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Walter Raleigh, and the stone seat whereon he is reported to 

 have enjoyed his pipe, and the traditional scene of the flagon of 

 beer. The pleasure grounds, of whose picturesqueness it is 

 sufficient to mention that " capability Brown" was the originator, 

 were seen under somewhat disadvantageous circumstances. The 

 old Castle, however much it lost in romance from the absence of 

 sunshine and shadow, yet was deprived of none of its gi'andeur and 

 severity by the gloominess of the day ; a well-selected spot having 

 been taken whence the ruins could be seen to advantage, the vice- 

 president of the club, the Rev. Prebendary Scarth, descanted with 

 his usual enthusiasm to a listening audience amid the kindly 

 shelter of umbrellas, on Bishop Roger's once celebrated fortress. 

 As too often has been the case, these fine remains were the quarry 

 whence stone for several of the adjoining buildings was taken, and 

 consequently much of these ruins has been destroyed. Of the 

 once octagonal structure, the principal part remaining is the keep, 

 towards the centre of the inner courtyard, with the ruins of the 

 state rooms attached, and what is thought to be the Chapel. A 

 fine zigzag moulded Norman window is seen on the outside of the 

 north wall, and several traces of Norman work on the walls. A 

 fine column of Ham Hill stone with cushion capitals supports two 

 massive Norman vaults. On a wall to the right of this are remains 

 of some interlacing arcades of the time of Bishop Roger. Before 

 visiting the Abbey the members were afforded an opportunity of 

 inspecting the gardens and stables, which can hardly be rivalled 

 for their admirably constructed arrangements ; the various details 

 of which were kindly pointed out by the Hon. Frederick Pepys, 

 Mr. Digby's nephew. The noble Minster was resei-ved for the last. 

 On those who had never before visited the Abbey, the height, 

 massiveness, and harmonious blending of its architecture had a 

 very imposing effect ; and those who were already acquainted with 

 the beauty of its interior were remarkably strack with the softening 

 effect which time had wi-ought on its decorations. The gilded 

 bosses and ribs of the roof and mouldings, and the rich colouring 

 of the windows by Hardman, and Clayton and Bell, have blended 

 with the warmth of colour m the Ham Hill stone, and now form a 

 harmonious whole not to be surpassed by anything in the kingdom. 



