The remains of the castle, which appears to have been originally a strong and extensive fortress, stand on the summit of an artificial mount near the junction of the Derwent and Cocker rivers. The period of its erection is considered to be a few years subsequent to the Conquest. This building, with its rich demesnes, had been in the possession of several noble families, when at length it descended, by inheritance, to the late Earl of Egremont. On the tower are five shields, which are said to contain the armorial bearings of the successive proprietors. During the civil contentions, in the reign of Charles I., this castle was garrisoned for the king; falling, however, into the hands of the parliamentarians, it was reduced to a state of ruin, in which it has ever since remained. The church, first erected in the reign of Edward III., was, with the exception of the ancient tower, entirely rebuilt in 1711, and is now a spacious and handsome edifice.

The trade and merchandise of Cockermouth derive great advantages from its situation in the neighbourhood of three sea-port towns. The chief articles of manufacture are hats, coarse woollens, linens, and leather. The principal market is on Monday, when a considerable quantity of grain is brought for sale; and there is another on Saturday, for provisions, &c. Fairs for cattle take place every fortnight, from the beginning of May to the end of September, besides the one on the 10th of October; and two annual fairs, or statutes for hiring servants, are held in the castle yard.

At the distance of two miles from the town stands the village of Papcastle, so called from a castle, supposed to have formerly been a Roman station.

Cockermouth sends two representatives to the Commons' house of parliament.

The accompanying view is taken from a beautiful woody eminence, bounding the rich cornfields and meadows on the banks of the Derwent. The church and castle, though prominent objects in the distant mass of buildings, appear to occupy but little space in the extensive plain, stretching to the very foot of the mountains. The hills rise up like a fenced wall of colossal dimensions; yet,

"The barriers disregarding that surround

This deep Abiding-place, before your sight
Mounts on the breeze the Butterfly-and soars,
Small creature as she is, from earth's bright flowers
Into the dewy clouds."

HARTLEPOOL,-DURHAM.

Hartlepool is a sea-port town of great antiquity, occupying a peninsular situation on a promontory of the German ocean. It has only one principal street, from which, however, a number of smaller avenues diverge in cross directions. The government of the town is vested, under a charter of King John, in a corporation, including the mayor, alderman, recorder, and common-council.

Few places can convey to the tourist so perfect an idea of ancient fortifications, as Hartlepool. A long-extended wall, with bastions and remains of sally-ports, defended by

C

turrets, are still visible.

The harbour was formerly a fine basin of water within the walls of the town; but the present one, which lies to the south, has been much improved by the extension of the stone pier. The entrance is easy; yet vessels of light burden only can approach.

This town has been much frequented of late years, during the summer months, for seabathing. On the south side of the town is a chalybeate spring, which is covered by the sea on every return of the tide; there is also another below the south battery, which resembles, in the properties of its waters, the far-famed springs of Harrowgate.

Hartlepool being included in the parish of Hart, the church is merely a chapel of ease. Of this building, erected in different ages, and in various styles of architecture, the most ancient parts are the nave and tower. In the grave-yard may still be seen some old mutilated monuments, said to be those of the Bruce family; by one of whom the monastery of Grey Friars was established in the thirteenth century, the ruins of which are still visible. In the centre of the town is a well-constructed hall, where the business of the corporation is transacted; the only public buildings beside this, being the customhouse and the free-school. There is a good weekly market on Saturday.

The fishery, which is very considerable, constitutes almost the entire trade of Hartlepool; indeed, if we except the influx of visitors during the bathing season, the inhabitants are nearly all fishermen. These are an athletic and courageous race of men, ever ready to face the storm, when the signal of distress announces a ship in danger; an occurrence by no means infrequent on this coast. The scenery in the neighbourhood is of an interesting character. The rocks which girt the ocean on the north side of the town, have been excavated by the violence of the waves; and many pleasant and romantic retreats are discovered during low water, the most curious of which is Black Hall.

Our engraving exhibits the south wall of the town, and the distant pier. A number of small craft are seen with swelling sails; some approaching the harbour, and others leaving it. In the fore-ground the artist has introduced a variety of detail connected with the fishing trade. The group, at some little distance on the right hand, appear to be assorting their fish; while those immediately before us are busily engaged in their several occupations.

DURHAM.

The city of Durham, capital of the County Palatine of Durham, is romantically situated on a commanding eminence, occupying a peninsula formed by the river Wear. From this elevation, the most picturesque and interesting views are obtained over diversified and far-extended tracts of country. The city is partly surrounded by the ancient walls; beneath which, on one side, are beautiful gardens and plantations, descending to the margin of the river; and on the other, a naked and abrupt descent from the acclivity.

A superstitious legend, (commemorated in some emblematic devices on the east transept of the cathedral,) ascribes the origin of Durham to the monks of Lindisfarne,