During the bright days of summer the sea breaks in gentle murmur
on the sand and shingle of the beach, but in winter when lashed
by S.W. Gales "it tumbles a billow on chalk and sand." The roar
of the ocean can be heard for miles inland. The esplanade shown in
the picture has been destroyed by the breakers. Temporary repairs
have been effected, but a fierce controversy is still raging as
to the ultimate solution of the question, how to prevent further
encroachment, and the L.G.B. has been appealed to for help.
[Illustration: _Farringford, Freshwater, Lord Tennyson's Residence._]
FARRINGFORD, FRESHWATER, LORD TENNYSON'S RESIDENCE.--The residence
of the late Laureate is in the neighbourhood between freshwater
Gate and Alum Bay, secluded by trees almost to invisibility. The
front is covered with greenery, a fine magnolia growing round and
over the front door. From under the lateral branches of a fine
spreading cedar tree the Poet could look into Freshwater Bay and
yet himself not be seen. The park-like grounds are pleasant to
walk in, and are open to the inspection of visitors on Thursdays
at certain seasons. In his poem of invitation to Rev. F. D. Maurice
in 1854 he well describes it:
"Where far from smoke and noise of town,
I watch the twilight falling brown,
All round a careless order'd garden,
Close to the ridge of a noble down."
[Illustration: _Godshill Church._]
GODSHILL CHURCH.--Built in a striking and conspicuous situation,
Godshill Church is visible from many distant points of the surrounding
country--a good example of Early Perpendicular architecture, a
cruciform structure having two equal aisles of its whole length,
with a fine pinnacled tower and sancte-bell turret in the south
transept gable.
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