'oeil_, taking the structure _en masse_, is
imposing, and it has an advantageous position on the banks of the
river Arun. The Castle has undergone modern alterations in bad taste;
the details are of that description of the ornamental gothic, which
appear to me to throw severe criticism on the abilities of the
architect; and, as a family residence, its interior is neither grand
nor comfortable. From its commanding site and vicinity to the Roman
villa, it was probably a Roman station previous to its becoming a
Saxon residence. The walls and Norman gateway are fine. The massive
keep, ponderous in stability, has the characteristic marks of the
twelfth century, and is a noble ruin. It is called King Alfred's Keep;
and with what hallowed feelings of reverence must a _locale_ ever
be approached which bears the name of that illustrious monarch! The
present occupants are an assemblage of German owls, of varied species;
they look analagous with the venerable ruin.

The castle contains a few curious portraits of the illustrious race of
Howard, which have an interest also from the distinguished parts that
family have played in English history. There is one of Henry Howard,
Earl of Surrey, so famous for his talents in state affairs, and for
his bravery in the field. He is represented standing under a noble
gateway. The picture is moreover valuable as a work of art.[6]

[6] Surrey's accomplishments and political talents, and his
bravery in the battle-field, cast additional splendour over
the house of Howard; and his violent death, another stain on
the tyranny of Henry VIII.

Some richly-wrought chalices[7] and censers, and other symbolic
emblems of the Roman Catholic religion are there, but I imagine little
prized by the present noble possessor; for at the age of twenty-seven,
he became a convert to the Protestant faith. Whether conviction, or
ambition to serve his country as a legislator were his motives, it is
not for man to judge: but he is unlike his ancestor, Philip
Howard, Earl of Arundel, who, braving the power of Queen Elizabeth,
disregarded her favour, and almost merited the title of martyr from
the persecutions she heaped upon him for having abjured the Protestant
worship, although educated in it by his father, the attainted Duke of
Norfolk, in despite of Mary and her Spanish consort, who was likewise
his sponsor.

[7] Several of these splendid emblems of the Roman Catholic
faith the late duke g