One monument states, that "Near this place are interred the remains of Bryan Blundell, Esq., alderman of the town, and one of the founders of the Blue Coat School, who died January 27, 1756, aged 81."

There is likewise another "Sacred to the memory of William Naylor Wright, erected as a token of gratitude by ONE, whose life, with the lives of many others, by his great exertions and presence of mind, he saved. He died June 13, 1809, aged 57."

This person had been a captain, and was once mayor of this town. After his death a sum of money was enclosed in a letter to his son, by some unknown character, who requested that it might be appropriated to defraying the expense of the above.

An elegant monument, executed by Mr. Gibson, a native of Liverpool, and which is deemed a fine specimen of sculpture, has been erected on one side of the communion table,-" Sacred to the memory of Ann, the wife of William Earle who has erected this monument as a testimony of that innate goodness, and of those virtues, which endeared her to her family and connexions, and to society. She died March 1, 1819, aged 50."

ST. PETER'S CHURCH.

This edifice, which stands on the south side of

Church-street, was built by assessment, and consecrated in 1704. It cost £3500, and is said to be the first parish church that was erected in Lancashire after the Reformation. There are four portals, and each in a different style of architecture,—a proof how little good taste or architectural beauty was understood at that time in this town. The upper part of the tower is octangular, and ornamented at the angles with pinnacles, each bearing a gilt vane. The entire height of the steeple is 108 feet, and it has a peal of eight bells. The interior of this church is furnished with pews, and the galleries rest on four well-carved oak pedestals, on which rise an equal number of plain columns, supporting the roof. The altar exhibits a fine specimen of rich carving in oak, and is generally and deservedly admired. A representation of St. Peter, in stained glass, decorates the east window, and a large and handsome organ occupies the west end, with a gallery on each side, appropriated to the use of the children who belong to the Blue Coat Hospital. On the east end a monument is erected to the memory of William Lawley, Esq., of Staffordshire; and on the south side there is another, erected to the memory of Foster Cunliffe, Esq.

In 1715 a mariner, named John Fells, gave a donation of £30, for the purpose of founding a small theological library in this church. It has since received some additions from one of the

rectors, and at present comprises 107 volumes in folio, 56 in quarto, and 54 in octavo. These works are deposited in the vestry, and chiefly treat on divinity and ancient church history.

ST. GEORGE'S CHURCH.

This edifice is situate at the south end of Castlestreet, and was consecrated in the year 1732, but (with the exception of some of the internal part) has been entirely re-built since the 9th March, 1819, on which day the first stone of the present steeple was laid. The whole is constructed of an excellent free stone. The body of the church is rusticated, and surmounted by a remarkably beautiful Doric entablature, on which rises a neat empanneled parapet. On each side there are six handsome windows, with semicircular heads. The base of the steeple, which is 30 feet square, corresponds with the body of the building, being rusticated and adorned with an appropriate entablature. The entrance door on the west side of the steeple is decorated with two Doric pilasters, which support a suitable entablature and pediment. A square pedestal, resting on the base, supports a portion of an octangular form, having eight elegant Ionic columns placed opposite each of the angles, and crowned with a correspondent entablature. Each column is 22 feet 6 inches high, and 2 feet 6 inches in diameter. The spaces between the columns are occupied

Above

by belfry windows, above which are placed the dials of the clock, fixed in sunk panels. these rises a beautiful range of eight detached Corinthian columns, surrounding the circular base of the spire, each 21 feet in height, and 2 feet 1 inch in diameter, surmounted by a balustrade, which forms a circular gallery encompassing the lower part of the spire, which commences here, and has oval apertures, intended for the admission of light. The whole is plain, but symmetrical, and crowned with a cap of the composite order. The entire height of the steeple is 214 feet.

This church was re-opened for divine service on Sunday, Sept. 11, 1825. The pulpit, altar, and fronts of the galleries are mahogany, richly decorated with carved work. A splendid representation of the crucifixion, on stained glass, now adorns the altar window,-which for varied and exqusite colouring, a judicious display of light and shade, with an admirable delineament of the various human figures, that constitute a part of the scene, will bear a comparison with many of the finest specimens in this department of the pictorial art. This picture exhibits very great excellence in portraying the several feelings and passions, that may reasonably be supposed to have operated most powerfully on the human countenance, under such circumstances. A new and powerful organ has been

recently placed here, and the old one was presented to St. Paul's Church.

On Sundays the mayor and common council usually attend divine service here.

The remains of many of the distinguished natives of this town are interred in the vaults beneath the church.

ST. THOMAS'S CHURCH.

This structure is situate at the bottom of Parklane, and was consecrated in 1750. It is a handsome stone building, with a rusticated base, and has on each side two rows of windows, adorned with Ionic pilasters, crowned with a cornice and balustrade, and surmounted by vases. The chancel end is of a semicircular form. The lower part of the steeple is quadrangular, supplied with windows, and ornamented with Corinthian columns, on which rises a neat balustrade. This spire when complete was 258 feet high, and remarkable for its beautiful symmetry, and was seen to great advantage from the river and the opposite shore; but on the 15th of March, 1757, a violent gale blew down forty-two feet, and the interior of the church was much damaged by the stones falling through the roof. Afterwards it was rebuilt to the height of 240 feet; but subsequently, in consequence of the apprehensions entertained respecting its stability, which were caused by its frequent vibrations, particularly