|
Main
- books.jibble.org
My Books
- IRC Hacks
Misc. Articles
- Meaning of Jibble
- M4 Su Doku
- Computer Scrapbooking
- Setting up Java
- Bootable Java
- Cookies in Java
- Dynamic Graphs
- Social Shakespeare
External Links
- Paul Mutton
- Jibble Photo Gallery
- Jibble Forums
- Google Landmarks
- Jibble Shop
- Free Books
- Intershot Ltd
|
books.jibble.org
Previous Page
| Next Page
Page 11
"Defac'd by time, and tott'ring in decay!"
Nothing can be more picturesque than the first view of this venerable
scene: the most luxuriant ivy everywhere mantles the grey walls and
mouldering battlements, interspersed with the waving branches of wild
vegetation: and the surrounding terraces are adorned with the opposing
tints of pines and every variety of deciduous trees.
Being admitted through the curious old oaken wicket to the inner court,
the attendant cicerone will lead the visitor to several objects in due
succession: the most remarkable are ...
The place in which the unfortunate king Charles I was confined (1647),
and his children imprisoned after his death: but the apartments are so
dilapidated that it is next to impossible to decide upon their
arrangement: the window however is shown through which he vainly
attempted an escape: this is generally examined with a greater share of
interest than perhaps any other part of the castle, and is often obliged
to contribute as a relic, some minute portion of its crumbling walls.
THE KEEP is certainly the most ancient part of the fortress, having been
built either prior to, or early in the time of the Saxons: and was
rendered an appendage to the more ample fortifications constructed by
the Normans. It is reached by a flight of 72 stone steps (nine inches
each); was guarded by a portcullis-gate; and provided with a well 310
feet deep, since partially filled by the falling ruins.
At the S.E. angle are the remains of another very ancient tower called
MONTJOY'S: the walls in some places are eighteen feet thick.
The WELL-HOUSE is to many persons the most attractive object within the
walls of the castle,--for should the solemn ruins fail to impress that
sentiment of reflection which proves to others the very zest of their
visit, they will at least be not a little amused by the apt performance
of a docile ass, whose task it is to draw up water from a well 300 feet
deep! This office he performs by treading rapidly inside of an immense
windlass-wheel (15-1/2 feet in diameter,) whereby he gives it the
necessary rotatory motion. The natural longevity of these patient
laborers is here exemplified by the instances on record; one done the
duty for above 50 years, another 40, and another nearly 30. To afford
some idea of the depth of the well, a lighted candle is lowered: and
water is thrown down from a bucket, which produces quite a startling
noise,--it will be three or four seconds in falling. For the same
purpose, pins were formerly employed, but these were strictly forbidden,
on account of their deleterious tendency on the water.
The Chapel, the Governor's apartments, the Barracks, Powder Magazine,
&c. are also pointed out; but to go over the whole works of this
venerable monument of antiquity, and give a minute detail of the several
parts usually shown to strangers, would be tedious to the _reader_,
though doubtless every spot and fragment must be viewed by the _visitor_
with a lively interest.
If a party be not pressed for time, they should go round the outer
terrace, reckoned a mile in circumference, the walk is in some parts
sequestered and most pleasingly solemn, in other points presenting very
charming views; and altogether calculated to raise our admiration, and
give a more perfect idea of this beautiful specimen of ancient
fortification.
The open space in the outworks, called the Place of Arms, is where the
Archery Club resort during the season for exercise; no spot certainly
could be more convenient: though by the bye, there is a degree of modish
gaiety on such occasions, which is not altogether in character (at least
to a picturesque eye,) with the solemnity of a scene betraying ...
"The grey and grief-worn aspect of old days!"
The military establishment of the castle is at present altogether a
sinecure; formerly this was the regular seat of the insular
government; but now it is quite deserted, save by the individual
who has the privilege of showing the place to strangers, and his
attendants.
* * * * *
THE VILLAGE OF CARISBROOKE
Is an extremely pretty place, and still very populous, though much less
so than formerly, when it enjoyed the consequence of a CITY, guarded by
the only fortress in the island to which the inhabitants could fly for
refuge in the moment of invasion: it rises on a hill opposite that on
which stand the venerable ruins of the Castle: and in the intervening
valley a beautiful stream winds its course towards Newport, sufficiently
copious to turn several mills--the springs supplying water highly
esteemed for its purity. The church is of great antiquity: and its tower
is a very handsome specimen of Gothic architecture, proudly relieving
itself from the surrounding trees and habitations. There are several
genteel residences, and a few good lodging-houses in the village, whose
neatly dressed gardens, interspersed with lofty trees, and environed by
the most agreeable scenery, give to the place altogether an uncommon air
of rural beauty.
Previous Page
| Next Page
|
|