the seat of Lord de Clifford, is about four miles north-west of Bristol.
It is a noble mansion, built by Sir John Vanbrugh, somewhat in his usual
style; but the situation according with the style better than usually
fell to the lot of that architect, it has a grand and noble effect. The
collection of paintings here are by esteemed masters, and very fine; the
gardens, hot-houses, &c. are kept up in very great style. The park,
which is richly wooded and beautifully diversified, offers a rich treat
to the painter; the varied prospects obtained at every turn and opening
of its numerous walks and vistas are as rich and extensive as nature in
this climate can afford. The whole, under very trifling restrictions,
are most kindly and liberally left open by his Lordship, for the public
to enjoy. Kingsweston inn, just above the park, is a comfortable house,
delightfully situated.
To the west of Kingsweston, on a hill called Penpold, is a
pleasure-house: from this hill, which is of great height, the most
beautiful prospects are to be enjoyed. You look down on that fine sheet
of water, Kingroad and the Severn Sea; commanding alternately views of
Somersetshire, Glamorganshire, and Monmouthshire, with Wales in the back
ground; Glocestershire and Wiltshire: this with the bustle of the
shipping in the nearer sea view, so engage the attention, that time flies
unheeded by.
From hence proceed to Shirehampton, a pleasing village, leading to a good
inn, called Lamplighters’ hall, a place of considerable resort, during
the summer months, to witness the busy scene at the mouth of the Avon: it
is situated close to high water mark, on the bank of the river, opposite
to Pill or Crockern Pill, where is a Custom-house, at which all vessels
leaving the port of Bristol are obliged to take their last clearance in
going out, and from which they are furnished with pilots inwards. The
ride from hence, when the tides are not too high, over turf to the mouth
of the Avon, is very fine. The house is built purposely to enjoy the
busy scene which the river and Kingroad here present; and its
accommodations are remarkably good, and the charges reasonable.
Frenchhay, in Glocestershire, is about four miles north-east of Bristol;
the drive this way is beautiful, from the numerous noblemen and
gentlemens’ seats and highly cultivated grounds, which occupy both sides
of the road. It was here, during the war, that the great depôt of French
prisoners was established.
At the east end of the common is a remarkable lusus naturæ, which was
taken out of a stone quarry at Downend; its form is an entire perfect
muscle, consisting of the upper and under shell, which are closed
together; its weight is nearly two tons.
Bristol is but one stage from either the Old or New Passage; it is eleven
miles to the New, and nine to the Old. The mail and most of the coaches
pass their passengers, &c. by the New Passage, as saving a stage on the
Milford road. Chaises or horses are generally charged at the rate of
twelve miles to either.
At Aust (or the Old Passage) it is about two miles over to Beachley, in
the parish of Tidenham, Glocestershire. This is the direct way to
Chepstow, Newent, and all the forest of Deane, Herefordshire,
Worcestershire, and the upper part of Monmouthshire.
At the New Passage, it is about three miles over at high water to Port
Skewith, near St. Pierre in Monmouthshire. When the wind is S.E. or
N.W., it is directly across the river, therefore you must be at the
passage where you intend to cross, an hour before high water, as they can
only go over then, and that but once, there being no passage during the
flood or ebb.
Should the traveller have before visited Bristol, or decline this
excursion, he will find the walk from Glocester to