The length of this gallop
is 1270 feet, and it is all under a glass roof. He had about 100 horses,
and his stables extended over an area almost as large as a village.
Of all his extraordinary hobbies that of planning subterranean passages
has excited the most wonder and satire. These tunnels, in which it was
possible for three persons to walk abreast in some parts, were lighted
with gas jets placed at intervals. One at least of the tunnels is large
enough for a horse and cart to be driven through.
The drive from Worksop is a delightful one, but all at once the stranger
is surprised to find himself in a cavern, leading as might be supposed
to the catacombs. It was no uncommon thing for the Duke to rise up out
of a tunnel and appear in the midst of a gang of workmen when they were
little expecting him, and when, perhaps, they were idling their time,
or making uncomplimentary remarks about him.
When the tunnels were in course of construction there might be seen a
procession of men on donkeys going to and fro. It was all in a piece
with his Grace's conduct that he should purchase donkeys for them to
ride upon; but the animals, when let loose, would gnaw at the trees, so
the services of the four-legged asses were dispensed with.
Pages:
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89