remains, being inhabited at present by the, Dowager Lady Webster.
Though this Abbey is in part demolished, yet the magnificence of it appears by the ruins of the cloisters, &c. and by the largeness of the hall, kitchen, and gatehouse ; which last is entirely preserved, and makes a very grand appearance as you ride down the town. In it are held sessions and other meetings for this peculiar jurisdiction, which has still great privileges belonging to it. What the hall was, when in its glory, may be conceived by its dimensions, being in length fifty paces : part of it is now used as a hay-barn. It was leaded ; part of the lead yet remains, and the rest is tiled. As to the kitchen, it .was so large as to contain five sire-places, and was arched at top ; but the extent of the whole Abbey may be better ascertained by its circumference, it being computed at no less than a mile.
In the Church of the Abbey, the Conqueror offered up his sword and royal robe, which he wore on the day of his coronation. -
