acre of ground. Thus constituting, in a single tree, almost a wood itself; which reminds us of the anci ent sycamore, that arrested Xerxes to admire it, when on his military march; and, under whose spreading branches, he and his court reposed themselves. THE present circumference of this oak, close by the ground, is 20 yards; and, it's principal limb extends 15 yards from the bole. "When compared with this, (says doctor Hunter), all other trees are children of the forest." It seems, that Cowthorp, in former ages, could boast of having deer, equally superior to the rest of their species, as this oak is to all the trees of the forest. IN the wood, not far from this village, anno 1749, was found, by some persons digging, about four feet deep, the head of a stag, with the horns entire, of so uncommon a size, as to excite the curiosity of great numbers of people, who flocked from all parts of the neighbourhood to view them; they measured, from the tip of one horn to the other, full six feet. They were some time in the possession of the reverend mr. Nuttall, of Cowthorp; and, afterwards became the property of a person at York; from whence, they were sent, with some other curiosities, to London; and, there sold by auction. The horns were purchased by mr. John Hunter, and deposited in that gentleman's valuable museum; which museum, after his decease, was purchased by government. ABOUT half a mile from Cowthorp, on the oppo site side of the river Nidd, is HUNSINGORE: In the manor of Hulsingoure, 20th of William I., Erneis de Burun, a norman chief, had five carucates, and three oxgangs, of taxable land; nine villeins, three borders, and three ploughs; wood land, two furlongs long, and one broad; valued, in the whole, at 50 shillings. After which, this manor became part of the possessions of the knights templars. Since the suppression of that order, this, with several other estates hereabouts, have belonged to the family of Goodricke; whose ancient seat was, at this place, situated on a mountain; the sides of which, were cut in terraces, rising near 10 feet above each other; here were four of these terraces, above which, on a flat area, stood the mansion, commanding a very extensive prospect. Tradition says, this house was destroyed in the civil wars of Charles I., which is very probable, as it is well known sir John Goodricke took a very active part on the side of royalty, in those pe rilous times. THE church here, which hath been lately rebuilt, is a rectory, dedicated to saint John, the baptist; rated, in the king's books, at 51. 17s. Såd. Sir Henry Goodricke, bart., is patron. STAGE VII. Harrogate, to Plumpton.-Spofford.-Wetherby.-Thorp-Arch.--Bramham-park-Ha slewood.-Tadcaster. THREE HREE miles from Harrogate, on the right of the road, leading from thence to Plumpton, is the village of FOLLYFOOT,* WHERE a family of that name anciently resided, till the reign of Henry V.; when the heiress, Oliva de Folifaite, married JOHN, ancestor of the present EARL MOIRA. ABOUT half a mile west of the village, stands Rudding-hall; COMMANDING a very fine view of the surrounding * Folie, a broad sword; and Feyt, an action. We frequently find names given to battles, in ancient times, expressive of some particular circumstance, relative to each; as, the field of battle-axes, fought at Hackendown, in Kent, in the year 853; the battle of the spurs, in France, 1513, &c.. country. This house, about 60 years ago, was the property of mr. Williamson, of Wetherby; from whom it passed, by purchase, to mr. Craddock, and he sold it to mr. James Collins, who added much to the building, laid out the pleasure-grounds, planted the avenues, and built a very curious rustic gate-way, consisting of three arches, large and lofty. The beauty of this portal, was much increased by the ivy, which grew up on each side in great abundance, insinuated it's branches into every cavity, and spread it's foilage all over the wall. It is much to be regretted, that this singular pile was blown down, in the year 1790. At this house resided, successively, the reverend mr. Thomas Lamplugh, Brice Fisher, esq., lord Lincoln, general Mostyn, and the countess of Conyngham. FROM Mr. Collins's representatives, the house, with 500 acres of land, passed, by purchase, to Thomas Wilson, esq., brother to the bishop of Bristol; after whose decease, it was purchased, in the year 1788, by Alexander, lord Loughbrough; from whom, it descended to James, earl of Rosslynn; who sold this estate, to the honorable William Gordon: That gentleman took down the old house, and begun the erection of the present elegant mansion, in the year 1807: The length, is 114 feet; and, the width, 69 feet. In the front, is a very handsome portico, supported by pillars, of the doric order. The HALL, is 20 feet, by 20. HALF a mile west of Rudding-hall, is a place, called Bicker-flat;* AND, near it, a tumulus, 150 feet in circumference. It is called Alexander's-hill, BUT, for what reason, none can tell; nor is there the least tradition concerning it. THE name of the village, and also this piece of ground, seem to point out this, as a place where a battle hath formerly been fought; and, that this tumulus may possibly contain the remains of some chief of ancient times, whose history hath been long forgotten. "A tree stands alone on the hill, and marks the slumbering PLUMPTON; (Plomp, Danish; rude and wild.) SUCH, undoubtedly, was the appearance of this place, 50 years ago; before the desert was changed to a beautiful garden. * Battle-flat |