HISTORY OF STAFFORDSHIRE. 131 



to have been a magnificent specimen of the style of architecture in 

 the reign of Queen Elizabeth. In 1766, this antique fabric was 

 demolished, and in 1774 a modern mansion was erected of white 

 freestone, by the Marquis of Donegal. A view of the elevation of 

 this truly-magnificent building is given in Shaw's History of Staf- 

 fordshire, accompanied with a florid description ; from which it ap- 

 pears, that the noble founder erected it on such an extensive scale, 

 and of such durable materials, that it might perpetuate his name. 

 A light portico of six lofty columns, of the Ionic order, supported a 

 pediment, adorned with his Lordship's arms in alto-relievo, with 

 the initials of the founder's name, and the date of the erection in- 

 scribed in large characters on the frieze. The extent of the front 

 was 180 feet; the pilasters and decorations of the principal windows 

 were of the Corinthian order ; and the interior of the fabric and its 

 furniture were correspondent to the dignity of its exterior. The 

 surrounding pleasure-grounds were laid out with great taste by 

 Brown, the celebrated projector, so severely satirized for his fanciful 

 decorations of the landscape, by Cowper, in his Task. But after 

 this profusion of embellishment, and extravagance of expenditure, 

 this earthly paradise, as it was foolishly termed by vulgar minds, 

 was sold by the Marquis in 1810 to Richard Howard, Esq. ; and 

 this splendid mansion has since been sold by auction, and demolished 

 by other architectural projectors for the value of the materials, which 

 have been carried off to decorate the paradise of some other fanci- 

 ful mortal. 



WHITTINGTON is a distinct parish, in the deanery of Tamworth. 

 The village of Whittington is situated on a dry gravelly soil, about 

 three miles south-east of Lichfield. This manor passed with the 

 rest of the members of Longdon to Sir William Paget, Knight, from 

 whom it has regularly descended to the present possessor, the 

 Marquis of Anglesea, 



The laud of Whittington is generally a good deep sandy or 

 gravelly loam, productive of excellent turnips, barley, and grass. 

 Whittington-heath, where Lichfield races are held, contains about 

 600 acres of land ; it is now a sheep-walk, and would, if inclosed, 

 and properly cultivated, be some of the best turnip and barley 

 land in the county. 



Tamehorn, an ancient manor in this parish, devolved, by marri- 

 age, to the late Richard Dyott, Esq. who greatly improved it by 

 his excellent turnip and barley culture. 



ELFORD is a pleasant village in the deanery of Tamworth. It 



