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The bridge at Stourport over the Severn, is an object not only of utility, but of beauty, consisting of a single iron arch over the river, of 150 feet span, and about fifty feet in perpendicular height above the surface of the water. It had formerly a bridge of stone; but that, after standing only a few years, was swept away by a great flood, accompanied with immense quantities of ice, brought down, after a heavy snow, and severe frost, in con

sequence of a sudden thaw. The parties concerned then determined, with great propriety and public spirit, to erect one of iron, with an arch so large that no obstruction could arise under any probable circumstances. The avenues to this main arch consist on both sides of a long range of smaller ones of brick, extending, on the whole, between six and seven hundred feet, and reach ing beyond the bounds of the flood water-way. The tolls have lately been farmed at 5001. per annum.

The great importance of such a spot as this, is clearly shewn by the simple fact, that the garden ground in its neighbourhood, though naturally a poor soil, is let for half a crown per perch of eight yards square, or about nine guineas per

acre.

The Market is on Wednesday; and this is always considered as a Fair for hops, from September to Christmas. Without aiming at a pun, we shall close this article with mentioning, that, such is the early association of industry and elegance, a subscription card and dancing assembly has already been established here, in the winter months also.

Mitton common, and others in its immediate neighbourhood, have nothing particular to interest, except perhaps in one single article for the Botanist; that is the Trifolium Arcense, or Hare's

foot

only 250,0001 it will give an annual total of ten millions and a half; which, allowing every generation to be in a working state for twenty-five years, will give a sum of upwards of 250 millions to be elicited from the labour of one generation only. We do not say that all this is an addition to the actual capital; but it must surely be allowed to be a disposeable capital for the time, as it pays taxes, and supports circulation.

ren.

foot trefoil, which grows plentifully here, on sand otherwise barMr. Pitt, in the Survey, says that horses will eat it; and, as it flourishes where nothing else will, he recommends its culture, if other cattle will feed upon it. The experiment is at least worth trial. About two miles from Stourport is

HARTLEBURY CASTLE,

There is a parke

for many centuries past, the residence of the Bishops of Worcester. In ancient times it was defended by a moat and other fortifications; and was literally a castle, whilst the clergy were considered as on a kind of footing with the military barons. Burthred, King of Mercia, gave it to this diocese, and Cantelupe is said to have begun the castle, which was embattled by Gifford, in the reign of Henry III. after which a strong gate-house was added by Bishop Carpenter. It continued capable of defence, and is thus described by Leland in the reign of Henry VIII. "Passing two miles beyond Mitton, by enclosed ground, woody, and sandy, but somewhat barren of corne, I left the castle of Hertlebury about half a mile on the left hand. and deere, a warren for coneys, and fayre pooles; but the soyle about the castle is barren." In the unhappy reign of Charles I. it was taken by Colonel Morgan, in 1646, and sold for little more than 30001. but, on the restoration of peace and property, the various prelates began and continued its erection, until it became, as at the present day, a very elegant and agreeable residence. Much of this it owes to Bishop Hurd's munificence * and refined taste; and the most valuable ornament it could receive is a noble and elegant library, which he has furnished with a select and well chosen collection of books for the use of the future prelates of this see; and among this collection are the principal and most valuable works from the libraries of Mr. Pope and Bishop Warburton.

The principal part of the buildings, however, as they now stand re-edified, were the work of Bishop Hough, after the Revolution, whose whole time and exertions during the forty-four years in

• Green's Survey.

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which he sat in this episcopal chair, were directed to the welfare of his diocese, and of its inhabitants. Its situation is extremely pleasing; placed on a rising hill, or knoll, it has to the south a most extensive prospect over the vale of Severn; and it occnpies a very extended space on the level of the park. Being built of brick, comfort is its principal feature, though many of its windows being finished with plain Gothie arches, and its roof lined with battlements, with some turrets, and belfries, it has altogether an air of grandeur. when seen through the breaks in the surrounding woods, which are not, however, very extensive. The road to Kidderminster from Worcester goes close by the park-paling; and the "pooles," or fish-ponds, spoken of by Leland, still remain.

The village of Hartlebury and its Gothic church lie in the bottom. The village is pleasant, though not very large; and the church is ancient, but without any thing requiring particular description.

WAYSLEY GREEN, the seat of T. Baker, Esq. stands between Hartlebury and Ombersley, close to the high road on the eastern side. It is situated so as to command a very extensive prospect to the south-east, and forms a large and lofty cube, in a plain and neat, but handsome, style of architecture, and of modern construction; elegantly furnished, but not so as to preclude comfort; and the extent and taste of its plantations embellish its grounds, and promise to do even more so, when they shall arrive at their full growth. Upon the whole, there is not perhaps a more comfortable residence in the county.

Crossing the Severn, from Kidderminster, we enter

DODDINGTREE HUNDRED,

which occupies the western side of the county, and has two divisions.

The upper contains the parishes of Acton Beauchamp, Alfrick, Areley Regis and Dunley, Bockleton, Clifton upon Teme, Cotheridge, Eastham, Edwin Loch, Hanley Child, Hanley William, and Orlton, Hillhampton, Kyre Great and Little, Lulsley, Mart

ley,

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