LUDLOW. 215 



habit of beer-drinking seems to weaken the taste for more alco- 

 holic stimulants. 



We remained about the inn, looking at some pretty model cot- 

 tages erected by Lord Clive, until C., who had made a quick 

 walk of nearly thirty miles to overtake us, arrived, and then 

 walked into Ludlow. 



Ludlow is a pleasant town, beautifully planted in the bight of 

 a broad, shallow, musical stream, amongst high, bluffy hills. It 

 has a ruined castle, celebrated in Royal history, parts of which, 

 hah hidden by tall old trees among which it stands, and adorned 

 with ivy, are very picturesque. There are fine avenues and pub- 

 lic walks about it, and just over the river, which is crossed by 

 two bridges, is a very large common, extending to the top of 

 high and steep hills, which is used as a public pleasure-ground. 

 In the middle of the town is a venerable old church, with richly 

 painted windows and many curious monuments and effigies of 

 Crusaders and learned doctors sleeping with their wives. In ii 

 I also first saw a beadle in the flesh, and very funny it was, in 

 cocked hat, red nose and laced coat. There are many curious 

 old houses, particularly one of the inns, ("The Feathers ;") and 

 over the Ludford bridge there is a pretty little rural church and 

 a number of pretty cottages, both ancient and modern, the modern 

 being built in the fashion of the timber houses that I described 

 in Cheshire. 



Y, 



Our chess-playing friend on the ship had given us a note to a 

 relative residing here, and having left it with our card at his 

 house, he very soon called upon us, and was extremely kind in 

 his attentions and offers of service. C. had asked with regard to 

 the religious service which would be held in the town the com- 

 ing day ; after replying to his inquiries, he remarked that he 

 belonged to a congregation of Christian brethren, whose worship 





