and its situation is but imperfectly known, though said to be at a place now called Mill-Hill. The population of Leeds, as ascertained under the act of 1801, amounted to 53, 162; the number of houses to 11,599. Three miles from this town is KIRKSTALL ABBEY. THOUGH the scenery round this building is not remarkably rich, yet it is unquestionably pleasant, and, on the whole, well diversified. Those who take the trouble to ascend the high grounds, will be gratified by the sight of some fine open scenes, that will amply repay them. Should close views be preferred, there are many situations, where the water can be brought in, that will afford most happy compositions. The river Aire, approaching near to the Abbey, adds much to the beauty of the views. The most picturesque side of the building itself, is the west; the front of which presents a noble Saxon doorway; and above it two elegant windows, curiously ornamented; the whole is crowned with three handsome pinnacles. This front is richly and elegantly decorated with ivy, which increases the beauty, without destroying the form. On the south side are various ruined apartments, of which the dormitory, and some other parts, yet remain covered. The interior is not very interesting, it being destitute of foliage; and it has altogether an ill effect, from its being too long for its width. The columns are massive, and support heavy pointed arches. The side aisles are complete, as also the nave, transepts, and choir, except some of the columns and capitals, which were destroyed by the falling of part of the great tower, in the night of the twenty-seventh of January, 1779: only the south side of the tower now remains, and that is in so dangerous a state, as to threaten the remaining parts with destruction. Grose mentions a considerable quantity of Roman brick, as having been found among the ruins of this Abbey. This was a Cistercian Abbey. Henry de Lacy, A. D. 1147, placed at Bernoldswyk a Convent of Cistercian monks from Fountains, who, after they had struggled with great inconveniencies for five or six years there, desired to be removed to a place in Airedale, called Kirkstall, which their founder procured for them from William of Poitou, and where they settled, and began to build a fine Abbey, A. D. 1152, to the honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It was endowed with 3291. 2s. 11d. per ann. according to Dugdale; and 5121. 15s. 4d. according to Speed. The site was granted to Archbishop Cranmer, and his heirs, in the thirtyfourth of Henry the Eighth.* It afterwards passed to the family of the Saviles, Earls of Sussex, and by an heiress of that house to the Brudenells, G 2 Earls • Tanner's Notitia. Earls of Cardigan, in which family the property remains. Kirkstall will be found highly interesting to the picturesque traveller, as it affords a variety of subjects for the pencil, both architectural, and where the ruins will unite finely with the landscape. On ascending the hill behind the Abbey, I had a fine view of the whole building; but this agreeable feature was not visible from the Otley road. Here the country losing its engaging aspect, I wandered leisurely along, in that state of indifference which made the way appear tedious. Having passed four or five uninteresting miles, my attention was suddenly roused by the beauties of WHERFE-DALE bursting on the sight. I stood gazing in an extacy on the shady groves and extensive meads below me, till the eye became too feeble to pierce through the mighty expanse. My mind revelled in perfect voluptuousness, and all the faculties of my soul were absorbed in the contemplation of this most delectable spot. The Chevin Hill, on which I stood, formed a bold fore-ground: below me appeared the town of Otley; and the river Wherfe was seen meandering, in the most playful manner, through the bosom of the Dale; now broad and close; then stretching away into long reaches, or lost among masses. of Moore's Monastic Remains. |