Page:Cornwall (Salmon).djvu/271

 SIMONWARD— STRATTON from the Roman "street," or, more likely, British trackway used by the Romans, that entered Corn- wall here. Stratton has much to he proud of ; it is pleasantly situated, sheltered by its position and its trees from the rough ocean winds ; it has a noble church, and a cluster of memorable associations. The black marble tomb of Sir John Arundell (1561) is very noteworthy; so are the tower, the bench-ends, the roof- carvings, and some of the stained glass. The building is restored Perp. Mr. Norway, speak- ing of Stratton, says : " Nowhere in Cornwall are the cottages more picturesque, the streets more narrow or more obviously ancient. . . . We see the place to-day, dominated by its ancient church, washed by its sparkling rivulet, gleaming among its apple orchards, the same angular pretty town as when Sir Bevil Gren- ville rode over from Stowe to do business at the Manor-house, where his giant servant Anthony Payne was born, or when the soldiery flocked down from Stamford Hill, after the great battle, to seek food and rest in the little inn." The Manor-house is now the comfortable Tree Inn; the large-hearted and large-bodied Payne lies peacefully in the churchyard. The battle fought on the neighbouring upland should rather be called the battle of Stratton than of Stamford Hill ; why should the name of a defeated general cling to the spot ? The Roundhead Earl of Stamford, resolved on push- ing into Cornwall, had established his force of 5400 men on this hill ; against him came 233