In a Letter which I wrote to a friend, about two months ago, after commending his mode of doing good-silent, steady, uniform, and unostentatious and contrasting it with those wild and extravagant schemes of philanthropy and benevolence, that so much abound in our days; I adverted to "Bible Societies," and the noise and commotion which they had so generally excited, and then added as follows: 66 Having completely succeeded (as I think I am warranted in saying) in my engagement, by the help of Providence, to detect and put down that most insolent and unprincipled Quaker, Joseph Lancaster, with his noisy party and seditious adherents; I would now, with equal pleasure and confidence of success, undertake by the same aid to write down what are termed Bible Societies,' were it not that I fear to offend, or shock the feelings of those numerous, worthy, and pious, but weak and credulous persons, who, according to custom, have become the dupes of a crafty, insidious faction; and who, in the warmth of their zeal, might be tempted to charge me with impiety and blasphemy; as despising that which is good, and as labouring to oppose the spread of the Bible,' and the promulgation of the blessed Gospel.' 6 "But while I most solemnly and utterly disclaim all views of this na ture, and every thing bordering thereon, or tending thereto; while my soul abhors and shudders at the bare idea of such imputations;-still, I can, in the language of truth and soberness, although with a mixed emotion of indignation and sorrow, take upon me to affirm, that, in the present day, The Spread of the Bible' is, with wicked and designing men of all descriptions, merely the specious it bath ever been the deepest policy of a villain, to counterfeit Religion. "As to those trumpery, farcical,and pantomimical exhibitions that are daily played off in London, and too frequently in the country-in churches or playhouses, alehouses or mansionhouses, prisons or shambles, barns or booths-no matter where-which attract all the idle, silly women of the vicinity, who have no children to attend, nor any stockings to darn at home; and all the equally idle and silly men, who happened rather to prefer, or to judge themselves more at home in a lounge of this description, than one in Bond-street or the contiguous Mall-the actors and exhibitors, all the while, as idle, if not as simple as themselves ;—these very ridiculous displays, I say, with the infinity of whimsically add and quaint novel denominations, such as branch, district, parent, penny-week, auxiliary, &c. &c. which these religious coxcombs give to their associationsnot forgetting the never wanting, never varying finale of clamorous begging upon every occasion-are rather to be bantered than reasoned against-or, considered, at best, in the light of flebile ludibrium, may serve to blend the sigh of concern with the smile of contempt, in the breasts of all judicious, reflecting, and truly pious men. "But Jam satis. Oh! miseras hominum mentes! Oh! pectora cæca !" Thus far my Letter to my Friend, Mr. Urban, which I submit to you as supplementary to Mr. B.'s Review, and as declaratory of my own sentiments on the subject to which the Review relates. Yours, &c. Mr. URBAN, ALPHA. Oct. 5. from tence and the significant war-hoop of T feat wi an old pocket-book may be thought applicable at the distance of 99 years: "In 1719 it was a very dry somer, and the drought begun before May-day, and did hold till the 5th day of November, and then it rained all day, and there was a big-bellied cow was somered with Will Chaplin, and she cost 21 shillings, and at Micklemas was sold for 8 shillings, and calv'd at Martlemas after." A SEND you a View of the handsome Tower of Beminster Chapel, Dorsetshire (see the Frontispiece to the present Volume), drawn by the accurate pencil of Mr. J. Buckler, F.S.A. The Chapel is dedicated to the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and is dependent on the mother Church of Netherbury. ret. Beminster Chapel is a handsome, though not splendid building. It consists of a body with North and South ailes, a chancel, with an aile or chapel attached to the North side, a porch on the South side of the body, and a magnificent tower at the West end. This tower is the chief object of admiration. It is near 100 feet high, and extremely well proportioned, consisting of three stories, with double buttresses at the angles, enriched with niches towards the basement, and terminating with small angular shafts, which do not rise above the battlements, but originally supported pinnacles. At the North-west angle is an octagonal stair-case turThe West-front of the tower exhibits a design and variety of decoration peculiarly handsome. In the basement story is a plain, heavy-pointed door, and a large window, the tracery of which has been altered in the head of the arch. A band or cornice of enriched quatrefoils extends round the fronts and sides of the tower at the springing of the arch of the door; and a similar cornice above the window divides the stories. The second or middle story contains a small square window, having over it a large niche with smaller ones containing figures at the sides, beneath, an elegant niche and detached pannels and pinnacles, which form altogether a very handsome design. In each side of the upper story are two lofty windows; above which are the cornice and battlements, the latter containing perforated quatrefoils. The tower contains eight bells, and a clock and chimes. It may be remarked that this tower bears a great resemblance to the towers of Somersetshire Churches; and being contiguous to that county, it is very probable that if it did not owe its extreme beauty to the cause which raised so many noble and magGENT. MAG. January, 1819. nificent structures in the neighbourhood, it was built at that period *. The font is very ancient, and resembles a peculiar kind of Saxon capital, the bason part being square, ornamented with four arched pannels on each side, and sloping to a circular shaft and base. For the numerous epitaphs in the Chapel, I must refer your Readers to the new and much improved edition of Hutchins's "History of Dorsetshire," vol. I. p. 452. Yours, &c. N. R. S. Mr. URBAN, Dec. 17, 1818. Cornwall" is surprised to observe that Trelawny, the seat of Sir Henry Trelawny, bart. is omitted in the Compendium of the History of Cornwall: "This most ancient and respectable family not being mentioned is unaccountable. It is extraordinary that Bishop Buller should be named, and bis grandfather, Sir Jonathan Trelawny, omitted, absolutely one of the Seven Bishops."-Trelawny-house is inserted among the "Seats," and "Sir Jonathan Trelawny, Bishop of Winchester, in the "Biography" of Cornwall. In your Number for last June, "Biographicus," who obligingly rectifies an error in the "Peerage," adds, "In the Biography the writer omits Jeremy Taylor, Bp. of Down and Connor, who was a native of Cambridge.' Jeremy Taylor, Bp. of Down and Connor," is inserted in the "Biography" of " Cambridge +." Most probably your two Correspondents have merely read the Addenda to the Counties of Cornwall and Cambridge, without taking the trouble of looking at the original summaries. I feel persuaded that there must be many inaccuracies and occasional omissions in all the Compendiums, and particularly in the "Seats," from the constant change of proprietors, by death, sale, or otherwise. Being fond of the subject, I was desirous of entering into it; but, owing to my dis * In 1503, a legacy was given towards building the new tower here, which probably marks its age. + See vol. LXXXVI. ii. 415, 507. tance tance from any public library, and the small collection of books I possess, I have not the means of doing much. However, encouraged by your insertion of my communications, I am induced to persevere. I sincerely hope that your Correspondents, in future will confine their animadversions to real errors, and not charge me with omitting what was actually inserted. BYRO. Yours, &c. COMPENDIUM OF COUNTY HISTORY. NORTHUMBERLAND, including BERWICK-UPON-TWEED. O ye Northumbrian shades, which overlook AKENSIDE, who wrote the first copy of his " Pleasures SITUATION AND EXTENT. Boundaries. North, detached part of Durham and Scotland: East, German Ocean South, Durham: West, Cumberland. Greatest length 64; greatest breadth 48; circumference 225; square 1809 miles. Province, York. Diocese, Durham, excepting four parishes, Allondale, Hexham, St. John Lee, and Throckington, in York. Circuit, Northern. ANTIENT STATE AND REMAINS. British Inhabitants. Ottadini, Gadeni, and Brigantes. Roman Province. Maxima Cæsariensis. Stations. Esica, Great Chesters: Borcovicus, House-steads: Bremenium, Rochester; Cilurnum, East Chesters: Condurcum, Benwell: Corstopitum, Corchester: Habitancum, Risingham Hunnum, Halton-Chesters: Magna, Caervoran: Pons Elii, Newcastle: Procolitia, Carrowbrugh: Segedunum, Walls-end: Vindobala, Rutchester: Vindolana, Little Chesters. Saxon Heptarchy. Northumbria. Antiquities. Roman or "Picts" Wall, with numerous Roman earth-works, buildings, and inscriptions at the stations abovementioned, particularly at House-steads, called by Dr. Stukeley the Palmyra of Britain.-Entrenchments of Black Dykes, Bolam; Castel Banks, Castle-hill, Clinch and Ingram circular camps, Green-castle, Hairlaw camp, Maiden-castle, Old Rothbury, Outchester, Spindeston, Trodden Gares, Whalton camp, Whitchester, and Whitby castle.-Three Stone-burn Druidical circle, 38 yards in diameter.-Castles of Alnwick, Ayden, Bamborough, Bellingham, Bellister, Berwick, Blenkinsop, Bothal, Cartington, Dunstanbrough, Edlingham, Etal, Featherstonehaugh, Harbottle, Hepple, Horton, Houghton, Langley, Morpeth, Mitford, Newcastle, Ogle, Prudhoe, Shewing-shields, Stawardle-peel, Thirlwall, Tynemouth, Warkworth, Werk, and Widdrington.-Towers of Berwick (bell), Callaby (West), Cockle-park, Cockley, Halton, Hexham, Lilburn, Lough-horsley, Seghill, Welton, Witton, and Wooler.-Abbeys of Alnwick, Blancheland, and Hulne. Priories of Brinkburn, Hexham, and Tynemouth. Churches of Hexham, St. Andrew, and St. Nicholas Newcastle. Seaton Delaval chapel. Rothbury font. Blackfriars Monastery, Newcastle. Elsden rectory house. Warkworth hermitage. Monk's stone near Monkseaton. Burrowden-house. Alnwick was the second abbey of the Premonstrateusians in England (the first was at Newhouse in Lincolnshire), and was founded by Eustace de Vescy in 1147. Its abbots were frequently summoned. to Parliament. Hexham was an episcopal see from 674 to 821. In its beautiful church are the tombs of Alfwald King of Northumberland 788, and its prior Richard of of Hexham, historian, 1190. The parish containing 8 townships, ranked as a county palatine, till 33 Henry VIII. Hulne and Aylesford in Kent were the first houses of Carmelite or Whitefriars in this kingdom. Hulne abbey was founded by John Fresburn, a Carmelite, brought over by Lord John Vescy in 1240. John Bale, the biogra pher, resided and composed his works at this place. The steeple of St. Nicholas church, Newcastle, extremely light and ele gant, is built in the shape of an imperial crown, and is 194 feet high. In the old library of this church is the Bible of Hexham priory, a splendidly illuminated MS. about 600 years old. In Tynemouth priory had sepulture Oswin the martyred king of Northumbria, its patron saint, 652; Malcolm king of Scotland, and his son Ed ward 1093. PRESENT STATE AND REMAINS. Rivers. Allen East and West, Alne, Alwain, Blythe, Bovent, Brennich, Cherlop, Coquet, Cor, Derwent, Dill or Devil's beck, Erringburn, Font, Glen, Hart, Hestild, Hoc, Irthing, Knare, Line, Nent, Otter, Perop, Pont, Rede, Ridley, Ridland, Seaton, Shele, Till, Tippal, TWEED, TYNE North and South, Wansbeck.-The name of the province of Bernicia, which with Deira formed the kingdom of Northumbria, was derived from the river Brennich, on which is the cataract called Linhope spout, a fall of 56 feet. Inland Navigation. Blythe and Tyne rivers. Lakes. Kim-mere. Eland. Eminences and Views. The Cheviot chain. Aumond. The Bannocks, Bilden bill, Black-tree, Borcum-hill, Byres fell, Camp hill, Catcleuch, Chattlehope, Clinch bill, Cocklaw, Dale-castle, Earls seat, Ellis craig, Flodden hill, Fox craig, Glanton pike, Glassen-hope, Harnham hill, Hanging Shaw, Harwood moor, Hawk-hope, Hedge-hope, Ingram hill, Leam beacon, Mote law, Newton tor, Ottercaps, Plin Meller, Red-squire, Rosedon edge, Samyel craig, Scotch Coltherd, Silverton mountain, Snow-hope, Tindale fell, Tinney hill, Two pikes, Warkworth castle, White-squire, Yevering bell. Natural Curiosities. Bates and Coquet islands. The Farn-islets. Eglingham, Halliwell, Snowbope and Thurston medicinal waters. Halystone and Jesmond Holywells. Wild cattle in Chillingham park. Public Edifices. Alawick Town hall, built 1731; Clock-house, built 1786; Free-school, rebuilt 1741; Lancastrian-school, founded 1810; shambles.— Berwick Town hall, built 1754, its turret 150 feet high, architect, Dodd; Bridge 15 arches, 1014 feet long and 17 broad, finished 1634, architects Burrel and Braxton, cost 24,9601.: Pier: Barracks: Fortifications: Schools. Coquet and Fern islands Light-houses.-Haydon bridge, 5 arches: School: Hospitals.-Morpeth Town-house built 1714: County gaol.-Newcastle Exchange and Guildhall, finished 1658, architect Trollop, cost 10,000l.: Mansion-house, rebuilt 1691, cost 60007.: All Saints church, circular, Stephenson architect, cost 27,0001. County Courts, founded 1810, Stokoe architect: Infirmary, founded 1751; Bridge, 9 arches, 300 feet long, finished 1781 Assembly Rooms, erected 1776, Newton architect, cost 6,7017.; Freeman's Hospital, erected 1681; Keelman's Hospital, built 1701, cost 20001. Lunatic Asylum: Royal Jubilee school: Butcher market: Baths: Theatre, opened 1788.-North Shields, 2 Light-houses: Clifford's fort.Seaton-sluice harbour. Seats. Alnwick and Keelder castles, Duke of Northumberland, Lord Lieutenant of the County. Adderstone-hall, C. B. Forster, esq. Causey-park, W. O. W. Ogle, esq. Ogle, esq. Cornhill-house, Henry Collingwood, esq. Craster, Shaftoe Craster, esq. Ellingham, Thomas Huggerston, esq. Ewart, Sir H. D. C. St. Paul, bart. Felton-hall, Ralph Riddel, esq. Gosforth-house, J. C. Brandling, esq. Haggerston, Sir Carnaby Haggerston, bt. Clennel, esq. Houghton castle, William Smith, esq. Humshaugh, late H. Richmond, esq. Kirkley, Ogle, esq. Lemmington, Nicholas Fenwick, esq. Rev. Henry Wastell. Newton Low, Marmaduke Gray, esq. Ellis, esq. Pallinsburn, G. A. Askew, esq. Park-end, Thomas Ridley, esq. Paston, Ridley-hall, Selby, esq. Lowes, esq. Roddam, late Admiral Roddam. Sandho, Edw. Charlton, esq. Thomas Huggenton, esq. Seaton Delaval, E. H. Delaval, esq. Shawden, William Hargrave, esq. Stagshaw Close house, G. Gibson, esq. Peerage. Alnwick barony to Percy Earl of Beverley: Howick viscounty to Grey Earl Grey, who is also Baron Grey de Howick Morpeth viscounty to Howard Earl of Carlisle: Northumberland dukedom and earldom and Warkworth barony to Percy: Prudhoe barony to Percy: Redesdale barony to Mitford: Tynedale barony to Scott Duke of Buccleuch in Scotland.Of Belford, Graham, earldom to Graham Duke of Montrose in Scotland.Of Etal, Ros barony to Manners Duke of Rutland. Members to Parliament: for the county 2, Berwick-upon-Tweed 2, Morpeth 2, Newcastle-upon-Tyne 2, total 8. Produce. COAL, lead, zinc, limestone, free-stone, whinstone, marle, corn, sheep, cattle, salmon. Manufactures. Colliery machines, the first steam-engine in this county was erected at, Byker, in 1714: the coal-pit at Willington is 280 yards deep. -Coal-tar; the first apparatus for extracting tar from pit-coal was established at Scotchwood near Lemmington by Lord Dundonald.-Ship-building; cordage; glass; iron; steel; copperas; white lead; pottery; soda; paper; leather; gloves; hats; and cotton. POPULATION. Wards 6; Parishes 82; Market Towns 13; Houses 29,384. Families employed in Agriculture 10,945; in Trade 16,547; in neither 10,251; total 37,743. Baptisms: Males 2109; Females 2049.—Marriages 1,201.-Burials: Males 1582; Females 1521. Places |