THE MIRROR
OF
LITERATURE, AMUSEMENT, AND INSTRUCTION.
| VOL 13. No. 367.] | SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 1829. | [PRICE 2d. |
SUSSEX PLACE, REGENT'S PARK.
SUSSEX PLACE,
Is said to have been erected from the designs of Mr. Nash, but isconsidered as one of the least successful of his productions. It was amongthe earliest of the terraces in the Park, and its whimsical contrast withthe chaster beauties of the adjoining structures soon became the signal forcritical pasquinade.
It consists of an extensive range of residences, a centre with a pediment,with two octagonal towers, and wings with four other towers in each, allthe towers being finished with cupola tops and minarets. Probably thearchitect was tempted to this introduction for the sake of picturesquevariety, since it is not justifiable on the score of architectural beautyor good taste. Indeed, it is an attempt at magnificence which, on so smalla scale, is not deserving of imitation, and has not been followed. Thegeneral effect is far from pleasing; but the eye of the landscape painterwill probably enjoy an assemblage of picturesque outlines in groupingSussex Place with its adjacent scenery and accessories. The gardens to thisterrace are tastefully disposed, and the situation commands some of themost fascinating prospects of the Park. Before the facade the lake spreadsits silvery sheet, and reflects the oriental cupolas with charming effect;and the varied plantations of the Park, especially on the opposite marginof the lake, group with peculiar felicity, and render Sussex Place one ofthe most delightful sites in this paradisaical region.
TRANSLATION OF AN IRISH DEED OF GIFT.
(To the Editor of the Mirror.)
The original deed, of which the subjoined is a translation, was found amongsome old records in Birmingham Tower, Castle of Dublin, when that buildingwas taken down in the year 1772. It is in Irish, neatly written on a longscroll of parchment; forty-two seals are attached to the side, but the onlysignature is that of the chief at bottom. This document, among othercurious matter, furnishes us with a proof, that the chiefs of clans wereelective, contrary to the opinions of modern authors, and more especiallyof our modern historical novelists; which latter speak of them ashereditary feudal lords, and even talk of their estates descending totheir daughters; although under the system of clanship, females could notinherit, and no man could have more than a life interest in his estate.Here we have an instance of a chief divesting himself of the dignity ofoffice, and joining in the transfer of it to another, when such transferwas considered likely to further the interests of the clan. It is alsointeresting, as showing the manner in which the English government inDublin proceeded in the subjugation of Ireland, by embroiling its septswith one another.
The Mac Ranalds, or Magranals, (as the name was usually written,) inEn