Finchale Priory. 283 



on the west and south side are of ancient construc- 

 tion, the projecting buttresses gradually emerging and 

 impressing themselves on the eye, and breaking the 

 lines with fine effect. The restorations, carried out by 

 Mr. John Patterson of Edinburgh, and finished in 1818, 

 were in the fullest degree possible in the spirit of the 

 original portion ; and the whole is in the highest degree 

 imposing. Walls and turrets relieve each other along 

 each side, and enclose a spacious courtyard, which is 

 entered at the north-east angle by a Norman gateway 

 with a portcullis, and flanked by rounded towers. We 

 can well believe what is said, that it is superior to any 

 other battlemented edifice in the north of England. The 

 parts now inhabited lie on the south-west side, and rise 

 from a high rock. Inside the castle there is much to 

 interest the visitor, alike in the way of ancient armour 

 and splendid pictures, besides some fine remains of old 

 work in groined ceilings, and so forth ; and the stately 

 entrance hall is filled up with massive oaken seats with 

 strong arms which terminate in boars' heads, delight- 

 fully carved. And for the lover of antiquities, there is 

 much to attract, both within and without the castle, which 

 is surrounded by a splendid park and gardens, where 

 days might be spent both profitably and pleasantly. 



To reach Finchale Priory, the best way is to go by 

 foot-road through Frankland and Brasside Moor. The 

 scenery, if not very romantic or striking, is varied and 

 interesting ; and the more distant views, in many cases, 

 are fine. It is with a sense of surprise that, after some 

 windings, a view of the Priory is suddenly gained lying 

 half-hidden in a lovely dell the Wear here sweeping 

 boldly round and forming, as it were, a little peninsula 

 on which the Priory stands ; the high cliffs of Cocken 

 rising almost opposite, with no little grandeur, and giving 



