By making these curious selections, we merely intend to gratify our Readers. The Historical matter is often of great interest, and must be particularly pleasing to various great families, who are descended from the writers. The notes are satisfactory; and the Work may, on the whole, be pronounced a valuable addition to the historical library. 19. An Historical and Descriptive View of more especially to John Brough Taylor, Esq. F.S.A. for the copy of Bp. Morton's Charter, and other valuable materials, and for his uniform assistance and support. Passing over the early Annals of the Town, which are essentially connected with those of the Nation, we meet with the foundation and subsequent history of the Monastery of Wearmouth and its Abbots. "With the exception of the tower and some detached parts of the present church, no vestige of this once celebrated monastery now remains." We next come to the parish of Monk Wearmouth, which is divided into five townships, viz. Monkwearmouth, Monkwearmouth-shore, Fullwell, Southwick, and Hilton. "Monkwearmouth is of great antiquity, and probably had its origin contemporary with the monastery. It is universally held under lease from the Dean and Chapter of Durham. OUR opinion of the utility of Topographical History has been so frequently expressed, that it is scarcely necessary to say that we are pleased to see an excellent Volume; and we are the more pleased, as it is the production of a Printer, who, from local and many other circumstances, is better adapted for such an undertaking and owes its present consequence to the than any other person, the Clergy excepted. From them, however, the Publick is not often thus favoured. "The fame and reputation of the monastery at Wearmouth, as the seat of learning and religion during the Saxon ages; the antiquity of the Borough of Sunderland as a town and port, and its connection with the civil dissensions of this country at various periods; the progress of commerce and trade, and the vast increase of its wealth and population in modern times; the number and usefulness of its public and charitable institutions; and its local importance as the chief port of the county of Durham,-all present themselves as legitimate objects of historical research. "Towards the accomplishment of this Work, the elaborate publications of Hutchinson and Surtees afforded the basis; whilst the liberal communications, which have been received from various quarters, facilitated the completion of the super structure. "In taking a retrospective view of his labours, the Editor feels great pleasure in gratefully acknowledging the assistance he has received." Among these Sir Cuthbert Sharp stands prominent; as do the Rev. John Drysdale, the Rev. Peter Wilcock, the Rev. Samuel Turner, and Mr. Alexander Wilson. To many other gentlemen thanks are also given for various communications; and "The township of Monkwearmouthshore is comparatively of modern date, extensive ship-building yards which, during the war, were established there, and the increasing commerce upon the river. "Nothing remarkable is recorded in history respecting the township of Fulwell; but it may not be deemed uninteresting if we advert to an account of the discovery of a gigantic human skeleton, two Roman coins, and a small urn of unbaked clay, on what is called Fullwell hills *. "The village of Southwick is extremely pleasant, commanding a fine view of the surrounding country, the towns of Bishopwearmouth, Moukwearmouth, and Sunderland, together with the German ocean. It is inhabited by several respectable families.. "Hilton Manor, with the Castle, was the possession of the family of the Hiltons, before the Norman conquest, and continued above 700 years, to the time of John Hilton, esq. the last male heir, who died there, Sept. 25, 1746. He was a good and pious man. His portrait is still preserved at Hilton, let into a pannel above the fire-place in the great drawing-room. It represents a gentleman of middle age, with blue eyes, light hair, fair complexion, somewhat high cheek bones, of a placid and benevolent countenance, and open aspect. There was in the same house, a considerable number of other family por traits, all bearing a striking resemblance * See these described by Dr. Peter Collinson in vol. XXXIII. p. 492. EDIT. to to each other. One in particular represents a lady, young and handsome, of whom, strange to say, there is presented another portrait exhibiting her in a state of mental derangement. Sir Cuthbert Sharp's Hist. of Hartlepool." Hilton Castle is particularly described; and a View of it is given, with an ample Pedigree of that antient family. The History of the important Town and Port of Sunderland is extremely interesting. A Charter, dated in 1634, states that "Sunderland had beyond the memory of man been an antient borough, known by the name of the New Borough of Were mouth, containing in itself a certain port where ships had plied, bringing and carrying merchandize, as well to and from certain ports, as from other ports of the kingdom: the articles therein specified are sea-coals, grindstones, rubstones, and whetstones. It also states, that the trade was then greatly increased, by reason of the multitude of ships that resorted thither; and the borough antiently enjoyed divers liberties and free customs, as well by prescription, as by virtue of sundry charters from the Bishops of Durham, confirmed to them by the Crown, which from defect in form, proved insufficient for the support of the antient liberties, privileges, and free customs of the borough." "Sunderland is bounded on the East by the German Ocean, on the North by the river Wear, by which it is separated from Monkwearmouth; and on the West and South by the parish of Bishopwearmouth. The commerce and population of the borough have long been in a state of progressive increase; but its augmentation during the latter part of the last century, has been very rapid, and a proportionate improvement has taken place in the general appearance of the town. The harbour is formed by two piers on the North and South sides of the river. The imports are corn, flour, wine, spiritous liquors, timber, tar, deals, flax, iron, &c. and the exports are coal, lime, glass, earthen ware, grindstones, and copperas." Sunderland, Bishop wearmouth, and Monk wearmouth, are so intimately connected by buildings and other local circumstances, that they may be said to be one town; and the popula tion, in 1811, of the three parishes, is thus given: "Sunderland ...............12,289 Bishopwearmouth.............7060 Wearmouth-Panns.............476 Monkwearmouth..............1091 Monkwearmouth-shore......4264 Total......25,180." Neat Views and good descriptions of the three Churches of Bishopwearmouth, Monkwearmouth, and Sunderland; and of St. John's Chapel, are next given. With commendable liberality Mr. Garbutt describes the numerous places of worship; including Jews, Roman Catholicks, Quakers, and Dissenters of almost every denomination; and he has candidly elucidated the peculiarities of religious faith possessed by each of them. The Public Buildings next claim attention. These are the Piers, Theatre, Masonic Lodges, Bridge, Library, Barracks, and Exchange. For these we refer to the Work itself; only stopping to notice a pleasing View of the famous Iron Bridge, of which a very copious account will be found in our vol. LXIII. 907; LXVI. 696. 995; LXXIV. 1127; LXXV. 1167; LXXXVI. ii. 363. 428. 20. The Picture of England; or Historical and Descriptive Delineations of the most curious Works of Nature and Art in each County: calculated as an agreeable · Companion to the Tourist, or a Class Book for the Student. Illustrated with upwards of Two Hundred and Fifty Engravings, consisting of Views of antient Castles, Cathedrals, Noblemen's and Gentlemen's Seats, &c. By J. N. Brewer, Author of the "Introduction to the Beauties of England," and Descriptions of several Counties in that elaborate Work, 12mo. pp. 383 and 416. Harris and Son. THIS Work appears to be equally calculated for the purposes of amusement and utility. The study of Topography and Antiquities, which was formerly confined to a small and recondite class of scholars, has lately attracted so much notice, that a general knowledge on these subjects must be deemed indispensable to all who are anxious for the reputation the "Beauties of England and Wales," of polite learning. The work termed to which Mr. Brewer was an extensive contributor, assisted, perhaps, more than any contemporary publication, in imparting a popular character to Antiquarian pursuits. In the present undertaking he has still further refined on this species of writing, and has selected for discussion such subjects only as are of general interest, on account of importance and beauty, or from a connexion with historical and biographical facts. In presenting this "Picture of Eng. land," the Author divides his subject into Counties, alphabetically arranged; and the notice of topographical par ticulars is introduced by general remarks on the extent, the natural character, and the produce of each district. In describing the various conspicuous buildings, whether ecclesiastical, military, or domestic, Mr. Brewer has adopted a practice which forms a novel feature in works so concise yet comprehensive, and which promises to be at once instructive and pleasing-that of particularizing the architectural style of each structure. The information and critical remarks afforded on this head cannot fail of being highly advantageous to all readers desirous of forming correct notions respecting the topography and antiquities of a country so abundant in venerable and curious architecture. We are glad to find that a Third Volume is preparing, intended to contain an account of N. and S. Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. As a book of instruction, this Work appears likely to find its way speedily to the upper classes of students. It is, however, calculated for more general circulation; and we readily agree with the Author, that it "presents such a selection of prominent and curious objects, as may guide the Tourist in his excursions, and direct his notice to places most worthy of inspection throughout the whole of England." Prefixed to the descriptive part is a very useful Essay on the " History and Antiquities of England, as connected with the Description of particular Places." The brief but satisfactory notices contained in these introductory pages, 'respecting the rise and progress of the different modes of architecture observable in antient edifices, cannot fail of proving greatly beneficial to the student in Topography, and must act as a desirable manual of recollection to the inqui sitive Traveller. The numerous prints are in general neatly executed, and the subjects are well chosen. We present, without selection, the following specimen of the polished and agreeable style in which this Work is written : "Raglan, or Ragland Castle, is greatly distinguished in history, as the former dig. nified residence of the noble family of Somerset. This fortress appears to have been of a less antient character than any similar structure in Monmouthshire, the principal parts not being older than the ble additions were made so lately as the time of Henry the Fifth, whilst considera. reign of Charles the First. From the character of the buildings, Raglan must be viewed as a fortified house, of a description unusually strong, rather than as a regular castle. "This curious pile is an object of peculiar veneration, on account of the gallantry with which it was defended against the Parliament army in the seventeenth century, by Henry, the fifth Earl and Marquis, then much advanced in years, first Marquis of Worcester. The noble had the honour of frequently entertaining in this castellated abode his ill-fated Sovereign, during the first years of the civil wars. England did not possess a more discreet or faithful subject; and it is confidently said, that if the King had been ruled by the counsels of this aged nobleman, he might have preserved both crown and life. "It was immediately after the departure of King Charles from Raglan, in the summer of 1646, that the Castle was in vested by the Parliamentarian forces under Sir Thomas Fairfax. The resistance was obstinate, and was continued during the long term of ten weeks; at which time the powder of the defendants was reduced to the last barrel. The Marquis then surrendered on honourable terms; himself (more than fourscore years of age) marching forth at the head of the garrison, with all the honours of war. "It is lamentable to state that the grey hairs of this loyal and noble veteran afpuritanical and ambitious judges. He forded no argument in his favour with ment; and, in the decrepitude of his was placed in confinement by the Parlialengthened years, speedily sunk to death on the pillow of imprisonment. Nearly his last words partook of that playful spirit of good-hamour which had characterized his whole course. When informed that his conquerors, however harsh, would permit him to be buried in his familyvault, at Windsor, he exclaimed, Why, better castle when I am dead, than they God bless us all! then I shall have a took from me whilst I was alive!' now forbidden by the Duke of Beaufort, to whom the property belongs; and the remains are likely to meet the view of a distant posterity. The ruins are situated on a slight eminence, about one mile from the village of Raglan; and include a large portion of the citadel, or strongest part of the building, the walls of which are ten feet in thickness. The grand entrance, together with several towers, and the traces of many noble apartments, are also preserved for the gratification of such visitors as derive pleasure from the examination of relics connected with important events of history." IN a neat and elegant volume Philidor's system of Chess is, by the aid of tabular demonstrations, very ingeniously, and (we think) happily attempted to be reduced to an easy practical mode of acquiring what is generally found to demand elaborate study. "Objections to this mode of obtaining a competent knowledge of Chess will be found considerably obviated. by the plan now presented to the Publick; that is, by bringing into view, by progressive representations of the Game, the instructions of Philidor himself. Thus, that which the learner would have to find or to make out from those instructions, at the expence of much time, pains, and perhaps an aching head, is already done to his eye-it may be said, to his hand." 22. Dr. Watkins's Life of the Right Hon. Richard Brinsley Sheridan, (continued from p. 53.) THE early part of the second volume opens with an account of the share that Mr.Sheridan took in the Regency business, which appears to be related with candour and impartiality. One of the financial measures of Mr. Pitt, at that period, was the imposition of an additional duty on newspapers, accompanied by a clause restricting the venders of these publications from lending them out to hire. GENT. MAG. February, 1820. "When the clause was read in the Committee, Mr. Sheridan objected to it, as being intended to sacrifice the interests of the poor newsmen to those of the printers; but upon the tax itself he was much more severe, considering it in the light of a measure purposely hostile to the freedom of the press. With regard to the additional duty on advertisements, it would prove rather a loss than an advantage to the revenue, by occasioning a reduction in the numbers, particularly in the staple articles furnished by auctioneers and booksellers. This prediction, like most other random assertions of the conjectural things thrown out in the heat of debate, has been amply refuted by the increase of newspapers, notwithstanding repeated additions of taxation." In the year 1792, Mr. Sheridan had the misfortune to lose his amiable and accomplished wife. The only recorded tribute of respect paid to her memory, consisted of the following expressive eulogium, by an eminent Physician: "In Obitum Dom. Eliz. Sheridan ; Forma, voce, atque ingenio inter ornatas ornatissimæ ; ab illâ imo amores ita suspiret amicus! Eheu! Eheu! lugeant Mortales! Eja verò gaudeat Cœlestis, dulcis ad amplexus, socians jam Citharæ melos, redit pergrata, en iterum soror: Suaviusque nil manet The history of Mr. Sheridan is so connected with that of the times in which he lived, as to render some account of public affairs essentially necessary to the illustration of his cha racter and conduct. We therefore fiod the narrative blended with a detail of the principal events of the French Revolution, during which period Mr. Sheridan took an active part in the discussion of the various measures brought forward by 'Mr. Pitt, to stem the torrent of that spirit of insubordination which resalted from that aweful event; but our limits merely allow us to glance at that period of Mr. Sheridau's political life. In the year 1795, Mr. Sheridan married Mrs. Hester Ogle, daughter of the Dean of Winch ester. His conduct dr.ring the Mutiny at Portsmouth ought never to be forgotten; it called forth the praises of all parties, bot' Whigs and Tories, and was was one of the chief means of bring ing the deluded seamen to a sense of their duty. When his Majesty was shot at by Hatfield at Drury-lane theatre, Mr. Sheridan took a very active part in the whole of the enquiry, and, in his anxiety to discover whether any thing like a conspiracy existed, evinced the greatest affection for their Majesties, and the whole Royal family. In the year 1809, the inhabitants of the Metropolis, and of the countries many miles round, were thrown into great alarm by a tremendous conflagration, which broke out suddenly, in Drury-lane theatre, about 11 o'clock at night, on the 24th of February. " Mr. Sheridan was then in the House of Cornmons, when some of the Members immediately, out of respect to him, proposed an adjournment; but though he was evidently much affected, he said in a low tone of voice, that he did not think the mis fortune, however heavy it might be to himself, was of so much consequence that the proceedings of the Legislature should be thereby suspended. His only consolation, he said, was in witnessing the attachment of his friends, and in the reflection that, as far as he had been able to ascertain, no lives were lost." The last Chapter details the following melancholy particulars: Death of Mr. Sheridan-particulars of his funeral-account of his family-poetical tributes to his memory-Review of his Character. Of his private character, his Biographer observes, that "He always lived and acted without any regular system for the government of his Conduct; the consequence of which was, as might have been expected, that he became the sport of capricious friendship, and her the winter of his days approached, be experienced the mutability of political cornexions, and the folly of neglecting those resources which alone can support the mind in every exigency, and mimister to its comfort in the dreariness of solitude. Continual straits was the result of such a course of life, and the effects of it upon his constitution, which had been Daturally a very robust one, soon appeared in his countenance and manners. Some days before his death, the Bishop of London, who is a neat relation of Mrs. She. ridan, desired Dr. Baine to ask if it would be agreeable to his patient to have prayers offered up at his bedside, to which Mr. Sheridan assented, and appeared to join with humility and aspiration, clasping his hands, and lifting up his eyes, significant of that penitential frame of mind which becomes every human spirit. in its passage out of time into eternity. After this he seemed to possess much internal tranquillity, until life ebbed gradually away, and he departed without any apparent struggle or agony, in the arms of bis affectionate consort, on Sunday, at noon, July 7, 1816, in the sixty-fifth year of his age." It will be readily perceived by our extracts that this work is written with ability and a thorough knowledge of the subject; but how far it will satisfy the political friends of the late Mr. Sheridan, we will not attempt to de termine. A good index is wanting; and if the dates had been placed conspicuously in the margin, they would have greatly assisted the historical student. 23. Foems descriptive of Rural Life and Scenery. By John Clare, a Northamp tonshire Peasant. 12mo. pp. 222. Taylor and Hessey. (Chiefly from the New Times.) THE efforts of the uncultivated mind-the outpourings of genius unimbued with scholastic lore, must ever moulded by scholastic system and unture, and the observer of human nabe interesting to the lover of literature. Few men whose reading has been extensive, and whose taste has been refined by an acquaintance with the classical productions of antient and of modern times, venture to lay before the world their real meditations. They dare not speak as they ruminate, unless supported by the consciousness of powerful genius. They become readers and critics, but seldom soar into the regions of poetry, awaits them. where such alarming competition 66 We have seldom an opportunity of learning the unmixed and unadulterated impression of the loveliness of pature on a man of vivid perception and strong feeling, equally unacquainted with the arts and reserve of the world, and with the riches, rules, and prejudices of literature. Such a man is Clare. In moments snatched from the labour by which he earned a scanty subsistence, with no other writing apparatus than his hat, a scrap of paper, and a pencil, he eagerly endeavoured to express the thoughts which crowded upon his mind, or to describe the objects around him which delightedhis fancy. |
