T. E. Rosenberg, del MELKHAM SPA BUILDINGS C. Marsh, S. Bath LACKINGTON &CO. ANDBUTTON &SON, LONDON; SALINE APERIENTANDCHALYBEATE THE DISORDERSINWHICHWATERS THE PRINCIPAL SEATS, PICTURESQUE SITUATIONS, AND THEBESTMETHODSOFUSINGTHEM. Bulgon, Bristol;andMeyler &Son,andGodwin, Bath. MELKSHAM GUIDE: WITHIN THEDISTANCE OFTWENTYMILES. A DESCRIPTIVEACCOUNT OFTHETOWN, Printed and Published by T. Ward. Embellished with Two Engravings. ANTIQUITIES, MARKETTOWNS, &c. THE HOT, TEPID, ANDCOLD Have been foundHave Efficacious; CONTAINING ANACCOUNT OFTHE MELKSHAM: TO WHICHISADDED BATHS; SPA SOLD BY THE ; INTRODUCTION.

Whoever sits down to compile a Guide to a Watering Place, can lay little claim to originality. He must select his materials from many sources, and if he is able to col- lect such information, as, besides being authentic, will amuse and inform his read- ers, it is all that he can reasonably expect. In the present work the greatest care has been taken to cull from nature and art, whatever were considered most deserving of description, and most likely to gain a will- ing ear. The scenery around is highly interesting, and few situations of equal extent, afford so many objects of attraction for the curious, the antiquary, and the traveller; or a tract of country equally fa- iv. INTRODUCTION. vourable to the recovery of the valetudina- rian. Melksham itself is perhaps as little MELKSHAM GUIDE. interesting as any place that is described; but it is the centre of attractions, which, by inducing exercise, promote the more rapid re-establishment of health. It must be allowed that the town does not at present possess the splendid edifices GENERAL HISTORY OF MELKSHAM. of long established Spas, but there is every reason to believe that this will not long be the case. The excellency of the waters has already produced a spirit of specula- tion: accommodations increase, and a few M e l k s h a m ; a pleasant town on the years may enable it to vie, in every desir- great road between London and Bath, is able convenience, with Cheltenham and nearly a mile long, consisting principally of Leamington. one street, in which are many good houses. It is divided by the river Avon, over which there is a handsome stone bridge, newly erected, the former having been destroyed by an inundation. The Inns are respect- able, and the accommodations for those who visit the Spa are continually increasing. A market is held on every other monday for cattle; and an annual fair, on the 27th of July, for cattle, sheep, pigs, toys, hard- ware, &c. 2 General History of Melksham. General History of Melksham. 3

The parish according to the returns of scribes the adjacent parts, does not even 1811, contained 781 houses, and 4110 in- mention it. When the woollen manufac- habitants: 1891 males, and 2219 females. ture was established, Melksham, without There were 794 families; of which 231 doubt, enjoyed a share of it; and it has were employed in agriculture, and 416 in till lately carried on the trade to a great trade and manufactures. extent, from which it has derived consi- MelkshaM was a place of considerable derable advantages and opulence. How- note in the time of the Saxons, as it appears ever, the excellent medicinal saline and from Domesday Book to have been a lord- chalybeate springs, that have been lately ship belonging to king Harold, and after- discovered in the vicinity, and which are wards an appendage to the crown under the considered equal to any in the kingdom, Conqueror, who established in it a court induce the most sanguine hopes that it with royal jurisdiction. But though every will increase in extent and respectability, vestige of its former importance is lost, the and soon become a celebrated watering name of the lower part of the town, which place, and a resort of beauty, wealth, and is denominated the city, is a presumptive fashion. proof of its ancient superiority; and this is Melksham is distant from London 97 farther confirmed by the tallage it paid in miles, from Bath 11, Bristol 23, Cheltenham the reign of king John, which amounted to 46, Leamington 84, and Salisbury 30. twelve marks, a greater sum than was paid by any of his other manors in the county, The compiler of the Melksham Guide Salisbury paying but forty shillings. Wynd- gladly embraces the opportunity to return ham, in his Domesday Book, states it to his aknowledgments to Dr. Gibbes, an eminent have been assessed at eighty-four hides. physician in Bath, for his great polite- The town must have fallen into decay in ness in permitting him to extract from his the succeeding ages, as Leland, who de- valuable observations, experiments, &c. on 4 Discovery of the Old Spa. Analysis of the Old Spa. 5 the saline springs, whatever might be consi- level of the field. At this height it produces dered useful to the present work; he has in a pint of water in three quarters of a min- consequence availed himself of what Dr. ute; from which circumstance, it is pre- Gibbes has published on the following heads: sumed, that at some depth, an almost inde- Discovery of the Old Spa. Analysis of the finite quantity of it might be obtained. Old Spa. Analysis of the New Spa. Com- “Many people in this neighbourhood parison of the Cheltenham, Leamington, and have for some time past experienced salu- Melksham Waters. Melksham Aperient and tary effects from this water as a medicine, Chalybeate Spa, and Disorders for which their notice having been attracted to its pe- the Waters are of singular Efficacy. culiar qualities by the consequences to the cattle that drank it, and by the frequent vis- DISCOVERY OF THE OLD SPA. its of the wood pigeons to the spring. “It was owing to the advantage which “The spring rises in a field near Melk- Mr. Phillips, a gentleman of Melksham, de- sham, from nearly the top of a mound of rived from using this instead of Cheltenham earth, which was formed, about fifty years, water, that it was brought into notice in the ago, of the materials which had been dug summer of 1813; and it was in compliance out, in sinking a shaft for the purpose of with a request made by him, Mr. Long, and seeking for coal. After penetrating to a Mr. Bruges, that the following experiments great depth, the miners came to a hard rock, and observations were then brought before on piercing through which this water rush- the public.” ed in upon them and was so abundant, that the scheme for finding coal was entire- ANALYSIS OF THE OLD SPA. ly abandoned. The shaft was filled up with timber and earth, and the spring has ever “As the following analysis of this water, since continued to flow above the original when joined to its known medicinal effects, 6 Analysis of the Old Spa. Analysis of the Old Spa. 7 certainly ranks it among the saline purga- in a gallon or more if brought to sixteen tive waters of the most celebrated places in ounces avoirdupoise in a pint. As I brought the kingdom; it cannot be deemed improper the evaporation quite to dryness before a to apprize the public of the existence of so large fire, and as many saline substances valuable a spring in the neighbourhood. The found in mineral waters contain when chrys- medicinal effects of this water, clearly point tallized from thirty to fifty per cent of wa- it out as a saline aperient; although strong- ter, this quantity far exceeds the estimate ly saline, it differs in its composition from, given by Dr. Fothergill of the contents of a and is by no means so repulsive to the taste gallon of Cheltenham water, namely five as sea water, and other saline spas. hundred and fifty-five grains of chrystallized “I accurately weighed four ounces of this salts. water, in an evaporating earthen vessel, “I am authorised by Dr. Sims to state, which I had previously put in equipoise, that he procured from a beer gallon of this with corresponding weights in the other water nine hundred and fifty-five grains of scale; when gradually evaporating the wat- chrystallized salts, equal to seven hundred er,l found, after placing a four-ounce weight and eighty-two grains in the wine gallon, in the scale with the vessel, that it took which is at least two hundred and twenty- twenty-one grains in the other scale to re- seven grains more than Dr. Fothergill found store the exact equilibrium. The balance in the same quantity of Cheltenham water, is a most excellent one, and nothing occur- and allowing about forty per cent for the red that could detract from the accuracy of water of crystallisation, is in exact coin- the experiment. Twenty-one grains in four cidence with my experiment. ounces, allowing twelve ounces by weight “A quantity of the residuum, after evapo- to the pint, make sixty-three grains to a rating the Melksham water at the heat of one pint, and five hundred and four in the gal- hundred and eighty degrees, was submitted lon, or five hundred and fifty-two grains to the action of alcohol, and repeatedly wash- 8 Analysis of the Old Spa. New Spa. 9 ed in it, until all the earthy muriates were riate of lime, my experiments. have uni- dissolved and carried off. To this filtered formly detected. solution both carbonate of ammonia and “The contents of this water, therefore, pure ammonia were added, and each pro- are muriate of soda, muriate of magnesia, duced a precipitation evincing the presence muriate of lime, sulphate of lime, and the of both muriate of lime and muriate of mag- carbonates of lime, magnesia, and iron. nesia. The remaining residuum was then “The Melksham Spa water contains se- submitted to the action of distilled water, veral substances that are very active, and for the purpose of detecting the sulphates; which determine the properties of many dis- but nitrate of lime produced no precipita- tinguished mineral waters. Its character is tion in the filtered liquor, consequently saline, and the quantity of saline ingredients is equal to that of the most celebrated there was no sulphate of soda, and pure am- springs. The salts contained in it are in monia did not detect, by any precipitation, their nature purgative, and therefore a con- the presence of a magnesian sulphate. stant effect on the bowels is the action this “The remaining residuum was dissolved medicinal water produces, whenever it is in diluted nitric acid, and the solution was taken in suitable doses. A countervailing filtered. Pure ammonia produced a slight property in this water arises from the pre- precipitation shewing carbonate of magnesia. sence of some iron, thereby precluding that Carbonate of ammonia produced a great ap- debility which so often follows the use of pearance of calcareous earth, and prussiate the stronger purgatives. of potash evinced, by a strong blue colour, the presence of iron. The residuum, still NEW SPA. remaining on the filtre, was found to be sul- phate of lime. I have put down the car- In consequence of the liberal offer of bonate of magnesia, which, though ques- John Awdry, esq. to sell land, several re- tionable as an ingredient existing with mu- spectable gentlemen formed themselves into 10 New Spa. New Spa. 11 a company, under the name of “The Melk- lustre imaginable. The nautilus also often sham Spa Company,” whose object was to occurred. The specific gravity of this mass sink a well in a field to the east of the for- was considerably greater than that of the mer, in hopes of procuring an abundant sup- foregoing, owing to its containing much iron. ply of the saline water. For this purpose Towards the bottom of this marl, thin irre- they purchased land, and laid the founda- gular beds of jet were met with; also, some tion of six genteel lodging houses. After large turtle-formed stones, which were ex- having dug one hundred feet they com- tremely hard. Next a layer of stone two menced the process of boring, under the feet thick, in hardness equal to granite. superintendance of Mr. Brough, an able Marl again, in thickness fifty feet, colour as engineer, who after twelve months labour, above. Afterwards stone, two feet six inches on the 1st of March, 1816, obtained the thick, moderately hard, but differing from much desired object. Since that period one any of the foregoing, being more granulated, hundred feet more have been sunk. and, when tried between the teeth, exceed- The following are the particulars of the ingly gritty. Then marl, in thickness eigh- various strata, in the words of the engineer: teen feet. The character of this marl was “A series of marl, dark coloured, ninety also different from any of the above, being feet thick, which in the digging broke into more indurated, as also gritty. Next stone, rhomboids. Then marl again, about one in thickness twenty feet, moderately hard, hundred and thirty-two feet thick, varying and of a lighter colour than any preceding. in colour: most of this presented in every This was divided into about eight strata, fracture or section, which could possibly be by thin beds of clay, from one inch to two made, a glut of the remains of marine organ- and a half thick. Then alternate strata of ized bodies, among which were many of the stone and clay, united thickness twenty- cornu ammones, most beautifully gilt with three feet six inches: the beds of clay from the pyrites of iron, assuming every metallic six to twelve inches. Afterwards, a bed of 12 Analysis of the Sand. Analysis of the Sand. 13 stone two feet six inches thick. This was mon salt, not exceeding half a grain. The whiter than any yet met with, and moder- sand was digested in half an ounce of muri- ately hard. Stone succeeded, eleven feet in atic acid, and simmered nearly to dryness: thickness, very hard, and separated into about to this, water was added, slightly boiled and five or six strata, by beds of clay mixed with filtered: the residuum, dried, weighed a little sand: these beds were from one to one hundred and twenty grains. This was four inches thick. Total depth from the sur- thrown into half an ounce of sulphuric face, three hundred and fifty-one feet six inch- acid, and evaporated nearly to dryness: es. It was in this stratum of eleven feet that was boiled in three ounces of water, and my last hopes were fixed; and it was during filtered: the substance left on the filtre, the time we were boring through it that my when dried, weighed one hundred and thir- teen grains. To the muriatic solution, sul- reports to the committee were of a more phuric acid was slowly added, as long as cheering and confident nature, than for some any precipitation occurred: the substance time previously: when, finally, the borer en- separated, dried at a high temperature, tered a bed of sand, which immediately gave weighed fifty-six grains, which was sul- us demonstrative proofs that the adaman- phate of lime. To the filtered solution tine seal was broken; for instantly the long- prussiate of potash was added, and thirty- sought-for treasure gushed forth, in quan- six grains of prussian blue were separated, tity sufficient for every purpose.” evincing eighteen grains of the carbonate of iron. The residue was boiled in a solution ANALYSIS OF THE SAND IN WHICH THE of the carbonate of soda without any dimi- MELKSHAM SPRING RISES, nution; hence no gypsum. To the solution As furnished by W. Nicholson, Esq. of Bath. in sulphuric acid, water was added, and sev- Two hundred grains of the sand were en grains of alumina were thrown down by boiled some time in water, and, when filter- ammonia. ed, evinced a very trifling portion of com- The following was the result: 14 Analysis of the New Spa. Comparison of Waters. 15

Grains. remaining on the filtre, I dissolved it in di- Silex of flint...... 113 stilled water, and after filtering the solution, Carbonate of iron...... 18 I added to separate portions of it nitrate of Alumina ...... 7 lime and pure ammonia, which by produc- Gypsum 56, equal to corbonate of lime. 43 Mariate of soda ...... 5 ing no precipitation, clearly show that there 200 grains of the sand, well dried, lost 10 are no sulphates in the water, except that of lime. The substances remaining on the .191.5 paper were sulphate of lime and the carbon- Loss ...... 8.5 ates as before mentioned, but in extremely .200 small quantities. From these experiments it is clear that ANALYSIS OF THE NEW SPA. this new water, though containing a much “After counterpoising a silver dish in a larger proportion of saline ingredients, holds very accurate pair of scales, I poured into it in solution the same salts as the other well. (says Dr. Gibbes) a pint, or twelve ounces I subjected the water to a variety of other Troy, of the Melksham water from the new experiments, and tested it with nitrate of well. This water I evaporated by means of spirit lamps, and obtained one hundred and silver, tincture of galls, prussiate of potash, thirty-three grains of dry salt, which are tincture of litmus, &c. and the result of all equal with the water of chrystallization, to the experiments was the same as what l have one hundred and fifty. This large resi- already described, with the water of the old due I digested for a week, in pure alcohol, well, and proves it to be an aperient saline and after filtering it through white paper, I water, highly charged with the muriates of added separate portions of carbonate of am- soda, lime, and magnesia.” monia and pure ammonia. Both these tests produced large precipitations, evincing the COMPARISON OF THE CHELTENHAM, presence of both the muriate of lime and LEAMINGTON, & MELKSHAM WATERS. muriate of magnesia. After drying the salt “I have been favoured” says Dr. Gibbes, 16 Comparison of Waters. Melksham Aperient and Chalybeate Spa. 17

“with the following account of the consti- Leamington Water tuent principles of the Cheltenham and Lea- Contains muriate of soda, sulphate of soda, mington waters, by a medical friend who has muriate of magnesia, a small quantity of sul- devoted much time to the process by which phate of magnesia, and a very large portion they were ascertained, the detail of which of sulphate of lime. will shortly be presented by him to the pub- Melksham Water lic. As this statement involves no incom- Contains muriate of soda, MURIATE OF patibilities among the salts he has enume- LIME, muriate of magnesia, sulphate of rated, and as he is particularly correct in his lime; the carbonates of lime, magnesia, and experiments, it may be relied on with per- iron. fect confidence. “From the above statement it appears that Cheltenham. the peculiarity of the Melksham water con- Mr. Thompson’s Chalybeate & Carbonate Saline Wells: sists in its containing muriate of lime, and These waters contain muriate of soda, and possessing at the same time a purgative sulphate of soda, no muriate of lime, no quality; from which circumstance there muriate of magnesia, and no sulphate of can be no presumption in supposing that it lime; a small portion of carbonate of soda, is entitled to medical respect, and that it and perhaps a grain or two in a pint of sul- may reasonably advance to a reputation phate of magnesia; the carbonates of lime, similar to that so justly enjoyed by the magnesia, and iron. celebrated waters of Cheltenham and Lea- Forty’s Old Well: mington.” This water contains muriate of soda, sul- phate of Soda, muriate of magnesia, sulphate MELKSHAM SALINE APERIENT AND of magnesia, and sulphate of lime; the three CHALYBEATE SPA. carbonates of lime, magnesia, and iron. “The mineral Waters of Melksham claim 18 Melksham Aperient and Chalbeate Spa. Melksham Aperient and Chalbeate Spa. 19 the attention of the public by the indispu- classes of the community, that he viciously table value of their constituent ingredients. seeks to raise his own reputation, when the It has been a long time doubted whether object of his researches is to give ease to the change of air, temperate regimen, freedom afflicted, and to point out the causes and from care, and pleasant society, were cure of disease. Deception may gain mo- not the real causes that rendered our mentally applause, but lasting credit can only watering places so peculiarly serviceable depend on sound principles and sterling me- to the health of their visitants; and that rit. The credit of mineral waters has, at the waters themselves were only subservi- different periods of time, been greatly de- ent to the end of attracting the public to pendant on the prevailing opinions of medi- one salubrious spot. The waters most cele- cine: they have been taken up or degraded brated in this country have been thus fre- as they have more or less suited some predo- quently censured; and those who have minant or fashionable theory of physic. come forward in praise of their virtues have When natural laws have been most regarded. been accused, with as little justice as truth, and investigated, we find that the mild com- of being interested zealots. That many vir- position of mineral waters, has been suppos- tues and qualities of waters and medicines ed the best suited to the human constitu- generally, are too much extolled, and that in- tion; but when, on almost all occasions, terested motives stimulate many of the ac- and at the earliest periods of life, the strong- tions of mankind, cannot be denied; but how est preparations of antimony and mercury otherwise should we ever have received the have been deemed indispensible, we cannot benefit of the most noble works of art,or imagine that either the mild form of medi- raised our character among other nations cine in mineral waters would be approved for our great superiority in manufactures of, or that those who were advocates for and commerce. It surely cannot be object- their use would be much regarded. ed to the physician more than to other “It would not be difficult to show, that 20 Melksham Aperient and Chalbeate Spa. Melksham Aperient and Chalbeate Spa. 21 the diseases of the present day are more de- she requires, and the constitution is invi- pendant, than might at first sight appear, on gorated; by the other, nature is exhaust- the abuse of medicine; and that some com- ed, and the frame weakened. The mild ape- plaints, for which mineral waters arc parti- rient waters, therefore, strengthen the con- cularly recommended, are such as the wa- stitution, whilst they assist the body in re- ters would in the first place have prevented. moving whatever burdens and oppresses So that as a substitute for the most violent it; and thus the powers of digestion are medicines, they would have prevented the improved, and the hepatic secretion is very diseases for which they are now so pe- healthfully promoted by the free action culiarly serviceable. I allude to scrofula, of the alimentary canal. It would carry diseases of the skin, and those various us too far to enter into a description glandular affections which are so much ex- of the disorders, which are influenced by cited by mercury, and so much restrained the stomach and alimentary canal, or to by sea and mineral waters. point out the reasons why a gentle aperi- “Natural powers are only suspended in ent tends to remove many very extend- those disorders where the bowels are inac- ed disorders of our frame; but it will be tive: it often requires but a very little as- necessary to allude to the decidedly be- sistance to bring them forward. In disor- neficial effect that results from keeping the ders of the digestive organs, though the ac- body under the influence of mild aperient tion of the bowels be considerably dimin- medicine. The connection between skin ished, a very trifling assistance will restore complaints, and the state of the stomach its full power; and therefore it is that and alimentary canal, is universally admit- mild purgatives, often repeated, effect ted; and here the Melksham waters have more towards a satisfactory relief than the been found to answer every indication. Sea larger doses of strong medicines. By water is recommended in such cases for its the one, nature just receives the assistance external as well as internal use; and of late 22 Melksham Aperient and Chalbeate Spa. Melksham Aperient and Chalbeate Spa. 23 years the warm sea bath has deservedly general cachetic appearance, indicate that gained great reputation. The waters at state wherein such purgatives are service- Melksham are truly appropriate to such able; and it is in these cases that the Melk- cases; for it may be asserted, that they sham waters are decidedly of advantage. contain every active ingredient of sea They fully answer the high character which water, whilst the extreme repulsive taste of the sea has acquired, and they hold out the sea is moderated in them, by a diminu- even higher advantages from the situation of tion of the muriate of soda; the active salts the place, and the easy access to it at all being in full proportion to produce the seasons. aperient effect with the same quantity of “The external use produces many good water. effects in these cases. Baths can be “There are two wells at Melksham, the obtained at any temperature, and the waters of which differ greatly in the quan- water can be applied locally to scrophu- tity of saline impregnation: where, there- lous sores and strumous affections. fore, the bowels are more or less affected, “It has come to the knowledge of the recourse may be had to the stronger or writer of this inquiry, that children affected weaker. with sores of a scrophulous nature, where “Children may be even disposed to take no benefit accrued from the use of other re- the one, when they may resist swallowing medies under the most judicious manage- the other; and the smaller dose of active ment, have been completely relieved by the ingredients may be the most suited to waters at Melksham; and that on their re- their delicate stomachs. It is a well known lapsing, after leaving the spa, a repetition fact, that glandular affections, if not occa- of the cure took place on their return sioned by, are attended with an obstinate to it. Many diseases of this kind disap- state of the bowels. Mesenteric affec- pear at a certain age, and therefore should tions, swoln belly, pale countenance, and a the cure not be perfected, it is of great im- 24 Melksham Aperient and Chalbeate Spa. Melksham Aperient and Chalbeate Spa. 25 portance that the disorder be kept under, of its existence where there are other ingre- even for a definite time. dients with which it is incompatible. What- “I have the authority of some very ju- ever qualities are attributed to it where it dicious surgeons to say, that strumous sores is supposed to exist, certainly should appear which have resisted every other applica- where it really does exist; and I am very tion have healed on the use of the muriate much disposed to believe with Dr. Murray, of lime; and I have seen instances of its that it is a most important ingredient in any beneficial effects. If we agree with Dr. mineral water, and particularly as at Melk- Murray in his investigation of mineral wa- sham, when joined with the muriate of mag- ters, we shall attribute their powers, gene- nesia, whereby an open state of the bowels rally, to their containing muriate of lime. is insured during its use. By force of chemical reasoning he shows “I feel it a duty to impress the opinion very ingeniously, that it is most probable that the Melksham waters are likely to prove that the active ingredient of the chief spas beneficial in scrofula; there is no disease may be muriate of lime, though after being e- that so much baffles the art of medicine, and vaporated for the purpose of analysis, it has no one that is attended with so much mise- been decomposed and is not discernable in ry to mankind. It would be a frightful pic- the chemical result. The Melksham water, ture to trace the numbers of young people therefore, which on chemical analysis shows that fall a sacrifice to this disease, and un- such an abundance of muriate of lime, must der its various forms to show the savages indisputably possess these advantages. This made by this terrible disorder. However substance, Dr. Murray says, has very active we may differ as to the cause of it, we must properties; and he thinks that its tonic admit that a great deal depends upon not powers are sufficient with the chalybeate provoking it to action in a constitution pre- impregnation, to account for even the vir- disposed to it; the catching cold, or being tues of Bath waters. But I have great doubts in a bad habit of body, will often bring this 26 Melksham Aperient and Chalbeate Spa. Melksham Aperient and Chalbeate Spa. 27 disease into activity. A strict attention to bilious cases are referable to the digestive the primœ viœ, regular diet, and proper air organs generally, and are relieved and re- and exercise, will, even in habits prone to moved by purgative medicines. Wherever this complaint, prevent its appearance. The there is produced a general action on the in- Melksham water contains a substance ac- testines, the bile is elicited; and in this knowledged to be of service in scrophulous way purgative waters prove serviceable. complaints; and it possesses, also, those But here, as in other complaints, the degree qualities which induce a proper state of the of obstruction may require the aid of some digestive organs; it is found to improve that other stronger medicines: thus a few grains cachetic state to which children are so lia- of calomel may be taken over night, and the ble, and to give an activity to those func- Melksham water in the morning will be tions of the alimentary canal, which, in chil- proper to carry it off. But I have known dren subject to this disorder, are found to the water, after two or three days tak- be so sluggish. ing, though at first it would hardly effect “In scorbutic disorders the digestive or- the bowels, produce great discharges of gans are particularly concerned; and here, bile, and totally and completely remove as in every other case where assistance is all unpleasant feelings of bilious obstruc- required to forward the process of diges- tion. tion, these aperient waters have great effi- “It would be endless to enumerate all cacy. Warm saline water bathing is singu- the cases wherein this water may be ap- larly serviceable in removing the local affec- plied with reasonable hopes of advan- tion of the skin, and the stomach improves tage. Warm salt water bathing, where under a course of these waters internally. the temperature can be regulated to the Instances have occurred of inveterate cases greatest nicety, and water that in every pint giving way to their use. contains one hundred and fifty grains of sa- “A very large proportion and number of line ingredients, are alone sufficient to stamp 28 Chalbeate Spring. Chalbeate Spring. 29 an invaluable character on the place. Such the compiler of the Melksham Guide has hot or tepid bathing is applicable to the nu- gladly availed himself, and for which he merous cases of paralytic and rheumatic desires to return his grateful acknowledg- lameness, and to all the chronic disorders ments. which affect the limbs and joints. It holds “Sixteen ounces of the water were gently evaporated to dryness, in such a gradual out the greatest hope to those who have manner as to prevent any decomposition of suffered from gout, and other diseases af- the muriates: the solid contents, dried at fecting the due motion of the limbs. As a the heat of one hundred and eighty degrees, tepid bath, it would emulate the sea and the weighed eight grains and a half,” which after waters of Buxton in rhuematic eases, and the proper experiments produced the fol- at a lower temperature strengthen the lowing results: general constitution. Grains “The biggest result may be expected Muriate of lime...... 6 from the combination of the external with Muriate of magnesia...... 9 the internal use; particularly in various ob- Sulphate of magnesia ...... 1.5 structions where hot bathing would greatly Sulphate of lime...... 1 Carbonate of iron...... 4 assist in forwarding the desired effect.” 8.0 CHALYBEATE SPRING. Loss ...... 5 In the same field where the first saline Solid contents in one pint of water . .8.5 spring rises, a chalybeate spring has been This spring has the same combinations discovered, that yields about eight hun- as the Tunbridge waters, the saline chaly- dred gallons per day, of which Dr. Wilkin- beate of Cheltenham, and the Bath waters, son, of Bath, has favoured the pubic with though none of these contain the same pro- the following analysis and directions: of portion of the carbonate of iron as the Melk- which, by the Doctor’s kind permission, sham chalybeate. 30 Chalbeate Spring. Pump Room, Baths, and Spa Buildings. 31

Directions to those who drink it. increased to half a pint, above which it “It is well known to every practitioner, should not be augmented unless by the that the muriated tincture of iron, or iron order of some medical gentleman.” any ways artificially dissolved, does not pro- duce the same beneficial effects with the PUMP ROOM, BATHS, AND SPA BUILDINGS. natural chalybeate mineral waters. In the At the distance of half a mile from the form as arranged by nature, it is found par- town, and about one hundred yards to the ticularly useful in all cases of constitutional eastward of the London road, is the new debility, and in all nervous and hysterical well, over which has just been erected an affections. When iron is employed, all vis- elegant pump room, fitted up with every ceral obstructions should be previously re- convenience, and commanding a pleasing moved; hence, when had recourse to in prospect over the surrounding country, in dyspeptic cases, depending on some de- the various scenery of which the venerable rangement of the digestive organs, it would tower of Bromham church, at the distance be advisable for the visitors at Melksham of four miles, forms an interesting object. to make, use of the saline aperient spring, Adjoining the pump room are baths for for a short time, before they enter upon a hot or cold bathing, well fitted up, and pro- course of the chalybeate; and in most cases vided with every requisite. They are so it would be advisable to take a glass of the constructed that they can be filled and emptied saline early in the morning, and a glass of in the most expeditious manner. The the chalybeate about two hours before din- saline water is abundant, and can be readily ner. supplied at any degree of temperature. The “As a pint of the water contains four grains dressing rooms are private and comfortable, of the carbonate of iron, the dose, at first, and provided with stoves. There are two should not exceed a quarter of a pint, but spare rooms appropriated for the conveni- in two or three weeks it may be gradually ence of rest or waiting. 32 Pump Room, Baths, and Spa Buildings. Charges for Drinking and Bathing, &c. 33

The pump room and baths form the cen- CHARGES FOR DRINKING AND BATHING. tre of an intended crescent, the lower part Drinking. Subscription. Pumper. of which is completed, and consists of six A family, per season. . . . .£1 11 6 0 elegant houses, built for the accommodation An individual, per ditto. . . . 1 1 0 4 0 of visitors. The accompanying engraving A family, per month . . . . . 0 15 0 3 0 will convey a more perfect idea of the plans An individual, per ditto. . . . 0 10 6 2 0 than a verbal description. The grounds, A family, per fortnight or less 0 10 6 2 0 An individual, per ditto. . . . 0 5 0 1 0 consisting of nine acres, are tastefully plant- ed with thriving. shrubs, and extend along Bathing. the side of the post road for more than a £ s. d. Attendant. Warm saline bath...... 0 3 0 0 6 quarter of a mile. Between the buildings Cold ditto...... 0 2 6 0 6 and the shrubbery is a broad gravelled car- Subscription for six warm baths 0 15 0 3 0 riage way, from the lower part of which to Ditto for six cold ditto. . . . 0 10 0 3 0 the town, a good footpath has been raised Ditto for nine warm ditto . . . 1 1 0 4 0 that screens a comfortable walk to the spa. Ditto for nine cold ditto. . . . 0 15 0 4 0 Ditto for the season, warm. . 2 2 0 7 6 To the front of the pump room and baths Ditto ditto, cold...... 1 11 6 7 6 is attached a handsome veranda, well calcu- lated either for shelter or shade, under RULES FOR USING THE WATERS. The warm season of the year is undoubt- which is an elevated walk, that in unfa- edly to be preferred for drinking mineral vourable weather affords an agreeable pro- waters, because it admits the greater free- menade; or when the inclination or strength dom of air and exercise. They may how- of the valetudinarian does not allow of a ever be taken at any season, care being had longer excursion, furnishes assisting means to avoid cold; but they may be drunk with advantage, whenever there is a tendency of of restoring health by gentle exercise, and the constitution to inflammatory or eruptive the pleasing variety of landscape which the disorders. adjacent country offers to the view. Excessive exertion should be avoided by 34 Rules for Using the Waters. Rules for Using the Waters. 35 those who use them, lest a feverish habit of of a stronger medicine may be necessary as body should be induced, which might prevent a preparative. In such disorders a small dose the expected benefit. of salts, or a few grains of calomel may be The best time of the day for drinking the taken over night, and the water in the water is early in the morning, when half a morning. pint may be taken, which sometimes acts When the water is taken cold it braces freely: the quantity, however, must be re- the stomach and refreshes the body; when gulated according to the state of the consti- too warm, it tends to relax it. tution of the patient. After a short interval The duration of the course should be re- or a walk, the dose may be repeated. Two gulated by the nature of the disease, and the half pints will in general be found sufficient. effects which the waters are found to have on the constitution. Three or four weeks Children should take less, and it is to be will be frequently sufficient, but in obsti- remarked, that a violent effect is not so be- nate chronical disorders it may be perse- neficial as a steady and regular operation on vered in for months, even in cases of ap- the bowels, particularly in weakly persons, parently great debility, without producing children, or those who labour under symp- any inconvenience to the system. toms of scrofula. If taken warm, a less Bathing quantity may frequently be more efficacious. Is considered by many as a luxury, from the It will, however, be always advisable to be- agreeable sensation it produces, and its being gin with a smaller quantity, and increase highly conducive to health. The cold bath according to the effect it is found to have exhilarates the spirits, and gives vigour to on the habit, which will depend much upon the body, while the hot and tepid soothes re- the age, sex, constitution, and complaint of freshes and invigorates the frame, and proves those who drink it. an invaluable remedy in complaints which In many bilious and other cases, in which require the pores of the skin to be opened the digestive organs are obstructed, the aid without producing profuse perspiration. 36 Rules for Using the Waters. Description of Melksham, &c. 37

“The heat of ninety-six degrees is what tude between ten minutes and half an hour. is usually considered tepid, being the tem- Care must be taken not to continue so long perature of the blood of every person in as to bring on faintness or debility.” good health. Such a bath may be used as a DESCRIPTION OF MELKSHAM AND THE restorative for ten minutes or a quarter of ADJACENT COUNTRY. an hour every other day. The same heat Though Melksham does not afford so many may also be used in chronic diseases, and in objects of curiosity for the antiquary and many dry and scurfy states of the skin: but ninety or ninety-two suit some rheumatic naturalist as some other places, yet there are complaints better than a greater heat, though few, that within the distance of a ride, pre- in cases of stiffened joints, where the con- sent more which are deserving of inspection. stitution has not been much impaired a tem- The seats of the marquis of Landsdowne, perature of ninety-eight, or even a hundred, the marquis of Bath, Paul Methuen, esq. may be borne daily for half an hour. and many others, furnish amusement for “As baths above ninety-eight degrees such as delight in objects of magnificence; accelerate the pulse, they cannot be safe in while the venerable remains of Stonehenge, full states of the stomach, nor immediately Avebury, and Silbury Hill, never fail to after violent exercise. The best time for excite the admiration of the beholders. hot bathing will be two or three hours be- The town and neighbourhood of Melk- fore dinner, unless it be intended to bring sham are not, however, destitute of interest; on a violent perspiration, when evening is the most favourable time. though neither presenting the dashing cas- “The hotter the bath the less time the cade, the ruined mouldering tower, nor the patient should remain in it, but the precise residence of titled grandeur. The scenery, time call only be determined by the nature if not grand, is pleasing. The walks through of the disease, and the constitution of the the meadows on every side, --along the tow- patient: general practice admits of a lati- ing path of the Berks and Wilts canal, and 38 Description of Melksham. Description of Melksham. 39 on or near the banks of the meandering There are three chantries, belonging to the Avon, cannot fail to soothe and please the Jenkinses, the Methuens, and The Wrays, willing mind, and greatly to assist in restor- besides the principal chancel at the east end. ing health to those who resort to so salubri- The edifice has undergone many alterations, but some parts of it are of great antiquity, ous a spot; while the more distant ones to probably of the twelfth or thirteenth Bowden Hill, Spye Park, Sandridge Hill, century, as is evident from the flat buttres- and Seend, afford much variety, and com- ses which prevailed at that period. It has mand extensive and charming prospects. lately undergone a thorough repair. After giving a concise description of the There are many neat monuments in dif- town, we shall lead the curious to every ferent parts of the church, principally be- thing worth seeing within the distance of longing to the Awdrys. the Selfes, and the twelve or fifteen miles, and occasionally Threshers; and one in particular, well exe- cuted, to the memory of a daughter of Mr. venture a mile or two farther, when any an- Thomas SeIfe, and his family. There is one tiquity or remarkable edifice makes the ex- in the chancel, to the right of the altar, with cursion desirable. That this may be the the following in cription: more satisfactorily performed, those objects In memoriam Isaaci Selfe et Margaret parentum; will be first described which are nearest; Jacobus Selfe filins hoc posuit, Qui postquam Nonage- ssimum secundum aetatis compleverit annum numerosa gradually extending the circle till we reach sobole felix, vid. quatuor filiis et tredecem filiabus, our utmost bounds. una cum nepotibus nepotum at prole ad numerum 83. Melksham Church mandata creatori anima, lubens de vita migravit, Feb. Undoubtedly claims the first attention. It lOth. A. D. 1656. To the memory of Isaac Selfe, who joyfully departed is a large and spacious edifice, built of free- this life in the ninety-third year of his age; being stone, and dedicated to St. Michael. The blessed with a numerous issue, namely four sons and tower stands in the centre of the transept, thirteen daughters, who together with grand children, and great grandchildren, amounted before his death to and is embellished with battlements and eighty-three. Jacob Selfe, his son, erected this stone pinnacles, as is also the body of the church. to the memory of his parents Isaac and Margaret Selfe. 40 Description of Melksham. Description of Melksham. 41

And on the right of it another to the me- lowing distich in the qualnt style of the mory of a former vicar, with the following inscription: times: Here lie the Remains Mors tua, Mors Christi, Fraus Mundi, Gloria Coeli, Of the Rev. Mr. Bohun Fox, Et Dolor Inferni, sint meditanda tibi. Vicar of this Parish for fifty-three years. Christ’s death, and thine own end, He discharged the Duties of his Pastoral Office Heaven’s glory, and the world’s deceit, With Fidelity and Zeal; With hell’s dire griefs and pains, Defended the Doctrine and Discipline of the Church of England By his excellent Discourses and Writing; For thought are subjects meet. Asserted the Rights and Revenues of his Station The tower contains six musical bells, and With Resolution and Success, The Instruction of the Poor was his peculiar Care: a clock. On the north is a venerable and To this End he established and constantly superintended spreading yew tree, which is doubtless of A Charity School For the virtuous Education and Clothing great antiquity. of Poor Children, The principal religious denominations And endowed it by his last Will With the perpetual Interest have chapels in the town, which are well Of One Hundred and Thirty-five Pounds. attended. His Learning, his Integrity, and great Abilities, The Baptist chapel is a convenient build- Recommended him to the unanimous Suffrages Of the Clergy of the Diocese, ing in the city. It is well fitted up, but so To represent them in Convocation, surrounded with houses as to be almost con- In the most interesting Times, When the late pious and glorious Queen Anne cealed. The times of service are, on sun- Cordially proposed the Advancement day mornings, at half-past ten o’clock, in Of the Dignity, Purity, and Discipline of the Church. As he owed the Principles of his distinguished Endowments the afternoons at half-past two, and in the To his happy Education in Winchester College, evenings at six, and at seven on thursday His Gratitude was expressed to that celebrated Foundation By settling on Poor Scholars of Merit educated there evenings. An Ample Provision for ever. The Independant chapel is a commodious He died April 3d, 1750, structure, near the turnpike gate, on the In the 78th Year of his Age. There is also a monument in the church Devizes road. The times of service are, on to the memory of John May, with the fol- sunday mornings at half-past ten, in the 42 Description of Melksham. afternoons at half-past two, and in the even- ings at half-past six. and on tuesday even- ings at seven. The Methodist chapel is a light building near the centre of the town. The times of service are, on sunday mornings at half-past ten, in the afternoons at two, and in the evenings at six, and on monday evenings at seven. The Friends’ meeting is a neat structure on the Trowbridge road. The times of meet- ing are at ten on sunday mornings, and at three in the afternoons in winter, and five in summer, and at ten on wednesday morn- ings. On the south-west of the church is a man- sion formerly the residence of the late Miss Thresher, now the property of the rev. Mr. Wray. In the front are grounds which af- ford delightful walks, particularly one, called the lovers’ walk, more than haIf a mile long, under a vista of venerable elms. These grounds are undoubtedly part of a park, formerly of considerable extent, as is ap- parent from the broken vistas and rows of trees, several of which extend to the river. T. E. Rosenberg, del VIEW NEAR THE BRIDGE, MELKSHAM C. Marsh, S. Bath called theArk,which hasbeensomuch river above thebridge. the engraving istaken fromthesouthbankof The view superfine, presentedin the accompanying thetown. of of tothatpart is anornament manufacture elegant house, justcompleted,andwhich the extent.cloths toagreat Inthefrontisan on carried Messrs. Phillips and Sons, who have Iong anddye-housesare theextensive factory of produce apleasingeffect. in plantations, which inafew years will infronthasbeenlately disposed The ground a building remarkable foritssimpleneatness. Jeffery, contiguoustowhich is hisresidence, Mr. inthecounty,corn-mills of theproperty appearance. it atightandairy givebalustrades withwhich itisadorned, stone, but theneat substantially built of fourspaciousarches. Thewhole is sists of by aninundation intheyear 1809.Itcon- onewhich was destroyed ed intheplaceof The Bridge is a handsome structre, erect- On the other side of theriver isahouse On theothersideof Upon theAvon, andclosetothemills, the largest Adjoining the bridge is one of ecito fMelksham. Description of 45 46 Description of Melksham. Description of Melksham. 47 trout, roach, perch, pike, and eels. Many be had at the office after the Exeter and vestiges of antiquity are discernable on its Bath Mail arrives in the evening. banks, the history of which has been long The Post Office is conveniently situated forgotten. in the main street, nearly opposite the King’s Within a few years, an extensive piece of Arms, where the mail stops; and where ground, called Melksham Common, has been neat post chaises and able horses may be enclosed. An act was likewise obtained had, and the traveller or visiter be accom- in the last session of parliament for paving modated with every requisite for enjoyment and lighting the town, which is expected or comfort. to be shortly carried into effect. Other im- Stage Coaches. provements are in contemplation and there The following pass through Melksham daily, and stop at the Bear Inn, where tra- can be no doubt but every accommodation vellers will meet with good accommodation: will be made, that can render it a desirable Pickwick’s from Wood Street, Cheap- and fashionable place of resort. side, and the Golden Cross, Charing Cross, The Royal Bath and Exeter Mail London, to the White Hart Inn, Stall Comes in from London, and brings let- Street, Bath, at half past seven, morning ters from all parts to the eastward, be- and evening; and from Bath to London at tween eight and nine in the morning, and half past ‘seven in the morning, and half immediately proceeds to Bath and Exeter. past five in the evening. It arrives from Exeter and Bath between six Pickwick’s slow coach goes up at ten in and seven in the evening, on its way to Lon- the morning, and down at half past three in don. Letters for and from Bradford, Frome, the afternoon. Trowbridge, Westbury, Warminster, and Fromont’s Coach from the Christopher the neighbouring towns and villages, are Inn, Market Place, Bath, to Gerrard’s Hall forwarded by post boys. They are delivered Basing Lane, London, at three in the after- out every morning at ten o’clock, but may noon, and down at six in the morning. 48 Description of Melksham. Shaw-House, and Shaw-Hill-House. 49

A coach to Trowbridge and Bradford, every monday evening, and goes to the leaves Melksham at six in the morning, and Swan, Holborn Bridge, London. Goods returns at three in the afternoon. forwarded by the same waggon to Melk- Errand Carts. sham every week by way of Trowbridge. Taylor’s from Melksham to the Bell, Gundry’s (late Dean’s) to Crabb’s Well, Walcot Street, Bath, every wednesday and Temple Street, Bristol, monday and thurs- saturday. and returns on the same days. day; returns wednesday and saturday. Smith’s light cart from Devizes to the Pritchard’s, same days, from and to the Three Cups, Bath on friday, and returns White Lion, Thomas Street, Bristol: stops on saturday. at the New Crown Inn. Barnes’s light cart from Laycock to De- Shaw-House, vizes on thursday, calls at the King’s Arms One mile from Melksham, on the left side at nine o’clock in the morning and returns of the Bath road, the property of Sir Harry in the evening. Burrard Neale, is a large and ancient struc- Applegate’s light caravan’ from Salisbury, ture, the residence of C. Bythesea, esq. In Warminster, &c. calls at the Royal Oak on tuesday morning at nine o’clock, on its the front is a paddock, and behind are gar- way to Chippenham, Malmsbury, Tetbury, dens and plantations: the whole, however, and Gloucester, and returns on thursday has a very sombre appearance. evening. Near Shaw House is the Brewery of Mr. Waggons. Eyles, from which families can be supplied Symes’s and Mitchell’s from their ware- ‘ with good malt liquor. house, Bath, to 69 Old Bailey, London, Shaw-Hill-House, daily, and takes up or leaves parcels at the The seat of S. Heathcote, esq. about half turnpike gate. a mile from the former, has lately undergone Godby’s leaves the Bear Inn, Melksham, great alterations and repairs, and is now a 50 Laycock Abbey. Laycock Abbey. 51 very pleasing residence; and being situated &c. which surround a cloister, three sides on an eminence, it has the advantage of an of which are comparatively perfect, and extensive view. present an interesting object to the antiqua- Laycock, ry, and curious observer. The piazzas Three miles from Melksham, is a large within afforded the nuns a very retired walk. From the terrace on the top, is a village, containing little to interest the charming prospect of the grounds, the ri- curious, except the Abbey for which it ver, Bowden Hill, and the circumjacent has been long famous. It was founded country. Your conductor informs you about the year 1232 by Ella, countess that a nun once threw herself over the of Salisbury, for the health of her own battlements, into the arms of her lover, soul, and those of her husband and ances- without receiving the smallest injury. You tors; and in consequence of a revelation are likewise shown a picture representing that she should build it in Snail’s mede to the circumstance. the honour of our lady and St. Bernard, she Within the cloisters are three monumen- laid the foundation on the morning of the tal stones; one of the foundress, on which is inscribed: 16th of April, for nuns of the Augustine “Infra deposita Elao venerabilis, ossa, quae order. dedit has sedes sacras [a word indistinct] quarum ab- The Abbey was formerly an extensive hatissa quidem, quae sancte vixit ibidem, et Comitissa pile of building, containing every accom- Sarum, virtutum plena bonaram, obiit 1261. modation for the habits of its secluded in- Here are deposited the bones of the venerable Ella, mates. There are several large and near- who gave this sacred mansion [probably “to nuns”] of Iy perfect ports remaining, but most of it whom indeed she was abbess. She lived here piously after having been Countess of Sarum, and died full of has been removed, or considerably altered. virtues 1261. It appears to have contained two quadrangular The other stones have no inscription, but courts, one appropriate for offices, one of them has the effigy of a bishop, who and the other for the chapel, refectory, hall, is supposed to have been the son of Ella. 52 Laycock Abbey. Seend and Holt. 53

In an apartment said to have been the Seend, nuns’ kitchen, is a large trough cut out Three miles from Melksham. This plea- of a single stone, eleven feet long, four feet sant village presents few objects either of eleven inches wide, and two feet four inches antiquity or superior elegance, but affords deep, which is supposed to have been for one of the most charming views, and the purpose of preserving fish alive. The well rewards the visitor for the fatigue and chapter house resembles the room just men- trouble of ascending to it. It is situated tioned; they are both divided by columns, half a mile from the London road. The but those of the latter are the richer. The church is a neat edifice, and the salubrity vestry, which is vaulted, is supported by of the place is apparent from the long- two columns. Adjoining is the tower, and evity of the inhabitants, many instances of in a room near it is kept an original copy of great age being to be found on the tomb the Magna Charta of Henry Ill, on the stones. The principal seats are an ancient back of which is written: “Ex deposito mansion that has long been in the posses- militum Wiltishir Henrici regis filii Joannis sion of the Seymours, Dukes of Somerset, regis de libertatibus, et quibesdam conue- and formerly the residence of the late Lord tudinibus per Angliam constitutis.” There William Seymour; that of A. Awdry, esq.; are many paintings, but few of considerable and one recently completed for T. Bruges, merit. There are, however, some curiosi- esq. of Melksham. ties which will argreeably entertain the visi- Holt, tor. On the roof is an immense cistern, Three miles from Melksham. This is a containing about one hundred hogsheads, small village situated on undulating ground, that is filled by means of pipes under- and is particularly deserving of notice for ground, which convey the water from Bow- its medicinal spring, which was discovered den-Hill. It is at present occupied by J. many years ago, and has never fallen into R. Grossett, esq. disrepute, though it has not been nume- 54 Bowden-Hill. Spye-Park, and Borham. 55 rously visited. A treatise on its virtues was which Leland says was erected at Corsham published in the beginning of the last cen- in the reign of Henry VllI, and after- tury, and another in 1731 by “Henry Eyre wards removed to Bromham, whence it sworn purveyor to her majesty for all mine- was brought to its present site. ral waters,” who mentions upwards of one Spye-Park-House, hundred eminent cures, as having been ef- Four miles from Melksham. This mansion, fected by the use of the Holt waters. Here though neither possessing the magnificence, are commodious lodging-houses and the nor ample domains of some we have to no- distance affords an agreeable ride to Melk- tice, yet sufficiently rewards the trouble of sham Spa. an excursion to view it, on account of the Bowden-Hill, beautiful and extensive landscape around. The seat of Mrs. Dickenson, four miles The edifice is for the most part ancient, but from Melksham. This is a modern edifice, the front is of modern date. The park, built by Barnard Dickenson, esq. from the which contains about five hundred acres, designs of that eminent artist Jeffery Wyatt. was formerly adorned with abundance of Its western front has a semicircular portico timber, most of which has been cut down. with Ionic columns. The house is on a It is principally noted for having been the steep hill, and commands delightful and ex- residence of John Wilmot, Earl of Roches- tensive prospects over considerable parts of ter, at once famous for his fine genius and Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, and Somerset- his dissipated character. It was long the shire. The lower part of the hill is well abode of the ancient family of Baynton, but covered with wood, and the grounds are all has lately been in the occupation of the ce- stocked with thriving plantations. lebrated Colonel Thornton. At the eastern extremity of the park is a Bromham, neat lodge by the same architect, near which Four miles from Melksham, is a small but is an ancient gateway leading to Spye-Park, pleasant village, situated on an eminence, 56 Bromham. Steeple Ashton. 57 and is chiefly remarkable for its’ salubri- who died at the age of eighty-two. The fol- ty, and its church, which is a large structure, lowing lines are inscribed on it: the exterior of which is ornamented with roses, chains &c. and sculptured angels ’Tis not the tomb in marble polished high, support the mouldings of the windows The sculptured urn, or glittering trophies nigh; Over the east window is also an angel sup- The classic learning on an impious stone, Where Latin tells what English blush’d to own; porting the figures of naked children. With- Can shroud the guilty from the eye of God, in are various gilded ornaments on a blue Incline his balance or avert his rod. ground. Among the monuments is the That hand can raise the cripple and the poor, following inscribed to Sir Edward Baynton, Spread on the way or gathered at the door, and his two wives: And blast the villain, though to altars fled, Who robs us living, and insults us dead. Here lyeth Sir Edward Baynton, Knight; within the marble clad, By Agnes Ryce his first tue wife, that thirteen child- The salubrity of the village is fully ren had: proved by the longevity of its inhabi- Whereof she left alive with him at her departure three, ants. Henry, Anne, Elizabeth, whose pictures here you see. Steeple Ashton, The 29th day of August she deceased, of Christ the yere, Five miles from Melksham, is a pleasant The little figures standing represent the number here, 1575. village, the church of which is the princi- Then marryed to Anne Pakington, his bound wife she was pal object of attention. It is a lofty and For whose remembrance here entombed these lines he elegant building, erected about the year left on brass. 1480, as appears from an inscription on the Anna Dno 1578. nave, but from the difference of style, the A mural monument perpetuates the me- other parts are evidently of a later period. mory of Lady Anne Wilmot, co-heir of John The body of the church is surmounted with Earl of Rochester, who died in 1703. pinnacles, rising from the buttresses at every There is another mural stone to the me- third opening. The tower is lofty and ele- mory of Henry Seasons, M. D. author of the gant, the summit of which is surmounted almanack called “Season on the Seasons,” with battlements and pinnacles. Leland 58 Trowbridge. Trowbridge. 59 says that it had formerly a lofty spire. The houses irregular; but some erections which following inscription explains the singular have lately been made on the north possess cause of its destruction: more uniformity, and when the streets are Upon this tower was a famous and lofty spire, con- taining in height above the tower, ninety three feet, paved, will be much preferable to the old which a violent storm of thunder rent and made a great ones. The market is well attended. The breach therein, July 25th, 1670. The parish willing church is dedicated to St. James, and is to preserve such a noble and complete spire, endea- voured to repair the same, by employing able workmen called the new one, though it is upwards of for that purpose: but such was the uncontrollable pro- four hundred years old. It is a fair struc- vidence of Almighty God, that when the spire was al- ture, and not unworthy of the notice of most finished, and the workmen labouring thereon, another terrible storm of thunder and lightning happened architects. At the west end is a large tower the 15th October in the same year, which threw down with a remarkable tapering spire. The po- the spire, and killed the two workmen labouring there- on, and beat down the top of the tower, great part of the pulation of the town may be estimated at body of the church, and part of the ailes thereof, the about 8,000. reparation whereof cost the parishoners and some well Trowbridge formerly contained a castle, disposed neighbours the sum of 420£, and was finished of which no part remains, though the site in the year 1675. The internal part of the church is equal- of it is distinguishable by the moat with ly elegant with the external, being profusely which it was surrounded. It bears the adorned with sculpture and tracery work. name of Castle-Hill. The painted glass in the windows is in good About two miles to the south-east is Rowd preservation. Ten clustered columns sepa- Ashton, in which is the seat of R. Long, rate the aisles from the body of the church. esq. one of the representatives for the Few village churches exhibit superior deco- county of Wilts. The mansion is large and rations and workmanship. Trowbridge, commodious, and has lately undergone Five miles from Melksham, is noted for its considerable alterations and improvements. manufacture of fine cloths. It is built on The park is extensive, abounding with fine. a declivity. The streets are narrow and the timber and thriving plantations. 60 Bradford. Corsham-House. 61

Bradford, but it is much mutilated. The population Six miles from Melksham, is a large and is about 7,000. populous market town, the inhabitants of Corsham-House, which are chiefly employed in the woollen The seat of Paul Methuen, esq. one of the manufacture, and as is generally the case in members of parliament for the ‘county of manufacturing towns, the streets are nar- WiIts, six miles from Melksham, is a man- row, and the houses irregularly built, though sion that has long attracted the attention of it contains some good edifices. On the artists, on account of its choice collection entrance from Melksham, the town appears of pictures, which is equalled by few in the to considerable advantage, as there is a com- Kingdom, and highly deserves the notice of manding view of the whole. It is situated the curious. It stands near the site of the pa- on the lower Avon, the banks of which are lace of Ethelred, the Saxon king, and it ap- chiefly occupied with dyehouses and manu- pears from an inscription on the south front, factories. It rises from the river like an am- to have been erected in 1582. It was after- phitheatre, up a steep hill, from the sum- wards the residence of Sir Edward Hun- mit of which is an extensive prospect. gerford. It was much enlarged by the The church is a spacious and ancient build- late possessor, and is ornamented in a style ing of free-stone, with a tower and small of superior elegance and grandeur. An steeple at the west end. It consists of a apartment has been added seventy feet long, nave, north aisle, chancel, and chapel on the twenty-four wide, and twenty-four high, for south side, There are but two monuments the reception of the pictures, consisting of that claim attention: one under an arch on three hundred and fifty-six paintings, many the south side, supports the figure of a of them by the most celebrated masters. knight in armour, with a sword in his right The improvements which have been lately hand, and a shield in his left; the other is made are thus described in the “Historical on the north side, and represents a lady, Account of Corsham-House.” 62 Corsham. Corsham-House. 63

“The middle of the house, on the south side, was and by catching the rays of the sun when in the east or occupied by a hall, staircase, drawing room, eating room, west, are calculated to illumine the gloom of a northern and a narrow passage, all of which were small and low. aspect.” These have been laid together, and formed into one The following pictures claim particular hall, the ceilings taken away, and an open gallery made attention: all round, with a staircase at both ends, leading by dou- An emblematical picture representing an angel con- ble flights of steps, on each side, to the galleries. This veying a female infant to heaven :-Carlo Dolci. room, which is fitted up as an old baronial hall, is110 The Dawn of Morning :-Claude. feet in length, including the staircase, 25 broad, and 25 The Nativity, in three compartments :- Tintoretto. feet high. The west wing of the house had a square Judith going out of the City to Holofernes’s Tent :- library two smaller rooms, and a staircase. The latter Paul Veronese. and the two rooms have been thrown together, and, Portrait of a Turk :-Rembrandt. converted into a library, 45 feet long, and 22 feet wide. A Magdalen meditating on a Skull :-Titian. The square apartment is now made a breakfast room, Baptism of our Saviour, accompanied by Angels :- and is remarkable for a very singular cornice, which is Guido. composed of small heads in basso relieve supporting the Rubens and Family, with horses, dogs, wolves, foxes points of groins. Though there are 160 in number, yet &c. :-Rubens. they are so varied that not any two are alike; and though Storm, a Landscatpe :-N. Poussin. every head is expressive of bearing weight, yet each countenance expresses it in a different way. The addi- Sir Francis Xavire’s Death :-C. Maratti. tional new rooms are on the north side of the house, and Head of Lord Bernard Stuart :-Vandyck. consist of a saloon, an eating room, and a music room. Sir Brian Tuke :-Holbein. The two latter are of the same proportions, measuring Margaret, Countess of Richmond and Derby, mother 36 feet by 24 feet, and 18 feet high. The saloon in the of Henry VII. :--Mabuse. middle is of an octagonal shape, 40 feet diameter and 24 Portrait of James Stuart, Duke of Richmond and feet high. It commands a beautiful view of the lawn Lennox :-Vandyck. and water. These three rooms are en-suite, and com- The Deity, with Angels in the Clouds :-F. Albano, municate with the grand picture gallery, hall, and pas- silver frame by Alessandro Algardi. sage. In designing the centre of the north front, Landscape :-S. Rosa. the architect has judiciously chosen for his model the Martyrdom of the Innocents :-Vandyck. east end of Henry the Seventh’s chapel at Westminster, Our Saviour Anointed by Mary Magdalen in the the character of which is peculiarly light. and beautiful. Pharisee’s House :-Carlo Dolci. Its form and component parts are admirably adapted Emblematical Picture of the Duties and Virtues of to this situation; for by projecting before the regular a Good Christian :-Titian. surface of the building, and having windows in the three The Virgin and Child in the Clouds :-Murillo. outer faces, it thereby gives to the saloon a variety and Evening :-Claude. extent of prospect singularly advantageous. The tur- Portrait of Fornando Cortez the Spanish Adven- rets and flying buttresses are also beautiful appendages, turer :-Titian. 64 Corsham. Chippenham. 65

The Corinthian Eudamidas making his Will, by N. Chippenham, Poussin: with many others too numerous to mention. Six miles from Melksham, though at pre- The park and gardens afford much variety, sent of little political importance, was once and present many beautiful and picturesque a royal abode, for Ethelwolf resided here prospects, and altogether are scarcely infe- for some time on his return from his expe- rior to any in the county. dition against the Welsh in 853. It was The town of Corsham is very pleasant, afterwards occupied by the Danes as their and the air is so particularly clear and salu- brious, that the inhabitants in general live head quarters, during the time that Alfred to an advanced age. “Some years ago an was confined in the forest of Selwood. eminent physician who was going to Bath, It is a pleasant borough town, situated having put up at the Inn in the town, was on the Avon, over which it has a handsome accosted by some beggars of both sexes, and bridge of freestone, of sixteen arches. It being curious to know how old they were, consists principally of one street, near the one of them answered that he was about a centre of which is an opening for the mar- hundred, and that another standing by him ket. The houses are respectable, and the was six score. The doctor expressed great town house is nearly the meanest looking surprise, on which the beggar added, that building in the place. The church is a large the preceding Christmas there was a mor- ancient structure, which has evidently been rice dance at a neighbouring gentleman’s built at different periods. In it is a mural house, when ten of these mendicants performed stone, with figures and an epitaph to the their parts with great agility, whose ages united amounted to upwards of a thou- memory of Sir Gilbert Pryn, knight, which sand years.” is worth the inspection of the curious. By the kind permission of the proprie- By the census of 1811 Chippenham con- tor Corsham-House is open for public in- tains 3,410 inhabitants. Its staple produce spection on tuesdays,and fridays, when every is woollens, principally fine broad cloths and respectable person is admitted. kerseymeres. 66 Wraxhall-House, Box, &c. Bowood. 67

Wraxhall-House is deservedly admired for the elegance of Six miles from Melksham, was for many the structure, the extent of the pleasure years the residence of Mrs. Catherine Long, grounds, and the taste with which they are who died in 1814, leaving personal property laid out. The grand front faces the south, to the amount of near £150,000. and commands a charming and diversified The house is now occupied by the rev. prospect. A large portico, supported by ten Mr. Knight, from Bradford, as a seminary columns of the Doric order, adds greatly for young gentlemen. The mansion and to the effect. Above this is a pediment on grounds still possess considerable interest, which are the family arms, beautifully and will sufficiently repay the trouble of an sculptured. The entrance-hall, which is excursion to view them. under the portico, is paved with tesselated Box, marble. The apartments are very elegant, Seven miles from Melksham, is a small vil- and contain a number of very valuable pic- lage delightfully situated in a highly pictu- tures, among which is a portrait of an old resque valley, which is watered by a small man by Sebastian del Piombo, and a land- rivulet, and bounded by lines of undulating scape by Gainsborough, with many excel- hills, that are chequered with hamlets, vil- lent productions of Albano, Rubens, &c. las, and plantations. At a short distance There is a fine portrait of Sir William Petty, on the north is Middle-Hill-Spa, consist- the first of his family who attained to great ing of two springs, which differ essen- political consideration. The mansion is an tially from each other, one resembling the extensive and magnificent building, on an waters of Cheltenham, and the other having eminence rising from a lake, which covers a strong affinity to those of Harrowgate. nearly thirty acres, divided into two branch- Bowood, es, one of which extends to a considerable The seat of the `Marquis of Lansdown, is distance, the other winds round a rising seven miles from Melksham. This residence lawn. 68 Devizes. Devizes. 69

The pleasure grounds, which comprise styles which prevailed at the times when the seventy acres, are most tastefully disposed, respective parts were erected. The most and exhibit a profusion of indigenous and ancient are the chancel, tower and transept, exotic trees, that thrive with luxuriant ve- which appear to have been built about the getation. At the bottom of the ground is a reign of Henry I. They are still firm and cascade, where the surplus water is dis- substantial. The chancel is arched with charged over fragments of rocks thirty feet broad ribs, springing from clustered capi- perpendicular, under which are formed tals at the sides, and there is still an origi- several subterraneous grottos. nal window with a semicircular arch in the In the park is a handsome mausoleum northern wall. The tower is very curious, with an inscription to the memory of the being supported on the north and south, by Earl of Shelbourne. pointed arches, and on the others by semi- Devizes, circular ones, which are ornamented with Seven miles from Melksham, is a neat bo- foilage and zigzag mouldings. Round the rough town, principally built of brick, con- arch which connects the tower with the sisting of two parallel streets, and a few nave, is a great number of figures. On the short ones. The houses are irregularly built, top is a small spire. The other parts of the according to the caprice or convenience of church which have undergone alterations, the owners. It was once famous for its are evidently of modern erection. castle, which no longer exists. The chief St. Mary’s church, in the north-east part places worthy of the inspection of the cu- of the town, exhibits the work of different rious are, the two parish churches, the periods. The chancel is in the Norman cross, the town-hall, the new gaol, and the style; the south porch displays the mode house of industry. of building which prevailed in the reign of St. John’s church cannot fail to interest Henry II. The rest of it was built in the every antiquary, as it exhibits the different fifteenth century, by William Smith, asis 70 Devizes. Devizes. 71 apparent from an inscription on the roof of sole expense of Lord Sidmouth, is very ele- the nave. gant. The lower part is a square, with a This church is built of stone, but the buttress at each angle, upon which is an workmanship is inferior to that of St. John’s. enriched pinnacle. The upper part is an Under a canopy at the east end, is a statue octagon, with architectural ornaments. of the Virgin Mary, with the infant Saviour The town-hall is a modern structure, the in her arms. The tower is square, and sur- under part of which is used as a market; mounted with battlements. The roof is sup- the upper, which is a large room, affords ported by heads of kings and bishops; that convenience for public meetings, balls, and of the chancel is similar to St. John’s. These assemblies. It is used also as a court-room, churches are well deserving of a more par- and is furnished with all the requisite offices. ticular description, but our limits are too The new gaol is an imposing building, confined to admit it. newly finished, and considered one of the In the market-place, which is a very com- first in the kingdom. The governor’s house modious one, is the cross, on which is an is in the centre, with an infirmary over it, inscription recording a remarkable instance from the top of which is an extensive view of Divine vengeance, instantly inflicted on towards Bath and Gloucester. a woman, who called God to witness the The Kennet and Avon canal comes close truth of what she asserted, though it was a up to the town, within a mile of which are falsehood. She solemnly affirmed that she not fewer than twenty locks. had paid money for some corn she had Devizes and the neighbourhood have been bought, wishing God would strike her dead the scenes of many military actions, among if she had not. She dropped lifeless, and which was the battle of Roundaway Hill, the money was found in her hand! The between Charles I. and his parliament, in cross, which was erected under the super- 1643, when the royalist’s obtained a com- intendance of Benjamin Wyatt, esq. at the plete victory. 72 Bratton Castle, and the White Horse. Farley Castle. 73

Bratton Castle, and the White Horse, victory over the Danes; but Mr. Wise is Eight miles from Melksham. The castle is of opinion that it is of modern construction, a strong entrenchment on a high point of and that it was made within memory of persons land. Its form is irregular, following the living in 1742. shape of the hill. Where the approach is Farley Castle, easy, the ramparts are doubled, but in other Eight miles from Melksham, is seated on a parts single, and in one place it is defended very bold hill, from which there is a steep only by the inaccessibility of the ground. descent on three sides; but on the south It is nearly a mile round, and contains an the hill rises higher than the castle. It ap- area of twenty-three acres. It is situated pears to have been of Saxon origin. It for- on an eminence, which commands a view of merly consisted of two courts surrounded by a lofty wall and a moat. One of the en- all the country round. Near the middle is trances was guarded by a drawbridge, the a barrow, sixty paces long, which has pro- external part of which still remains. There bably served for a burial place for the Danes, is a square window in it over a painted who were slain here. Several curious pieces arch, above which are the arms of Hunger- of armour have been dug up in the fortifi- ford, with the initials E. H. in alto relievo. cation. Another gateway led to the inner court On the same hill is the figure of a white which was of considerable extent, and flank- horse in a walking attitude, cut out of the ed with four towers, each sixty feet high, chalk, which forms the substratum of the and contained the great hall, and state apart- head to the end of the tail. At a distance ments, which are said to have been magni- this is a very imposing object. Gough says cent, and to have been “decorated with it is an undoubted memorial of the battle of beautiful paintings.” The hall was hung Edington, where Alfred gained a most signal with the spoils of Cressy, Poietiers, and 74 Farley Castle. Farley-House. 75

Agincourt. The whole is now in ru- description, which our circumscribed limits ins, and nothing remains but the founda- will not admit. tions, from which the extent and form of At a short distance is Farley House, which the towers many be ascertained. The towers has been recently rebuilt by Colonel Houl- in the lower part were connected by passa- ton, the proprietor, who has also made many ges. There was a fifth tower at the south- improvements in the park. The edifice is west angle, and a sixth near the south wall. elegant and the situation commanding. The But the chapel is the most entire, and de- principal front is towards the east. The serves the notice of the curious. The chan- flower garden is on the south. In the mid- try chapel, which is attached to it, contains dle of the east side is a noble hall and stair- several monuments. case, adorned with handsome painted glass In the middle is a fine and elevated tomb windows and suits of armour. The exterior of white marble, supported by black mar- of the building is all of freestone, and the ble steps. The slab is of black marble, eight cornices, parapets, and pinnacles, exhibit feet long and five broad. On this are the much rich sculpture. No one who is an effigies of Sir Edward Hungerford and the admirer of elegance and beautiful prospects Lady Margaret, beautifully executed in should omit to see this residence. white marble. The knight is in armour with Monkton Farley, a sword by his side, and the lady is in a Eight miles from Melksham. At this small loose robe with an anchor at her feet, sup- village are the remains of an ancient priory ported by a lion. On the west end are a for Clunine monks, which was erected in shield and various armorial bearings. On the beginning of the twelfth century. About the south side is an inscription to the me- the time of the suppression there were a mory of Sir Edward and Lady Margaret. prior and twelve monks, with a revenue, ac- The other monuments, and the suits of cording to Dugdale, of £143 14, 2, and to ancient armour are deserving of a minute Speed, of £217 0 4. Many tombs have 76 Calne. Earl Stoke Park. 77 been lately discovered, as well as such re- was held here relative to the celebacy of mains of architecture as prove it to have priests, at which Dunstan, archbishop of been an elegant structure. Canterbury, presided, when the beams gave Monkton Farley House, to the north of the way, and all were either killed or wounded village, formerly belonged to the Duke of except Dunstan, a circumstance which was Somerset, and was for a considerable time attributed to Divine interposition, and the the residence of Lord Webb Seymour. It goodness of his cause. is now the property of J. Long, esq. who Calne is a borough by prescription: its has greatly improved it, and disposed the corporation consists of twenty-four burgess- grounds so tastefully, that the whole forms es, who choose from among themselves two an agreeable seat. constables or guild stewards annually. Earl Stoke Park, Calne, Ten miles from Melksham. This seat is the Nine miles from Melksham, is situated on residence of Joshua Smith, esq. who has so the small river Marlan, which runs through completely altered it, that is scarcely retains the centre of the town. Calne has been any vestige of its original form. It is on the greatly increased during the present centu- summit of a hill, near the road, between ry. The market house and town hall is a Devizes and Westbury, and about seven commodious building. The church is an miles from the former place. The house ex- ancient structure. The tower and body are tends in front three hundred and fifty feet, ornamented with foliated pinnacles. The and is adorned with a Doric colonade, which roof is richly carved, and supported by round opens into a noble hall, ornamented with massy columns with square ornamented Corinthian columns. The drawing room is capitals. By the last census the number of decorated with drawings from the first mas- inhabitants amounted to 3547. There was ters by Miss Smith. The style and archi- formerly a castle, of which no traces are now tecture of the interior is of a very superior to be distinguished. In A. D. 977 a synod description. 78 Westbury. Bath. 79

The park, which is of considerable ex- claim particular notice here. Westbury re- tent, contains a fine expanse of water, and ceived its charter of incorporation from Ed- abounds with trees. The pleasure grounds ward I., and has sent representatives to par- occupy a winding valley, through which liament ever since the reign of Henry VI. runs a small stream, that falls in several cas- The new town hall is a neat and conve- cades, between the hill and the park. The nient structure. The woollen manufacture beauty of the scenery is not inferior to that is carried on to a great extent. of any situation in the county. Bath, The rural village of Earle Stoke is sup- Twelve miles from Melksham, is situated posed to be one of the neatest in the king- in a fruitful valley, in the north-east part of dom. Most of the houses have been erected Somersetshire, twelve miles from Bristol, by Mr. Smith, who has added to each a suf- and one hundred and seven from London, ficiency of garden ground. All the fronts and is one of the most beautiful cities in the are adorned with flower gardens and ever- kingdom. It is said to have been built by greens, and the whole has a very pleasing Bladud the Sage, who studied at Athens, effect. and discovered the waters 865 years before Westbury, Christ. But however fabulous this may be, Nine miles from Melksham, is an ancient it is certain that the medicinal springs were borough town, situated on the western ex- held in high estimation by the Romans, tremity of Salisbury plain. It consists chief- who erected elegant buildings near the spot, ly of one street, at the south end of which which they dedicated to Minerva. Ptole- is the church, a venerable Gothic structure my called them the Hot Waters, and Anto- of stone, with a tower in the middle, and a ninus the Waters of the Sun. spacious window at the west end. It con- There are five baths: the King’s Bath tains several monumental inscriptions to the Queen’s Bath, the Cross Bath, the Hot persons of considerable note, but none that Bath, and the Kingston Bath. The heat 80 Bath. Warminster. 81 the waters in the different baths vary, and The ancient city is said to have been built that which is pumped up for drinking is by Alfred, about the year 900, and sur- considerably hotter than that which is used rounded by a wall, a small part of which still for bathing. remains, called the Borough Wall. Many Besides the above, are the new private vestiges of great antiquity have been found baths in Stall-Street, which are very conve- in digging for foundations, which prove its nient, and furnished with every desirable claim to remote ages. accommodation. Extensive and convenient Bath has been several times destroyed, pleasure baths have also been recently con- either by civil commotions or by fires, but structed on the Avon. it has always risen from its ruins, and is now The places of public amusement are here become for the elegance of its buildings, its on a grand scale. The Pump Room, the situation, the urbanity of its inhabitants, the Assembly Rooms, the Theatre, and Sydney number and rank of its company, and the Gardens will vie with any thing of the kind splendour of the equipages which roll in the metropolis. through its streets, the wonder and admira- No place in England, in a full season, tion of every new visitor. affords so brilliant a circle of polite com- It does not comport with the design of pany. The young, the old, the grave, this work to enter into a particular descrip- the gay, the infirm, and the healthy, all re- tion of this celebrated city, nor will our li- sort to this vortex of amusement. Ceremo- mits admit of it. For further information ny totally exploded; every one mixes in the we must refer the reader to the Bath Guide. rooms upon an equality; and the entertain- Warminster, ments are so regulated, that although there Thirteen miles from Melksham, is a consi- is never a cessation of them, there is no derable market town, the houses of which lassitude from bad hours, or an excess of are nearly confined to one street. The pa- dissipation. rish church stands at the western extremity, 82 Longleat. Longleat. 83 and is a handsome stone edifice, with a rooms, and is supposed to possess as elegant square tower at the end. There is also a a collection of historical portraits as any in neat chapel of ease, erected for the conve- the kingdom, among which is an interesting nience of the inhabitants. The town con- one of the celebrated Jane Shore. tains little that is curious. There is a good The river Frome, upon a branch of which market house, an assembly room, and a free the house stands, adds much to the plea- grammar school for the education of twenty- sing effect of the scenery. The architecture four boys. The population is nearly 5,000. partakes more of the Roman than the Eng- It has no corporation, but is under the go- lish. It is entirely built of freestone, and is vernment of the neighbouring magistrates. adorned with pilasters of the ionic, Doric, The malting business is carried on to a con- and Corinthian orders, with rich capitals, siderable extent, as well as the manufac- friezes, and cornices. The four fronts are ture of woollen goods. surmounted with handsome balustrades, and Longleat, the south and east sides are adorned with The seat of the Marquis of Bath, seven- immense stone statues, which diversify the teen miles from Melksham. The antiquity, appearance, and render it highly pictu- magnificence, size, and number of apart- resque. The principal entrance is on the ments of this structure, render it an object south side; but there is an elegant one on highly deserving the inspection of the cu- the east, from the flower garden. Another rious. There are few elegant mansions so flower garden is on the north side, bounded ancient. In the reign of Henry VIII, it be- with green houses, conservatories, and of- longed to Sir John Thyne, who was twelve fices. A lofty and spacious hall, libraries, years in erecting it. The front is seventy dining rooms, drawing rooms, bed rooms, a yards in length, the depth of the building chapel, staircase, and galleries, constitute near sixty, and the elevation noble. The the ground floor. The internal part corre- mansion contains one hundred and seventy sponds with the external Many of the 84 Avebury, and Silbury Hill. Stonehenge. 85 above apartments have been lately erected west. It is nearly encircled by a vallum under the direction of Jeffery Wyatt, esq. and deep ditch, within which are some large who has executed them with exquisite taste. stones still standing, and at a little distance Other improvements are intended, and when south of the village are others lying pros- the whole shall be completed, it will cer- trate, but many have been broken up to fur- tainly not be inferior to any seat in the nish materials for building houses. The kingdom. number of upright stone within the ditch The park and gardens occupy a space of must have been near one hundred, of the twelve miles in circumference, exhibiting a height of fifteen or sixteen feet, and at the rich variety of scenery, heightened by the distance of twenty-seven feet from each judicious arrangement of the grounds. “All other. They are now greatly reduced, is on the grand scale, and every thing around amounting only to about thirty-five. recalls the remembrances of English magnifi- Near Abery is a vast barrow called Silbu- cence.” Many majestic oaks, towering ry hill, which in magnitude may vie with Scotch and lofty firs, are among the orna- the pyramids of Egypt, as it far exceeds e- ments of the park. very monument of the kind to be found in Avebury, and Silbury Hill, any other part of the world. It is 1,680 feet Eighteen miles from Melksham. The an- round at the base, and at the summit 315. tiquities of Avebury, or Abery, have bee The perpendicular height is 170 feet. supposed by some to be the remains of the Stonehenge, burial place of a British chief, and by others Twenty-three miles from Melksham. This of a vast Druidical temple, which is the wonderful relic of antiquity is generally more probable. In extent they are equal to allowed to be druidical and consists of Stonehenge, and may be of equal antiquity. two circles and two ovals, respectively The village is in the midst of a large plain, concentric: of which the outer circle is bounded by hills on the east, south, and one hundred and eight feet in diameter. 86 Stonehenge. Bristol. 87

The vallum forms a circular terrace, through For a more copious account of the anti- which was the entrance to the north-east, quities of Stonehenge, Avebury, and Silbury by an avenue of seventeen hundred feet, Hill we refer to the Beauties of Wiltshire, bounded by two parallel ditches seventy feet and other works that treat largely on the apart. Of the outer circle there is now only subject. seventeen stones standing, from eighteen to Bristol, twenty feet high; and of the inner circle, Twenty-four miles from Melksham, and which is eight feet within the outer one, twelve from Bath, has been considered the only eleven. The walk between these two second city in England for trade, wealth, and circles, which is three hundred feet in cir- population. It is situated in two counties, cumference, is equally grand and delightful. Somerset and Gloucester, and contains one The Adytum, or Sanctum Sanctorum, is in cathedral, and eighteen churches, the inha- the centre. The stones that compose it are bitants amounting to near 100,000, includ- really stupendous, whether we consider their ing those of the suburbs. height, breadth, or thickness; and to see so Here are many public buildings well de- many of them placed together in a nice and serving of inspection, but our object at pre- regular figure with exactness; to view, as sent must be the Hot-Wells, about a mile it were not a pillar of one stone, but a whole and a half from the city. The spring rises wall, a side, and end of a temple of one stone; perpendicularly out of the rock in the slop- to view them curiously, creates such an emo- ing bank of the Avon, between high and low tion in the mind, as cannot easily be de- water mark, where the river makes its en- scribed. trance between those stupendous cliffs of For some distance round these celebrated rock which seem to have been torn asunder remains are numbers of sepulchral tumuli, by the violence of an earthquake. all of them so placed as to be within view of The season for drinking the waters is from the temple. March to September, when the place is 88 Bristol. ITENERARY FROM MELKSHAM TO THE PRINCIPAL OBJECTS DESCRIBED IN THIS WORK, AND THE much frequented by the nobility and gentry. MOST CELEBRATED WATERING Two assembly rooms are erected contiguous PLACES IN ENGLAND. to the wells, where they have balls, con- certs, and public breakfasts. Here are ma- Places in Italics have been described. l. stands for the left, ny excellent lodging houses, as well as at r. for the right hand. the delightful village Clifton on the hill Corsham House. Bowood. above. Miles. Miles. Beyond the Wells are tremendous rocks, 1 Beanacre 1 Forest known by the name of St. Vincent’s, ex- 2 Half-way-house 2 Sandridge Hill House 2½ Fair Sisters 2½ Sandy Lodge tending a vast way on each side of the river 3 Laycock 4 Bromham, r. Abbey, r. 5 Bromham Park Avon, where is found in abundance that 1 beautiful fossil called Bristol Stone. Bowden Hill, 1 /2 r. Road to the left, 4 Notton, r. 5½ Spye Park, l. About five miles from Bristol are Lord 5 Westrop, r. 3 Sandy Lane Clifford’s elegant house and gardens at 6 Corsham 7 Bowood King’s Weston, in the neighbourhood of Return. Bratton Castle. 1 Lintus which is one of the richest, most pictu- 1½ Semington 1½ Cook Street 5 Steeple Ashton 2 Monks resque, variegated, and extensive prospects 6½ East Farm 2½ Chapel Knap in the kingdom, commanding at one view 3 Whitley 7½ Bratton the Bristol Channel, the mouths of rivers 3½ Shaw Hill House, r. 8 Bratton Castle Severn and Avon, the counties of Somerset, 4 Shaw Monkton Farley. 4 Melksham 2 Broughton Gloucester, and Wilts, and a vast line of Chippenham. 3 Chalfield the Welsh coast and counties. 3 Laycock 5½ Lower Wraxhall 3½ Notton 6 Wraxhall House 4 Notton House 8 Monkton Farley 5 Chippenham Farley House. Box. 1½ Broughton, r. 3 Atford 3 Holt Spa r. 4½ Turn to the right 4 Staverton, 1. 7 Box 6 Bradford N 90 Itinerary. Itinerary. 91

Miles. Cross the river Avon. Miles. Cheltenham. Brighton. 7 Lower Westwood 17 Longleat Miles. Miles. 8½ Farley Castle Salisbury Plain extends 6 Chippenham 7 Devizes 9½ Farley House on the left of the road, from the 16 Malmsbury 31 Andover neighbourhood of Westbury to 27 Cirencester 43 Winchester Return. Warminster. 61 Petersfield 1 Farley Castle. 37 Birlip Avebury. 43 Cheltenham 79 Arundel 2½ Winkfield 6 Chippenham Or by Bath, whence are 100 Brighton 3 Little Troule 10 Studly stage coaches daily 4½ Trowbridge Tunbridge Wells. 17 Beckington Southampton. 5½ Hilperton 97 London 18 Avebury 7 Devizes 106 Bromely 7½ Semington Stonehenge. 30 Salisbury 9 Melksham 119 Seven Oaks 1 Bower Hill 50 Southampton 126 Tunbridge Wells Earle Stoke. 3 Seend, r. Weymouth. Buxton. 3 Seend 7 Devizes 15 Frome 43 Cheltenham 5 Polshot, l. 10 Lydeway 23 Bruton 55 Evesham 6 Werton 13 Sturt 35 Sherborne 71 Alcester 6½ Marston, r. 23 Stonehenge 43 Cerne Abbas 91 Birmingham 8 Little Ponnell 55 Weymouth 109 Rudgley 8½ Great Cheverell Bath and Bristol. 3 Atford Leamington. 126 Cheadle 10 Earle Stoke Park 6 Chippenham 144 Buxton Earle Stoke 4 Neston Meldley, r. 7 Kingsdown 16 Wooton Basset Margate. 31 Barnsley Longleat. 8 Bathford 97 London 1½ Semington 51 Moreton By the packets daily, or 9 Batheaston 5 Steeple Ashton, l. 65 Wellsborne 105 Shooter’s Hill 5½ Rood Ashton, l. 11 Bath 72 Warwick 112 Dartford 6 North Bradley 13 Twerton 75 Leamington 119 Gravesend 7½ Heywood House, l. 14 Newton Loe, l. London. 127 Rochester 9 Westbury 15 Kelwerston House, r. 7 Devizes 137 Settingbourne Penleigh House, r. 16 Salford, r. 21 Marlborough 153 Canterbury 11 Dilton, r. 17 Keynsham 31 Hungerford 169 Margate 11½ Upper Scudmore, r. 19 Duke’s Lodge 41 Newbury Scarborough. 13½ Warminster 20 Brislington 58 Reading 16 Wootton Bassett Road to the right. 21 Blackcastle, r. 70 Maidenhead 23 Fairford 14½ Bugly Folly 22 Totterdown 87 Hounslow 41 Chipping Norton 16 Pope’s House 23 Bristol 97 London 62 Southam 92 Itinerary.

Miles. Miles. 80 Lutterworth 160 Doncaster 94 Leicester 175 Ferry Bridge 117 Nottingham 193 York 130 Mansfield 211 New Malton 142 Worksop 230 Scarborough

☞ Since the Melksham Guide was put to press, Mr. Loder of Bath has commenced giving balls and Concerts, which are supported by the principal inha- bitants of the town and neighbourhood, who hail them as the beginning of a regular series of public amuse- ments.

FINIS.

______T. Ward, Printer, Melksham.