What to See in England | Page 7

timber roof, is perhaps the only example of its kind in England used as
a stable.
Hatfield House is one of the most perfect and magnificent of
Elizabethan mansions in the kingdom. It was built by the first Earl of
Salisbury in 1611, and is practically unaltered. The fine oak panelling
and carving, the plaster ceilings, and much of the furniture, all remain
as they were in the days of the great Lord Burleigh. The great hall, with
its splendid timber roof, and the gallery, with a fine collection of
pictures and curios, are two striking features. The staircase is

magnificent in design and detail, and is furnished with gates at the
bottom, placed there originally for preventing the dogs from wandering
upstairs.
The paintings in the hall and other rooms in Hatfield House include
portraits of the great Burleigh, Sir Robert and other Cecils, by Lely and
Kneller; Henry VIII., Anne Boleyn, Mary Queen of Scots, the Earl of
Leicester, and Queen Elizabeth.
[Illustration: Photochrom Co., Ltd.
HATFIELD HOUSE.]

RUNNYMEAD, THE SIGNING OF MAGNA CHARTA
=How to get there.=--Train from Waterloo. L. and S.W. Railway.
=Nearest Station.=--Staines. =Distance from London.=--19 miles.
=Average Time.=--50 minutes.
1st 2nd 3rd =Fares.=--Single 3s. 0d. 2s. 0d. 1s. 6d. Return 5s. 0d. 3s. 6d.
2s. 9d.
=Accommodation Obtainable.=--At Staines--"Pack Horse Hotel,"
"Swan Hotel," "Bridge Hotel." =Alternative Route.=--Train from
Paddington to Staines. G.W.R.
Runnymede takes a prominent place among the many historical spots
which crowd the banks of the Thames. The river at this point is
winding and picturesque. Some doubt attaches to the exact spot where
John, in 1215, realising at last that the barons were too strong for him,
confirmed their articles with his hand and seal, with the full intention of
breaking his word as soon as it was possible. It was either on the south
side of the river, or on an island opposite the end of the meadow, now
known as Magna Carta Island, that this early bulwark of freedom was
granted by the king. Though there is strong tradition in favour of the
meadows on the opposite bank, possibly the balance of favour is with
the island. On the island there is a rough stone bearing an inscription

stating that this is the celebrated spot.
The island is now private property. Above it, on the left, is a low
wooded ridge known as Cooper's Hill, from which one can enjoy some
exquisite views of the Thames valley.

THE OLDEST BRASS IN ENGLAND
=How to get there.=--Train to Leatherhead by South-Western or
London, Brighton and South Coast lines. =Distance from London.=--19
miles. =Accommodation Obtainable.=--"Swan Hotel," etc., at
Leatherhead.
Two and a half miles from Leatherhead is situated the ancient church of
Stoke d'Abernon, famous for possessing the oldest brass in England. It
shows a complete figure of Sir John d'Abernoun, who died in 1277.
The church, restored externally, overlooks the river Mole.
[Illustration: IN STOKE D'ABERNON CHURCH
Twelfth Century Parish Chest, with slot for inserting Peter's Pence. The
three locks were for the rector and two churchwardens.
The brass to Sir John d'Abernoun on the floor of the Chancel showing
the chain armour worn between 1250 and 1300 A.D.
Jacobean hour-glass stand.]

ST. ALBANS
VERULAMIUM AND GORHAMBURY
=How to get there.=--Through train from St. Pancras. Midland Railway.
=Nearest Station.=--St. Albans. =Distance from London.=--20 miles.
=Average Time.=--Varies between 1/2 to 1 hour.

1st 2nd 3rd =Fares.=--Single 2s. 8d. ... 1s. 7-1/2d. Return 5s. 4d. ... 3s.
3d.
=Accommodation Obtainable.=--"The Peahen," "Red Lion Hotel,"
"The George," etc. =Alternative Routes.=--Train from Euston, L. and
N.W. Railway. Train from King's Cross, Great Northern Railway.
St. Albans is an ancient town of much historic interest, being built close
to the site of the old Roman city of Verulamium. West of the town; by
a little stream, the Ver, some remains of the old Roman wall may be
seen, and the frequent discoveries made there are placed in the museum
in the town. St. Alban, or Albanus, who has given his name to the town,
was the first British martyr. He lived in the reign of Diocletian, and was
beheaded on the site of the abbey raised in his honour. The Benedictine
monastery which arose became the wealthiest and most popular in
England through the fame of the saint. Most of the kings from Saxon
times until the dissolution of the monastery in Henry VIII.'s reign,
visited this shrine. In later times the Abbey Church was made parochial,
and finally a cathedral.
St. Albans owes some of its importance to its situation on the famous
northward road; Watling Street runs through it. Owing to its proximity
to London, it was the scene of two battles in its High Street during the
Wars of the Roses.
The cathedral occupies the highest site of any in England. The