THE SEAT OF JOHN HANNING, ESQ. DILLINGTON is one of the eight hamlets constituting the parish of Ilminster. The village, though small, was formerly of some repute, as containing a mineral spring, resorted to by numbers of the credulous for the cure of various disorders. At the present day the only object worthy of notice which it contains, is the fine Mansion selected for the subject of the accompanying Plate. Dillington House is situate about a mile north-east of Ilminster, in a pleasant fertile vale, surrounded by a Park, agreeably diversified as to its scenery. The Mansion, from its appearance, was probably built in the reign of Elizabeth, or that of her successor. It is a handsome gabled stone structure; its form being that of the letter E. In the centre of the principal front is an embattled porch, having on each side a large mullioned window of painted glass, which give light to the hall, and other apartments. The rear of the house is sheltered by a gradually rising bank, which also adds considerably to the beauty of the situation. The Manor of Ilminster, with the whole district, was given by King Athelstan, in 939, to the abbey of Muchelney in this county, founded by Ina, King of the West Saxons; and in the survey ordered to be taken by William the Conqueror, we find it designated as part of the possessions of that monastery. After the suppression of religious houses, this manor coming to the crown, King Henry VIII., by letters patent bearing date the 30th of January, 1538, granted the same to Edward Earl of Hertford, afterwards created by his nephew Edward VI., Duke of Somerset, better known as Protector of the kingdom during this prince's minority. As an act of attainder had passed against the said Duke in 1550, the Manor in consequence reverted to the crown, but was afterwards restored by Queen Elizabeth, to his son Edward Seymour, whom she reinstated in all his father's honours and possessions. This nobleman had two sons, but as they both died in their father's life-time, the estate went to a younger branch of the same family. In 1684 the Manor was sold to Sir Thomas Travel, Edward Ryder, and John Gore, in order to discharge various debts and annuities with which the estate had been encumbered by John Lord Seymour, Duke of Somerset. In 1724 George Speke, Esq., was sole possessor of the Manor, who devised the same by will to Anne, his only surviving daughter, who married Frederick Lord North, by which alliance this estate passed to that very respectable family; and in process of time came into the possession of the present owner. The parish of Ilminster is in the hundred of Abdick and Balston, on the road leading from Somerton to Chard. It is situated twelve miles south-east from Taunton, and five miles north from Chard. Wells Palace, Somersetshire; THE RESIDENCE OF THE RIGHT REV. GEORGE HENRY LAW, D.D. F.R.S. & F.S.A. LORD BISHOP OF BATH AND WELLS. THIS venerable structure stands south of the Cathedral, and bears a great resemblance to the mansions of the ancient military barons. Its walls encompass seven acres of ground, and are flanked by redoubts and half-moons. The whole building is surrounded by a Moat, supplied with water from St. Andrew's Well; and over it, on the north side, is a Bridge leading to the stately Gatehouse, which serves as an entrance to the exterior Court. The Dwelling-house is situated on the east side of the Court, and contains several large and handsome apartments, together with a private Chapel. The accompanying Plate presents a View of the exterior of this part of the noble Palace; the naked windows of which give it an appearance of architectural simplicity. The Crypt, which for some time had been used as a lumber-room, has been recently cleared out, and converted into a receptacle for articles in mineralogy and fossils, of which the present Lord Bishop has a choice collection. Proceeding to the south side of the Court, are found the remains of the great Hall, which, Leland informs us, was exceeding fair. It was demolished about the latter end of the fifteenth century by fanatic plunderers, who carried off the lead and other valuable materials. Its length was 120 feet, breadth nearly 70; and it had a handsome arched Porch, with a Vault and Chamber over it. The Close is a neat building, having, at the south end, next the street, a Hall, with a Buttery and other conveniencies, under which is the arched Gateway and entrance into the Cloisters. At the other end is the Chapel, with a Library over it; and between these two buildings are twenty contiguous dwelling-houses on each side, for as many vicars choral, who are incorporated and endowed with lands and other revenues. The Cathedral, dedicated to St. Andrew, is situated at the east end of the city, and built in the form of a cross. The greater part of this noble structure was erected about the year 1239, by Bishop Joceline or Welles. The western front is esteemed one of the most superb specimens of Gothic architecture in the kingdom, and is richly decorated with images. In the centre of the transepts is a large handsome quadrangular Tower, containing five bells; the western front is flanked by two smaller Towers. The interior has a very neat and chaste appearance, and contains nine elegant Chapels, the principal of which is that dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. In the year 704, Ina, King of the West Saxons, animated by religious zeal, laid the foundation of a Collegiate Church at this place; from which period may be dated the origin of the City of Wells. In 905 Aldhelm, who had received episcopal ordination from Plegmund, Archbishop of Canterbury, was placed over Ina's College at Wells; and the province of Somerset was assigned to him for his diocese. His successor Wilfeline laid the foundation of the Cathedral. John de Villula, the sixteenth Bishop, being strongly attached to the City of Bath, whence he derived his infant fortune, fixed there his pontifical seat about the year 1087, and assumed the title of Bishop of Bath. In the course of a few years this gave rise to violent disputes betwixt the people of Bath and Wells, as to which City should be honoured with the primary distinction; and the matter being referred to the Lord Bishop of the Diocese, Robert of Normandy, he ordained that the See should take its name from both churches conjointly; that the Prelates should be called Bishops of Bath and Wells; that upon a vacancy, each should appoint an equal number of delegates, by whose votes the Bishops should be chosen; and that he should be installed both at Bath and Wells. Dr. Kenn, who presided over the diocese in the reign of James II., is well known in history as one of the seven Bishops sent to the Tower for refusing to read the king's declaration of indulgence; and likewise for his conduct upon the arrival of King William, when, being called upon to take the usual oaths to the new king, this conscientious divine chose rather to relinquish his preferment than transfer his allegiance. George Henry Law, D.D. F.R.S. and F.S.A., the present Lord Bishop of Bath and Wells, is a son of the late Dr. Law, Bishop of Carlisle, and brother to that eminent lawyer, the late Lord Ellenborough. His Lordship was consecrated Bishop of Chester in 1812, and upon the death of Dr. Beadon, in 1824, was translated to the See of Bath and Wells. |