of water nearly 300 feet high. The other from several jets sends forth copious streams which rise and fall alternately. Huge masses of rock are collecting and forming into a rock-work, and when completed will present the appearance of a wild mountain torrent of above 300 feet long. Some rare plants have been sent to his grace from one of the most arid parts of Western Africa.

DEVONSHIRE.

The Ecclesiastical Commissioners of England have separated a large portion of the parish of Charles (Plymouth), into a distinct district, which, for all ecclesiastical purposes, will henceforth be called Sutton-on-Plym. It includes Catdown, Brunswick-terrace, Britonside, Coxside, one side of Bilbury-street, Buckwellstreet, Looe-street, and all the intermediate streets to the water-side. The Rev. George Carrighan, M.A. of St. John's College, Cambridge, has been appointed by Sir Robert Peel to be Minister of this new district.

GLOUCESTERSHIRE.

Oct. 22. The Lord Bishop of Gloucester and Bristol consecrated the newly erected church of St. John, at Cinderford, in the Forest of Dean, built after a design by Edward Blore, esq. upon land given by the Crown, by public subscriptions, but chiefly by the munificent donations of Charles Bathurst, esq., of Lydney Park, and the Rev. Dr. Warneford. It is situated in the midst of a large and poor population, hitherto at a distance from any church, and is capable of holding 650 persons. Oct. 23, his Lordship consecrated a piece of land as an addition to the burial ground to the church of Holy Trinity, in the Forest of Dean, upon land also given by the Crown.-And Oct. 25, the Bishop consecrated a beautiful church, built at the sole expense of the Earl Bathurst, upon a site voluntarily given by Peter Playne, of the Box, esq., at Frampton Mansel, a tything in the parish of Sapperton, as a chapel of ease for the inhabitants of that tything, being nearly two miles distant from the mother church.

The Society of Merchants have lately purchased a large piece of ground in the centre and principal part of Clifton, in order to preserve it for the benefit of the public. The purchase was made at a higher price than the land was worth, but it was paid rather than let the ground be sold for building purposes. It is intended to lay the ground out in a park-like manner, to make it conducive to the public recreation, and to preserve the view of a noble terrace lately erected. It is probable that the example will be followed

by other acts of similar liberality. One gentleman has already offered to give up a valuable piece of ground adjoining the land so purchased, and leading to and from Saville place to Richmond terrace, in order to make an easier access to the road leading to Clifton Down, Hotwells, Brandon-Hill, &c. thus combining convenience with delightful drives and scenery. This gentleman a short time back gave the sum of 1,000l. towards the new church lately erected.

HAMPSHIRE.

Nov. 28. The Lord Bishop of Winchester consecrated a new church at Farn

borough, on the South-Western Railway, and a large number of the clergy. The in the presence of the Dean of Chichester church is within sight of the Farnborough station, and is built of Heath stone.

In 1837, a meeting was held at Winchester, at which the Duke of Wellington presided. A society was formed for the purpose of taking measures for the extension of Church accommodation throughout the diocese. Since its formation it has contributed towards the erection of 42 new churches and chapels, and the repairs and enlargement of 34. The aggregate amount of the population assisted is about 250,000. The church accommodation previously existing in these places was 68,907 sittings, or rather more than one in four of this number; not more than one in sixteen were free. The additional accommodation now obtained is 26,893 sittings, making the proportion of sittings to be somewhere between one in three and one in two. Of these addi. tional sittings no less than 17,503 ure free; thus making the proportion of free sittings to be one in seven and a half, being rather more than double the number that previously existed. The estimated cost of these buildings and enlargements, as reported to the committee, amount in the aggregate to 105,8771. The society's grants have amounted to 25,0521. In addition to this sum it has remitted to the

incorporated society in London the sum of 30921. making its total outlay to amount to 28,1447.

across within the battlements. It has been built at the expense of the county. It was mentioned by W. Garnett, esq. chairman of the Bridge Committee, that within his recollection there was but one bridge for carriages across the Irwell at Manchester: now there are five, and some of them ornaments to the town.

Nov. 29. The new church of St. Barnabas, at Manchester, just finished, was consecrated by the Lord Bishop of Chester. The district has, by an order in council, been created a new parish, and is named "The District of St. Barnabas, Manchester." The church is one of ten erected in this town by "The Ten Churches Association," and is, perhaps, one of the finest yet built by that useful body. The next day his Lordship consecrated another new church in the township of Blockley.

Dec. 1. The Bishop of Chester consecrated a new church at Bolton, under peculiar circumstances. The building was erected in 1822 for the use of the Methodist new connexion, and was always well attended, on account of the learning and eloquence of the preacher. About four years ago the minister and congregation held several meetings, the result of which was that they determined on con. forming to the Established Church. Since that period the building has been occupied as a chapel of ease to the parish church. A district has been assigned to it under the provisions of the 6th and 7th Victoria, c. 39; and on its being consecrated it became a parish church, under the name of Christ Church. The building is a plain brick structure, accommodating 800 persons, and is situated in the poorest and most spiritually destitute part of the town. To fit it for the service of the church a chancel has been erected, and to give the exterior something of an ecclesiastical character, the west front has been improved, and the addition of a doorway of elaborate design, consisting of five receding arches, executed chiefly in terra-cotta from the Ladystone works near Bolton. The windows, which had semicircular heads and sash-lights, have been replaced by windows in the same style as the doorway (Norman), and a bell gable, surmounted by an appropriate cross, has been placed on the top. The alterations have been made under the superintendence of Mr. Gregan, of Manchester. The petition was presented to the Bishop by the Rev. James Slade, vicar of the parish, and a sermon was preached by the Rev. Henry Raikes, M.A. Chancellor of the diocese of Chester.

Dec. 13. During the operations going on in connexion with the new park at

Everton-brow, two relics of military war fare were found in the earth, about a foot from the surface. One of them, the remains of a large sword, or sabre, was taken up in a garden belonging to Mr. Halliday, at the back of a small house known as Prince Rupert's Cottage; the other, which is a portion of a firelock, was discovered near the church; both are very much corroded by the action of the weather, and a part of the sword appears to have been broken off. The most probable conjecture is, that they have been embedded in the soil since the period when Liverpool was besieged by Prince Rupert, in 1644. They are now in the possession of Mr. William Halliday, of the Everton coffee-house.

MIDDLESEX.

The Tower of London is about to undergo great alterations and improvements. For months past surveyors have been engaged, at the direction of the Board of Ordnance, in surveying different parts; and an elaborate working model has been formed, under the superintendence of Major Hall, of the Royal Engineers. A new entrance will be made facing Upper Thames-street, and will be approached by a drawbridge. To effect this alteration, the Spur Gate is to be demolished; that part of the old ditch between the Warders' Hall and the Spur Gate filled up, and a new one in a line with that by the river side is to be made, so as to run outside the grand entrance, in accomplishing which a large space of ground will be added to the fortress, although no encroachment on the public right of way on Tower-hill. The Spur Gate barracks, the menagerie buildings, the new ticketoffice, the Spur-guardroom, and the ramparts adjacent, are to be razed to the ground, and on their site will be built substantial erections for public offices. The Warders'-hall, now fronting the Stonekitchen, is to be destroyed, and a new one erected, which, together with the ticketoffice and guardroom, will form the buildings at the grand entrance. The two archways almost at the extreme eastern end of the fortress, leading to what is termed the Irish barracks at the south-east angle, are to be removed, and the Irish barracks, now used for the accommodation of the troops, are to be converted in to storerooms. The entire row of buildings on the opposite side of the way is also to be demolished, and the whole space of the rampart wall will be cleared away, affording a commodious thoroughfare. At the end of the Irish barracks are a number of smiths' shops and lofts; all these are to be levelled as far as the old Mill barracks, to the end immediately beneath

Exchange-1st premium 3007., 2nd ditto 2007., 3rd ditto 1007.-6007.; excavating the Merchants' area, and constructing vaults underneath, 30007.; contract for building the Exchange, completed by Mr. Jackson, the builder, at Pimlico, 115,0907.; sculpture work in the tympani (by Westmacott), 30007.; carvings of the internal façades, &c., also externally, 27007.; sculpture of Corinthian capitals, columns, and piazzas, 60007.; the encaustic painting of the roof of the colonnade, by M. Sang, 22487.; cost of clock and works, &c., 7001.; cost of bells, 9051.; statue of the Queen, 10007.; statue of Queen Elizabeth (Watson, artist), 5007.; statue of Sir R. Whittington (Carew, artist), 4307.; statue of Sir H. Myddelton (same artist), 4601.; statue of Sir T. Gresham, 5507.; the Royal arms over the western entrance, 350.; the tessellated pavement (a failure, and destroyed), 7007.; commission to Mr. Tite, the architect (said to be about 10,0001.) There are other expenses, the amount of which is not yet made up; but the amount total of the cost of the edifice will not exceed 180,000l. The improvements, in the demolition of the Bank. buildings, and other premises at the back of the Exchange, cost about 190,0007.; total 370,0007. The rental of the Royal Exchange is described in the Committee's Report to be as follows:-Royal Exchange Assurance Company, 24007.; Lloyd's, 12607.; London Assurance Company, 15007.; shops, &c., 5000.; total, 10,1607. The Exchange will not be opened for public business until some weeks after Christmas.

the Jewel-house. The houses fronting the barracks in a line with the King's Arms public-house, about forty in number, are to share a similar fate, at least as far as the School-room. Nearly opposite to those buildings are the officers' residences, which are intended to be appropriated for the accommodation of the warders. A large building between the Beauchamp tower and the officers' present quarters is to be converted into an infirmary for the troops, an institution long required in the garrison. The alterations intended immediately adjacent to the Grand Parade are equally extensive. The houses on the right, after passing under the Bloody Tower to the parade, now the residence of some of the warders, will be destroyed, together with the guardroom. All the buildings, in fact, contiguous to the White Tower are to be swept away, so as to throw that interesting and stately structure open to the view of the spectator, many of its beauties being hidden by the unsightly buildings that are attached to it. The carriage-way is to be abolished and raised level with the parade, which will certainly be one of the finest exercising grounds any fortress can boast of. It will be approached by a wide flight of steps close under the Bloody Tower. On the ruins of the grand storehouse is to be erected a large building for the accommodation of 800 soldiers, the style of which is to be in strict keeping with the White Tower. Extensive excavations are now going on in order to secure a good foundation, for which purpose the whole of the burial-ground attached to St. Peter's ad Vincula has been devoted, the bodies therein having been removed and deposited in a spacious vault (unless taken to other cemeteries). Some of the buildings to the west of the parade are to be pulled down to make room for more substantial erections. The houses on the terrace, known as the Map Office, are to be used as officers' residences, the roofs of which will be made to correspond with the White Tower and the intended new barracks. The Beauchamp Tower, which stands on the west side of the parade, will be thrown open to public view; and when the records are removed to the new Houses of Parliament, the White Tower will be open for public inspection.

The Royal Exchange.-The following particulars respecting the amount of money that has been expended by the Mercers' Company in the erection of the New Royal Exchange, and the improvements in the immediate vicinity, are derived from authentic sources. Contract for the

foundation, 96577. 18.; expenses for lay ing foundation stone, 11767. 19s. 1d.; voted to three architects for plans of the

Westminster Bridge.-By a recent Parliamentary Return, it appears that from the year 1810 to April 1838, a sum of 83,0977. 6s. 94d. was expended in the repairs and alterations of this bridge, together with charges for professional and other services. The cost since 1838, in the repairs and alterations, amounted to 82,6617. and a further sum was required of 52,8791.; and, if the footpaths were made the same as London-bridge, an additional sum of 40,000l. would be expended. The total income of the property belonging to the commissioners of the bridge is 7,4647. 11s. 8d. a year. It will be perceived that the sum expended since 1838, and the further sum required, amount in six years to upwards of 135,000., whilst the income derived from the property of the bridge in the period only amounts to 44,7871. 10s.

Dec. 12. At a General Court of the Corporation of the School for the Indigent Blind, it appeared that during the last quarter the amount received was upwards of 50007., from which, deducting the current expenditure, a balance of 6507. remained in the bankers' hands. The re

port of the past year showed the funded stock of the corporation to be 65,7281. 178. 7d. the receipts for donations and subscriptions, dividends on stock, &c. amounted to 11,1897. 58. 11d. The noble building, having been much beautified and materially enlarged, is now capable of containing an additional number of pupils; and, therefore, in addition to the present

number of 68 males and 70 females, the committee have determined that 18 (10 additional) shall be admitted at the election in March.

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE.

Nov. 5. Saint John Baptist's Church, Leen Side, Nottingham, was consecrated by the Lord Bishop of Lincoln. The Rev. W. Howard is appointed incumbent of the district. This Church contains open sittings for 800 persons on the ground floor, and is on the simplest plan consistent with so great an extent of accommodation. The style is early-English. The walls are massive, and constructed of Bulwell stone, in irregular courses. quoins and dressings, both internally and externally, are of free-stone, chiefly from Derbyshire, from the quarries at Cromford, Coxbench, and Duffield. The capitals of the internal pillars are from Mansfield. The cost of the building has been about 3000l. and the site and extras from 12007. to 14007. in addition, making a total of about 44001.

The

A singular discovery has recently been made in Back-lane, at the back of Derbyroad, Nottingham. In cutting the line for a sough, the labourers suddenly broke into a narrow passage in the rock, running in the direction of the forest on one side, and pointing towards the Castle on the other. On the side of the Castle, about four yards down, the passage has been bricked up, apparently for the purpose of forming a cellar to one of Mr. Goodhead's houses, near the top of the lane. In the direction of the forest the road runs under the first house upon going up the hill, and parties explored it for several hundred yards. A similar passage, a few yards higher up the road, was opened some years ago. The opening above described is full half a mile from the castle.

OXFORDSHIRE.

Dec. 1. The venerable church of St. Peter's in the East, Oxford, was re-opened for Divine Service. The roof in the nave and north aisle has been beautifully restored, and a new organ, by Bishop, erected in the western gallery. Dr. Williams (Warden of New College) preached in the morning, and a collection was afterwards made while the offertory sentences were read by the Vicar, amounting to rather more than 491. The new judge,

Mr. Erle, and his lady, (the latter is the daughter of the preacher,) were among the congregation. A second collection was made in the evening, which made a total of 641. 10s.

STAFFORDSHIRE.

The population of the parish of KingSwinford having, by recent opening of mines, increased to nearly 24,000, and church accommodation having become lamentably deficient, the Rector, Dr. Penfold, by the aid of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, has succeeded in dividing the parish into six districts, containing 4,000 each, and it is intended each shall have its church (there are now three), its parsonage-house, resident minister, and national schools. The funds for building have been obtained from the Church Building Society, with 250/. from the noble gift of 4,000l. from Sir Robert Peel; and with nearly 6001. in subscriptions. All the sittings are to be free; the site and two acres for a churchyard were given by the trustees of the late Earl of Dudley, and a sufficient sum from Lord Ward to enable the Ecclesiastical Commissioners to build the parsonage. Grants of 6007. have been obtained from the Committee of Council and National Society for the schools, the site for which has been purchased and given by the Rector.

SUFFOLK.

Nov. 27. The venerable church of All Saints, Sudbury, narrowly escaped being destroyed by fire. The ceiling, joists, and boarding were burnt through, and a hole made in the roof about two feet in diameter. The fire, it has been ascertained, proceeded from the carelessness of some plumbers, who had been repairing the leads during the day, and kindled a fire on a flag-stone placed upon the roof; this stone had split with the intense heat, and the embers falling through the fractures ignited the timbers.

SURREY.

Nov. 17. St. Olave's Church, Southwark, was re-opened for Divine Service, the Rev. Archdeacon Wilberforce, Chaplain to his Royal Highness Prince Albert, preaching an impressive sermon. It has been rebuilt in the form of the old structure which was burnt down Aug. 19, 1843, as recorded in our volume XX. pt. ii. p. 309. The expenses incurred amount to about 8,0001.

Nov. 21. The new parish church of Camberwell (also rebuilt in consequence of a fire) was consecrated by the Bishop of Winchester. Its form and character are described under the head of architecture in our present number. The old church was burnt down Feb. 7, 1841, as recorded

in our vol. XV. p. 309, and its most remarkable features were noticed in p. 247 of the same volume. See also vol. XVIII. p. 81, for the decision as to its re-edification.

Nov. 22. The Bishop of Winchester consecrated Camden Chapel, at Camberwell, for many years only licensed, and under proprietary management, and a place of great resort during the late ministry of the Rev. Henry Melvill, B.D. Arrangements have been made for assigning to it an ecclesiastical district, and the Rev. Daniel Moore, B.A., minister of Christ Chapel, St. John's Wood, has been appointed to the incumbency.

the first Church that has been devoted in modern times to the special use of the medical profession. The munificent friend of Queen's College, the Rev. Dr. Warneford, has supplied the means of fulfilling the requirements of the Church Building Act, and an endowment fund of 1000. The

architect is Mr. Drury. The ceremony was preceded by a breakfast at Dee's Hotel, which was attended by Lord Lyttelton, and many other distinguished visitors.

Dec. 2. The Warwick and Leamington Railway was opened to the public. The time occupied in its construction, under the superintendence of Mr. Stephenson, has been eighteen months. The gradients are rather heavy, the steepest being 1 in 100. Messrs. J. Jackson, of London, and J. Cumming, Birmingham, were the contractors. The Kenilworth, the only intermediate station, on the outskirts of the town, is constructed of Kenilworth stone. That at Leamington, in the Roman Doric style, is situate on the main road between Leamington and Warwick. The first feature of interest, and one of the principal works, is that of the Milburne Grange viaduct, composed of seventeen arches, of 31 feet span, built of red brick, faced with stone and supported by stone pillars: it cost 2,4007. The Castle Gutter Brook Bridge is of three arches, of 60 feet span, composed of blue brick, and cost 1,400l. The timber bridge, spanning three roads, is formed of wood-work, with stone piers, 50 feet span, and has cost 9401. The viaduct over the Avon consists of nine arches, of 60 feet span, and is the chief work upon the line. It is built of blue brick, has cost 4,6501., and commands a fine view of the Avon, and of Guy's Cliffe, the demesne of the Hon. C. B. Percy.

WORCESTERSHIRE.

Dec. 5. The new Chapel of Ease at Barnard's Green, near Great Malvern, was consecrated by the Bishop of Worcester. The site was given by Mr. Foley, the lord of the manor.

The extensive parish of Oldswinford (of which the town of Stourbridge forms part) has been without a church-rate for upwards of eight years, during which time the current expenses have been defrayed partly by a voluntary rate and partly by the churchwardens for the time being. In two or three cases the individuals filling that office have lost upwards of 301., by providing for the expenses of their year of office. A rate of 1d. in the pound has now been carried, to meet the expenses of the current year. Upwards of 11,000l. has been raised in the neighbourhood within the last few years for church purposes by voluntary subscriptions, and the rate of 1d. in the pound, after an interval of so many years, is not estimated to produce more than 80%.

YORKSHIRE.

Rocliffe St. Mary's Church has been consecrated by the Lord Bishop of Ripon. This church was erected and in great part endowed at the expense of Andrew Lawson, Esq. M.P., aided by contributions towards the endowment by Mrs. Lawrence, of Studley Park, and other benevolent persons. The Bishop was attended by the Hon. and Rev. H. D. Erskine, Rural Dean, and 16 clergymen. The Rev. James Lawson read prayers, and the Lord Bishop preached the sermon. The church-yard, containing half an acre, also the gift of Mr. Lawson, was consecrated at the same time.

SCOTLAND.

The Duke of Roxburghe having determined on reconstructing the celebrated old deer park at Broxmouth, co. Haddington, has taken into possession that part of it formerly let, consisting of 80 acres of fine land. It is thrown into grass for permanent pasture, and occupied, as in days of yore, with the finest and most genuine breed of deer in the kingdom. What with this, the lake, and the other improvements on the river and grounds, this ancient, but now remodelled baronial seat, will vie with any of its extent in Scotland.

The late Gen. Lord Lynedoch's estate at Lynedoch, near Perth, has been purchased by James Simpson, esq. of Fox-hill Bank, near Manchester, for 135,000l., and his late Lordship's adjacent estate of Balgowan has been purchased by W. Thompson, esq. of Edinburgh, for 43,0007.