Page:Views in Suffolk, Norfolk, and Northamptonshire.djvu/64

This page has been validated.
38
DESCRIPTION OF THE SCENERY, &c.

A small village contiguous to Sapiston, is situated in a pleasant valley, which is watered and fertilized by a branch of the river Ouse. The meadows afford abundant pasture, and the neighbouring uplands are richly cultivated. The whole parish is the property of his Grace the Duke of Grafton, and lying within a mile or two of Euston Hall, experiences much of his attention. The Duke is perfectly easy of access, and lends a ready ear, and a benevolent hand, to the complaints and necessities of every suitor.

In this village, nearly opposite to the church, is a cottage, in which was born the Poet's mother: a sycamore tree stands near the door: this was planted by her father, who, together with his wife, lies interred in front of the church. In the annexed view of Fakenham from the Valley, is seen the foot bridge adverted to in the tale of The Broken Crutch; and near the spot from which the view was taken is a moated eminence, formerly the site of a mansion supposed to have been destroyed by fire.