tices. That the
ubiquitous King Arthur built the first castle on the cliffs, 300 ft.
above the sea, is a tradition--one we should like to believe. His
name is also associated with sites on the Western Heights and Barham
Downs. It is certain that the Roman invaders early took advantage of
the position of this "key" of the island, and that amongst their five
coast castles, under the control of "the Count of the Saxon Shore,"
Dover held a position second only to Richborough. In the Watling
Street, the baths, now destroyed, the church within the Castle, the
Pharos, the Romans have left clear evidence of their occupation. St.
Mary's may be the first Christian church in Britain. To the beginning
of the eighteenth century it was used for worship; it was then
dismantled, and, after being filled with stores, at last became a
coal cellar. With the greatest difficulty it was saved from
destruction in 1860, and restored by Sir Gilbert Scott.

EXETER.--172 miles, W.S.W. from London.

Caer Isca of the Britons (Keltic, _esk_--_exe_--_uisge_--water). In
Camden's time (1551-1623), the name was written Ex-cester.

Exeter is situated on a broad ridge of land, rising steeply from the
left bank of the Exe. At the head of the ridge is the Castle,
occupying the site of a strong British earth-work. Exeter was the
Romano-British country town of Isca Damnoniorum, the most westerly
town in the government of Roman Britain. Traces of Roman walls
survive in mediaeval walls, all the gates of which, however, have
disappeared. Exeter is the nexus of a considerable number of roads.

GLOUCESTER.--114 miles W.N.W. of London. On the east bank of the
Severn.

It is doubtful if it were a British settlement. The Roman
municipality, or colonia, of Glevum, was founded by Nerva between 96
and 98. Part of the original walls of the town may still be traced.

ISLE OF WIGHT.--Called by the Romans, _Vectis_; Wight being a
corruption of this word.

This island was known in early times to the ancients, and appears to
have been used as a summer or sea-bathing resort. There are
interesting remains of Roman villas at Brading and Carisbrooke.

KENCHESTER, or Magni, or Magna, sometimes Magnis, is situated on the
Wye, about 4 miles west of the city of Hereford.

Discoveries of coins and other objects suggest that British villages
existed here. The Watling Street running from Wroxeter to Caerleon
passes near, communicating with Stone