ROSLIN CASTLE AND CHAPEL.

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ly. A Scottish writer has transmitted to posterity an account of the state maintained here by William St Clair and his Countess, who founded the Chapel of Roslin in 1446, which presents a most imposing picture of feudal magnificence. In 1455, Sir William Hamilton, who had engaged in the treasonable designs of the Earl of Douglas, was confined in this Castle; in 1544, it was burnt down by the English forces under the Earl of Hertford; in 1650, it surrendered to General Monk.

On the hill immediately above the castle, is the Chapel of Roslin. Notwithstanding some damage it sustained from a mob at the period of the Revolution, it is still entire, and is one of the most elegant specimens of Gothic architecture extant. Tradition relates, that the design of this Chapel was drawn at Rome, and that its founder attracted to the work all the best workmen in this and the neighbouring kingdom, by most munificent donations. The founder dying about the year 1484, the work was carried on and completed by Sir Oliver Sinclair, his eldest son of the second marriage, whose promotion to the command of the Scottish army, raised for the invasion of England, created the disgust which led to the route at Solway Moss. According to tradition, the death of a member of this family was always announced by the appearance of a blazing meteor on one of the turrets. The Chapel has received considerable reparation from the Earl of Roslyn, the present proprietor.

Near to Roslin is the scene of a remarkable battle, or rather a succession of battles, fought on February 24, 1303, between the English and the Scots. The English army under John de Segrave, amounting to 30,000 men, was divided into three bodies, and encamped on different stations. The Scottish, amounting to 8000 men, commanded by Sir Simon Fraser and John Comyn, MS. in Advocates' Library by Father Hay.

attacked the first division of the English and completely routed them. The remaining divisions advanced to the scene of slaughter in succession; the conflict was twice renewed; and ended in the complete triumph of the Scots.

The stranger visiting Roslin should not neglect to extend his excursion to some of the more remarkable objects in its neighbourhood. Descending the Esk, the natural scenery is exquisitely romantic and beautiful. The river, which is frequently inaccessible, is seen winding among the abrupt precipices which confine its course, over a bed of broken rocks; at every meander new beauties delight the eye; and at intervals the huge corners or summits of the rocky barrier on either side of the river, are most picturesquely seen projecting beyond the deep foliage of the trees which shoot up luxuriantly from every part of this delicious spot. About a mile below Roslin, upon a precipice overhanging the south side of the Esk, are seen the classic walls of

HAWTHORNDEN,

crowning the lofty summits of rugged rocks. It is sublimely romantic, and contributes to one of the most picturesque scenes to be found of its kind in Scotland. It is now the property of Sir F. Walker Drummond, Bart. From its windows and garden the prospects are delightful. It is, moreover, interesting as having been the seat of Drummond the poet and historian; to this beautiful retreat, Ben Jonson came from London on foot to pass some weeks with him.

Adjoining to the mansion are several remarkable caves, supposed, with reason, to have been designed as places of refuge during the destructive wars which so long ravaged Scotland. In these caverns, Sir Alexander Ramsay, who performed many memorable exploits during

MELVILLE CASTLE-DALKEITH HOUSE. 33

the contest between Bruce and Baliol, used to conceal himself; and here he was resorted to by many patriots, proud to be received into his band. Detached from the principal caves, which are called the King's Gallery, King's Bedchamber, &c. there is a small one called the Cypress Grove, where Drummond composed many of his poems. Some interesting remains of loyalty are still shown here, part of which belonged to the beautiful Annabella Drummond, consort to Robert III. The portraits are numerous; among them is a very fine one of Mary Queen of Scotland.

Farther down the river, and close to the sweetly situated village of Lasswade, stands

MELVILLE CASTLE,

the mansion of Viscount Melville. It is an elegant modern building, with a lawn in front towards the river. Here his Majesty George IV. reviewed the Mid-Lothian Cavalry in 1822, and was afterwards entertained by the noble proprietor. Its circular towers give it a pleasing, at the same time an imposing, appearance. Two miles farther is the populous town of Dalkeith, and in the immediate vicinity is

DALKEITH HOUSE,

a favourite seat of the Buccleuch family. Anciently it was a place of considerable strength, and was for many centuries the principal residence of the family of Morton. In the reign of James II. it was successfully defended against the last Earl of Douglas, who had bound himself by oath to destroy it, in revenge of its proprietor having espoused the cause of the monarch, in opposition to that of the Douglas family. On the defeat of the Scottish army at the battle of Pinkie, many fled thither;