Preface. Neither Care nor Expense has been spared to render the present Work worthy of public-Approval. Its chief Aim being to guide Visitors through the pleasing Labyrinth of which the surrounding Grounds are composed, the descriptive Part has obtained precedency: and, however extended that portion may be deemed, no real Admirer of whatever is fine or striking in Landscape, will reprehend the author for prolixity. In the historical department, a most cautious and minute Attention has been paid to authentic Documents, respecting the Castle and its Possessors, from the earliest, to the present times. For the serious tone of reflection, which occasionally pervades his Narrative, he will not be censured by any whose well-principled Hearts, or whose well-ordered Imaginations lead them to know how naturally such a Scene must inspire such reflections. Whoever can contemplate the venerable Pile, that, with so much Majesty, is enthroned in the midst of so much Grandeur and Beauty, without pondering on the anful Mutations of all earthly things, and without giving utterance to what he feels-is not the person whose critical strictures will be regarded: while every suggestion of a candid and gentle Spirit, that may tend to the Improvement of the Work, will be received with grateful Deference. For valuable Information during its progress, the author presents his Acknowledgments to Henry Ellis, Esq. F. R. S. Keeper of MSS. in the British Museum, &c. to William Hamper, Esq. F. S. A. to Thomas Wainwright, Esq. to William Scott, Esq. to the Rev. J. H. Bransby, to R. Boyle, A. M. and to J. W. Moss, Esq.; whose future Kindness will be duly appreciated. DUDLEY VICARAGE, DEC. 1. 1824. L. B.. CONTENTS. INTRODUCTORY observations on the reciprocal duties which Diversity and extensiveness of Prospect from the Castle.... Town Lodge, with general directions to Visitors, relative to The New Wall-enclosure, a judicious and expedient measure 5 The lower Drive, from the Octagon Lodge towards the dark Brief directions concerning the dark Cavern Description of THE BASIN, for Boats from 4 Tunnels The WREN'S NEST HILL, and Excavations, or light Caverns 12 THE CONTRAST; a Seat, commanding a beautiful view to- wards the Castle, and a very different one towards Tipton 13 PARADISE; a sequestered glade, branching from the Drives 14 Return to the Drives; ancient Wych Elm, having two trunks remaining out of four; lamentation over the desecrated state of the Priory; beautifully-descriptive Lines by Lord Byron 16 THE GARRISON WELL; with an account of its discovery THE FLANK TOWERS, which guarded the entrance EASTERN MOAT TERRACE. LINES, on planting some Ivy about the Ruins Eastern Moat Terrace continued to the CAVERN WALK Walk continued to the DARK CAVERN The Cavern described; egress from the Cavern BELLE VALE: its varied Scenery and Objects Return to Paradise, leading to the GREEN TERRACE. Parallel Entrenchment, and interesting views of the Castle 57 Extract concerning it from Domesday Book. Earl Leofric, with his Countess Godiva, and Algar their son 63 Earl Edwin, their grandson, dispossessed by William I. . 64 Succeeded by William Fitz Ansculph, Fulk Paganel, Ralph The Castle descends to the Someries, through marriage of Hawise, daughter of Gervase Paganel, to John de Somery 66 From the Someries, by failure of male issuse, the Castle, John de Sutton transfers the Castle, &c. to Hugh le Des- pencer; from whom a recovery was effected in the reign Through a long line of that family, the Castle, &c. devolve to John de Sutton, who, in the reign of Henry VIII. is |