This
dell is still called "Cromwell's Trench;" and a large and remarkable
stone, having two circular hollows or holes on its upper surface,
evidently once containing nodules of iron, is called "Cromwell's
Stone"--the country people supposing these holes were used as moulds for
casting balls during the siege.
The besiegers, however, thought to reduce the place by famine, being
deceived through the following device of her ladyship's chaplain, the
Rev. Mr Rutter, a person whom the Earl had left to her assistance, that
she might be guided by his great skill and prudence:--
During one of the conferences before-named, a captain of the
parliamentary forces, recognising in the chaplain an old friend, with
whom he had been educated, and very intimate and familiar aforetime,
took a secret opportunity of addressing him, hoping to worm out her
ladyship's secrets; conjuring him, by reason of their former friendship,
to tell truly upon what ground or confidence she still refused these
offers, seeing that it was impossible to defend her house against such
a numerous and well-furnished army as was then encamped in the park.
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