_From the MS. Collections of the Rev. W. Cole_, _now in the Library at
the British Museum_. _Vol._ 10, _p._ 92, _taken at Bristol in the year_
1746.
Having done with what is in the Cathedral, let us just step into the
Bishop's Palace on the south side of it: and here we cannot help
observing the generous Temper of the present worthy prelate; who in a
poor Bishoprick of about 500 pounds per ann. has already laid out on
building an entire new Palace in the room of the old one which was gone
to decay, above 3000 pounds. The small Chapel belonging to the old one
is standing; but entirely new fitted up, furnished in an elegant Taste
and newly wainscoted and a Tribune from one of his Lordship's rooms to
look into it at the west end, over the door which is entirely new. The
altar piece is of black marble inlaid with a milk white cross of white
marble; which is plain and has a good effect. In the East window over it
is a small Crucifix with the B. Virgin and St. John under the Cross
weeping, of old glass; and not very curious. Over the new Door into the
Chapel from the Hall, in a void space made on purpose, is a very old Coat
of Glass of the Arms of Berkly ensigned with a mitre: and this is another
reason to make one think that the old Abbey of Bristol gave these arms to
their Founder, for their own Coat. I was pleased to find the present
Bishop paid such a regard to the memory of the Ancient Abbey and its
Founders, as to preserve this old memorial of them with so much care and
precaution. A pattern worthy to be imitated in an age, that to my
knowledge, in certain places, has not only had such marks of their
benefactors taken away in order to get up modern crown glass; but has
also given away and destroyed such memorials of them, as the care of
their predecessors for 3 or 400 years have with the utmost gratitude and
veneration preserved.
Over the hall chimney-piece, which is preserved with equal care by his
Lordship, are the arms of Bishop Wright impaled by his See, and a mitre
over them, and R. W. on each side of them; as also Wright impaling per
Pale unde six martlets countercharged for Fleetwood.
I don't see his Lordship's Arms in any part of the Palace, which has so
just a title to have them in every part of it; but however, I shall give
them a place here in gratitude to his memory who so well deserves of this
place, which, though I have no concern in, nor no acquaintance with his
Lordship, yet one always has a value for a grateful and benevolent mind.
The arms of Joseph Butler, Lord Bishop of Bristol and Dean of St. Paul's,
are: A. three covered Cups on Bend S, inter two Bendlets engrailed G.
His Lordship was, on the decease of the late Lord Bishop of Hereford, by
his Majesty appointed Clerk of the Royal Closet; and it is said that he
has also a promise, on the next vacancy, of a translation to the rich See
of Durham, which will be well bestowed on a person of his Lordship's
large and universal benevolence.
* * * * *
From the same.
Dr. Freeman, speaking of the chapel in the palace at Bristol, told me
that he was mentioning the neatness and elegance of it to Bishop Young at
Therfield, who told him, that however he might admire the decency and
elegance of it, yet upon his waiting, upon some occasion or other, on my
Lord Hardwick, his Lordship spoke to him of it, and asked him whether he
had not a design of pulling down the cross of marble over the Altar,
which he thought was offensive; to which the Bishop replied, that it was
probable that he should not have set it up there, but that he should not
choose to have it said that Bishop Young had pulled down what Bishop
Butler had erected.