WARWICK CASTLE. pletely repaired and considerably added to the conveniences and beauties of this Castle. The entrance, which was formerly cooped up by the avenues to the town, is now made commodious: the road which leads to the ancient gateway is cut through the solid rock to the depth, in many places, of thirty feet-thus the eye is confined within a narrow pass, till a sudden turn presents a near view of the Castle, whose venerable towers and richly tinted walls burst upon the sight with surprising grandeur. The principal rooms contain many good paintings by the first masters, particularly by Rubens and Vandyke; and in a passage, which has been cut out of the thick walls of the Castle, is contained an unequalled private collection of ancient armour. The new stone bridge thrown across the Avon, consisting of one large elliptical arch, was built at the expense of the present earl, and is executed with much taste and elegance. From this bridge the Castle, with its beautiful appendages of wood and water, is seen to the greatest advantage, and presents a scene exceeding the powers of description. Since the recent alterations in the vicinity, the country, which was almost excluded from the Castle, is laid open to view, and affords an interesting prospect even from the lower grounds. In the porter's lodge are preserved some enormous pieces of armour, which visitors are invited to inspect: these, according to tradition, were worn by Guy of Warwick; though, from their extraordinary magnitude, they |