Major Copley*, Mountain, Baron Killowson, Capt. Harris, Benyon, Mr. Jervise Neville, Sir Thomas Bland, who dying young the estate came to Sir John Bland, who was for many years a worthy representative of this borough, and built a new steeple to St. Giles' church. *The family of Copley has been long scated at Sprotbrough; and intermarried with that of Fitzwilliam. Sir George Copley was knighted by Charles II. and it is probable was the person who engaged in the cause of his royal father, and was major in our castle. A family of the name of Washington enjoyed a large estate at Adwick-le Street. The register of baptisms in the church there, proves that this family was there settled as early as 1548, and many of this name are also interred there.. The Wash. ington who contributed to the defence of our castle, was most probably one of this family. N. B. It has been said that the famous General Washington, sprung from them. It is certain, that the ancestors of the general emigrated from Yorkshire; and like many who departed to America, were zealous friends of religious and civil liberty. Lieut Cooke, might probably be one of the respectable family of that name, which has been so long in, or near Done caster. Branches of this family have intermarried with the most respectable families in that neighbourhood; and a considerable part of the estate belonging to the Yarboroughs, originally of Snaith Hall, came to the present G. Cooke Yarborough, Esq. of Streetthorpe. The list which has been given cannot fail to gratify a laudable curiosity, by imparting considerable information respecting the brave defenders of our castle. Many of the respectable families, whose ancestors distinguished themselves, by their loyalty, prudence and courage, still remain in this neighbourhood; and the more humble names of many others continue likewise in the borough and surrounding villages. Before we come to detail the event of that siege which ultimately led to the demolition of the castle, it is deemed necessary to give a description of it in its perfect state; that the reader may form some conception of the strength and grandeur of this celebrated fortress, once esteemed one of the greatest and strongest in England. * Allot of Crigglestone and Bentley, a family respectable for property, and united by marriage with the Wentworths and Copleys. The Allot who volunteered in the defence of our castle was most probably Edward, the son of John Allot, of Crigglestone. A Richard Allot settled at Bilham Grange, and married Grace, daughter of G. Wentworth, Esq. of Bretton. Part of the Crigglestone estate is now the property of J. Allot Esquire, of Hague Hall, the eldest male branch of this family. Y THE CASTLE OF PONTEFRACT Is built on an elevated rock, and commands the most extensive and picturesque views of the surrounding country. The north-west prospect takes in the beautiful vale, along which flows the Aire `; skirted on each side with woods and plantations, and ornamented with several elegant and beautiful seats. It is bounded only by the hills of Craven. The north and north-east prospect is more extensive, but the scenery not equally striking and impressive. It presents little more than a view of farm houses and villages; and all the bolder features of a fine landscape are wanting. The towers, of York minster distinctly seen, and the prospect is only bounded by the limits of vision. The east view is equally extensive, but more pleasing. While the eye are follows the course of the Aire towards the Humber, the fertility of the country, the spires of several churches, and two considerable hills, Brayton Barf and Hambleton Haugh, which rise in the midst of a plain, and one of which is covered with wood, relieve the prospect and considerably add to its beauty. The south-east view, which takes in a part of the counties of Lincoln and Nottingham, though extensive, has nothing deserving of notice. The south and south-west prospect comprises a rich variety of grand and sublime objects. The towering hills of Derbyshire, stretching towards Lancashire form the horizon; while the foreground is enlivened by a view of gentlemen's seats and a picturesque country. |