British Critic (Volume 27); And Quarterly Theological Review

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1806. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... ancient magnificence, its valuable and extensive possessions, its civil and ecclesiastical communities and privileges, there were very fcw indeed of the conventual establishment! in England, to which it was not superior. Its remains also are in a state which excites the curiosity, and justifies the investigations of the antiquarian scholar, Mr. Yaies !us therefore undertaken and performed a very meritorious office in illustrating the rife ana progress, grandeur and decay of this formerly splendid establishment. The author's useful labour is not yet entirely completed, but as this quarto volume has been some time before the public, as it comprehends a great deal of important and valuable information, as it merits the greatest encouragement to proceed to its final accomplishment, we think it juft and candid to notice it in its present state, and to give ihe author our hearty good wishes for his ultimate success. Mr. Yates's object and plan is first to give a description of what relates to the Monastery, and afterwards to represent the antiquities and history of the town of Bury. His first chapter is employed in a dissertation on the names and original condition of Bury. The second describes the foundation of the Monastery. The third chapter exhibits the life of St. Edmund. As this historical narrative is derived from authors not in the ordinary line of reading, a short extract in this place may be acceptable. On another occasion, the Pagans having surrounded KdmunJ in one os his fortresses, found it so strongly fortified lhat they determined to retreat; but an old blind mason, one of ific King's pensioners, and who had superintended the construction of the works, seduced by a bribe, discovered to the enemy the weakest part of the wall. The King, finding ...