Old Hampshire Mapped
Cobbett's Hampshire
Transcription (70)1826, September
FROM RYALL, IN WORCESTERSHIRE, TO BURGHCLERE, IN HAMPSHIRE.
[September 1826]
...
road
navigation
Hampshire Downs
downs
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| Cobbett's HampshireTranscription (70) |
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1826, September |
previous FROM RYALL, IN WORCESTERSHIRE, TO BURGHCLERE, IN HAMPSHIRE. [September 1826] ... |
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Burghclere road navigation Hampshire Downs downs |
... Including the numerous angles and windings, we had nine or
ten miles yet to go; but, I was so anxious to get to BURGHCLERE,
that, contrary to my practice as well as my principle, I
determined to encounter the darkness for once, though in
cross-country roads, presenting us at every mile, with ways
crossing each other; or forming a Y; or kindly giving us the
choice of three, forming the upper part of a Y and a half. Add
to this, that we were in an enclosed country, the lanes very
narrow, deep-worn, and bank and hedges high. There was no moon;
but, it was star-light, and, as I could see the Hampshire Hills
all along to my right, and knew that I must not get above a mile
or so from them, I had a guide that could not deceive me; for,
as to asking the road, in a case like this, it is of little use,
unless you meet some one at every half mile; for the answer is,
keep right on; aye, but in ten minutes, perhaps, you come to a
Y, or to a T, or to a +. ... In down-countries, the direction
of shepherds and pig and bird boys is always in precisely the
same words; namely, 'right hover the down,' laying great stress
upon the word right. 'But,' said I, to a boy, at the edge of
the down at KING'S WORTHY (near Winchester), who gave me this
direction to STOKE CHARITY; 'but, what do you mean by right over
the down?' 'Why,' said he, 'right on to Stoke, to be sure, Zur.'
'Aye,' said I, 'but how am I, who was never here before, to know
what is right, my boy?' That posed him. It set him to thinking:
and, after a bit he proceeded to tell me, that, when I got up the
hill, I should see some trees; that I should go along by them;
that I should then see a barn right before me; that I should go
down to that barn; and that I should then see a wagon track that
would lead me all down to Stoke. 'Aye!' said I, 'now indeed you
are a real clever fellow.' And I gave him a shilling, being part
of my savings of the morning. Whoever tries it will find, that
the less they eat and drink, when travelling, the better they
will be. I act accordingly. ... next |
 
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