Page:The Grand junction railway companion to Liverpool, Manchester, and Birmingham; (IA grandjunctionrai00free).pdf/76

 worked battlements, add much to the bold appearance of this elegant structure. Crewe Hall is well worthy of a visit from the tourist, as, independent of the general effect, its details are very interesting. The southern entrance opens to an ancient staircase of singular structure and great beauty; its principal dining-room is a noble apartment, highly ornamented; the drawing-room, portrait gallery, and private chapel, are well worthy of notice; in the latter is a fine painting of the Last Supper, and two very ancient specimens of stained glass. The grounds in the vicinity of the house are very extensive, presenting a fine undulating surface, the effect of which is much heightened by an extensive lake. The mansion is surrounded with thick woods, abounding with game; the private gardens are enclosed by a ring fence of lofty trees, and are of such dimensions that their shadow does not impede vegetation. The Hall is not however much occupied by its noble owner, as the walks, overrun with the rank luxuriance of the woods and gardens, amply testify; the reason whereof, popular tradition has not failed to ally with the marvellous. Thus sayeth the peasantry, the truth whereof this deponent voucheth not—"The late, it would appear, was addicted to the noble vice of betting, and laid so