The ravages of the fire which occurred in this fortress a few years since have now been repaired, and its ancient walls strengthened and improved in accordance with the rules of fortification adopted by the best engineers of the day. The stagnant moat which formerly encircled it has been drained and converted into an exercise ground for the soldiers in the garrison.
FOOTNOTES
[1] The origin of the motto Ich Dien—I serve—is generally attributed to Edward the Black Prince who, in leading the vanguard of his army to the battle of Cressy, slew John of Luxemburg, King of Bohemia, and then deplumed his helmet of those ostrich feathers which, in memory of this victory, became his cognisance,—sometimes using one feather, at others three, as appears on his seals and tomb, with scrolls containing this motto, Ich Dien. But the ancient arms of the princes of Wales, while they were independent sovereigns, were quarterly gules and or, four lions passant, counterchanged. The Charter of Edward the First to his son is dated March 24th, 1305,—i.e. when the Prince had attained his majority.
[2] In allusion to the crystal-brilliants, long known as "Bristol diamonds."
[3] Polwhele's History of Devon, vol ii. p. 219.
[4] Leland's Itinerary, vol. iii., p. 79. Edition 1769.
[5] The cliffs which extend towards Hurst Castle abound in marine fossils, shells, and petrifactions, from which many excellent collections have been made.
[6] Remarks on Forest Scenery and other Woodland Views, illustrated by the Scenery of New Forest, 1791. The Picturesque Tours, by the same author, display a deep and correct feeling of the beauties of nature. At his death, in 1804, he appropriated a collection of his Sketches to the endowment of a school at Boldre.
[7] The pulpit belonging to this ancient refectory is the most perfect and elegant relic of its kind in England.