AND ITS SURROUNDINGS. 33 



wainscoting (of the kind termed linen-carving) of a monastic 

 character. Some years ago, a portion of it was taken 

 down from the wall, when repairs were needed; and after 

 having a thorough cleansing from the coats of paint 

 with which it was encrusted, it Avas tastefully transformed 

 into a magnificent sideboard or bookcase ; and it now orna- 

 ments the dining-room instead of remaining almost hidden 

 away behind the legal documents of T. W. Weymouth, Esq., 

 solicitor. 



There are not many houses now remaining of what 

 may be termed ancient Kingsbridge ; the hand of improve- 

 ment has gradually swept them away. Perhaps No. 40, 

 Fore Street Hill, may be considered a pretty fair sample 

 of the style of abode once prevalent in the town. We 

 remember when there used to be many houses with these 

 broad, low windows, and projecting attic lights; but the 

 old buildings have in many instances been superseded by 

 good modern ones. " Old Inhabitants " speak of penthouses 

 projecting from the house fronts into the street, forming 

 a sort of open shop, where goods were exhibited for sale. 

 "Joe" Pritchett's cloth stall seems to be the one more 

 especially remembered. There is a deed still extant, 

 relating to a house, or rather the site of a house, the 

 property of the late J. Elliot, Esq., surgeon, of Tresillian;* 



* In the Kinc/slndge Gazette of February 1st, 1873, appeared the 

 following notice : — " We regret to announce the death of John Elliot, Esq., 

 which took place on Wednesday evening, after a very brief illness. Deceased 

 had not been well for some days, but nothing serious was apprehended until 

 Tuesday, when his symptoms became alarming, and he gradually got worse 

 until the closing scene. Mr. Elliot had for many years taken a prominent 

 part in public affairs in Kingsbridge, although of late an increasing deafness 

 had caused his partial withdrawal ; but at the time of his death he held the 

 offices of Guardian of the Poor, Churchwarden, Feoffee, Duncombe's Trustee, 

 and he was the sole survivor of the Water Trust.* His uniform courtesy 



* We believe this is a mistake, and that Mr. Peter Randall, since deceased, was tho 

 last survivor of the Water Trust. 



