very great sublimity: while the boldness of the view is softened by the eye falling on the distant shores of Sussex. There are several good lodging houses in the place, and in the height of the season, this sweet retired village is frequently filled with company.

A little above this village is Fairy Hill, the lovely abode of Mrs. Glynn. A most enchanting view opens in front of this neat retired villa. Adjacent to this, on the summit of the eastern cliff, is Sea Grove. A short distance further to the east, is seen the Priory, the seat of the late Sir Nash Grose, one of the judges of the Court of Queen's Bench. The mansion is embosomed in the midst of a fine wood and most beautiful grounds, and has in the fore-ground a fine sea view; while at the base of the cliff, near which it stands, the water rolls into a delightful bay; and when it has ebbed, leaves a mass of sands, which form a pleasant walk. This place was called Priory, from its being formerly a monastic cell to an abbey in Normandy. Some few of the remains are to be found in the farm and out-houses adjoining. The convent built a small church here, which they supplied from their own body, until the canon required vicars to be constantly resident. The parish was so small, that originally the bishop licensed the prior to celebrate mass and administer the sacraments.

The walk from Sea View to the woody cliffs of Priory is very beautiful. As we approach the eastern curve of the bay, the appearance is very commanding. It is enriched with large masses of rock, thrown together in wild disorder, and forms a striking contrast to the velvet sands which are spread over the centre of the bay. Here, seated on the rock, sheltered by the cliff, and fanned by the breeze, the visitor may spend many a delightful hour. The smoothness of the shore, the placidity of the waters, which flow into the small

WALK TO ST. HELENS.

53

bay, and the broken pieces of rock which are scattered at the foot of the village, make it an attractive promenade.

To those who are fond of romantic excursions, the walk from Sea View to St. Helens by the shore is very enlivening; it must be taken when the tide has ebbed, as the large pieces of rock, which are scattered in every direction, render it difficult to pass at any other time. A few paces from the eastern point of the bay of Priory stands the sea-mark, formed out of the remains of the old church, at St. Helens. There are some hillocks about it, supposed to be graves; and its base and part of its lofty sides are covered with ivy and nettles. It stands on a plain, in solitary grandeur, and adds to the beauty of the spot.

The sketch here given extends to the farthest route of this line of shore, though visitors seldom feel it convenient to walk farther than from Ryde to Sea View-which walk of itself is rather more than two miles in extent; or the return may be made by passing through the village of Sea View, crossing Nettlestone Green, and perambulating the main road.

CHAPTER III.

An Excursion to the Eastern part of
the Island.

ST. HELENS, BRADING, SANDOWN, YAVERLAND, AND BEMBRIDGE.

THE excursion to the eastern part of the Island, if not characterized by romantic scenery, is yet almost a succession of rural beauty. In proceeding to St. Helens, we pass St. John's, the seat of Sir R. Simeon, Bart.; but the umbrageous wood which forms its back ground, nearly precludes the mansion from observation As we proceed, a beautiful prospect opens to the north, commanding a fine view of the line of country, extending from Portsmouth to Selsea Bill, with the new buildings at Hayling Island, and the lofty downs of Hampshire and Sussex. At a little distance from this, is seen in a commanding situation, Westridge House, a noble family mansion. Solitary in the spot it occupies, it looks imposing in its structure, and gives a fine relief to the open country which surrounds it. On the left, with fine woody back ground, and opening in front to the sunny morning and the deep blue ocean, stands Woodlands.

A short distance from this we approach St. Clare, the magnificent castle of the late Lord Vernon. This noble residence gives the same splendour to the East, as Norris Castle does to the West of the Island; its

elegant architecture, its ornamented grounds, its rich wood, and its fine sea prospect, render it a spot of perfect enchantment. Just before reaching Nettlestone, we pass Westbrook. This singular edifice stands in a commanding situation, and adds to the loveliness and beauty of the spot. We now pass through Nettlestone Green, where the sight is entertained with a delightful rural view; and at a distance Ashey Down, with its fine rotundity and pyramidical sea mark, bounds the prospect. The ride conducts us by St. Helens' church, which is situated about a mile from the village. This church, which was erected in 1719, stands in a very open site, rather distant from the village itself. The old church stood near the shore, but the encroachments of the sea were such, that they wasted a great part of the church-yard, and endangered the church itself. After leaving the church, as we approach the village, a fine bold seaview presents itself.

The village stands on the summit of a small hill, adjacent to the banks of Brading Haven, which at the time of high water gives a softness to the surrounding scenery. This little village, in the reign of Edward III. was invaded by the French, who landed and marched forward till met by the Islanders, before whom they retreated and embarked on board the fleet. St. Helens is beautifully situated, and commands a fine view of the ocean; while in the near prospect, the eye glances on Bembridge, a delightful little watering place,* rising from the opposite banks

* There is not a regular ferry between the two villages, but the fishermen on the shore will gladly convey passengers across for a trifle. There is also a horse-boat kept for the conveyance of carriages. It would add much to the prosperity of this delightful watering place, were there a floating bridge established across this passage.

of the Haven, and adorned with its chapel, villas, hotel, and rustic cottages.

The route now winds through lanes and fields, till we reach the main road; shortly after which we obtain a distant view of Nunwell, the seat of Sir W. Oglander, Bart. This fine old mansion is situated on the right. The downs which are adjacent, and the umbrageous wood in the back ground, give it a most enchanting appearance. This seat is supposed to have derived its name from the nuns of Ashey Monastery resorting to the well or spring situated in these lands, and which was then called Nunwell.

Brading, which is the next place in the route, is an old market town, and invested with the honour of a corporation. The common seal is encircled with the words " THE KYNG'S TOWNE OF BRAYDYNGE." The fee farm annually paid to the Exchequer is £2 13s. 4d. The Town-Hall, which stands adjacent to the church, is a small, mean-looking structure, with a market-place beneath.

It is a

It once sent members to Parliament, but this privilege, which many a town solicits, Brading resigned, it is said, through the poverty of its inhabitants. There are several inns in the place and a few lodging houses. The church is the most remarkable object. fine old pile, considered to be the oldest building of the kind in the Island. It is supposed to have been erected by Wilfred, bishop of Chichester, A.D. 704, and who, from a record in the old parish register, is conjectured to have baptized his first convert in this spot. The interior consists of a nave, side aisles, and chancel, with massy pillars of Saxon architecture. At the end of each aisle is a small chapel. The eastern extremity of the church has some fine monuments of the Oglander family. This mausoleum is separated from the chancel of the church by a screen of carved