Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1880-07-26
NO. l74
DaiIp krnnrbrr Journal.
Continued
MY TRIP TO ErROPE.
Vts,r TO WINDSOR CASTLE.

London, August a6. Yesterday. three oil
our party took the train from Waterloo sta
ton to Windsor. The distance is about %
miles by an airline. or 80 by rail- The
morning was rainy. but before We reached
Windsor the skies cleared, and we had the
fairest and finest day we had experienced in
England Ii was pitifhl, however, TO see on
each side of the track grain and hay cut
down and lying wet on the ground. and some
of il actually floating in the standing water
| in the fields. cannot conceive how the
English harvest their crops from year to year
| with such climate.
Windsor Castle is the most magnificent
pile of buildings l have ever seen, and one
of the noblest specimens of architecture in
the world. 1t has justly been the favorite
residence of the Queen and her predecessors
on the throne for centuries. 1t stands ON
elevated ground of chalky formation, and
the buildings cover an area Of twelve acres.
The first stone structure is said to have been
erected by William the ConQueror some 500
years ago. 1t was partly rebuilt by Edward
III. and the several English sovereigns since
have done something to complete il from
time to time. 1t is perhaps not so large as
the palace at Versailles, has not such lofty
halls, nor is il splendidly furnished. But
in its shape and position it is much more pic
| turesquc, and the views from its terraces and
| towers more extensive and command
ing.
| The buildings surround seseral squares or
quadrangles, and are of various shapes, sizes
and heights. The first tower, as we entered
the castle grounds, and one of the most al
cicnt of the buildings, was square bell tow
er of moderate size called the "cdrfew tow
er." From this, in the old Norman times
the curfcw bell sounded the hour at night for
all the families in hearing to eourre fen, COW
er the fire. and retire to rest.
"The curfew tolls the knell of parting day."
ST. Georges chapel, where the knights of
ST. George hold their festivals and iustalla-
tons. and where the Prime. of Wales was
married to the beautiful Danish princess
Alexandra, was undergoing repairs, and did
not show to advantage. Beneath this chapel,
are the royal vaults, where Henry VIII,
George II and his queen, and the lamented
princess Charlotte, whose history was so pa
| thetic, lie buried
There is another chapel, which bears the
| name of Cardinal Wolsey, he having super
intended its completioi. The rame of VOL
sly, and that of Wellesley, duke of Yelling
ton, and of the Wesley family, are believed
to have had the same origin.
The Deans cloisters surround the interior
OF court, in the shape of broad covered
walk, with row of pillars bordering the
walk, and sustaining the roof. 1t must have
been (and is now n pleasant place for retire
ment and meditation. The residences of the
dean, of the canons who perform the relig-
ious services, and of the choir who furnish
the music, form part Of the castle build
ings.
The large round tower was built by Edward
III, for the use of the knights of the Garter
who provided themselves with a round table,
in imitation Of King Arthur's knights II is
called the round tower, vet il is not quite
round, but fiattened little on one side but
no one seemed able to give a reason for il.
| This tower was afterwards used at times as a
keep or prison. 1t was originally surrounded
by a moat' filed with water but this is dry
now, and has for centuries been transformed
into flower garden. Here $50 years apo.
Fthe youthful king James of Scotland, tax en-
prisoner at sea by the king of England, was
confined for Is years. Looking out Of the
windows of his prison, he saw the lady Jane
Beaufort with her madens walking in the
garden, and fell in love with her. He was
a poet. and in the rude verses Of that age. he
/
| 81 saw walking under the tower
| The fairPst and freshest young flower
| That ever saw methought before that hour"
And of her departure he writes -
"To see her part and, follow ma might,
| Methoughi the day was turned into night"
| 1t was the age Of chivalry and romance,
and his suit sped so well. that afterwards,
when he set at liberty, she became his
queen.
When Queen Victoria, who is now at the
Isle Of Wight, resides here, she occupies the
apartments in the south part Of the castle,
fronting Oh beautiful garden. beyond which,
is the great park. These apartments are not
open to visitors.
The grand entrance, called st. George 4
gate, leads through lofty arcbway into the
first court yard On three sides of the ex.
L terror walls of the castle. there Is a terrace
2jOO feet wide, from which there are exteD.
sive views, embracing the town Of Windsor
of some ~, 900 inhabitants and the surroun.
ing country.
STATE RooMs.
After viewing the various buildings, from
| the quadrangles and from the exterior, VIC
were admitted into the state rooms. These
include the vcstibes, the audience chamber
| the presence chamber, the guard chamber
several dining rooms, ball rooms, &c.
st. Georges hall is 200 feet long. and i,
hung with banners and coats Of arms of the
knights Of st. George. The guard chamber
contained the arms and insignia of the roya
guards; also bronze bust Of Lord Nelson
on pedestal made of the mast of the shiI
where he was slain. The Waterloo cham
ber is filled with memcntoes Of the battle O
Waterloo.
In one room two huge polished ret
granite presented by Frederick Viii
liam of Prussia, and a gigantic malachite Ia
Bile the gift of the Emperor Of Russia; alst
two tables Of Amboyna wood, a rare woot
from one of tie Spice Islands. All thes,
were very beautiful. Portraits Of roya
personages and other paintings aslorn III,
, walls Of the rooms. One room is called tn,
yanIyke room. for the reason that vandyke
: famous Dutch painter, painted the POI t. ii:
! in it, all Of which are of Charles 1, his queer
and their children at different ages In ON