and surrender to Henry I., the second siege by King Stephen, and
later the struggle of the Cavaliers and Roundheads for its possession,
during the absence abroad of the then reigning Earl--have been recorded
with less boastful emphasis. The recent restorations, rebuildings, and
enlargements have obliterated all traces of these rude shocks. It has
since risen a hundred times more beautiful from its ruins. It is due to
these modern renovations that the castle presents such a superb
appearance. It has the air of careful preservation which distinguishes
some of the great royal residences--such as Windsor, for instance, to
which it has often been compared; its finish and completeness suggests the
modern chisel. It is this aspect of completeness, as well as the unity of
its fine architectural features, which makes such a great castle as this
so impressive. As a feudal stronghold it can hardly fail to appeal to the
imagination. As the modern palatial home of an English nobleman, it
appeals to something more virile--to the sense that behind the medieval
walls the life of its occupants is still representative, is still deep and
national in importance and significance. Pictorially, there is
nothing--unless it be a great cathedral, which brings up quite a different
order of impressions and sensations--that gives to the landscape such
pictorial effect as a castle.

PENSHURST [Footnote: From "Visits to Remarkable Places."]

BY WILLIAM HOWITT

England, among her titled families, can point to none more illustrious
than that of Sidney. It is a name which carries with it the attestation of
its genuine nobility. Others are of older standing in the realm. It is not
one of those to be found on the roll of Battle Abbey. The first who bore
it in England is said to have come hither in the reign of Henry III. There
are others, too, which have mounted much higher in the scale of mere rank;
but it may be safely said that there is none of a truer dignity, nor more
endeared to the spirits of Englishmen.

Of this distinguished line, the most illustrious and popular was
unquestionably Sir Philip. The universal admiration that he won from his
contemporaries is one of the most curious circumstances of the history of
those times. The generous and affectionate enthusiasm with which he
inspired both his own countrymen and foreigners, has, perhaps, no
parallel....

The first view which I got of the old house of Penshurst, called formerly
both P