There is an assize-town in one of the eastern
counties which was much distinguished by the Tudor Sovereigns, and, in
consequence of their favour and protection, attained a degree of importance
that surprises the modern traveller.
A hundred years ago its appearance was that of
picturesque grandeur. The old houses, which were the temporary residences of
such of the county families as contented themselves with the gaieties of a
provincial town, crowded the streets, and gave them the irregular but noble
appearance yet to be seen in the cities of Belgium. The sides of the streets
had a quaint richness, from the effect of the gables, and the stacks of
chimneys which cut against the blue sky above; while, if the eye fell lower
down, the attention was arrested by all kinds of projections in the shape of
balcony and oriel; and it was amusing to see the infinite variety of windows
that had been crammed into the walls long before Mr. Pitt's days of taxation.
