ; and, in his usual pleasant manner, accepted the office again, much to the gratification of its numerous members. THE EAST KENT AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATION Held a meeting at the Fountain Hotel, Canterbury, on Sa turday, 31st January, 1836. Sir Henry Montresor in the chair. The foUowing resolution was proposed, and seconded by J. Neame, Esq., " that a petition to both Houses of Ptirliament be forthwith adopted, praying for a commutation of tithes, upon sound and equitable principles." Present, Right Hon. Sir E. KnatchbuU, M.P., J. P. Plumptre, Esq., M.P., Sir Brook W. Bridges, Rice, Esq., F. Bradley, Esq., and about seventy gentlemen, large owners and occupiers in Kent. The petition was drawn up, and put into circulation for signatures. MISCELLANEOUS. In refeiring to my manuscript books, I have discovered some articles omitted ; I shall, therefore, introduce a few of them, and, among others, the following appropriate lines, which are in the first page of my third volume. THE TITLE PAGE OF AN ALBUM. " Come wit, come humour, here your gifts diffuse ; Come here the comic, and the tragic muse ; On these fair leaves your best effusions write, T" amuse the mind with rational delight. .Inscribe the glowing verse, with pathos fraught, The speaking image, and the breathing thought; 296 MISCELLANEOUS. [*• "¦ '836. Yet let not wit obscene, or mirth profane, With no foul jest, these spotless pages stain ; To virtue every thought and aim direct. And vice and folly equally reject. With such proviso, write, or less or more, 'Twill all increase my still increasing store. But most those muses to these leaves I woo. Whose powers refine the heart, and cheer it too. Call to your aid some kind assisting power. Invoke the muse, and seize the happy hour. Then write away, the path you see is clear. Write what you will, save sinful nonesense, here." 1378 Plays first performed in England; and in 1390 by the parish clerks. 1609 The first double decked ship was built, of one thou sand tons, and cost £1,400., by Henry VII. It was called Henry the Great. 1512 The " Royal Navy," first so styled. 1695 May 30th, William Thompson, master of a small hoy, with one man and a boy, having only two guns, and some small arms, took a French privateer, off Cherburgh, having on board sixteen men, two patereroes, &c. After wounding the Captain and Lieutenant, with six men, they surrendered, at the end of two hours engagement; having eight sound men still on board. For this brave exploit, the Lords of the Admiralty gave him the sloop, and a medal, with a chain, of the value of fifty pounds. 171 4 A contagious distemper raged among the cows, in July, near London. Mr. Ratcliff lost one hundred and twenty cows out of two hundred. Mr. Rufford, sixty-two out of seventy- two, and Mr. PuUen, thirty-eight out of eighty-seven — all of which died in three days after they began to refuse food. In Essex and Surrey, they lost five thousand, four hundred and eighteen, and four hundred and thirty -nine calves. An order was issued for all cattle that died, to be burned, for which they A. D. 1836.] MISCELLANEOUS. 297 were allowed forty shiUings each, from a Royal bounty.— The loss beyond that amount (£6,774 Is. Id.) was £2,450., to the individuals. In Holland, their loss was three hundred thousand head of cattle, as it raged there for three years. Since my statement in 1792, of Sir Joshua Reynolds, the ar tist, I have found the following lines on him : — " Here Reynolds is laid, and to tell you my mind. He has not left a wiser, or better, behind ; His pencil was striking , resistless, and grand, His manners were gentle, complying, and bland." February the 3d. — Madam Marie Laetitia Buonaparte, died, aged 76 years. February the 15th. — Mr. Gouger's Corn MiU was burnt down, at Margate, by an incendiary. March the 12th. — J. Waddington, Esq., caUed a meeting upon the occasion, to consult the inhabitants, as to offering an additional reward, beyond the £100. named in the handbills, when it was agreed, that a further sum of £400., in addition to the £100., should be offered, for the discovery of the offen der or offenders, to be paid on their conviction. Joshua Wad dington, Esq., in the Chair. N.B. — The £500. reward has not yet succeeded in discover ing the offender. ST. peter's. March the 15th. — The poor of this parish were removed to the Union at Minster, much against the general wish of the inhabitants, and to the sorrow of the paupers. March the 21st. — A notice was given for the parishioners to meet, to arrange matters as to the sale of the workhouse, and other property, for the purpose of paying the proportion of the expences in btiilding the Union. p p 298 MISCELLANEOUS. [A. D.1836. March the 25th. — The Commissioners of the Poor Laws required a return to be made by the officers of this parish, (St. Peter's, Thanet,) to Edwin Chadwick, Esq,, a Commis sioner. The following is a copy of their return : — March 25th, 1834, to March 25th, 1835, expended £1,325 9 0 March, 25th, 1835, to March 25th, 1836, expended 1,053 19 6 This shews a difference, in one year, of the sum 'of £271 9 In addition to the removal of pau pers, which, in the year 1835, amounted to the sum of 150 13 10 Ditto in 1836 24 5 3 126 8 The County Rate in 1835, was 125 17 6 Ditto, in 1836 107 6 0 18 11 Total difference in one year to the parish .... £416 9 7 WiUiam Crofts 1 George Witherden > O verseers of the poor. " ett y Robert Farley, Vestry Clerk. I shall, perhaps, surprise many of my readers, when I state that I have paid, during the time I was a farmer, the sum of £2,536 15s. 1 O^d. for poor, church, and highway rates; be sides the amount of great and small tithes, which, by far, ex ceed that amount ; and for many years, during the war, I paid upwards of £220. per year, property tax. I mention these facts to shew the importance of the farmer, and the station he is entitled to hold in the scale of society. For, independently of these disbursements, he expends large sums to carpenters, blacksmiths, and other tradesmen. I know the many thou sands I have paid them, would now reahze an income safficient A. D. 1836.J ST. peter's. 299 for any one of them to retire upon. These things are not re membered, perhaps not known, by tradesmen in towns ; and therefore, whenever they speak of us, it generally ends with, " he is only a farmer," as if it were an inferior way for any man to get his living. I have, in the course of my traveUing, met with these observations in the commercial inns, frequently, as well as in Kent. There is, I am afraid, an unjust feeling, prevaUing very generally, in most classes of society, as re gards the farmer. Can they do without him ? Bread is the staff of hfe ; and 1 should like to know how they would get hold of this staff, were it not for the farmer. SALE OF the workhouse. May the 4th. — The sale of the workhouse, and other pro perty, took place, and in order to shew, in a few words, the real case, I shall introduce here the advertisement in full : — « St. Peter's, Isle of Thanet. Valuable Freehold Property. To be sold by Auction, by R. Collard, at the Red Lion, St. Peter's, on Wednesday, May 4, at eleven o'clock in the forenoon, (under the authority, and by direction of the Board of Guardians, of the Isle of Thanet Union and subject to such conditions as will be then and there produced), the following very valuable Freehold Estates, viz. : — 1 — The substantial and well-built house and premises, lately used as the Workhouse for the parish of St. Peter's, and erected at the sole expense of Thomas Brown, Esq, of Broadstairs. There is a lawn in front, shaded by trees ; and a walled garden behind, in good cultivation ; the whole site containing upwards of an acre of land. The building has a handsome frontage, and the rooms are spacious and lofty. It may be easily converted into a residence for a genteel family, or into a school, or other public establishment. 2. — Six Freehold Cottages, situated near the Church, and furnishing a most de sirable spot for building purposes. Also, on Thursday, the 5th of May, at ten o'clock in the forenoon, the furniture and effects of the late work house, comprising tables, chairs, feather and flock beds, blankets, rugs, brewing and washing utensils, coppers, brine tubs, about fifty score of good pickled pork, &c., &c. For further particulars inquire of M. L. Daniel, Esq., Solicitor Ramsgate ,- or of the auctioneer, Broadstairs. A plan of the Estate will be produced." 300 ST. PETERS. [a. d. 1836. The Rev. John Hodgson, our Vicar, addressed the auction eer and gentlemen present, expressing his deep regret that the property was about to be sold, under the Poor Law Amend ment Act, and which there was no possible means of pre venting. He had taken the matter into his consideration, and was prepared to purchase the workhouse, to convert it into widow's Alms-houses, (or other charitable purposes,) provided the parishioners, and the public, would accept his offer. In case his contemplated plans did not succeed, the property should be re-sold, and the parish have the advantage at some future period. The Auctioneer then put up the estate, and no person ad vancing upon the Vicar's bidding, he became the purchaser. Mr. Hodgson, observing several gentlemen from Margate, &c., he rose, and expressed his sense of their liberality in not bid ding against him, and requested they would obhge him, by par taking of a dinner, with his neighbours, at the earliest hour it could be put upon table. The invitation was readily accepted ; and upwards of twenty gentlemen sat down to an exceUent dinner, prepared by Mr. Newbolt. The day and evening passed off most agreeably. Among the toasts, was one of " health and long life to the Vicar and family." May the llth.— Mrs. Taddy, wife of the late James Taddy, Esq., of Hartsdown House, near Margate, was accidentally burnt to death, aged eighty-four years. May the 14th. — The subjoined tables, (Nos. 1 . 2, and, 3) which shew the contributions and expenditure for each parish in the Isle of Thanet Union, were put into circulation : .- CO a, '"^ a> s . =" o ^ ¦- ^ UL a, P X Z. MS 2 Qf - H .2:5 ^ la .3 o o ••c-„ r-, C C 1-1 Q, h-* j: ..J be g SH I ' 0) «d •»"o parishes. In-Maintenance and Out.Relief of Paupers. TOTAL of Particular Expences. Proportion of Establishment Charges, calcu lated on the average of each Parish. Total charge to each Parish for In-Mainten ance, Out Re lief, and Establishment Charges. Amount of As sessment on each Parish as per Quarterly Estimate Book. Amount of Sur plus Payments in Treasurer's Hands. Amount of De ficient Pay ments due to the Treasurer. No. of in door Pau. COST. No. of Out doorPau pers. COST. £. s. d. £. s. d. £. s. d. £. S. d. £. s. d. £. s. d. £. S. d. £. S. d. St. Peter's. . 32 78 7 HI 110 69 11 5f 147 19 H 159 19 4 307 18 9i 252 14 3 10 7 5 St. Lawrence 23 51 8 61 181 120 2 3i 171 10 lOi 199 15 7i 371 6 5i 320 16 2 16 8 4i Minster .... 32 71 11 6i 80 37 4 1 108 15 rf 132 6 U 241 1 9 190 2 9 25 9 lOi Stonar 9 8 6^ 9 8 6i 1 18 10| 11 7 5 9 17 9 2 7 lOi Acol 6 12 2 Of 34 20 0 lOf 32 2 llj 38 13 10 70 16 9i 77 11 9 39 0 10 Bichington. . 16 33 14 3i 65 44 17 llj 78 12 2f 93 6 5J 171 18 8i 172 8 4 25 6 lOJ St. Nicholas. 28 57 9 3 69 45 9 Hi 102 19 2i 153 5 1 250 4 3i 189 13 3 4 15 4i Sarre 1 2 4 2 3 3 1 li 5 5 3h 12 14 4i 17 19 7i 15 15 7 8 12 OJ Monkton... . 22 40 9 8i 72 42 3 6J 82 13 3 88 0 4} 170 13 7i 145 3 2 12 12 lOi 160 347 7 6^622 391 19 lOi 739 7 5 880 0 0 1619 7 5 1374 3 0 134 14 1 10 7 5 302 ISLE OF THANET UNION. [a. D. 1839 No. 2. STATEMENT shewing the Amount of Diminution of Expen diture for each Parish in the Isle of Thanet Union, for thi Quarter ending 25th March, 1836. PARISHES. Amount of Diminution of Expenditure in a period of 42 Weeks, ending March 25th, 1836, as com pared with the same period in the former Year. In-Door. Out-Door. TOTAL. £ s. d. £ S. d. £ s. d. St. Peter's 107 9 3J 229 19 8f 337 9 oi St. Lawrence . . 116 5 8J 339 17 8| 456 3 4i Minster 3 7 10| 414 7 1| 417 14 11* Stonar 11 11 H 11 11 H Acol 4 0 8|- 42 18 5 155 10 10^ 295 13 101 159 11 338 12 7 Birchington .... St. Nicholas . . . - 128 12 0 538 9 0|^ 667 1 Of Sarre 15 6 1 61 3, 6f 76 9 7i Monkton 6 13 6 328 0 9i 334 14 Si 424 13 7 2374 13 10 2799 7 5 By order of the Board of Guardians, William Freeman, Clerk. O iz « ou to 00 No. 3. COMPARATIVE STATEMENT, Showing the In-Maintekance and Otjt-Relief of Paupers, and the Total of Particitlar Expenses, in the ISLE OF THANET UNION. From the 5th June, 1834, to the 25th of March, 1835 From the 5th June, 1835, to the 25th of March, 1836 Diminution in 42 weeks. in-maxistenance and out-eelief of paupers. IN-DOOR. £. s. d. 1637 13 ^ 1112 19 7J 424 13 7 out-door. £. s. d. 4166 8 3 1791 14 5 2374 13 10 total of p art i c ul ar expenses. £. s. d. 5704 1 5 J 2904 14 Oi 2799 7 5 N.B. — The foregoing Statements shew the indefatigable exertions of all the guardians. The chairman, (Mr. J. M. Cramp) Mr. Bedford, and their colleagues, are entitled to our best thanks for their trouble. — J. M. 304 HOP DUTY. [A. D. 1836. ANNUAL AMOUNT OF HOP DUTY.* Year. £. 1751 73,954 1752 79,000 1753 81,000 1754 112,000 1755 82,157 1756 48,106 1757 69,713 1758 72,896 1759 42,115 1760 117,992 1761 79,776 1762 79,295 1763 88,315 1764 17,178 1765 73,778 1766 116,445 1767 25,997 1768 114,002 1769 16,201 1770 101,161 1771 33,143 1772 102,650 1773 45,847 1774 138,887 1775 41,597 1776.. 125,691 1777 43,581 1778 159,891 1779 55,800 Year. £. 1780 122,724 1781 120,218 1782 14,895 1783 75,716 1784 94,359 1785 112,684 1786 95,973 1787 42,227 1788 143,168 1789 104,063 1790 106,841 1791 90,059 1792 162,112 1793 22,619 1794 203,063 1795 82,342 1796 75,223 1797 157,458 1798 56,032 1799 73,279 1800 72,928 1801 241,227 1802 15,463 1803 199,305 1804 177,617 1805. . 32,904 1806....".'.*.*.!l53,1021807 100,071 Year. £. 1808 251,089 1809 63,452 1810 73,514 1811 157,025 1812.., 30,633 1813 131,482 1814 140,202 1815 123,878 1816 46,302 1817 66,522 1818 199,465 1819 242,476 1820 138,330 1821 154,609 1822 203,724 1823 26,058 1824 148,832 1825 24,317 1826 269,331 1827 140,848 1828 172,027 1829 38,398 1830 83,047 1831 174,864 1832 139,018 1833 156,905 1834 189,713 1835. 235,207 CALCULATION OF THE HOP DUTY PER CENT. S. d. Original Duty Id. per Ib 9 4 Three £5. per Cents, on ditto 1 4| 4-20 New Duty f 8-20 per lb 7 ii 16-20 Total per Cwt 18 8 * For the amount of Hop Duty up to the year 1750, see page 124 of this Work. A. D. 1836.] PRICE OF CORN. 305 AVERAGE PRICE OF CORN FROM 1792 TO 1836.* 1783 £. . 2 . 2 . 2 . 2 . 2 . 2 . 2 . 2 . 2 . 2 . 2 . 2 . 4 . 4 . 3 . 2 . 3 . 6 . 6 33 s. 1413 8 4 2 10 6 1616 99 7 14 5 02 14 578 70 d. 2i 9 0 00 5 5 li 0 4 6 1| 0630 0 8 0 6 30 1805.. £. . 3 . 4 . 4 . 3 . 4 . 5 5 . 5 66 4 . 3 4 5 4 333 . 2 . 2 . 3 . 3 s. 9 8 3 18 56 12 880 5 16 2 16 181016 1113 171213 d. 1784 1806.. n 1785 1807 1808 n 1786 0 1787 1809 0 1788 George III. 1789 1790 1810 n 1811 1812 1813 1814 1815 0 0 1791 1792 1793 0 00 1794 1816 0 1795 1796 1797 1798 1799 1800 1817 1818 1819 1820 George IV. 1821 1822 0 0 0 0 0 0 1801 1823 0 1802 1803 1824 1825 1826 0 0 1804 0 N.B. — End of the Averages from I7O6 to 1826. The following are the Averages as given in the newspapers : — £. s. d. 1827 2 19 6 1828 2 15 0 1829 WiUiam IV. . 3 6 7 1830 2 16 1 1831 3 5 0 1832 £. s. .. 2 14 d. 9 1833 .. 2 17 0 1834 .. 2 11 0 1835 ..2 5 0 1836 March... .. 1 18 0 * Continued from page 11. Q q 306 HIGHWAYS. [A. D. 1836. HIGHWAYS. A new Act passed on the 31st of August, 1835, respecting roads, &c. I shall, therefore, introduce the qualifications of a surveyor. A man is qualified, who has houses, lands, or tene ments in his own right, or that of his wife, to the value of £10. per year, or £100. personal property ; or who is an occu pier to the value of £20. per annum. Such persons may ap point a deputy ; salary to be paid out of the money collected, by the rates, but not to exceed ten-pence in the pound, on each rate, or more than two shillings and six-pence in one year. Surveyors, with the consent of a vestry, may appoint a collec tor, with such allowance for his trouble, as may, by them, be considered reasonable. July the 7th. — Having thus given my Journal, for a period of fifty years, according to what was promised in my Circu lars, and which I hope will amuse my friends, neighbours, and the public, to whom I am indebted for their liberal pa TRONAGE, I shall now endeavour to fulfil the remainder of my promise, and give some information on agriculture ; to gether with a few practical observations on the advantages of cottages for labourers in husbandry, and the good effects that would arise from having, on each farm, sufficient for the labour required thereon. — J. M. A. D. 1836.] agriculture. 307 AGRICULTURE. July 7. — Having finished my journal of fifty years, as an nounced in my advertisement, I shall now proceed to offer some observations upon agriculture. All travellers, says a great moralist, have their advantages. If they visit better countries, they learn to improve their own ; and if fortune carries them to a worse, they may learn to en joy it. Everything seems strange, and every strange thing seems objectionable, to John Bull. He is unwilling to im prove, because he disdains to alter. He should, therefore, tra vel, to collect information, and to enlarge the sphere of his usefulness and benevolence. I have had these advantages, in addition to upwards of forty years' practical experience. The bold peasantry, to which I have belonged, have been their " country's pride ;" and I may speak from experience, that when they are once destroyed, they " can never be supphed." The wealth of a country is visible in the number of its in habitants, and the elegance of their dwellings ; and we may venture to say, the present state of England, (except as to agriculture), is very flourishing and prosperous. " If our taste for building increase," says an able writer, " with our opu lence, for the next century, we shall be able to boast of finer country-seats, belonging to our shopkeepers, artific'ers, and other plebeians, than the most pompous descriptions of Italy, or Greece, have ever recorded. We read, it is true, of coun try seats belonging to Phny, Hortensius, Lucullus, and other Romans. They were partricians of great rank and fortune. But who has ever read of a Chinese bridge, belonging to an Attic tallow-chandler, or a Roman pastry-cook ? Or could any of their shoemakers, or tailors, boast of a villa ? Upon these prin ciples, we may expect, that posterity will perhaps see a cheese monger's apiarium at Brentfordj a poulterer's theriotrophium at Chiswick ; and an ornithon in a fishmonger's garden at Putney." The same writer observes, that " knowledge is now universally 308 agriculture. [a. d. 1836. admitted to be power; but the triteness of the axiom has prevented the reflection, that it is efficient for evil as well as for good. The truth is evident, that the metropohtan press, which represents the people, is universally arrayed in hos tihty, to the agricultural interest. Whig, tory, and radical, alike proclaiming, ' Pull down the rents.' If rents areto be annihila ted, what becomes of the aristocracy? Fatal delusion! Our lands would soon be uutilled, our work-shops silent, and our manu facturers beggared, the peasants starved, and fire and famine desolate the land. Such would be the inevitable effects of the destruction of the landed interest, now reqm'ring the utmost vi gilance for its preservation. Agriculture and trade, commercial and maritime, unfortunately, are considered antagonist inte rests. The three important branches of landlords, tenants, and labourers, have been plunged into difficulties by no fault of their own ; and require to be elevated to that permanent pros perity which their intelligence, their industry, and their mo rality, deserves. Why are the farmer, and the cottager, to be made to descend in the scale of comforts, while aU intermedi ate classes of Englishmen, betwixt the pauper and the peer, have been elevated, and surrounded with conveniences and luxuries unknown to their forefathers ?"' Is it wished that our labouring population, should be de graded to the condition of the Irish peasantry ? Would it not be better to elevate the Irish to comforts, and not the English- manbe depressed to necessaries ? — which must be the case unless corn, in future, bears a better price. A farmer is taxed as if he really had a beneficial occupation, as used to be the case when every man was, by law, charged, in his parochial assessment, according to his occupation, under the impression that it was a beneficial one. In fact, when those laws were made, there was no other property but land and houses, to be assessed, and they have hitherto been rated as a beneficial occupation ; consequently, if that, which was the real cause of their being so rated or assessed is done away, then they ought to claim an exemption, and very justly too ; for the law says where there is A. D. 1836.] agriculture. 309 no profit or beneficial occupation, there can be no legal demand. Under this change of system, the tradesman, the fundholder, and others, having an income, or profits, should be assessed ; and not the farmer, who has neither ; but whenever he has, then he should be charged in proportion ; for now, it is evident, he is unfairly taxed, and those who ought to pay are screened, in great measure. As, for instance, a man with a hundred acres of land, which require a £1000. capital, pays towards the poor £30. per year, to the church-rates £2. 10s., to the highway rates, £5. ; together £37. 10s. The tradesman who employs one or two servants, lives bet ter than the farmer, and gets money, and has a house and shop rated at £12.; he pays towards the poor-rates £3. 12s. on the same proportion as the farmer does, the £37. lOs. He pays to the church-rates 6s. and to the highways 6s. ; alto gether £4. 4s. ; so that the farmer pays for the fundholder, and also nine times as much as a tradesman, who has the same be nefit of the church, roads, &c., for himself and family, as the farmer has : but he is getting money, and the farmer is los ing his capital every year. wheat. There are a great variety of sorts and names to this grain, and if properly suited to the soil, each bears a preference. The brown lammas, and the Essex white, I have always found to produce more than any other; but the hoary and hard- castle are preferred on stronger land. The golding drop, the salmon colour, or blood straw wheat, with several others, have lately been introduced, and the opinions of millers and farmers differ, as to their respective values. I always sowed my wheat in November, when everything suited. After it has been put into sea water, a short time, and limed, it should lie one night, or two, before it is sown or drilled. I always sowed mine broad cast, in preference, my opinion being, that it produced more per acre. It could be done quicker than if drilled, and also put in at any reasonable sort of weather, which cannot be done 310 AGRICTLTURE. [a. d. 1836. by a drill. Many farmers have put their wheat in without the usual and ancient custom of lime and water ; but, in my opinion, it is a great risk. The trouble is but httle to do it, while the loss in having smut, for want of it, would be very serious. A great improvement has taken place by reaping wheat, be fore it gets too ripe ; but it is generally carried too soon after. The produce varies according to the goodness of the soil, or the good or bad management of the farmer. Four qrs. per acre, for the whole of any one growth, is very good, but at Minster, a much larger crop is produced ; so there is at Ash, Wingham, Word, &c., where they have introduced new white sorts, the golden swan, nonpareil, egg-shell, and red ; Duke William, yellow lammas, golden drop, and salmon. BARLEY, According to the most ancient authors, formed the princi pal food for man, in the early ages, and it is much used, in some remote parts, at present. The different species are the winter, or spring barley, and Scotch here or big. Spratt barley has a flat ear, and used to be much sown on strong land, because it does not get laid so soon as other sorts. I have always preferred the Norfolk common barley, which is generally sold in Mark Lane, or exchanged for seed by the hoymen. My father, and his neighbour, Mr. Marten Cramp, used to grow ten qrs., and upwards, per acre, tithe paid, on some small fields. I never exceeded nine qrs. three bushels per acre, and have averaged seven qrs. per acre, on 70 acres : the land in our parish being particularly congenial for barley. There is a new sort introduced, as being a superior grain, called Chevalier, from the name of the gentleman who brought it into notice. Having found one ear in a field, he preserved it, sowed it, and continued to increase his store until 1832, when Mr. Coke, of Norfolk, who is always foremost in any agricul tural experiments and improvements, sowed some in the same field, with a portion of common barley. The produce of each A. D. 1836.] AGRICULTURE. ^11 was equal to four qrs. pov acre ; but the Chevalier weighed 57 lbs., per bushel, and the other 521bs., which gave the farmer an advantage of nearly ten per cent ; and its advantages in duce the maltsters to seek after it, at a higher price than the other. Barley is, in general,drilled at two and a half bushels per acre ; but, my opinion is, that three bushels is by far better ; for when the land is well covered, the seed being soon up, the quick vegetation is destructive to weeds ; but if the crop comes up thin, there is great encouragement for all sorts of weeds, which, if not cleared, will greatly injure the crop, to the amount of one or two qrs. per acre. It used to be the custom to let ears of barley turn before they put in a scythe to har vest it : but it is not so general now. It is cut much earlier, and greatly to the advantage of the grower, provided it is not bound up before the knots in the straw are dried, so as to pre vent its heating after being carried. OATS. There has been a great variety introduced, within a few years. The Polands, in my opinion, are the best, for good lands, and the common black oats, in thin soils. The potatoe oats, the brews, the tartarian, the red-straw, have been grown by some of my neighbours, and myself, but some objections prevailed. The first I saw of the tartariaus, was in my road to Cambridge, in 1796 ; and from their peculiar manner of growing on one side, I was induced to pluck a few ears, to keep as a curiosity. BEANS Are the least profitable of any grain, in Thanet, although there are a variety of sorts. The soil is not generally adapted for any but the common ticks. The mochoes, long pod. May beans, magayans, Windsor, and Essex ticks, are cultivated, principally to clear and prepare the land for wheat ; conse quently, many acres of radish seed, and spinage seeds are grown, and with more profit, and make the land equally good 312 AGRICULTURE. [a. d. 1836. for wheat. We have had the Hehgoland, or prolific, winter, or Russian bean, lately introduced; but without much success. peas Are very precarious as to their crops, and subject to be foxed, or injured by the dolphin. The land ought not to be cropped oftener than once in five or six years with them ; grey peas should be put in early in February. Blue, or green mar rows, marrow fats, and other white ones, early in March ; and the chaltons, nimble tailors, and frame peas, the latter end of that month, as they grow much quicker, and are not likely to become stunted by frosty mornings, to which they would be exposed if planted earlier. CANARY Varies very much in price, but is, in general, very profitable ; consequently, those who have lands which will grow it, should always have a few acres, because some years it is not worth more than thirty-five shillings per quarter, while at other times it sells for seven or eight pounds, so that a general grower will obtain both in a few years. It also produces a great quantity of horse food. The chaff is valuable for any stock, and the expence of clearing the land will be paid by the saving of the seeding ; for six gallons of seed per acre, at one shiUing per gallon, would be much less than any other grain. An average crop is four or five quarters per acre. Furrows of eleven or twelve to the rod, are the best for the cropping, and give an opportunity to shim, and hoe, or pull out oats, or anything improper, growing therein. It can also be harvested much better, and tumed, which it should be, after being cut a week or a fortnight. Some persons carry it about that time, but I left it a month and more. Formerly, it used to lie for two months ; but fashions and customs alter. The seedsmen now like to have the samples bright. A few years since, they pre ferred them brown. This suited the farmer ; because the longer it laid, the better it thrashed, and the better price he obtained, for it. A. D. 1836.] AGRICULTURE. 313 SPINAGE Is an article not generally grown, and the London seeds men give but a low price, on contract, now that people in other places grow some for them. When it was eight, nine, or ten shiUings per bushel, it paid very well ; but now, at three shil lings and sixpence, and four shillings, it does not answer, ex cept to persons who farm a few acres, and pay particular at tention, like one of our industrious yeomen, John Kirby, of Upton, who grows upwards of twelve quarters per iacre. The labour bestowed upon it, leaves the land fit for wheat, and, when performed by the proprietor, the expences are not felt. RADISH SEED Is much more grown than formerly. Mr. Payton and Mr. J. Crofts have grown more acres in one year, than used to be raised all over Thanet ; and wonderful crops they'' repeatedly have had. The contracts are from sixteen to twenty-one shil lings per bushel, and from twenty to thirty bushels per acre. I have grown all sorts, but not often successfully. This seed, like canary, requires to be in the field some time. In fact, I have had it covered with snow, which did it a great deal of good, by its thrashing so much better. MUSTARD Is not very commonly grown here. I had a piece, and was troubled to obtain a market. The chemists require but a few bushels each ; consequently, I did not speculate again. TARES, OR VETCHES Are good food for all cattle ; but any quantity beyond the necessary use of the farmer, is injurious to him ; for they ex haust the land beyond conception ; and barley, or oats, sown after them, would shew a wonderful difference, by a loss of two, three, or four sacks per acre, on any land sown in part 5 that is, let a field of ten or twelve acres be sown with part tares, and the remainder with beans, or peas, and the two R r 314 AGRICULTURE. [a. d. 1836. latter will not exhaust the land like the tares : the next crops will prove this. In the year J 800, they were consumed so close by the cattle, (in consequence of its being a very dry summer,) that very few could spare any for seed, and the next year great enquiries were made for spring tares. Being at Sandwich market, as usual, and finding this demand, I took a sample the foUowing week, and found the price to be a guinea a bushel. I sold eight quarters there, and forty-six after wards, at the same price, which had grown at Kingsgate, on poor land, too short to be cut for green food. The general price is 6s. or 8s. per bushel. In 1813, I obtained 22s. per quarter, and in 1814, 10s. per bushel, so that the price, like canary, varies very much. CLOVER In consequence of its beneficial effects upon the succeeding crop of wheat, is advantageous. We cannot boast of very great crops of the red clover, and white, or Dutch, are but seldom grown, owing, in a great measure, to its having been repeated too often ; and, in dry summers, we have but httle on the second cut ; scarcely enough to make hay, or carry home to the cattle. I have frequently tied (or tethered) my horses and cows in consequence. LUCERN Is the most productive, and is often cut three times in a year, and wiU last twelve and fifteen years, by being occa sionally manured in winter. TRIFOLIUM INCARNATUM Has lately been introduced, and is very like the tare or vetch, producing great quantities ; but is cut only once. The flock owners are very partial to it. Time will prove its value. Like every new plant, it is just now much admired. A. D. 1836.] AGRICULTURE. 315 CINaUEFOIL, OR SANFOIN Is very productive, and will last six years, unless sown upon land that is exhausted. The cultivation has increased tenfold, within my remembrance, because a new market has been opened for it. Instead of persons having more than they can sell, as was the case formerly, large quantities are now sent to the London markets in barges, and, since the roads have been so improved, a great deal is carried to Canterbury. The rowan, or second head, is good food for cattle, cows in particular. Some times much injury is done to it, by sheep feeding it too close, which is never recovered. Three tons per acre will pay well, and the land, when tilled with corn, is of better quality, and often much more productive, from the change it undergoes by remaining five or six years uncultivated. potatoes. Like the sanfoin, this root has increased wonderfully, in the quantity of acres planted, since I can recollect. Previously to 1794, it was very unusual for a farmer to grow more than he required for his own consumption, in his family, and a few for his pigs. I have heard my father often say, that he remembered when the yearly servants of farmers would not eat potatoes, (which they termed Irish food,) with their pork or other meat ; but turnips and cabbages they devoured by wholesale. In confirmation of this, and to shew how particular this class of working men are as to their diet, and their customs, I know an instance where four servants, not many years since, aU left their service, because the master gave them bacon in stead of pickled pork, for a few weeks, while his pork was in salt, and preparing for their use. The master, however, supplied their place with others who made no objections to bacon. In Hampshire and Berkshire, they at all times give the preference to it. The high price of potatoes, and the London salesmen taking 316 AGRICULTURE. [A. D. 1836. them up in barges to London, very soon increased the quantity, from about ten acres, in this parish, to upwards of two hun dred. The price, however, is much too low now. Two and sixpence, or three shillings, per sack, of 200lbs., after having had seven, eight, or ten shiUings, will soon be the cause of the quantity being reduced here ; but the extensive growers in other parishes and counties will cause them to continue cheap. CARAWAY Has been grown only within these few years in this part of Kent. Mr. J. Cramp, of Garlinge Farm, near Margate, grows many acres, and has done so for several years. He also grows carrots in his fields, for food for his horses, cattle, and swine, which are taken up in November, for winter food, and given with hay, or good straw, cut to gether. The caraway is used in confectionary, and in medicine ; also for distillation with spirituous liquors. FENNEL. Grows wild in the hedges, and by the roads, in Thanet, and used to be very general; so that in mackarel season, the fish- women from London were accustomed to come down by the com hoys with bags, sacks, and hampers, which they filled by cutting it, without asking any leave, no value being attached to it. This continued for many years ; but, now, the London gar deners grow it for sale and for their own use. It is not of any value here, except as an accommodation to tything men, for harvest, who generally use the long boughs, in setting out the corn, as a distinction from other boughs, which might be put by boys out of mischief. Fennel is a hardy perennial and aromatic plant, which is plant ed by gardeners in the foUowing varieties : — 1st, common or sweet ; 2nd, dark green leaved ; 3rd, dwarf or finochio plants ; A. D. 1836.] AGRICULTURE. 317 used for culinary purposes, as a sauce for mackarel, in cold salad, &c. BRASSICA MURALIS Is a weed which grows very generally in St. Peter's parish, and is spreading all over the neighbourhood. At present, how ever, it is peculiar to Thanet. It bears a small yellow flower, which, when rubbed, is very offensive, smelling like a fox. This weed was brought over about the year 1792, in a vesel laden with oats, which was driven ashore at Kingsgate, and became a wreck. What was saved was sold, and several farmers pur- chEised and sowed it for seed. The next year, and for several successive ones, this weed grew after harvest, blos somed, &c., and continued all the winter. Those who had, and those who had not, sown it, had it equaUy, and its pre sence was ascribed to the wreck. From that period to the present it has been called " stinkweed." The utmost endea vours were used to prevent its getting beyond the coast. Boys were employed by my father, Mr. Gore, Mr. Cramp, &c., for several seasons after the harvest, but without effect. It is supposed to owe its increase to the seeds adhering to the sheeps' legs, after rain or heavy dews. The crops are so large after harvest, particularly in barley stubbles, that visitors, in riding over the land, have in quired the cause of the smell ; not being aware their horses' feet bruised the plant, or that the land had been recently raked, perhaps, with a long barley rake, which puUs up the large plants, and bruises the others. N. B. It is singular that, independently of the knowledge I had of this weed by experience, I should read an account of it at a friend's house in Exeter, under the name of " Bras- sica Muralis, a weed peculiar to Thanet." ; 318 CATTLE. [a. d. 1836. CATTLE. HORSES. The general opinion is, that a good horse cannot be of a bad color. I wiU admit there are good ones of every color, having proved it by experience ; for, from 1802, up to 1815, I i had four greys, four blacks, and four browns ; and it is sin gular, that in the thirteen years, I had no occasion to sell either from any defect. The same wagoner with the greys ; and the browns, continued on the same wages the whole of 1 that period, and both made up thirty years' service. The other team had one or two changes in that time. In justice to the men who have been in my service, I shall record their : names, as a good example to other labourers. WiUiam Sackett 30 years. Robert Fox 30 years. John Gisby John Kirby Daniel Kirby George Fox ^•made 20 years between them. J In respect to saddle-horses, I have been equally fortunate, having had one sixteen years and another fourteen. Persons, who wish it, may always match their teams ; but there are some who wiU have any color, rather than take the trouble of going to another fair or market, to seek for the color they want. There are but few farmers who breed colts here, for want of convenience to pasture them ; and had there not been large numbers brought from Flanders, the price would have been exceedingly high. During many years, the three or four years' old colts have sold from thirty to forty guineas. COWS Are but seldom reared here, for want of meadow land ; and that which we have is parched up in dry summers. The arti- A. D. 1836.] CATTLE. 319 ficial food, from the same cause, is very uncertain ; and, even when it is good, much care is required, or cows get blown, or have the yeUows. In general, persons purchase them at mar ket or fairs, where they have a choice of heifers from a large collection. The best I ever had, were a Devon and a Welsh heifer ; the former, unfortunately, was blown, and died ; con sequently, the quantity of milk and butter obtained from the Devon, was ascertained without any mistake. She used, in 1830, to make 12, 13, and ISilbs. per week of butter, during the summer. Some of our old sorts of Kent have done as much ; but that valuable description of stock is now getting scarce, the price of a fatted calf being an inducement to seU it. PIGS Are very good, in consequence of being crossed frequently ; but they are smaUer than the fine large Kentish hogs we used to have. The general opinion is, the former fatten quicker, and at less expense, than the latter. I have shewn, in this publication, the weight which may be obtained. SHEEP. In consequence of the open fields, and the lands being so intermixed, there are but few kept in this neighbourhood. The Romney Marsh are generally preferred. Much improve ment has been made by a cross. I saw the sheep belonging to Mr. Budd, in Hampshire, called the Downs, which were wonderfuUy improved by crossing ; they looked quite different from the original sorts, which have large heads, are low in the back, and ill-shaped. Their black wool and round faces made them look very aged. In the "Farmer's Series," No. 68, I observed, that Rich mond, in Yorkshire, and Holdemess, used to be noted for a very large breed of sheep, which were covered with a heavy, but remarkably coarse, fleece ; but from an admirable cross 320 POULTRY. [a. d. 1836. with the Leicestershire rams, Mr. Bakewell has brought them to a much earher maturity, an aptitude to fatten, a perfect sym metry, smallness of bone, and the wool fine, yet long. These flocks are generaUy designated the " Wold Sheep." They have a fine head, free from horns, fuU and lively eyes, thin and long ears, straight back, with particidarly round and fuU carcase, light and clean legs. A large fair, yearly, on the 25th Sept., where 80,000 have been for sale, in value equal to £200,000., is held at Weighton. POULTRY. Poultry are distinguished by two kinds ; viz., land and water fowl, the last being so called from their living in and about the water; also those which are accounted game. Our com mon poultry came originally from Persia and India. They were naturalized in this country before the arrival of the Ro mans ; for Caesar informs us that they were one of the for bidden foods of the old Britons. They were probably imported by the Phoenicians, who traded to Britain about five hundred years before Christ. Geese and ducks were first brought over by the Romans, when they invaded and conquered this country. The wild fowl were our own from the earhest period. Tame fowl are a necessary part of the stock of a farm ; and yield considerable profit by their eggs, chickens, feathers, dung, &c. They may be kept at a small expense by the road side, being able to shift for themselves the greatest part of the year, as they feed on insects, worms, snails, and almost any thing eatable ; but a smaU feed of com in the morning and evening, wiU considerably improve them both in size and flavor. The hen sits twenty days ; but geese, ducks, and turkeys, thirty. Buck-wheat, or hemp-seed, makes them lay faster than other food ; and buck-wheat ground and made into a A. D. 1836.] POULTRY. 321 paste, fattens them in a short time ; though the common food for that purpose is barley-meal, or poUard, mixed up with hot water or milk. A goose wdl scarce sit on any but her own eggs ; but a hen wiU sit indifferently on aU. The lightest co loured geese and hens are the best for profit, and these begin to lay the soonest, generaUy hatching twice a year. Of aU birds, perhaps, the domestic cock and hen afford the greatest number of varieties. The principal varieties are the dunghUl, game, Dorking, Po land, Bantam, and Maylay ; the first of which, of middling size, and of every colour, needs no further description. Game fowls, are also too weU known to require a particular description. Their plumage, especially the red, is most beautiful and rich, and their symmetry and delicacy of limbs not to be com pared. Their flesh is extremely white. I used to keep those of the brown color, about half-bred game, and then selected those with white legs in preference to yellow, or black ; and for many years have had the credit of having the best fowls and poultry about the neighbourhood, which, in some mea sure, may be attributed to changing the male bird, of aU sorts, every three years. Nature seems to direct it ought to be so ; for wild fowl, and birds of every species, flock together during the winter, and in the spring pair off; and it is a thou sand to one, but each has a new companion year after year. I pursued the same plan with my rabbits, which I kept for upwards of fifty-one years, and in 1797, I had a brick arch turned over a place, dug under ground, about seven feet in length, and five in breadth ; where I kept two couple, one male and three females, all grey, with success, until 1834, when I left a good stock for my son. They burrowed in the earth, a great distance, and by chang ing the stock every three years, selecting one at each of my friends, far and near, by purchase, I have continued my good success ; because I always took away the young before they 322 BEES. [a. d. 1836. were half grown, and put them into a spare room, or boxes, to fatten ; for they are very quarrelsome, and the bucks, some times, kill the young ones, if left together too long. BEES. I can venture to give my opinion with respect to bees, from practical observation, having continually kept them for thirty- five years. The common cottage-hive is superior to any of the newly-invented ones ; though I have had both glass and other hives. The aspect is a great consideration ; and to give them the morning sun is very desirable. Care should be taken that no wall, or buildings, are in a direction to prevent their flying to the horizon without inconvenience ; nor should there be any high trees to keep off the sun. The cover of straw, or boards, if on a stand, should project so far as to keep off the rain in winter ; and, in either case, they should stand fast in the ground, so as not to rock and shake with the wind. There are no greater enemies than mice, from Novem ber to March ; and, therefore, care is required to keep them from getting up the stand. The Apiarian Society strongly recommended the Preserver and Remunator Hive. This, however, did not answer in Thanet, where the severity of the winter occasioned the bees to be unable to come down their hives, to feed on the food we conveyed to them ; consequently large numbers died. The plan was invented by Mr. James Roberts, of Crediton, Devon, in 1803 : and from the mildness of the air, and by attention, they might succeed there. I re turned to my old plan of brimstone ; for it is better to de stroy them at once, than to rob them, and leave them to starve from cold or hunger. There are two sorts of bees, the drones and the working bees. The former are larger, and have a blunt taU. The queen, or mother, is larger than either, and has an additional scale, or ring, on it ; the legs are yellow. All the others are black. If she' dies by any chance, the others will not work A. D. 1836.] laborers' cottages. 323 any longer, but unite with another stock. It is calculated that a good swarm contains forty thousand bees, which, if well hived, wiU breed sixteen thousand by July ; and, in Au gust, the drones are destroyed by the others. I have always taken the swarms myself, in the summer, by hiving them, and in August, taken the stocks also ; for, if they remain longer, the bees begin to hve on their store, and it soon decreases, although by no means so fast as it increases, when they are coUecting it, which is about two pounds per day. Some per sons plant flowers near the hives, under an impression that it will be an accommodation ; not being aware that bees seek their food at a great distance in clover, sanfoin, &c., besides broom, cabbages, and all flowers round the neighbourhood. There is nothing so sweet as honey, nor anything obtained at so little trouble or expense. Many a cottager might pay half his house rent by bees every year, if attended to. LABOURERS' COTTAGES. The poor man, by his fire-side, is as independent as any per son, and in the eye of the law is equally upon a level with the highest nobleman, as to protection ; and so long as he gets em ployment, he is willing to labour for bread, and would be sa tisfied. But the diminution of the demand for labour, owing to an excess of population, has occasioned a reduction of wa ges ; even this, however, the industrious man would gladly ac cept, were it permanent. The farmers are prevented, by the low price of grain, high rents, and taxes, from employing as many as the land reaUy requires. They would cheerfully give the industrious labourer the worth of his hire, were it in their power : but agriculture has declined to so low an ebb, (not withstanding the zealous efforts of the Marquis of Chandos, the Earl of Winchilsea, the Right Hon. Sir Edward Knatch buU, and others, to support the landed interest,) that they cannot. Agricultural Associations have been formed in every part of Great Britain ; and the agriculturalists have petitioned parliament ; but they have not been relieved, although they have 324 labourers' cottages. [a. d. 1836. shewn, by an authentic statement, that the agriculture of Great Britain, and Ireland produces an annual property of £216,817,624., while the whole boasted commerce and manu factures amount only to £28,025,468., or £188,792,156. less than agriculture. The question is now come to this issue — whether it be pos sible for landlords to go on without their rents, and for tenants to sell their produce at less than the cost of its production ? Are the latter to continue to sink under their burthens, and have no relief ? I have been thus explicit, to shew that men of high charac ter, as well as agricultural men of business, have exerted them selves without effect, as to parliamentary assistance. The allotment of land to the poor begins to shew its good effects ; and if cottages on waste lands were general, much advantage would arise ; but this advantage would be still greater, if a plan could be adopted for every farmer throughout the king dom to have as many cottages as the land requires labourers — say three for every hundred acres. This would take some thousands of persons from towns, (now employed in agriculture of the very worst description,) whose leisure time is now generally spent at a public house ; but the cottager employs his leisure hours in his garden, &c., and his evening with his wife and family, and enjoys his pipe at home, after the toil of the day. Such men and their fami lies have many comforts about them, and are not often known to apply for parochial relief. If, by chance, illness, or any other cause, renders him unable to pay his rent, his landlord (the master) permits him to remain in the house, under the ex pectation that he will outset the balance next year. But those who reside in a town, have no lenity. The rent they must pay, or an execution follows ; the man's goods are sold, and himself and family driven to the work -house ; they thus be come paupers,and often continue so, all the rest of their lives. The number of farms in England, in 1832, was stated, in a circular, to be 2,000,000 acres. Suppose one half of these to A. D. 1836.] laborers' cottages. 325 have cottages on them already for their labourers, and the others not ; then, by building the required quantity, in which a man, his wife, and two children, (say, on the average, four persons, to a cottage,) you would have for this 1,000,000 acres, 33,333 cottages, which, if occupied by four persons each, would give a rural population of 133,332. This population would be, in a great measure, taken from towns, and, instead of being, as now, the worst of agriculturists, would become the best, and useful members of society. In order to support my argument, I shall state some facts that have occurred be tween myself and cottagers residing on the farms I have occu pied. I claim no merit, as far as I am concerned, for keeping old servants ; but I think it will be only doing justice to those men, many of whom are living in my neighbourhood, respect able and responsible members of society. The foUowing labourers have resided as tenants, and worked for me and my family without having any parochial relief, although some have had large families. John Hurst 41 years. Richard Woodward .... 39 John Gillow 32 John Collins 34 William Harlow 16 Edward Heritage 16 Joseph Wood 3 •William Collins 16 *James Gillow 4 *John Hurst, jun 7 WiUiam Goodbourn 23 *Shepherd Goodbourn . . 25 *Daniel Goodbourn .... 6 Besides others for one or two years occasionaHy. * Sons of the above, some of whom continue their services on the estates. (1836.) Henry Smith 8 years George Smith 6 , Robert Peirce 16 J.Beal 3 Richard Barwick 4 Thomas Gisby 52 S. Paramor 23 William Austen 23 Stephen Jarman 18 Richard Horn 4 Peter Kendal 4 John Downes 4 326 farmers' servatns. [a. d. 1836. These twenty-five men are in addition to those named as carters or wagoners, working with teams, each of whom had a mate ; that is, a yoimg man to assist in the work and drive the plough ; the second man, or third, the same ; the sdl-works have the care of the stock, make hay and com ricks, &c. Every farmer, in addition to his regular men and boys, em ploys, occasionally, many others, particularly in harvest and hay season. Here is also another advantage, by having cot tages. These men are to be depended upon when required, and, in cases of storms, or in wet seasons, they are to be found, if needed, out of hours ; but those from towns are often sought for in vain. My farming has been less than 400 acres ; yet, by going into these calculations, the importance of a farmer, according to his occupation, is shewn. I have mentioned thirty regular servants, who had no parish relief while in my service ; these, on an average, had five chUdren each, and, with their parents, amounted to 210 persons ; aU of whom lived, year after year, by their labour, at my expence, untU the young ones got into service, and the old ones were worn out with age. Now, compare the farmer and the tradesman, and see which does most for society. I do not mean to deny that the latter contributes his proportion, and that proportion I have shewn is small indeed. I have long seen a very great difference in the condition of the agricultural labourer. The uidependence of that class of persons lies buried in the graves of their forefathers. Having been -driven to ask the ungra cious boon from the overseer, they have, step by step, become riotous machine breakers, and particularly in 1830, (but not in this parish,) when, in open day, they marched in num bers of 60 or 80, and destroyed them in the parishes of Wingham, Ash, &c. A great many advantages arise from labourers' Benefit Clubs. We have two in our parish (as may be seen in my Joumal) ; one for coals, and the other for sickness, &c. Having shewn the good effects to be obtained by an in crease of cottages, I shaU give my opinion how they may be A. D. 1836.] farmers' servants. 327 obtained. The landlord should build them, because he would expend the money on his property. The cottages, according to the size of the farm, should be let to the tenant, who would re-let them to his labourers, by which means he would get the rents in harvest. Three built under one roof would not only be less expensive, but would be a sort of guard as to the honesty of each other ; and in the enclosed countries they would not only be a protection to game, but also to the woods. For when these cottages were so generally dispersed, poachers could not very weU escape being seen or heard. It would also be desirable for cottages to be built on waste-land, or by the road-side of large commons. In cases of accident, robbe ries, &c., their occupants might be serviceably employed both as regards the public roads, and general accommodation. I have shewn that, as far back as 1658, husbandry servants had a part of their wages in kind ; and, to my knowledge, it is so at present, and very much to their own advantage; for if they have cash to purchase food, &c., they get but httlefortheir money. Another good arising from it is, that when labourers have the wheat at a reduced price for their bread, and corn for their pig, they feel an interest in the good or bad harvest; besides which, they are under greater obligations to their masters. In fact, the interest of the landlord, tenant, and the labourers, should be united ; for their mutual welfare is bound up in the welfare of each separately. The landlord should "live and let live." The tenants and the pubhc would then re spect him. The labourers should be industrious, honest, and faithful. When this is once more the case, then Agriculture will flourish again, providing corn bears a remunerating price. In concluding this Joumal, I beg to call the attention of my readers to the very great improvements that have been made in St. Peter's and Broadstairs, since I remember, when corn grew where the Hotel, both Libraries, the Royal Assembly Rooms, together with NuckeU's Place, Chandos Place, and Piermont House, the extensive premises belonging to Edward 328 conclusion. [a. d. 1836. Fletcher, Esq. Many houses have been built of late years, in this neighbourhood, and others have undergone various improve ments, such as Stone House, the residence of J. D. Alexander, Esq., which has been made a princely place ; Northforeland Lodge, the residence of Captain Isaacks, a beautiful mansion ; and Kingsgate, which has been laid out with so much taste, by Captain Cotton. Robert Pricket, Esq., has also made Upton Cottage a delightful summer residence. Bromstone was, formerly, the residence of John Abbott, Esq., who was highly respected, and most sincerely regretted by his numerous friends, as well as the poor. He liberally allowed the inhabitants to sport in his paddock, at the games of cricket, running, &c. Dumpton House is on the Ramsgate road, weU orna mented with trees, and built by Robert Crofts, Esq., who re sides there. Sackett's Hill, the residence of Sir Richard Burton, is a good family house. The gardens and plantations are exten sive. Elmwood House, occupied by — Fisher, Esq., is much admired : and near the village are the mansion of the late Thomas Lett, Esq., and the residence of J. P. Baldry, Esq., and of the late H. H. Blackbum, Esq., together with many others, both ancient and modem, too numerous to mention. In respect to our legal authorities, the Mayor of Dover con tinues to appoint his deputies here, (as we are one of the an cient limbs of the Cinque Ports belonging thereto), which have been weU supphed for many years in Mr. Richard Collard, deputy, and Mr. T. Mussared, sub-deputy, with constables under them ; and since the appointment of the Cinque Port Magistrates, yjrho hold their Court at Margate, occasionally, much of our parochial, and other matters, has been adjusted there ; before which, we used to go to Dover (twenty-one miles), upon every occasion for justice. FINIS. YALE YALE BRITISH HISTORY PRESERVATION PROJECT II SUPPORTED BY NEH Wpi^'