slightest irregularity or indecorum took place; which was mainly attributed to the judicious arrangements of the committee, all of whom officiated as waiters. At the close of the entertainments, the last class, accompanied by a numerous assemblage of the company, and others, preceded by the band, and lighted torches, paraded through the town to the mansion of Mr. Fector, and after repeatedly cheering the family, retired with the same order and decorum as had marked the whole day's proceedings. In this truly Old English entertainment, 2,514 lbs. of beef, 362 loaves, and 4,752 pints of ale, were consumed; and the committee provided for the accommodation of the guests, 684 plates, 104 salts, 74 mustard pots, 200 tumblers, and 350 mugs. On the same day, the ringers of both parish churches, and their friends, amounting to 78, were entertained with similar fare at the Oak Inn, and the hovellers, 130 in number, at their boat houses.

On the 8th of November, the committee, who had so ably conducted the feast, with some select friends, at the request of Mr. Fector, partook of a very handsome dinner at the Bull Inn. Fifty-three sat down, and

the evening passed off with many loyal and patriotic toasts and sentiments, enlivened by songs.

Thus ended the festivities of 1820. His family, and the inhabitants of Dover, were however shortly afterwards, destined to experience a different scene. In June, 1821, they had to lament the loss of this good and worthy man, who departed this life for a better on the 12th of that month, most universally regretted. Blessed with an ample fortune, and possessing a noble and benevolent mind, he distributed his bounty with a most liberal hand. He lies buried in a mausoleum built for the purpose, in the church yard of St. James, Dover.

Dover sends two members to parliament, in the choice of whom, every free burgess has a right to vote, provided he is not otherwise disqualified by law. In most wars, it has been distinguished for its loyalty and attachment to the present royal family.

Of late years, this place has been made the summer residence of many respectable families, particularly in the bathing season, as the clearness of the water gives it a superiority, in this respect, over many other places on the coast. Bathing machines, and private

hot and cold salt water baths, fitted up in such a neat and commodious manner as not to be excelled by any in the kingdom, have for some time been established. The ground near the upper rope walk, has also been lately appropriated for building, and several houses are already fitted up for the reception of families.

The broad beach which lies at the mouth of this extensive valley, and which was no doubt the entrance of the harbour in the time of the Romans, is truly delightful. Walks have been formed, which extend a considerable distance along the beach, and communicate with the bathing machines. Here the romantic appearance of the cliffs and castle on the left hand; the entrance of the harbour, terminated by a long sea prospect, on the right; a direct viewof the opposite coast of France, frequently intercepted by shipping passing both up and down channel; form together such a pleasing variety, as can scarcely be equalled on the English coast. Nor is this extensive scene the only object of diversion on these shores. The curious find abundant entertainment in observing the odd produce of the ocean, thrown up under their feet; such as the sea plant, the star fish, and many curious fossils

and shells. The hills also produce a variety of curious plants, and afford much amusement to those who are fond of botanical researches.

The convenience of its situation drew the attention of the Roman governors who ruled here, while they possessed this part of the Island; and there still remain indubitable testimonies of their care and respect for this important place.

4

We shall now give a short description of the two parishes, together with the public buildings and remarkable places, beginning with the parish of

Saint Mary the Virgin.

This parish is of considerable extent, and, by the census taken in 1821, contains 1645 houses, and 8653 inhabitants. It extends

from the entrance of the town at the victualling office, to the very extremity of the pier. The church is situated at the bottomof Biggin-street, near the Market Place. It was built by the prior and convent of Saint Martin, and was given by them to the town; but the advowson thereof was given to Hubert de Burgh, the founder of the Maison Dieu, and he afterwards gave it to that hospital.

At the suppression of the religious houses, the advowson fell to the crown; but how it came afterwards into the hands of the inhabitants does not sufficiently appear. Mr. Lyon states, "That the king, in general, reserved all rectories and vicarages to himself, which had belonged to religious houses; but, as the tithes of this were too inconsiderable to attract his notice, the inhabitants petitioned him to let them have it for a place of worship, and he granted their request." The church is a handsome structure, consisting of three aisles. The improvements it has lately undergone, by taking down the middle pillar on each side, and erecting new pews in the body of the church, give it a much more light and airy appearance, than it was hitherto accustomed to command. The old pews under the gallery in the north aisle, have also very recently been taken down and rebuilt; and we are informed, that it is in contemplation to do the same with those under the south gallery, as soon as circumstances will permit. It contains many monuments and armorial bearings. The famous Churchill lies buried in

* Lyon's History of Dover, vol i. page 95.

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