hand, and, in the year 1066, war's shrill trumpet sounded far and wide through the favoured land of the Angles, called all good men and true to leave the kindly shelter of their "ain fire-side," and to fly to arms in defence of their altars and their homes.

Deeply tolled the alarum bell from the massive tower of St. Alban's Abbey, and troops of the hardy peasantry were seen hastening to those gates, at which the hoaryheaded grandsire among them could still remember having been led a youngster by his mother's hand to receive the bread which was to save him from starblessings, "deep not loud," rose from the multitude assembled without the monastery, as the porter threw open the old oak gates, and the venerable Abbot Frithric came forward with hands and eyes upraised to Heaven, thence to invoke a blessing on their heads, ere he proceeded to make known the objects of the meeting. Then he lifted up his voice so as to be heard of all, and told how that he had heard that William the Norman had crossed the channel, and was even then preparing to give battle to their rightful Sovereign, in order to sieze the "pleasant land," won by their fathers' sword, and now to be defended by their own. He bade them draw it, ere it was too late, entreated them, forgetting all past animosities, to join heart and hand in upraising the banners of their Thanes, and fighting beneath its colours for their King and their country, and their homes. Then he dismissed them with a father's blessing, and an oft repeated promise that his "prayers for ever and for ever should be theirs."

scene more heart-stirring than that which each day was enacted at the noble entrance to St. Alban's Abbey. The lordly abbot, in his priestly robes, his train of cowled and shaven brethren, the multitude before them, now pressing forward to receive their share of the "staff of life," so freely given, "without money and without price," now bursting forth into cries of thankfulness, and now falling on their knees to receive the father's blessing, or to crave his prayers, with the dark background of the noble western porch, form together a picture at once deeply interesting and moving! Day after day, and week after week, the gates of the monas-vation. The bell has ceased its solemn call-and tery were still thronged by countless numbers of the "poor destitute," and still the faithful Leofric was at his station each time the great bell sounded; but the dole was not so plentiful, and on his brow were marks of care. Truly the good man "suffered with those he did see suffer;" and his heart bled, as he viewed the famishing multitude, and remembered that his coffers were well-nigh empty. "Meagre were their looks, sharp misery had worn them to the bone;" and he had not wherewith to satisfy their piteous cries for bread. In this extremity he bethought him what he would do," he sold all the precious stores amassed by his predecessors for the erection and embellishment of a new and costly church, and gave the proceeds to the poor. When charged with sacrilegious waste of "many goods laid up" for the Lord's service, he gave an answer worthy the most enlightened Christian of our own day. The "faithful in Christ," he said, "especially if they were poor, constituted the church and temple of God; and were, indeed, that real and true church which it was his duty to build up and preserve, and that it was the best instance of pure and undefiled religion, to visit the fatherless and the widows in their affliction." But bitter to himself were the fruits of his noble conduct, for all the brethren could not, like him, forget the monk in the Christian, nor the duties of the one in the more important ones of the other; and the dissensions in the monastery rose to a fearful height, almost amounting to absolute insurrection. However, "the night is long that finds no morrow;" and his troubles found their end.

The famine was stayed, and the fruits of the earth in their season were restored for the use of man, whilst the noble-minded Leofric, being promoted to the dignity of the Archiepiscopal See of Canterbury, found, that, though often "lang o' comin'," "duty never yet did want his meed."

Hard by the monastery, in "olden time," stood the Palace of Kingsbury, and there the Saxon monarchs often held their courts. But the near proximity of Royalty, with all its train of overbearing courtiers and idle servitors, was found to be prejudicial to the morals and well-being of the monks, and in the year of our Lord, 1006, Alfric, the then Abbot, bought it of the crown, and, demolishing the buildings, made the grounds Church property.

King Canute, however, unwilling that every trace of the habitation of his fathers should be swept away, commanded that one tower should be left standing; and standing it is to this our day. When wars were raging, and rumours of wars were rife in England, it served as a conspicuous height on which to raise a telegraph, and, now that peace reigns throughout its length and breadth, it is converted into a clock-house, and from its venerable appearance, and interesting associations, well merits regard as a time-honoured relic of the past! From the reign of Canute to that of Harold, no events of any historical interest took place in which St. Albans bore a part. Its riches and prosperity were daily increasing, and the abbots who in turn bore the pastoral staff, being peace-makers rather than destroyers, under their mild sway both "town and gown" pursued the even tenor of their way, undisturbed by the petty feuds which constantly embroiled their neighbours. But troublous times were at

The good old abbot and his monks kept this promise to the utmost-day and night were their knees bent in supplication, and hour after hour through the vaulted roof of their church, resounded the deep-toned voices of the brethren uprising in solemn chant. But the time for prayer was over-that for action come! news were brought, (" and every true heart wept for't,") that on the bloody field of Hastings, with thousands of England's best and bravest sons, lay "Harold the Unhappy," whilst Duke William was in full march upon the capital.

Frithric, in whom the wisdom of the serpent, the gentleness of the dove, and the boldness of the lion, seem to have been blended. rose superior to the cowardly fear of those around him which spoke of submission to the stranger; and, knowing that the Norman and his followers, if unchecked, would pass through St. Albans, he determined to intercept his progress, and be the first this side of Hastings to shew resistance to the Conqueror. Causing all the timber on the Church lands to be felled, he so effectually barricaded the road, as to oblige William, chafing at the delay, and still more at the insult, to make a circuit of some miles to Berkleystead, which was then the place of his destination, and afterwards became his favourite residence. Thither, under promise of safe conduct, the Abbot of St Albans went, and the proud Norman demanded, in haughty tone, how he had dared to intercept his march. Frithric's reply was mildly yet firmly given.

"I have done what I ought," said he, " and if all the spiritual persons throughout this land had used their endeavours to have hindered thee, as they might and should have done, it had not been in thy power to have come thus far."

"Is the spirituality of England then of such power?" exclaimed William. "Well, if I live to enjoy what I have got, I will rule their greatness well enough, and make their power less, and I resolve to begin with thee."

To this taunting threat the churchman made no reply his was the courage which loves to show itself in action, not in word; and, leaving the haughty stranger to enjoy the pleasures of the chase, he retired to his monastery; there to form plans for securing freedom to his country, and its throne to the rightful heir. Young Edgar (or Engelonde's Direling, as the Saxons loved to call him) fearing to trust himself within reach

London Magazine:

A JOURNAL OF ENTERTAINMENT AND INSTRUCTION
FOR GENERAL READING.

A VISIT TO THE NEW HOUSES OF

PARLIAMENT.A

add that there is a passage in the rear of the throne for the royal attendants; it not being etiquette to pass before the throne while her majesty is seated.

In harmony of design and exquisiteness of finish, nothing can exceed this new throne: it is architecturally correct, as well as picturesque; and, although from description, it would appear to be a blaze of enrichment, so artistical is the work that there is no appearance of superfluity or excess of ornament, or frittered appliances in any portion of the design. It is historical, national. and in every respect appropriate as the seat of sovereign power.

At present, only one window is filled with stained glass, the effigies of the sovereigns being drawn in the style of the period of the architecture: we believe it idea has been overruled. The other eleven windows are was proposed to substitute correct drawing, but this

filled with stained glass, the effect will be brilliant and sparkling, and relieve the somewhat too golden hue of the ceiling and upper walls. The filling of the Eve remaining archways with frescoes will also aid the pictorial character.

THE THRONE occupies the centre of the southern end of the House. It is elevated on steps covered with a rich carpet of a bright scarlet ground, powdered with roses and lions, alternately, of gold colour, and fringed with gold colouring. The canopy to the throne is divided into three compartments, the central one much loftier than the others, for Her Majesty; that on the right hand for the Prince of Wales; and that on the left for Prince Albert. The panelling and heraldic emblasonry of the back are indescribably beautiful; and so exquisitely is the brilliancy of the colours blended with the gilding, that the effect is that of perfect harmony; and, notwith-covered with a diapered calico: when they shall all e standing the extreme richness of the materials, there is nothing garish or gaudy, their glitter and glare being chastened by the most skilful combination, into an effect of surpassing delicacy and beauty. The central and side canopies are surmounted by Tudor crowns; and in the former are five niches filled with statuettes chamber; for, some minutes had elapsed ere we could We lingered for a considerable time in the superb of St. George, and Knights of the Garter, the Bath, fix attention upon any especial portion of the decoration Thistle, and St. Patrick. Beneath each canopy are the sufficiently to appreciate its design and genins, so te arms of the royal occupant, superbly emblazoned, as speak. Here is no unmeaning embellishment; everywell as within the arches of the canopy itself. On each thing contributes to nationality, aim, and purpose side of the recess for Her Majesty's chair is a pedestal, You do not ask why this or that symbol or characteris surmounted by an angel bearing the royal arms. There is adopted; it is part of a chain of illustration, or linke series; and there are no common-place repetitions are corresponding pedestals, with the lion and unicorn; every piece of decoration assists to tell the story-i. and, stretching out on either side are dwarf wings illustrate in this great chamber of its Legislature th traceried, and octagonal pedestals, on which are seated artistic history of the country. It was long ere we la the royal supporters, the lion and unicorn holding exhausted the decorative perfection of the hous, an standards, enamelled with the arms of England. then, quitting it by one of the side doors, we crossed the corridor and entered

The Queen's chair of state, or throne, in general outline, resembles the ancient coronation chair; the legs rest upon four lions couchant, and have pinnacled buttresses on each side; the front, sides, and back, have quatrefoil panels, with crowns, roses, shamrocks, and thistles, and the royal monogram; and beneath the arms are lions passant. The back of the chair is gabled, and within it is an exquisitely quatrefoiled ornament of eight points, bearing the royal monogram. On the exterior ridge of the gable are boldly carved roses; upon a stem rising from its apex is a richly decorated crown; and upon the flanking buttresses are the lion and unicorn seated, holding scrolls. A broad border surrounds the square part of the back of the chair, on which are, alternately, large and brilliant egg shaped pieces of rock-crystal, and lions within quatrefoils, enamelled. This gives a character of jewelled magnificence to the regal chair. Within this border are the royal arms of England, superbly embroidered

on velvet.

The state chairs for the Prince of Wales and Prince Albert are alike in form and general details, the only variations being in the embroidery on the backs, and in the monograms. The backs are circular-headed, and the legs are curved, in the eurule, or X shape, and the whole framework is richly floriated. The fittings are crimson velvet and gimp; the embroidery, the ostrich plume of the Prince of Wales, and the arms of Prince Albert, and their respective monograms.

To the Queen's Throne is a footstool, carved and gilt, and covered with crimson velvet, gorgeously embroidered in gold, with leaves, roses, fleurs-de-lis, &c. We should

(1) Concluded from p. 164.

THE VICTORIA HALL.

This regal apartment has been taken from the leg Victoria Gallery, as shown in the original plan. 1:2 an after thought of the architect, and a happy one; i if we mistake not, it has found even a larger number? has a chastened and subdued magnificence, in sker, admirers than the house itself, or the peers' lobby. I a delightful repose, which the house and lobby may be said to lack.

The walls are, to a considerable height, panelled with oak, having a deep frieze and elaborate erecting On the north and south sides are three compartmca's The east and west ends have each three windows st divided by columns, to be hereafter filled with fres the panelling, filled with stained glass, figured with t rose, thistle. and shamrock, royal crowns, diaper w &e.; and the light streaming through them has an pressive effect. The lower oak panelling is of the L kin pattern; above are spaces to be filled with carving representing important events in the lives of the Qu fire places, and in the western one an experimental ta of England. There are larger panels over each of the "* relief has been placed with admirable effect. Alv these compartments is a range of tall panels, to be t with portraits of the Engli-h sovereigns, painted Pr a gold ground. The frieze above these panels is ennet with oak-leaves and accrns, and shields charged with the arins of the sovereigns of England, and labels bearing ther

names.

flowers and quatrefoils with roses on pierced trac The erecting above the frieze consists of Th The small doorways leading into the corridors and t House of Lords are slightly recessed. On the north and south sides are larger do rways of lofty pitch, and very much decorated in the deep moulding. The southern door will lead to the Victoria Gallery: the oppos archway being a blank one, a statue of her majesty wi be placed on a pedestal in front of it.

The ceiling of the Victoria Hall is divided by massive | coloured roses. The room is lighted by gas, in coronal tie-beams into nine compartments, and these again into branches. eight; the beams have bosses, all varied in character and richly gilt, carved with treillage, and the motto "Dieu et mon droit." The surface of the ceiling is dark blue; and upon it in heater-shaped shields are emblazoned the arms of England, Scotland, and Ireland, with quartrefoil borders, fleurs-de-lis, and coronals.

The two fire-places in this truly regal apartment are of elegant design and elaborate workmanship. The opening for the fire is a low arch, deeply recessed; the | sides and back are encrusted with red and blue encaustic tiles, having on them the lions of England, and the Royal monogram, respectively. The grate is very low, and along the top bar are fleurs-de-lis. The reredos, or back, rises high in gable form, and has upon it the Royal Arms of England, with supporters and crest. The fire dogs are of brass, the standards being of rich design and bearing shields with the lions of England, and surmounted by regal crowns.1

The fire implements are of wrought brass; there is no fender, a raised stone moulding serving in its stead, and being in accordance with the architectural character of the apartment. The fender was an after-thought, for, at this date, (James I.) the chimney furniture, fire-shovel, tongs, &c. were "an invention," often of richly wrought silver, and given as wedding presents. The style of the period is admirably displayed in the characteristic enrichments boldly sculptured in stone above the arch, and presenting a very striking display of heraldic colouring and gilding. In the spandrils of the arch are Tudor roses, crowned, painted, and gilded; and from them flow gracefully the thistle and shamrock, also gilded. This regal character is likewise continued in the insignia of royalty sculptured in the long panel immediately above the arch. Within three large circles are as many quartrefoils, bearing shields of the arms of England, Scotland, and Ireland, with blue labels and gilt mottoes. In the spaces between the quartrefoils are circlets of oak-branches, with sceptres and swords placed saltire-wise, (cross-wise,) upon them, intertwined by a cord and tassels. Over the fire place is a plaster relief, coloured to imitate oak-the subject, Queen Philippa interceding with Edward III. in behalf of the citizens of Calais. This will be executed in oak, as will a corresponding relief for the opposite fire place. The enriched effect of these fire-places, each flanked by doorways, the upper portions having carved bosses, and the plate glass panels traceried heads, is extremely beautiful. The finger-plates, lock-escutcheons, hinges, &c. have all been designed in accordance with the architectural character of the room. Over each place is a bracket bearing a clock, in a carved case; the dials enamelled in blue and gold, and colour.

"It is impossible," says a contemporary,1 "to conceive a more Regal apartment than is the Victoria Lobby, every detail being in such exquisite taste, and so gorgeously enriched by colour and gold. In addition to its splendour, there is the prevailing feeling that the embellishments are ALL ART, no hackneyed design or copied enrichment being introduced: all are new and beautiful. Indeed, we doubt whether King Louis of Bavaria, that art-loving monarch, ever imagined a more perfect specimen of art-decoration than this room will present, when all the architect's intentions are carried out. Even now, there is not a single decoration, or piece of furniture, which does not bear the stamp of genius and consummate taste; and when the pictorial beauties are added to its architectural, no room in Europe will exceed it in magnificence and appropriateness."

The system of Warming and Ventilation of the House of Lords and the Victoria Hall, cannot be made intelligible except by diagrams. We may, however, briefly state that beneath the Peers' Lobby and the House of Lords are air-tight chambers for hot or cold air; and in the roof are chambers for fresh or vitiated air. The fresh air is admitted direct from the river, and is purified by passing it through a finely perforated zine screen over cold water; it then passes through cokets heated by one of Lord Dundonald's steam-boilers; this process being carried on beneath the Victoria Hall. The air being thus purified and warmed, passes through bulls-eyes into the diffusing chamber under the House of Lords, where nearly 40,000 cubic feet of air, freed from all impurities, are constantly kept ready for admission into the House. The air next passes up flues in the wall of the Victoria Hall next the House, into the supply chambers over the ceilings. In the opposite wall is the discharge shaft and chimney to the steamengine; and in the latter a steam jet, by the action of which the vitiated air is drawn off, whilst a constant stream of similar air is rising from the House through the perforated enrichments of the beams in the central division of the ceiling; and to keep up the supply, thus incessantly but imperceptibly passing off, a current of fresh air is, equally imperceptibly, always pouring down, through the open work in the beams at the side divisions of the ceiling, to the floor of the House. Here the two currents meet in the centre, and ascend to the foul air chamber, whence, by the action of the steam jet, they are rapidly drawn away. There are, also, modes of regulating the temperature by the doors of flues, by cold fire-water, &c. The most ingenious adaptation is that of the shaft, which conveys the smoke from the steamboiler, also carrying off the vitiated air; this is invaluable, as the velocity of the air in the shaft caused by the heat of the boiler, independent of the heat evolved by the steam-jet, must always be very great. There are likewise portions of the House, in which the ornaments, (as quatrefoils,) are covered with wire-gauze, coloured so as to be imperceptible, through which the air passes.

The furniture of the Victoria Hall is also architectural; proving how desirable it is that the master mind of the architect should direct the upholsterer's skill. Yet, if we mistake not, Mr. Barry has, in this country, broken ground in such an exercise of judgment. The chairs are of oak they have straight backs, surmounted by lions' heads; the legs are formed like a curved X, with a carved cross-bar. The seats and backs are not stuffed, but consist of strained red Russia leather, stamped with Tudor roses, and secured by brass nails, of Gothic pattern. There are sixteen of these chairs, the cost of each being twenty guineas. They are very picturesque and unique in character. They are placed around two octagonal tables, of oak, resting on ogee arches, with winged lions and dragons couchant on the four ends of the plinth. The carpet corresponds with that of the House of Lords-deep blue, with gold

The success of this system of diffusing air through the House, without draughts being perceptible, has been very nicely tested. For example, air which has been perfumed in a chamber at one end of the House has, in four or five minutes, been detected by its scent and in fifteen or sixteen minutes, all trace of per.ume has passed off. Again, when nearly one hundred laige wax candles are burnt in the lofty candelabra, unprotected by any glass, the flames are as steady as they would be if the candles were burning in a small sitting

room.

(1) From the highly artistic details, accompanying a set of views in the Illustrated London News,rawn and e graved and by Joseph Lionel Williams. For character.stic accuracy picturesqueness, these illustrations can scarcely be too highly commended.