"The whole area of the church, cloisters, and lodgings of the monks, is," observes Mr. Dunkin, "still a market garden.

From certain

indications in the boundary wall, it would appear that the church was originally about forty feet wide, and ninety-seven in length, and that the tower, a structure only about seventeen feet square, abutted against the northern side of the church, between the nave and the chancel, of which it formed a component part. A doorway, apparently of the time of Edward the First, still exists at the south-western corner of the garden, and seems to have been the principal entrance into the abbey, opening into the cloisters beneath the refectory, which stood on the southern side of the quadrangle, opposite the church, the kitchen adjoining. The dormitory surmounted the cloisters, and the rest of the buildings contained the chapter-house and the conventual offices. The convent garden still remains enclosed within its ancient boundary wall."

Resuming our places in the railway train from Abbey Wood, we pass on our way through much picturesque scenery, amongst which the beautiful woods of Belvedere, on the right, are conspicuous. On the left of the line is seen the primitive spire of the venerable church of Erith, situated about half a mile from the village, close to the water's edge. The view of the bay (for the Thames forms a haven here) is very pleasing, dotted with steamers bringing pleasure seekers to this interesting portion of the "garden of Kent." Two miles from Abbey Wood Station we reach ERITH STATION. The village, containing a population of 2,231, consists of one irregular street, presenting few

indications of the fact that it was once a flourishing corporate town: It was anciently called Lesnes. Lambarde relates an interesting event that occurred here about a century preceding the Conquest, in which St. Dunstan figures in the recovery of certain lands under ecclesiastical jurisdiction. Another historical event is recorded at a later period, when Henry the Eighth rested at Erith on his way to meet Francis the First. Passing down the village, the bold effects of its steep winding roadway will be noticed, and we emerge into a fair highway leading in front of some extensive sand-pits-from whence vessels, touching here, are supplied with ballast-to the ancient church, of which our engraving is a representation.

This building, rendered additionally picturesque from the ivy which almost entirely mantles it, possesses a somewhat disfigured interior, arising from a want of tact in its arrangement. For example, on either side of the pulpit, and surmounting a curved Gothic screen which divides nave and chancel, may be seen two painted abortions in the style of Grecian temples, with figures of Fame and Justice filling the niches. The ancient oaken tracery beneath is coloured in imitation of marble. The hanging beams of the roof are washed partly white and partly deep brown. Some of the pews are painted blue, and others grained to resemble mahogany. In a corner of the chancel is an interesting marble monument, much dilapidated, but still bearing evidences of

its former splendour. The carved work around its sides exhibits traces of the various colours and gilding with which it has been richly ornamented, and the recumbent figure possesses all the quaintness and simplicity of the old monumental effigies. There is neither inscription nor date remaining on the tomb, but it is well known as that of Elizabeth, Countess of Shrewsbury and Countess of Pembroke, who received a grant of Erith manor from Henry the Eighth. Near to this tomb is a tasteless Gothic monument, of modern erection, to the memory of William Wheatley, lord of the manor. Scattered over the pavement of the chancel are two or three very perfect brasses; and near the altar is a piece of sculpture, by Chantrey, to the memory of Lord Eardley, father-in-law of the late Lord Saye and Sele, and a former possessor of Belvedere. The most conspicuous tomb in the churchyard is an obelisk dedicated to the memory of Henry Dismore. Within the church of Erith a meeting was held, in the reign of John, between the King's commissioners and a party of the discontented barons.

Leaving Erith churchyard we take the road to the left, and gradually ascend the hill winding round by the park pales of Belvedere House, the seat of Sir Culling Eardley. This mansion is a spacious edifice of brick, devoid of all exterior ornament, yet of good architectural proportions. The interior consists of elegant suites of rooms, ornamented with a valuable collection of paintings, many by the first masters of ancient times, and several by the most eminent painters of our own country. An application to view these pictures is most courteously satisfied. The grounds around the mansion are extensive and arranged with great taste. The views of the river that occasionally present themselves through opening trees, or the bolder prospect of the noble stream as seen from some neighbouring hillock, are very fine.

"Sailing

With all their bravery on, and tackle trim,

Sails filled, and streamers waving,

Courted by all the winds that hold them play."

It was from such spot in this locality that Bloomfield, the poet, who resided for some time in this neighbourhood for the recovery of his health, wrote:

"O'er eastland uplands, gay or rude,
Along to. Erith's ivied spire,

I start, with strength and hope renew'd,
And cherish life's rekindling fire.
Now measure vales with straining eyes,
Now trace the churchyard's humble names,
Or, climb brown heaths abrupt, that rise,
And overlook the winding Thames."

From Erith station to Dartford, a distance of three miles, occasional views are obtained of the Thames and its shipping, interrupted by a succession of short tunnels, bridges, cuttings, and embankments, and, indeed, all along the whole line, the engineering works attest the great amount of labour which must have been expended in its construction. At the DARTFORD STATION at which we now arrive, is a long viaduct which crosses the Darent, and carries the line over that marshy locality. Here is a fine view of the town of Dartford on the right, and on the left, beneath, is a pretty lake-like pond, studded with little islands, and on its bank, a neat residence near the large mill. The town (containing a population of 6,054), is seated in a narrow valley on the river Dart, or Darent, from which its name is derived. It has been a place of consideration from the time of the Romans, occupying an important station at the crossing of the river by the Great Watlingstreet, from London to Dover. At the time of the "Domesday Book," it had a church and three chapels. Isabella, sister of Henry the Third, was married here in 1235, to the Emperor Frederick the Third. Edward the Third held a tournament at Dartford on his return from France in 1331. The great insurrection under Wat Tyler, in the reign of Richard the Second, broke out here in consequence of an insult offered to his daughter by a tax-gatherer, on the occasion of collecting a poll-tax, an obnoxious levy on the citizens. The incidents in this drama are well known, and the results were, that an immense force was collected, with which Wat Tyler marched to Blackheath.

The most conspicuous object from the Dartford Station is the Phoenix Paper Mill, belonging to Mr. Thomas Harry Saunders. This mill, which was partially destroyed by fire in February, 1852, has since been rebuilt by the enterprising proprietor on a very extensive scale, the