Northern Times.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1857-07-27 00:00:00

VISIT OF THE BRITISH- ARCHIEOLOGICAL

INSTITUTE TO LIVERPOOL.

On the invitation of the Historfo Society of Lancashire

and Cheshire, the members of the Arehm'ylogical Insti-
tute of Great Britain and Ireland, which is at present

holding its annual congress at Chester, under the presi-
dency of Lord Talbot de Malahide, visited Liverpool on
Saturday. For several days previous, the Rev. Dr. Hume,
honorary secretary of the Historic Society, and to whom
the society owes much of its prosperity, and its reputations

as the first literary union in the town, was indefatigable
in labouring to make the reception worthy alike of the

distinguished visitors and of the character of the society

honoured by their presence. It gives us pleasure to state

.hat he did not labour in vain. The arrangements were

of the most perfect character, and were the subjeet of
general laudation.

The members and associates of the institute, among
whom were Lord Talbot de Malahide, Sir Charles And.er-

son, Sir Stephen Glynne, Revs. J. L. Petit, C. H. Harts-
horne, E. Hill, T. Cornthwaite, W. H: Gunner, J.
Collinsen, J. N. Scarth, J. A. Ningtingale (Wilton), Rev.
Mr. Brown, Rev. Mr. Lee, Mr. Nichols, Mr. J. H. Parker,

Dr. Jones, Mr. W. W. Ffoulkes, Mr. Hicklin (Chester
Couraw), Mr. Addison, Mr. Kell, Mr. Vuliany, Mr.

Digby Wyatt, Mr. Warner, Mr. Hopkinson, &c., with

several lady associates, arrived from Chester at the land-
ing stage about half-past ten o'clock, and were received
by Dr. Hume, Mr. Mayer, Rev. Mr. Moore, Mr. Towson,
and other leading members of the Historic Society. The
company, then about 120 or so, embarked on board the
Satellite, which with the liberality which distinguishes
the Cunard Company, was placed at the disposal of the

society for the day by Mr. Charles Maclver. Shortly
after 11 o'clock the Satellite left the Landing Stage and
steamed up the river, running close to the Royal Mail

Steamer Persia, which had just shipped her moorings to

commence her voyage across the Atlantic. She was
crowded with passengers, and the company on board the
Satellite were gratified with the exciting scene which a
large ship starting on b. long voyage always presents, and

with the sight of the finest and fastest steamer afloat in
mation. Her Majesty's ship Hastings, the American
frigate Niagara, and the American war-steamer Susque-

hannah were then rounded ; and, after stearoimg for some

time in the direction of Eastham, the Satellite crossed the
river and ran down by the Lancashire side, affording a
near and pleasing view of the beauties of the Dingle, which

never looked to more advantage- On coming abreast of
Rock Ferry, the Satellite had her head again put about,
aryl, without further delay, she steamed direct for Garston
pier, where she arrived about 12 o'clock, Here the com-
pany landed and drove in carriages which were in waiting
t-or them, and were provided by the young and hospitable
owner of Speke Hall, to visit that the most unique and
charming residence of the kind to be found in all England.
It was on the special invitation of Mr. Watt, who is him-
self a member of the Historic Society, that the company
visited Speke Hall, and they met with a reception in
keeping with the traditional hospitality of the old English
mansions, of which the hall itself is a choice speci-
They were received by Mr. Watt and his
equally youthful lady, and were shown by them over
the hall, the fine old rooms, of which with their oaken
pannelling and quaint carving, were thrown open to the
freest inspection• The gronnds were also freely open to
the visitors, and there was but: one: regret, which was
general, and that was that tim.2 did not allow the full
enjoyment of the munificent hospitality extended by Mr'
Watt and his lady, and of a long inspection of the quaint

construction of the old hall, within whose shadow
one could with little difficulty carry the mind back full
three centuries, and realise the time when its deep moat
was considered its best protection, and when no one
unquestioned crossed its drawbridge, unless he came to

seek its hospitable shelter, or with :good intent. After
viewing the hall and grounds, the visitors were sum-

moved to a marquee erected on the ornamental ground
in front of the drawing room, and within which was laid
out a choice and excellent dejeuner. The company cheer-
fully partook of the elegant hospitality so cordially
extended to them ; and when Lord Talbot called for a
bumper to the health of the generous host and hostess,
never was chairman's call more promptly answered, nor
toast more sincerely drunk. His Lordship, in proposing
the toast, said that before they parted he was sure they
would join him i❑ the general duty which they owed to
their excellent host and to his excellent lady. They had
all enjoyed the interesting occasion of their visit to Speke.
Hall, and they could not but feel pleased at the character
of the hospitality extended to them. They could not but
also feel pleased at the opportunity they had enjoyed of
visiting one of the finest specimens of the old moated
houses of England. It brought them back to the time in
which the present society took its rise, when after the
dissolution of the Religious Houses, there started up those
establishments which became the mainstay of English
society and hospitality—the English baronial houses.
They could not see a better specimen of such houses than
Speke Hall, and as their time was short, ho would, without
further preface propose the healths of its hospitable owner
and lady—Mr. and Mrs. Watt.
The toast was enthusiastically drunk is bumpers of

champagne.
Mr. Watt briefly acknowledged the compliment on
the part of himself and lady, and regretted that their
visit()) s could not stop longer to enjoy their hospitality.
The company then with regret took their leave of
Speke Hall, and were driven back to Garston Pier in
Mr. Watt's carriages. They embarked without any delay
on board the Satiliite, and ou their way down the river
called at the Niagara and went on board to inspect the
Atlantic Telegraph cable, 1,500 miles of which now
lies securely coiled i❑ her hold. They were most
courteously received by Captain Hudson and his
officers, and were shown over the whole ship, the crew of,
which, on their leaving, manned the rigging and loudly
cheered them. The Satellite reached the Landiug-stage
about five p-m., and the company wound up a day of
unalloyed enjoyment—one which no doubt will be distin-
gutshed in the minutes of the Archmologieal Institute by
a " red mark"—by visiting St. George's-hall and Mr.
Mayer's museum. They were conducted through the one
by Mr. Councillor Woodruffe, and through the ether by
Mr. Mayer himself. In the evening a large number of the
company dined together at the Adelphi Hotel.
It would be unjust were we to conclude- this notice
without mentioning the pleasure which the ;erformances
of the band of the Orphan Asylum, lltyrtle-street,
afforded. They were on board the Satellite during the
day, and the company ware puzzled which to admire most
—their good looks, and fine, clean, healthy appearance,
or their spirit-stirring music.