SHAKESPEARE'S HOUSE, STRATFORD-ON-AVON.--The birthplace of England's greatest poet and dramatist—the shrine to which the cultured, the scholarly peoples of the earth count it their happy privilege to make a pilgrimage. To visit the haunts, and enjoy the simple beauty which surrounded the immortal bard, conjures up in imagination the visions and fancies to which he gave such exquisite expression. We pass with awe within the portals as though the spirit of the dead were there, and wander through the heavy oak-beamed apartments with the proud realisation — this was the home of Shakespeare.

BIRTHROOM OF SHAKESPEARE, STRATFORD-ON-AVON. Leading from the lower floor is a solid oak staircase of ten steps, by which we enter the above apartment. The huge oaken beams projecting from the walls look as enduring as the poet's fame. There is an intangible something here which attracts and fascinates: we imagine the babe of 1575, who was destined to immortal fame and honour, which brings the world in admiration to his shrine as century succeeds century. The web of autographs on every available space testifies to unnumbered pilgrims.

HOLY TRINITY CHURCH, STRATFORD-ON-AVON. It would have been difficult to have found a more peaceful haven of rest for the remains of the illustrious poet than this noble edifice on the banks of the Avon, its spire rising from a mass of foliage. On entering the sacred building we become impressed with the Shakespearian atmosphere which seems to pervade the place as we gaze on the tomb and memorial of the dead, read the record of his baptism and death, and turn to the beautiful stained glass window representing "The Seven Ages of Man."

SHAKESPEARE MEMORIAL THEATRE, STRATFORD-ON-AVON. This fine modern building is another eloquent tribute of admiration to the memory of Shakespeare, for his birth is annually celebrated here by dramatic representations from the great author's plays. There is a Library and Picture Gallery attached, in which a goodly collection of things Shakespearian has accumulated, and in the grounds a handsome monument stands, representing the great dramatist, surrounded by figures in bronze of Hamlet, Falstaff, Henry V., and Lady Macbeth. No more characteristic grouping could have been conceived.

AMERICAN MEMORIAL, STRATFORD-ON-AVON. Our cousins across the sea have always held in deep veneration the memory of Shakespeare, and this handsome Clock Tower and Fountain, standing in the Rother Market, was "The gift of an American Citizen, George W. Childs, of Philadelphia, to the town of Shakespeare, in the Jubilee Year of Queen Victoria." There is also inscribed the following quotation from Washing-ton Irving's "Stratford-on-Avon ":— "Ten thousand honours and blessings on the Bard who has gilded the dull realities of life with innocent illusions."

GUILD CHAPEL, GRAMMAR SCHOOL, AND ALMS HOUSES, STRATFORD-ON-AVON.—These old buildings are of great antiquity and interest, for they include the Grammar School where Shakespeare was educated. A quaint, old place  founded in the reign of Henry VI.—round which one delights to linger, for there is much that must be the same now as in the poet's school-days. Adjoining the school is the crumbling old Gothic pile known as the Chapel of the Guild of the Holy Cross and St. John the Baptist, and which must have been very familiar to Shakespeare

ANNE HATHAWAY'S COTTAGE. Second only in interest to the famous birthplace of Shakespeare, is the quaint-old-fashioned cottage, in which he wooed and won his wife. It stands in the picturesque little village of Shottery, and is one of the rustic, thatch-roofed, half-timber cottages characteristic of Warwickshire. It is at Shottery we may think of the poet as other men are, for it was in the immediate district that at a very early age he tasted the joys of domesticity, tempered by struggles with comparative poverty.

INTERIOR, ANNE HATHAWAY'S COTTAGE.—The inside of this quaint old cottage is very similar in appearance to the interior of Shakespeare's house. It is characterised by low roof, massive projecting beams of timber, and an old-fashioned chimney corner, in which one can imagine Anne seated at work—perhaps on the open-work pillow-case, and sheet marked " E.H.," still kept in a chest in the bedroom above, which also contains an elaborately carved bedstead, certainly old enough to have been used by the Hathaway family. It is an interesting heirloom, handed down with the house.

HIGH STREET, STRATFORD-ON-AVON. What memories arise when traversing this fine street, so spic and span, so rich in antique architecture, so closely associated with the lives of great men. Here we have the noble Tudor House, quaintly picturesque with its heavily-timbered projecting front, and not less interesting interior. A little further on is Harvard House, formerly the home of the founder of America's greatest University, and to whom the Archbishop of Canterbury referred as "Gossamer slight, but not gossamer weak, is this link between America and England." Almost opposite is the famous Shakespeare Hostelrie.

MASON CROFT, STRATFORD-ON-AVON. — After ruminating on so many connecting links of the past, we are somewhat vividly brought back to our own time when viewing the residence of Miss Marie Corelli. One can imagine the quiet peaceful atmosphere of Stratford conducive to the noble life of John Walden, ideally depicted in "God's Good Man," but the advent of "Free Opinions" leads one to suppose there is great need for many such living examples. Miss Corelli has been enthusiastic in keeping the Shakespearian town in its quaint picturesqueness.

"The pensive willows stoop to kiss                                                                                            Bancroft Gardens,
 The stream so deep and clear."                                                                                               Stratford-on-Avon.
                                       Eliza Cook

 

 BANCROFT GARDENS, STRATFORD-ON-AVON. — This is an exceedingly pleasant open space on the banks of the Avon, which broadens considerably as the bridge is approached. Here boating is in full vogue, and one may embark in the languorous eventide, and glide down the silvery waterway, disturbing the shadows and reflections where the willows kiss the waters, and explore the beauties of the river, or drift past the Shakespeare Theatre to where the stately, swaying elms, surround the Church in which the remains of our immortal bard repose.

                                                                                                                                           Royal Pump Rooms,
                                                                                                                                           Leamington. 

 

 ROYAL PUMP ROOMS, LEAMINGTON.—There is no doubt many of the springs were discovered long before their commercial value was taken advantage of, for we are told by Camden in 1536, the Canons of Kenilworth Priory "found here a spring of infinite medicinal power," while it was nearly 300 years later their valuable properties were made more widely known by Abbotts and Satchwell. Immediately the town grew by leaps and bounds, and in 1808 Pump Rooms were erected, and Leamington quickly became the fashionable inland watering-place it is to-day.

                                                                                                                                             Victoria Bridge,                          
                                                                                                                                             Leamington.

 

 VICTORIA BRIDGE, LEAMINGTON.—In contradistinction to its near neighbours, Leamington is essentially a modern town, and may claim to be one of England's foremost inland health resorts. Here we reproduce a handsome stone bridge, under which the Learn pursues its silent course, and in crossing, a very pleasing view is presented of over-hanging trees, a rushing weir, and suspension bridge. Viewing the splendid Parade, the Town Hall, in Renaissance style, and other architectural features, it is difficult to realise that a comparatively short time back the town was known as Leamington Priors, and the chief building was a tiny thatched church.

WILLES' BRIDGE, LEAMINGTON. — This lovely river scene, which opens out to one from the Jephson Gardens, might well be called "Reflections." It shows the Learn dressed in the beauties of spring, and a pull up the river, under the bridge, past woodland and pasture-land, with cattle lazily browsing thereon, is well rewarded, for at every bend a picturesque view is disclosed, while the overhanging willows, reflecting their rich foliage in the watery mirror, form a delightfully cool natural archway. The wild duck is also seen here in plenty.

 

JEPHSON GARDENS, LEAMINGTON. — The lake is the home of gold and silver fish and ducks; it is a pretty sheet of water, surrounded by trees through the tops of which the tower of the parish church is peeping. A stroll round the grounds discloses a small temple, containing a marble statue of Dr. Jephson, whose skill helped in no small degree to bring Leamington into such high repute. Another tribute to beneficence is an obelisk of granite to the memory of Edward Willes, Esq., who gave the land for the gardens; and there is a handsome fountain known as the Hitchman Memorial.

JEPHSON GARDENS, LEAMINGTON. — These beautiful gardens form a delightful retreat from the heat and rush of town life, and we reproduce above one of those shady glades so fascinating to "the toilers from the city." Here one may rest  awhile and watch the shadows play upon the parted ways, the  graceful glidings to and fro of the swans on the water lying below,  while the more vigorously inclined may wend their way to the tennis courts, archery ground, or the intricate maze. Through this pleasing vista the Suspension Bridge may be seen on the left.

PUMP Room GARDENS, LEAMINGTON. —  One of the favourite promenades of visitors--tastefully laid out with flower-beds, bounded on three sides by avenues of fine trees, it forms a fine enclosure. Here one can stroll in the evening and enjoy the music and the sweet balmy air, for which the Royal Spa is well known. The town is appropriately named "Leafy Leamington," for it is more like a garden, streets and squares being lined with sweet-scented limes, shady elms and chestnuts, and foliage and flowers meet the eye everywhere.

 

JEPHSON GARDENS, LEAMINGTON. — These beautiful gardens form a delightful retreat from the heat and rush of town life, and we reproduce above one of those shady glades so fascinating to "the toilers from the city." Here one may rest awhile and watch the shadows play upon the parted ways, the graceful glidings to and fro of the swans on the water lying below, while the more vigorously inclined may wend their way to the tennis courts, archery ground, or the intricate maze. Through this pleasing vista the Suspension Bridge may be seen on the left.

 

NEW RIVER WALK, LEAMINGTON.--Extending nearly a mile by the River Learn, the well-kept footpath beneath an avenue of sheltering trees, with grassy bank sloping gently to the water, forms an ideal riverside walk from Adelaide Bridge to the Weir. If a row or paddle is desired, the facilities are at hand, and gliding along on the shimmering surface below the over-hanging trees, will be found delightful, or a boat may be hired at Emscote, and a pull up river to Warwick Castle will bring its own reward.

 

YORK WALK, LEAMINGTON, — Rich in promenades, leafy avenues, and gardens, the Royal Spa makes a desirable holiday resort in the diversity of its entertainments and recreations. In the gardens, delightful walks, tennis, and promenade al fresco concerts please many, while the Avon affords good sport to anglers and the boating fraternity. Leamington is greatly indebted to Dr. Jephson in securing to the town such attractive open spaces, where one may retreat from the heat and toil of the day, and find health and strength — without being bored in the finding!

CLARENDON SQUARE, LEAMINGTON. — There is no doubt that Leamington forms one of the most delightful residential towns in England. It is not only central and well served with travelling facilities, but when Warwick Castle, Stratford-on-Avon, and Edgehill are mentioned, it will also be recognised as the hub around which history has been made in past ages, and while the body may be invigorated and refreshed by the balmy air and pleasing tree-lined streets and squares, the mind may be enriched by the historical associations found in the vicinity.

PARISH CHURCH, LEAMINGTON. —  Nothing has been spared to make this handsome edifice worthy of its object and an ornament to the town. It is rich in beautifully carved stone- work, elaborate stained glass windows, and highly decorated both inside and out. When strolling in the adjacent gardens, one may see its handsome stone tower rising through vistas of trees. Close to the Church is the original spring of medicinal water, spoken of by Camden, which we refer to on another page — Leamington was but a little rustic village then!

THE MIDLAND OAK, LEAMINGTON.--This fine old oak tree is said to have been planted many years ago to mark the centre  of England. Be this as it may, it certainly forms the hub of  a very charming district, rich in historic surroundings, quaint  buildings, and interesting country, the latter studded with gems of sylvan beauty. Nature has richly endowed the Royal riverside  Spa, and it has been appropriately called "a beautiful town in a  beautiful county."

 

THE CASTLE, WARWICK. — One cannot gaze on this historical edifice without recalling the vicissitudes through which it has passed, and the notabilities who have tarried there — willingly and otherwise. Ethelfleda, daughter of Alfred the Great, laid the foundation stone of the Castle in 915. It was almost demolished by the Danes a century later. Our delight at the charming view it affords changes to sympathy as we turn to the massive towers, and contemplate the dismal dungeons and their unfortunate occupants of the past, and we proceed to the more cheerful state rooms, filled with an interesting collection of celebrated pictures, valuable antiquities and curiosities, feeling glad we can visit the famous stronghold as a place of beauty which links us to bygone ages.

CAESAR'S TOWER, WARWICK. — Our subject is one of the stately  towers, which rise in bold magnificence at Warwick Castle, a visit to which is most instructive and interesting. In the Great Hall is a  collection of armour including  a suit of horse trappings, said to have belonged to Queen Elizabeth; while valuable paintings, rare and priceless vases, antique gems, and works in marble, fill other apartments, in one of which is the celebrated "Kenilworth Buffet," and scene from Sir Walter Scott's novel will be recognised on the panels.

LEYCESTER HOSPITAL AND WESTGATE, WARWICK. — This is another exquisite example of the half-timbered, gabled, and red-roofed style of architecture for which Warwickshire is justly famed, and always extracts expressions of admiration from the visitor. The Westgate formed the entrance to the western end of the once strongly fortified town, and the Chapel of St. James, which surmounts it, is now used by the inmates of the Hospital, which is occupied by a master and twelve brethren, according to the statutes of its illustrious founder — the Earl of Leycester — in the reign of Queen Elizabeth.

MILL STREET, WARWICK. — To walk here must be a source of delight to the antiquarian. The fine gables and heavily-timbered style of architecture take us back to the Middle Ages, while its dignified surroundings make it doubly attractive, for at the top of the street is the entrance to Warwick Castle, and at the bottom — dwarfing the cottages by its huge proportions—rises with impressive majesty Caesar's Tower, at the base of which glides the River Avon — the ever-moving and the immovable.

GUY'S CLIFFE HOUSE, NEAR WARWICK. —  Most charmingly situated on the Avon. The mansion was the residence of the redoubtable Guy, of whose prowess many interesting stories are related. He was a veritable giant of immense height and strength, and proved his courage in many a single combat with man and beast. His adventures may be obtained in book form. In the later years of his life, Guy lived in seclusion, and died here in 929. The estate is a very beautiful one, and Guy's Cave should not be overlooked.

GUY'S CLIFFE MILL, NEAR WARWICK. — .Never will artists cease to transfer to canvas this picturesque spot, and the subject well repays the effort. It stands exactly opposite Guy's Cliffe House, with the river intervening, and at the further end is a rushing weir. The water-wheel at work proves it not only a place of quaint beauty, but one of usefulness also. From here it is a pleasant country walk or drive to Warwick, Leamington, or Kenilworth, with pleasing surroundings on every hand.

BANQUETING HALL, KENILWORTH. — It was here that Queen Elizabeth was entertained by her favourite, Dudley, in the most lavish and magnificent style. It was in this hall that Sir Walter Scott, in his novel "Kenilworth," places the scene of the tragic denouement of Dudley exposing his perfidy and intriguing nature to Elizabeth on her visit to him in 1575. It was on this occasion the author tells of the meeting of the Queen with Amy Robsart in the grotto, who was concealed therein, anxiously awaiting her husband in secret, whom she dare not approach in public, and although this story is more romance than fact, it adds a halo of interest to these stately ruins.

PORCH TO GREAT HALL,  KENILWORTH. — Ad join ing the Strong Tower,  —  or "Mervyn's Bower," as Scott refers to it  — is this fine old porch, elaborately panelled, vaulted, and groined. The floor of the Hall was formed by the roof of an extensive vault underneath, and the hall itself must have  been a magnificent apartment, containing many fine windows. Entertainments of a most sumptuous character were given here, music was discoursed front the Minstrel Gallery at one  end, a State Throne occupied a dais at the other, and the room was richly furnished.

THE KEEP. KENILWORTH. — This frowning, rectangular pile, known as the Keep or Caesar's Tower, is a grand specimen of military architecture, and dates back to the eleventh century. The Castle has remained a ruin since it was dismantled during the Civil War. It has belonged to many royal personages, and during the Barons' War sustained a siege of six months, at which time it was occupied by Simon de Montfort, a man of noble character, who fought and died in a glorious attempt to secure free representative government for the country.

LEICESTER'S BUILDINGS, KENILWORTH. — What tragic scenes are brought to memory as these historic ruins are gazed upon, which once sheltered Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, when in the zenith of his fame. How interesting to linger and trace the various apartments, to follow Sir Walter Scott's narrative of history and romance, to imagine Queen Elizabeth journeying in regal pomp from Warwick to Kenilworth Castle, and remember how severe her struggle between sense of rank and duty, and her attachment to the illustrious Earl.

THE RUSTIC BRIDGE, KENILWORTH. — The bridge leads to the ruins of Mortimer's Tower, which probably derives its name from Sir John Mortimer, who was imprisoned here in the reign of Henry V. Our picturesque subject presents another aspect of Leicester's Buildings, adjoining which are the remains of the White Hall and Presence Chamber. Numerous other portions of the famous old ruins will be found interesting — the dungeons under the Strong Tower, the Winding Staircases, Leicester's Buildings, and the Garden, which was the scene of the duel between Leicester and Tressilian.

THE FORD, KENILWORTH. — This charming rustic scene is formed the Inchford Brook, which issues from a shady dell, where its banks are fringed by shapely oaks and beech. It ripples across the roadway and continues its course across the open fields. One or two interesting relics may be found in Kenilworth ; thus on the Warwick Road is a small Elizabethan house, hearing a tablet, on which is carved a bear with ragged staff, and initials R. L. — undoubtedly one of the Castle lodges. There are also remains of two stone bastions, formerly connected by a drawbridge, by means of which the moat was crossed in ancient times.

STONELEIGH ABBEY is the residence of Lord Leigh, and is surrounded by beautiful parkland scenery that would be difficult to surpass. Through the grounds, tinder a most handsome marble bridge, the River Avon threads its sinuous course, and as we languorously glide on its shimmering surface, through leafy archways formed by overhanging foliage--turning first this way and then that — the noble mansion is brought into view. Nature has been very bountiful here, and her lovers will find much in which to delight.

THE THREE SPIRES, COVENTRY. — Tennyson, as he "waited for the train," seems to have been impressed with this view, and there he " shaped the city's ancient legend " — the story of Lady Godiva. Many relics of the past remain — quaint and gabled half-timber houses, old entrance gates, Cathedral ruins, &c. — which bring before us some interesting episodes in the history of Coventry. Shakespeare, in Richard II., describes the famous duel between the Duke of Hereford and the Duke of Norfolk; Mystery Plays were acted in the narrow streets; Mary, Queen of Scots, was a prisoner within its walls.

ST. MICHAEL'S CHURCH, COVENTRY. — This is the principal  ecclesiastical structure in Coventry, and as a parish church claims the first place in England. The tower is beautifully ornamented with carving and windows, and is surmounted by a most graceful, fluted spire, supported by flying buttresses, the whole rising 303 feet. The interior is handsome, and the pillars and loft arches in the Perpendicular very imposing and noble-looking. The stained glass windows also form an interesting feature.

ST. MARY'S HALL, COVENTRY. — This, the stone building to the right of the picture, is rich in curious carving, antiquities, and paintings, and a vast collection of muniments and literary treasures has accumulated here since its erection in the time of Henry VI, In the banqueting hall, where princely entertainments were given, is a fine stained glass window, representing kings and heraldry, and underneath is a celebrated piece of old tapestry of exquisite workmanship. The stocks which were used for the punishment of offenders until 1865, have been removed from the Market Place, and may now be seen inside the gates. There is a fine crypt under the hall.

FORD'S HOSPITAL, COVENTRY. — Our illustration depicts one of  the most interesting primitive relics to be found in the  country. It provides accommodation for seventeen alms-women, and there is a similar institution for men known as the Bablake Hospital. The structure is a splendid example of timber-work, and its frontage contains three large projecting gable windows,   embellished with elaborate carving and other ornamental work. It affords a quaint, peaceful haven of rest for its occupants in the evening of life.

LADY GODIVA. — The legend of Lady Godiva dates back to about 1020, at which time the people of Coventry, being oppressed with such heavy taxation, were constrained to appeal to the Countess, who interceded with Leofric. According to Tennyson, he replied in the words quoted above, but the Countess was persistent, and said : "But prove me what it is I would not do," and the Earl, with rough brutality, gave answer: "Ride you naked through the town, and I repeal it." Godiva, with self-sacrificing devotion, accepted the conditions and set the people free.

PEEPING TOM. — The Story of Lady Godiva would not be complete without relating its consequences to  Peeping Tom. The Countess before riding forth, made a request to the people that "no foot should pace the street, no eye look down," but one knave, filled with overpowering curiosity, bored a hole through his shutters to peep, but with dire results, for in the words of Tennyson: — 

THE LONG AVENUE, COVENTRY — Besides being noted for its quaintness and historical associations, Warwickshire is also noted for its sylvan beauty, and many lovely country lanes may be found, especially in the neighbourhood of Stoneleigh Abbey. Our subject is the well-kept gently undulating road to Kenilworth, and in places the rich foliage forms a sheltering bower, through which the sun can scarcely penetrate except to cast fantastic shadows. About half-way is Gibbet Hill, where evil-doers in the past have paid the extreme penalty.

GEORGE ELIOT'S BIRTHPLACE. — The South Farm at Arbury, near Nuneaton, is a homely farmstead on the south side of Arbury Park, within a mile of Griff House, and about three miles from Nuneaton, and two from Bedworth. Here it was that Mary Ann Evans was born on November 19th, 1819, but before she reached her seventh month was taken to Griff, where her father, and subsequently her brother, lived for many years as agents to the Newdegate family.

GRIFF HOUSE, NUNEATON, now the Warwickshire County Council's Dairy School, adjoins the high road at the turning to Arbury Lodge, and right in the heart of Griff Village. This lovely old house was George Eliot's home for twenty-three years. From it she attended school, first at Chilvers Coton, then Nuneaton, and finally Coventry. On the timbers in the garret are carved tier own name and that of her brother Isaac Evans, who continued to reside there till his death.

GRIFF HOLLOWS, NUNEATON, is less than a mile from Griff House, on the way to Nuneaton, and really an arm of the Coventry Canal, over which the road passes, but it has for the George Eliot enthusiast an abiding interest as "Red Deeps," whither Maggie and Tom Tulliver came to fish, who were none other than the novelist herself, and her brother Isaac, to whom reference is made on another page.

CHILVERS COTON CHURCH, as seen to the right-hand side of the main road when travelling from Coventry to Nuneaton, also from the railway embankment, the famous "Shepperton" Church of George Eliot's "Scenes of Clerical Life," with its outside staircase leading to the children's gallery. In the church-yard is the grave of Emma Gwyther, the "Milly Barton " of the story; also here lies buried the novelist's brother. The Vicarage close by was the scene of "Caterina's" death, as well as the  home of "Milly Barton."

THE OLD MILL AT ARBURY is in itself a charming spot, apart from the glamour thrown over it by its association with Warwickshire's gifted novelist. Half-way between Griff House and the South Farm, and only a short distance off the main road from Nuneaton to Coventry, it is easy of access, and well worth a visit. Here, undoubtedly, George Eliot spent many of the happiest days of her childhood.

ARBURY HALL, NUNEATON, is one of the most imposing residences in the county. Rebuilt by Sir Roger Newdegate, the original of "Sir Christopher Cheverel" in "Scenes of Clerical Life," Arbury Hall, or, to use George Eliot's title, "Cheverel Manor," is a charming spot. Surrounded by glorious trees, on an exquisite grassy knoll, with ornamental waters and acres of park stretching far and wide, its situation is ideal. Arbury was the  scene of "Mr. Gilfit's Love Story."