L30/9/111/17

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12 Aug 1768

From: 1768 To: 1768

Melancholy event at Lambeth, visit very painful; almost afraid to enquire after Miss Talbot. Surprised at London scandal; not a single word had presumed to cross the chaste stream of the Severn. Sir Gilbert [Heathcote]'s dancing. Is afraid when he comes to town, he will challenge her to an allemande (as he used a minuet, for they once learned of same dancing master). Fashionable news. Visit to Blenheim; house exceedingly clumsy; many fine pictures; environs will be a much more noble and elegant monument to the memory of Mr Brown's genius than that immense pile of building is to the person by whom it was erected. Park before he began was dull and dreary, not a drop of water except a rivulet over which Vanburgh built a pompous stone bridge; this water not 1½ miles in length; banks covered with hanging woods give noble appearance; winding walk; neat temple to Diana.

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Talbot, Catherine,
Heathcote, Gilbert,
Brown, Lancelot,
Vanburgh

CORRESPONDENCE, Blenheim Palace