time it was valued at forty shillings per annum. An extensive new square is now being built here, the houses of which are to be spacious, and of an elegant style of architecture, and the area will occupy a space of eight acres. It is to be named Hamilton-square.

BIRKENHEAD.

This is also a very ancient ferry, and is situate at a short distance to the south of Woodside, and is now becoming populous, many new edifices having been erected since the year 1818, at which period there were only fifty inhabitants. The Church is a handsome structure, of the Gothic style of architecture, with a neat spire, which adds much to the picturesque beauty of this village. Adjoining this edifice stands the remains of the old Priory, which was founded by Haman Massie, third baron of Dunham, in the year 1190. The monks of this foundation enjoyed the privilege of carrying passengers from Birkenhead to Liverpool. The charges were a farthing for a person on foot, and twopence for a horseman. At the dissolution of the monasteries the yearly revenues of this abbey were valued at £90 13s.

Some interesting ruins still remain here, but since the erection of the new church, and of several contiguous buildings, they have been in a great degree concealed from the public gaze, and much of that solemn and venerable stillness

that once surrounded them has been removed; yet something is left to excite the curiosity, and to employ the research of the antiquary.

A few years ago a grave-stone was found beneath the ruins, and has since been placed in the wall of the old Chapel. It bears the following inscription:

Hic jacet Thomas Kayneford, qu [ond] am bon' vicar

mo

hu' [p] o [rat'], qui obiit v, [die] maii, anno domini M,C[CCC,] LXXIII. cui' animæ ppiciet. De'.

The letters inserted in brackets have been obliterated, and the whole has sustained much injury from time. The following may be considered a translation:

"Here lieth Thomas Rayneford, formerly the good vicar of this priory, who died on the fifth day of May, in the year of our Lord 1473, to whose soul may God be merciful."

In a portion of the adjacent ruins there are several fine groined arches. These, and the various remains of windows, pillars, &c. with the extent of ground marked out by the fragments of walls, clearly show that this was once an edifice of some distinction.

TRANMERE.

This is the next ferry to the south of Birkenhead, and is also becoming more inhabited than it was formerly. Adjoing it is Holt-hill, the

summit of which commands an extensive prospect of the neighbouring villages and the river. Liverpool is likewise clearly distinguished, with its long line of docks, crowded with shipping; and further in the back ground are seen the villages of Everton and Edge-hill, the former being situate to the north of the latter.

Tranmere, properly so called, stands on the side of the hill, and is remarkable for several old houses, and the remains of an ancient cross. Below, and bordering on the river, are situate the Rock House and New Ferry, to both of which places large and commodious sail boats ply regularly from the opposite piers.

EASTHAM.

In a southerly direction, about three miles farther than the New Ferry is the Eastham Ferry, and contiguous to the place of landing is a good inn, which, form its proximity to the river, and being in a rather elevated situation, commands a pleasing and an extensive view of the opposite shore of Lancashire; and on the Cheshire side, to the right is perceived Beeston Rock, on the summit of which, in a clear day, may be distinguished the remains of an ancient castle. Helsby Hills, which border on the forest of Delamere, and the ruins of Halton Castle, in the vicinity of Runcorn, are likewise discerned.

The village of Eastham is distant about a mile

from the ferry, and has a neat ancient Church, of which Inigo Jones is said to have been the architect. Hooton Hall, the seat of Sir Thomas Stanley, stands between this place and the river, and has an extensive park. There is also a wood adjacent to the Ferry-house, which in the summer season affords an agreeable and diversified walk. Steam boats arrive at this ferry three times a day, for the purpose of conveying passengers from and to Liverpool, who may proceed to Chester by coaches which are kept here for that use.

About two miles higher up the river, is the Ellesmere Canal, by which persons are also carried to Chester; and a little farther is situate the village of Ince, to which a steam packet plies regularly once a day. If the tide permit, this boat starts in the morning and returns in the evening. At some distance farther is the mouth of the river Weaver, on which a packet constantly plies for the conveyance of passengers to Winsford-bridge, near to Frodsham. The country through which this river winds its way is diversified with the most beautiful and enchanting scenery. The serpentine course of the stream passing through fertile vallies, flanked by hills pleasingly variegated with wood and verdure, and the numerous small craft, with their swelling canvas suddenly bursting on the view at various distances, render this one of the most delightful excursions in this part of the kingdom.

RUNCORN.

A few miles further up the river Mersey than where the mouth of the river Weaver is situate, stands the village of Runcorn, which has thriven much since the Duke of Bridgewater's Canal was opened. Here is a fine old Church, the living attached to which is considered of great value. The scenery in this neighbourhood is variegated and beautiful; and from Halton Castle, which is about a mile distant, there is one of the most extensive prospects in this part of England. A portion of the ruins is still remaining; and adjoining is a good inn, where are excellent accommodations.

HOYLAKE.

Hoylake is situate on the sea coast, at the northern extremity of the peninsula of Wirral, and has a good inn. The distance from Liverpool by water being about twelve miles, affords a pleasant sail, in the course of which are passed the Magazines, the new Fort, the new Lighthouse at the Rock Perch, and Leasowe Castle, which is now converted into an inn. Near Hoylake is the small and barren island of Hilbree, which is said to be within the parish of St. Oswald, in Chester, though it is distant twenty miles from that city.

WATERLOO.

This is entirely a new village, having been re