|
Page 43:-
The approach from the old Ambleside road extends the
prospect into Easedale. The views on the descent from the
Raise Gap, which are in the opposite direction, were much
admired and most charmingly described by the poet Gray.
There is a most extensive view in the approach from
Patterdale, in which this Lake forms the foreground, and
Coniston Water and the Duddon Estuary gleam in the distance.
The church and the rectory stand near it, nearly in the
centre of the dale, the former being dedicated to Saint
Oswald, and consisting of a nave, with aisles, south porch,
and a chancel. The tower is square and embattled. The doors
are ornamented with old iron scroll-work. The interior is
dark and gloomy, occupied by oaken benches, and the floor
strewed with rushes, which are renewed amid much rejoicing
every summer, when a queen of the sports is appointed. The
painter, Green - indefatigable and praise-worthy artist! -
lies buried in this church-yard, towards which he seems to
have had some kindly predisposition. 'The church-yard of
Grasmere, shaded by aged pines and sycamores, is interesting
to those who court silence and solitude. Some charitable
stranger has lately added the mournful yew, a tree sacred to
such situations.'
The Red Lion, which stands about one hundred yards from the
church, is a good situation for those who wish to make tours
into
|