( 144 ) 



But tho the fituation of Beaulieu-abbey is 

 very pleafing ; and perhaps more adapted to 

 the old monkifh idea, than could eafily have 

 been found in the neighbourhood j yet if a 

 noble family-manfion fliould be intended, a 

 much grander fituation might be chofen in 

 many parts of this beautiful country ; parti- 

 cularly on the high grounds, a little to the 

 north of Buckler's-hard, nearly about the point, 

 where the road from thence unites vv^ith that 

 from Lymington. This fituation commands a 

 grand fweep over the river, together w^ith it's 

 eftuary — the woods on both fides of it, which 

 are rich, and ample in a high degree — and in 

 the difiiance the channel, and the high grounds 

 of the ifle of Wight, from Cowes point to the 

 Needles. 



The privileges of the manor of Beaulieu, 

 which were granted by king John, were very 

 extenfive ; and are fiill preferved. No debtor 

 can be arrefied within it's precindls, unleis 

 the lord's leave be obtained. The lords of 

 Beaulieu alfo enjoy the liberties of the Cinque- 

 ports ; and the fame exemption from duties ; 

 which was the duke of Montague's principal 

 reafon, as was obferved*, for building a town 



See page 137. 



I 



