|
their disposition, when viewed with any of the grander
features about the lake, are deformities. Lord's Island, six
acres in extent, once the residence of the unfortunate
Radcliffes, is now entirely covered with wood: it is, along
with Rampsholm, the property of W. Marshall, Esq. who
purchased the Greenwich Hospital estates in this district.
The Vicar's Island, in olden times pertaining to Fountain's
Abbey, now belonging to General Peachy, is beautifully laid
out in pleasure-grounds, and crowned with a neat mansion,
nearly hid amidst the variety of trees, having a view to the
south only. St. Herbert's Island, nearly in the middle of
the lake, was the residence of the saint whose name it
bears. In his life-time, he was an intimate with St.
Cuthbert of Durham, and died, according to Bede, in 687.
There is a small grotto near the remains of what are thought
to be the hermit's cell. The island belongs to Sir Wilfrid
Lawson, of Brayton Hall, Bart. There are some smaller
islands, but not of such importance as to demand a separate
description. Of the Floating Island, or rather rising and
sinking Island, the account given by Mr. Otley is perhaps
best and most plausible; as an object of interest, however,
it is worth nothing to the tourist.
In riding round the lake, numberless are the views of
beauty, magnificence, and sublimity, which will strike the
traveller of taste and discernment. Leaving Keswick and
proceeding southwards along the eastern side, you have the
grandest side-screens
|