Stafford House Letters (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1891. Excerpt: ... Letter X. Trentham, January 2oth, 1834. We went to-day to Alton Towers, not knowing that the Shrewsbury had returned, and found them at home. We were very much struck with the magnificent entry, through a long, high, well-furnished armoury, picturegallery full of pictures, a chapter-house sort of hall, then a conservatory full of plants and statues, and then a drawing-room and gallery, looking very comfortable and habitable. All these and the other rooms were warm and agreeable, and, though they were alone there, all appeared used and lived in every day; and when the entrance-door opens, a harper is playing at the entrance, a porter equipped as such opens the doors, and three or four livery and out of livery servants are all at their posts. He is adding a drawing-room and libraries and state bedroom, and another picture-gallery. The chapel, eighty feet long, and high in proportion, with stained glass, and all cased with oak, is very imposing and solemn. They gave us a very good luncheon, and we then walked in the garden, which is very beautiful and astonishing, and well kept, with marble statues, all out unprotected all this winter; and though it was a grey day, and no sunshine, but some drizzling rain, it looked very cheerful--so green, well mowed, walks in good order. There are some buildings which might be spared, but altogether it is full of entertainment, and very agreeable to see; and they are very good-natured, and we are pleased to have found them, as it was a duty, and we saw it all much better and more agreeably than if they had not been there. Letter XI. Star and Garter, Richmond, August 3rd, 1834. Dearest Duchess, As you desired, I took the bracelet to Madame de Lieven the day before yesterday (Friday). She was to embark in the evening. We ha...