Godolphin Park, Duke of Leeds. Beyond, at some distance, is Crowan, the church of which contains many memorials of the ancient family of St Aubyn. Their ancient seat, Clowance, was unfortunately burned by accident, but is now rebuilt. Marazion enjoys a pe culiar degree of salubrity from its situation at the foot of a hill on Mount's Bay, by which it is completely sheltered from cold winds. At a short distance is St Michael's Mount, an isolated rocky promontory, which, together with the tower of the chapel erected on its summit, risos to the height of 250 feet above the level of the sea. The view from the Itop is inexpressibly grand. [8t. Michael's Mount was the property of the late Sir J. St Aubyn, Bart., whose family made improvements on it. Itnow belongs to J. St Aubyn, Esq. Here Lady Cathe rine Gordon, wife of Perkin Warbeck, took refuge; and many families secured themselves during the rebelllon of the Cornish men in the reign of Edward VI. The population of the town is 1683. 2 miles from Penzance, Trengwainton, Sir C. D. Price, Bart. Penzance is the most westerly town in England. It enjoys a very mild atmosphere, and the soil around is extremely fer-1 tile. It carries on a conj siderable trade in the exportation of tin and pilchards. The new market house, the geological museum. and St. Paul's church, are its most handsome edifices. In its vicinity are several natural curiosities, such as Logan) Rock, Lamorna Cave, and Lanyon Quoit. At the distance of five miles is a Druidical circle, called the Merry Maidens. Pop of Penzance 1851, 9214. The town stands in the parish of Madron, of which the late Sir Humphry Davy was a native. a promontory at the western extremity of the English coast. About a mile from the promontory are a number of rocks, called the Long Ships. On the largest of these is erected a light-house, 112 feet above the level of the sea. WALES. LVII. TOUR FROM BRISTOL ALONG THE COAST OF WALES THROUGH NEWPORT, CARDIFF, SWANSEA, CAERMARTHEN, PEMBROKE, HAVERFORDWEST, ST DAVID'S, CARDIGAN, ABERYSTWITH, &c. The tourist having crossed the Severn by the new passsage will find no place • Eight miles from Penzance is the populous fishing town of St Ives. Its harbour is defended by a pier, erected by the celebrated engineer, Smeaton, and is capable of accommodating 200 reels. The town depends chiefly on the coast trade and pilchard fishery. One M. P. Pop. 1851, 9872. Tregenna Castle, the seat of H. L. Stephens, Esq., occupies a lofty eminence not far from the town, and commands a noble prospect. 128 BRISTOL ALONG THE COAST OF WALES, THROUGH NEWPORT, &c. worthy of notice till his arrival at Caerwent. Its ruins indicate its former extent and magnificence under the Romans, but it has now dwindled into a village. On the left is Llanwern, the mansion of the Rev. Sir C. J. Salusbury, Bart., commanding an extensive view. Near the 13th mile-stone is the neat village of Christchurch, with its white-washed cottages. At a short distance to the right is Caerleon, a town of great antiquity, situated on the river Usk. The walls are in some places 14 feet high and 12 feet broad, and the shape of the town seems to have been that of an oblong square, three sides straight and the fourth curved. There is here ample scope for the researches of the antiquary, and numerous coins found near it have enriched the cabinets of the curious. In this neighbourhood there are many Roman encampments. Two miles from Caerleon is Llantarnam House, once a seat of a considerable branch of the Morgan family. The site of this structure was a rich Cistertian Abbey of six monks. Some traces of the ancient fabric still remain. Between Caerleon and Newport is St Julian's, once the residence of the celebrated Lord Herbert of Cherbury. Part of it has been converted into a farm-house, but other parts remain in their original state. Near it is an old barn which once formed part of St Julian's Abbey. Further on is Newport Castle, built apparently for the defence of the river, which is commanded by three strong towers. Close to Newport a stone bridge, consisting of five arches, has been thrown over the Usk, at an expense of £10,165. The town itself presents little that is interesting to the traveller, excepting a church exhibiting architecture of various ages. The churchyard commands an extensive view of the surrounding country-the Severn and Bristol Channel. It is a seaport and a place of considerable trade, chiefly in iron and coal. Its prosperity has greatly increased of late years. By means of canals and railways, Newport communicates with various parts of South Wales, while boats and sloops, besides two steam packets, daily sail between that town and Bristol. The road from Newport passes Tredegar House, with its extensive and well-planned grounds and noble trees, the property of Sir C. M. R. G. Morgan, Bart., and next the village St. Mellons, where the upper and lower roads from Newport to Cardiff unite. Here there is a small encampment surrounded by a deep trench. Three miles from St. Mellons is Rhymney Church, an edifice not less than 180 feet from the chancel to the tower, which is ornamented with battlements and Gothic pinnacles. Having crossed the river Rhymney, which separates England from Wales, the tourist enters CARDIFF, the capital of Glamorganshire. It is a wellbuilt sea-port and borough town, at the mouth of the river Taff, over which there is a bridge consisting of five arches. The castle was founded by Robert Fitz-Hamon, a Norman Baron, towards the end of the eleventh century, but the modern improvements seem incongruous with the appearance of the ruins. The keep, which is still very perfect, is of an octagonal shape. From the mound enclosed by it, and also from the ramparts, charming views of the surrounding country are obtained. In the castle are several excellent portraits. Robert Duke of Normandy was confined twenty-six years in Cardiff Castle after he had been deprived of his sight and inheritance by his younger brother, Henry L The place of his confinement is still pointed out. The castle belongs to the Marquess of Bute, and gives him the title of Baron Cardiff, as heir general of Sir Wm. Herbert, Earl of Pembroke, K.G., brother-in-law of Henry VIII. The tower of the church is extremely elegant, but there is nothing in the inside worthy of notice. In this town, Robert, Earl of Gloucester, founded a priory of White Friars and another of Black. By means of railway and canal, iron is brought from the works at Merthyr Tydvil, and sent to English and foreign markets. The numerous improvements on the town and its neighbourhood, particularly the docks commenced by the second Marquess, and opened in 1839, and the railways connecting it with London, have already wonderfully increased the prosperity of Cardiff. Upwards of 750,000 tons of coals were shipped at Cardiff in 1853. Pop. (1851) 18,351, and in 1854 little less than 24,000. Near About two miles from Cardiff is Llandaff, now only an inconsiderable village. The object most deserving attention is the ancient cathedral, the remains of which are very beautiful. The Bishop's palace was destroyed by Owen Glendower in the reign of Henry IV. Resuming the route-6 miles from Cardiff are the village and church of St. Nicholas; here a road on the left leads to Duffryn House (J. B. Pryce, Esq.) About half-way between these two places are some ancient monuments, supposed to be Druidic. The largest of these is supported by five stones, forming a room 16 feet long, 15 feet wide, and from 4 to 6 feet high, and open toward the south. At the east side are three stones closely set together. The contents of the largest are 824 square feet. Near Duffryn House there is another cromlech, but of dimensions inferior to the former. posed to have received its present name from the Christians having in contempt It is supconverted it into a dog kennel. Between Duffryn House and the sea is Wenvoe Castle (R. F. Jenner, Esq.) On regaining the turnpike the beautiful and picturesque grounds of Cottrell (Admiral Sir G. Tyler) next attract attention. the gate grows a magnificent Wych-elm, one of the largest in the kingdom. Llantrithyd Park, the beautiful domain of Sir T. D. Aubrey, Bart., abounds in romantic spots. The house is supposed to have been built in the time of Henry VI. The windows are very large, one of them being twelve feet square. The road now enters a down, and a fine prospect opens to view. The town of Cowbridge at the bottom Llanblecddian, with its hill, church, and castle beyond, and the boldly situated Castle Penlline (John Homfray, Esq.) form a scene of grandeur much admired by travellers. COWBRIDGE, or Port-vaen, is a neat borough and market-town, divided by the river Ddau. It was formerly surrounded by walls, of which one gate, a bold Gothic structure, alone remains. The free grammar school, partly endowed by Sir Leoline Jenkins, a Secretary of State in the reign of Charles II., is in considerable repute. Pop. 1851, 1066. The chapel. which contains several handsome monuments, is singularly constructed, and at a distance appears like an embattled fortress. In a field near it are a large tumulus, and the remains of a Druidic temple. Cowbridge unites with Cardiff and Llantrissant in returning a member to Parliament. At a short distance north-east from Cowbridge is Aberthin, a neat rural village, and near it a large elm-tres, which measures 28 feet in circumference. It is hollow, with an entrance like a Gothic doorway, and capable of containing thirty-six full-grown persons. K The 130 BRISTOL ALONG THE COAST OF WALES, THROUGH NEWPORT, &c. route from Cowbridge to Neath frequently passes through rich pastures and meadows, adorned with plantations and villas, hamlets and villages, none of which deserve particular notice. About 6 miles from Cowbridge is Bridgend, a small irregular town on the river Ogmore. The hamlet of Oldcastle stands on one side of the town, and Newcastle on the other. One of the bridges over the river is an elegant structure. The church-yard affords a fine prospect of the surrounding country. Five miles to the south is Ewenny Abbey, (R. T. Turbervill, Esq.) one of the most perfect specimens of the ancient monastery now extant. Its embattled walls and towers seem to have been intended for defence rather than for devotion. The church is of a cruciform shape, very massive, and in the Norman style of architecture. Onwards the well-wooded hill of Margam presents a fine appearance. It is 1099 feet high, and covered from base to summit with magnificent oak trees, the value of which has been estimated at £60,000. It is the property of C. R. M. Talbot, Esq., of Margam Park. Here is a remarkably fine orangery, which, it is said, had this singular origin. A vessel, conveying from Portugal, to Mary, Queen of William III., a present of orange and lemon trees, was stranded, and the cargo became the property of Sir Thomas, afterwards Lord Mansel. The late T. Mansel Talbot, Esq., in 1787, built for their reception a superb green-house, 327 feet in length, with a handsome palladian front, adorned with statues, vases, and other antique curiosities. In the pleasure ground adjoining is a bay tree, upwards of 60 feet high, and supposed to be the largest in the world. A little farther is the village of Margam, delightfully situated at the verge of the above-mentioned forest, and abounding in monastic antiquities. Here are some very interesting ruins of an abbey, founded by Robert, Earl of Gloucester, in 1147. At the dissolution it was purchased by one of the Mansel family, and is now the property of C. R. M. Talbot, Esq. his representative. While repairing the parish church in 1810 several curious remains were discovered. On the wall of one of the houses, in the village, is a curious ancient cross, and in the adjoining grounds are various monumental stones with inscriptions. On a hill in the neighbourhood, are a large rude stone, 14 feet high, and an entrenched Roman camp. About a mile from Margam was a convent, called Eglwys Nunyd, or Nun's Church, now a farm-house, and near it is a Roman monument 4 feet high. This neighbourhood abounds in coal, iron ore, and limestone. At Aberavon very extensive copper works are carried on. Pop. 1851, 6567. The climate in this part of Wales is very mild. Briton Ferry, on the bank of the river Neath, is surrounded by scenery of remarkable beauty. Near it is Baglan House (H. Gwyn, Esq.) Baglan Hall, the property of Griffith Llewellyn, Esq., commands varied and extensive views of the river and the adjacent surrounding country. The tourist may either cross the ferry, and proceed to Swansea (5 miles), or continue the pleasing route along the bank of the Neath to the town of that name. A broad-gauge railway is now (1853) opened from Neath to Merthyr Tydvil. The Neath canal, 14 miles in extent, terminates at Giant's Grave, where 60,000 tons of coal are shipped annually. Further on there is a single stone monument, called Maen Llythyrog, reckoned one of the remotest relics of antiquity. Gnoll, situated on the summit of a hill, commands a very extensive prospect. Its hanging woods, shady walks, and picturesque cascades, are much admired. NEATH or Nedd, the Nidum of Antoninus, is seated on the eastern bank of the river Neath. It is one of five contributary boroughs which returns a member to Parliament. The population in 1851 amounted to 5841. It possesses some trade, as a sea-port, in coals, iron, and copper, for which it is considerably indebted to its canal, which communicates between Aberdare and Briton Ferry. Neath Castle is now an inconsiderable ruin. About one mile west of the town are the ruins of the abbey. The site of the refectory, the chapel, the hall, and several other rooms may still be traced. It was established for monks of the Cistertian order by Richard de Granville, an ancestor of the Duke of Buckingham and Chandos. In this abbey Edward II. sheltered himself after his escape from Caerphilly Castle, and was recaptured. Near the mains are some very extensive works for the manufacture of iron and copper. Here are two immense blast furnaces, an iron foundry, and an engine manufactory. From Neath to Brecon is 27 miles, to Merthyr Tydvil about 25. The direct road from Neath to Swansea is 8 miles in length, and by railway they are but 8 miles apart, but there is a very pleasant bridle-road by Briton Ferry. SWANSEA, (anciently Aber-tawy), is situated at the confluence of the river Tawe with the Bristol Channel, and near the centre of a beautiful bay. The population in 1851 was 31,461. Swansea is a favourite resort in the summer for bathing. A very flourishing pottery has long been carried on here; also, an iron foundry, roperies, extensive breweries, and much shipbuilding. One mile and a half distant are extensive copper works. At one of them, it is said that not less than 40,000 tons of coal are consumed annually. Swansea is, with the exception of Cardiff, the most considerable sea-port in Wales, and employs much shipping, but has no foreign trade. It is accessible from London by the Great Western Railway to Bristol or Gloucester, and thence by the South Wales Railway. Packets sail regularly to Dublin, Waterford, and Cork; twice or thrice a-week to Ilfracombe; and to Bristol, four times a-week. Swansea Castle, the property of the Duke of Beaufort, was erected A.D. 1099 by Henry de Beaumont, who conquered Gowerland from the Welsh. The habitable parts are now converted into a poor-house and gaol. St. Mary's Church contains some very ancient monuments. St. John's Church was formerly a chapel belonging to the Knights of Jerusalem. As a watering-place this town has the advantage of a fine level sandy shore, and the vicinity affords a great number of agreeable walks and rides. There is a mineral spring here. A large tract of country north of Swansea abounds with coal, and copper-works. From Swansea, an excursion may be made to the district of Gower or Gwyr, the south-west of which is inhabited by a colony of Flemings who settled there in the reign of Henry I. They do not understand the Welsh language, are distinguished by their dialect and provincial dress, and rarely intermarry with the Welsh. The most interesting objects in this district are Oystermouth Castle, five miles from Swansea, a majestic ruin, commanding a delightful prospect, with the Mumbles Point close at band-the rocky scenery of Caswell Bay-a huge cromlech called King |