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Print, uncoloured engraving, Naworth Castle, Brampton,
Cumberland, engraved by DL, published by Samuel Hooper,
Ludgate Hill, London, 1774.
Included in The Antiquities of England and Wales, by Francis
Grose,.
There is descriptive text below the print and on the
reverse:-
NAWORTH CASTLE, CUMBERLAND.
PLATE I.
THIS castle is still entire, and inhabited. For the annexed
account of it, and its furniture, I am indebted to Thomas
Pennant, Esq. who permitted me to transcribe it from his
memorandums. A visit I made to it in August, 1774, enables
me to bear testimony to the faithfulness of the description,
which here follows in his own words,
"Two miles from Brampton visit Naworth Castle, once
beloonging to the Dacres, afterwards the property (I think
by marriage) of William Lord Howard, commonly known by the
name of Bauld-Wiley.
"IT is a large pile, square, built about a court. In the
south side is a gateway, with the arms of the Dacres; over
the door, those of the Howards. On the north, it impends
over the river Ithing, at a great height; the banks shagged
with wood. The whole house is a true specimen of ancient
inconvenience, of magnificence and littleness; the rooms
numerous, accessible by sixteen stair-cases, with most
frequent and sudden ascents and descents into the bargain.
The great hall is twenty-five paces long, by nine and a half
broad; of a good height; has a gallery at one end, adorned
with four vasts crests, carved in wood; viz. a griffin and
dolphin, with the scollops; a unicorn, and an ox with a
coronet round his neck. In front, is a figure in wood of an
armed man; two others, perhaps vassals, in short jackets and
caps; a pouch pendant behind, and the mutilated remains of a
Priapus to each; one has wooden shoes. These seem the
Ludibrium Aulae in those grose days.
"THE top and upper end of the room is painted in squares, to
the number of 107, representing the Saxon kings and heroes.
The chimney here is five yards and a half broad. Within this
is another apartment, hung with old tapestry, a head of Anne
of Cleeves; on one side of her, a small picture of a lady in
full-length, &c. and many others.
"A long narrow gallery.
"LORD William Howard's bed-room, arms and motto over the
chimney. His library, a small room, in a very secret place,
high up in one of the towers, well secured by doors, and a
narrow stair-case. Not a book has been added since his days,
i.e. those of Queen Elizabeth. In it is a vast case, three
feet high, which opens into three leaves, having six great
pages pasted in, being an account of Joseph of Arimathea,
and his twelve disciples, who founded Glastonbury; and at
the end, a long history of saints, with the number of years
or days for which each could grant indulgences.
"THE roof is coarsely carved. The windows are high, and are
to be ascended by three stone steps; such was the caution of
the times. It is said Lord William was very studious, and
wrote much; that once, when he was thus employed, a servant
came to tell him that a prisoner was then just brought in,
and desired to know what should be done with him? Lord
William, vexed at being disturbed, answered peevishly, Hang
him. When he had finished his study, he called, and ordered
the man to be brought before him for examination; but found
that his orders had been literally obeyed. He was a very
severe, but most useful man at that time, in this lawless
place. His dungeon instills horror; it consists of four dark
apartments, three below, and one above, up a long
stair-case, all well secured; in the uppermost is one ring,
to which criminals were chained, and the marks where many
more have been.
"CLOSE by the library is an ancient Oratory, most richly
ornamented on the sides of the cieling with coats of arms
and carvings in wood, painted and gilt. On one side is a
good painting on wood, in the style of Lucas Van Leyden; it
represents the Flagellation of our Saviour, his Crucifixion
and Resurrection. Here are also various sculptures in white
marble; an abbess, with a sword in her hand, waiting on a
king, who is stabbing himself; a monnk, with a king's head
in his hand; and several others. This place is well secured;
for here Lord William enjoyed his religion in privacy.
"THE chapel is below stairs; the top and part of the side
are painted in pannels like the hall; and on one side are
the crests of arms and pedigree of the Howards, from Fulcho
to 1623 and 1644. Under a great sprawling figure of an old
man, with a branch rising from him (on the cieling) is
written, Pictor, MDXII. On the great window, in glass, are
represented a knight and a lady kneeling; on their mantles
pictured these arms, three escallops and chequers."
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