A Tour around the World, etc

Chapter I. Queenstown

: CORK : BLARNEY CASTLE : BANTRY : GLENGARIFF : LAKES OF KILLARNEY : GAP OF DUN- LOE : MUCKROSS ABBEY : DUBLIN : PORTRUSH : GIANTS' CAUSEWAY : CASTLE OF DUNLUCE : BEL- FAST : After a ten days' voyage by steamer across the Atlantic from New York, we reached the Emerald Isle, landing at Queenstown, a city situated at the southern extremity of Ireland, in Cork Harbor, and admirably defended by two strong forts. It contains about 10,000 inhabitants, and has few attractions for tourists ; but is a favorite resort for invalids on account of its mild climate. Here the Rev. Charles Wolfe, who wrote the famous poem, " The Burial of Sir John Moore," died of consumption in 1823. After passing our baggage through the Cus tom House, an hour's time was quite sufficient to A TOUR note the few points of interest the place presented, and taking rail for Cork, we skirted the beautiful river Lee for twelve miles, passing several ancient castles and lovely modern country-seats.

At Cork we took carriage, and drove for six miles along the banks of the Lee to Blarney Castle, over a road considered the most charming in Ireland, passing the Castle of Carrigrohane and the Bridge of Inniscarra built by Cromwell in the 1 6th century. Blarney Castle was the stronghold, and long the residence of the royal race of McCarthy, by whom it was built in the 15th century; all that now remains of it is a donjon tower, 125 feet in height, with walls 14 feet in thickness, which ren dered it impregnable before the introduction of gunpowder. The chief attraction of this castle is the famous Blarney-stone, wliich is supposed to endow whoever kisses it with that gift of persuasive eloquence so characteristic of the Irish nature. This stone, which bears the inscription, " Cor mach McCarthy, 1446," is placed near the top of the tower, and is both difficult and dangerous of access ; but a substitute is shown tlie less venture some below, which is said to possess the same virtue as the original.

On the river side is shown the place where the defenders us the castle poured down hot lead upon Cromwell's attacking forces, .md beneath are the donjon cells, three by five feet in dimension, .md ventilated only by an inch hole. An underground passage, also hewn from the solid rock, connects the castle with a cave some three hundred yards beyond, while the grounds surrounding the castle are noticeable both for their beauty and their historic interest. Returning to Cork by a different road, one has a lovely bird's-eye view of that city, picturesquely situated on the Lee. It was here that William Penn became a convert to Quakerism, and near by the place where Sir Walter Raleigh lived, planted the potato, and scented the air of Hibernia with the fragrant weed of our own Virginia. Leaving Cork by rail for Bantry — distance 70 miles — we passed through primitive Ireland, see ing much ignorance and squalor, barefooted, ragged mendicants preferring their claims upon our time and charity at every turn, and miserable huts with straw chimneys and dirt floors — man and beast sharing alike such poor comfort as might be found within them.

Passing along the bogs one sees men and women busily engaged cutting turf — a species of black mud composed of decayed vegetable matter, which, after having been dried a month, is used by the natives for fuel. Continuing by stage, a distance of eleven miles, we reached Glengariff a charming resort surrounded by high peaks and lovely lakes. The climate here is delightfully mild; flowers bloom ing a month in advance of the season elsewhere, A TOUR while its surrounding views and historic scenes — among which may be noted Cromwell's Bridge and the Martello Tower — render it a locality well worth visiting. At Glengariff we took a wagonette and drove to Killarney, a distance of 40 miles, passing through the beautiful and extensive estate of Lord Bantry, viewing at a distance "The Nob," " Eagle's Nest," and other features of the wild mountain scenery.

Arriving at the Lakes of Killarney, so justly celebrated for their exceeding beauty of scenery, we contracted with the proprietor of the hotel to send ponies, boats and carriages to different points on the lakes. At an early hour in the morning we drove, attended by a guide, a distance of nine miles to the Gap of Dunloe ; stopping en route at the Castle and Cave of Dunloe, at the cottage of St. Patrick, the tutelary saint of Ireland, near which, legend avers, he exterminated the last of the Irish snakes ; and at the home of Kate Kearney, where one of her descendants dispenses " mountain dew " to the thirsty wayfarer. At the entrance to the Gap we mounted ponies, and rode a distance of five miles, through a narrow mountain defile, passing Macgillicuddy's Reeks, and several small lakes; into one of which the author ofthe Colleen Pawn cast his heroine At the head of the upper lake we entered a small row-boat, and proceeded to view the pic turesque scenery bordering its shores.

We passed Lord Brandon's cottage, "Eagle's Nest," and McCarthy's Island ; shot the rapids under the old Weir bridge; crossed the "Meeting of the Waters " and landed on Dinish Island. From here we drove to the Tore Cascade, and thence to the historic ruins of Muckross Abbey. This is a grand, old, ivy-covered ruin, in the centre of which stands a yew tree 440 years old, and surrounding it are the tombs ofthe McCarthy, the Moore, and other names of ancient Ireland. Ross Castle — three miles distant — is another fine ruin which withstood the assaults of Crom well in the 16th century; also to be noted are, the castle of Lord Kinmare and the ruins oflnnis fallen, so celebrated by Moore in song. Joined to the harmonies of sight were those of sound, throughout this delightful tour ; mountain and lake returning echoes from violin, bugle and cannon.

From Killarney to Dublin — a distance of 112 miles — one passes through a country of no special interest. This city, situated on the Liffey, has a population of 340,000 inhabitants. Its principal buildings are the " Castle" — the official residence of the Lord Lieutenant ; the Bank of Ireland — formerly the House of Parliament ; Trinity Col lege ; and the " Four Courts." The finest streets are Sackville and James, on which are erected A TOUR monuments to William III., Nelson, Wellington, and O'Connell, and among other places of historic interest there also is pointed out the spot where Emmet was hung. Phœnix Park — one ofthe most beautiful in the United Kingdom — contains the private residence ofthe Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, who may be seen driving, surrounded by a strong escort of cavalry.

The blood of his predecessor, Lord Cav endish, and that of Secretary Burke, was still fresh upon the spot where they were assassinated, May 6th, 1882; the day previous to our arrival. From Dublin we went by rail to Portrush, a small bathing place in the north of Ireland, and from there, by jaunting-car, six miles to the Giant's Causeway. This is a basaltic promontory from ten to five hundred feet high, and consists of pris matic columns fitting side by side with such uniformity, as to look like the work of art ; the heating of the rock, and its sudden cooling, is sup posed to be the cause of this remarkable formation. The Castle of Dunltice, four miles from the Causeway, is the finest ruin in the north of Ireland. Itis built on a rock and is connected with the mainland by a stone bridge only twenty inches in width.

Belfast, the second city in size in Ireland, con tains but little to attract the transient visitor, and from here we took the steamer across the Irish sea, to Scotland.

Chapter II. The Clyde

: GLASGOW: AYR: DUMBARTON CASTLE: LOCH LOMOND: INVERSNAID : STRONACHLACHER : LOCH KATRINE : THE TROSSACHS : CALLANDER : STIRLING : EDINBURGH : ROSLIN CHAPEL : HAW- THORNDEN : MELROSE ABBEY I DRYBURGH ABBEY : ABBOTSFORD. Sailing up the river Clyde, we passed large numbers of ships in course of construction, from the formidable man-of-war and fine merchant ship, to various small sized craft destined for lighter service. Glasgow, the commercial capital of Scotland, is finely situated on the river Clyde at the head of navigation. It was here that James Watt, in 1763, first applied steam as a motive power. The city has a population of 512,000 inhabitants, and contains many handsome buildings and fine statues. St. George's Square, centrally located, contains the monuments of Sir Walter Scott, the Duke of Wel lington, James Watt, Prince Albert, and Queen Victoria; and is surrounded by the Royal Bank, Mechanic's Institute, Royal Exchange, and Post Office.

The city is noted for its abundant supply of fresh water brought from the romantic Loch Katrine — a distance of 40 miles. The Great Western Cooking Depot, estab- A TOUR lished by one of her philanthropists, is a novel and an admirable institution, where a most excellent meal is served to the working people at three-pence (six cents) each. The most important object to be seen in Glas gow is the cathedral, which ranks next to West minster in the kingdom ; particularly admired for the rich coloring of its stained-glass windows. It is situated in a picturesque spot, partly surrounded by an old churchyard or necropolis, which rises terraced in the background, and contains some beautiful monuments, the most conspicuous of which is that erected to the memory of John Knox, the great Reformer. The cathedral was built in the 12th century, is in the form ofa Latin cross, and of the Gothic style.

The University, a fine building, costing millions of dollars, is located on high ground sloping to the river Kelvin, and commands a fine view of the cit)-. Ayr — 40 miles from Glasgow — has 18,000 inhabitants, and is situated on the Ayr river, which is crossed by the "twa brigs,'' immortalized by Burns. ( In the site of the prison wlierc Wallace was confined a structure now exists called the Wallace sower, in front of which is a statue of that hero, and in the Tower are the clock and bells of the old donjon steeple. Two miles from Ayr is the cottage, divided into two rooms, where the poet Burns was born, January 25th, 1759, and the bed yet stands in the original niche where the poet first saw the light of day. Two miles from this is " Alloway's auld haunted kirk," which has been immortalized by Burns in his " Tarn O'Shanter."

In the adjoin ing churchyard are the graves of Tarn O'Shanter, or Tarn Laughlin, from the farm Shanter, and those of the poet's parents, on the headstone of which is inscribed the following beautiful epitaph, written by Burns, on his father: " O ye, whose cheek the tear of pity stains, Draw near with pious rev'rence and attend ! Here lie the loving husband's dear remains, The tender father and the gen'rous friend. The pitying heart that felt for human woe ; The dauntless heart that fear'd no human pride ; The friend of man, to vice alone a foe ; For ev'n his sailings lean'd to virtue's side." The " auld kirk" is in ruins, but the interest of the locality is centred in the graveyard. A short distance to the west is the well where Mungb's "mither hanged hersel," and near by is a fine monument to Burns, in the interior of which are relics belonging to him — original manuscript, wedding-ring, a lock of his Highland Mary's hair, and two bibles given her by the poet.

In a cave on the grounds is a monument to Tarn O'Shanter and Souter Johnnie, and a few steps further on A TOUR the "auld brig o'Doon," over which Tarn took his famous nocturnal ride. From here we drove back to Ayr by another road, passing the cottage where two of Burns's nieces live — old ladies upward of eighty. We then visited the tavern where Tarn and Souter Johnnie used to meet and carouse, sat in their chairs, and drank from their cups. Sixteen miles from Glasgow is Dumbarton Castle. This fortress stands on a rock)- height six hundred feet above the river, commanding extensive views in every direction, the ascent being made by many steps cut in the solid rock. The armory contains the sword of Wallace, which is more than seven feet long, and over the inner gate is a room where he was confined a prisoner; the face of Wallace and that of Monteith, his betrayer, being cut in the stone wall outside.

To this castle Mary Queen of Scots was brought when a child. Charles I., and Cromwell successively occupied it, and Queen Victoria visited it in 1847. Two miles from here is Cardross Castle, where Robert Bruce died in 1329. Arriving at Balloch Pier, on Loch Lomond, we sailed for two hours amid the many beautiful islands which gem its surface, surrounded by exquisite mountain views, passing Ben Lomond, a high mountain peak, in the distance, and nearing Rob Roy's cave and rock, where he suspended his prisoners by a rope until they agreed upon what ransom they would pay. At Inversnaid we landed and took stage through a mountainous country — the scene of Sir Walter Scott's Rob Roy — to Stronachlacher, passing on the roadside a stone cottage, once occupied by Helen MacGregor, Rob Roy's wife. Here, by steamer "Rob Roy," we sailed through Loch Katrine, which teems with the poetry of Scott's " Lady of the Lake," passing the island where Rob Roy put the steward ashore and left him, after taking his money ; Ellen Douglas' Isle, the Silver Strand, Ben Venue, and the place where James and Roderick Dhu first met.

From the end of the lake we drove through the Trossachs — a wild, heather-grown gorge, and stopped at the hotel of the same name, for a brief rest. Continuing our drive we passed Ben Lodi, Loch Venachar, and Coilantogle's Ford, where the combat took place between Roderick Dhu and Fitz James, after Roderick had discharged his ob ligation of conducting him there safely. From Callander we went by rail to Stirling, a place of great antiquity ; with a population of 13,000. Stirling Castle, around which is centered so much of historic interest, is built upon a rocky elevation of 380 feet; the battlements of which command a magnificent view. Secure on account A TOUR of its central location and inaccessible situation, it early became a place of great importance, and was for a long time the residence of the kings.

Inside the castle walls is the palace built by James V., and ornamented by statues of himself and his favorite courtiers. In the chapel adjoining, Mary was crowned Queen of Scots, and her son, afterwards James VI. of Scotland and I. of England, baptized. It was the birthplace of James II., and of James V., and a favorite residence of James VI., who was crowned in the old church near by ; John Knox preaching the coronation sermon. One ofthe most interesting places in the castle is the Douglas room, in which William, Earl of Douglas, was assassinated by James II., after that monarch had promised him safe conduct. Here is shown the window from which the lifeless body was thrown ; also the secret stairway leading from this room, by which the king sometimes left the castle in disguise. From the battlements, no less than eight battlefields are in sight ; on one of which Bruce secured the independence of Scotland, by his victory at Bannockburn, in 1314; and on another where William Wallace achieved a great triumph over the English in 1287 A drive of four miles from Stirling brought us to Cambuskenneth Abbey, where are interred the remains of Janus III.

On the way we passed the Wallace Tower — an immense monument built at a height of 200 feet ; Darnley 's house ; and Queen Mary's palace. Edinburgh was first called Edwin's borough, from the fact that King Edward pitched his tent on the rock where the castle now stands. The city, which contains 230,000 inhabitants, is situated on both sides of a deep ravine, and, for its size, is one of the most imposing, interesting and magnificent cities in Europe, and has often been styled " the modern Athens." Princes and George streets are the fashionable thoroughfares, lined with ele gant buildings and fine monuments; the most conspicuous of which is a monument to Sir Walter Scott, 200 feet high, with a statue of himself and dog under a stone canopy surrounded by fifty smaller statues representing characters in his novels.

Edinburgh Castle, whose origin is clouded in obscurity, is one of the fortresses which, by the articles of union between England and Scotland, must be kept fortified ; and is teeming with romantic and historic interest. Sir William Kirkaldy defended it thirty-three days for Mary, Queen of Scots, against the combined armies of England and Scotland. The room is shown where that unfortunate queen became a mother; and the window where her son, when only eight days old, was lowered in a basket, to be conveyed to a place of greater safety. In a room over one of the inner gates, the A TOUR Duke of Argyle slept, the night previous to his execution ; and in the tower, strongly guarded, are the crown jewels of Scotland, consisting of crown, sceptre, sword, plate, and decorations set with precious stones.

These were lost for over a hundred years, and but recently found by Sir Walter Scott, in an old chest in the castle. Mons Meg, a gigantic cannon, twenty inches in diameter at the bore, used in 15 14 at the siege of Norham Castle, is to be seen on the battlements. The Museum contains many interesting relics, among which are the " Maiden " or guillotine, used in the time of the Covenanters ; the stool which Jeanie Geddes threw at the Dean of St. Giles; thumb-screws, and other instruments of torture. The National Gallery is filled with rare specimens of art, and on this spot formerly stood the house where Lord Darnley was blown up. Holyrood Palace, built in 1 501 by James IV., was the home of that lovely but unfortunate queen, Mary Stuart, in which she lived with Darnley for a time. .Among the apartments shown, are Lord Darnley's rooms, hung with fine tapestry; and in his bed-chamber, the bed occupied by Charles I. From Darnley's apartments leading up to Queen Mary's rooms, is a private staircase by which the assassins of Rizzio ascended to murder that un fortunate secretary.

Mary's supper room, an apartment so famous in Scottish history, was the scene of Rizzio's murder, which took place while he was at supper with the queen. The objects of interest in the old quarter of Edinburgh are John Knox's church and tomb; Greyfriar's cemetery, where 18,000 martyrs are buried ; the Heart of Mid-Lothian, a large stone heart, marking the spot where the prison once stood ; and the Grass Market, formerly a place of execution, where the Dukes of Argyle, Montforth, and many others of more or less note were be headed. Roslin Chapel, built by the St. Clairs in the 1 1 th century, and in which they were buried in armor, is particularly noted for its fine carvings and Gothic architecture. The Apprentice Pillar, for which the apprentice lost his life, having completed it while the master was in Rome in search of a design, is exceedingly beautiful.

Roslin Castle, a short distance from the chapel, is situated on a cliff overhanging the river Esk, and among its subterranean dungeons is one which was occupied by Queen Mary for several weeks. Walking along the river, a distance of two miles, through a romantic and lovely ravine, we reached Hawthornden, the home of the poet Drummond. Here is to be seen the sword of Robert Bruce, and the caves in which he and Wallace took refuge at different times. These caves are cut in the rock underneath the poet's A TOUR residence, and connect with Roslin Castle by a passage under the river. Melrose Abbey, the chief attraction of a small village of the same name, on the river Tweed, is an old, roofless, ivy-covered ruin. It was founded in 1 136 by King David I., who lies interred here with his queen. Here also is buried the heart of Robert Bruce, Michael Scott, the wizard, Alex ander II., the royal family of Douglas, Brewster the historian, and Tom Purdy, Sir Walter Scott's forester.

The old clock, which time has robbed of both figures and hands, still denotes the hour, which is sounded by strokes of the old bell. In the centre of the Abbey stands a broken column, which was the favorite seat of Sir Walter Scott when he came to gather fresh inspiration from the grand ami varied beauty ofthe scene. From Melrose, a drive of four miles brought us to Dryburgh Abbey, the burial place of Sir Walter Scott, and the most picturesque ruin in all Scotland. Adjoining the Abbey arc the remains of the cloister; and a hole in the wall ofa cell shows where refractory monks were punished by having their hands wedged in with wood. Leaving Dryburgh — the home ofthe dead — we drove seven miles to Abbotssord, the late residence of Sir Walter Scott, a most imposing mansion, situated on the banks of the river Tweed, in the midst of well-kept grounds The study contains his leather arm-chair, pipes and canes as he left them.

The library has some twenty thousand volumes, and in it are the chairs presented him by George IV., and Pope Pius VII., the portfolio, pen-case, and cloak-clasps of Napo leon, taken at the battle of Waterloo, locks of Wellington's and Nelson's hair, Rob Roy's purse, Helen MacGregor's brooch, Tarn O'Shanter's snuff-box, and Robert Burns's drinking-glass. The drawing-room is elegantly finished in carved wood, and contains many handsome paintings. The armory is a small room, with arms tastefully arranged on the walls, among which are the swords of the Earl of Montrose and of Colonel Scott, Napoleon's pistols, Rob Roy's shield and gun, the spurs of Prince Charlie, and the armor of James VI. ; besides these is a candlestick formerly be longing to Bruce, the crucifix carried by Queen Mary to execution, her money-box, and the keys of Loch Leven Castle, From the armory a door opens into the dining-room, where Sir Walter died, his couch commanding a view of the river Tweed from the window.

The main hall, a beautiful apartment of carved wood, marble floor, and stained-glass windows, is hung with arms and armor of all descriptions ; and in it is seen a clock of Marie Antoinette, a cast of Bruce's skull, and that of one ofa life-guard, who killed thirteen men with his fist at Waterloo, Napoleon's armor, the keys of the old tolbooth — the Heart of Mid-Lo thian — and the clothes, shoes and hat last worn by A TOUR 18 Scott. In the grounds, near the main entrance, is a bronze monument placed over the remains of the author's favorite dog, Meda. Truly a baronial mansion, and one full of interest.

Chapter III. London

ITS ENVIRONS. LONDON, the metropolis ofthe United Kingdom of Great Britain, and the largest cit}' in the world, is situated on the Thames river, 45 miles from its mouth, and has a population of nearly 4,000,000. The older portion of the city is on the north bank of the river, and embraces but a small part of the area of modern London ; it is of great antiquity ; but very little being known of it previous to the time of Nero, when it bore the dignity ofa Roman colony. Starting from the Bank of England, the treas ury of Great Britain, and commercial and financial centre ofthe cit)-, we drove past St. Paul's Cathe dral, Temple Bar — where formerly stood one of the old gates of the city, the Courts of Justice, the old graveyard, near by — made mention of In Dickens in " Bleak House,'' where little Joe peered through the railing, at the grave of his only friend.

Temple Church, where Oliver Goldsmith is buried, and Somerset House. Continuing down the strand — one of the principal thoroughfares ofthe city, on which are located many ofthe theatres, we reached Charing Cross — a locality which takes its name from one of the five crosses which mark the resting-places of the funeral procession of a Queen of England. Trafalgar Square, the finest in the city, is over looked by the principal hotels, and contains a beautiful monument to Nelson, surrounded by fountains and colossal figures of recumbent lions, and other statues. In a narrow street leading from the square, is still to be seen the " Old Curiosity Shop," presided over by an old Jew and his little daughter — com pleting the picture so touchingly described by Dickens. Continuing through Pall Mall, where are situated the principal club-houses, we passed the Crimean monument in Waterloo Place, Marlbor ough House — the residence of the Prince and Princess of Wales, St. James' Palace and Park, Buckingham Palace — the Queen's city residence, and Wellington's statue, located at Hyde Park Corner — the fashionable quarter of London.

Hyde Park, the great pleasure drive of the city, contains 350 acres, and is laid out with fine carriage-roads and paths intersecting each other at every point ; the portion called Rotten Row be- A TOUR ing devoted exclusively to equestrians. On the southern limit of the park stands the Albert Memorial, said to be the finest monument in the world, and costing $500,000. The four large marble groups at the outer corner represent Eu rope, Asia, Africa, and America ; the upper corner marble groups, Agriculture, Manufacture, Commerce, and Engineering ; while the carved figures which surround the base number 169, and represent renowned painters, poets, sculptors and statesmen. The monument is of brown stone, 180 feet high, and under the canopy which is studded with 1 2,000 stones, is the sitting figure of Prince Albert in gilt.

The Zoological Gardens of London contain the largest collection of animals, birds and insects known in the world ; the larger animals being particularly fine ; the fashionable day to visit " the Zoo" is on Sunday, when admittance is gained only by card. The Tower of London, supposed to have been commenced by Julius Caesar, is situated at the eastern extremity ofthe city, and covers 12 acres of ground. On the river-side is the entrance, called the Traitor's dale, through which prisoners of state were conveyed in boats after trial Within this famous structure are numerous buildings, in cluding barracks, armories a\\>_\ towers, viz: the Bloody Tower — when- Richard III. murdered his nephews; the Bow yer lower — where the Duke of Clarence was drowned in a butt of Malmsey wine; the Brick Tower — in which Lady Jane Grey was confined ; the Beauchamp Tower — the prison of Anne Boleyn, and numerous others of equally historic association.

In addition to the original use of the Tower as a fortress, it was the residence of the monarehs of England down to the time of Elizabeth, and a prison for state crim inals. Numerous are the kings, queens, warriors and statesmen, who have not only been imprisoned, but murdered within its walls; among whom were Catherine Howard, Sir Walter Raleigh, Somerset, Sir Thomas Moore, William Wallace, and King John of France. In the Tower in closure is the Horse Armory, built in 1826 — an extensive gallery in which is a finely-arranged collection of armor used from the 13th to the iSth century; including suits worn by the Prince of Wales — son of James I., Henry VIIL, Dudley, Earl of Leicester, Charles I., and John of Gaunt. Queen Elizabeth's armory is filled with old arms artistically arranged on walls and ceilings, representing floral and other designs ; instruments of torture are numerous, among them being the block on which Lords Kilmarnoch and Balmerino were executed in 1745.

The Jewel House con tains all the crown jewels of England — crowns, scepters, swords, orbs and maces of gold studded with precious stones ; Queen Victoria's crown A TOUR 22 containing the celebrated Koh-i-noor diamond, and the heart-shaped ruby worn by the Black Prince ; while St. Peters chapel is interesting as the burial place of many royal victims. The war dens of the Tower still dress in the costumes of the Beef-eaters ofthe time of Henry VIII. Westminster Abbey was founded in the year 610, and within its venerable walls repose the ashes of kings, queens, and distinguished men — the first interment being that of King Harold. Their respective places of rest are marked by sumptuous monuments in marble and bronze. Among them are the tombs of Edward the Con fessor, Edward I., Edward III., Edward V., and Edward VI. ; Richard II., Henry III., Henry V, and Henry VII. ; James I., Charles II., William III, and George II.; Queens Mar)-, Elizabeth, Mary of Scotland, anil Anne ; also the remains of the two princes murdered in the rower.

In the Poets' Corner lie Milton, Dryden, Chaucer, Spen cer, Garrick, Dickens, and others noted in the world of letters. In the opposite transept, allotted to statesmen, are Pitt, Wilberforce, Pahnerston, ('.inning, and a host of other distinguished names. Separating the transepts is the altar, where the sovereigns of England have received the crown from the hands of the Archbishop since the church was built ; and in the rear ofthe altar stands the old coronation chair of England's sovereigns. beneath which is the famous stone on which the Scottish kings were crowned, brought to England by Edward I., in 1297. In the nave ofthe church are slabs on the floor, memorials of Livingston, the African explorer, Peabody, the philanthropist, whose remains were afterwards removed to Amer ica, and Charles Robert Darwin, the great philos opher of this age.