wire, which we shall call, for brevity's sake, | conducting wire which receives the negative | of the wire is made to communicate with the the conducting wire, and we shall designate electricity of the apparatus, declines then the effect which manifests itself in and about towards the east. this conductor during the Voltaic action, by the epithet of electric conflict. In that which we have just supposed the magnetic needle will move, so that under that part of the conducting wire which is the nearest to the negative pole of the apparatus, it will decline towards the west. In order more easily to call to mind these results, they may be reduced to this formula; viz.. that "the pole above which the negative electricity enters declines to the west; and to the east if it enters below it.” positive side of the apparatus, and its western branch with the negative side, the nearest pole is attracted. When the plane of the branches of the wire is perpendicular to the needle in a point equidistant from the centre and from the pole, the same effects follow, but in inverse directions. A needle of brass, suspended in the same manner as one of steel, is not put in motion by the influence of the conducting wire. It is the same with a needle made of glass, or of guin lac. Let us now take a cursory view of the ensemble of these phenomena. Suppose now that the rectilineous part of this wire be horizontal, and placed above and parallel to the needle of a compass, freely suspended. The apparatus must besides be If the conducting wire (always supposed constituted in such a manner, that the con-horizontal) is gradually turned so as to form ducting wire may be bent at pleasure, to a larger or smaller angle with the magnetic give to its active part the position which the meridian, the declination of the magnetic experiment requires. needle augments if the motion of the wire tends towards the place of the needle; it diminishes, on the contrary, if it recedes from it. The electric conflict acts only on the magWhen the conducting wire (being horizon-netic particles of matter. All non-magnetic tal) is rendered parallel to the needle (ba- bodies are permeable to the electric conflict; If the wire is not more than three quarters lanced by a little running or counter weight), but magnetic bodies, or more properly of an inch from the needle, the declination it does not make it decline either to the speaking, the magnetic particles of these of the latter makes an angle of about forty-east or to the west, but it inclines it in a ver- bodies, resist the passage of this conflict, so five degrees. If this distance is augmented tical plane, so that the pole next to which that they may be set in motion by the acthe angle decreases in proportion. The ab- the negative action of the pile affects the tion of those forces, which combat each solute quantity of this deviation varies ac- wire, is depressed when the wire is situated other. cordingly as the apparatus is more or less on the west side, and elevated when it is powerful. situated on the east side.|| If the conducting wire is placed either above or below the needle, in a plane perpendicular to the magnetic meridian, the needle remains at rest, unless the wire be very near to the pole of the needle, for then the pole rises when the entrance (of the electricity) takes place by the western part of the wire, and sinks when it takes place by the eastern side. It appears from the facts related, that the electric conflict is not confined within the conducting wire, but that it has a sphere of activity of some extent round it. You may change the direction of the conducting wire towards the east or towards the west, provided it remains parallel to the needle, without any change in the result, except with respect to its extent; whence it follows that the effect cannot be attributed to attraction; for the same pole of the needle which approaches to the conducting wire when it is on the east side, ought to recede from it when it is placed on the west side, if these declinations depended upon attrac-pendicularly opposite to the pole of the nee-But such is the nature of the circular action, We may also conclude, from these observations, that this conflict acts in a rotatory manner; for without this supposition, we could not comprehend how the same portion of the conducting wire, which, when placed below the magnetic pole, carries the needle towards the east, should propel it towards the west when it is above this pole. dle, and the upper extremity of the wire re- that the motions which it produces take place ceives the electricity from the negative side in directions precisely contrary at the two of the apparatus, the pole of the needle extremities of the same diameter. It apmoves towards the east; but if the wire is pears also that the circular motion, combinplaced opposite a point between the pole et with the progressive motion, in the diand the middle of the needle, it moves to-rection of the length of the conducting wire, wards the west. The phenomena appear must form a species of action which exerts in an inverse order when the upper itself about this wire as an axis. This extremity of the conducting wire receives remark, however, does not at all contribute the electricity of the positive side of the ap- to explain the phenomena observed. paratus. tions or repulsions. The conductor may be composed of several wires or fillets united in a faisceau. The kind of metal employed does not change the effect, but it may perhaps have some influence on its extent. We have employed, with equal success, wire of platina, gold, silver, brass, and iron, fillets of lead, of pewter, and of mercury. When the circuit is interrupted by water, the conductor does not lose its whole effect, unless the interruption takes place for a space of several inches. The effect of the conducting wire on the magnetic needle takes place through glass, metals, wood, water, resin, vessels of baked earth, and stony substances. All these substances interposed between the conductor and the needle, do not appear sensibly to diminish the influence of the one on the other. It is the same if you interpose between them the disc of an electrophorus, a band of porphyry, a saucer full of water. It is not necessary to remark, that the passage of electricity, whether common or Voltaic, through those divers substances, had not been yet observed. Thus the effects which manifest themselves in the electric conflict, are very different from those which the action of either pole, considered separately, can produce. If the conducting wire is disposed horizontally below the needle, the effects are of the same nature as those which take place when it is above it; but they are produced in an inverse direction, that is to say, the pole of the needle below which is that part of the When you place the conducting wire per All the effects, which have just been reIf you bend the conducting wire, so as to lated with respect to the north pole of the render the two parts parallel, after bend-needle, will be easily explained by supposing them it repels or attracts the two mag-ing, that the negatively electric force on netic poles, according to circumstances. If matter traverses a spiral, bending from left the wire be placed relatively to either of the to right, that it propels the north pole, and poles of the needle, so that the vertical plane which separates the two parallel sides of the wire be perpendicular to the magnetic meridian, and if then the eastern branch of the wire be joined to the negative extremity of the apparatus, and the western branch to the positive extremity, then the nearest pole of the needle will be seen to be repelled towards the east, or towards the west, according to the situation of the plane of the branches. When the eastern branch This is not very clear: the Latin runs thus: “Filum conjungens in plano horizontali in quo movetur acus magnetica, ope sacomatis equili orientem, nec occidentem versus deterbat, sed brata situm, et acui parallelum, eandem nec tantummodo in plano inclinationis nutare fecit; ita ut polus, penes quem ingreditur vis negative electrica deprimatur, quando ad latus occidentale, et elevatur quando ad orientale, situm est." that it does not act on the south pole. In the same manner we shall explain the effects on this latter, by giving to this force, or to this negatively electric matter, a motion in a contrary direction, and the faculty of acting on the south pole and not upon the north pole. The agreement of this law with the facts observed will be better comprehended by repeating the experiments, than by endeavouring to develope the explanation more at length. It would have been rendered clearer if the aid of figures could have been used, to point out the directions of the electric forces about the conducting wire. I shall add only one remark: in a work published several years ago, I demonstrated that caloric and light composed the electric conflict. We may legitimately conclude from the observations which I have just re 5. France filled with love presents a new born infant at the altar-the legend is very appropriate and affecting" Tu Carolus Matri, nobis Henricus." At 11 o'clock, on the 29th Sept. the annexed brief petition was presented to Monsieur." Monseigneur, ma femme est accouchée cette nuit à la meme heure que madame la duchesss de Berri. Nous sommes bien pauvres!"-The immediate reply was a present of 1200 francs. The following anecdote is also worthy of preservation : It was still dark when the order was given to notify the auspicious birth of the young Quatre-ah, grand Dieu! cinq., sir-comme le prince to the inhabitants of the capital. It cœur nous bat! Sept-console-nous. . huit-de l'horrible attentat. Neuf.. D'un bon peuple-dia-exance la prière! Onze du plus beau jour fais briller la lumière: Douse-quel effroi treize !..d France! l'en tends-tu ? L'enfer nous prit Berri, le ciel nous l'a rendu. The next verse is from a piece, by M. Le jour est plus beau, l'air plus pur, De pourpre et de lis revêtu, was observed to the Duc de Richelieu, that it might perhaps be better to wait for the break of day to fire the cannon; to which he replied " For news so glorious, it is break of day at all hours." A divertissement, entitled "Dames de Bordeaux," De-casion at the Theatre des Variétés. It con," has been produced on the ocsists chiefly of complimentary verses of the Dames of the Halle, on presenting a cradle to the Duchess de Berri, and was of course loudly applauded. At the Porte St. Martin a similar piece, called "Paris, le 29 Septembre 1820," has been got up. The subjoined specimen is also pretty-it belongs to a poem by a M. Théaulon. Viens mon luth, et que ce jour célèbre T'arrache enfin au silence, à l'oubli. Dépouille-toi de ce voile funèbre Où ma douleur t'avait enseveli. Que notre deuil se pare d'espérance! Dans l'avenir, pour nous, rien n'est perdu, Chantons encore les Bourbons et la France... Berri nous est rendu !!! The journals, and other periodicals, are illed with tributes of this kind. Among the medals struck on the occasion are these ;1. Crane presenting the young prince to Esculapius, that his health may be preserved and his life prolonged. Minerva covers him with her shield. The legend "Le Prince est ne, nos vœux sont exaues" On the reverse, the portraits of the Duke and Duchess of Board surrounded by a wreath of immortality. THE DRAMA. COVENT GARDEN. Cymbeline.-On Wednesday the play of Cymbeline was revived at this theatre; and although Charles Kemble and Macready were, for the first time, the Leonatus Posthumus and lachimo; yea, and though Farley was the Cloten, and we verily believe, one Mr. Norris the Doctor Cornélius, it seemeth that but for its allusions to the politics of the day, this drama would not have been ravished from its meritorious quietude. It is not for us to maintain that Mr. Brougham's quoting is not not a sufficient reason for Mr. Harris's acting; since they are both excellent managers, and know very well what they are about. But we do with great humility conceive, that it is a dangerous and foolish thing in the director of a place of entertainment, to deviate "so mainly from "the purpose of playing, (whose end both at the first and now, was and is, to hold as 'twere the mirror up to nature; to show Virtue her own feature, Scorn her own image," &c.), as to take any hint from the present exhibition in another house, under the notion of thereby pleasing the public. In sober truth, it is an unbecoming thing to seek for occasion to introduce party squabbles into the theatre; and Re-we are surprized that Covent Garden, hitherto so free from that reproach, should have fallen into the ill-judged practice. There is nothing in Cymbeline itself to induce its revival. The beautiful passages, which are probably Shakspeare's, and the lovely simplicity of feminine character in Imogen, are only delectable in the closet, and the drama must for ever remain one ineffective in representation. The plot, or rather implication of several plots, is artificial; the developement of character bizarre and imperfect; 2. The head of the young prince, with his names, titles, and date of his birth. The reverse, an anchor shaded by a young lily, plant rises majestically on the left: legend, "Present du Ciel." 3. Heads of the father and mother verse, the infant in his cradle, strangling, like the young Hercules, a horrible serpent with each hand. The surrounding motto, "Fata aspera Vinus.” 4. Heads as in the foregoing, but the reverse has, instead of the babe, an emblem of him, a new-blown lily at the foot of the throne, both protected by the Egide of the tutelary Genius of France. The legend is, "Vivez pour le servir, mourez pour le défendre." the manners and sentiments unsuited to the era to which the story belongs; the incidents improbable; the mass of the dialogue below the level of poetry; and even where poetical (as in the beginning and end of Iachimo's soliloquy in the bed room of Imogen) marred for delivery by the circumstances in which the actor is placed. Accordingly the play went off very heavily, and as it was merely meant to catch the effervescence of the moment, no pains were taken to produce appropriate scenery and decorations. The landscapes presented the old exotic-covered canvas, whereon flowers flourished unknown to Britain for a thousand years posterior to the date of Cymbeline; and the worthy king's wife, daughter, and courtiers, were dressed respectively in glossy play-house satin, Glasgow muslin, and bespangled embroidery! Cloten's serenaders were wrapt in the dominos of the maskers in Romeo and Juliet, and every thing belonging to betrayed but too plainly, that the ground these Britons of the age of Augustus Caesar, upon which Cymbeline was brought forward at this period was one beneath the credit of a respectable theatre to proceed upon. Dull as it was, we have very little to say about the performances. The wager scene was skilfully managed, by Messrs. Kemble and Macready; and the scene in which the virtue of Imogen is assayed, admirably done by the latter. Still more spirited was that where Jachimo convinces Posthumnus of his wife's infidelity: and we may add as its equa!, those parts of the tedious winding up, in which Posthumus is driven to despair by the confession of the Italian. At no other time was the slightest sensation excited in the auditory, save indeed when passages occurred calculated to turn a spot devoted to elegant amusement, into a bear-garden and factious arena. It is but doing justice to the good sense of the people, however, to state, that even here the majority evinced no disposition to enter into the folly, though the recognizing plaudits were loud and tumultuous when, among others, the following passages were spoken. When in proof of Imogen's adultery, the bracelet given to her is produced, Philario says— It may be probable she lost it; or Who knows if one of her women, being corrupted, Hath stolen it from her. Again, Pisanio, alluding to his master's suspicions, exclaims What false Italian, (As poisonous tongued as handed) has prevailed On thy too ready hearing? Disloyal! no, She's punished for her truth, &c. And again, the noble picture of slander— No, tis Slander, Whose edge is sharper than the sword, whose up the play could not be said to fail altogether, but we do not think it will enrich the treasury. Posthumus' speech, in which the the renowned phrase, "as chaste as unsunned snow" occurs, was omitted. The sweet glee, Hark, hark, the lark at heaven's gate sings, loudly cheered; thus the design in getting | boiled potatoes for dinner, cut off a part of was encored: and we have but to sum up, by noticing that Miss Foote was a pretty Imogen, both as girl and boy, though in trying to be interesting or pathetic, she sometimes looked as if (according to the saying) she could not help it; Farley a thorough but a modern Cloten; and Abbott a good blunt Polydore. The other performers had no opportunity of distinguishing themselves. The Adelphi Theatre has recently renewed its operations, but we have not yet had time to enable ourselves to report upon them. The Olympic is about to open with a company comprehending several of our best comedians; Munden, Dowton, Wrench, and others. And last, not least, in theatrical chit-chat, the Little Theatre, Haymarket, closed on Saturday. The farewell address alluded to the formation of an Independent House and Company; the secret of which allusion we believe is, that a number of the most eminent performers of the time project the estabfishment, at the new theatre, when built, of a dramatic concern something on the footing of such matters in Paris, in which they shall themselves be the proprietors, managers, and principal supports in the way of acting. In short, that the company shall be a joint stock company, and have and perform stock pieces; and controul by an elective executive, and share profits (if any,) and provide for the sick and superannuated, out of whatever overflowing fund overflowing houses enable them to realize. So whispers Tumour; and it is easy to forsee, that such an event (the patentees will call it a conspiracy) will have a prodigious influence on our national stage. VARIETIES. On the 7th October, at the palace of the French Institute, were distributed the prizes decreed by the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, for painting, sculpture, architecture, engraving, and musical composition. The young gentlemen who obtained the highest honours, will, according to the regulations, be pensioned by the King for five years in Italy or in Paris. Their names are Contant, Jacquot, Villani, Lorichon, and Leborne, éléves respectively of Le Gros, Bosio, Percier, Forster, and Cherubini. Curious circumstance.-On Wednesday, the 27th ult. the wife of a butcher, named Spencer, residing at Gale, near Hawes, Wensleydale, Yorkshire, while paring some LITERARY NOTICES. The prolific author of Waverley, whose fecund genius seems to be as inexhaustible as it is extraordinary, has announced another romance, the title of which is "KENNILWORTH." From this name we presume that it will resemble Ivanhoe more than any of the other productions of the same pen; and from the circumstance having transpired, we expect that we may look for its completion soon after Christmas. The title of Lord Byron's forthcoming tragedy is, we hear, "The Doge of Venice." We have before mentioned that it is to be published, not acted. We hear of no other very remarkable works on the anvil. Belzoni seems to be retarded, like every thing else, till the public mind is more suited to rational objects. The account of the rebellion of 1745 is also de layed; the Fudge Family in Italy stands in need of a new annunciation, to induce us to believe that it will ever appear; and in short, (Heaven mend us the while) the labours of the literary are every where standing still till the labours of the engrossing political press will admit “a rival near the throne." Contents of the Journal des Savans for Sep tember. Art. I. Histoire Litteraire de la France, Art. II. Remusat, Histoire de la Ville de Art. III. Martin Fernandez de Navarette, with two remarkable circumstances. Art. IV. Karamsin, History of Russia. (French translation.)—M. Daunou. Art. V. Grosier, De la Chine.-M. Remusat. METEOROLOGICAL JOURNAL. Thursday, OCTOBER, 1820. 12-Thermometer from 35 to 52. Barometer from 30, 20 to 30, 23. Saturday, 14-Thermometer from 41 to 54. Barometer from 29, 96 to 29, 50. Barometer from 30, 35 to 30, 31. Tuesday, 17-Thermometer from 42 to 59. Rain fallen,125 of an inch. Wednesday, 18-Thermometer from 36 to 56. On Monday the 23rd at 17 minutes, 40 seconds after 11 o'clock, the 1st Satellite of Jupiter will emerge from an eclipse. On Sunday the 29th, at 26 minutes, 20 se conds after 9, the 4th Satellite of Jupiter will at 43 minutes, 46 seconds after 12. JOHN ADAMS. We do not think R. R.'s poem written with suffi TO CORRESPONDENTS. cient care for insertion. We feel obliged by the lett signed" One of the Trade." In reply to which we have to state, that the Literary G sette is invariably published before eight o'clocon Saturday morning. Whenever new publications appear to be of importance enough, we give an analysis of them; in other cases merely an opinion and extracts. It would require a Daily sheet to give an analysis of all. 4 Judge's Lady has certainly taken up a hasty opinion: we have been exceedingly careful that what she mentions should not occur. l'ery few good novels appear, and we hardly think them worth notice. Such as merit it are reviewed in due course for the gratificatian of such of our readers as take delight in that species of composition. Continuation of the Essay on the Clergy in our next. Also an interesting paper on the important subject of Insanity; No. 1, of Letters from Paris, and several communications from friends. Errata in our last Noumber. Page 671. col. 2. 1. 13, for Kernirsnewert's read Madrid Seville Lucerne, Toledo, Esquivias, Kermer's newest. Page 672. col. 2. 1. 15, for Bibliomaniac read Bibliomaniac. Une nuit de douleur nous légua l'espérance, Le réveil d'un royaliste crédule, impromptu. C'est un prince, grand Dieu!.. Cette fois, je le dis, Je ne veux désormais plus croire aux vendredis. Grande peur, grande joie, impromptu écrit sous Deur-chut! trois-dix encore et Dieu sauve la France! Quatre-uh, grand Dieu! cinq.. sir-comme le cœur nous bat! tends-tu? L'enfer nous prit Berri, le ciel nous l'a rendn. The next verse is from a piece, by M. Le jour est plus beau, l'air plus pur, Le cyprès fait place à la rose. De pourpre et de lis revêtu, born infant at the altar-the legend is very At 11 o'clock, on the 29th Sept. the an- It was still dark when the order was given A divertissement, entitled "Dames de De-ion at the Theatre des Variétés. It conBordeaux," has been produced on the ocsists chiefly of complimentary verses of the Dames of the Halle, on presenting a cradle to the Duchess de Berri, and was of course loudly applauded. At the Porte St. Martin a similar piece, called "Paris, le 29 Septembre 1820," has been got up. The subjoined specimen is also pretty-it Berri nous est rendu !!! The journals, and other periodicals, are with tributes of this kind. Among the medals track on the occasion are these ; 1. Crane presenting the young prince to Esculapius, that his health may be preserved and his life prolonged. Minerva covers him with her shield. The legend "Le Prince est ne, nos eaux sont exaucés." reverse, the portraits of the Duke and On the Duchess of Bei, surrounded by a wreath of immortality. 2. The head of the young prince, with his names, titles, and date of his birth reverse, an anchor shaded by a young bly, The plant rises majestically on the left: legend, "Present du Ciel." 3. Heads of the father and mother. Reverse, the infant in his cradle, strangling, like the young Hercules, a horrible serpent with each hand. The surrounding motto, "Fata aspera Vinus." 4. Heads as in the foregoing, but the reverse has, instead of the babe, an emblem of him, a new-blown lily at the foot of the throne, both protected by the Egide of the tutelary Genius of France. The legend is, "Vivez pour le servir, mourez pour le défendre." THE DRAMA. era to which the story belongs; the incidents the manners and sentiments unsuited to the improbable; the mass of the dialogue below cal (as in the beginning and end of Iachimo's the level of poetry; and even where poeti soliloquy in the bed room of Imogen) marred for delivery by the circumstances in which the actor is placed. Accordingly the play went off very heavily, and as it was merely meant to catch the effervescence of the mo propriate scenery and decorations. The ment, no pains were taken to produce aplandscapes presented the old exotic-coveral canvas, whereon flowers flourished unknown the date of Cymbeline; and the worthy to Britain for a thousand years posterior to king's wife, daughter, and courtiers, were dressed respectively in glossy play-house satin, Glasgow muslin, and bespangled em broidery! Cloten's serenaders were wrapt in the dominos of the maskers in Rowe and Juliet, and every thing belonging to betrayed but too plainly, that the ground these Britons of the age of Augustus Caesar, upon which Cymbeline was brought forward at this period was one beneath the credit of a respectable theatre to proceed upon. Dull as it was, we have very little to say about the performances. The wager scene was skilfully managed, by Messrs. Kemble and Macready; and the scene in which the virtue of Imogen is assayed, admirably done COVENT GARDEN. Cymbeline.-On Wed-where Jachimo convinces Posthumus of his by the latter. Still more spirited was that at this theatre; and although Charles Kemble those parts of the tedious winding up, in nesday the play of Cymbeline was revived wife's infidelity: and we may add as its equs!, and Macready were, for the first time, the which Posthumus is driven to despair by Leonatus Posthumus and lachimo; yea, the confession of the Italian. At no other and though Farley was the Cloten, and we time was the slightest sensation excited in the verily believe, one Mr. Norris the Doctor auditory, save indeed when passages occurred Cornelius, it seemeth that but for its allu- calculated to turn a spot devoted to elegant sions to the politics of the day, this drama amusement, into a bear-garden and factions would not have been ravished from its arena. meritorious quietude. It is not for us to maintain that Mr. Brougham's quoting is ing; since they are both excellent managers, not a sufficient reason for Mr. Harris's actBut we do with great humility conceive, that and know very well what they are about. it is a dangerous and foolish thing in the director of a place of entertainment, to deviate "so mainly from "the purpose of now, was and is, to hold as 'twere the mirplaying, (whose end both at the first and ror up to nature; to show Virtue her own take any hint from the present exhibition in feature, Scorn her own image," &c.), as to pleasing the public. In sober truth, it is an another house, under the notion of thereby unbecoming thing to seek for occasion to inwe are surprized that Covent Garden, hithertroduce party squabbles into the theatre; and to so free from that reproach, should have fallen into the ill-judged practice. There is nothing in Cymbeline itself to induce its reprobably Shakspeare's, and the lovely simvival. The beautiful passages, which are plicity of feminine character in Imogen, are only delectable in the closet, and the drama must for ever remain one ineffective in representation. The plot, or rather implication of several plots, is artificial; the developement of character bizarre and imperfect; It is but doing justice to the good even here the majority evinced no disposition sense of the people, however, to state, that ing plaudits were loud and tumultuous when, to enter into the folly, though the recogniz spoken. When in proof of Imogen's adul among others, the following passages were tery, the bracelet given to her is produced, Philario says Who knows if one of her women, being cor- Hath stolen it from her. suspicions, exclaims- (As poisonous tongued as handed) has prevailed Whose edge is sharper than the sword, whose Rides on the posting winds, and doth belie seized by a number of the audience and AND Journal of Belles Lettres, Arts, Sciences, etc. This Journal is supplied Weekly, or Monthly, by the principal Booksellers and Newsmen throughout the Kingdom: but to those who may desire No. 197. REVIEW OF NEW BOOKS. KENILWORTH. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, As the " inglorious death" of Kenilworth Castle alluded to in the following account is likely to be so soon converted into immortality by the pen of the "mighty Wizzard of the North,"* we trust that the following historical sketch of that celebrated place will be deemed more than usually interesting at the present time. but his talents and acquirements were so conspicuous, that he was made Lord Chamberlain and Treasurer to King Henry I. and, afterwards, was appointed Chief Justice of England. The castle, however, shortly passed from his posterity. In the reign of Henry II. it was possessed by the king, who placed here a garrison when his eldest son rebelled against him. The account of the provisions taken up for the use of this garrison is curious, as shewing the great value of money at the period. The following are the articles, and the sums paid for them: one hundred quarters of Bread Corn, 81. 8s. 2d. The town of Kenilworth is situate five (little more than 2d. per bushel) Twenty miles to the south-west of the city of Coven-quarters of Barley, 338. 4d. One hundred try, and is at nearly the same distance, on Hogs, 71. 10s. Forty Cows, salted, 41. the north east, from the town of Warwick. One hundred and twenty Cheese, 40s. Sir William Dugdale observes, that, previ- Twenty-five quarters of salt, 30s. It is evious to the conquest, Kenilworth was a mem- dent that the large fortified dwellings of the ber of the neighbouring parish of Stoneleigh, Barons, in these turbulent times, not only being ancient demesne of the crown, "and afforded a retreat to the more defenceless had, within the precincts thereof, a castle, neighbours, but were probably made, on situate upon the bank of Avon, in the woods that account, a source of profit to their opposite to Stoneley Abby. Which castle owners; for we find that the sheriff, in acstood upon a place called Hom (Holme) counting for the emoluments derived from Hill; but was demolished in those turbulent the ward of this castle, mentions "certain times of warr betwixt King Edmund and money that he received, in the nature of Canutus the Dane." At the time of the rent, from such as had their abode therein." Norman Survey, Kenilworth was divided In the reigns of King John and Heury III. into two parts, one of which was styled large sums were expended on such buildings Optone, and was held of the king by Alber-as assisted in rendering the fortress more detus Clericus, "in pure Almes." The other fensible. The latter king, in the 38th year portion was possessed by Richard the Forrester. In the reign of Henry I. the manor twas bestowed by the king on Geoffrey de Clinton, who founded here a potent castle and a monastery. But, though a fortified residence and a religious foundation were usually, in the early ages, the harbingers of wealth and consequence to a neighbouring town, Kenilworth does not appear to have ever attained much distinction for greatness of population or traffic. The Castle which, when firm through all its battlements and courts, and peopled with the baronial pride of the land, formed so fine an ornament to this town, still imparts melancholy grandeur to the neighbourhood by the unusual magnificence of its ruins. These remains, have indeed, powerful claims on the feelings of the examiner. They present one of the most splendid and picturesque wrecks of castellated strength to be found in any English county, and are united with various interesting passages of history-Geoffrey de Clinton, the founder of this structure, is believed to have been a man of mean origin, See the last Literary Gazette for the announcement of a new novel, entitled, Kenilworth, by the author of Waverley. Selected from Brewer's Beauties of England and Wales, No. XVIII. Vol. 15-a very reasonable and entertaining work. VOL. IV. of his reign, granted the castle to Simon ing Henry de Hastings Governor of the castle. Conscious of the great strength of the place, and willing to prevent effusion of blood, the king sent a message of fair promise to the Governor, demanding a surrender; but those within the walls not only rejected this clement overture, but basely insulted and maimed the messenger. The siege now commenced, and the garrison defended themselves with vigour. They were well provided with military engines, among which were some that cast stonest to a considerable distance; and they occasionally ventured on desperate and destructive sallies. At length, although assured that the besieged were reduced to extremity, the King granted lenient terms, and took possession of the castle, after having lain before it for six months. He shortly bestowed the fortress so tediously acquired, on Edmund his younger son, whom he created Earl of Leis cester and Lancaster. In the seventh year of King Edward I. a costly and gallant tournament was held at Kenilworth. The knights were one hundred in number, and many were foreigners of distinction who entered England for the purpose of displaying their chivalry on this occasion. Robert Mortimer, Earl of March, was the promoter of the festival, and was the principal challenger of the Tilt-Yard. The ladies were, likewise, one hundred in num ber; and, as an instance of the splendour with which they were attired, it is recorded that they wore silken mantles. The exers cises began on the eve of Saint Matthew, and continued till the day after the feast of St. Michael. The dances were not less gallantly attended than the lists; and to avoid all painful distinctions that might arise from an attention to precedence, the whole party banquetted at a Round Table. On the attainder of Thomas, Earl of Lan caster, son of Earl Edmund, the castle returned to the crown; and was by Edward II. intended as a place of retirement, when he saw danger augmenting on every side. But this ill-fated king was doomed to be brought hither as a prisoner. Henry, Earl of Lancaster, conveyed him to this place; and here he received intelligence of his formal deposition by the Parliament held at Westminster. Shortly after his mournful reply to this informatiou, he was hurried to Berkley castle, the theatre of his last wretched hours. These scenes of violence were interrupted In the reign of Edward III. John of Gaunt, by the approach of the King, who drew near, Duke of Lancaster, obtained possession of in much military pomp, at the head of an Kenilworth, by his marriage with Blanch, army of which the posse comitatus of War-daughter of Henry Earl of Lincoln, and wickshire formed a part. Simon Montfort, Duke of Lancaster. The great aim of those so arrogant while unopposed, now proved Several large stones, supposed to be a part his cowardice to be equal to his cruelty, of those hurled during this sicge, are yet shewn and secretly withdrew to France, nam- in the vicinity of the ruins. |