manor-house, was remaining in the reign of Elizabeth, and the parish continued in the same depopulated state until a farming-dwelling was added to the mansion by the present possessor of the domain.

In the year 1114, the manor of Twyford was leased to Walter de Cranford and his wife, with all the tithes of corn, sheep, and goats, by the Dean and Chapter of St. Paul's After passing through various hands it was procured, in the latter part of the 15th century, by John Philpot, citizen of London, with whose family it remained through many descents. In the 18th century it passed, in marriage with a granddaughter of Sir Joseph Herne, to the Cholmeley family, of whom it was purchased in the year 1806, by Thomas Willan, Esq. the present possessor.

This parish is watered on its northern margin by the small river Brent, and the lower portion of its lands sometimes suffers detriment from the overflow of that stream. There is, also, another brook in the close contiguity; and from this circumstance of situation the name of the place is evidently derived. The Paddington Canal passes through the eastern part of the parish.

The ancient manor-house was surrounded by a moat, over which was a draw bridge. That building has recently been taken down, and the oat filled up. Nearly on the same site an extensive mansion has been erected by Mr. Willan, from the design of Atkinson, and under the superintendance of that architect. This is a commodious residence, imitative of the style usually termed Gothic, and the general effect is striking and extremely fine. The interior is judiciously arranged, and is calculated for the reception of a family moving on a liberal and hospitable scale. The whole of the attached lands are agreeably adorned with wood, and are of an ornamental cha racter; but only a small portion is dedicated exclusively to the purpose of pleasure-grounds. The house commands PART IV. pleasing,

• We insert a view of this elegant building.

pleasing, though limited, views over some of the most picturesque parts of the county of Middlesex; and the tract disposed as garden-scenery is laid out with much simplicity and good taste.

In the immediate neighbourhood of the mansion is the church of Twyford. This is a very small building, originally of a plain character and formed of brick. The whole is now covered with cement, and various Gothic ornaments have been bestowed, with a free yet not extravagant band. The interior is fitted up with conspicuous neatness and delicacy. We cannot here bestow too much praise on the care with which every monument in this church has been preserved, during the late repair and alterations. The most interesting of these is a monument on the north wall, to the memory of Henry Bold, the poet, who died in 1683. This writer published a volume of humorous poems, and a second volume was published after his death, by his brother. There are also monuments, with effigies, to Robert Moyle, Esq. and to Walter Moyle, Esq. The latter died in 1660, and is described, in his epitaph, as having resided at Twyford.

It has not been ascertained that there is a regular benefice attached to this place of worship. The clergyman officiating is nominated by Mr. Willan, and performs divine service on every Sunday.

The Farmery on this estate is at an appropriate distance from the house, and is arranged with due attention to the great improvements lately introduced to such buildings.

FINCHLEY.

This village is situated to the west of the northern road, at the distance of eight miles from London. The manor of Finchley has belonged, from a period beyond record, to the see of London, and the parish has lately experienced a great improvement, in consequence of an act of Parliament for the

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