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 !
But chiefly two fair streets in adverse rows,
Their lengthen'd front extend, reflecting each
Beauty on each reciprocal. Between,

A verdant valley, slop'd from either side,
Forms the mid space, where, gently gliding, flows
A crystal stream, beneath the mouldering base
Of an old abbey's venerable walls.

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

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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
And massy walls, with style imperial grac'd
Record. The Montfords, thee with hardy deeds,
And memorable siege by Henry's arms,
And senatorial acts, that bear thy name,
Distinguish. Thee the bold Lancastrian line,
A regal train! from valiant Gaunt deriv'd,
Grace with new lustre, till Eliza's hand
Transferr'd thy walls to Leicester's favor'd Earl.
He long, beneath thy roof, the maiden Queen
And all her courtly guests, with rare device
Of mask, and emblematic scenery,

Tritons, and sea nymphs, and the floating isle,
Detain'd. Nor feats of prowess, just, or tilt
Of harness'd knights, nor rustic revelry

Were wanting: nor the dance, and sprightly mirth
Beneath the festive walls, with regal state,
And choicest luxury serv'd. But regal state,
And sprightly mirth, beneath the festive roof,
Are new no more.

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.