ON RIGHT FROM LOND. massy ruins of the castie only serve to show what their splendour once was, and to impress on the musing visitor the transitory value of human possessions, and the happiness of those who enjoy a humble lot in virtuous contentment." From Birmin. London. From ON LEFT FROM LOND. Resuming the route to Hatton. Wroxall. Knowle. The church is a handsome] building, containing some curious carving. Spark Brook. 113 BIRMINGHAM. 115 LXI. LONDON TO BIRMINGHAM BY ST ALBANS, DUNSTABLE, DAVENTRY, AND COVENTRY. St Albans is a town of very great antiquity, having derived its origin from the ruins of the Roman Verulam. An immense number and variety of antiquities have been discovered here at different times, and some vestiges of the ancient town may still be seen. Here was formerly a magnificent abbey and monastery for Benedictine monks, of which the abbey church and a large square gateway are now the only remains. The abbey was founded by Offa, King of the Mercians, in honour of St Alban. The church was made parochial in the reign of Edward VI. It has all the appearance of a cathedral, and its interior exhibits the various styles of several ages of architecture, and is adorned with numerous rich screens and monuments. The town contains three other churches, in one of which, the church of St Michael,-the monument of the great Lord Bacon may be seen. In St Albans is Holywell House, a seat of the Spencer family, built by Sarah, Duchess of Marlborough, who founded some alms-houses in this town, St Albans has also a new town-hall, several meeting-houses, and charitable institutions. It is famous as having been the scene of two battles fought dur ing the wars of the Roses; the first, in 1455, when Richard Duke of York obtained a victory over Henry VI.; the second, in 1461, when Margaret of Anjou defeated the celebrated Earl of Warwick. St Albans returns two members to Parliament. Pop. 6497. Sir John Mandeville, the traveller, was a native of this town. ON RIGHT FROM LOND. From Birmin. From London. ON LEFT FROM LOND. To Hatfield, 5 miles; to Luton, 104 miles. Gorhambury, (Earl of Verulam.) In the park are the ruins of the Old House, the residence of the Lord Keeper and his illustrious son. Rothampsted, M. Kymer, Esq. Market Cell, Captain Moore, and 2 miles distant, Luton Hoo, Marquis of Bute. Four miles dist is Chalgrave, the church of which is very old, and contains several monuments; and, 1 m. beyond, is the church of Toddington, in which are tombs of the Cheyne and Strafford families. To Woburn, 44 miles. Milton Bryant, Sir R. H. Inglis, Bart., M. P. Battlesden Park, Sir G. O. P. Turner, Bart.; and beyond, Woburn Abbey, Duke of Bedford. |