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 Penshurst Place and Penshurst Castle, was as I descended the hill opposite to it.  Its gray walls and turrets, and high-peaked and red roofs rising in the midst of them; and the new buildings of fresh stone, mingled with the ancient fabric, presented a very striking and venerable aspect.

It stands in the midst of a wide valley, on a pleasant elevation; its woods and park stretching away beyond, northward; and the picturesque church, parsonage, and other houses of the village, grouping in front.  From whichever side you view the house, it strikes you as a fitting abode of the noble Sidneys.  Valleys run out on every side from the main one in which it stands; and the hills, which are everywhere at some distance, wind about in a very pleasant and picturesque manner, covered with mingled woods and fields, and hop-grounds.

The house now presents two principal fronts.  The one facing westward, formerly looked into a court, called the President’s Court, because the greater part of it was built by Sir Henry Sidney, the father of Sir Philip, and Lord President of the Council established in the Marches of Wales.  The court is now thrown open, and converted into a lawn surrounded by a sunk fence, and overlooking a quiet valley of perhaps a mile in length, terminated by woody hills of great rural beauty.