The ruins of the abbey to be seen to-day are of Norman and Early English character, and the general hue of the stone-work is a ruddy brown.  Their massive appearance almost suggests a shattered castle; but the share the abbey took in military matters is better illustrated from the fact that they built a watch-tower on the top of a hill rising from the walls of the monastery, and commanding a view over the sea and the whole district known as Low Furness.  From this height the monks on watch were enabled to give warning by signals of the approach of an enemy.  The painted glass, formerly in the east window, was removed many years ago to the east window of Bowness Church in Westmorland.

[Illustration:  Photochrom Co., Ltd.

FURNESS ABBEY.

It was founded in 1127, and gradually grew in importance until even the military element in the district became to some extent dependent upon the abbot.]

MONKWEARMOUTH, NEAR JARROW

THE HOME OF THE “VENERABLE BEDE”

=How to get there.=—­Train from King’s Cross.  Great Northern Rly. =Nearest Station.=—­Jarrow (2 miles north-east from Monkton). =Distance from London.=—­268 miles. =Average Time.=—­Varies between 5-1/4 to 7-1/2 hours.

1st 2nd 3rd
=Fares=—­Single 37s. 7d. ... 22s. 3d. 
Return 75s. 2d. ... 44s. 6d.

=Accommodation Obtainable.=—­At Jarrow—­“Ben Lomond Hotel,”
  “Burkett’s Hotel.”
=Alternative Route.=—­Train from St. Pancras.  Midland Railway.

Monkwearmouth, a little town 2 miles distant from Jarrow, the large shipbuilding town on the southern bank of the river Tyne, is famous for being the birthplace of the Venerable Bede.  Bede, who was born in 673 A.D., was placed, at the age of seven years, in the monastery at Monkwearmouth, from which he went to Jarrow, to the new monastery just built by Benedict Biscop.  He remained at Jarrow for the rest of his life, studying the Scriptures and writing books.  His greatest work was the Ecclesiastical History of the English Nation, which has given him his position as the father of English history.  The story of his death is very beautiful.  He was translating St. John’s Gospel into English when he was attacked by a sudden illness, and felt he was dying.  He kept on with his task, however, and continued dictating to his scribe, bidding him write quickly.  When he was told that the book was finished he said, “You speak truth, all is finished now,” and after singing “Glory to God,” he quietly passed away.