INNS AND POSTING HOUSES. OLD BATH. It With the exception of the Villa, this is the oldest dwelling-house of any kind in Matlock Bath. appears most probable, that, on the discovery of the first Spring, a Bath, and a Fountain for the convenience of visitors to take the waters, with a few incommodious rooms, for the use chiefly of the attendants, were only erected on this site in the first instance,while the Villa, once called the Old Bath-house, was built on one of the more level plots of ground in the Dale, about 300 yards to the North, for the better accommodation of the visitors. But as these rapidly increased from year to year, a wider extension of the plan was required, hence the South end of the Old Bath was built and more convenient offices attached. This was done when the property came into the hands of Smith and Pennel of Nottingham, at the time they made the first carriage road into the Dale from the South, and improved the Bridle-way from the North to the Villa and Bath, which then led up through the Key Pasture-wood, covered at this time with little else than gorse bushes. Thirty-five years after this, when the property came into the possession of Mr. Stephen Egerton, the son-in-law of Mr. Pennel, the Baths were rebuilt on a scale answerable to the increase of the company.-Over these the Liverpool Gallery Rooms were built, so called because the Baths were chiefly resorted to, and supported at this period by Liverpool company. This fact is selfevident from the date and name of Egerton still existing and sufficiently legible, although rudely executed, on a square stone over the circular window of the Gentleman's Bath. Soon after this we must date the existence of the splendid Drawing, with other additional rooms and stables. About a century has now elapsed since all these improvements were effected. Another most important addition, was made to this house by some of the present proprietors, about forty years ago, namely, the large dining-room-a billiard-room, on the site of some of the old stables and coach-houses, and the present excellent stables built in lieu of the old, lower down out of the way of the house.* The beautiful Terrace, the grace and ornament of the house, was laid out and finished after the alteration of the road through the Bath in 1820. Previous to this, it went close by the house inside, or between the fine elm trees still standing on the Terrace. It may appear to some unimportant and, perhaps, trifling, by dwelling so much on this house, in giving such minute details respecting its gradual increase in magnitude; but it must be remembered that on its site the first Spring was discovered, to which circumstance Matlock Bath owes its existence: and it is also a quality of the human mind to invest every thing, that is pristine, original, and antique, with a deep and peculiar interest,-because it is not only led to contemplate the hidden causes which give birth to it, but also to the mighty series of events which follow, involving, it may be, the interests and well-being of thousands. By these means the secluded, but peerless Dale, becomes accessible to the world. Here the Prince and the Peer, recreate awhile from the cares and corroding anxieties of State, enjoy the quiet seclusion and unsophisticated pleasures of simple and artless life,-inhale the pure and invigorating air of the mountain top, and revel with delight-" in cog."- amongst its deep recesses and sweet bowers, perfumed by many a native flower, and adorned * On digging the foundation for these stables, the workmen found the entire skeleton of a Moose deer. An animal, once a tenant of these primitive wilds, but now extinct in this country: the horns and head are in the British Museum, 66 with nature's ample and loveliest drapery. Here, too, the man of business may forget his warehouse, or his shop, with all its attendant cares; and feel a degree of elevation and expansive benevolence, in contemplating these stupendous Works of God; which relieve, while they minister a healing balm to his perturbed and excited spirits, and tend to counteract that demon passion, of Avarice," or "Money-getting," which too frequently engrafts itself on the human mind generally, but especially on all who are engrossed with such pursuits,-and here too, the mechanic and the peasant may wander, as time and opportunity admit, amongst the handy works of God, and as they ignorantly gaze upon them, with profound attention, feel a spirit of holy fire kindling in their bosoms; they know not why, but still equally effectual in melting the heart and drawing forth its most tender sympathies; so that, involuntarily they may exclaim," How manifold are thy works O Lord, in wisdom hast thou made them all."-Prior to the discovery of the Springs, this fine glen was barred from the world by barren moors, mountain fastnesses, bogs, and difficult defiles, and yet, situated in the very midst of the teeming population of England; like a distant and inaccessible island; whose sons sped away annually to the Alps-the Pyrenees, and the Abrezzi for the sublime and beautiful, when there existed scenery at their very doors, of which they were ignorant, that has since commanded the admiration of a Byron, a Scott, and a Chalmers--and drawn forth a meed of praise alike from the wealthy and the gay, and even from the foreigner. The view from the Terrace is beautiful-and from its elevation above the Bath generally, visitors have the advantage of overlooking and enjoying the fine scenery without being much observed though close by the high road. From the iron rails, looking to the North-east, just above the stable yard, is a view of unparalleled grandeur and beauty-the noble pine-crowned Heights of Abraham, rising majestically to a great elevation in front and to the left,-with the cleanlooking white washed cottages, shops, lodging houses and Temple on its elegant terrace, reposing at the foot,-the |