The Sun.
London, England, 1839-06-15 00:00:00

MR. GEORGE ROBINS feels singular plea.
sure in making known to the public, that he is instructed
by the Executors of the late Miss WRENCH to SUBMIT to PUB-
LIC COMPETITION at the Auction Mart, London, on THURSDAY,
the 27th June, at Twelve o'Clock,
W IDCO MB-HOUSE,

A SINGULARLY ELIGIBLE FREEHOLD PROPERTY,
and one so remarkable by its association with the literature of
the day, that the writer feels he might damage the little reputation
which he has acquired, or place it in very great jeopardy, by the
imperfect sketch which the following lrimble effort is intended to
convey:—

PRIOR PARK AND ITS DEMESNE,
is in conjunction with

WI-DCOMB-HOUSE AND ITS PARK GROUNDS;

the former has for many a long year claimed to be
THE LEVIATHAN OF BATH,

and yet in its proud altitude seems to envy the quiet, unpretending

SCENE OF LOVELINESS AND BEAUTY,

which adorns
THE LITTLE LION OF THIS GREAT CITY.

It would be in vain to attempt more than a very faint descrip-
ion of the first impression that is awakened in approaching
"THE AMBROSIAL .GROUNDS,"

it is something electric ; the mansion stands, or rather nestles under
the shadow of the Hill ; the Church is its nearest neighbour,
covered with ivy, which in its gamesome luxuriance, entwines it.
self around this sacred edifice.
Nature is here arrayed in her most romantic garb, and it were
impossible to increase the charms of a spot so rich in 'her own
" beauties." The whole extent is laid out with that perfect taste
which knows how to wed nature to art without sacrificing its sits.
plicity to the alliance. There is a general harmony pervades the
picture; it is, however, from
THE DELIGHTFUL TERRACE WALK -
that the scenic effect is rendered one
OF SURPASSING BEAUTY.

It extends throughout the gardens, where the parterres, enriched by
flowers, are fragrant beyond measure, and lead to the distant lawns,
enamelled with shrubs. In perambulating the luxuriant planta-
tions, the murmuring sounds of the
WATERFALL AND CASCADE

in the Park Meadow becomes almost a constant and welcome com-
panion. The majestic hanging woods, while they add grace to the
landscape, screen the domicile from the wintry winds. The hermit-
age in one direction—the orangery and depository for gold and
silver fish, and its limpid fountain, in the opposite, form a picture
that may be likened unto fairy land—it should be seen or it will
never be appreciated. Within the little Park

NEPTUNE IS SEEN PRESIDING OVER THE WATERS,
in a splendid Colossal figure. The undulation throughout the
demesne is incessant, and the views from

THE CELEBRATED MOUNT,

are most extensive and varied; looking down upon
THE SPLENDID CITY,
(which it may be well to remark is not quite one mile off)
TO MR. BECKFORD'S CELEBRATED TOWER.
THE UMBRAGEOUS WALKS

are of considerable extent; with a capital Cold Bath, and a room
and fire.place connected.
THE GARDENS ARE PROLIFIC BEYOND MEASURE,
and embrace every thing in the shape of fruit and vegetation that
those learned in the new School of Art can desire. Close by is a
Park Meadow of considerable extent, and only separated by a road,
with so much of delightful irregularity, so much hill and dale in
perpetual review, with a Cascade and Waterfall, that it almost
appears in the attitude of imploring good taste to take it under its
special keeping, and erect thereon a
MINOR CONTEMPORARY TO PRIOR PARK,

In conclusion, it may with great truth be affirmed that nature
has achieved almost a miracle in so small a space ; and left the
powerless efforts of art to beWail its own infirmities.
THE ENSEMBLE IS (EN VERITE) UNAPPROACHABLE,
although limited to 16 acres.
The next (and a very indispensible duty), will be to call atten-
tion to THE STONE EDIFICE.

and its Internal Accommodation. First observing that the writer
has now entered upon CLASSIC GR OUND. It is a matter of
notoriety, that the Prototype of Squire Western, in Fielding's Tom
Jones, is to be traced to Widcomb. It is a delightful reminis-
cence, that the admired Author produced his remarkable novel
within this hospitable roof ; the surrounding neighbourhood is
hallowed as it were by the association of poetry and romance;
Prior Park, the Seat of Squire Allen, will be remembered by that
charming distich so happily expressed by one of England's sweetest
bards, which was called forth not alone by the inspiration of the
Muse, but as a trifling tribute of gratitude toward to nevertiring
Patron. 'Twas thus the Poet sang his Patron's praise :
" Let Humble Allen, with an awkward shame,
Do good by stealth, and blush to find it fame."—Porz.

-
The accommodation within is ample for all the legitimate wants
of a family of importance. It is in most substantial order, although
a few hundred pounds may be advantageously employed in decorative
ornament. There is a capital water-mill near at hand, but entirely
excluded by the growth of the plantations, from which an income
of 100 guineas a year is available, and these are several cottages,
besides a snug little Villa and gardens under the wings of Widcomb,
which would exceed another Hundred Pounds.

The property is all Freehold, and the title unexceptionable.
Descriptive Particulars, with a Drawing and Plan of the pro-
perty (at 6d. each), may be had twenty-one days prior to the Sale,
at the White Hart, Bath; Bush, Bristol; Plough, Cheltenham;
of C. H. Payne, Esq., Barrister, and Charles Greville, Esq., Soli-
citor, both of Bristol; of John Soden, Esq., Gay-street, Bath, who
will give an order to view the Estate; the Auction Mart ; and at
Mr. George Robins's Offices, London.