The descent of property, like the family pedigree, occasionally exhibits
the most extraordinary disruptions; and to those who may be ignorant of the
cause, the effect may appear as romance. I have been particularly struck
with the two interesting papers contained in the April number of the
_Archaeological Journal_, having reference to the Newstead Abbey estate,
formerly the property of Lord Byron's family, which, amongst other matters,
contain some severe remarks on the conduct of one of its proprietors, the
great uncle and predecessor of our great poet, and having reference to
dilapidation. Mr. Pettigrew, in his paper, states that--
"Family differences, particularly during the time of the fifth Lord
Byron, _of eccentric and unsocial manners_, suffered and even aided the
dilapidations of time. The castellated stables and offices are,
however, yet to be seen."