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quarry of stone.” And of Skenfrith and White Castle he merely remarks that they 
were ‘‘ruined.” Thus ends their story. But, through the instrumentality of one 
of our members, Rey. T. W. Webb, I am able to add a little further information. 
Some twenty years ago he visited the Skenfrith Castle and was then told by the 
man in charge that he had found on the outer slope, or glacis, at the foot of the 
keep, an arched passage supported by pillars on either side and leading to the base. 
He covered up the entrance without exploring its limits, being either ignorant of 
the traditionary treasure within, or over-awed by some glimpse that he may have 
caught of its dread custodians. As there may be among the members of the 
Woolhope Club some few who are unacquainted with the popular story, I will - 
quote from Wright’s History of Ludlow, a curious letter on the subject addressed 
by Wm. Hobbye (then a prisoner in the tower of London) to Lord Treasurer 
Burghley, dated 28th April, 1589.—‘‘ Leave your Lordship to understand that 
there is a castell in the parish of Skemfyth in the countie of Montgomerie (sic), 
your lordship graunt full authoritie unto myne owne self, I am a poore subject of 
the queenes, if there be any treasure there, your lordship shall know it, for by the 
voice of the country there is treasure. No man in remembrance was ever scene to 
open it, and great warrs hath been at it, and there was a place not farr from it 
whose name is Gamdon, that is as much as to say the game is done. Pray you, 
goodly lord, give letter to the castle, using your lordships free authoritie to open, 
and if treasure be there, I will use it as it ought to be, and I will stand for your 
lordship’s consideration and give me what you please. Jor the country saieth 
there is a great treasure. The voyce of the country goeth there is a dyvell and 
his dame, one sitts upon a hogshed of gold the other upon a hogshed of silver, yet 
nevertheless with your lordships full power and authoritie they shall be removed 
by the grace of God, without any charge to the queene and your lordship. If 
treasure be there, then I will looke for something at your hands. So praying your 
lordship’s answer for the present despatche, so I bid your lordship farewell.” 
T cannot do better than echo the last word of this petition and at the same 
time thank you for lending a more ready ear to my words than was probably 
vouchsafed by the Lord Treasurer to those of the unfortunate Wm. Hobbye. 
OS SEES 
