This the church, about two years ago, on one of the beams of the roof was found the following inscription : This beam was laid up by Ben Marriott and Michael Hinde, churchwardens, July 17, 1718; and 700 years from its first building." This date probably alludes to the first erection of a church at Olney; as the style of the present building is that commonly termed Gothic, and must therefore be of more modern origin. On entering the town and turning to the left, we come to the market place at the lower end is situated the house in which Cowper resided. is a large, red-brick building, and has not any thing, either in its situation or appearance, to recommend it; being on the skirts of a place called Silver End, a name as significant in Olney, as that of St. Catharine is in London. Indeed, the town of Olney is by no means a desirable spot; lying in a bottom, it is subject to frequent fogs and damps, which are extremely pernicious, and occasion aguish and rheumatic disorders. Cowper, rallies his own situation here, at the time of a flood, in a humorous epistle to Lady Austin, then at Clifton, which may be seen in Hayley's Account of his Life. D Having completed our tour, by returning to the town, we proceed to OLNEY BRIDGE. This structure is noticed in the opening of the fourth book of the Task: 86 Hark, 'tis the twanging horn o'er yonder bridge." It consists of twenty-four arches, of various forms, and placed at irregular distances, bestriding the whole width of the valley, which, when completely overflowed, presents an expanse of water grand beyond. description. The bridge has been broken down many times by the rushing current, which accidents have occasioned much altercation between the inhabitants of Olney and Emberton: as the bridge, uniting the parishes, was thought to be a joint concern, but it has lately been decided in a court of law, that it belongs exclusively to Olney, and, consequently, all the expence of repairs are thrown upon that parish. This view was taken in the meadows near the town's end, on the side next Weston: in the distance is seen the That with its wearisome but needful length? Bestrides the wintry flood.. Vide the Task, Book IV. London:Publish by Vernor & Hood. Booksellers, in the Poultry. "embattled tower" of Emberton Church, and part of the village emerging from the trees. But imitative strokes can do no more Than please the eye. Sweet nature, every sense! The cheering fragrance of her dewy vales, THE END. J. Swan, Printer, Angel Street, Newgate Street. |