EARL'S-BARTON,

In Doomsday-book named Baurton and Burton, is bounded on the east by Doddington, on the north, by Mear's-Ashby, by Ecton on the west, and on the south by the Nine, which divides it from Whiston and Grendon; and is about six miles from Northampton. Here was formerly a wood, called Barton Broil. It is named Earl's-Barton from the Earls of Huntingdon, who were anciently superior lords of the fee.

The church is dedicated to All Saints, and consists of a body, north and south aisles, and chancel, leaded. At the west end is a broad embattled tower, with antique arches and window cases, in which are five bells. On the north side the chancel are five small niches, supported by pillars, and six on the south side; above these are three others, and a bason for holy-water.

The sum of £50 has lately been bequeathed, by Mrs. Elizabeth Whitworth, of Earl's-Barton, for the purchase of communion plate, for the use of the parish church, which sum has been augmented by her executrix, Mrs. Mary Whitworth, who has purchased a very elegant service of plate, which was presented to the minister and church

wardens, on Christmas-Day, 1814, thence to remain for the use of the parish for ever.

And as a further inducement for the residence of the minister of Earl's-Barton, and for promoting the religion of the Church of England, Mrs. Whitworth has given the sum of £500 to trustees, who are to pay the interest thereof to the officiating clergyman of the said parish, upon condition of his residing therein, and preaching a sermon, both morning and afternoon, every Sunday. The testatrix has also given other charitable donations for ever to the poor of the parishes of Earl's-Barton and Finedon, where she had estates.

GREAT BILLING.

Here is the seat of Robert Cary Elwes, Esq. formerly belonging to the Cavendish family. It is situated about four miles from Northampton, on the road to Wellingborough.

The church, dedicated to St. Andrew, consists of a body, north and south aisles, and chancel, leaded. At the west end stands a plain coped tower in which are three bells. On the north side of the chancel is a burial place, belonging to the Earl of Thomond.

John Freeman, Esq. lord of this manor, and sheriff

of the county, in the fourth year of James I, by his will, bearing date the 25th February, 1614, gave two thousand pounds to found two fellowships in Clare-Hall, Cambridge, of the value of £26 per annum each, and eight scholarships, of £6 per annum; to which his kinsmen are to be preferred in the first place, and in default of such, then any scholars in the county, and for want of such, then any scholars born in Lincolnshire. The almshouse in this town, was built after his death, by his order, which he had endowed with a yearly provision of six pounds each for one man and four women. These were formerly nominated by the two daughters and heirs of Sir William Haslewood, of Maidwell, but are now put in by Lord Hatton.

Sir Isaac Wake, who was employed by King James I, as his ambassador to Venice, Savoy, and other States, was the son of Arthur Wake, rector of this parish. He had his education in Merton College, Oxford, and was chosen public orator, and member of parliament for the university in 1623. He was eminent for his learning, ingenuity, and elocution; and was author of several orations and discourses.

LITTLE BILLING,

The residence of the Rev. Henry Portington,

is situated about one mile from the former. Part of the mansion house, which was formerly inhabited by the Longvilles (lords of this manor) is still standing, and has great marks of antiquity; the door-cases, of Harlestone free-stone, are thick and large; and at the south end is a turret, with a staircase leading to the leads. Part of it is embattled.

BRINGTON.

Brington, commonly called Brighton, is situated about half a mile from Althorpe. The church, dedicated to the blessed Virgin, consists of a body, north and south aisles, chancel, and north chancel or burying place, all leaded. At the west end is an embattled tower, in which are five bells, bearing date in 1613, 1614, 1637, 1661, and 1670, besides the saint's bell. There are several large and stately monuments, to different persons of the Spencer family.. Under an arch of free-stone, in the north chancel, curiously embellished, are the figures of a knight, in armour, with his lady. Upon a black marble tomb, are the figures of a baron and baroness, in their robes of state; over them is an arch of black and white marble, supported by eight pillars of black marble, of the Corinthian order, with white capitols. Under an arch, elegantly adorned, are

the figures of a knight in armour with his lady, lying on a tomb with their hands raised; and over them is an achievement of arms.

BRIXWORTH.

About six miles from Northampton, on the Leicester road, is the large respectable village of Brixworth. Towards the close of the reign of Henry III, Simon Fitz-Simon procured for himself and heirs, the privilege of a weekly market, on Tuesdays, at this place, and an annual fair, continued for three days, commencing on the eve of St. Boniface: there is no date how long these customs existed, but it is supposed they ceased with the extinction of the family to whom they were granted.

The base of a cross, on an ascent of two or three steps, is still standing, and was probably the ancient butter or market cross. Within these few years an annual fair, on the Monday after the Ascension, has been revived.

The church, dedicated to All Saints, consists of a spacious body, south aisle, and chancel, leaded. The south aisle extends westward not above half the length of the church, but from marks of arches in the walls appears to have been anciently of equal length. At the west end, on a tower, with a plain