GARDENS OF CELEBRITIES 



My drawing shows the broad gravel walk, that, running from 

 east to west parallel with the terrace, is an effective feature of 

 the garden. At its western extremity we catch a picturesque 

 glimpse, though it is a side one only, of the old Palace of St. James. 



When the lease of the estate to the Duke of Marlborough, lapsed, 

 the property reverted to the Crown. 



In 1817 the house was assigned as a town residence for the 

 Princess Charlotte and her consort Prince Leopold ; but before 

 the arrangements could be completed, the premature death of 

 the beloved heiress to the throne, threw the whole nation into 

 mourning. Prince Leopold, however, made Marlborough House 

 his home for some years. So also did Queen Adelaide, widow of 

 William IV., upon whom it was settled by Act of Parliament. 

 She dwelt there until her death in 1849. 



After this the place was used for a time as a school of Art, a 

 library and a museum, under the auspices, says Walford, of " the 

 department of practical Art ; " the Vernon collection of pictures 

 was temporarily housed there. 



These events, however, occurring between the death of the 

 Duchess of Marlborough and 1863 count but little ; they are 

 merely episodes, accidents of no historic moment ; but with 1863 

 a new era opens, and the old brick mansion in Pall Mall, designed 

 by Wren, with the garden laid out under the direction of Sarah 

 Jennings, Duchess of Marlborough, is at the present day associated 

 less with the victor of Blenheim and Malplaquet, than with our 

 late sovereign, Edward VII., who as Prince of Wales made it his 

 London home during forty years. And this is because there are 

 some people, well-educated, and even highly-instructed in special 

 branches of culture, whose interest in general history is com- 

 paratively slight ; and they do not pause to conjecture the probable 

 origin of the name of a street or dwelling suggestive though these 

 may be. Others there are who deem that a great soldier though 

 he may have won splendid victories, stands in history on a lower 

 pedestal than the prince, or statesman, whose tact and gentleness, 

 foresight and wisdom whilst preserving the nation's honour- 

 has saved it from the horrors of a devastating and sanguinary 

 war. 



" Never draw me without just cause, 

 Or sheath me without honour," 

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