L30/14/333/72

From Fritz, Labajos, Olmedo & Valladolid [journey back to England] to 2nd Baron Grantham:

Mar 1778

From: 1778 To: 1778

Detailed account of journey, roads, weather, etc... Deeply sad at their temporary separation. Left Madrid at 5 am, stopped by Guard at upper iron gate on pretence of his not having an order from the Duke of Arcos "a pisette soon settled business". Thence to Galapagar, over Puerto de Guadarama. Dined at the Yenta ala Christo at end of Ensenada's road. Describes building and meal. Describes village and Church of Villa Castrin [Villacastin], the Esquileos belong to Pagnetto. Describes Posada. Labajos 22 March Left Labajos 6.30, crossed river over good stone bridge of three arches built 1770, "regnando Carlos terceno". Miserable Pasada at Montego de la Vega. Describes dinner and village, old, straggling, in swampy position....Spirits raised as journey progresses. Olmedo 23 March Details of terrain, open groves of Pinaster etc..., arrived Valdestillas, describes meal. Gate to city [of Valladolid] of Dorick order, "three arches, some faults but none that shock" etc... Put on redecilla and capa then viewed what was thought to be Cathedral. Faulty Dorick outside, Corinthian inside. "Unfinished like all the other good things in Spain...". The King's house was of no great matter. Church of St. Pablo with Gothick sculptured font. As in most towns where Charles V resided there are "a few pieces of correct design and hardy architecture which la coronada da Villa de Madrid cannot boast of", e.g. Church adjacent to Convent of San Benito el heal. Describes layout of plazas and streets. Bought a Horace and a Virgil at booksellers. Has put up own bed but could have one as splendid as that at Pampeluna. Wishes to be remembered to Maria [?] P.S. Is not tired, without any colds, nerves or bowels. Valladolid 24 March 1778

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