These considerations, added to a residence on the spot, first induced me, for my private amusement, to consider Cromer and the scenery in its neighbourhood in a picturesque point of view. My profession, that of a Surgeon, leading me daily to one or other of the scenes here described, is certainly an advantage, as the features of landscape appear extremely different accordingly as they are affected by difference of weather, of lights and shadows, and of morning and evening suns.
In watering places where there are neither public rooms nor assemblies, walking and riding become the chief sources of amusement; and for invalids it is more particularly necessary to divert the attention, by pointing put those things which are esteemed most worthy of observation. Few people are altogether insensible to the beauties of a fine country,—few things to a contemplative mind are capable of giving that satisfaction which the beauties of nature will afford.
By the same rule, also, gentlemen’s seats, which are often the repositories of the works of art, produce ample speculation for the artist and virtuoso.
In visiting small, and I may be allowed to say, obscure watering-places, retirement seems to be the principal object. Where bathing only is the inducement, the place and its neighbourhood is of very little consequence, provided it is convenient and near the sea; but where the mind and body are capable of being sufficiently active to be amused abroad, or to those whose aim is pleasure, a country affording that amusement by its variety, is certainly to be preferred; and to such as are fond of the study of landscape, variety and some degree of beauty are absolutely necessary.
As every little excursion will begin and end at Cromer, each will be formed into a separate section. I have before said that this undertaking was at first intended solely for my own amusement, and with that idea I had sketched several views, but after I had come to a determination to hazard its entrance into the world, I found it necessary to confine myself to one only, on account of the additional price they would have put upon the publication.
After the excellent things which have been produced in this way, by the Rev. Mr. Gilpin, there is certainly great temerity in attempting, even for private amusement, any thing which bears the most distant resemblance to such elegant productions. From which consideration, I cannot here omit to solicit the indulgence of the public for the ensuing pages, which are intended only as humble imitators, not as daring rivals of that excellent master.
CONTENTS.
Section the First.
The situation of the town of Cromer. The parish church a beautiful specimen of architecture, in the time of Henry the fourth. The beauty of its proportions injured by the necessary manner in which it has been repaired. Accident of a bay falling from the steeple. Anecdote of Robert Bacon. Free School. Inns. The Fishery the chief support of the lower class of inhabitants,—also, a great source of picturesque amusement. Boat upset. Mercantile trade. Dearness of Coals,—the reason of it. Cromer an eligible situation for retirement. A description of the bathing machines, cliffs, and beach. Sea-shore a constant amusement to the artist. Picturesque effects of the storm and the calm compared. Sea-fowls. Light-house. Overstrand. Cromer Hall.