FRONTISPIE C E.-VOL. III. ESKDALE, LOOKING TOWARDS SCAWFELL,-CUMBERLAND. THE Frontispiece of this volume presents a picture of mountain scenery, unsurpassed, perhaps, in the world, for picturesque grandeur and sublime effect. Many a Swiss and Alpine prospect accounted "beautiful exceedingly," would sink into insipidity beside it. A wonderful variety exists in all its features, from the small fragments of rock in the foreground, to the mountainous acclivities, multiform and vast, that rise above each other, and form the boundary of vision. The happy arrangement also of clouds and light produces an astonishing effect: the deep tone which prevades the view on the left side, and loses the lofty pikes in a dense mass of vapour, gives vastness to the nearest hills; while the burst of light in the centre reveals the far off mountain tops in splendid contrast. A breadth of shadow then descends the broken precipice on the right, and, extending over foliage of an alpine character, forms a judicious and highly effective separation between the foreground and the distance. This delineation exhibits the stupendous scenery of Eskdale, observed from the vicinity of Dalegarth, and looking towards the vast mountain of Scawfell. The vale of the Esk, divided into beautiful inclosures, terminating in wooded eminences, and watered by the river whence it takes its name, reposes on the bosom of stupendous rocks, including Bowfell, the Screes, and the mountain before named. The most perfect idea of peace and security associates with this locality, where nature has concentrated richness and beauty within the sanctuary of the hills. OF WESTMORLAND, CUMBERLAND, DURHAM, CHIPCHASE CASTLE,-NORTHUMBELAND. Chipchase Castle is a large and beautiful structure, standing on the declivity of a hill, above the North Tyne river; and is situated nine miles and a half north by west of Hexham. The estate of "Chipches," together with that of Withill, was held, in 1272, of the barony of Humfranvill, by Peter de Insula. From him the possession passed to the Lisles, and afterwards to the Herons, of Ford Castle, one of whom, Sir John Heron, enjoyed the demesne in the reign of Henry VIII. After continuing in this family through four descents, the estate passed by purchase to the Allgoods, and from them, in like manner, to the ancient house of Reed, of Troughend in Redesdale. The representatives of this family have conveyed the estate to the guardians of Ralph William Grey, Esq. Leland makes mention of Chipchase, as "a praty town and castle, hard on the easte parte of the arme of North Tyne." And Sir Ralph Sadler, writing to Secretary Cecil, observes, "the most apte and convenyent places for the keeper of Tindale to reside in, on all the frontiers, are Hawgston, Langley, or Chipchase, in one of which iij placis men of service have always been placed, and especially for the well executing of that office of Tindale." The old Tower of the original edifice still remains. "Its roof is built on corbels, and has openings through which to throw down stones or scalding water upon an enemy. The grooves of the portcullis, the porter's chamber above it, and battered fragments of Gothic paintings on the walls, are exceedingly curious." Considerable additions were made to the structure, in 1621, by Cuthbert Heron, Esq.; and many improvements were afterwards effected by the Reeds. The old chapel of Chipchase, which was given to the church of Hexham in 1172 was entirely rebuilt on the lawn, by John Reed, Esq.; by whom also the gardens were tastefully arranged, and the grounds ornamented with extensive plantations. The neighbourhood of Chipchase includes the most rich and diversified scenery; and its elevated situation renders the castle an imposing and magnificent object to the surrounding country. The interior of the edifice is fitted up in a splendid style; and some of the apartments are ornamented with valuable paintings, by Vandyke, Tintoretto, Rubens, &c. A reminiscence of the past is still preserved in an heronry on the north side of the castle. An anecdote is related of Elizabeth, wife of Sir William Heron, who was residing at Ford Castle when King James of Scotland besieged and took the fortress; Sir William was, at the time, a prisoner in Scotland. The beauty of this lady made so deep an impression on the monarch's heart, at his first introduction, that he neglected his military duties. It is said that the interview was planned by Earl Surrey, (who was well acquainted with the king's amorous disposition,) to arrest his progress until he could come up with him, which he at length did, to the discomfiture of James at Flodden Field. PERCY CROSS, OR BATTLE STONE,-NORTHUMBERLAND. This monumental erection stands near the village of Otterburn, and is commemorative of a dreadful battle which was fought in that neighbourhood between the English and the Scots. The best topographical authorities concur in noticing the incorrectness of the name "Percy Cross," as applied to this pillar; the error has probably arisen from confounding the present memorial with another at Hedgly Moor, which is properly so called. Be it as it may, "Battle Stone" is a more significant and intelligible appellative. The village of Otterburn is pleasantly seated on the north side of the Reed river, three miles west of Elsdon, and derives its name from the Otter rivulet, which falls into the Reed at this place. The Manor and Villa of Otterburn were possessed by the Umfravilles, but belonged to the crown, in the tenth year of the reign of Elizabeth. The estate afterwards descended to the Hall family. A descendant of this house suffered as a rebel, in the reign of Queen Anne, and his demesnes were forfeited to the crown. The manorial property was ultimately sold, under a decree of the Court of Chancery, to James Ellis, Esq. who resides at Otterburn Hall, the site of the old castle, which was so gallantly defended against Earl Douglas. The village and part of the lands were purchased by John Davidson, Esq. of Newcastle, from whom they descended to his son, who has a convenient and neat mansion in the neighbourhood. There is a large woollen manufactory in this township. Froisart, in his description of the memcrable battle fought here, August nineteenth, 1388, says of the castle, it was "tolerably strong, and situated among marches, which the Scots attacked so long, and so unsuccessfully, that they were fatigued, and afterwards sounded a retreat." A short time previous to the period just referred to, the Scots had entered Northumberland under the command of earls Douglas, Murray, and March; and after burning the country as far as Brancepeth Castle, they returned northward, laden with plunder. In their way back they lay three days before Newcastle, when much skirmishing ensued between them and the English; and Sir Henry Percy lost his pennon in an encounter with Douglas, who boasted he would fix it upon his castle of Dalkeith. The morning after this occurrence,— "The Douglas turnyd hym homewarde agayne, For soth withowghten naye, He took his logeynge at Otterborne The Scots had laboured hard during the day, to reduce the castle, and while they were at supper, "and some were gone to sleep," the English, advancing from Newcastle, entered their camp with the cry, "Percy! Percy!" "It was moonlight. The assault, by mistake, was made among the huts of the servants, which gave the Scots (who had settled their |