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HORNBY - 'unquestionably the Manse of Horne, a Saxon name,' - is
a neat little town watered by the river Wenning, and situated
near the confluence of that river with the Lune. The site of the
Castle was anciently occupied by the Romans. The first
structure, of which there are no remains, is attributed by Camden
to Nicholas de Montbegon, who flourished about the 12th century,
or the 1st of Henry I. The Great Tower was built by Edward, the
first Lord Mounteagle, whose name and motto may be seen upon it.
The Eagle Tower, which surmounts it, was erected by Lord Wemyss,
in 1743; and the late Front by the Chartres family. Within the
last few years, it has been newly fronted, and otherwise much
improved. Independently of other associations connected with this
place, it will be long remembered as the subject of 'The Great
Will Cause,' which, commenced in 1826, 'dragged its slow length
along' for many a year, wearying out the patience of all: a
striking instance of 'the law's delay.'
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The Church was begun by Edward, Lord Mounteagle, in
consequence, as tradition reports, of a vow made on Flodden
Field. The octagon tower alone, which retains his arms, encircled
with the Garter, was finished by himself. It bears the following
inscription:
E. Stanley: miles : dux : Mounteagle : me : fieri : fecit.
The choir was completed by his executors in an inferior manner.
In the Churchyard remains the tall base of a very singular and
ancient cross, a ponderous block of freestone.
To the west of the Church is a small Catholic Chapel, the
officiating priest of which is Dr. Lingard, the celebrated
historian, who lives, as he has lived respected for nearly forty
years, in the residence adjoining.
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