'Near the front of the house runs a beautiful river, wandering serpentine through the vale, till it meets the harbour; over it is a very handsome bridge, and near it is a newly erected mill, fertile meadows, beautiful cottages, and a ruinous Gothic bridge, all at such a distance as to be pleasing objects.' (Mrs Margaret Lee 'Clara Lennox or Distressed Widow: a novel' 1797, M 02965)