I02 RECORDS OF OLD TIMES 



there being but one habitation in it, viz. the manor 

 house, which is all that remains of a very ancient 

 monastery, as also forming part of the farm buildings. 

 I have seen, in some portions, the old zigzag mould- 

 ings of early Norman architecture, but it has for 

 centuries, as a religious house, ceased to exist ; the 

 foundations are still visible, but only a small portion 

 of its former beauty is in sight. The predominant 

 feature of the estate is the famous ' Great Ground,' 

 containing over 350 acres. This is all in one en- 

 closure, and is considered the largest feeding ground 

 in the kingdom. As a proof of the remarkable 

 fertility of this pasture, I have myself seen upwards 

 of 250 head of full-sized cattle, with 500 ewes and 

 lambs, and 20 mares and foals, grazing together, 

 and all rapidly fattening for market. The estate 

 belongs to Lord de Clifford, the whole parish 

 consisting of about Soo acres, not more than 60 or 

 80 acres being arable. It is by some believed to 

 have been the birthplace of ' Fair Rosamond,' which 

 adds greatly to its interest. Nothing can exceed 

 the rich pastoral beauty of this district. From the 

 upper ground, at the foot of which is the justly 

 celebrated Fox covert in Mr. Selby Lowndes' 

 country, formerly hunted by the Duke of Grafton 

 and Lord Southampton, the eye wanders over 

 the far-famed Vale of Aylesbury, the old town, the 

 y^gilsbireg of the Saxons, standing on some rising 

 ground in the centre, whilst near at hand is Whit- 

 church, and the rich pastures of Hardwick, and 

 adjoining these places is Ouarrendon, the birthplace 



