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or embattlements are demolished; it is of rough stone and cement,
without any ornament or arms, round, inclosing a court of like
form, and surrounded by a moat; nor could it ever have been
larger than it is, for there are no traces of out-works. There is
a good view of the town and river, with a fertile open valley,
though which it winds.
After dinner I went along the Millthorp turnpike, four miles to
see the falls, or force of the river Kent; came to Sizergh
(pronounced Siser), and turned down a lane to the left. This seat
of the Stricklands, an old catholic family, is an ancient hall
house, with a very large tower, embattled; the rest of the
buildings added to it are of a later date, but all is white and
seen to advantage on a back ground of old trees; there is a small
park also well wooded. Opposite to this, turning to the left, I
soon came to the river; it works its way in a narrow and deep
rocky channel, overhung with trees. The calmness and brightness
of the evening, the roar of the waters, and the thumping of huge
hammers at an iron forge not far distant, made it a singular
walk; but as to the falls (for there are two) they are not four
feet high. I went on down to the forge, and saw the demons at
work by the light of their own fires; the iron is brought in pigs
to Millthorp, by sea, from Scotland, &c. and is here beat into
bars and plates. Two miles farther, at Levens, is the seat of
Lord Suffolk, where he sometimes passes the summer; it was a
favourite place of his late Countess; but this I did not see.
Oct. 10. I proceeded by Burton to Lancaster, twenty-two miles;
very good country, well inclosed and wooded, with some common
interspersed. Passed at the foot of Farlton-knot, a high fell.
Four miles north of Lancaster, on a rising ground, called Bolton
(pronounced Bouton) we had a full view of Cartmel sands, with
here and there a passenger riding over them (it being low water)
the points of Furness shooting far into the sea, and lofty
mountains, partly covered with clouds,
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