Having passed the four mile stone, you ascend a gently rising hill, and when at the summit a delightful and extensive view presents itself; there being a windmill in the front, and on the left the tower of Sheldon church is seen, and also the steeple of Coleshill church.

Elmdon Hall.

The seat of A. Spooner Lillingston, Esq. is an elegant modern pile of building, on the right of the road, at the distance of six miles.  It is situate in an extensive lawn, interspersed with shrubberies, from whence there are variegated and extensive prospects, the churches of Birmingham, Solihull, and Yardley being distinctly seen, backed by Barr-beacon, the Rowley hills, &c. and withoutside of the lawn the spire of Coleshill church is a pleasing object.  The church, which is a neat stone building, was erected by Abraham Spooner, Esq. the entrance is under the tower, which admits of exhibiting to great advantage, an elegant window composed entirely of stained glass.  In the centre is a representation of the last supper, delicately executed in a circle, about nine inches in diameter, date 1532.  There are also three ovals, representing Faith, Hope, and Charity, executed in a masterly manner, apparently about the same period.  There is also a neat organ, of a size suitable to the place.

At a short distance farther, there is on the right a church upon an eminence, with a delicate spire, at a place called Church Bickenhill; and a short distance beyond is an extensive and variegated prospect, with Coleshill church on the left.  Having crossed the river Cole at Stonebridge, at the distance of half a mile on the left is Packington hall, the seat of the Earl of Aylesford, which is a substantial modern stone building, situated in a park, wherein are some of the most noble oak trees that are to be found in the kingdom.  There are also numerous sheets of water, and the church, which was erected by the late Earl, after a plan of Bonomi’s, which is an immense arch, both interior and exterior, after the manner of the Italians, and is nearly in the centre of the park.  The organ was made by order of Handel, and presented by him to the late Earl; it being esteemed a very fine toned one.—­The altar-piece represents angels paying adoration to the Saviour, and is painted in a masterly style by Rigaud.

The archery ground made use of by the woodmen of Ardeu is bounded by a plantation on the left of the road, about one mile before you arrive at Meriden.  The members of this society hold several meetings each summer, when they shoot for various prizes.  On the ground there is an elegant building erected, where the members dine, or take refreshment, and at other times it serves as a general deposit for their bows and arrows.  This is almost the only society of woodmen now in the kingdom.  At Meriden there is a commodious inn, adjacent to which are delightful gardens, and the accommodation for travellers are excellent.

To Sutton, distant eight miles, on the road to Lichfield.