VOLUMES IN THIS SERIES Other Volumes to follow. AGENTS Other Volumes to follow. AGENTS front WARWICK CASTLE FROM THE BRIDGE. First Edition, with 75 Illustrations, published in 1906 Reprinted in 1912 Second Edition, revised, with 32 Illustrations, published in 1922 Printed in Great Britain by R. & R. Clark, Limited , Edinburgh . First Edition, with 75 Illustrations, published in 1906 Reprinted in 1912 Second Edition, revised, with 32 Illustrations, published in 1922 Printed in Great Brita

To those who know Warwickshire well it will be unnecessary to either sing its praises, as not only one of the most historic but also one of the most fascinating of middle–England shires, or to urge its claims for the consideration of those who love the fair, open country, winding roads, and pleasant hills and vales. This county, of whose beauty poets from almost time immemorial have sung, possesses an added interest beyond the romantic elements afforded by its history, its magnificent survivals

Shakespeare loved his native town, and he put into almost all of his plays some glimpses or description of the natural and unfailing beauties of Stratford and its immediate surroundings. And still, in the meadows in which long ago he loved to muse and wander, are found those “daisies pied,” “pansies that are for thoughts,” the “blue–veined violets,” and “ladies’ smocks all silver white,” of which Shakespeare’s maidens often sing. And there are also the willow–hung brooks, and the orchards in spr

During Mary’s reign Warwick’s grandson, Ambrose, was restored to favour, and although the county was involved in the rising of the Duke of Suffolk and Sir Thomas Wyatt in February 1554 to depose the Queen and prevent her marriage with Philip of Spain, the House of Warwick was not concerned in the rebellion, which was speedily quashed. Warwickshire was not permitted to escape the cruelties and persecutions which distinguished the disastrous reign of Mary, and among the historical memories which t

FAYRE WARWICK TOWN: ITS HISTORY AND ROMANCE The town of Warwick is undoubtedly of very ancient origin, and from the earliest period of its existence has been considered the chief town of the shire. It is situated upon a rocky plateau on the north side of the river Avon, and blessed with a dry and fertile soil, with luxuriant meadows on one side and well–wooded and well–cultivated lawns on the other. It seems not unlikely indeed that Gutherline or Kimberline, one of the British kings who lived in

It was not until the following reign that the outer walls, with some of the towers, including the magnificent piece of military architectural construction known as Cæsar’s Tower, were erected by Thomas de Beauchamp, whose son, also Thomas, built the tower, which was called Guy’s Tower after the traditional warrior of Warwick. ill73 PEEPING TOM, COVENTRY. The castle has seen the coming and going of many royal guests, and in 1417 its then owner, Richard de Beauchamp, the founder of the beautiful B

COVENTRY: ITS HISTORY, ROMANCE, CHURCHES, AND ANCIENT BUILDINGS The ancient city of Coventry—situated amidst sylvan scenery of great beauty, should if possible be approached by the wayfarer from Kenilworth along the unrivalled avenue which is also the high road—is of great antiquity and of very considerable interest to the archæologist. Seen from a distance, on account of its many church spires, it presents a wonderfully picturesque appearance; and with its old–world survivals in the shape of ti

There would appear to be little doubt that this “pig” forms part of the leaden roof of the priory, for in different accounts relating to the suppression of the religious foundations throughout the country there are many records of the melting down of the lead covering the roofs, in order that it might be turned into cash. The ancient Communion plate belonging to the church is of great interest, and includes a chalice, dating from about 1570, the gift of the Earl of Leicester; a flagon, paten, an

LEAMINGTON Leamington is charmingly situated in the heart of the county, towards the eastern boundary of the wide amphitheatre of gradually rising hills of which its sister town of Warwick, distant but two miles from it, is the centre. The oldest portion of the town is built on the low–lying ground to the south side of the River Leam, and was in former years known as the old town. Modern Leamington, on the other hand, which is so picturesque, and consists of fine villas, well–planned streets and

THE STORY OF BIRMINGHAM The city of Birmingham has been sung by a local poet as follows:— Illustrious off–spring of Vulcanic toil! Pride of the country! Glory of the Isle! Europe’s grand toy shop! arts’ exhaustive mine These, and more titles, Birmingham, are thine. From jealous fears, from chartered fetters free, Desponding genius finds a friend in thee; Thy soul as liberal as the breath of Spring, Cheers his faint heart and plumes his flagging wing. But, nevertheless, it presents more of a pros

There are probably other chambers in this ancient building, the existence of which may possibly at some future time be diescovered quite by accident, as have so many other hiding–places in similar houses throughout the country. ill176 ANNE HATHAWAY’S COTTAGE. The house, one of the most ancient in Warwickshire, is approached by a brick bridge of two arches crossing the moat, and the entrance is through an archway under an embattled tower, which although giving a distinction to this, the north–eas

THE STORY AND ROMANCE OF SOME SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE MANOR–HOUSES Some twelve miles to the south–east of Stratford lies Compton Wynyates, one of the most interesting and picturesque manor–houses in Warwickshire, reached by a road scarcely more than a by–way from Upper Tysoe, and lying beautifully situated and secluded in a thickly wooded dell. Scarcely seen until one comes quite close to it, at first sight it gives merely an impression of a multitude of gables, turrets, and chimneys, with the centra

The first event of any historical importance in connection with “the town of Stratford by Avon,” and one destined to have a great effect upon its ultimate growth and importance, was the granting by Richard I., in the year 1197, of the right to hold a market each Thursday. This privilege was obtained for the inhabitants by the then Bishop of Worcester, who charged the townsfolk the sum of sixteen shillings per annum for it. This market was held on the site of the present Rother Market, and to it

Through sweet Warwickshire lanes and by–paths one may reach many a retired village well worth seeing, and wander, as Shakespeare wandered, into places which he undoubtedly knew. In spring and summer few counties can show a richer wealth of wayside flowers, or a greater glory of leaf and bud; and the autumn is not less lovely. If only for the beauty of the lanes and the by–ways many will feel rewarded in making a pilgrimage to some of the spots which we shall briefly describe. Some six miles nort