There are few, if any, more magnificent drives in England than the one
through the beautiful Stratford district. It is recorded that two
Englishmen once laid a wager as to the finest walk in England.
One named the walk from Coventry to Stratford, the other from Stratford
to Coventry.
It was a delightful day and both the colonel and George entirely forgot
business in their enjoyment of the loveliest country they had ever seen.
A drive of two miles, from Leamington and along the banks of the historic
Avon, brought them to Warwick Castle which Scott calls "The fairest
monument of ancient and chivalrous splendor uninjured by the tooth of
time." It is said that Warwick Castle was never taken by any foe in days
gone by.
Our visitors drove over the draw-bridge through a gateway covered with
ivy, and still guarded as of old, by an ancient portcullis. In the hall
of the castle, pannelled with richly carved oak, are religiously guarded
the helmet of Cromwell, the armor of the Black Prince, and many historic
relics and art treasures. The drawing-room is finished in cedar. In
former days guests were summoned to the great banqueting hall by a blare
of trumpets. In the gardens is seen the celebrated white marble Warwick
vase from Adrian's villa.
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