erected in the time of Henry the Third, to fortify the place against the
inroads of the Welsh, and towards the completion of which the burgesses
were materially assisted by the royal bounty. These walls, although now
deprived of their battlements, form an excellent footpath, and afford a
delightful view of the river and adjacent country. At the extremity of
the Walls is the _Crescent_; and a little beyond stands the only
remaining Tower of nearly twenty which formerly strengthened the ancient
ramparts that enclosed our town.
It is square, and of three stories, embattled at the summit, and lighted
by narrow square windows; from the style of building, it is probably as
old as the reign of Henry the Fourth.
[Picture: The Old Tower]
Nearly adjoining the Tower is the Meeting-house of the Methodist New
Connexion; and further on to the right is _Swan Hill_, formerly called
_Murivance_, signifying before or within the walls. Passing Allatt’s
School, a chaste freestone building, the turning to the right leads to
_St. John’s Hill_, chiefly occupied by private individuals. Proceeding
onwards, St. Chad’s church breaks upon the view, having a terrace on the
south-west side which commands a fine prospect of the beautiful QUARRY
WALK. Leaving the principal entrance to this delightful promenade, a
broad thoroughfare leads to the handsome residences of _Claremont
Buildings_. Continuing our route to the end of this street, a narrow way
opens to St. Austin’s Friars and the river, on the margin of which once
stood an out-work, flanked by two round towers, erected by the
corporation at a remote period for the protection of the opposite ford.
In later times one of these towers was called the “Round House,” and was
demolished about forty years ago. Turning to the right, we observe the
remnant of the house of