AND ITS SURROUNDINGS. 109 



This fine old mansion was purchased of the Gilberts 

 in the reign of William III., by William Ilbert, Esq., of 

 Rill, (of which place there is a picture over one of the 

 mantlepieces at Bowringsleigh). Since that time Bowrings- 

 leigh has continued in this family, and it is now the 

 residence of W. R. Ilbert, Esq. 



An old picture of Bowringsleigh represents it after 

 undergoing a restoration, when the roofs were replaced 

 by others in the Dutch style, and the gardens were laid 

 out in the same formal manner; but the present possessor 

 has adopted the original style of architecture in carrying 

 out the recent restorations. 



Many years ago the chapel and some other parts of the 

 building were accidentally burnt, many of the old family 

 portraits and other valuable paintings were destroyed, 

 besides the tapestry which hung on the walls; but there 

 are still paintings of value remaining; amongst them is 

 a portrait of Queen Anne, which was given, we believe, 

 by that Queen herself to Mr. Ilbert's great grandmother, 

 to whom her Majesty had performed the office of god- 

 mother. 



The chapel, which abuts from the south front is a 

 faithful restoration of the original chapel : a magnificent 

 screen, (which was formerly in South Huish Church), 

 admirably restored and gilded, adorns the interior. 



In one of the rooms there is a grand old ceiling, with 

 emblematic figures moulded in plaster, in high relief. In 

 the centre is Fame, blowing her trumpet, while in various 

 compartments around there are warlike implements and 

 instruments of music; the whole of the figures so raised 

 as to appear as if clinging by magnetism to the ceiling. 



There is a Yery curious clock in one of the rooms, the 



