Dudley, then Earl of Warwick; but, on the attainder of that nobleman, they again reverted to the crown, and, in 1567, were enumerated among the queen's possessions in Northumberland.

Though sufficient is still remaining to show its former extent and grandeur, this beautiful structure has, since the dissolution, suffered greatly from the ravages of time and military occupations. "The little oratory of the Virgin, at the east end of the chancel, which, till of late years, was preserved in great perfection, has been converted into a magazine for military stores, and has had its windows walled up. The cemetery of this venerable ruin still continues to be used, by the parishioners of Tynemouth, as a place of burial. The remains of the priory stand at the east end of the town, on a peninsula formed of stupendous rocks, on the north side of the mouth of the Tyne, against which the heavy seas break with great vehemence and tumult." They are approached from the west by a square gateway, at the north-east corner of which is a circular exploratory turret. This tower has been modernized, and converted into barracks, capable of accommodating a considerable force. Tynemouth Castle (the title of Priory being now inapplicable) has been made a depôt for arms and military stores, under the superintendence of a governor and lieutenant-governor.

The dim obscurity which gathers upon the past, imparts to every thing that carries back its original to former times, a peculiar degree of interest, varying, it is true, in extent and character, with the nature of the subject by which it is called forth. The splendid and venerable ruin, shown in the Engraving, is a stupendous memorial of departed years. Whether it be viewed as the altar on which a maiden sacrificed her earthly hopes, thither led by an enthusiastic and mistaken zeal; or as the once impregnable fortress of an imperious churchman, who strangely blended piety with warfare, and religious services with the shock of arms-it calls up visions of other days, on which the poet, the philosopher, and the historian delight to dwell.

"Ruin sublime! Oh! who could gaze on thee

Untouched by tender thoughts, and glimmering dreams

Of long departed years?"—

INTERIOR OF THE CASTLE CHAPEL, NEWCASTLE.

The building of the Castle, and surrounding fortifications, at Newcastle, is ascribed, by historians, to William the Conqueror. It seems probable that he contemplated, and even commenced the work; but there is good reason to believe, that these erections were carried on and completed by William Rufus. According to some writers, Rufus was despatched by his father against an insurgent army, commanded by the Duke of Northumberland, who were then in possession of Prudhoe Castle, situated about ten miles west of Newcastle. Not thinking it advisable to commence the siege of that fortress till the ensuing spring, Rufus garrisoned his troops for the winter in Newcastle. He employed his soldiers, during this cessation of arms, in building the Castle; remarking on the occasion, “if we