BRINKBURN Priory, three miles from Rothbury, in Northumberland, was founded by William de Bertrain, baron of Mitford, in the reign of Henry I. It was dedicated to St. Peter, and inhabited by black canons, or canons regular of the order of St. Augustine, from the monastery of St. Mary de Infula. The founder of this Priory endowed it with lands out of his wastes, which grants were confirmed by his lady Hawys, and Roger his eldest son and heir. His grandson Roger bestowed further 140 acres from his waste lands in Evenwood, with a large proportion of waste near Framlington; likewise liberty to take ga.ne, and cut timber in his forests, for the necessary uses of the establishment.

Prince Henry of Scotland, earl of Northumberland, enriched it with the revenue of a salt-work at Warksworth; and in conjunction with his son William de Warren, of the family of the earls of Warren, by the mother's side, and surnamed after them, confirmed all its possessions and privileges. They were also confirmed by charters granted by Henry III. At the dissolution of religious houses it had ten canons; its annual revenue was valued at 681. 198. 1d. according to Dugdale, but by Speed at 771. The Priory was given by Edward VI. to John carl of Warwick, and shortly afterwards devolved to George Fenwick, esq. of the ancient family of the

Fenwicks, of Fenwick Tower. In the reign of Charles I. it was the property of George Fenwick, esq. a person of considerable military talents, who was employed in the rank of a colonel by the parliament, and appointed to the government of Berwick-uponTweed.

Brinkburn Priory is situated under a hill, on the extremity of a peninsula, near the northern margin of the river Coquet: part of its walls are washed by the river. The opposite shore is bounded by a semicircular ridge of shaggy rocks, mantled with ivy, and beautified with a variety of plants and shrubs. The greater part of this venerable pile has been demolished, and its church, which was in the cathedral form, has shared in the devastation. The materials were applied to the erection of a dwelling-house, which is now in ruins. The square tower of the church, a small spire, many noble pillars and arches, and some of its side walls, with the dormitory belonging to the Priory, are the principal remains. These vestiges of monastic grandeur, a group of mouldering fragments, are richly varied with the tints of time, and being in many parts overgrown with ivy and other evergreens, display an agreeable combination of objects impressively grand and picturesque.

DONCASTER derives its name from the river Don, on the banks of which it is situated. It is a place of great antiquity, and was of considerable importance during the time the Romans were in Britain. Antonius informs us in his Itinerary, that the Crispinian horse were stationed here, and that the governor of the province resided in the castle for the purpose of being near the town walls to repel the incursions of the Scots and Picts. The castle, a place of immense strength, together with the town, was destroyed by fire in the year 759. It appears that this fortress was never rebuilt, and the precise spot on which it stood is now scarcely known.

A convent was founded at Doncaster by Henry III. likewise a hospital for lepers; but no remains of either are at this time existing.

The Church is a superb Gothic building, and greatly admired for the richness and symmetry of its tower. The whole fabric indeed is decorated with

all the profusion of ornament which characterizes the English style of architecture. Its form is collegiate; the extreme length 154 feet, its breadth sixtyeight: the height of the roof is seventy-eight feet; the tower rises 141 feet from the ground. This Church is dedicated to St. George, and supposed to stand upon the area of the ancient castle, and to be built with materials taken from the demolished fortress: the period of its erection is difficult to ascertain.

Doncaster is governed by a mayor, recorder, aldermen, and common-council. In the time of James II. a charter was granted to the town, which was brought to the town hall with great pomp, attended by a train of 300 horsemen. Here is a magnificent mansion for the residence of the chief magistrate; and it is worthy of remark, that this appearance of state at Doncaster is of earlier authority than that of the city of York, and even of the metropolis itself.