practicalguideto00unse_0

91
years. The building is of quaint Jacobean arcliitecture, in
tlie form of a quadrangle, overgrown with ivy. Above the
entrance are the arms and cypher of James I. ; and in
the dormitories are sculptured coats of arms of the Earls
of Huntington and Warwick, of Queen Elizabeth's time.
Its object is to enable blind children of both sexes to earn
their own livelihood, by giving them such instruction as shall
best tend to that end. They are taught basket, mat, and
brushmaking ; and a number of articles made by them are
always on sale. Such as have talent for music are carefully
taught, and many of them become church organists and
teachers in their turn. They are also well grounded in the
ordinary branches of an English education.
The building and its surroundings teem with memories
of olden times. It stands on the site of the house of
the Abbot of St. Mary's, and here he dispensed his princely
hospitality centuries ago. The only vestige of this palace now
remaining is the wide and heavy staircase. After the dissolution,
the Abbey was claimed by the Crown, and a splendid palace
for King Henry YHL, called the King's Manor, was erected.
Here James YI. of Scotland and his Consort were received
by Lord Burleigh, on his accession to the Crown of
England in 1603. In the time of Charles I. the Earl
of Strafford resided here for several years, and the King
himself remained one month, on his journey to the North,
and also held Parliaments here. It was a garrison for the
Eoyalist soldiers during the siege of 1644, and in the
time of the Commonwealth was tenanted by Colonel Lilburne,
one of the judges at the trial of the King. In the reign of
James II. it was very nearly becoming a Eoman Catholic
College, his Majesty having granted the use of it for thirty
years to Father Lawson, who was prevented from carrying
out his desire by the enraged citizens. It became a Eoyal
Mint in 1696-7, gold and silver coins being struck. In 1723
it passed to the De Grey family, in whose hands it remained
until 1833, when a lease was obtained by the Committee for
its present purposes.
Visitors are admitted free on every day, except Sundays.
On Thursday afternoons, at 2-30, a concert (admission sixpence)
is given by the pupils in the Music-room, which in
1878 was greatly enlarged. A fine organ is placed at one end.