can hardly suppose it to be the production of modern days: and enjoying
too as it does an uncommonly fine position on the most northern hill of
the island, its general aspect is truly magnificent in every point of
view. It is scarcely necessary to add, that the castle commands a most
interesting marine prospect.

Some of the rooms are of elegant dimensions, and the arrangement of the
whole considered good--such indeed might be expected from the reputation
of the architect, the late Mr. Wyatt. The stables, &c., are also on a
very ample scale, and in the same plain, substantial style as the
castle, for which they have not unfrequently been taken by strangers at
the first glance.

The grounds are now well timbered: the plantations beautifully dressing
the steep slope even to the water's edge. The utmost privacy might be
enjoyed, for there is the accommodation of a good landing-place, and a
carriage-road thence to the house.

Norris was the property of the late Lord Henry Seymour, who was
engaged many years in its construction, and must in the course of a
long period have expended immense sums in improvements that may be
said to be now buried from our view. After his demise, it was two
seasons chosen for the residence of their R.H. the Duchess of Kent
and the Princess Victoria (during which time the latter improved
remarkably in her health): and has since been purchased on very
moderate terms by R. Bell, esq.--who greatly extended the scope of
the grounds by fresh purchases of land, especially by some
belonging to the Osborne estate--previously to her Majesty's
negociating for its possession.