Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1885-01-10
Gales and Sketthes.
Echoes From an Old Manor House.

| Ll6 many dttTdctiNo NlildSco W DO iouh" ~
the picturesque county of Derby, England
On the crown of a richly wooded hill,
amongst the trees may be seen, AS the way
farer approaches the place. the romantic
ruins of its ancient Manor House. 1t was
stately home. built in the days when
Henry VI. filled the English throne, and
it was reared on the site OF still older
stron ghold by Ralph, Lord Cromwell.
Here he lived in feudal grandeur. and
MANY we're welcome to his festive board
Here the minstrel sang his merry song,
the Jester cracked his joke. brave men
followedthe chase in the farreaching park
and fair ladies took keen delight in the
royal sport of falconry. The retainers
found it a joyous home, where plenty
abounded. and the needy were never sent
empty away. Christmas in the days OF
wore was a period of rare enjoyment for
peasant and peer, and the old Manor
House resounded with glee:
"Engand was merry England, when
Old Christmas brought his sports again.
Twas Christmas preached the mightiest ale;
Twas Christmas told the merrest tale;
A Christmas gambo Oft could cheer
The poor mans heart through half the year,
The scene is changed. The Virgin
| NyuteU WcdlS tuC SIo"h, puo NpoA So
premacy has been abolished in this coun-
try, her father, Henry VIII having been
declared ''the only Supreme Head on
earth of the Church of England" Wing
field Manor is no longer the seat OF the
Cromwell family, for the Queens trusty
friend, the Earl of Shrewsbury, lords it
over the spacious domain. 1t is now a
prison, and the beautiful Mary Queen of
Scots is passing within its walls some of
the weary years of her captivity.
1t is recorded in history that a number
of French Roman Catholic priests. said to
be encouraged by the Pope, and the
Spanish ambassador at Paris. devised a
scheme to accomplish the following three
objects first. 10 assassinate Queen Eliza
beth next to bring about an insurrection,
ard place Mary on the throne and, lastly,
to effect an invasion of such magnitude as
| to crush Professionalism tor ever in this
country.
In the disguise of soldier is mission
airy priest vending his way amongst the
Derbvshire hills. until he reaches the home
of Anthony Darlington of Dethick, sweet
rural spot not far distant from Wingfield.
Darlington is a gentleman of means,
and most enthusiastic friend OF the cause
of the unfortunate queen. The priest has
little trouble in prevailing upon him to use
his influence amongst the Catholic gentry
of the northern and Midland counties, to
attempt to accomplish the end in view.
Wingfeld Manor is one of the scenes OF
the intended tragedy. The plot is soon
found out, and the conspirators fly for
their lives, but they are speedily discov-
cred, and ere long Darlington and thirteen
of his associates, in the flower of their
manhood. are executed. The cruel fate of
the misguided queen is familiar to every
reader. To the lasting dishonor of her
"dear cousin" she suffered death OH the
block, at the hands of the common heads
man, at Fotheringay Castle, on the Sth Of
February, 1887 and her execution is a
dark page in the history of old England
The next glimpse we get of Wingfield
Manor is in the time of the Civil War
The clang of arms is heard. it is garri
soned by Oliver Cromwell, but short is
his tenure, for on a memorable day in the
year of grace, 1913, it is assaulted anC
captured by the dashing Marquis of New
castle. The gay cavaliers also do no
long retain their proud position. Sir Johr
Cell of HoptOn, comes to the rescue of his
party. and his cannon, from a neighbor
ing height, storm the stronghold and shattel
its walls. The Governor, Colonel Daily
iskilled in the conflict, and the Parliament
tarians are once more masters of the stu
alton. Under its frowning heights were
fought number of smaller engagements
but none of any particular importance
In 1916, Wingfield Manor House is or
dered to be dismantled. and from tina
year to the present time it remains ruin
But sufficient is left to attest IT'S ancient
glory. 1t must have been a p.agnifcen
building in the days of old. but better tc
be a ruin than the home of petty tyran
and disturber of the public peace-better
in spite of the rawlings of Ruskin, to see
the steam engine dashing along the valley
below. than to hear the sound of the
trumpet calling to the fray the lord of the
castle and his retainers.
In the old coaching days, the Peacock
at OakerthOrpe was a well-known hostelry
to travellers, and one of the largest ant
best conducted houses in the county Mine
host, Kendall, was genial man, attentive
to his guests and ever ready to do q
friendly act tor any one. His excellent
wife was equally kind; many good mea
did she send to the villagers in distress, OF
a little delicacy to her invalid neighbors
On the Sunday the happy pair with their
daughter might always be seen at the old
parish church of South Wingfeld Peter
Kendall for many years had filled the
Office OF churchwarden, and was the wears
right-hand man, helping, him in every
good project.
Miss Kendall was the pride of the coun.
try side, pretty in face, fair in form, and
sweet in disposition; she was like ray of
sunshine in the homestead, making all
about her happy. Many were in love
with her. and it was even whispered that
the Young curate fresh from Cambridge
had offered her his heart and hand, but
had been refused. Alfred Wrigley a
successful young Alfreton tradesman, was
always running over ION business" to the
Peacock" and would have been only too
glad to have taken sweet Miss Kendall as
his partner; and other good and true men
would have laid down their lives for her
1t must be confessed that she was rather
hard to please, but it may be that the num-
Der of suitors made it ditfiult to decide on
whom to bestow her affections.
Near the old Manor House two lovers
are strolling together. 1t is delightful
nvppinn ant in tho ,nnnnl;orh+ A., ,So.Sa