STAINES BRIDGE.

STAINES, or as it is written in the old record, Stanes, is a small but populous place, on the banks of the Thames, in the county of Middlesex, and distant seventeen miles from London. It is supposed, at least no better derivation has been suggested, to derive its name from the Saxon word Stana, or Stone, because within its parochial limits, the stone has immemorially stood, which marks the extent of the city of London's western jurisdiction on the river. It stands on the bank of the river, at Coln ditch, at a small distance from the church. On a moulding round of the upper part of the stone, which is much decayed, is inscribed, “God preserve the city of London, A. D. 1280.”

This stone was, during the mayoralty of Sir Watkin Lewes, in the year 1781, placed on a new pedestal, whose inscription informs the reader that it was erected exactly over the spot where the old one formerly stood. From hence the jurisdiction of the city of London extends over the river Thames as low as Yendal or Yenleet to the last, including part of the rivers Medway and Lea, and it is the office of the Lord Mayor's Deputy, the Water Bailiff, to search for, and punish all persons who infringe the laws made for the preservation of the river, and its fish: and in order to maintain the rights and privileges of the river, the Lord Mayor holds a Court of Conservancy eight times in the year, in the four counties of Middlesex, Surrey, Kent, and Essex.

There is nothing worthy of observation in this place except the tower of the church, which is said to have been designed by Inigo Jones, who for some time occupied an house near it.

The bridge, which is the principal object in the engraving, consists of iron arches, supported by wooden piles, or piers, painted of an iron colour. It was intended to have consisted of a single arch of that material, but the present construction was preferred, and carried into execution by an

Architect of the neighbourhood, who resides at Egham, on the Surrey side of the river, and was completed in the year 1807.

The old bridge was of wood, and in such a state of decay, that it became necessary for the public safety to remove it; it was to be supplied by one of stone, from a design of the late Thomas Sandby, Esq. Proprietor of Architecture to the Royal Academy; and was to consist of three eliptical arches, the centre occupying a span of sixty feet, and the two side ones, fifty-two each. It was contracted for at the sum of eight thousand four hundred pounds, but from various causes, which it is not necessary for us to make a subject of disquisition, it was not carried into execution; and the present bridge was erected.

Through one of the arches, a very pleasing perspective view is caught of Windsor Castle.

OATLANDS.

THIS beautiful place is situate at a small distance from the Thames, near Walton, in the county of Surrey; and is now in possession of the Duke of York. The house, which has little but situation to recommend it, stands in a park whose limits have been considerably enlarged and enriched with plantations, since his Royal Highness has made it the place of his residence. The terrace, with its fine swells and stately trees, is a most distinguished object from the river. The water forms a noble sheet, and is so contrived as to appear at either end to unite with the Thames, which from its windings is concealed from the view.

Grottos and shell-rooms are but of little importance in the consideration of taste; but that which is to be seen at Oatlands is unrivalled; for the variety and beauty of its shells, fossils, and petrifactions. It was constructed and finished by three persons, a father, and two sons, under the direction of the Countess of Lincoln, whose Lord, afterwards Duke of Newcastle, was then the possessor of the place. It is said to have cost twelve thousand pounds.

There was formerly a noble palace in this park, a view of which is given in the back ground of a portrait of Anne of Denmark, Queen to James the First. It was painted by Van Somers in 1617, and is in Kensington palace.

On St. George's Hill, in the neighbourhood of this place, are evident remains of a Roman encampment.