in a rather unfinished state, in which it still remains. The new building, however, forms a conspicuous 

 feature in the valley, with its grey turrets, and bold, abrupt outlines starting from the edge of the 

 perpendicular cliff. 



In the year 1809 the site of Alton Towers, and the whole of the beautiful grounds adjoining, was 

 a bare, bleak rabbit-warren ; and the only habitation a lonely farm-house, called Alton Lodge, which 

 stood near the site of the present imposing structure. It formed part of the manor of Alton, possessed 

 by Earl Charles, as he is still called, but whose principal residence, previously, was Heythrop House, 

 Oxfordshire. Being a man strongly endued with the spirit of improvement, he was led, from various 

 circumstances, to prefer Alton to his other estates for the prosecution of his designs ; and the wonderful 

 conception and taste he possessed found ample scope in rendering singularly effective the naturally good 

 but rugged features of the place. It would be interesting, but foreign to our purpose, to trace the 

 gradual development of his labours ; the immense sums of money he expended, and the artistic skill 

 he brought into play, assisted and consolidated by that of the celebrated Wilbraham, soon surmounted all 

 obstacles, and laid the foundation of a perfect gem of scenic beauty. Earl Charles gave the name of 

 Alton Abbey to the structure he erected ; but John, the next Earl, on his succession, named it Alton 

 Towers, and also steadily followed the worthy example of his predecessor in improving and embellishing 

 the estate. 



On the eminence or table-land, called Bunbury, or Bonebury Hill, previously alluded to, there existed 

 a few years ago the remains of a very extensive fortress, supposed by some to have been erected by 

 Coelred, King of Mercia, when he was invaded by Ina, King of the West Saxons, in 716; some historians, 

 however, give it an earlier date. It was of an irregular form, encompassed on the northern sides, the 

 others being inaccessible by nature, with a double, and sometimes treble trench, and included an area of 

 one hundred acres. From the site of this fortress the whole of the stone used in the erection of Alton 

 Towers was obtained ; and it is now planted with oak, spruce, and other trees, and laid out in 

 numerous walks ; therefore, although the interest of antiquity is attached to the spot, its representation 

 is hidden. On the site of the ruins of Alveton, or Alton Castle, erected by Bertram de Verdun, there 

 is but little doubt that a Saxon fortress previously existed, as the name is so purely Saxon, signifying > 

 literally, an old fortified hill. As we stand and look around on the various descriptions of trees, both 

 native and foreign, vigorous in growth and beautiful in form, we are the more surprised that scarcely one 

 stood there forty years ago. Everywhere, on whatever point the eye turns, foliage is relieved bj r terrace, 

 and terrace by flower ; temple and tower, turfy dais and grotto, fountains and statuary, with endless vases 

 in brilliant crowns, give the most varied and enlivened character to a scene as enchanting as it is novel. 



Descending from the Gothic Tower we branch off into a carriage-road leading to Uttoxeter. A 

 short distance down it we come to a vista which gives a complete view of the principal features of the 

 Gardens at a glance. The form of the valley from this point is similar to that of a horse-shoe ; the 

 upper part spreads out considerably, and rather abruptly contracts just below us, terminating in a ravine, 

 crossed by the Churnet Valley line of railway. The Gardens, as first laid out by Earl Charles, were 

 much more extensive than now, and from this point their original extent may easily be traced. A little 

 further down we enter the Rock Walk, which presents as fine a specimen of that description of rock 

 scenery as any we remember to have seen. In some instances the rocks beetle over the pathway, and 

 seem to menace with instant destruction all who venture beneath them. In others they burst out in 

 bold lines and frowning faces, as rugged and stupendous as a million of ages can make them. They 

 are of the new red sandstone formation, with stratas of mixed gravel and clay. There is one rock, the largest 

 of all, which beetles and darkens over a turf-covered piece of table-land, called Inas Rock, and supposed to 

 be the scene of a battle fought by that warrior when he invaded Coelred's dominions, as previously alluded 

 to. From this walk we hear the waters of the Churnet leaping and tumbling down their rocky bed below us. 

 On the opposite side of the garden valley the walks are similar, but the rocks are not so massive and frowning. 

 Throughout this valley the Coniferce family are conspicuously fine, and their dark tints, and variety of 

 form and foliage, give great expression to the character of the place. The soil seems decidedly 

 favourable to their growth. The oak, beech, mountain ash, and other forest trees are in a flourishing 

 condition ; but we look in vain for the giant sons of centuries, with their long straggling arms and 

 massive trunks, — youth and vigour particularly mark a rising generation : there are no examples of might 

 and sturdy endurance to point out the grandeur of time, or characterise its glory. 



Returning up the Rock Walk — and there are several — we find here and there quaint traces of Earl 

 Charles's style, in remnants of what were imitatory organic remains of a former period, cut out of the 

 solid rock; 'and beneath the Gothic Tower is a small cave, in which, years ago, was confined a large 

 black bear : it was subsequently preserved at the Towers. We pass on till we reach the Colonnade 



