description of the poet Jago, will best depict this part of the town; speaking of Kenilworth, which he styles, "Assemblage sweet, of social and serene ! A verdant valley, slop'd from either side, Still further in the vale her castle lifts Its stately towers, and tottering battlements, Dress'd with the rampant ivy's uncheck'd growth luxuriant. Kenilworth is supposed to derive its name from some ancient possessor, a Kenil, the syllable "worthe" signifying a dwelling-place Before the Conquest, it belonged to the Crown, but in the reign of Henry the first, it was given to Gefforey de Clinton, to whom it was under great obligation, he having been the builder of its priory and castle, but of him hereafter. At present Kenilworth belongs to various proprietors; the manor of the castle is the inheritance of the Earls of Clarendon, it has some considerable manufactories, for horn combs, and some chemical works for making sal ammoniac and Prussian blue. Its population is between two and three thousand, and it has about A 7 five hundred houses; the church has a spire steeple, and is dedicated to St. Nicholas; the King being patron. The principal inns, are the King's Arms, and the Two Virgins. A yearly fair is held every Midsummer-day, and there is a statute in September, for the hiring of servants, which is highly attractive and amusing, it is attended by a great number of persons from different parts in the neighbourhood, and is well worthy of a visit from the stranger. On the whole, Kenilworth is distinguished for its healthiness and pleasant situation, but what chiefly renders it an object of curiosity are the ruins of its castle, which, from the many memorable events associated with it in our early history, and from the circumstance of its being the scene of one of the great Northern Novelist's matchless productions, has now become one of the classic spots of the country, and to which we now hasten to pay our respects. * Kenilworth, a Romance, by the Author of Waverly, in 3 vols. 18mo. RUINS OF KENILWORTH CASTLE. -Hail, Clinton! hail! Thy Norman founder, still yon neighbouring green Tritons, and sea nymphs, and the floating isle, Were wanting: nor the dance, and sprightly mirth JAGO's Edge Hill. Kenilworth CASTLE, of whose original strength and beauty, these ruinous remains will give a more adequate idea than the most labored description, was founded by Geoffrey de Clinton, Lord Chamberlain and Treasurer to King Henry the 1st.* Geoffrey, according to the Warwickshire Antiquary, Rous, was a Norman and Grandson to William de Tankerville, Chamberlain of Normandy, by • Registr de Kenilworth.-p. 1. |