Page:A tour through the northern counties of England, and the borders of Scotland - Volume II.djvu/210

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fitted up by Lady Pigott, has seized on a situation of the utmost beauty; having all the park, its fine piece of water, and massive stone mansion, spread beneath it, with a grand view of the distant country. This property formerly belonged to the family of Astley, by a branch of which it mils sold to the late Lord Pigot. In the hall of the house a curious painting bears testimony to the gallantry and military skill of one of the ancient possessors of it, Sir John Astley, who lived in the time of Henry VI. It consists of two grand divisions, sub- divided into lesser compartments, which represent the regukir ceremonies of two tournays; the one performed on horseback, in le rue St. Antoine in Paris, against one Peter de Masse, a Frenchman, in the presence of Charles VII. King of France, on the 29th of August 1438; in which Sir John came oil victor, having pierced the head of his an- tagonist, and won his helmet by the atchievement. The little compartments have inscriptions under them, explaining the figures above. i. The king granting him leave to perform the combat. 2. The manner of his being conducted to the lists. 3. Having gotten the victory, he returneth thanks to Cod. 4. The king girds him with the sword of Knighthood. 5. He maketh oath in the presence of the hi eh- con stable and mareschal that he hath

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