Field, at the upper extremity of Upper Cross Street, extending over about five acres of ground, and forming, like the Ranelagh Gardens, a pleasant Lounge being furnished with intersecting walks and bowery retreats. The lower side of the Field, and the fine romantic dell which forms one of its boundaries, still remain open to the public generally, and are tastefully ornamented with shrubs and evergreens: a public road is to pass through the middle of these gardens, commencing nearly opposite the site of the intended new Church, and leading in a straight line to the banks of the Leam, over which a Bridge will be erected, and a communication opened with the Warwick Road at a short distance from the entrance to High Street. Every fresh season fresh springs continue to be discovered: in April, 1816, a new spring was found in Clemens Street, nearly seventy feet deep, on the site of which five baths, of which four are marble, with convenient dressing rooms, have been built by Mr. Smart, and called the Imperial Sulphuric Medicinal Font and Ladies' Marble Baths, the front entrance to the Baths forming a very convenient Pump Room: still more recently an additional spring was dug at the very southern extremity of Leamington, almost further back than Ranelagh Gardens, a very splendid suite of Baths and Pump Room were talked of here under the name of the Grand

Spa, but have not been persevered in. Among the late improvements at Leamington may be noticed the building of a neat Market Place in Wise Street, and the lighting of the two towns with gas by the Proprietors of the excellent Gas Works instituted by Act of Parliament at Warwick. Daily and hourly increasing in the acquisition of every comfort, and convenience, and luxury, it can scarcely be any wonder, though a proud gratification, that Leamington should become one of the favourite retreats of Royalty; such is however the fact, the

ROYAL VISITS

of the august head, and different branches of the Royal Family, in the last few years, have raised Leamington to a distinction only their presence could have created. On Friday, September the 10th, 1819, His most gracious Majesty, George the 4th (then Prince Regent,)at that time residing at Warwick Castle, paid a personal visit to Leamington in an open carriage, in company with the Countess of Warwick, the Marchioness of Conyngham, and attended by Sir Benjamin Bloomfield and his suite he was received opposite Copps' Royal Hotel, by the whole population and visitants of the two towns, who hailed his presence with loud cheers, which he most gracefully acknowledged by

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repeated bows; the bands playing "God save the King," the colours flying, and every one on the tip-toe of hilarity. After visiting the Libraries, Pump, and Assembly Rooms, and expressing the highest gratification, intimating at the same time his gracious intention of making a stay here at some future period, the Royal Visitor returned to dine at Warwick Castle, leaving his permission for Williams's New Hotel to be named after him "The Regent." In the evening the towns were brilhantly illuminated. Cullis gave a grand fete at the Ranelagh Gardens. The patriotic Mr. Bisgett's Pegasus was put in requisition, and an additional verse to the National Anthem produced on the occasion. A meeting was called of the inhabitants and visitors, an address unanimously voted, which was presented by the Master of the Ceremonies and a deputation, to the illustrious personage, at Warwick Castle, who was pleased to return, through Sir Benjamin Bloomfield, a most flattering reply. The Messrs. Elliston's junr. who had in their childhood been much noticed by the Royal Family, from the high favour and popularity of their father, were also permitted to present a richly bound copy of the first edition of this little Work, which was also most graciously received. The good impression made on the Royal Visitor's mind on this occasion was evident, by the

arrival some time after of other branches of his illustrious house.

On Tuesday, July 30, 1822, Leamington, according to previous notification, was honored by the arrival of Her Royal Highness the Princess Augusta, which took place precisely at eight o'clock. It had been expected that her Royal Highness would not have arrived until a later hour, and would have entered the town by way of Southam. A triumphal arch had been erected opposite the Royal Hotel, and preparations for an illumination had been very generally made. The streets leading to the residence prepared for the Royal Visitor, were crowded with spectators, anxious to testify their loyalty and attachment to the Royal Family, and their joy in witnessing the entry of the first Royal Resident that had graced their Spa. Several carriages met Her Royal Highness on her entry into Leamington, and formed a cavalcade to the residence of the illustrious visitor, at No. 9, Upper Union Parade, since called after her Augusta House. Her Royal Highness alighted amidst the enthusiastic cheers of the assembled concourse of spectators, and was received by the Masters of the Ceremonies of the Assembly Rooms of the Old and New Towns; a band of music was in attendance, and did honor to the occasion by playing the national anthem. Her Royal Highness appeared

to have suffered but little fatigue from her journey, and attended the Pump Room the next and succeeding mornings:-the illuminations and transparencies at night were very splendid.

The next morning Matthew Wise, Esq. High Sheriff of the County, accompanied by the Masters of the Ceremonies, and a deputation of the gentlemen of the town, had the honor of waiting on Her Royal Highness, and were most graciously received.

On Thursday a loyal address from the inhabitants of Leamington; on this occasion was pre sented, by the Masters of the Ceremonies, to which Her Royal Highness was pleased to return a most flattering answer.

On Friday afternoon their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester arrived; they were met at the entrance of the town by a numerous assemblage of the principal visitors and inhabitants in carriages and on horseback, and an immense concourse of pedestrians, who received their Royal Highnesses with the most lively and cordial demonstrations of joy, and escorted them to their residence in Cross-street, since called after them Gloucester House. After partaking of some refreshment, their Royal Highnesses accompanied by the Princess Augusta and their respective suites, promenaded the principal streets of the town, and inspected the Royal Baths, and Pump Rooms, the