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Holiday Haunts.
" When the court , soon after the Restoration , visited Tunbridge Wells there was no town ; but within a mile of the springs , rustic cottages somewhat cleaner and neater than ordinary cottages of that time were scattered over the heath . Some of these cabins were moveable and were carried on sledges from one part of the common to another To these huts men of fashion , wearied bv the din and smoke o
London , sometimes came in the summer to breathe fresh air , and to catch a glimpse of rural life . During the season a kind of fair was held daily near the fountain . The wives and danghters of the Kentish farmers came from the neighbouring villages with cream , cherries , wheatears , and quails ; To chaff with them , to flirt with them , to praise their straw hats and tight heels , was a refreshing
pastime to voluptuaries , sick of the airs of actresses and maids of honour . Milliners , toymen , and jewellers came down from London and opened a bazaar nnder the trees . In one booth the politician might find his coffee and the London Gazette ; in another were gamblers , playing deep at basset ; and on fine evenings the fH'lera wero in attendance , and there were morris dances on the elastic turf
of the bowling green . " A wonderful change has come over the scene since that time , and now Tunbridge Wells , if nnt honoured with the presence of royalty , is visited by the aristocracy , for whom every provision is made . It is a fashionable town now , with its pump room , shaded streets , and beautiful walks . The common is a favourite resort , and the " grove" just the place to escape from the
heat of the sun . Tunbridge Wells is said to be a modern counter , part of what Jerusalem was . Whether the comparison is correct or not , we cannot say , bnt the groups of houses are named after a sur . rounding hill , such as Mount Ephraim , Mount Zion , and Mount Plea . Bant . From some of these hills fine views are obtained . Although " Bladud" is absent , Tunbridge Wells is not without " a
legend . The water of the springs * is powerfully tonic , of a steely taste , owing , it is said , to the devil having cooled his no *© in ft after St . Dnnstan ' s attack with the hot tongues . Some beautiful walks and drives in the locality add to the charm of the place ; there are also many gentlemen's seats round about , and the rnins of Bayham Abbey , linking the past with the present . Continuing on the line
southwards , Battle is reached . Here William the Norman met Harold , King of England , and defeated him . The conflict was a bloody one , and the issue one of the most momentous in the history of the country . About a year after the battle William founded an Abbey in commemoration of his victory . The precincts of the Abbey were a mile in circuit , and the buildings were on a
magnificent scale . The foundation was liberally endowed , and the exemptions and privileges granted were extraordinary . The Abbev shared thp fate of other similar establishments at the time of the Dissolution of Monasteries , bnt the ruins still left indicate , the character of the structure , and mark them as objects of profound interest to the archaeologist . There is a tradition to the effec' that the Roll of
Battle Abbey was preserved in the crypt of what was believed to be the hnll in which the tenants of the Abbev wore entertained . The hall has been converted into a barn , but its Pointed windows , and the vaulted crypt beneath , with elegant , pillars nnd arches , are sources of attraction . Authorities are divided in opinion ahnnt the Roll , some stating that when the Montague family sold Battle
Abbey they removed ittnCowdray , of which we have already spoken . When Cowdray House was de-troyed by fire , in 1793 , it is supposed that the Roll perished in the flames , that is , if it ever existed . Experts may speculate upon doubtful points ; the ordinary tourist will find enough to interest him in the ruins of Battle Abbey without following their example A few miles further on are
St . Leonards and Hastings , separately named , bnt joined together by bricks nnd mortar . The former may be considered a modern , though beautiful and aristocratic suburb of ancient Hastings . The latter place existed far back in the mists of time , which no new light has yet dispelled . Its known history , however , is sufficiently interesting to attiact visitors , to keep them , and to make a repetition of their
sojourn desirable . Tbe ruins of the castle , perched hundreds of feet above the sea level , with its associations , alone command attention . In addition , there are the disposition of the hnnses , the walks , nnd sea , and country views unsurpassed on the Sussex coast . Almost nny climate can be commanded at Hastings , from the warm and relaxing , to the invigorating air of the Yorkshire coast . A judicious selection
of residence alone is necessary to satisfy most conditions nf human life . Both St . Leonards and Hastings are protected from coll winds by hills behind , while the summits afford splendid views , and the valleys beneath rich varieties of scenery . Who that knows Hastings , has not revelled in Fairlight , with its Glen , Dropping Well , and Lovers' Seat . From the hill inst bevond and above it , a sea view
commands on either hand Dover Cliffs or Beaohy Head , across to Boulogne Heights , and inland as many " as 10 towns , 66 churches , 70 martello towers , 6 ancient castles , 40 windmills , and 3 bays . " Both Hastings and St . Leonards are charming in summer , and , according to some authorities , are equal to Torquay as winter residences . They are worthy of the fame they have acquired , as art
and enterprise have been added to the charms that nature has so lavishly bestowed . From Hastings the line goes upwards again to Ashford , a spur branching out at Appledore to Lydd , and now heing continued to Dangeness . From Ashford the main line goes on to Westenhauger ( where a spur shoots out to Hythe and Sandgate ) , on to Shorncliffe , Folkestone ,
aud Dover . Hythe is a sleepy little place , although at one time it was an important seaport . The sea has receded , and left , the ancient castle and harbour threo miles in ' and . The chnrch stands on high ground , and from its tower a fine view can be obtained of Romney Marsh and the sea . Parts of the structure are Roman ; the chancel , which is of rare beauty , is Early English . Underneath
js a groined crypt , skilfully designed and constructed . Ifc is of interest to the few , while to the many the enormous collection of blanched skulls , piled up in order and carefully preserved , are object * of wonder . They are said to ha over a thousand years old , and to have been collected ou the sea shore after some great battle between our ancient ancestors . The avenue of elms leading to the sea is
Holiday Haunts.
another sight to ho seen . Pretty , quiet littlo Sandgate , like Hythe , lies below Shorncliffe , a loftv eminence , on whioh an encampment haa existed since the Crimean War . A castlo was bnilt at Sandgate by Henry VIII . to whi ^ h has been added a martello tower . It is a pleasant walk from Folkestone to Sandgate along the Lees and cliffs . Inland , in the distance on the right , are the Sugar-loaf and Castle
Hills , below the thriving little watering place , and to the left the np-n sea . The South Eastern Railway Company have redeemed Folkestone from decay , and have marie it one of the pleasantest and most prosperous resorts on the coast . The town is of early date , and before the sea made encroachments it possessed some ancient monuments of niet . v and war . Little now remains to show of their
existence . Tradition gives it that . Eadbnhl , at the request of his pious daughter , Eanswitha , founded the first Nunnery in England , at Folkestone . " The anthor of Now Legends of England , " says Lambard , ' reporteth many wonders of thia woman ; and thatsh « length , ened thabeame of a bnilding three foote , when thu carpenters , missing in their , measure had made it so much too short ; that she b-iled aud
drew water over the hills and rocks against nature from Swecton , a mile off , to her oratorie at the seaside ; that she forbade certaino birdes the country , whioh before did much harm thereabouts ; that sho restored tho blinde , cast out the devil , and healed innumerable fnlkes of their infirmities ; and therefore , after her death , she was , by the policy of the Popish priestes , and follie of the common people ,
honoured for a saint . " The church stands on the top of a high cliff , at the beginning of a splendid promenade , called the Lees . From this parade the visitors look down upon the harbour and beach , and far out upon the sea , even to the coast of France , to which there is a capital service of boats . The excursions to Boulogne are an attractive feature during the season , and make a pleasant change in the
ordinary routine of seaside jaunts . The trains run down to the pier to put down and take np passengers to and from the Continent , and , judging from the progress made in a few years , the traffic between Folkestone and France will be a big thing ere long . Tho ways into the old town are steep and rugged , the streets are not attractive , but the country around is beautiful . The walk along the cliff to Dover
is one of the pleasures of the place . On the way is what used to be called the " Warren , " a charming bit of miniature Swiss scenery . The railway to Dover passes through it , and unfortunately landslips mar its beauty ; still it used to be a wonderfully pretty spot , abound , ing in surprises at every turn , and presenting a different picture at every step . The difficulties of making tho line to Folkestone were
immense , and one of the triumphs of engineering skill is the viaduct upon entering the town . It has a very light , even elegant appearance , and when a train is passing one wonders how so airy a structure can bear the weight and resist the vibration . There are many hills round about , and in the valleys are delightful bits of scenery . Churches stand out here and there , hoary with age and full of charm for the
student . At Swingfield Minnis , about four miles off , there are the remains of a Preceptory of the Knights of St . John , which formerly belonged to a Commandery of tbe Knights Templars . The air of Folkestone is salubrious and the bathing good . We have already spoken of Dover , Walmer , Deal , Ramsgate , and Margate , bnt Sandwich has been omitted . It is an ancient town , and was onco one of
the wealthiest parts of England . It cannot be called pretty , and yet there is a quaintness abont the town which interests visitors . On the line returning to Ashford is Minster , a little village full of legends . With a brief reference to this much . frequented spot we shall close this paper . Minster Abbey , as it is called , stands on the site of a Saxon foundation , which owed its origin to a curious expia .
tion of a murder committed by one Thnmor . A certain Princess , named Dorrneva , daughter of the eldest son of Eadhald , and wife to Merwodd , the son of Penda , King of Mercia , refused some presents offered to her , in consequence of the crime that had be « n committed , and with the sufferers in whom she was interested . Instead of the presents she asked the King to grant her as much land as her lame
deer " could run over at one course . The " course resulted m the acquirement of about ten thousand acres , and was the origin of the Abbey . This lady took the vow of chastity after she had borne her husband three children , and afterwards performed some extraordinary miracles . She was known by the name of St . Mildred , and forty
years after her death her body was so pure nnd incorrupt that " she seemed more like a lady in her bed than one resting in her sepulchre or grave . " We cannot follow all the monkish stories that are told in connection with Minster Abbey ; they are nevertheless characteristic of the times in which they are said to have occurred ; but tourists ought not to miss seeing it and the memorials it contains .
At a meeting of the New Forest Lodge , No . 319 , held at Lymington , on the 11 th inst ., a P . M . 's jewel was presented to the Immediate Past Master , Bro . Horton ( of Southampton , and formerly of Portsmouth ) , as a mnrk of the brethren ' s hig h , appreciation of his able services throughout the past year .
Madame Franziska Ellmenreich , an eminent German actress , ot whose talent report speaks in the highest terms , will make her debut on the English stage afc the Gaiety Theatre , at a Special Matinee , on Wednesday , the 26 th inst . Madamo Ellmenreich is said to have a wonderful command of the English tongue , and has already played in
our language in the United States , with the greatest possible snecess , in such mles as Camilla , Mario Stuart , Adrienne Lecouvrenr . & c . The American critics write of her as " a great actress , majestic and powerful , and at the same time subtle in portraying the most lelicate shades of human passion . "
Ad00502
BRO . R . HIRST engages to provide , at short notice , an efficient Band for Annual Banquets , Dinners , Excursions and Quadrille Parties , i'or terms apply to " R , Hirst , The Three Crowns , 237 Mile End Road , E . "
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Holiday Haunts.
" When the court , soon after the Restoration , visited Tunbridge Wells there was no town ; but within a mile of the springs , rustic cottages somewhat cleaner and neater than ordinary cottages of that time were scattered over the heath . Some of these cabins were moveable and were carried on sledges from one part of the common to another To these huts men of fashion , wearied bv the din and smoke o
London , sometimes came in the summer to breathe fresh air , and to catch a glimpse of rural life . During the season a kind of fair was held daily near the fountain . The wives and danghters of the Kentish farmers came from the neighbouring villages with cream , cherries , wheatears , and quails ; To chaff with them , to flirt with them , to praise their straw hats and tight heels , was a refreshing
pastime to voluptuaries , sick of the airs of actresses and maids of honour . Milliners , toymen , and jewellers came down from London and opened a bazaar nnder the trees . In one booth the politician might find his coffee and the London Gazette ; in another were gamblers , playing deep at basset ; and on fine evenings the fH'lera wero in attendance , and there were morris dances on the elastic turf
of the bowling green . " A wonderful change has come over the scene since that time , and now Tunbridge Wells , if nnt honoured with the presence of royalty , is visited by the aristocracy , for whom every provision is made . It is a fashionable town now , with its pump room , shaded streets , and beautiful walks . The common is a favourite resort , and the " grove" just the place to escape from the
heat of the sun . Tunbridge Wells is said to be a modern counter , part of what Jerusalem was . Whether the comparison is correct or not , we cannot say , bnt the groups of houses are named after a sur . rounding hill , such as Mount Ephraim , Mount Zion , and Mount Plea . Bant . From some of these hills fine views are obtained . Although " Bladud" is absent , Tunbridge Wells is not without " a
legend . The water of the springs * is powerfully tonic , of a steely taste , owing , it is said , to the devil having cooled his no *© in ft after St . Dnnstan ' s attack with the hot tongues . Some beautiful walks and drives in the locality add to the charm of the place ; there are also many gentlemen's seats round about , and the rnins of Bayham Abbey , linking the past with the present . Continuing on the line
southwards , Battle is reached . Here William the Norman met Harold , King of England , and defeated him . The conflict was a bloody one , and the issue one of the most momentous in the history of the country . About a year after the battle William founded an Abbey in commemoration of his victory . The precincts of the Abbey were a mile in circuit , and the buildings were on a
magnificent scale . The foundation was liberally endowed , and the exemptions and privileges granted were extraordinary . The Abbev shared thp fate of other similar establishments at the time of the Dissolution of Monasteries , bnt the ruins still left indicate , the character of the structure , and mark them as objects of profound interest to the archaeologist . There is a tradition to the effec' that the Roll of
Battle Abbey was preserved in the crypt of what was believed to be the hnll in which the tenants of the Abbev wore entertained . The hall has been converted into a barn , but its Pointed windows , and the vaulted crypt beneath , with elegant , pillars nnd arches , are sources of attraction . Authorities are divided in opinion ahnnt the Roll , some stating that when the Montague family sold Battle
Abbey they removed ittnCowdray , of which we have already spoken . When Cowdray House was de-troyed by fire , in 1793 , it is supposed that the Roll perished in the flames , that is , if it ever existed . Experts may speculate upon doubtful points ; the ordinary tourist will find enough to interest him in the ruins of Battle Abbey without following their example A few miles further on are
St . Leonards and Hastings , separately named , bnt joined together by bricks nnd mortar . The former may be considered a modern , though beautiful and aristocratic suburb of ancient Hastings . The latter place existed far back in the mists of time , which no new light has yet dispelled . Its known history , however , is sufficiently interesting to attiact visitors , to keep them , and to make a repetition of their
sojourn desirable . Tbe ruins of the castle , perched hundreds of feet above the sea level , with its associations , alone command attention . In addition , there are the disposition of the hnnses , the walks , nnd sea , and country views unsurpassed on the Sussex coast . Almost nny climate can be commanded at Hastings , from the warm and relaxing , to the invigorating air of the Yorkshire coast . A judicious selection
of residence alone is necessary to satisfy most conditions nf human life . Both St . Leonards and Hastings are protected from coll winds by hills behind , while the summits afford splendid views , and the valleys beneath rich varieties of scenery . Who that knows Hastings , has not revelled in Fairlight , with its Glen , Dropping Well , and Lovers' Seat . From the hill inst bevond and above it , a sea view
commands on either hand Dover Cliffs or Beaohy Head , across to Boulogne Heights , and inland as many " as 10 towns , 66 churches , 70 martello towers , 6 ancient castles , 40 windmills , and 3 bays . " Both Hastings and St . Leonards are charming in summer , and , according to some authorities , are equal to Torquay as winter residences . They are worthy of the fame they have acquired , as art
and enterprise have been added to the charms that nature has so lavishly bestowed . From Hastings the line goes upwards again to Ashford , a spur branching out at Appledore to Lydd , and now heing continued to Dangeness . From Ashford the main line goes on to Westenhauger ( where a spur shoots out to Hythe and Sandgate ) , on to Shorncliffe , Folkestone ,
aud Dover . Hythe is a sleepy little place , although at one time it was an important seaport . The sea has receded , and left , the ancient castle and harbour threo miles in ' and . The chnrch stands on high ground , and from its tower a fine view can be obtained of Romney Marsh and the sea . Parts of the structure are Roman ; the chancel , which is of rare beauty , is Early English . Underneath
js a groined crypt , skilfully designed and constructed . Ifc is of interest to the few , while to the many the enormous collection of blanched skulls , piled up in order and carefully preserved , are object * of wonder . They are said to ha over a thousand years old , and to have been collected ou the sea shore after some great battle between our ancient ancestors . The avenue of elms leading to the sea is
Holiday Haunts.
another sight to ho seen . Pretty , quiet littlo Sandgate , like Hythe , lies below Shorncliffe , a loftv eminence , on whioh an encampment haa existed since the Crimean War . A castlo was bnilt at Sandgate by Henry VIII . to whi ^ h has been added a martello tower . It is a pleasant walk from Folkestone to Sandgate along the Lees and cliffs . Inland , in the distance on the right , are the Sugar-loaf and Castle
Hills , below the thriving little watering place , and to the left the np-n sea . The South Eastern Railway Company have redeemed Folkestone from decay , and have marie it one of the pleasantest and most prosperous resorts on the coast . The town is of early date , and before the sea made encroachments it possessed some ancient monuments of niet . v and war . Little now remains to show of their
existence . Tradition gives it that . Eadbnhl , at the request of his pious daughter , Eanswitha , founded the first Nunnery in England , at Folkestone . " The anthor of Now Legends of England , " says Lambard , ' reporteth many wonders of thia woman ; and thatsh « length , ened thabeame of a bnilding three foote , when thu carpenters , missing in their , measure had made it so much too short ; that she b-iled aud
drew water over the hills and rocks against nature from Swecton , a mile off , to her oratorie at the seaside ; that she forbade certaino birdes the country , whioh before did much harm thereabouts ; that sho restored tho blinde , cast out the devil , and healed innumerable fnlkes of their infirmities ; and therefore , after her death , she was , by the policy of the Popish priestes , and follie of the common people ,
honoured for a saint . " The church stands on the top of a high cliff , at the beginning of a splendid promenade , called the Lees . From this parade the visitors look down upon the harbour and beach , and far out upon the sea , even to the coast of France , to which there is a capital service of boats . The excursions to Boulogne are an attractive feature during the season , and make a pleasant change in the
ordinary routine of seaside jaunts . The trains run down to the pier to put down and take np passengers to and from the Continent , and , judging from the progress made in a few years , the traffic between Folkestone and France will be a big thing ere long . Tho ways into the old town are steep and rugged , the streets are not attractive , but the country around is beautiful . The walk along the cliff to Dover
is one of the pleasures of the place . On the way is what used to be called the " Warren , " a charming bit of miniature Swiss scenery . The railway to Dover passes through it , and unfortunately landslips mar its beauty ; still it used to be a wonderfully pretty spot , abound , ing in surprises at every turn , and presenting a different picture at every step . The difficulties of making tho line to Folkestone were
immense , and one of the triumphs of engineering skill is the viaduct upon entering the town . It has a very light , even elegant appearance , and when a train is passing one wonders how so airy a structure can bear the weight and resist the vibration . There are many hills round about , and in the valleys are delightful bits of scenery . Churches stand out here and there , hoary with age and full of charm for the
student . At Swingfield Minnis , about four miles off , there are the remains of a Preceptory of the Knights of St . John , which formerly belonged to a Commandery of tbe Knights Templars . The air of Folkestone is salubrious and the bathing good . We have already spoken of Dover , Walmer , Deal , Ramsgate , and Margate , bnt Sandwich has been omitted . It is an ancient town , and was onco one of
the wealthiest parts of England . It cannot be called pretty , and yet there is a quaintness abont the town which interests visitors . On the line returning to Ashford is Minster , a little village full of legends . With a brief reference to this much . frequented spot we shall close this paper . Minster Abbey , as it is called , stands on the site of a Saxon foundation , which owed its origin to a curious expia .
tion of a murder committed by one Thnmor . A certain Princess , named Dorrneva , daughter of the eldest son of Eadhald , and wife to Merwodd , the son of Penda , King of Mercia , refused some presents offered to her , in consequence of the crime that had be « n committed , and with the sufferers in whom she was interested . Instead of the presents she asked the King to grant her as much land as her lame
deer " could run over at one course . The " course resulted m the acquirement of about ten thousand acres , and was the origin of the Abbey . This lady took the vow of chastity after she had borne her husband three children , and afterwards performed some extraordinary miracles . She was known by the name of St . Mildred , and forty
years after her death her body was so pure nnd incorrupt that " she seemed more like a lady in her bed than one resting in her sepulchre or grave . " We cannot follow all the monkish stories that are told in connection with Minster Abbey ; they are nevertheless characteristic of the times in which they are said to have occurred ; but tourists ought not to miss seeing it and the memorials it contains .
At a meeting of the New Forest Lodge , No . 319 , held at Lymington , on the 11 th inst ., a P . M . 's jewel was presented to the Immediate Past Master , Bro . Horton ( of Southampton , and formerly of Portsmouth ) , as a mnrk of the brethren ' s hig h , appreciation of his able services throughout the past year .
Madame Franziska Ellmenreich , an eminent German actress , ot whose talent report speaks in the highest terms , will make her debut on the English stage afc the Gaiety Theatre , at a Special Matinee , on Wednesday , the 26 th inst . Madamo Ellmenreich is said to have a wonderful command of the English tongue , and has already played in
our language in the United States , with the greatest possible snecess , in such mles as Camilla , Mario Stuart , Adrienne Lecouvrenr . & c . The American critics write of her as " a great actress , majestic and powerful , and at the same time subtle in portraying the most lelicate shades of human passion . "
Ad00502
BRO . R . HIRST engages to provide , at short notice , an efficient Band for Annual Banquets , Dinners , Excursions and Quadrille Parties , i'or terms apply to " R , Hirst , The Three Crowns , 237 Mile End Road , E . "