[A] BARN-ELMS. On the adjoining common stood the house in wh_Curiosities of Great Britain: England and Wales Delineated Vol.1-11 Historical, Entertaining & Commercial; Alphabetically Arranged. 11 Volume set.

members of the celebrated Kit Cat Club assembled. Their original place

of meeting was in London, but Jacob Tonson, the bookseller, who was

their secretary, caused it to be transferred to a house belonging to

himself, at Barn-Elms, and built a handsome room for their

accommodation. The portrait of each member was painted by Sir Godfrey

Kneller, but the apartment not being sufficiently large to receive

half-length pictures, a shorter canvas was adopted, and hence proceeded

the technical term of Kit Cat size. We give a further account of this

club from the graphic pen of Sir Richard Phillips, in his "Morning's

Walk from London to Kew," 1817. "A lane in the north-west corner of the

common brought me to Barn-Elms, where now resides a Mr. Hoare, a banker,

of London. The family were from home, and I had some difficulty to gain

admittance, the servants knowing nothing either of the club, or its

former occupant. A walk covered with docks, thistles, nettles, and high

grass, led from the remains of a gateway in the garden wall to the door

which opened into the building. Ah! thought I, through this desolate

avenue, the finest geniuses in England daily proceeded to meet their

friends. Yet, within a century, how changed--how deserted--how

revolting! A cold chill seized me as the man unfastened the decayed

door, and I beheld the once elegant hall filled with cobwebs, a fallen

ceiling, and accumulating rubbish. The door on the left led to a

spacious, and once superb, staircase--now in ruins. The entire building,

for want of ventilation, having become food for the fungus, called

dry-rot, the timbers had lost its cohesive powers. I ascended the

staircase, therefore, with a degree of danger to which my conductor

would not expose himself, but was well requited for my pains. Here I

found the Kit-Cat Club-room, nearly as it existed in the days of its

glory. It is 18 feet high, and 40 feet long, by 20 wide. The mouldings

and ornaments were in the most superb fashion of its age, but the whole

was falling to pieces from the effects of the dry-rot. My attention was

chiefly attracted by the faded cloth-hangings of the room, whose red

colour once set off the famous portraits of the club that hung around

it. Their marks and sizes were still visible, and their numbers and

names remained, as written in chalk for the guidance of the hanger. Thus

was I, as it were, brought into contact with Addison and Steele, and

Congreve, and Garth, and Dryden, and with many hereditary nobles,

remembered only because they were patrons of those natural nobles. I

read their names aloud--I invoked their departed spirits--I was appalled

by the echo of my own voice. The holes in the floor, the forest of

cobwebs in the windows, and a swallow's nest in the corner of the

ceiling, proclaimed that I was viewing a vision of the dreamers of a

past age; that I saw realized before me the speaking vanities of the

anxious career of man. On rejoining Mr. Hoare's servant in the hall

below, he informed me that his master intended to pull the building

down, and form of it a riding-house. I learn that this design has since

been executed. The Kit-Cat pictures were painted early in the eighteenth

century, and about the year 1710 were brought to this spot, but the room

I have been describing was not built till ten or fifteen years

afterwards. They were 42 in number, and are now in the possession of a

Mr. Baker, of Hertingford-bury, where I lately saw them splendidly

lodged, and in fine preservation. It may be proper to observe, that the

house of Mr. Hoare was not the house of Mr. Tonson, and that Mr.

Tonson's house stood nearer to the Kit-Cat club-rooms, having a few

years since been taken down." A person died in this place, leaving in

his will an annual sum, to be laid out in roses to be planted on his

grave. The spot is distinguished by a stone tablet on the outside of the

wall of the church, enclosed by pales, with some rose-trees planted on

each side of it. This tablet is dedicated to the memory of Edward Rose,

citizen of London, who died in 1653, and left L20. to the poor of

Barnes, for the purchase of an acre of land, on condition that the pales

should be kept up, and the rose-trees preserved.

[Sidenote: Kit Cat Club house.]

[Sidenote: As described by Sir Richard Phillips in 1817.]

Map| Names of Places. | County. | Number of Miles From |

+--+-----------------------+---------+-------------+------------+

+--+-----------------------+---------+-------------+------------+

|Dist.|

Map| Names of Places. | Number of Miles From |Lond.|Population.

+--+-----------------------+----------+------------+-----+------+

18|Barnet-Chipping[A] m.t.|Hatfield 9| 11| 2369|

18|Barnet, East pa|Barnet 3| 10| 547|

25|Barnet, Friern[B] pa|Hornsey 4| 9| 543|

24|Barnetby-le-Wold pa|Barton 10| 162| 532|

27|Barney pa|Holt 7| 115| 263|

36|Barnham vil|Bury 10| 81| 384|

38|Barnham pa|Bognor 3| 60| 148|

27|Barnham-Broom pa|Hingham 6| 105| 463|

+--+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----+------+

[A] BARNET. This small busy town occupies an elevated situation on the

high north road; and near this place was fought, in the year 1471, the

famous battle between the houses of York and Lancaster, which terminated

in the death of the Earl of Warwick, and established King Edward the

Fourth upon the throne. An obelisk was erected by Sir Jeremy Sambrook,

in memory of the battle in the year 1740. In the church is an altar

monument in commemoration of Thomas Ravensworth, Esquire, whose effigy,

in a recumbent position, is represented on the tomb in veined marble. He

died in 1630. Several others of his family are also buried here; and

among these, James, his eldest son, who erected and endowed an

alms-house, or hospital in Barnet, "for six poor ancient women, being

widows or maidens, inhabitants of the town; and neither common beggars,

common drunkards, back-biters, tale-bearers, common scolds, thieves or

other like persons of infamous life, or evil name or repute; or

vehemently suspected of sorcerie, witchcraft, or charming, or guilty of

perjury: nor any ideot or lunatic are admitted." The annual value of the

original endowment is now about L45.; besides which, the trustees have a

further income of L30. annually, arising from other sources. Another

alms-house for six poor widows, was built and endowed about the year

1723, under the will of John Garrett, Gent., who bequeathed L800. for

that purpose. Near the race ground, on Barnet Common, is a mineral

spring, of a mild purgative nature, that was discovered about the middle

of the 17th century, and was formerly in much repute. A few years ago a

subscription was made for arching it over and erecting a pump. The town

is at present governed by a presiding magistrate, a high constable and

subordinate officers. The inhabitants of this township enjoy a very

extensive common right over the adjoining wastes and chace. Between

Barnet and South Mims, an extensive improvement has been effected in the

road, which was a series of angular turnings and unnecessary hills, to

an extent which renders it surprising how such glaring imperfections

were suffered to exist, when a sufficiently direct line could be

obtained.

_Market_, Monday. _Fairs_ April 8, 9, 10, linen drapery, mercery,

toys, &c. The harvest fair or Welsh fair, September 4, 5, Welsh

cattle and horses; Sept. 6, mercery, &c. and sometimes a few horses,

pigs, &c. The Leeds Mail arrives 9.11 evening, departs 7.48 evening.

The Glasgow mail arrives 9.20 evening; departs 4.18 morning. _Inns_,

Duke of Wellington, Green Man, and Red Lion.

[Sidenote: Battle between the houses of York and Lancaster.]

[Sidenote: Mineral spring.]

[B] BARNET, (Friern). John Walker, the author of a celebrated

dictionary, was a native of this place, and was born in the year 1732.

About the year 1767, he joined with a Mr. Usher in setting up a school

at Kensington; this speculation not succeeding he removed to London,

where he gave lectures on elocution. It is said that in his early youth

he studied the art, intending to make the stage his profession, although

his very questionable success induced him to adopt another pursuit. Mr.

Walker was an amiable as well as a learned man; he was the author of

several elementary works: such as "The Rhetorical Grammar," "Elements of

Elocution," "Key to the correct pronunciation of Greek, Latin, and

Scriptural names," and a "Rhyming Dictionary." He died at his house in

Tottenham Court Road, August 1, 1807. This parish includes the hamlet of

Colney Hatch, half of Whetstone, and a part of Finchley Common.

[Sidenote: Birth place of Walker, author of the pronouncing dictionary.]

Map| Names of Places. | County. | Number of Miles From |

+--+---------------------+----------+--------------+------------+

27|Barningham pa|Norfolk | 8| 5|

27|Barningham Winter pa|Norfolk | 6| 7|

+--+---------------------+----------+--------------+------------+

|Dist.|

Map| Names of Places. | Number of Miles From |Lond.|Population.

+--+---------------------+-------------------------+-----+------+

7|Barnhill ham|Malpas 4| 172| |

36|Barningham pa|Thetford 9| 82| 514|

44|Barningham pa & to|Barnard Cas. 5| 238| 550|

27|Barningham, Little pa|Cromer 8| 119| 227|

27|Barningham pa| 5| 121| 42|

27|Barningham Winter pa| 8| 120| 114|

24|Barnoldby-le-Beck pa|Louth 16| 165| 232|

45|Barnoldswick pa & to|Clitheroe 10| 223| 2724|

7|Barnsham to|Congleton 8| 170| |

15|Barnsley pa|Fairford 6| 86| 318|

45|Barnsley[A] m.t. & to|Hudderfield 17| 172| 10330|

11|Barnstaple[B] bo.& mt|Ilfracomb 10| 193| 6840|

+--+---------------------+-------------------------+-----+------+

[A] BARNSLEY. This large market town is built chiefly of stone, but

being surrounded by coal pits and iron works, the smoke from which

obscures the air, it is generally known by the name of Black Barnsley.

The black glass bottles made here are of excellent quality, and the

manufacture of linen is carried on to a great extent. Here also is made

the best wire in the kingdom for needles. The town is seated on the side

of a hill; the trade and population have considerably increased since

the completion of the navigable canal, by means of which communications

are opened with Wakefield, and all parts of the kingdom. The land in the

vicinity of this town is highly distinguished for its fertility; the

manor is possessed by the Duke of Leeds.

_Market_, Wednesday.--_Fairs_, Wednesday before Feb. 28, horned

cattle and swine; May 12, ditto; October 10, ditto, horses, and

cheese.--_Mail_ arrives 2.55 afternoon; departs 11.31

night.--_Bankers_, Becket and Co., draw on Glyn and Co.--_Inns_,

King's Head, and White Bear.

[Sidenote: The trade.]

[B] BARNSTAPLE is said to derive its name from Bar, which in the ancient

British signified the mouth of a river; and the Saxon word Staple, a

mart. It is situated in the hundred of Braunton, and returns two members

to parliament. The town appears to have been incorporated by Henry I.,

yet it retains some traces of feudal jurisdiction; a number of common

burgesses claiming a right to vote with the corporate officers for

members of parliament. The L10. householders are about 607; the

returning officer is the mayor, who with two bailiffs, two aldermen,

twenty-two common councilmen, and other officers form the corporation.

Barnstaple is one of the neatest and most respectable towns in the

county; it lies on the eastern bank of the river Taw, in a broad and

fertile vale, bounded by a semi-circular range of hills. The Taw here

spreads to a considerable breadth, but from the great accumulation of

sand, the port is shallow, and vessels of more than 200 tons are not

able to enter. Over the river is a bridge of sixteen arches, which is

said to have been built by one of the Tracys, at the time that family

were lords of the manor. The streets are spacious and regular, and the

buildings generally good. The town, indeed, boasts some of the marks of

a metropolis; there are balls every fortnight, and a regular theatre,

and nothing but a good pavement is wanted to make it highly agreeable. A

noble quay extends some way along the river, terminated by a handsome

piazza, over the centre of which stands the statue of Queen Anne, with

an inscription, testifying to the loyalty of Robert Rolle, of

Stevenstone, in this county, the erector. The woollen trade formerly

carried on here with considerable spirit, greatly increased the wealth

of the town, and enabled its inhabitants to erect a number of very

respectable houses: this trade has of late failed, but the manufacture

of baize, silk stockings and waistcoat pieces, still gives life to the

place. Besides this source of wealth and population, the beauty of the

surrounding country, and the cheapness of provisions, have induced many

respectable families to reside here entirely; a circumstance which

renders Barnstaple the most genteel town in the north of Devon. Here is

a celebrated Grammar School, which has been founded about three

centuries, and is famous for having educated a number of distinguished

men; among whom were John Jewel, Bishop of Salisbury: his Theological

antagonist, Thomas Harding, Professor at Louvain: the poet Gay, and the

learned Dr. Musgrave. Bishop Jewel was a learned divine, who lived in

the reigns of the last sovereigns of the house of Tudor, and was born

near Ilfracombe, in 1522. Having acquired the rudiments of his learning

in this school, he was removed to Merton College, Oxford. He was a most

zealous and able champion of the Christian faith; and was indefatigable

in the pursuit of knowledge, even at the expense of his health, which

was materially injured by the closeness of his application. About the

year 1551, he obtained the rectory of Sunningwell, in Berkshire, where

he was much beloved for his zeal and assiduity as a parish priest. When

Queen Mary succeeded her brother Edward, Jewel was deprived of an office

he held in the university; and, notwithstanding he subscribed to a

confession of faith drawn up by the Catholics, yet suspicions were

entertained of his sincerity, and fearing he should be prosecuted as an

heretic, he withdrew from Oxford, and made his escape to the continent.

On the death of Queen Mary, Jewel returned to England, and was received

very favorably by Queen Elizabeth, who raised him to the bishoprick of

Salisbury, in the year 1560. From this time until the day of his death,

he was principally engaged in his pastoral duties, and in the defence

and support of the Protestant faith. He died September 1571. The

admirable moralist and poet, Gay, was also educated in this school; he

was the composer of "The Beggar's Opera," the notion of which appears to

have been afforded by Swift. The purpose of this singular performance,

was to bring into ridicule the Italian Opera, and it is not easy to

define the mixture of pathos and ridicule which distinguishes this

remarkable production. His celebrated "Fables," written for the

instruction of the Duke of Cumberland, have been the means of

unqualified delight to millions. His first poem, entitled "Rural

Sports," and dedicated to Mr. Pope, gained him the friendship of that

poet. The year following he was appointed Secretary to the Duchess of

Monmouth: at this time he printed his "Trivia," in the composition of

which he was assisted by Swift. He died of an inflammation of the

bowels, in 1732, (sincerely lamented by all who knew him,) and was

buried in Westminster Abbey, where his monument exhibits an epitaph by

Pope, which is written with tasteful tenderness.

_Market_, Friday.--_Fairs_, September 19; Friday before April 21;

second Friday in December, for cattle. These are considerable fairs,

but are called great markets, as there is no charter to hold fairs on

those days.--_Mail_ arrives 7.0 morning; departs 5.0

afternoon.--_Bankers_, Pyke, Law and Co.; draw on Barclay and Co.;

Drake and Co. draw on Esdaile and Co.--_Inns_, Fortescue Arms; Golden

Lion; Kings Arms.

[Sidenote: Incorporated by Henry I.]

[Sidenote: Amusements, &c.]

[Sidenote: Eminent men educated here.]

[Sidenote: Gay, the Poet, born here.]

Map| Names of Places. | County.| Number of Miles From |

+--+-----------------------+--------+-----------+-----------+

+--+-----------------------+--------+-----------+-----------+

|Dist.|

Map| Names of Places. |Number of Miles From |Lond.|Population.

+--+-----------------------+-------------+------+-----+-----+

7|Barnston to|Chester 14| 198| 112|

14|Barnston pa|Chelmsford 10| 38| 215|

7|Barnton to|Warrington 9| 175| 730|

28|Barnwell-All-Sts.[A] pa|Stamford 18| 78| 126|

+--+-----------------------+--------------------+-----+-----+

[A] BARNWELL derives its name from some wells, which in the age of

superstition, were widely famed for the miraculous cures they performed

in diseases of children. Sacred veneration was at length paid them, and

pilgrims from distant parts resorted hither to adore the spirit which

infused such wonderful virtues into the waters. A castle was erected

here in the reign of Henry I., by Reginald le Moine, and became

afterwards the baronial residence of the family of the Montagues. The

remains of this once magnificent structure consist of four circular

massy bastion towers, each forming an angle of a quadrangular court,

inclosed by walls three feet thick; the grand gateway on the south side

is flanked by similar towers. The whole forms a fine and curious ruin,

and is a rare specimen of the early Norman castellated form of

building.

Map| Names of Places. | County. | Number of Miles From |

+--+-----------------------+----------+------------+-------------+

+--+-----------------------+----------+------------+-------------+

|Dist.|

Map| Names of Places. | Number of Miles From |Lond.|Population.

+--+-----------------------+----------------------+------+-------+

28|Barnwell, St. And pa|Stamford 17| 79| 284|

15|Barnwood pa|Painswick 6| 104| 419|

35|Barr, Great[A] pa|Birmingham 5| 114| 779|

35|Barr, Perry ham|Sutton 3| 114| 777|

29|Barrasford to|Corbridge 9| 284| 232|

6|Barrington pa|Royston 8| 46| 485|

34|Barrington pa|Crewkherne 8| 134| 468|

4|Barrington, Great[B] pa|Stow 8| 76| 532|

15|Barrington, Little pa|Northleach 7| 76| 162|

10|Barrow pa|Burton 10| 125| 584|

15|Barrow to|Gloucester 7| 98| 238|

29|Barrow to|Bellingham 18| 314| 14|

32|Barrow chap|Cottesmore 2| 101| 144|

+--+-----------------------+----------------------+------+-------+

[A] GREAT BARR is an agreeable village, which has long been the property

of the Scott family, who have here one of the finest mansions in the

county. This seat stands in a beautiful valley, affording the most

delightful prospects of hill and dale, varied by wood and water. Shady

walks and rustic seats furnish the most attractive conveniences for the

promenade. One object in particular fixes the attention; it is an urn

near the flower garden, to the memory of Miss Mary Dolman, the cousin of

Shenstone, whose elegant pen supplied a beautiful tribute in Latin. The

summit of Barr Beacon, which is 653 feet in height, was the spot from

whence the Druids gave notice, by watch-fires, of their periodical

sacrifices; and it was used both by the Saxons and the Danes, as a

beacon to alarm the country in times of danger. The chapel of the

village is of remarkable beauty; its eastern window contains a painting

on glass by Mr. Eginton, who has improved upon the design of the Rev.

Mr. Peter's "Spirit of a Child."

[Sidenote: Barr Beacon, 653 feet high.]

[B] GREAT BARRINGTON is a parish containing about 1000 acres, including

some portion of Oxfordshire within its limits, as well as a small tract

belonging to Berkshire. Previous to the conquest, the manor was held by

Earl Harold; the present owner is Lord Dynevor, Lord Lieut. and Cust.

Rot. of Carmarthen. Barrington church appears to have been erected about

the time of Henry VII. Beneath one of the windows of the aisle are the

monument and effigies of Captain Edward Bray, grandfather of Sir Giles

Bray, lord of the manor, who is represented in armour, with a ruff round

his neck and a sword girt on the "right" side. This peculiarity

originated from the captain having killed a man at Tilbury camp; and, in

token of his sorrow, he determined never more to use his right hand.

Lord Chancellor Talbot was buried in this church; he was the son of

William Talbot, Bishop of Durham, and was born in the year 1684. After

being elected a fellow of All Soul's College, Oxford, he married, and

consequently was compelled to give up his fellowship. When he left the

university, he was admitted a member of the society of Lincoln's Inn,

and was speedily called to the bar. He was chosen to represent the now

disfranchised borough of Tregony, in Cornwall, and afterwards was made

member for the city of Durham. He died in the enjoyment of the highest

character, after a short illness, on the 14th of February, 1737. Few

Chancellors have been more lamented, both in public and private life.

Lord Talbot acquired universal esteem. The Hall was built by him in the

year 1734, soon after which it was destroyed by fire. The grounds

furnish a good specimen of the "ferme ornee," (ornamental farm) and the

park, about three miles in circumference, is well planted with a variety

of beautiful trees.

[Sidenote: Capt. Edward Bray.]

Map| Names of Places. | County. | Number of Miles From |

+--+-------------------------+---------+--------------+-------------+

34|Barrow, South pa|Somerset |... 4|... 7|

54|Barry Isle[B] Isle|Glamorgan|... 9|... 8|

+--+-------------------------+---------+--------------+-------------+

|Dist.|

Map| Names of Places. | Number of Miles From |Lond.|Population.

+--+-------------------------+------------------------+-----+-------+

33|Barrow pa|Broseley 2| 146| 351|

36|Barrow pa|Mildenhall 9| 69| 856|

34|Barrow-Gourney pa|Pensford 7| 120| 279|

7|Barrow, Great pa & to|Tarporley 5| 183| 436|

24|Barrow-on-Humber pa|Brigg 11| 167| 1334|

34|Barrow, North pa|Wincanton 8| 116| 150|

34|Barrow, South pa| ... 9| 117| 139|

23|Barrow-on-Soar[A] pa & to|Leicester 9| 107| 6254|

24|Barrowby pa|Colterswor 10| 112| 687|

32|Barrowden pa|Oakham 8| 92| 485|

22|Barrowford to|Burnley 6| 216| 2633|

54|Barry pa|Llandaff 9| 169| 72|

54|Barry Isle[B] Isle| ... 9| 169| ...|

+--+-------------------------+------------------------+-----+-------+

Curiosities of Great Britain: England and Wales Delineated Vol.1-11 Historical, Entertaining & Commercial; Alphabetically Arranged. 11 Volume set. · 第 18 / 31 段

[A] BARN-ELMS. On the adjoining common stood the house in which the