THE HIGH CROSS,
which was no doubt similar in design to the elegant structures at Chichester and other places. It appears to have escaped the iconoclastic zeal of the puritans; for we learn that the old stone cross was not taken down until the year 1705. All general proclamations, as in former times, are still made upon this spot, whilst the reminiscences connected with it afford a melancholy picture of feudal severity. Here David, the last of the British Princes, underwent his cruel sentence, for defending by force of arms the liberties of his native country; and here the Earl of Worcester and other distinguished noblemen, after the battle of Shrewsbury, atoned for their rebellion by the loss of their heads.
Continuing our course, we enter Castle Street, which is terminated in a picturesque manner by Laura’s tower on the Castle mount, and the umbrageous foliage with which it is surrounded. At the extremity of this spacious street stands
ST. NICHOLAS’S CHAPEL,
the only one existing of eight similar structures. Its present appearance proves it to be of Norman foundation, and built probably by Earl Roger de Montgomery for the accommodation of such of his retainers as resided in the outer court of the castle within which it once stood. It was subsequently appropriated for the accommodation of the President and Council of the Marches of Wales. The west end displays a pointed window divided by a mullion, and in the interior is a massive semi-circular arch, which separated the nave from a chancel now destroyed. In lowering the floor in 1825, several human skulls and bones were discovered. The building is 50 feet long, by 19 wide, and is used at present as a coach-house and stable.
To the right of this edifice is a handsome timber gateway, erected in 1620, which leads to
THE COUNCIL HOUSE,
or Lord’s Place, originally occupied as the residence of the Court of the Marches of Wales; the Lords President and Council of which, in assembling,
“With temper’d awe to guide
An old and haughty nation proud in arms,”