The Massachusetts spy, and Worcester County advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1825-1831, 1825-10-12

sounded through the hall, and the beau
ties of the sixteenth century led down
the may dance.
The most ancient part of the venera-
bic pile is the castle or tower, which
was erected 10 the time of King John.
1t has battlement at top, for purposes
OF defence. 1t is now in state of par
tial dilapidation, some of the stone steps
having fallen, and their places being
supplied with wood.-We climbed 10
the very summit, which commands "a
view of the rural valley of the Wye,
and OF the surrounding country II was
nearly noon, and the landscape around
wore the stiffness and laDgour OF a hot
day. The haymakers had sought the
shade, and the herds of cattle the stream
for refreshment. At our feet, the river,
after passing quietly beneath the arch
es of two stone bridges, hurries down a
rocky bed, forming a beautiful cascade,
the murmurs of which echo through the
desoiate apartments of the hall. On the
north, the prospect is limited by the
high ridge of laud, on the side of which
the edifice stands. and by the grove of
aged oaks, elms, and yews which cover
lis brow.
After remaining half ar, hour upon
this giddy and crazy monument of other
ages, where the foot treads with invol-
untary caution, being deserted by the
guide, who is too infrm to climb the
flight of steps, we CROPPED our way back
through the winding passages, rendered
darker by having our eyes dazzled with
the splendid prospect above, and were
conducted by the FORTRESS, 10 waiting
below, TO the state bed room. The
couch is hung with antique tapestry, and
its ornaments are rich 10 specimens of
embroidery. Over the fireplace is a
representation Of Orpheus, charming the
listening woods with the tones Of the
Tyre; a?d the walls are adorned with
variety Of pictures.
Our guide gave each of us leave TO
gather boquet of the moss-rose and
other flowers blooming in the ancient
court, iUtermiDgled with box. which was
left there one hundred and fifty years
ago, and yet looks vigorous and thrifty.
AL about one O'Clock, we set out for
Chatsworti, the celebrated residence of
the Duke of DeVOnshire, and still more
celebrated, as the place where AurJ
Queen of Scots was long imprisoned. |
will freely confess, that this latter cir
cumstance, while it gave double inter-
est TO our visit, prejudiced me very
strongly against the seat of bis Grace,
the image of the unfortunate queen
haunting me at every step through bis
beautiful grounds, aud creating such
sensation, as one would probably feel in
visiting the Island OF st. Helena.
The distance from Haddon Hall to
Chatsworth is about two miles and a
half, as the road runs, leading around
the high point of land dividing the es-
tates of the Duke of Rutland from
those of the Duke of Devonshire. At
the eastern extremity of the lofty ridge
of hills is the junction of the Wye and
the Derwent. The opening into the
vale of the latter river is certainly very
beautiful, presenting a rich and varied
landscape, the repose of which was
charming on the day of osr visit, the
fleecy clouds resting upon distant hills,
and the tenants of the park and fields
reclining in the shady groves, or cooling
themselves in the bright waters of the
Derwent. A herd of twelve hundred
deer were seen feeding, resting, and
gambolling together on the bank of the
romantic stream.
Our way led through the Park, to the
little village of Endesoar, on the right
bank of the river, where there is mon
ument, with a long latin inscription,
erected by Mary Queen of Scots, TO
commemorate the fidelity and attach
ment of an old servant who died while
she was prisoner at this place. A
stone bridge crosses the Derwefit, and
iSduS " OudtoWOIlu l4OuoSs Ou Tue
left as you approach, is circular tower
or terrace, covered with earth and plant
ed with trees and shrubbery. 1t was
a favourite walk of the unfortunate Ma
ry. The branches Of an aged yew, I'M
der which probably she used to repose,
overhangs the walls, twigs of which
were brought away by US as memento
of the spot
Apretly well dressed, genteel looking
girl Of twenty, with her white silk stock
ings and kid gloves in keeping with her
chains and bracelets, received Us at the
door. and conducted US through every
part Of the mansion. She appeared TO
be well educated, and qualified for a
more appropriate and delicate sphere,
than that Of pointing out naked statues
We felt some embarrassment, yet she did
NOT in walking nm to p Venus or an 4.