THE VALLEY OF KNILL. 407 



This neighbourhood was the scene of fierce engagements between the Romans 

 and the British, during the time of Caractacus, and indeed subsequently 

 throughout the long contentions between the Welch and English. 



But by far the most interesting circumstance connected with this valley re- 

 mains yet to be told. Knill Church, whose spire appearing above the group of 

 trees which surround it adds greatly to the effect of the landscape, possesses in its 

 outward appearance little or nothing to distinguish it from other churches situated 

 in equally remote and secluded districts ; but humble as is its external character, 



within its holy precincts lie the remains of the immortal Sir Samuel Romilly. 

 * * * * • » _ * .♦ ♦ « 



It must indeed have been a mournful sight to have seen this great man car- 

 ried to the vault in which, but a few hours previously, the remains of Lady 

 Romilly had been deposited. The time of year (November) must have added 

 not a little to the melancholy of so distressing a scene. 



On a plain marble slab, at the east end of the church, is the following inscrip- 

 tion :— . 



Sir Samuel Romilly, Knight, 



One of his Majesty's counsel, 



And Solicitor General in 1806 and 1807, 



Born March 1, 1757, 



Died November 2, 1818. 



Also ANN, Lady Romilly, his Wife 



Eldest daughter of 



Francis Garbett, of Knill Court, Esquire, 



Born November 20, 1774, 



Died October 29, 1818. 



In conclusion : If this slight sketch should have the effect of inducing any 

 reader of The Naturalist to visit this lovely spot, the writer of the preceding 

 pages will at all times be happy to act as his guide. 



Presteign, Feb. 10, 1837. 



[We shall always be glad to hear from Mr. Davis, and trust he will become 

 a frequent contributor to the pages of The Naturalist. — Ed.] 



Bank, a steep hill on the borders of the county near this place, is almost sunounded by the dyke, 

 which is extremely deep, and about fifty feet in width. On this hill are some other entrench- 

 ments, which warrant the inference that it formed one of the strong posts by which this rampart 

 was defended."— Beauties qf England and Wales, Vol. xviii. 



3h2 



