DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.1213#0128
ELTHAM. 105
individual for a term of years, perpetually renewable.
The author of the Beauties of England, thus describes the
transition which time and circumstances have effected in
this once stately pile :—" The change which the palace of
Eltham has undergone is exceedingly striking. The edi-
fice, the abode of sovereigns, the birth-place of princes, is
now a farm; and the beautiful great hall, where par-
liaments were held, and entertainments given in all the
pomp of feudal grandeur, is used as a barn for the housing
and thrashing of corn. The area in which the buildings
stand is surrounded by a high stone wall, that has been
partially repaired and strengthened by arches, &c., of
brick, and a broad and deep moat, over which are two
bridges, nearly opposite each other. On the north and
south sides, the hall is a most noble remain, measuring
100 feet in length, 56 in breadth, and about 60 in height.
The windows have been extremely elegant, but are
now bricked up. The roof is of timber curiously wrought,
in the manner of that at "Westminster-hall, and richly
ornamented by finely-carved pendants. Three parks well
provided, and including together more than 1,200 acres,
were formerly connected with this palace."
In Eltham church, dedicated to St. John the Baptist, Sir
"William James, the conqueror of the pirates of Angria, is
buried. Here also rest the remains of Thomas Dogget,
the eminent low comedian, who dying in 1721, bequeathed
a coat and silver badge, to be rowed for yearly on.
the Thames on the 1st of August.
Formerly a weekly market and two annual fairs were
held at Eltham, but these have been long discontinued;
and Eltham from having been the favoured residence
of royalty, has subsided into a quiet but picturesque road-
side village.
individual for a term of years, perpetually renewable.
The author of the Beauties of England, thus describes the
transition which time and circumstances have effected in
this once stately pile :—" The change which the palace of
Eltham has undergone is exceedingly striking. The edi-
fice, the abode of sovereigns, the birth-place of princes, is
now a farm; and the beautiful great hall, where par-
liaments were held, and entertainments given in all the
pomp of feudal grandeur, is used as a barn for the housing
and thrashing of corn. The area in which the buildings
stand is surrounded by a high stone wall, that has been
partially repaired and strengthened by arches, &c., of
brick, and a broad and deep moat, over which are two
bridges, nearly opposite each other. On the north and
south sides, the hall is a most noble remain, measuring
100 feet in length, 56 in breadth, and about 60 in height.
The windows have been extremely elegant, but are
now bricked up. The roof is of timber curiously wrought,
in the manner of that at "Westminster-hall, and richly
ornamented by finely-carved pendants. Three parks well
provided, and including together more than 1,200 acres,
were formerly connected with this palace."
In Eltham church, dedicated to St. John the Baptist, Sir
"William James, the conqueror of the pirates of Angria, is
buried. Here also rest the remains of Thomas Dogget,
the eminent low comedian, who dying in 1721, bequeathed
a coat and silver badge, to be rowed for yearly on.
the Thames on the 1st of August.
Formerly a weekly market and two annual fairs were
held at Eltham, but these have been long discontinued;
and Eltham from having been the favoured residence
of royalty, has subsided into a quiet but picturesque road-
side village.