<g>Raglan Castle</g>, as already described in these pages, was laid the foundation of Badminton Park, where the household gods of the family were formally enshrined, and insured the possession of a more peaceful and propitious home.
“Here, in forgetfulness of many woes, The loyal <g>Founder</g> sought and found repose; Here, in sweet landscapes to the Muse endeared, Soothed by Religion, and by Science cheered; Tasted the sweets that rarely can be known, Save when we make the public weal our own.”
This beautiful seat--long prior to the time in question--had been the hereditary demesne of the <g>Botelers</g>, whose names appear in the earliest period of British history. The house is built in the Palladian style of architecture--a style for which the first Duke of <g>Beaufort</g> had acquired a taste at Vicenza; and when the time had arrived that a house, worthy of his illustrious ancestors, should be erected in this county, a decided preference was given to the Italian model. The principal front is of great length, having in its centre division a composite colonnade, surmounted by an attic, on which is sculptured the family arms. The wings of the mansion, extending considerably on each side, are terminated by Tuscan arches, leading to the offices and stables. Over each extremity of the centre is a cupola. The interior decorations of this palace are splendid, but still in good keeping, and evincing due regard to the classical taste in which the building itself originated.
The great dining or banquet hall is tastefully ornamented by wood carvings, from the designs of the celebrated Gibbons--all of elaborate execution, and presenting some of the finest specimens ever produced by that artist. The picture gallery--which the stranger will admire for its fine proportions and classical simplicity--presents a series of family portraits, with which, individually, are associated many pleasing, and some painful events and circumstances of the national history--
“Of lofty stem! the beautiful, the bold-- Names that still blazon the historic page! Faintly, yet brightly, hath the painter told Their worth and virtues to a latter age-- ‘In faith inflexible;’ in beauty’s charms Triumphant; and invincible in arms.”