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Holiday Haunts.
centres as Worcester , Hereford and Gloucester , the three cathedral towns forming a triangle on the map , and to the lover of ancient grandeur and monuments of old-world devotion , a trio of attractions rarely , if ever to be found , in such close union . Not for from Worcester on one hand is Stratford-upon-Avon , a shrine at which all the World worships ; a pretty little place , and full of delightful
associations connected with Shakespeare , his birthplace , and where his ashes lie buried . The Avon is very pretty just by the Church , wherein will be found the grave and sculptured counterfeit of the bard himself . There are various memorials of Shakespeare to be j seen in the town , and a visit to Stratford would not only be a p leasure , but a tribute to the memory of ono who has made the
English tongue immortal by his genius . On the other side of Worcester is Malvern , below Cheltenham , and farther down Chepstow j and the River Wye . Tbe course of this river alone is charming I enongh for most people , and as it extends to something like a hundred miles , it embraces the wild ruggedness of tbe Welsh rnonn . tains , where it rises , and the loveliness of the Hereford vales . It
flows through Monmouthshire , and empties itself into the Severn . Along its course the scene is ever varying and always picturesque . In this valley are situated tho ruins of Tintern Abbey , called " a dream in stone , " and admired by some as the finest ecclesiastical ruins in the empire . It is a gem , despoiled by time and neglect , set in one of Nature ' s most glorious frames . There is enough loft of
it to impress the general beholder with a sense of its original grandeur , and sufficient to provoke a spirit of worship and emulation in the breasts of all lovers of art . A whole scheme of lines branch off from Gloucester to South Wales , including Newport , Cardiff , Neath , Swansea , Llanelly , Carmarthen , and Milford . The district thus covered is chieBy remarkable for trade . It may be fairly termed the
commercial heart of Wales , and yet there are many beautiful places inland from the sea which the Great Western lines cover , and which would afford pleasuro to the sight-seer who might be tired of more frequented spots . Attractive as are the localities we have indicated , we believe that the West of England equals , if it does not exceed them . It is true the
scenery is somewhat different . There are no mountains as in Wales , but there are hills and tors and jutting rocks . The wilduess of the sea , especially on the Cornish coast , is associated with the rude , ragged and rocky shore ; while in other parts are to be found calm bays with charming backgrounds of tree-olad hills , through which meander beautiful streams , and among which qniet hamlets nestle and
peaceful husbandmen cultivate the rich soils of Somerset and Devon . After Oxford , Bath is perhaps the most noteworthy place . It is a beautiful city , of ancient origin , and of course with a legend . The story goes that a British Prince , named Bladnd , became a leper end was banished from Court owing to the superstitions or fears that j prevailed .. Even his mother ' s love was not proof against the terror
caused by her son's affliction , and she allowed him to wander forth giving him a ring as a parting memento , and which ring afterwards served Bladnd a good turn . The leper Prince concealed his birth and station , but how he managed to be equally successful with his disease we do not know . He got employment as a swineherd , and soon had the mortification to discover that he had infected the pigs
with his leprosy . Not daring to risk his master's anger , Bladnd , with his porcine charges , wandered into the forests that then extended over the Lansdowne Hills . There the pigs wallowed in the marshes , and became cured in a remarkable manner ; Bladud found the hot springs which had wrought such marvellous results , and he too began to wallow or bathe , with the gratifying effect of being restored to
health . He took the pigs back to his master , no doubt satisfactorily accounting for his absence , bade adieu to his recent calling , but in . during the herdsman to accompany him to the British Court . It happened that , on their arrival at the palace , a high festival was going on , and Bladnd and his friend easily gained admission . We presume that the miraculous cure had changed his appearanceor
, time had obliterated his features from the memory of old servants if there were any . At any rate Bladud got near to where his mother ' s goblet was placed , and put into it the ring she had given him at parting . The plan succeeded . The prince was welcomed home agam , and when he became king he granted the site of the springs
ana neighbourhood to his former master , built a palace for him , and tans laid the foundation of Bath . That is a very pretty story , without we usual accompaniment of blood and murder . Bath was undoubtedly ? 5 ° f the Roman stations on the great road between England and Vales , and it is equally certain that the colonists and soldiery knew ° i " springs and used them . That has been proved by the discovery ° t some baths made by the Bomans during their occupancy of the
country . There is another tradition , in which King Arthur roated ilia and his three' sons , who had besieged the city in the far-off Anglo-Saxon times . Whatever may be the truth abont this battle , here can be no doubt of the conflict that took place oa Lausdovvno "Ul in 16-13 , between the Royalists and Puritans . Our space forbids J to dwell upon these particulars ; it is sufficient to say that Bath
au ancient city , whose real interest began with the advent of . * Nash , who really converted a biidly-governed , dirly , dull town to a popular , clean , lively resort for those who c & tvw 'Aw plcasvwe *» u health . What Bath became under the rule of Nash wo must eave onr readers to gather for themselves . They will find much to
amuse and shock them . The history of Bath , during the reign of wi ' lii 1 S a recorc " ° f the vices and follies of tho rich during tho , ' . ° f the last century ; even Nash himself suffered in reputation , death ' . feared became the companion and abettor of blacklegs . His + r ' ln 1761 , gave rise lo a war of succession , in which not oi / ly
and I-f '" 'vals , but ladies fought , with all the vigonr of heated L , blt . partisans . The battle in tho Pump-room has bceu ccleetl ln rhyme , from which we take the following extract ;—" Fair nymphs achieve illnstrious feats ! Off fl y their tuckers , caps , and teles ; Pins and pomatum strew the room , Emitting many a strange perfume ;
Holiday Haunts.
Each tenderiform is strangel y battered , And odd things here and there are scattered ; In heaps confused the heroines lie , With horrid shrieks they pierce the sky ; Their charms are lost , in scratches , soars , — Sad emblems of domestic wars . "
The ahovo is not an impossible picture , for tho state of morals at tho time was very low indeed . Beau Nash reigned in regal pomp , and ruled with iron sway ; ho laid the foundation of tho creation and prosperity of modern Bath . Tho Brothers Wood , architects , gave it the lino appearance it now presents . Wo cannot go into further details , but Beckford , tho eccentric author of " Vafchok , " built a
tower on Lansdowne Hill . Tho author is said to have written this wonderful book at ono sitting , which lasted three days and two nights , and which cansed tho writer a severe illness . Bristol is but a short rido from Bath , but what a change . One is all neatness and propriety , and tho other dirty and basy . Bristol , however , has many attractions , the foremost of which is St . Mary Redcliffe Church , a
magnificent pilo . The ill-fated Chatterton ' p namo was associated with this building , for it was among the hidden contents of some store therein that he alleged ho had found those mnsty enrious manuscripts which were afterwards accounted forgeries , and which led to his downfall , and subsequently to a mysterious death iu a London garret . If Bristol itself has littlo hut its hnge trade to boast of now ,
it was at one time intimately associated with tbe slave trade iu the West Indies , from which it obtained much wealth , aud not a little obloquy . It has been the scene of riots , and oven at the present day is not altogether without a large spice of tho rowdy element . The spirit of charity as well as of party is kept alive on Colston Day , when rivals dine apart , and emulate eaoh other in subscriptions
for benevolent purposes . What Bristol proper lacks is abundantly supplied by Clifton , a suburb on a hill , whose light cannot be hid , and whose beauties cannot easily be eclipsed . It has breezy downs and rnde and precipitous rocks . A bridge spans the river Avon below , which runs through a gorge 250 feet deep and 600 feet wide , and separates the counties of Gloucester and Somerset .
Clifton and the opposite district of Leigh Woods and Nightingale Valley are charming retreats for the Bristol merchants , and a sight for visitors to see and enjoy . Farther away , but still within easy distance , are the Cheddar Cliffs , one of the few bits of native scenery not generally known . We are told that" nowhere in England can be found so extended a lino of perpendicularly broken rock as at
Cheddar . The winding road through the pass affords an exquisite variety of absolute mountain scenery * * * . " Cheddar , whence comes thecheeseof that name , lies close under the Mondip Hills , which 'ire famous for their caverns . There is a stalactite cavern at Cheddar , which is not equalled for delicacy by any other cavern either in England or America . The climate is wonderfully mild , and
( at present the place is almost virgin ground to the tourist . Between Bristol and Exeter is Taunton , from which brauches a line to Watchefc and Minehead . Brendon Hills are not far from the first mentioned place , and afford a good vantage ground from which to view the country aronnd for miles . Minehead is close to the water ' s edge in the Bristol Channel , and towering above it are cliffs 700 feet high .
Another line branches off to Barnstaple , and coaches take tbe visitors to Ilfracorabe . Lynton and Lynmouth are on the same coast , but , we shall havo to speak of these charming places in connection with another line of railway . From Exeter the line runs down towards the English Channel past Dawlish and Teignmouth to Newton , where it diverges , a branch
going on to Torqnay , Paignton , Bnxham , and Dartmouth . All these places are generally well known . Perhaps the most beautiful is Torquay , the gem of that part of the coast . lb rises up from a magnificent bay , the houses range in terraces one above the other , and are embowered in trees . The residences in many cases are only to be discovered by search , or by the smoke which ascends above the
stalwart leafy guardians that cluster thickly in every part of Torquay . There is always life in the little town or big village , and those who want a delightful sea-side retreat can go to Babbicombe Bay , with its cliffs and deep-toned sea . If a wilder spot is wanted , there is Anstey's Cove not far off , and where the only signs of civilisation are a few bathing machines and their owners . A local gnide beck
says : " The pebbly beach offers a most lovely study of colours , the prevailing tones being rose-pink , creamy-white , and a sober olivegreen ( which latter creates a charming effect ) , together with sparsely sown pebbles of a canary yellow . To the left the jatting promontory of pale pink stone is , by a freak of natnre , cnt into several angalar peaks , while to the right sweeps a panorama of water-worn rocks of
mossy green , a tinge due to millions of tiny limpets , which chug to the boulders and soften their outlines . The whole scene is shut out from the world . " Then there are Dartmouth and the river Dart , truly described as tho English Rhine , the beauties of which must bo seen to be realised . Returning to Newton , tho main line continues on to Plymouth , a
town full of the deepest interest to Englishmen , and full of scones that inspire pride and pleasure . Still further on tho visitor is carried to New Quay , Truro , Falmouth , St . Ives and Penzance . Wo cannot dwell upon the almost countless attractions that abound in the district we have mentioned , it must suffice to say that among those that shonld be seen are Towan Head and Itcdruthan Steps , New Quay ,
I Pendennis Castle , Falmouth , tho Lizird Head and Lights , and Kyanco Cove not far off , Tregenua Ciistlc and St . Ives , Penzanco and St . Michael ' s Mount , and the Land ' s End . If inclined for a sea trip the steamer may be taken from Penzance lo the Scilly Islands . In fine weather the journey is ir . ado in about fonr hours . There is variety enough in what wo have thus briefly summarised to satisfy
the most exacting lovers of change . Between Bridgewate . r and Taunton the lino branches oft" to Yeovil , Bridport , Dorchester , Weymouth and Portland . If we are not mistaken Victor Hugo has described the latter place in lurid colours in "L'hommo Qui Rit . " A more dismal portrait could not well be drawn , and yet the place has its attractions of a solid and to some
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Holiday Haunts.
centres as Worcester , Hereford and Gloucester , the three cathedral towns forming a triangle on the map , and to the lover of ancient grandeur and monuments of old-world devotion , a trio of attractions rarely , if ever to be found , in such close union . Not for from Worcester on one hand is Stratford-upon-Avon , a shrine at which all the World worships ; a pretty little place , and full of delightful
associations connected with Shakespeare , his birthplace , and where his ashes lie buried . The Avon is very pretty just by the Church , wherein will be found the grave and sculptured counterfeit of the bard himself . There are various memorials of Shakespeare to be j seen in the town , and a visit to Stratford would not only be a p leasure , but a tribute to the memory of ono who has made the
English tongue immortal by his genius . On the other side of Worcester is Malvern , below Cheltenham , and farther down Chepstow j and the River Wye . Tbe course of this river alone is charming I enongh for most people , and as it extends to something like a hundred miles , it embraces the wild ruggedness of tbe Welsh rnonn . tains , where it rises , and the loveliness of the Hereford vales . It
flows through Monmouthshire , and empties itself into the Severn . Along its course the scene is ever varying and always picturesque . In this valley are situated tho ruins of Tintern Abbey , called " a dream in stone , " and admired by some as the finest ecclesiastical ruins in the empire . It is a gem , despoiled by time and neglect , set in one of Nature ' s most glorious frames . There is enough loft of
it to impress the general beholder with a sense of its original grandeur , and sufficient to provoke a spirit of worship and emulation in the breasts of all lovers of art . A whole scheme of lines branch off from Gloucester to South Wales , including Newport , Cardiff , Neath , Swansea , Llanelly , Carmarthen , and Milford . The district thus covered is chieBy remarkable for trade . It may be fairly termed the
commercial heart of Wales , and yet there are many beautiful places inland from the sea which the Great Western lines cover , and which would afford pleasuro to the sight-seer who might be tired of more frequented spots . Attractive as are the localities we have indicated , we believe that the West of England equals , if it does not exceed them . It is true the
scenery is somewhat different . There are no mountains as in Wales , but there are hills and tors and jutting rocks . The wilduess of the sea , especially on the Cornish coast , is associated with the rude , ragged and rocky shore ; while in other parts are to be found calm bays with charming backgrounds of tree-olad hills , through which meander beautiful streams , and among which qniet hamlets nestle and
peaceful husbandmen cultivate the rich soils of Somerset and Devon . After Oxford , Bath is perhaps the most noteworthy place . It is a beautiful city , of ancient origin , and of course with a legend . The story goes that a British Prince , named Bladnd , became a leper end was banished from Court owing to the superstitions or fears that j prevailed .. Even his mother ' s love was not proof against the terror
caused by her son's affliction , and she allowed him to wander forth giving him a ring as a parting memento , and which ring afterwards served Bladnd a good turn . The leper Prince concealed his birth and station , but how he managed to be equally successful with his disease we do not know . He got employment as a swineherd , and soon had the mortification to discover that he had infected the pigs
with his leprosy . Not daring to risk his master's anger , Bladnd , with his porcine charges , wandered into the forests that then extended over the Lansdowne Hills . There the pigs wallowed in the marshes , and became cured in a remarkable manner ; Bladud found the hot springs which had wrought such marvellous results , and he too began to wallow or bathe , with the gratifying effect of being restored to
health . He took the pigs back to his master , no doubt satisfactorily accounting for his absence , bade adieu to his recent calling , but in . during the herdsman to accompany him to the British Court . It happened that , on their arrival at the palace , a high festival was going on , and Bladnd and his friend easily gained admission . We presume that the miraculous cure had changed his appearanceor
, time had obliterated his features from the memory of old servants if there were any . At any rate Bladud got near to where his mother ' s goblet was placed , and put into it the ring she had given him at parting . The plan succeeded . The prince was welcomed home agam , and when he became king he granted the site of the springs
ana neighbourhood to his former master , built a palace for him , and tans laid the foundation of Bath . That is a very pretty story , without we usual accompaniment of blood and murder . Bath was undoubtedly ? 5 ° f the Roman stations on the great road between England and Vales , and it is equally certain that the colonists and soldiery knew ° i " springs and used them . That has been proved by the discovery ° t some baths made by the Bomans during their occupancy of the
country . There is another tradition , in which King Arthur roated ilia and his three' sons , who had besieged the city in the far-off Anglo-Saxon times . Whatever may be the truth abont this battle , here can be no doubt of the conflict that took place oa Lausdovvno "Ul in 16-13 , between the Royalists and Puritans . Our space forbids J to dwell upon these particulars ; it is sufficient to say that Bath
au ancient city , whose real interest began with the advent of . * Nash , who really converted a biidly-governed , dirly , dull town to a popular , clean , lively resort for those who c & tvw 'Aw plcasvwe *» u health . What Bath became under the rule of Nash wo must eave onr readers to gather for themselves . They will find much to
amuse and shock them . The history of Bath , during the reign of wi ' lii 1 S a recorc " ° f the vices and follies of tho rich during tho , ' . ° f the last century ; even Nash himself suffered in reputation , death ' . feared became the companion and abettor of blacklegs . His + r ' ln 1761 , gave rise lo a war of succession , in which not oi / ly
and I-f '" 'vals , but ladies fought , with all the vigonr of heated L , blt . partisans . The battle in tho Pump-room has bceu ccleetl ln rhyme , from which we take the following extract ;—" Fair nymphs achieve illnstrious feats ! Off fl y their tuckers , caps , and teles ; Pins and pomatum strew the room , Emitting many a strange perfume ;
Holiday Haunts.
Each tenderiform is strangel y battered , And odd things here and there are scattered ; In heaps confused the heroines lie , With horrid shrieks they pierce the sky ; Their charms are lost , in scratches , soars , — Sad emblems of domestic wars . "
The ahovo is not an impossible picture , for tho state of morals at tho time was very low indeed . Beau Nash reigned in regal pomp , and ruled with iron sway ; ho laid the foundation of tho creation and prosperity of modern Bath . Tho Brothers Wood , architects , gave it the lino appearance it now presents . Wo cannot go into further details , but Beckford , tho eccentric author of " Vafchok , " built a
tower on Lansdowne Hill . Tho author is said to have written this wonderful book at ono sitting , which lasted three days and two nights , and which cansed tho writer a severe illness . Bristol is but a short rido from Bath , but what a change . One is all neatness and propriety , and tho other dirty and basy . Bristol , however , has many attractions , the foremost of which is St . Mary Redcliffe Church , a
magnificent pilo . The ill-fated Chatterton ' p namo was associated with this building , for it was among the hidden contents of some store therein that he alleged ho had found those mnsty enrious manuscripts which were afterwards accounted forgeries , and which led to his downfall , and subsequently to a mysterious death iu a London garret . If Bristol itself has littlo hut its hnge trade to boast of now ,
it was at one time intimately associated with tbe slave trade iu the West Indies , from which it obtained much wealth , aud not a little obloquy . It has been the scene of riots , and oven at the present day is not altogether without a large spice of tho rowdy element . The spirit of charity as well as of party is kept alive on Colston Day , when rivals dine apart , and emulate eaoh other in subscriptions
for benevolent purposes . What Bristol proper lacks is abundantly supplied by Clifton , a suburb on a hill , whose light cannot be hid , and whose beauties cannot easily be eclipsed . It has breezy downs and rnde and precipitous rocks . A bridge spans the river Avon below , which runs through a gorge 250 feet deep and 600 feet wide , and separates the counties of Gloucester and Somerset .
Clifton and the opposite district of Leigh Woods and Nightingale Valley are charming retreats for the Bristol merchants , and a sight for visitors to see and enjoy . Farther away , but still within easy distance , are the Cheddar Cliffs , one of the few bits of native scenery not generally known . We are told that" nowhere in England can be found so extended a lino of perpendicularly broken rock as at
Cheddar . The winding road through the pass affords an exquisite variety of absolute mountain scenery * * * . " Cheddar , whence comes thecheeseof that name , lies close under the Mondip Hills , which 'ire famous for their caverns . There is a stalactite cavern at Cheddar , which is not equalled for delicacy by any other cavern either in England or America . The climate is wonderfully mild , and
( at present the place is almost virgin ground to the tourist . Between Bristol and Exeter is Taunton , from which brauches a line to Watchefc and Minehead . Brendon Hills are not far from the first mentioned place , and afford a good vantage ground from which to view the country aronnd for miles . Minehead is close to the water ' s edge in the Bristol Channel , and towering above it are cliffs 700 feet high .
Another line branches off to Barnstaple , and coaches take tbe visitors to Ilfracorabe . Lynton and Lynmouth are on the same coast , but , we shall havo to speak of these charming places in connection with another line of railway . From Exeter the line runs down towards the English Channel past Dawlish and Teignmouth to Newton , where it diverges , a branch
going on to Torqnay , Paignton , Bnxham , and Dartmouth . All these places are generally well known . Perhaps the most beautiful is Torquay , the gem of that part of the coast . lb rises up from a magnificent bay , the houses range in terraces one above the other , and are embowered in trees . The residences in many cases are only to be discovered by search , or by the smoke which ascends above the
stalwart leafy guardians that cluster thickly in every part of Torquay . There is always life in the little town or big village , and those who want a delightful sea-side retreat can go to Babbicombe Bay , with its cliffs and deep-toned sea . If a wilder spot is wanted , there is Anstey's Cove not far off , and where the only signs of civilisation are a few bathing machines and their owners . A local gnide beck
says : " The pebbly beach offers a most lovely study of colours , the prevailing tones being rose-pink , creamy-white , and a sober olivegreen ( which latter creates a charming effect ) , together with sparsely sown pebbles of a canary yellow . To the left the jatting promontory of pale pink stone is , by a freak of natnre , cnt into several angalar peaks , while to the right sweeps a panorama of water-worn rocks of
mossy green , a tinge due to millions of tiny limpets , which chug to the boulders and soften their outlines . The whole scene is shut out from the world . " Then there are Dartmouth and the river Dart , truly described as tho English Rhine , the beauties of which must bo seen to be realised . Returning to Newton , tho main line continues on to Plymouth , a
town full of the deepest interest to Englishmen , and full of scones that inspire pride and pleasure . Still further on tho visitor is carried to New Quay , Truro , Falmouth , St . Ives and Penzance . Wo cannot dwell upon the almost countless attractions that abound in the district we have mentioned , it must suffice to say that among those that shonld be seen are Towan Head and Itcdruthan Steps , New Quay ,
I Pendennis Castle , Falmouth , tho Lizird Head and Lights , and Kyanco Cove not far off , Tregenua Ciistlc and St . Ives , Penzanco and St . Michael ' s Mount , and the Land ' s End . If inclined for a sea trip the steamer may be taken from Penzance lo the Scilly Islands . In fine weather the journey is ir . ado in about fonr hours . There is variety enough in what wo have thus briefly summarised to satisfy
the most exacting lovers of change . Between Bridgewate . r and Taunton the lino branches oft" to Yeovil , Bridport , Dorchester , Weymouth and Portland . If we are not mistaken Victor Hugo has described the latter place in lurid colours in "L'hommo Qui Rit . " A more dismal portrait could not well be drawn , and yet the place has its attractions of a solid and to some