246 OLD PORTLAND. 



made by smuggling than by legitimate trade. The Court 

 Leet of the Royal Manor of Portland, a relic of " time out 

 of mind " and certainly not later than Saxon days, is now 

 held here on Lady Day and Michaelmas Day, or a day near 

 thereto. 



XII. The. Vtrne and Fortune's Well. 



This view shows the Celtic stronghold known as " the 

 Verne " before it was converted into the largest modern 

 fortress of Dorset "the Gibraltar of Wessex." The top 

 end of Fortune's Well is seen at the base of this great hill, 

 with the back view of the house of Mr. Robert Carr Bracken- 

 bury, of Raithby Hall, Lincolnshire (who established 

 Methodism in Portland), and the old Wesleyan Chapel which 

 he built in 1792 at his sole expense. Mr. Brackenbury's 

 house is the highest house in the picture ; it is now converted 

 into two houses numbered 27 and 27A, Fortune's Well. 

 The other large house, with the bow-window upstairs, on 

 the opposite side of the street, is the Portland Arms Inn. 

 George III. often lunched here. Portland lamb, " Royal 

 pudding,"* wheatears, and other local dainties formed 

 the menu. 



XIII. Fortune's Well from the Verne Yeates. 



The old Wesleyan Chapel in Fortune's Well seen in the 

 picture has been replaced by another near the same site. 

 It was mentioned that Mr. Brackenbury "established" 



* " Sept. 26th, 1798. A numerous company of Nobility sat down to 

 dinner yesterday at the Portland Arms ; the entertainment was served 

 up with great taste, and the usual number of small plumb (sic) puddings 

 which are always made on this occasion formed a 'part of the Royal 

 fare." 



