Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1853-08-03
4 Day at Hampton Court.

The following interesting letter from
England is copied from the New York Ob-
sprrer
Of all the places in the Old World, there
is not one so rarely rich in historic interest
as this glorious structure which Cardinal
Wolsey built and gave away
"Why are you building palace so much
more splendid than any of mne?' his jol-
y old master, Harry the Eighth, inquired Of
the Lord Chancellor'
''To make it present to your majesty" y"
was the ready and willy answer Of the am
bilious WolSey.
1t stands on the Thames. twelve miles
out Of London, and is the great resort of
the public, for whose pleasure the grounds
and halls and galleries of art are now free
Iy thrown open. Its history shall give as
| 60 Oh with my letter.
1t was Friday morning when rode out
there. Not the pleasantest morning | could
wish, but the only day | could command
before leaving the city, and if did not see
the palace now, | never should. | must
not pause to speak of the many classic
spots | passed in that morning ride the
baunts of Pope, of Thomson, of Gray, of
Cowley, of Oliver Cromwell, and host of
others known in their country's story. |
reached the palace about eleven, and was
surprised to find myself alone on the
ground. The armed sentinels were pacing
the great doorway, which were open as if
an army as well as sIngl, traveller might
enter but | was speedily summoned to
stand. There is no admission here to-day:
it is Friday"
This was blow to my hopes, and ask
ed if the rule was in6exble. 20 yes" was
the answer, ''there's great many comes
here Fridays who don't know the rule, but
they never geti IN: they try to hire some
body to show them the apartments, but the
porters is all gone, and there's nobody to
Show them. You can't get in at ALL"
Here was a dead failure. A ride of
twelve miles to see royal palace, and any
one of my guide-books would have told me
it was closed on Friday, but thoughtlessly
| had come on the only day when it was
shut, and the only day had to spare be-
fore leaving. | was more than disappoint-
ed-vexed at my own duIIness, and made
resolutions not to be so careless in future.
The gardens were open and | walked a.
mong the beds OF flowers, and under the
bowers Of beauty, graveled and shaded
walks mile in straight line, and lakes
with gold fish and sparkling fountains on
ether hand, but even these, more luxuriant
and paradlse-llke than had ever seen,
seemed but to aggravate my disappoint-
meat. sat down in an antique chair in
lovely nook, and promised myself not to
mention my visit to Hampton Court to any
of my friends. Several parties had been
out to see it and returned to me with glow
ing descriptions, and now | had come "a
lone and was to return as | came. A
thought struck PIE. My venerable father
had often said that he never knew door
that would not open at my asking, and he
had often been amused, in travelling, bv the
facility with which | gained access to the
most inaccessible places. 1t had always
an 'wered in Amerca,why should | not ex-
pertinent upon it in England. | determin-
ed to try. Finding a servant on the
grounds, asked if there was gentleman
anywhere who had any connexion with the
palace, to whom | could apply for some in
formation. He led Inc TO a door and oaye
me the gentleman's name. called upon
him: sent him my card he invited me in,
and received me courteously. told him
was ashamed to say l had come on a
fools errand carelessly had visited Hamp-
ton Court on Friday, and must now return
to America without seeing it,unless I could
find access to-day. He SAID that during
his residence there he had never known Of