1820.] Review of New Publications. appear in consultation about the pregnancy of a lady, but unable to tell whether she was in that state or not, “though the child was quick :” and people sent all over the country for an eagle's stone, esteemed of great virtue in hard labour;" the biggest the best. This the lady, when in pain, "wore upon her arm a good while." P. 194. Gentlemen wrote to their friends, "when they wanted a wife," for them to look out one, which they accordingly did. P. 199. Charles II. and several of his nobles, rode at the coronation, fine horses, without making a previous enquiry whether they had been trained to endure drums and musick. The Duke of York was thrown twice; and the King was in great danger, till he commanded the musick to cease. P. 201. Honey was deemed a good presérvative from the stone: "I pray (says Lord Conway) acquaint John Totnal, that I desire him to get some bee-hives at the Tunny Park, for if ever I live to come into that country, I believe I shall use a great deal of honey, as I do at this present, and have, I thank God, kept myself a great while thereby free from any fits of the stone, and do daily void so much gravel, by the use thereof, as is hardly to be believed." P. 207. The effect of sugar is mentioned in various publications upon calculous disorders; and therefore importance is to be attached to this preventive of the noble Lord's. In p. 209, we have a Letter from the redoubted quack Mr. Valentine Greatracks, who cured diseases upon the Tractor plan. In p. 216, we hear of a very good living, worth near 1207. yearly. In 1666, the Dublin people having proposed to send 105,000 bullocks to London for relief of that city, lately burnt, Parliament voted the importation of Irish cattle to be a nuisance. Lord Clarendon suggested in an amendment, that it might as properly be declared adultery. P. 219. -Swords were drawn in the House of Commons on the subject. P. 220. It was part of physical rule, that a man should not see his wife, when sick, at least, under some circumstances. "At Ragley (says Lord Conway), I met nothing but the sad condition of my wife, whom I could not see all the while I 141 "We had yesterday an unfortunate passage. Addy Loftus brought an Irish dog to fight with a mastiff, before the King [Ch. II.]; the Irish dog had all the advantage immaginable, and dragged him five or 6 times about the ring, so that every body gave the mastiff for dead; all men were concerned as if it had been their General; and yet, at last, the Irish dog ran away. I lost my money, and afterwards the King called me to him, and said he would lay 5007. that neither I nor all the men in Ireland could bring an Irish wolf dog that would not run away. I pray speak with my Lord Dungannon about it; for tho' I will not upon any man's confidence, venture so much money, yet I will be willing to go my share; and I am sure the King will lay it. I pray speak with my Lord Lieutenant, and know what dogs he hath." Pp. 231, 232. Thus the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland was to assist in providing dogs for a canine duel. Gardeners received immense wages: "I am very glad you have pieced up with Francis; my Lord Chesterfield gives 1007. a year standing wages, and 10d. a week board wages, and many other profits of his garden, to a worse gardener than Francis." P. 250. To posting a man for refusing to fight a duel, cudgelling was added. P. 251. The gestures used in public worship were matters of study, like dancing: "We saw them at prayers, according to the English mode; and I must needs say, they acted their devotions extraordinary well." Bishops upon occasions beaded a party of soldiers: "The Bishop of London [Compton] rid at a head of a troop [of William the Third's horse] into London, with this motto on their banner, Nolumus leges Angliæ mutari.” P. 293. At the siege of Limerick, we meet with a party of Friars, who acted as riflemen, "shot out of screwed guns." P. 335. " By By making these curious selections, we merely intend to gratify our Readers. The Historical matter is often of great interest, and must be particularly pleasing to various great families, who are descended from the writers. The notes are satisfactory; and the Work may, on the whole, be pronounced a valuable addition to the historical library. 19. An Historical and Descriptive View of more especially to John Brough Taylor, Esq. F.S.A. for the copy of Bp. Morton's Charter, and other valuable materials, and for his uniform assistance and support. Passing over the early Annals of the Town, which are essentially connected with those of the Nation, we meet with the foundation and subsequent history of the Monastery of Wearmouth and its Abbots. "With the exception of the tower and some detached parts of the present church, no vestige of this once celebrated monastery now remains." We next come to the parish of Monk Wearmouth, which is divided into five townships, viz. Monk wearmouth, Monkwearmouth-shore, Fullwell, Southwick, and Hilton. "Monkwearmouth is of great antiquity, and probably had its origin contemporary with the monastery. It is universally held under lease from the Dean and Chapter of Durham. OUR opinion of the utility of Topographical History has been so frequently expressed, that it is scarcely necessary to say that we are pleased to see an excellent Volume; and we are the more pleased, as it is the production of a Printer, who, from local and many other circumstances, is bet"The township of Monkwearmouthter adapted for such an undertaking and owes its present consequence to the shore is comparatively of modern date, than any other person, the Clergy excepted. From them, however, the Publick is not often thus favoured. "The fame and reputation of the monastery at Wearmouth, as the seat of learning and religion during the Saxon ages; the antiquity of the Borough of Sunderland as a town and port, and its connection with the civil dissensions of this country at various periods; the progress of commerce and trade, and the vast increase of its wealth and population in modern times; the number and usefulness of its public and charitable institutions; and its local importance as the chief port of the county of Durham,-all present themselves as legitimate objects of historical research. "Towards the accomplishment of this Work, the elaborate publications of Hutchinson and Surtees afforded the basis; whilst the liberal communications, which have been received from various quarters, facilitated the completion of the super structure. "In taking a retrospective view of his labours, the Editor feels great pleasure in gratefully acknowledging the assistance he has received." extensive ship-building yards which, during the war, were established there, and the increasing commerce upon the river. "Nothing remarkable is recorded in history respecting the township of Fulwell; but it may not be deemed uninteresting if we advert to an account of the discovery of a gigantic human skeleton, two Roman coins, and a small urn of unbaked clay, on what is called Fullwell hills *. "The village of Southwick is extremely pleasant, commanding a fine view of the surrounding country, the towns of Bishopwearmouth, Monkwearmouth, and Sunderland, together with the German ocean. It is inhabited by several respectable families. "Hilton Manor, with the Castle, was the possession of the family of the Hiltons, before the Norman conquest, and continued above 700 years, to the time of John Hilton, esq. the last male heir, who died there, Sept. 25, 1746. He was a good and pious man. His portrait is still preserved at Hilton, let into a pannel above the fire-place in the great drawing-room. It represents a gentleman of middle age, with blue eyes, light hair, fair complexion, somewhat high cheek bones, of a placid and benevolent countenance, and open aspect. There was in the same house, a considerable number of other family por Among these Sir Cuthbert Sharp stands prominent; as do the Rev. John Drysdale, the Rev. Peter Wilcock, the Rev. Samuel Turner, and traits, all bearing a striking resemblance Mr. Alexander Wilson., To many other gentlemen thanks are also given for various communications; and See these described by Dr. Peter Collinson in vol. XXXIII. p. 492. EDIT. to 1820.] Review of New Publications. to each other. One in particular represents a lady, young and handsome, of whom, strange to say, there is presented another portrait exhibiting her in a state of mental derangement. Sir Cuthbert Sharp's Hist. of Hartlepool." Hilton Castle is particularly described; and a View of it is given, with an ample Pedigree of that antient family. The History of the important Town and Port of Sunderland is extremely interesting. A Charter, dated in 1634, states that "Sunderland had beyond the memory of man been an antient borough, known by the name of the New Borough of Weremouth, containing in itself a certain port where ships had plied, bringing and carrying merchandize, as well to aud from certain ports, as from other ports of the kingdom: the articles therein specified are sea-coals, grindstones, rubstones, and whetstones. It also states, that the trade was then greatly increased, by reason of the multitude of ships that resorted thither; and the borough antiently enjoyed divers liberties and free customs, as well by prescription, as by virtue of sundry charters from the Bishops of Durham, confirmed to them by the Crown, which from defect in form, proved insufficient for the support of the antient liberties, privileges, and free customs of the borough." "Sunderland is bounded on the East by the German Ocean, on the North by the river Wear, by which it is separated from Monkwearmouth; and on the West and South by the parish of Bishopwearmouth. The commerce and population of the borough have long been in a state of progressive increase; but its augmentation during the latter part of the last century, has been very rapid, and a proportionate improvement has taken place in the general appearance of the town. The harbour is formed by two piers on the North and South sides of the river. The imports are corn, flour, wine, spiritous liquors, timber, tar, deals, flax, iron, &c. and the exports are coal, lime, glass, earthen ware, grindstones, and copperas." Sunderland, Bishop wearmouth, and Monkwearmouth, are so intimately connected by buildings and other local circumstances, that they may be said to be one town; and the popula tion, in 1811, of the three parishes, is thus given: "Sunderland Bishopwearmouth.... .....12,289 ...7060 143' Neat Views and good descriptions of the three Churches of Bishopwearmouth, Monkwearmouth, and Sunderland and of St. John's Chapel, are next given. With commendable liberality Mr. Garbutt describes the numerous places of worship; including Jews, Roman Catholicks, Quakers, and Dissenters of almost every denomination; and he ties of religious faith possessed by has candidly elucidated the peculiari each of them. The Public Buildings next claim attention. These are the Piers, Theatre, Masonic Lodges, Bridge, Library, Barracks, and Exchange. For these we refer to the Work itself; only stopping to notice a pleasing View of the famous Iron Bridge, of which a very copious account will be found in our vol. LXIII. 907; LXVI. 696. 995; LXXIV. 1127; LXXV. 1167; LXXXVI. ii. 363. 428. 20. The Picture of England; or Historical and Descriptive Delineations of the most curious Works of Nature and Art in each County calculated as an agreeable Companion to the Tourist, or a Class Book for the Student. Illustrated with upwards of Two Hundred and Fifty Engravings, consisting of Views of antient Castles, Cathedrals, Noblemen's and Gentlemen's Seats, &c. By J. N. Brewer, Author of the "Introduction to the Beauties of England," and Descriptions of several Counties in that elaborate Work. 12mo. pp. 383 and 416. Harris and Son. THIS Work appears to be equally calculated for the purposes of amusement and utility. The study of Topography and Antiquities, which was formerly confined to a small and recondite class of scholars, has lately attracted so much notice, that a general knowledge on these subjects must be deemed indispensable to all who are anxious for the reputation the "Beauties of England and Wales,” of polite learning. The work termed to which Mr. Brewer was an extensive contributor, assisted, perhaps, cation, in imparting a popular chamore than any coutemporary publiracter to Antiquarian pursuits. In the present undertaking he has still further refined on this species of writing, and has selected for discussion such subjects only as are of general interest, on account of importance and beauty, or from a connexion with historical and biographical facts. In presenting this " Picture of Eng. land," the Author divides his subject into Counties, alphabetically arranged; and the notice of topographical par ticulars is introduced by general remarks on the extent, the natural character, and the produce of each district. In describing the various conspicuous buildings, whether ecclesiastical, military, or domestic, Mr. Brewer has adopted a practice which forms a novel feature in works so concise yet comprehensive, and which promises to be at once instructive and pleasing-that of particularizing the architectural style of each structure. The information and critical remarks afforded on this head cannot fail of being highly advantageous to all readers desirous of forming correct notions respecting the topography and antiquities of a country so abundant in venerable and curious architecture. We are glad to find that a Third Volume is preparing, intended to contain an account of N. and S. Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. As a book of instruction, this Work appears likely to find its way speedily to the upper classes of students. It is, however, calculated for more general circulation; and we readily agree with the Author, that it "presents such a selection of prominent and curious objects, as may guide the Tourist in his excursions, and direct his notice to places most worthy of inspection throughout the whole of England." Prefixed to the descriptive part is a very useful Essay on the "History and Antiquities of England, as connected with the Description of particular Places." The brief but satisfactory notices contained in these introductory pages, respecting the rise and progress of the different modes of architecture observable in antient edifices, cannot fail of proving greatly beneficial to the student in Topography, and must act as a desirable manual of recollection to the inquisitive Traveller. The numerous prints are in general neatly executed, and the subjects are well chosen. We present, without selection, the following specimen of the polished and agreeable style in which this Work is written "Raglan, or Ragland Castle, is greatly distinguished in history, as the former dignified residence of the noble family of Somerset. This fortress appears to have similar structure in Monmouthshire, the principal parts not being older than the been of a less antient character than any time of Henry the Fifth, whilst considerable additions were made so lately as the reign of Charles the First. From the character of the buildings, Raglan must be viewed as a fortified house, of a description unusually strong, rather than as a regular castle. "This curious pile is an object of peculiar veneration, on account of the gallantry with which it was defended against the Parliament army in the seventeenth century, by Henry, the fifth Earl and first Marquis of Worcester. The noble Marquis, then much advanced in years, had the honour of frequently entertaining in this castellated abode his ill-fated Sovereign, during the first years of the civil wars. England did not possess a more discreet or faithful subject; and it is confidently said, that if the King had been ruled by the counsels of this aged nobleman, he might have preserved both crown and life. "It was immediately after the departure of King Charles from Raglan, in the summer of 1646, that the Castle was in-. vested by the Parliamentarian forces under Sir Thomas Fairfax. The resistance was obstinate, and was continued during the long term of ten weeks; at which time the powder of the defendants was reduced to the last barrel. The Marquis then surrendered on honourable terms; himself (more than fourscore years of age) marching forth at the head of the garrison, with all the honours of war. "It is lamentable to state that the grey hairs of this loyal and noble veteran afforded no argument in his favour with puritanical and ambitious judges. He was placed in confinement by the Parliament; and, in the decrepitude of his lengthened years, speedily sunk to death on the pillow of imprisonment. Nearly his last words partook of that playful spirit of good-humour which had characterized his whole course. When informed · that his conquerors, however harsh, would permit him to be buried in his familyvault, at Windsor, he exclaimed, Why, God bless us all! then I shall have a better castle when I am dead, than they took from me whilst I was alive!' "After its subjugation, the Castle of Raglan was dismantled by order of the Parliament; and the tenants of the estate in succeeding years, removed large quantities of the stone, and other materials, for the use of their dwellings and farmoffices. Such injurious privileges are now now forbidden by the Duke of Beaufort, to whom the property belongs; and the remains are likely to meet the view of a distant posterity. The ruins are situated on a slight eminence, about one mile from the village of Raglan; and include a large portion of the citadel, or strongest part of the building, the walls of which are ten feet in thickness. The grand entrance, together with several towers, and the traces of many noble apartments, are also preserved for the gratification of such visitors as derive pleasure from the examination of relics, connected with important events of history." 21: Chess rendered familiar by Tabular Demonstrations of the various positions and movements as described by Philidor; with many other critical situations and moves; and concise Introduction to the Game. By J. G. Pohlman. With a Frontispiece. 8vo. pp. 449. Baldwin and Co. IN a neat and elegant volume Philidor's system of Chess is, by the aid of tabular demonstrations, very ingeniously, and (we think) happily attempted to be reduced to an easy practical mode of acquiring what is generally found to demand elaborate study. Objections to this mode of obtaining a competent knowledge of Chess will be found considerably obviated by the plan now presented to the Publick; that is, by bringing into view, by progressive representations of the Game, the instructions of Philidor himself. Thus, that which the learner would have to find or to make out from those instructions, the expence of much time, pains, and perhaps an aching head, is already done to his eye-it may be said, to his band.' 22. Dr. Watkins's Life of the Right Hon. Richard Briusley Sheridan, (continued from p. 53.) THE early part of the second volume opens with an account of the share that Mr. Sheridan took in the Regency business, which appears to be related with candour and impartiality. One of the financial measures of Mr. Pitt, at that period, was the imposition of an additional duty on newspapers, accompanied by a clause restricting the venders of these publica tions from lending them out to hire. GENT. MAG. February, 1820. 145 "When the clause was read in the Com mittee, Mr. Sheridan objected to it, as being intended to sacrifice the interests of the poor newsmen to those of the printers; but upon the tax itself he was much more severe, considering it in the light of a measure purposely hostile to the freedom of the press. With regard to the additional duty on advertisements, it would prove rather a loss than an advantage to the revenue, by occasioning a reduction in the numbers, particularly in the staple. articles furnished by auctioneers and booksellers, This prediction, like most other random assertions of the conjectural. things thrown out in the heat of debate, has been amply refuted by the increase of ditions of taxation." newspapers, notwithstanding repeated ad In the year 1792, Mr. Sheridan had the misfortune to lose his amiable and accomplished wife. The only recorded tribute of respect paid to her memory, consisted of the following expressive eulogium, by an eminent Physician: "In Obitúm Dom. Eliz. Sheridan ; Forma, voce, atque ingenio inter ornatas ornatissimæ ; ab illâ imo amores ita suspiret amicus! Eheu! Eheu! lugeant Mortales! Eja verò gaudeat Cœlestis, dulcis ad amplexus, Socians jam Citharæ melos, Redit pergrata, en iterum soror: Suaviusque nit manet Hosannis." The history of Mr. Sheridan is so connected with that of the times in which he lived, as to render some account of public affairs essentially necessary to the illustration of his character and conduct. We therefore find the narrative blended with a detail of the principal events of the French Revolution, during which period Mr. Sheridan took an active part in the discussion of the various measures brought forward by Mr. Pitt, to stem the torrent of that spirit of insubordination which resulted from that aweful event; but our limits merely allow us to glance at that period of Mr. Sheridan's political life. In the year 1795, Mr. Sheridan married Mrs. Hester Ogle, daughter of the Dean of Winchester. His conduct during the Mutiny at Portsmouth ought never to be forgotten; it called forth the praises of all parties, both Whigs and Tories; and was |