RICHMOND:
database file source="h:/!Genuki/RecordTranscriptions/NRY/RichmondGuide.txt"
Robinson's Guide to Richmond (1833)
Part 10
Miscellaneous
Miscellaneous
COMMENCING again from the Market-place:- Towards the end of
Newbiggin stands the Roman Catholic Chapel, erected in the year
1809, by the late Sir John Lawson, Bart., of Brough. In the Gallery
Window is a painting of the Crucifixion, on glass, copied from
Rubens's celebrated picture, preserved in the Church of the Recollets,
at Antwerp.
Nearly opposite is the Debtors' Gaol for the liberty of Richmondshire,
which is held by his Grace the Duke of Leeds, as chief bailiff
of the liberty.
Proceeding a little further to the right, we enter through
a small private door, the varied and secluded pleasure grounds
usually known as the "Yorke Grounds," which were attached
to the mansion of the Yorke family, that lately stood in the south-east
corner. The walk first descends a sloping terrace, and then winds
through the wood, abounding with ancient and grotesque yew trees,
natural and artificial grottos, &c., along the margin of the
river. There are several pleasing views both of the castle and
the town, and also of the romantic valley which lies to the westward.
The naturalist will observe a beautiful species of Geranium:-
and the Nut-hatch, a bird of rare occurrence in the northern counties,
is sometimes seen among the woods. The Tower, on the brow of the
hill, was erected to commemorate the victory of Culloden.
Returning into the street again, we come to the Arsenal for
the Military Stores of the North York Militia: and a little further
to the left, is the parish Workhouse, a neat modern edifice. Passing
the Workhouse, the road leads directly into the West Field. The
walk to the summit of the hill will be amply repaid by the romantic
and extensive prospect which it presents. Immediately in front
is the town of Richmond:- the massive solemnity of the castle
keep, contrasting finely with the spruce neatness of the modern
buildings, and the elegant lightness of the Friary Tower; beyond
are the woods of St. Nicholas and Easby and far behind these stretches
a wide expanse of fertile country, bounded by the Hambledon Hills.
To the right we overlook a delightful valley, watered by the windings
of the Swale, and enclosed on the opposite side by a steep and
lofty wall of limestone rock, half covered with foliage. Here
the admirer of classic lore may trace in fancy the haunts of Pan
and his attendant Satyrs, while the laugh of the sportive wood
nymphs seems to mingle with the faint murmer of the stream. But
how did human wisdom betray its very folly, when the masters of
the world could be content to revere and worship a host of sensual
and besotted demons? How much more rational, how far more delightful
is it to lift up the heart in holy ardour to the glorious giver
of all good, and exclaim in the glowing language of the royal
poet, O Lord, how manifold are Thy works! in wisdom hast Thou
made them all: the earth is full of Thy riches!
Still further to the right, on the opposite side of the river
we have a distinct view of that singular phenomenon, the "Round
Howe" -a conical hill rising out of the area of a natural
amphitheatre, the sides of which are covered with hanging wood.
It is not improbable, from the pebbly nature of the soil, that
the course of the river has originally wound round the south side
of the mount; but the continual action of the stream against the
opposing side of the angle, to the north, had gradually worked
a bay or recess, and some extraordinary flood would then sweep
directly across the neck of land to the north of the mount, and
produce the present channel; after which the old one would gradually
warp up to its present condition.
In the adjoining limestone cliff, are several clefts or recesses,
one of which, somewhat larger than the rest is known by the name
of Arthur's Oven. There are also traces of copper ore, but it
has never been found in sufficient quantities to re-pay the expense
of working it.
The only manufacture carried on at Richmond is that of Paper,
in the mill belonging to Mr. Henry Cooke, situate on the bank
of the river, opposite to the Round Howe. The Paper is here manufactured
in webs of great length, and afterwards folded and cut into any
shape or size which may be required.
Data transcribed from:
Robinson's Guide to Richmond (1833)
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