The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1839-07-02 00:00:00

mtptroer

THE ROYAL ROCK FERRY.
(Concluded from our last.)
We resume our notice of the grounds and buildings at the
Royal Rock. Having visited the church, the stranger will
be gratified by making the circuit of
THE PARK.

This piece of ground is bounded on the north by the road
leading from the ferry to the S.W.; on the west by the new
Chester road, and the lands extending interiorly belonging to
R. W. Barton, Esq. and, forming the lawn or park of Derby
House, before noticed ; on the south by a road in a hollow
dividing it from New Ferry ; and on the east by the extensive
esplanade along the shore of the Mersey. It comprises within
a ring fence about 200 acres, including Mr. Barton's, chiefly in
grass, and decorated with clumps of trees. There are three
entrances to carriage roads or drives running through it, and
at each of them is a handsome lodge of varied and decorative
architecture. One principal road leads from the lodge a
little to the south-west of the hotel, southward, towards the
New Ferry, where stands another lodge. A small toll is here
enacted on carriages driving through, or horses ; but pas-
sengers on foot have the entire and free range of the park,
which forms a delightful and extensive pleasure ground. The
third lodge is at a central point on the Chester road. It is octa-
gonal in form like the others, and is surrounded by beautiful
shrubs and flowers. Close by, a foot road leading from the
lawn of Derby House into the park, is taken under the
Chester road by a small tunnel, which is rustically orna-
mented at each end by fantastic stumps of trees, rockeries
and shrubs. There is also a carriage road entering the ground
from the ferry at the north-east corner. The new church
(for which about £lOOO is already subscribed) is to stand on
an elevated site near the centre of the park, and will form a
prominent and interesting object. The whole of the re-
mainder of this extensive tract is divided into allotments for
villas and gardens.
THE PUBLIC NURSERY & FLOWER GARDEN.
On the south side of the park a piece of fine elevated land,
extending east and west, and bounded by a natural hollow on
each side, is tastefully laid out as a public nursery and flower
garden, under the care of Mr. Johnson, who inhabits a hand-
some cottage house at the eastern extremity of the garden.
Here there are two fine green-houses or conservatories, and
the plants, fruit trees, flowers, and vegetables, are all healthy
and luxuriant. Beech hedges, affording ample shelter, run
through the grounds from east to west. The house is (if we
mistake not) in a style of Norman architecture, with semi-
circular-topped windows in the second story, rising in the
roof. At the east front there is a handsome rustic porch sup-
ported by oak branches. This cottage lies at the top of a
little wooded hollow or dingle, extending to the shore, and is
truly a quiet and delightful retreat. A little nearer the river,
are two beautiful private dwellings,—the first, situated on an
eminence, is two stories in height, and called Mount Cottage,
and is inhabited by Misses Greenham. The other, Dean
Cottage, the residence of Mr. Wooley, is one story. The
architecture in both is elegant, the grounds around them are
admirably laid out in grass decorative and flowers ; and it
were difficult to pronounce which of the two is the more
eligible. Immediately below them and in the same line,
stands the south lodge of the park, which here terminates at
a handsome gate close to the New Ferry. This is a charm-
ing cottage, embowered in verdant shrubs and blushing roses.
Leaving this cottage, the road turns to the left, and the
visitor finds himself on a splendid walk extending along the
shore, and known as
THE ESPLANADE.

This is one of the first maritime promenades in England.
It is about half a mile in length in a direct line from South
to North, and has been constructed at great cost, the whole
being raised from the sands below by a strong stone wall of
considerable elevation. The views which it affords of the
river scenery and the opposite shore, are " Ever charming,
ever new ;" and from the freshness and invigorating quality
of the air, it is naturally a favourite promenade. The visiter
from Liverpool will recognize in succession, the tower of
St. Nicholas's, the dome of St. Paula', and the Exchange ;
St. George's spire, the massy dome of the Custom-house,
St. Luke s gothic tower, and the Park church opposite,—
and in the distance, Everton and Edge-hill. Even after sun-
set, a glance at Liverpool is interesting—the numerous
lamps on the sea-walls, some of them variegated, and extending
along the sea-walls a distance of upwards of two miles—pre-
senting the appearance of a splendid illumination. On the
eminence, a brow immediately to the westward of it, and from
it
which is divided by a wall surrounded by a wooden fence,
embattled on the top and painted green, are built a succession
of beautiful detached marine Villas, on each of which (in
order to complete our sketch), we shall bestow a passing
notice.
Proceeding northward from the point at which we entered
the Esplanade, the first house approximated is that of Mr.
Henry Jenkins. It is a rough cast cottage facing the south,
with no great pretension to architectural beauty, the taste of
the proprietor being almost exclusively directed to gardening,
to which delightful art he has devoted much of his time, and
no
immeasurable an portion of his wealth,—showing example
which has imparted a character of neatness to all the pleasure
grounds and gardens in the neighbourhood. The plants,
flowers, &c. removed by Mr Jenkins, are we learn of the
choicest description, and his grounds kept in admirable order.
They are bounded on the south by a somewhat remarkable
ravine or dingle, forming during heavy rains the bed of a
rivulet, and filled with oak and other trees. This wild hollow
which was before scarcely accessible even by the truant
school-boy, Mr. J. has rendered available for retirement and
decoration. He has formed a walk through its whole extent,
and against the fantastic roots of the trees has placed large
pieces of stone, rendering the whole a set of romantic
rockery,—a delightful embowered retreat from the noon-day
sun. At the bower is erected a rustic summer-house formed
of branches retaining the bark, and neatly thatched.
The next house on the height is a handsome pavillion-
roofed mansion, in a neat style of architecture. The grounds
towards the river are enriched by handsome beach and other
forest trees, which have already attained a considerable growth.
Here, too, is a neat rustic summer-house, commanding a
view of the river.
Further to the northward, stand the united houses of Mr.
J. T. Raynes, and Mr. Dowie—forming one range of splendid
buildings, of three stories in height, with pleasure grounds
common to both, in the Grecian style of architecture, with
wings, and a handsome railed balcony in the centre. The
ground in front is most beautifully laid out, with winding
walks down the acclivity, and showing in a circumscribed
space a pleasing variety of hill and dale. Here, beech, fir,
• • —,
disposed, and the flowers are charming. The views from
almost every point are enchanting—particularly those of
Birkenhead and Liverpool, as seen through the boughs from
an eminence on the south. Interiorly these houses are well
planned and finished. It may be added, that each of these
villas has a door leading out from the grounds in front, upon
the Esplanade. They have also a west front to the Park, by
which they are approached by the carriage-road before noticed.
Proceeding thence northward by the Esplanade, the next
villas are those of Mr. Nelson Wood and Mr. Chamley, a
large and complicated structure of the florid style of Eliza-
bethian Gothic. It is of two lofty stories, with picqued
roofing. In the centre, in which there are eight windows, is
a rustic Gothic colonnade, formed of oak branches, and
surmounted by a ballustrade or belt of lattice work of the
same material. The wings have each a large semi-sexangular
window below, and a Gothic pointed window above. A wall,
covering the offices behind, extends from each wing, enriched
by pointed Gothic niches and projecting intermediate but-
tresses, by which the frontage is considerably enlarged. The
roof (including the wings) has five picques facing the spectator,
surmounted by the ornaments peculiar to the style. The
projecting eaves are decorated with fantastic oak-work, cor-
responding with the colonnade. This building has a very
unique and ancient appearance, and presents a good specimen
of the taste of the days of " good Queen Bess.' The grounds
in frOnt are tastefully laid out.
A little to the north, stands the house of Mr. W. Dawson,
a modern English mansion, with a pavilion-roof, and a cen-
tral veranda with lattice work over a handsome sexagonal
front. Here, too, the gardens are beautiful.
The remaining villas in this row, and next to the Baths,
are those of Mr. David Cannon, in a different style of ancient
Gothic, or rather Saxon, and built of finewhite stone. The roof
is picqued, and the chimneys are octagonal and ornamental.
The grounds are laid out with corresponding taste. There is
considerable space forming portions of the Park, between
these detached buildings, which will, doubtless, ere long,
become occupied by other villas in various styles of architec-
ture. Purchases of land are so laid out, that no small cot-
tages can be built, so that the society of the Rock will always
be select. We now again reach the Baths, the Ferry, and
the Hotel, at the northern termination of the Esplanade,
having made the entire circuit of the Park. The inn, as
before stated, is replete with every accommodation ; and
we add (which we before ommitted to notice,) there is here
stabling for no fewer than seventy horses.
The Rock is not only accessible by steam boats from Liver-
pool every half hour during the day, but is within a few mi-
nutes' walk of Birkenhead, by the new road to Chester. In
fine weather, too, the equestrian may reach it by a delightful
walk along the shore from Tranmere. The Chester and
Birkenhead railroad also passes within a short distance on
the west, and will, when completed, afford additional con-
venience for the transit of visitors. The whole of the land
is, we learn, the property of three parties. Mr. Barton, of
Springwood, near Manchester, owns about 230 acres, and
Mr. Morecroft about 60. Great praise is due to to the for-
mer gentleman, in particular, for his patronage of the 'village.'
He it was, who formed the park and esplanade, and made
arrangement for the erection of the villas. It may be remark-
ed, that the whole of the now beautiful brow bounded by the
esplanade, and now occupied by the villas and gardens above
mentioned, was, only a few years ago, a rough marl bank,
scarcely producing a blade of grass. From fifteen to twenty
new houses are now in course of erection, and so highly has
the " Royal Rock" risen in the estimation of the public,
that we trust next year to be enabled to describe twenty more.
We need but add, that the utmost good-fellowship prevails
among the residents, who cultivate those mutual hospitalities
and kindnessess which are the best bonds of friendship in
polished and dignified society.

PARRIS' PICTURE OF THE CORONATION.--This truly
splendid picture is now on view at Mr. Lacey's, Bold-street.
We feel assured that our townsmen will not let the opportunity
of seeing this magnificent production escape. It would be
quite superfluous for us to bestow any elaborate encomium
on a work which has elicited such general praise.—See Adv.
THE LIVERPOOL.—AII the berths for the August trip of
the Liverpool are, we understand, already engaged. Amongst
the passengers on this occasion will be Mr. Chas. Kean and
Mr. Vandenhoff, who proceed to the United States to fulfil
professional engagements. The emigration of the followers
of the sock and buskin to the western world appears to be
on the increase, for a Mr. Simpson has engaged berths for
thirteen actors by the same vessel.

FATAL ACCIDENTS.—On Wednesday an inquest was held
on the body of a boy who was drowned while bathing in a
pit near the Zoological Gardens. There were two other boys
with him. When he sunk, they gave the alarm, but assis-
tance was not available until too late. Verdict,—found
drowned.—On Thursday a poor fellow; named John Quinn,
who worked as porter at the Ellesmere wharf, near the
George's Dock, slipped while descending a ladder set in the
wall. He fell a distance of 18 feet, There was a flat lying
underneath at the time. He was taken to the infirmary and
died after two days. Verdict, accidental death.—On the
same day, William Waugham, a shipwright, (aged 62 or 63
years, while working at a brig in No. 2 Graving-dock, fell
into the dock. He was taken to the Northern Hospital,
where he died in five hours after. The deceased was subject
to giddiness in the head, with which he was seized when four
or five feet from the edge of the dock. He rolled into it in
this state, there being no one near to prevent him.—Verdict,
accidental death.

MURDER.—Last week, at Fazely, in Staffordshire, three
boatman and a boy were arrested for the violation and mur-
der of a female who had been travelling a passenger in their
boat on the canal. The woman had, it appeared, left Liverpool
for London, and was named Collins. A verdict of wilful
murder was brought against the prisoners at the coroner's
inquest. It was stated during theinquiry that the unfortunate
woman had been working as a dressmaker with Mrs. Grice,
of Crosshall-street, in this town.

ACCIDENT. - Yesterday an accident happened on the
river which might have been attended with fatal conse-
quences. The Monk's Ferry steamer was crossing the river
about two o'clock, with the large landing boat attached by
two lines. One of these lines gave way, and the other, being
fastened to one of her bows, upset the boat, which had; five
men and a boy in her at the time, in charge of several articles
of carpentry. The men were precipitated into the water, and
had a narrow escape for their lives. Four of them clung to
the bottom of the boat, and the other man (Joseph Hughes,
one of the crew) with the boy grasped some of the frames
which were set afloat. The Britannia, Birkenhead steamer,
which was approaching at the time, put out apunt, by means
of which the whole of them were saved.. Great praise is due
to the captain and crew of the Britannia for their prompt
and him= exertitme.

ARRIVAL AT LIVERPOOL OF THE "BRITISH
QUEEN" STEAM-SHIP.

This already far-famed vessel, destined to run between
London and New York, has arrived at this port, and in her
external appearance, fine model, and great magnitude, as
well as the beauty and richness of equipments and cabin
decorations, we rejoice to say that she has not disappointed
the high expectations that were excited by the accounts of
our Scottish contemporaries • that, in fact, all who have seen
her at this port, which has already offered, and will continue,
we hope, to the end of time, to offer an honourable rivalry
in everything that appertains to gallant and skilful naviga-
tion, whether by steam or by sail, or by both combined ; all
who have yet had an opportunity of seeing her in our
noble river, and of inspecting her interior equipments
are loud in their commendation of her apparent adaptation.
for an ocean-going steamer, of the first class, and full of ad-
miration of the richness, elegance, and capaciousness of the
finishings of her " Royal" accommodations. She was ex-
pected to arrive at this port yesterday, en route, via Wexford
to London, where she is to take passengers, alid proceed
thence, calling at Plymouth, on her first trip across the At-
lahtic. A great number of persons had consequently
congregated on the quays towards noon, in expecta-
tion of seeing the mighty Leviathan of the western waters
steam her way up our estuary. The accounts, however, re-
ceived by Mr. Pim, the active and intelligent agent for the
Company by whom she is owned, received by the last steam-
packets from Glasgow on the previous day, were to the effect
that she would not start till Sunday evening. Some rumours
had also gone abroad that she would not come round until
Tuesday, and disappointed expectation, like hope deferred,
had even worn out the patience of many who had, for the
greater part of two successive days, strained their eyes to the
northward, to catch the first approach of the great steam-
ship. At twelve o'clock yesterday, comparatively few per-
sons were on the quays on this errand of good-will and
curiosity ; but many were nevertheless on the alert to catch
any signal of her approach.
At about a quarter-past twelve, a long and dense trail of
smoke was observed to rise from the northward, a consider-
able way beyond the Rock Lighthouse, and more to the west-
ward. This might, however, be, as was, indeed, generally
thought, the smoke of some of the larger Glasgow
or Dublin steamers. In a short time, the masts and
hull of the vessel gradually appeared, breasting the Rock ;
and it soon became apparent, first from the large flags at the
mast-heads, and secondly by the hull, that she was none
other than the British Queen. The intelligence, such was
the curiosity to see her, caused a running helter-skelter
from the quays to the docks, and vice versa, which was
somewhat amusing to callous spectators, particularly when
the bridges at the, dock-gates were occasionally opened,
during the hurry to and fro, for the egress of vessels on their
respective voyages, so as to prevent parties from either leav-
ing to advise their friends, or advancing to the quays to wit-
ness the grand arrival, without going a long way round to
other bridges. Thousands upon thousands were, however,
finally gratified; and the quays, as the British Queen ap-
proximated, were lined with a dense population, extending
over a broad sea-wall of little short of two miles in
length. The Prince's Pier and George's Pier were almost
dangerously crowded. The masts of many of the ves-
sels in the docks, to which the news had reached, also
held their spectators, and the good-will and anxiety mani-
fested on the occasion towards the coming vessel could not
fail to be gratifying to her commander and owners. The
people, indeed, are becoming too much enlightened to enter-
tain the slightest jealousy of the advancement of nautical or
other science, well knowing that though in this case it may
more immediately benefit another town, it will not militate
against this one.

-Soon after twelve, the British Queen dashed swiftly and
majestically up the river, passing rather on the Lancashire
shore near the quays. Her astonishing bulk to those to
whom she approximated on the quays, excited universal
bursts of wonder and admiration. She is a beautifully mo-
delled vessel, and so compact and well-proportioned in every
point, that at a comparatively short distance from the eye of
the spectator, her real dimensions become diminished, and
she appears to be anything but the unhandy floating monster
which some persons, wedded to the old system of short ves-
sels, had anticipated. She looked beautiful and light. The
element through which shespeeded, bore her up, with as little,
or rather less agitation than it does our common river steam-
vessels. She was not what might be called laden, and showed,
consequently, a large but elegant bulk of hull above water,
such, indeed, as we would imagine Neptune would be proud
to see floating on his watery domains, and the equilibrium of
which it would certainly cost his agents, the winds and waves,
an extraordinary difficulty to disturb. She was saluted by
several guns from some of the large steamers on the river as
she came opposite the Prince's pier, and these compliments
she returned from a gun on the forecastle. The shouts of
the spectators as she passed were also frequent, and a reci-
procal waving of hats took place from those on board and on
shore. She passed up towards the Sloyne, at reduced speed,
in consequence of the number of boats and vessels in her
way, yet at rapid speed ; and rounding to the northward,
came to anchor opposite the slip at George's quay, and at a
considerable distance from the shore.

Steamers and open boats innumerable, under steam or oar,
immediately put off, fairly swarming with passengers,
anxious to inspect her. Some contented themselves with
going round her, or obtaining as near a glimpse as they could ;
but the greater part made desperate efforts to board her. A
great many, such was the politeness and desire to gratify
public curiosity, on the part of the captain and officers, and
Mr. Pim, the agent, were gratified ; but the influx of visitors
became at length so great, that it was found necessary for
their own safety, as well as to prevent confusion, to refuse
admittance to vast numbers, until those on board had made
way for them. Such was the concourse of boats under the
counters of the vessel, during the afternoon, some of them
deeply laden with passengers, with a breeze on the water,
and a seaway on the down-going tide, that it is remarkable
no accidents took place. There was a ladder on each quarter,
but the " landing," (for so we may term getting upon such
a wooden world), was not only difficult but dangerous.
Happily no casualty took place, though there were numerous
" hair-breadth escapes." Even ladies, (who more curious?)
were not deterred from adventuring in boats, comparatively
shallops, and many of them succeeded in getting on board.
All were most courteously treated where they came under
the care of the gallant officer of " The Queen," and all
highly gratified lylßs.Escting,tkused,A,u,.

The British Queen started, we learn, faom Wemyss Point,
near Greenock, on Sunday night, at abOut half-past six
o'clock. She was at one time delayed for about an hour on
the voyage, and arrived opposite the Prince's Dock at about
half-past twelve, thus accomplishing the voyage in eighteen
hours. The engines worked admirably—much better than
was anticipated, from the newness and consequent stiffness ;
and the vessel frequently went twelve and a half knots an
hour. She was exceedingly easy at sea, and promises to be
an excellent sea-boat.

THE VESSEL.

The quays were crowded until after sunset by persons of
all classes, who did not attempt embarkation, to take a view
of this splendid and powerful ship, and the general feeling
was one of pride and gratification on witnessing so fine a
specimen of modern naval architecture. The British Queen
has a great beam and a fine rotundity of side, with a beauti-
ful entrance, and a clear run. She sits on the water like a
duck, her bow rather higher than her stern, and so elevated
as to convey an assurance of dryness and comfort. She has
flush decks, with a forecastle, and several 'erections upon it
that rise very little above her bulwarks. Her paddle-boxes,
(the whole of her machinery being under deck), do not rise
much above her gunwale, so that she is not disfigured by the
dromedary prominence so frequently observable in large
steamers. Her figure-head runs out or projects, to a more than
usual extent, giving her a lighter and more elegant appear-
ance. Her stern is admitted by all to be very beautiful. in
the centre of a segment of alto relief carving is the royal arms,
surrounded by spears, and other implements of war, flags,
&c., radiated from a centre. At one extremity, supporting
the whole, is the lion, and at the other the unicorn, boldly
thrown out. The quarter galleries are very beautifully
formed, and the whole of the mouldings are gilded. In the
sides, at the fore and after part of the cabins are port-holes
and ventilators for the cabins. These can be closed at plea-
sure, so as to be water tight during heavy weather.
THE DECK.

The first impression of the visitor in reaching the deck of
the vessel is somewhat surprising. He stands upon a level
surface walled in by the bulwarks, of upwards of 270 feet in
length, and of forty in breadth. This area presents an ex-
tensive promenade, and the erections on the deck, together
with the always numerous and bustling population, including
passengers, males and females, give the whole the appearance
of a floating village. When he proceeds below he finds that
such a vessel presents, and is in reality, also a floating palace.
The view of the deck from the forecastle aft, is magnificent,
and the passengers of whatever grade need not the barrier of
a quarter-deck, no proximity being necessary, beyond what
the parties may desire. As our account must necessarily be
brief, being, as we are, on the eve of our publication, we can
but here add that the erections on deck for the convenience of
passengers, the cooking of food, &c., are all of the first kind.
The ship is rigged as a sort of barque, or rather three
masted schooner, with fore and main topsails, and top-gal-
lantsails, very square, but not taunt. She may spread a
great breadth of canvas if required. During the whole of
the afternoon she exhibited the British flag at the mizen
peak, and St. George's Cross at the mizen, a flag with the
ship's name at the main, and the American flag at the fore.
She also displayed a number of signal flags from each mast,
and presented, from the shore, a very gay appearance. But
we must proceed to the cabins :7-7.