RICHMOND:
database file source="h:/!Genuki/RecordTranscriptions/NRY/RichmondGuide.txt"
Robinson's Guide to Richmond (1833)
Part 11
Views
Views
THE views about Richmond, which claim the attention of the
tourist, are so many and varied, that it is difficult to make
a selection for description. Almost from any side of the town
the scenery is beautiful; but as a sort of Guide to strangers,
it may not be amiss, briefly to describe those which may be considered
the most attractive.
I. The view of Richmond Castle from above the bridge, has its
peculiar beauties above any other by reason of the spectator's
low situation. From this point the castle is a magnificent object
in the landscape, being so much elevated above the beholder. To
the left is seen part of the town, while Trinity Church, the Friary
and the Cross in the Market-place, agreeably break the line of
house tops, running to the left. Nearer the foreground, the Bridge
is a good object, contrasting with the picturesque cottages adjoining,
and situated close to the edge of the river. Further to the left
is seen Yorke's Tower, or Summer house, on the summit of the hill,
partially hid from view by the trees which surround it, this naturally
forms the boundary of the picture to the left. To the right is
a beautiful sloping wood, the foliage of which appears to overhang
the bridge, and forms an excellent boundary on the other side
of the picture.
II. The next view I shall attempt to describe is that from
the foot-road leading to Hudswell, along the top of the wood.
This is quite a panoramic view of Richmond, and has been considered
strikingly fine by lovers of picturesque scenery; it commands
a prospect of all the country round to the north and east-bounded
by the Hambledon Hills. In this view, like all the others described,
the castle is a prominent object in the centre of the picture.
The river, winding in a serpentine course amidst richly wooded
banks, gives to this landscape a delightful charm.
III. From the top of the hill to the south, opposite the bridge,
we have a good view of the castle: from this point it may be seen
to great perfection. Mr Turner, the celebrated landscape painter,
made a drawing from this spot, to illustrate Whitaker's Richmondshire,
and his choice of the station is a sufficient precedent for pointing
it out.
IV. In a field about two hundred yards above the Clink Pool,
we have a good subject for the pencil; the castle being considerably
elevated, and in an evening in the summer season, when in shadow,
it casts a very deep gloom over the surrounding objects beneath,
while the foreground, and the trees on the other side of the river,
are tinged with the golden rays of the setting sun. This view
has something of the Swiss character about it, and is generally
selected for sketching, by strangers, being quite of a different
character from any of the other views described. From the road,
over the Clink Pool, is another though more distant view of the
same subject, and although the latter was selected by Mr. Turner
for a drawing, I think the one described above equally good.
V. The views from the Gallow Fields* should not be omitted.
From this side of the town the castle and houses appear to stand
in a valley, and the eye extends over a rich tract of well wooded
country for many miles to the east. Easby Abbey may be seen from
this point, and being of a warm grey colour, it forms an agreeable
contrast to the surrounding wooded scenery. The river is also
seen winding its course close past the venerable ruins and is
abruptly lost in the wood beyond.
* The name of these Fields, and of the Gallow Hill, near Bowes,
is explained by an ancient record preserved in Gale's Register
of the Honor of Richmond, from which we learn that the ancient
Earls claimed the high prerogatives of "Infangtheof and Utfangtheof,
with a Gallows at Richmond and at Bowes." Happily for society,
these petty exclusive Jurisdictions have now entirely ceased throughout
the Kingdom.
VI. There is a very pleasing view of Richmond and the surrounding
country from the western extremity of the West Field, and well
worth the attention of the tourist. From this place the Round
Howe, and the rocky banks of the Swale, have a highly picturesque
effect. The winding course of the river, through, or rather round,
Yorke's Grounds, add much to the beauty of the landscape, though
in composing a picture, this view is meagre and formal in the
foreground, for want of a sufficient quantity of wood.
Data transcribed from:
Robinson's Guide to Richmond (1833)
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