Julius Cæsar is believed to have crossed the river. The name "Coway Stakes" originated in the fact that there Cassivelaunus fortified the banks, and filled the river with sharp-pointed stakes to prevent the enemy from crossing the stream, but notwithstanding these precautions the Roman leader and
his legions accomplished their purpose, and, a little
way above where the Ship Hotel (so well known to
boating-nen), now stands, & terrible battle was
fought in the year 54 B.C. between the Britons and Romans. Several relics have been dug up about
this part of the Thames, also a number of the stakes
taken from the bed of the river, black with age,
but still sound.
Any one who cares to walk on to Walton should make a point of visiting the old Church of St. Mary-an edifice of great antiquity—in order to see & curious relic, dated 1632, a scold's bit, or bridle, bearing the following inscription:—
"Chester to Walton sends a bridle
To curb women's tongues that talk too idle."
Upper Halliford, unlike Lower Halliford, or Walton, has nothing to show in the way of beauty or relic. It boasts no history, it has no legend, or old church, or historic mansion. It is only a quaint little hamlet, which might be a hundred miles from the bustle and roar of London; there, however, the famous author of "George Geith of Fen Court" has for the last seven years made her home, where she lives in absolute seclusion.
Her little cottage stands slightly back from the
