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custody of Waller. How long the Duke remained at Groomsbridge 
Place is uncertain, but he was subsequently removed to the Tower of 
London. When the Place was re-built by John Packer, a considerable 
portion of the panelling was used over again, and this is now to be seen 
in the Library—where some fine specimens of carved oak are to be 
found—and Dining Hall. One of the panels in the former room con- 
tains the arms of the Duke, and is unquestionably a memento of his 
confinement at Groombridge Place. Besides the carving and panelling, 
are some old paintings of previous Lords of the Manor, and a Bible, 
printed by Buck and Daniel, at Cambridge, in 1638, in excellent 
condition. The fire backs, too, in the rooms already spoken of are 
worth noting, both being in an excellent state of preservation ; one is 
dated 1579, the other 1604. Visitors to the grounds were struck with 
the peacocks, of which there were no less than 34, all of whom roost 
in the trees near the house. Having thanked Mr. and Mrs. Saint for 
their generous hospitality, through their President, the party next pro- 
ceeded to Hillside, and from ancient, devoted themselves to subjects of 
modern interest. 
Hillside is the recently-built residence of Mr. W. C. Oswell, 
F.R.G.S., the well-known African traveller, and stands at the top of a 
graceful eminence, about half-a-mile from Groombridge Place, com- 
manding a magnificent view of Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding 
country. To obtain this alone was well worth the trouble of ascending 
the hill; but when once inside the house, one forgot the beauty of its 
environs in the contemplation of the manifold treasures it contained. 
When written to by Mr. Wonfor, Mr. Oswell, whose modesty and 
retirement are proverbial, willingly offered to throw open his house to 
the members of the Society, but hinted that he did not think they 
would find much to interest them in it. How greatly he underrated, 
not only his unique collection of African trophies, but his own descrip- 
tive and colloquial powers, may be to some extent comprehended 
when it is stated that the visit to Hillside formed the most notable and 
interesting feature of the day’s proceedings. Few, if, indeed, any, will 
ever forget either the anecdotes Mr Oswell told, or the charm with 
which he told them ; they could have been equalled, though scarcely 
surpassed, by one only—his old friend and companion Livingstone, in 
conjunction with whom he explored the southern portion of Africa, and 
discovered Lake Ngami. Avoiding publicity, and never referring to 
his exploits “save on compulsion,” he on this occasion responded to 
