Edward S. Mogg

“ Towards the southern extremity of the park is a beautiful and extensive piece of water, over which is an elegant stone bridge, which, together with the water, considerably enlivens and adds dignity to the whole.
The royal forest, making a circuit of about 56 miles, abounds with deer, and every other species of game, and is possessed of every attraction for the sports of the field, which, with the manly exercises of the chase, has been the favourite amusements of many successive Kings of England. ”

“ The Lambourne river, which passes through the park in front of the house, has been judiciously enlarged, forming a spacious sheet of water about a mile in length, most tastefully serpentined; and interspersed with islands, which, together with its banks, are ornamented with groves and clumps of trees, affording protection to a vast assemblage of the feathered inhabitants of the lake, which also abounds with fish of various kinds. The grounds are well furnished with wood, and possess every attraction of luxuriant nature shining in all the radiance of tasteful cultivation. ”

“ This charming scene is backed by an elevated woodland of a sombre aspect, which by contrast heightens the striking and brilliant effect of the edifice, and thus renders complete this unrivalled coup d’œil. Descending into the bottom, a fine lake reflects the beauties of the surrounding scene, which is so arranged as to give an idea of even much greater magnitude than it possesses; it is plentifully supplied with waterfowl. Shooting is not allowed within the enclosure, consequently every animal sports undisturbed, and from their number considerably enliven this enchanting place. ”

“ The apartments are elegantly spacious, and fitted up in the most superb and chaste style. The grounds are laid out with great taste, assisted by nature. A beautiful wood-crowned cliff extends itself from the mansion to Blandford Bridge, in a semicircular direction, with the river Stour flowing in a line before it, through verdant meadows, which, together with the town of Blandford, advantageously seen, forms a charming view from the front of the mansion. ”

“ The view towards the east has also equal claims to attention; a large and well-cultivated district thence appearing in lovely contrast to the view. The mansion is regular, of the Ionic order, composed of free stone, having an elegant portico on the south front. It stands on a sloping bank, amidst a most charming grove of trees of various coloured foliage. A handsome sheet of water, partaking of all the crystal beauties of its parent stream, the Kennet, flows before the mansion, over which stands a bridge of three arches, built in the Chinese style. ”

“ The importance of Windsor Castle, as a fortress, save in appearance, is entirely superseded, the remaining appurtenances of which appear to be retained merely as objects of ornament. The most remarkable part of the building is The Keep, or Round Tower, built on a lofty artificial mount, in the centre of the castle. The beauty and variety of the views from the summit of this building, extending over a boundless landscape, enriched with the most luxuriant and highly cultivated scenery, are almost indescribable. ”

“ An eminence gradually ascending from the open country on the north is covered with woods, some of which are of ancient growth, but the major part consists of modern plantations, descending to a fine enclosed country to the south. From the apex of a hill, embosomed in this luxuriant grove, rises a mansion called the Abbey, crowned with a lofty tower (visible at the distance of forty miles) turrets, pediments, and pinnacles, bearing every external appearance of an ancient monastic edifice. ”

“ Arundel Castle stands on an elevated situation, its foundation being a steep circular knoll, formed partly by nature, and partly by art. From the castle, the Isle of Wight is visible. The country towards the sea is low and flat, and it is supposed that the sea once washed the walls of this edifice, anchors and other marine implements having been found near it. The park and views from thence comprise a great variety of picturesque and beautiful scenery.
To attempt a particular description of this truly magnificent mansion, in the circumscribed limits of this work, is impossible. ”

“ The south side is a bank above the river Mole, which runs at the foot of it. Availing himself of the inequalities of the land, his plantations were made, and buildings placed with the utmost judgment; a spacious piece of water was also formed, which, though considerably above the level of the river, is supplied from it by an ingenious, though simple contrivance. The present edifice is a handsome white building; the front, which is facing the river, is adorned in the centre with a pediment, supported by four columns, and bowed sides. The beauty and unexpected variety of the scene ”

“ Woolhampton House, 179, the seat of Lord Falmouth, is a good mansion, standing on an elevated spot, but well screened with woods. From many parts of the grounds belonging to this seat, a great variety of pleasing rural scenery is presented to view. The sides of the hills are composed of steep and bold irregularities, shelving into deep and solemn vallies, beautifully adorned by a variety of woody scenery, intermixed with farms and cottages, and varied by extensive prospects. ”

“ The third portion, to the north of the house, but connected with it, consists of a series of private apartments, which are appropriated to visitors. It is situated in an extensive and beautiful park, greatly diversified by nature, and enriched by skilful and judicious cultivation. The principal front faces the south, and commands the most beautiful and richly variegated prospects. It is ornamented with a large portico, supported by columns of the Doric order, with corresponding entablatures, whence a pediment arises, on which the family arms are sculptured in bold relief. ”

“ The apartments are numerous, spacious, and elegant, decorated in the most costly style, enriched with an extensive and valuable collection of paintings, and many curious specimens of carved work. In the west wing of the house is the Chapel, which is most superbly and appropriately embellished. The grounds are diversified by much inequality of surface, richly ornamented by numerous plantations, and interspersed with several spacious sheets of water, most tastefully and happily blended. ”

“ Petworth Park, 38, the magnificent seat of the Earl of Egremont. The mansion stands close to the town of Petworth, the back front opening into the church-yard. It was erected on the site of the ancient house by the Duke of Somerset. The front of free stone, adorned with statues on the top, is singularly handsome, forming an uniform range, having twenty-one windows in each story. The interior arrangements are remarkable for magnificence and elegance, all the principal apartments being decorated with paintings, antique statues, and busts, many of which are of first-rate excellence. ”

“ The park and gardens, with the ground on which the palace stands, are three miles in circumference. On a pediment, in the front of the palace facing the gardens, is a bas-relief of the triumphs of Hercules over Envy; and facing it is a large oval basin, answering to the form of this part of the garden, which is a large oval, divided into gravel walks and parterres. On the south side of the palace is the privy garden, which was sunk ten feet, to open a view from the apartments to the Thames, and in which is a fountain, with two grand terrace walks. ”

“ The deer park is on the summit of the hill, and, besides the views described, the house commands extensive prospects southward, over Cawsand Bay and the Channel. The Eddistone Light House is also visible in the horizon. At the principal western entrance of the park stands the parish church of Maker, the views from the tower of which are nearly unparalelled for their variety and picturesque grandeur. The southern side of the hill is an abrupt rocky cliff, covered with every sort of ever-green tree and shrub, among which myrtles thrive with great luxuriance, and grow to an extraordinary size. ”

“ Beyond this, to the south, a beautiful valley, bounded with swelling hills, delightfully opens to the view, in which the eye with pleasure wanders over the charming variety of woods, interspersed with elegant seats, villages, and cultivated grounds. ”

“ The house is situated on a rising ground embosomed in wood, in the construction of which domestic comfort appears to have been particularly studied, though exterior elegance has not been altogether forgotten. The conservatory is filled with choice plants; and the library is supposed to contain the finest collection of books in the possession of any private gentleman in the kingdom. ”

“ In an elegant summer-house, built in a hollow of the chalk cliffs, are arranged a valuable collection of Roman altars, brought from Italy, together with statues, and other specimens of Roman sculpture, which are placed in different parts of the garden. ”

“ In case of fire, from the arrangement made in the mansion, an immediate and plentiful supply of water can be obtained, which, without the assistance of engines, may be thrown in profusion on any part of the building; and the Earl’s domestics occasionally practice throwing the water, in order to be expert in case of necessity. This park commands views picturesquely varied, extensive, and delightful, both in home scenery, and on the beautiful Downs of Sussex and Surrey ”

“ In contemplating a new Road, we feel enlivened by anticipation; in the recollection of an old one, we are led to reflections that equally interest; and a recurrence to these pages will immediately present to the reader’s imagination the identical spot, or well known inn, which from a variety of incidents that occur in the prosecution of a journey, whether the remembrance be attended with pleasure or accompanied by a feeling of regret, never fail to leave an indelible impression on the mind. ”

“ Holland House, 69, the seat of Lord Holland, erected in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, is a venerable and stately gothic structure, standing at the summit of a spacious lawn, which gently rises from the road, commanding views over the Surrey hills. ”

“ The home scenery is very fine, and the grounds are enriched by plantations.
Cranford Park, 174, the seat of Lady Berkley. The park is a perfect flat, but abounding with wood, and well watered by the Crane. The house, an ancient building, is situated in an angle of the park near the church: though it commands no variety of prospects, yet, from the distribution of the woods and other embellishments, it may be deemed a pleasant retirement. Cranford is celebrated for game, particularly pheasants. ”

“ The mansion was erected about the year 1721, by Henry Hoare, Esq. ancestor of the present possessor. Various alterations have subsequently been made, among which the erection of two wings, in 1798, are the most considerable, the one of which is appropriated to a picture gallery, and the other to a library; and, together with the other apartments, contain an exceedingly valuable and choice collection of paintings, drawings, books, and curiosities.
The pleasure grounds of Stour Head have an exalted claim to our attention, being replete with sylvan beauties, and picturesque varieties. ”

“ This noble seat is a beautiful specimen of those which combine the elegant with the useful; great improvements having been made therein, particularly that of enclosing the present deer park, which previously was an entire forest scene, overspread with bushes, furze, some timber, &c. Every part of the park has been drained in the most effectual manner, and the whole of it inclosed and divided into proper fields. It is thoroughly well stocked with Sussex, Devon, and Herefordshire cattle, and flocks of the South Down, Spanish, Leicester, and Romney breeds. ”

“ These gardens are spacious, and contain some pleasing scenery: they are open for the recreation of the public, under some restrictions. Here is also a palace, which has occasionally been a royal residence. The state apartments are noble, and the different chambers, stair-cases, and balconies, are ornamented with one of the most curious collections of paintings in England.
Kiddbrook, 57, the seat of the Right Hon. Charles Abbott, Speaker of the House of Commons. The house is large, but stands rather low. The park is not very extensive, but is tastefully laid out, and ornamented with water. ”

“ The Seats of the Nobility and Gentry are faithfully described, the names of their several Proprietors have been carefully attended to, and the arrangement of the whole so constructed as to render the work at once clear and comprehensive. Simplicity, joined to a strict accuracy, has been his chief aim, and he is unconscious of having omitted any thing which could have contributed to render the whole complete. ”

“ Ingress, 3, the seat of W. Havelock, Esq. (formerly called Ince-grece) , occupies an elevated situation, rising from the Thames, and commanding a beautiful view of the river, and of the opposite parts of Essex. This estate has been in the possession of several noblemen and gentlemen, who have all contributed to its splendour, either by additions, or improvements, down to its present possessor. The grounds are extremely beautiful, both in respect to home scenery, and to the more distant prospects which they command: the views from the house are particularly fine. ”

“ In a work like this, the object of which is general information, more than particular description, a minute detail cannot be entered into, on a subject sufficient to form a work in itself; replete with every variety of nature and art. ”

“ The gratification derived from an excursion of pleasure does not always terminate with its performance, but is often produced by reflections which naturally arise on a subsequent review of past occurrences or remarkable objects ”