MOUNT EDGCUMBE— MOUSEHOLE Medina Sidonia caught sight of the estate from his vessel, on his memorable visit as Admiral of the Spanish Armada, he coveted the spot at once ; and it is said that Philip promised he should have it in reward of his services. The gardens are very beautiful ; there are the Low and Upper Gardens, the English Garden with its un-English vegetation, the French, in style of the old empire, the Italian with its orange trees and marble fountains. Some fine statuary is scattered about the grounds. The dwelling-house is handsome and com- modious ; in its dining-room are portraits by Reynolds, Lely and Mascall. Reynolds was a frequent visitor here. There are the remains of a castle, raised in the sixteenth century to defend the port ; and in the Civil War the place was held for the king till 1645, when its proprietor suffered the penalties of his loyalty. A great many notabilities have visited Mount Edgcumbe at different times, from Cosmo de Medici to the Princess Amelia, George III., Queen Charlotte, William IV., Queen Victoria, Napoleon III., the Emperor Frederick (then Crown Prince), the King of Sweden and others. The spot is not only lovely in itself, but it commands scenes of surpassing beauty and of constant naval activity. The park and gardens may be visited on special public days, or by special order from the Manor House ; the house itself is not open to the public. Monsehole (3 m. S.W. of Penzance) was formerly named Forth Enys, the " island port," N 193
