SHOOTER'S HILL.

FROM WOOLWICH REACH.

Shooter's Hill, whose summit affords such a magnificent perspective, is situate on the south side of Woolwich common, and is mentioned as a scene of splendid festivities by antiquarian writers. It has also been represented as the frequent haunt of robbers; and Philipott, who wrote in the early part of the reign of James the First, complains, in his Villare Cantium, that they appear to have a prescriptive right to rob there. At so early a period as the reign of Richard the Second, measures were taken for improving the highway on this hill; for in the sixth year of that king a royal order was issued, to "cut down the woods on each side of the road at Shetere's Held, in the road from London to Rochester, which was become very dangerous to travellers, in compliance with the statute of Edward the First, for widening roads, where there were woods which afforded shelter for thieves."-These regulations do not, however, appear to have been attended with the desired effect; and it was not till the year 1739, that any very material improvement was made; when a road of greater breadth was laid out, under an act of parliament.-But its present comparative security is, probably, more owing to the increased population of the place itself and the surrounding neigh

bourhood.

Among other festivities which were displayed on this beautiful spot in former times, we have the record of one, which we doubt not is correctly described, in a very particular and minute account, published in the latter part of the seventeenth century, by one, who probably derived his information from preceding authorities. It is related, that on May-day, 1511, Henry VIII. and his Queen Catherine, proceeded in great state from Greenwich, a favourite resi

dence of that monarch, to Shooter's Hill, where they were received by two hundred archers, clad in green, with a captain at their head, personating Robin Hood." He first shewed the king the skill of his archers in their exquisite shooting; and then, leading the ladies into the wood, gave them a fine entertainment of venison and wine, in green arbours, and booths adorned with fine pageants, and all the efforts of romantic gallantry, which were then usually prac tised in that luxurious court." In this reign there was a Beacon erected here, as appears from several entries, in the churchwardens' accounts of Eltham, of sums paid, "for watchinge the Beacon on Shutter's Hill,"

The prospects from this elevated spot are very fine, and possess a contrasted variety which is seldom seen. To the north the view comprehends a bold meander of the Thames, of great length with the navigation which its flowing or ebbing tides conduct to the metropolis, or bear to the sea; while the eye, glancing over the beautiful, falling scenery below, looks on to the distant uplands of Essex, Hertfordshire, and Middlesex, and reposes on the magnificence of the metropolis. To the south the prospect is altogether rural, with an intermixture of that elegance which is seen in the surrounding domains of those, whose opulence enables them to improve and beautify, and whose taste qualifies them to do it with the best effect.

At a small distance from the road over Shooter's Hill, on the south side, is an high triangular tower, of brick, rising, to all appearance from a wood; by which circumstance the effect is heightened, and the object, in a picturesque view at least, is rendered more important. It is a kind of landmark, and seen at a great distance. It was built, as appears from an inscription over the entrance, to commemorate the achievements of the late gallant officer, Sir William James, Bart. during his command of the East India Company's marine forces in the Indian seas; and, in a particular manner, to record the conquest of the castle of Severndroog, on the coast of Malabar, which fell to his superior

valour and able conduct, on the 2d day of April, 1755. It consists of three floors: in the lower of them are various Indian weapons, armour, &c. brought as trophies from Severndroog castle; the upper stories are finished with appropriate elegance: the ceiling of the first displays a series of views in six compartments, of the relative situation of the fleet and fortress on the day of the assault, when Severndroog was stormed and taken. The summit is embattled, and has turrets at the angles. The prospect from this building embraces a very rich, extensive, and various range, comprehending a large portion of Kent, Essex, and Surrey, with the Thames and its navigation, the metropolis and its distant splendour. This tower was erected by Lady James, as a widowed testimony of affection to Sir William James, who united all the virtues necessary to the perfection of domestic happiness, with the heroic bravery which distinguished his public life. It is situate in grounds of Parkplace Farm, near Eltham, which descended to their grandson, the present Lord Rancliff, who is the actual possessor of it.

Charlton House is an object which cannot be passed by unnoticed, when Shooter's Hill is to be historically described: it is the residence of Lady Wilson, and is a good specimen of the style of building, which prevailed about the time of James the First; though some considerable alterations were made in it by Sir William Ducie, about the year 1659. It forms an oblong square, with projections at the end of each front, which are crowned by turrets, and the whole wall of the building finishes with an open balustrade. The centre also projects, and the entrance is decorated with Corinthian columns, whose bases are fancifully enriched with sculptures, representing lion's heads. In the window above are the arms of the Ducie family, blended with those of its collateral branches. The saloon is replete with decoration, and the ceiling retains its original state, as it was finished by Sir Adam Newton, and exhibits the royal arms, with ostrich feathers, &c. The chimney-piece is of the same age; on one side of which is the statue of Vulcan in alabas