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A VISIT TO CHILLINGHAM PARK. 



T. H. NELSON, M.B.O.U., 

 Bishop Atickland and Redcar, 



On one of the days of our visit to Bamborough for the Fame Islands, 

 although the wind had abated, there was still a heavy ground-swell 

 running, making it impossible to go out to the Islands, and we 

 resolved upon having a drive to Chillingham, twelve miles to the 

 westward, to see the famous Wild White Cattle in Lord Tankerville's 

 park. After passing Belford the ground rose rapidly for two or three 

 miles, when it is high above the sea-level, and a magnificent view 

 presented itself in all directions. Towards the north-east lay Bam- 

 borough and its lordly Castle, with the Islands dotted about on the 

 surface of the blue ocean ; the rocky shore, ornamented with feudal 

 castles, extended far on either side ; while Holy Island could plainly 

 be seen to the northward. A little further on we reached Chatton 

 Moor, bleak and bare, undisturbed save by the crow of an old cock 

 Grouse, the plaintive whistle of the Golden Plover, standing motion- 

 less on a clump of peat, or the weird scream of the Curlew — fit 

 inhabitants of the wild moorlands. For miles on our right extended 

 the cloud-capped Cheviots, whilst before us was the lovely valley of 

 Glendale, rich in historic remains : Jeavering Bell, the old border 

 castles of Ford and Wark, and the field of Flodden — all were pointed 

 out to us, and we then fully realised that we were amidst the scenes of 

 border warfare, so famous in the ballads and legends of Northumbria. 

 Turning to the south, we caught a glimpse of Chillingham Park. 

 The road now descended into the valley, and, passing through 

 Chatton, we crossed the Till, and soon arrived at Chillingham. The 

 Castle is pleasantly situated on slightly rising ground in the valley 

 above the river Till, with the village nestling under its shelter. The 

 park is on the southern side, some part of it in the valley on a level 

 with the Castle, but it gradually opens out and rises in terraces until 

 it ascends the hill, the top of which, called Ross Castle, is in- 

 cluded within the walls. Towards the centre, and near the western 

 boundary of the park, is Robin Hood's Bog, a large marshy tract in 

 one of the woods, extending over several acres, and called the 'Cattle's 

 Sanctuary,' to which they retreat when danger threatens. The 

 park contains a great variety of pasturage, and is well timbered and 

 watered, making it eminently suitable for the residence of the wild 

 creatures inhabiting its domains. No record exists of the time of its 

 enclosure, but, as the greater portion of the Castle dates from the 

 reign of Henry III. it is probable that the park was enclosed, and 

 the Catt le with it, about that period. 



Aug. 1S87. 



