146 Vale Royal. 



quality of this stone, and its adaptedness for such noble 

 purpose, is everywhere evident and striking. Among 

 other pleasing features of the neighbourhood, must be 

 mentioned Peckforton mere, which covers about eight 

 acres ; while in the pretty garden at the foot of the path 

 leading up the hill, shadowed by a stately beech, is 

 Horsley Bath, a well of limpid water, perpetually run- 

 ning from the rocks. All the way, both from the 

 station to Beeston Castle, and from the castle to Peck- 

 forton, the walk is most enjoyable, and on a fine day 

 in early summer no greater treat is open to our ac- 

 ceptance. The total distance from Manchester is 41 

 miles. 



The immense stretch of country spread at our feet 

 when standing on Beeston castle-rock is that famous part 

 of Cheshire designated " Vale Royal," which name was 

 given by Edward I. to the abbey founded by him on the 

 river Weaver.* " The ayre of Vale Royall," says the old 

 historian of the district, " is verie wholesome, insomuch 

 that the people of the countrey are seldom infected with 

 Disease or Sicknesse, neither do they use the help of 

 Physicians, nothing so much, as in other countries. 

 For when any of them are sick, they make him a posset, 

 and tye a kerchieff on his head ; and if that will not 



* This river, not before mentioned, rises upon Buckley-heath, 

 near Malpas, going thence past Nantwich and Winsford. At 

 Northwich it joins the Dane ; soon afterwards it joins the Peover ; 

 nd the united waters fall into the Mersey, not far from Frodsham. 



