THE TOWN WALLS,
erected in the time of Henry the Third, to fortify the place against the inroads of the Welsh, and towards the completion of which the burgesses were materially assisted by the royal bounty. These walls, although now deprived of their battlements, form an excellent footpath, and afford a delightful view of the river and adjacent country. At the extremity of the Walls is the Crescent; and a little beyond stands the only remaining Tower of nearly twenty which formerly strengthened the ancient ramparts that enclosed our town.
It is square, and of three stories, embattled at the summit, and lighted by narrow square windows; from the style of building, it is probably as old as the reign of Henry the Fourth.
Nearly adjoining the Tower is the Meeting-house of the Methodist New Connexion; and further on to the right is Swan Hill, formerly called Murivance, signifying before or within the walls. Passing Allatt’s School, a chaste freestone building, the turning to the right leads to St. John’s Hill, chiefly occupied by private individuals. Proceeding onwards, St. Chad’s church breaks upon the view, having a terrace on the south-west side which commands a fine prospect of the beautiful Quarry Walk. Leaving the principal entrance to this delightful promenade, a broad thoroughfare leads to the handsome residences of Claremont Buildings. Continuing our route to the end of this street, a narrow way opens to St. Austin’s Friars and the river, on the margin of which once stood an out-work, flanked by two round towers, erected by the corporation at a remote period for the protection of the opposite ford. In later times one of these towers was called the “Round House,” and was demolished about forty years ago. Turning to the right, we observe the remnant of the house of