Dover is situated in a deep valley, formed by an opening in the chalk hills, which surround it in the form of an amphitheatre. On one of these, situated to the eastward of the town, and rising abruptly to a height of 320 feet above the sea, is situated the ancient Castle. The walls of Dover Castle embrace an area of nearly 35 acres of ground, within which space are contained towers and other buildings of various ages, from Roman to recent times. The appearance of the whole, from the commanding elevation which it occupies, is very imposing. Other portions of the heights adjacent to the town are also fortified. The harbour, which is formed artificially by piers and jetties, has recently been deepened and much improved, at vast expense. The town has been greatly extended of late years, and is now a fashionable and much-frequented wateringplace, with every accommodation for the convenience of visitors. It is situated at the point of our island which makes the nearest approach to the coast of France, which is distant only 21 miles, and which is distinctly visible in clear weather. By means of the submarine electric telegraph, Dover now keeps up a constant communication with France, and through her, with a great portion of the continent. It was formerly the principal place of embarkation for the continent, but has been partially superseded in that respect by Folkstone. Dover is one of the Cinque Ports, and returns two members to Parliament. Population 28,000. The hotels and inns are numerous About half a mile to the south-west of Dover is Shakespere's Cliff, a bold prominence of chalk, now tunnelled through by the railway, and the name of which is derived from the well-known description in the fourth act of" King Lear," which it is supposed to have suggested. But portions of the summit have fallen at various times, so that it now retires inland, and no longer "looks fearfully in the confined deep,"-though still affording a magnificent and “dizzy" prospect. Days for seeing Castle, Monday and Saturday. CHATHAM, BY RAILWAY, 31 Miles. ON RIGHT FROM LOND. Railway to Brighton and Dover branches off. The Railway passes through the centre of Woolwich, which is distant 8 m. from London by road, and about 94 m. by water. Here is a Government dockyard, established in the reign of Henry VIIL, consisting of a narrow strip of land, which extends for more than half a m. along the banks of the river. But the chief object of interest is the R. Arsenal, which covers more than 100 acres, and forms the grand depot of artillery for the use of the army and navy. It seldom contains fewer than 24,000 pieces of ordnance, besides smaller arms innumerable. Here are foundries for cannon, and every other description of warlike stores. On the adjacent common are exteasive barracks, a Royal Military Academy for the educa tion of young gentlemen designed for the military profession, and a Military Repos 27 itory, containing weapons of destruction of almost every 26 age and nation. There is a large convict establishment 24 here employed in the Government Dockyard and the Arsenal. On the opposite side of the Thames a new town is springing up, called North 23 Woolwich. Pop. of Parish 22 41,695. 20 18 Plumstead. Belvidere Park, Sir C. E. Eardley, Bart. Lesness Park. May place. Crayford. From Rochest. From London Bridge, by Greenwich railway, for 2 miles. Enter Kent. The Greenwich railway was the first constructed line which had its commencement in the metropolis. It is constructed throughout upon arches, which form a viaduct 22 feet in height above the ground. This line forms) the point of departure for both the Brighton and Dover lines. cr. river Ravenebourne. Lewisham Station. Charlton St. Close to the Station is the fine old manor house of Chariton,| Sr T. M. Wilson, Bart. Woolwich Dockyd. St. Woolwich Arsenal St. Abbey Wood St. Erith St. Erith can boast of a pretty ivycovered church, containing al few monuments and brasses, but much defaced. . river Cray. DARTFORD. cr. river Darent. Greenhithe St. Northfleet. From London. 4 ON LEFT FROM LOND. 8 81 liament. Pop. 167,000. 11 16 19 Rotherhithe. Deptford, almost a suburb of London, has a royal dockyard, which embraces an area of 31 acres. The workhouse occupies the site of Sayes Court, the residence of the celebrated John Evelyn. Here Peter the Great studied shipbuilding. Pop. of Parish 40,242. To Greenwich, 11 mile. Greenwich, the birthplace of Queen Bess and her father, distant 5 m. from London Bridze by road, is chiefly remarkable for its magnificent hospital, originally designed for a royal palace, but appropriated since 1604 to the purposes of an hospital for decayed seamen. Additions were made subsequent to this date by Sir Christopher Wren, &c. There is also a Royal Park, enclosing 200 acres, on an eminence of which stands the Observatory. The Park is greatly resorted to by the people of London for the purpose of recreation. The Ranger's house is occupied by the Earl of Aberdeen, who holds that office at present. Greenwich, Deptford, and Woolwich, form together the borough of Greenwich, which) returns two members to Par Plumstead and Erith Marshes; beyond, the 13 Thames. Dartford, a small town situated on the river Darent, is noted for its gunpowder and paper mills. The first paper mill in England was erected here. Pop. 5314. Greenhithe. Ingress Abbey-The Hive. At Northfleet some snip.) building is carried on. Lima ON RIGHT FROM LOND. 8 3 From D. ver. Horne, 4 miles. 52 Hever 3 miles. Hever Castle, formerly the resi dence of Anne Boleyn, is 57 one of the most interesting relics in the kingdom. Many of the rooms are in the same state as when visited by Henry VIII. Adjacent to Hever is Chiddingstone, a village] rich in specimens of old English architecture. It belonged till lately to the Waldo family. GRAVESEND. Between Gravesend and Rochester the Railway passes through a tunnel, nearly along the line formerly occupied by the Thames and Medway Canal.] Higham St. STROOD. cr. river Medway to town of ROCHESTER (p. 2). CHATHAM (p. 2). 61 From London. Through Bletchingley Tunnel, 1080 yards. 23 Godstone St. Enter Kent. From London Bridge, 67 Reigate Junc. St. (p. 24). 21 28 III. LONDON TO FOLKSTONE AND DOVER, BY RAILWAY, 88 Miles. 81 Edinbridge St. Penshurst St. Penshurst, (Lord de Lisle and Dudley), the ancient seat of the Sydney family, who became possessed of the manor in the reign of Edward VI. Here Sir Philip Sydney was born in 1554. It is a fiue old mansion, of quadrangular London. From ON LEFT FROM LOND. 37 is extensively burnt in the neighbourhood. The churcb, is ancient, and contains some interesting monuments. Rosherville gardens and pleasure grounds are well laid out, and with their adjuncts, form a great attraction to Cockney holiday-makers. 3 miles distant is Cowling Castle, built in the reign of Richard II., once a place of great strength it is now cinefly in ruins. parts of which are very Picturesque. 2 miles from Stroud is Upnor Castle, on the west bank of the Medway,built in the reign of Elizabeth for the defence of the river. It forms a large ordnance depot for gunpowder. ON LEFT FROM LOND, Godstone, 2 miles. Tandridge Court, Earl of Cottenham. Westerham, 5 miles. Population, 2162. Seven Oaks, 6 miles; and near it, Knowle Park, Countess Amherst (p. 16). |