which supply every house in the remotest part of the town with water for domestic purposes, being raised from the river by means of a steam engine, capable of throwing up 22,000 gallons in the hour. The Company was established under an act of parliament in 1830. [186]
Nearly opposite are
THE ROYAL BATHS,
affording conveniences equal to any which are to be found in the first-rate establishments of this kind in the kingdom, while the moderate terms and strict attention to cleanliness and comfort will, no doubt, ensure to them the patronage and support of the public. Hot air, vapour, shower, warm, salt, medicated, and fresh water baths are in constant readiness, and the pleasure bath is of sufficient dimensions to enable persons to learn the art of swimming.
The building is of a chaste design, the front being ornamented with a portico, supported by two Ionic pillars and two pilasters.
From the road, winding on the banks of the river, an imposing view of the town may be obtained, with a considerable portion of the walls by which it was formerly encompassed. A bold clump of trees on the right denotes
BENBOW HOUSE,
where the gallant Admiral Benbow was born in 1650, whose distinguished deeds in arms have rendered him an honour to our town and country. This brave sailor not only stood against the enemy in the memorable action off Carthagena, in August, 1702, until every hold was gone, but had to encounter the unparalleled treachery of those under his command. The operation of amputating his leg, which was shattered by a chain-shot in the late engagement, added to the deep mental anxiety occasioned by the base conduct of his captains, brought on a fever which terminated his career of glory November 4th, in the same year, universally lamented. His remains received the rites of sepulture in Kingston church, Jamaica. [187]
In the year 1828, a subscription was commenced in this town for the purpose of erecting some memorial in St. Mary’s church (the parish in which he was born) commemorative of this distinguished Salopian, towards which our no less courageous townsman, Admiral Sir Edward Owen, K.C.B. with that frankness and honourable feeling so characteristic of the true British sailor, munificently contributed.