The Stranger's Handbook to Chester and Its Environs / Containing a short sketch of its history and antiquities, a descriptive walk round the walls, and a visit to the cathedral, castle, and Eaton Hall.

From this Room we pass through a handsome doorway into the Ante-Dining-Room, a smaller and much plainer apartment, the walls painted a beautiful arabesque of white and gold on a green ground, producing an extremely rich and pleasing effect. The inlaid oak-floor, the delicate ceiling, and the stained glass portraits of three of the Norman Earls of Chester, which ornament the windows, all merit our attention; but we must hurry away, and by a doorway opposite, pass into the Saloon.

This apartment is stated, and with every good reason, to be without exception the most elegant room in Great Britain! Let other scribes presume, if they will, to attempt a description of this sumptuous hall of state,—we, for our part, shrink dismayed from the task. To do anything like justice to its manifold merits would require far more time, and infinitely greater powers, than we have at command; let us be content, then, shortly and without parade, to point out a few of its prevailing features. Measuring nearly eleven yards square, the graceful arches intersecting the angles invest it with quite an octagonal appearance. From these, and the walls, springs the roof, with its majestic dome of dazzling splendour—a matchless epitome of all that is rich, chaste, and beautiful in decorative art. The prevailing colours are crimson, blue, and gold, and these so judiciously blended that the eye never tires in its fascinating mission; but still gazing upwards, allured and bewildered, finds new beauties and richer charms, the longer one remains in this wondrous Saloon. From the marble base springs a lofty fretwork of painted mosaic, in close imitation of the Ambassador’s Court in the Alhambra Palace,—that peerless relic of old Moorish magnificence. Higher still range panels and medallions, apparently in high relief; but this curious effect is a mere illusion of the painter, for the whole of the walls are perfectly flat. Five handsome landscapes, also painted on the walls, adorn this Saloon, four being the work of Mr. Telbin, of London,—and the fifth the production of Mr. John Morris, of Chester, to whose talented management the entire decorative arrangements were confided. The imitation basso-relievos over the doors are the work of a humble but talented artist, the late William Tasker, of Chester. The windows of the Saloon are in perfect consonance with the apartment itself, and contain six handsome figures, representing “William the Conqueror” and his uncle “Odo, Bishop of Bayeux;” “Sir Gilbert le Grosvenor,” nephew of King William, and an imaginary portrait of his wife; “Sir Robert le Grosvenor” (of Scroope and Grosvenor notoriety); and “Joan Pulford,” his wife. The view from these windows, which open out to the Terrace and cloistered arcade on the East side of the Hall, is one of rich and varied beauty. In the foreground we see the elegant Terrace, Gardens, and Lake; and just beyond, catch here and there a glimpse of the “tortuous Dee.” Between yon avenue of trees, and some sixteen miles away, the landscape ends with the towering, rain-clad hill of Beeston, and the noble baronial Castle of Peckforton. Our woodcut illustration of the Hall is taken from near the Terrace beneath us, which is perhaps the best point for viewing to perfection this side of the mansion. Turning again to the Saloon, our eyes rest on the massive and elegant folding door of carved oak, which, thrown open, reveals to us the great Entrance Hall. These two apartments, thus seen at one view, for gorgeous magnificence, stand alone and unrivalled.

We now pass on, by the south door of the Saloon, into the Ante-Drawing-Room, differing materially in its enrichment from the room we have just quitted, but withal an apartment of chastened beauty. It has a flat ceiling, adorned with delicate tracery in cream-colour and gold; the walls painted a rich arabesque, enchased throughout with red and green on a cream-coloured ground. Three bookcases, filled with modern ‘light reading’ in elegant bindings, add a grace to the apartment,—the fine windows of which contain stained glass figures of Hugh Cyvelioc, Randle Blondeville, and John Scot, the last of the line of Norman Earls of Chester.

Next we have the Drawing-Room, second only to the Saloon in the splendour of its decorations. Fifty feet in length—its ceiling sparkling with heraldic shields, and honeycombed with tracery in cream-colour and gold—its walls hung with rich crimson silk damask; its superb niches, vases, and chandelier; its marble chimney-piece and mirror; its glorious original pictures of the “Wise Men’s Offering,” by Rubens, the “Battles of the Boyne and La Hogue,” by West, and other celebrated works of art,—all invest this room with a halo which no words of ours can possibly do justice to. It must be seen to be appreciated; and to be admired as it deserves, must be closely scrutinised in all its bearings.

From the Drawing-Room we proceed, along the corridor, into the Library, a spacious apartment at the southern extremity of the Hall. This well-proportioned room measures sixty-two feet by fifty feet; a range of pillars on either side adding symmetry and strength to its richly groined ceiling. Three bold Gothic windows, facing south, east, and west, shed a fine flood of light into the room; the oaken bookcases of which are filled to overflowing with the richest and rarest works of ancient and modern literature. Upon the left we observe a fine organ, in a carved mahogany case. But the most attractive objects, apart from the library itself, are the remarkably chaste and beautiful conceptions in marble of “Cephalus and Procris,” by Rinaldi, which occupies the centre, and the quite as enchanting chefs-d’œuvres of Wyatt—“Glycera” and “Hebe.” In this room also is preserved one of those extremely rare Romano-British ornaments, a golden Torque, discovered some years ago near Caerwys, in Flintshire. The Torque was an ornament worn round the necks of illustrious British warriors: Queen Boadicea, and Llewellyn, Lord of Yale, are both recorded to have been so decorated. Who was the original owner of the one now before us is a matter, of course, wrapped in impenetrable obscurity.

But time presses, and we, too, must press on. Passing out from the Library, we may now direct our steps to the State Bedroom. This is a plain, yet elegant, apartment,—its prime feature being the mahogany State Bed, most elaborately carved, whereon have reposed the sleeping majesty of England, and other royal and distinguished personages. The handsome mirror, the rich green Brussels carpet, and other furniture of the chamber, are all in chaste and admirable keeping with the principal Bedroom of this “Palace on the Dee.”

Turn we now to the Grand Staircase, a portion of the Hall which may vie with any we have yet visited, whether for beauty or variety. A flight of stairs running up from the centre, continued again towards the right and left, conduct to the second gallery, and to the private apartments on the higher story. Opposite to us, on either side as we ascend, are two Egyptian statues in coloured marble, within rich Gothic niches. The decorations of this staircase are sumptuous in the extreme, blue and gold being the predominant colours,—the whole producing to the eye of taste a grand, impressive, and lasting effect. Among the paintings embellishing this staircase and its vicinity are the “Leicestershire Hunt,” by Ferneley, the “Grosvenor Hunt,” by Stubbs, and another of the “Cheshire Hunt,” all three introducing portraits of the Grosvenor family, either of the last or present generation. Another picture deserving our notice is that of a “Brood Mare and Foals,” painted also by Stubbs. The private Sitting-Rooms of Lord and Lady Westminster, which with other apartments adjoin the Great Corridor, are not exhibited to strangers. Numerous pieces of statuary, family portraits, and racing pictures, many of them of great interest, arrest our attention as we move along the Corridor; but having now returned to the Entrance Hall, we must beat a hasty retreat from this scene of enchantment, and, emerging from its portals, bid “a last, a long farewell” to Eaton Hall, the palatial home of the Marquis of Westminster.

Before we do so, however, if provided beforehand with tickets from “our publisher,” we may take a turn round the spacious Gardens on the east side of the Hall. Though time and space alike forbid us to enlarge upon their charms, the Gardens of Eaton will amply repay the careful inspection of every admirer of “nature, art-adorned.” The rich groves of trees—the rare shrubs and flowers, with their attendant perfumes—the crystal conservatory—the massive statuary—the dolphin fountain—the Roman altar, dedicated by the Twentieth Legion to the “Nymphs and Fountains”—the fairy lake—the verdant lawns, and walks of “sweet umbrageous beauty,”—each and all combine to invest these Gardens with a charm peculiarly their own! Gladly would we linger all day in this sylvan retreat,—but we must away!—and exchanging our barge for a cab with a party just arrived (cabman and boatmen first of all consenting), we are soon out of sight of the “Palace on the Dee.”

Moving rapidly along the avenue, past yon herd of timid deer, startled into flight at our approach, we soon flit beneath the archway of a lodge which marks the boundary of the park. A ride of two miles, through a serpentine avenue of “old hereditary trees,” now remains to us; and from this we emerge only to behold the Grosvenor Gateway, with old Chester in the distance “lending enchantment to the view!” The Grosvenor Gateway was erected in 1838, on the site of Overleigh Hall, once the manorial seat of the Cowpers of Overleigh. This lodge is a copy of St. Augustine’s Gate, at Canterbury, altered (some say improved) here and there by Mr. Jones, architect of Chester. Built, like the Hall itself, of white freestone, enriched with a profuseness of carving and heraldic sculpture, this Entrance Lodge to the Eaton Estate forms a fitting introduction to the magnificent mansion we have just quitted, and of which, in conclusion, we may truly enough say that

Take it for all in all,
We ne’er shall look upon its like again!

In five minutes more our cab is rolling over the well-paved streets of Chester. And now, as you are off by the next train, and as the best of friends must part, we will shake you by the hand, and trusting you have enjoyed yourselves under our protection, wish you, with all our heart, a swift and pleasant journey to your Home, Sweet Home!

In closing this account of Eaton Hall, it is our pleasing duty gratefully to acknowledge Lord Westminster’s kindness and favour, not only in throwing open the mansion and grounds to us on a “private day,” but also in affording us every possible assistance in our humble endeavours, however feebly, to do justice to his peerless Cheshire home.

To G. Allen, Esq., his Lordship’s house steward, as well as to Mr. J. Morison, we are especially beholden,—to the former, for his courteous attention in pointing out every prominent feature of the Hall—and to the latter, for numerous architectural and other data, of essential service to us in our “labour of love.”

Visitors are reminded that Eaton Hall and Grounds are, by the kindness of Lord Westminster, exhibited to the public during the months of June, July, and August, subject to the following judicious regulations:—

On Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, between the hours of ten and four, to Residents and Tourists generally; and on Thursdays also, during the same hours, to Foreigners only, or Travellers from a distance. In order to do away with the unsatisfactory principle of giving fees to the servants, his Lordship has authorised the sale of Admission Tickets, in accordance with the following tariff. The money realised by the sale of these Tickets is generously appropriated by Lord Westminster to the benefit of the funds of the various Chester Charities.

Tickets
	s.	d.
To admit one person to the House only	2	0
,, three ,,	5	0
,, five ,,	7	6
To admit one person to the Gardens only	1	6
„ three ,,	3	0
,, five ,,	5	0

Without such Tickets (which may be obtained in Chester from “Our Publisher,” Mr. T. Catherall, Eastgate Row, Messrs. Prichard and Roberts, or from the Royal and Albion Hotels) no persons will, on any account, be admitted into the Hall.

Eaton Hall being distant nearly four miles from Chester, CABS, &c. can be obtained either on the STAND in Eastgate Street,—from the principal Hotels,—or from Mr. T. Griffith, cab proprietor, Nicholas Street.

For the convenience of those Visitors who have no faith in human nature, especially when hidden under the “thick skin of a cabman,” we have appended a list of

CAB FARES IN CHESTER.

Not exceeding three persons: to or from the Railway Station in Brook Street—from or to any part of the city, within the point where the Whitchurch and Northwich roads turn off—Abbot’s Grange and the College—the Sluice House, including Crane Street and Paradise Row—the May-pole in Handbridge, and the New Bridge Toll-house, One Shilling.

The same distance: four persons, One Shilling and Sixpence. Any distance beyond the Borough, One Shilling per mile.

No gratuities to be demanded by the drivers of any cars plying within the borough, and no charge for luggage not exceeding 100 lbs. in weight.

FARES TO OR FROM ANY OTHER PART OF THE CITY.

Not exceeding three persons: any distance not exceeding one mile, One Shilling; and at the rate of One Shilling per mile for every additional mile; and Sixpence for every additional half-mile or fractional part of half-a-mile.

For four persons: any distance not exceeding one mile, One Shilling and Sixpence; any distance exceeding one mile, and not exceeding two miles, Two Shillings; any distance exceeding two miles, at the rate of Two Shillings for the first mile, and One Shilling per mile for every additional mile, and Sixpence for every additional half-mile or fractional part of half-a-mile.

BY TIME.

Not exceeding one hour, Two Shillings and Sixpence; and Sixpence for every fifteen minutes and fractional part of fifteen minutes beyond the hour. In all cases it shall be at the option of the driver to charge by time or distance.

BRADBURY AND EVANS, PRINTERS, WHITEFRIARS.

CHESTER GUIDE ADVERTISER.

THE OLD-ESTABLISHED
SEED WAREHOUSE,

CHESTER.

FRANCIS & ARTHUR DICKSON & SONS,
SEED GROWERS, SEED MERCHANTS, & NURSERYMEN,
106, EASTGATE STREET,
OPPOSITE THE ROYAL HOTEL.

VEGETABLE, FLOWER, AND AGRICULTURAL SEEDS,
Of every description, of superior quality, and true to name.

NURSERIES AT UPTON, NEAR CHESTER,
Where are cultivated complete Collections and a very extensive Stock of
FOREST AND ORNAMENTAL TREES,
EVERGREEN AND DECIDUOUS SHRUBS, FRUIT TREES, ROSES,
HERBACEOUS AND ALPINE PLANTS,
Stove and Greenhouse Plants, Florists’ Flowers, &c.
To which all novelties of merit are added as introduced.

The following Catalogues are published, and may he had on application:—

1. VEGETABLE AND FLOWER SEEDS.

2. AGRICULTURAL SEEDS.

3. FOREST TREES AND EVERGREENS.

4. HARDY ORNAMENTAL TREES AND SHRUBS.

5. ROSES (DESCRIPTIVE).

6. FRUIT TREES (DESCRIPTIVE).

7. HARDY HERBACEOUS AND ALPINE PLANTS.

8. STOVE AND GREENHOUSE PLANTS.

9. DAHLIAS, BEDDING PLANTS, &c.

Their Nurseries (which extend over upwards of 50 acres) are within 20 minutes’ walk of the
Railway Station, and are open to the public every day except Sunday.

FRANCIS AND ARTHUR DICKSON AND SONS.

ROYAL INSURANCE COMPANY,

ROYAL INSURANCE BUILDINGS, NORTH JOHN STREET, AND DALE STREET,
LIVERPOOL; AND 29, LOMBARD STREET, LONDON.

CAPITAL—£2,000,000, IN 100,000 SHARES OF £20 EACH.

TRUSTEES.

JOHN SHAW LEIGH, Esq.			JOHN NAYLOR, Esq.
DIRECTORS, ETC., IN LIVERPOOL.
CHARLES TURNER. Esq., Chairman.
J. BRAMLEY-MOORE, Esq., M.P., and RALPH BROCKLEBANK, Esq., Deputy Chairmen.
MICHAEL BELCHER, Esq. GEORGE BOOKER, Esq. THOMAS BOUCH, Esq. MICHAEL BOUSFIELD, Esq. DAVID CANNON, Esq. THOMAS DOVER, Esq.		ROBERT E. HARVEY, Esq. JAMES HOLME, Esq. THOS. DYSON HORNBY, Esq. GEORGE H. HORSFALL, Esq. RICHARD HOUGHTON, Esq. EDWARD JOHNSTON, Esq. JOHN TORR, Esq.		ROGER L. JONES, Esq. JAMES LAWRENCE. Esq. ROBERT M’ ANDREW. Esq. WIL. J. MARROW, Esq. FRANCIS MAXWELL, Esq. WILLIAM SMITH, Esq.
AUDITORS.
WILLIAM TITHERINGTON, Esq.			JOHN DICKINSON, Esq.
Surgeon—HUGH NEILL, F.R.A.S.			Surveyor—SAMUEL HOLME, Esq.
Solicitor—SEPTIMUS BOOKER, Esq.			Manager and Actuary—PERCY M. DOVE, Esq.
DIRECTORS, ETC., IN LONDON.
S. BAKER, Esq., Chairman. ROBERT. B. BYASS, Esq. RICHARD C. COLES, Esq.		HENRY KENDALL, Esq. THOMAS LANCASTER, Esq. EDWARD MACKMURDO, Esq.		DANIEL H. RUCKER, Esq. WIL. WAINWRIGHT, Esq. J. WESTMORLAND, Esq.
Secretary to the London Board—J. B. JOHNSTON, Esq.
Solicitors—Messrs. JENKINSON, SWEETING, & JENKINSON.
Surgeons	EUSEBIUS A. LLOYD, Esq., F.R.C.S., Surgeon at St. Bartholomew’s Hospital.
	Dr SANDERSON, 26, Upper Berkeley Street, Portman Square.
Surveyor—JOHN BELCHER, Esq., 5, Adelaide-place, London Bridge.
Actuary—PERCY M. DOVE, Esq.

LIFE BRANCH.

Special Notice—Stamps on Policies not charged.
FORFEITURE of POLICY CANNOT TAKE PLACE from UNINTENTIONAL MISTAKE.

OTHER ADVANTAGES, viz.—

The Guarantee of an Ample Capital and Exemption of the Assured from Liability of Partnership. The Assured neither having to depend on an uncertain fund, nor being in any way accountable for the Payment of Claims.

MODERATE PREMIUMS.
Participation of Profits by the Assured, amounting to Two-Thirds of its net amount.

LARGE BONUS DECLARED 1855,
Amounting to £2 per cent. per annum on the sum assured.

PERIODS OF DIVISION EVERY FIVE YEARS.

“Every fraction of the premiums received have been allowed to accumulate for 10 years.—Expenses small without leaving one charge provisional or otherwise to be taken out of future premiums.”—Vide Actuary’s Report, 1855.

FIRE BRANCH.

The Rates of Premium are exceedingly moderate, and governed in each case by a careful consideration of the Risk proposed.

AGENTS IN CHESTER:—
Messrs. MINSHULL & OWEN, Booksellers, Eastgate Row.

ALLIANCE

BRITISH AND FOREIGN
LIFE AND FIRE ASSURANCE COMPANY,
BARTHOLOMEW LANE, LONDON.
ESTABLISHED BY ACT OF PARLIAMENT.
CAPITAL FIVE MILLIONS STERLING.

BOARD OF DIRECTION.

PRESIDENTS.
SAMUEL GURNEY, Esq.	SIR MOSES MONTEFIORE, Bart.
DIRECTORS.
JAMES ALEXANDER, Esq. GEORGE H. BARNETT, Esq. SIR ROBERT CAMPBELL, Bart. SIR GEORGE CARROLL. BENJAMIN COHEN, Esq. RT. HON. G. R. DAWSON. JAMES FLETCHER, Esq. SAMUEL GURNEY, Jun., Esq.	JAMES HELME, Esq. SAMPSON LUCAS, Esq. THOMAS MASTERMAN, Esq. SIR A. N. DE ROTHSCHILD, Bart. L. N. DE ROTHSCHILD, Esq., M.P. OSWALD SMITH, Esq. THOMAS C. SMITH, Esq. MELVIL WILSON, Esq.

Auditors.—ANDREW JOHNSTON, Esq.—JOSEPH M. MONTEFIORE, Esq.—GEORGE PEABODY, Esq.
Bankers.—Messrs. BARNETT, HOARE, & Co.
Actuary and Secretary.—FRANCIS AUGUSTUS ENGELBACH, Esq.
Physician.—GEORGE OWEN REES, M.D., F.R.S., 10, Cork Street.
Solicitor.—JOHN M. PEARCE, Esq.
Surveyors.—WYATT PAPWORTH, Esq.—THOMAS G. ALLASON, Esq.

ESTABLISHED MARCH, 1824.

Persons effecting Assurances with the Alliance Company, enjoy the following important Advantages:—

I. Perfect Security.—The large invested Capital, and the personal responsibility, of upwards of One Thousand Shareholders, render the security undoubted.

II. Moderate Premiums of Assurance.—The Rates for Life Assurance will be found generally reasonable; and, for the younger Ages, lower than those in use in many of the older and most respectable Offices.

The Premiums for Assurance on Fire are the same as those which are demanded by the first class of Assurance Companies.

III. Participation of Profits by the Assured, both in Life and Fire.—The Profits, appropriated to the participating Assured, are applied, every Five Years, to the increase of the amounts assured, or to the reduction of the future Premiums, according to the choice of the Assured.

The Profits of the Fire Department appropriated to the Assured, are distributed at the close of each successive period of Five years, in the form of a per-centage on the Premiums which have been paid.

IV. Parties who obtain the settlement of Losses from Fire are not thereby deprived of their right to participate in the Profits of the Company.

V. Losses by Lightning are made good.

VI. The Company are liable for losses by Explosion, unless such explosion should be occasioned by gunpowder deposited on the premises, or except in cases specially provided for in the Policy.

The Directors grant Loans on the sole security of the Company’s Policies, if unencumbered, to nearly the full extent of their value, provided such value will justify an advance of not less than £50.

The Cost of the Stamps upon Life Policies is borne by the Company.

Life Committees are held at the Office every Wednesday and Friday at one o’clock; but to facilitate transactions, appearances can be taken, when requisite, on any other day.

MR. J. JONES, Westminster Buildings, Newgate Street, Chester,
AGENT.

Atlas
FIRE AND LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY,

92, CHEAPSIDE, LONDON.

ESTABLISHED 1808.

FIRE DEPARTMENT.

Manufactories, Sugar Houses, Distilleries, Private or Public Warehouses, Ships Building, Ships in Harbour, Houses, Furniture, Stock in Trade, &c., assured for the year, or any shorter period, on advantageous terms. The Rates of Premium will be found to assimilate with those of the principal London Offices.

Reduction of Premium on Farming Stock and Implements to 3s. per cent. (exempt from Duty); the use of Steam Threshing Machines on Farms allowed without any extra charge.

Allowance for the loss of Rent on Buildings rendered untenantable by Fire, and Losses occasioned by Lightning, will be paid.

The Assured are entitled to participate in the Profits every fifth year.

LIFE DEPARTMENT.

The Income for this Branch for the year 1854 exceeded £183,000.

The Investments for the Life Policy Holders amount to £1,565,551.

A Quinquennial Valuation has been made up to Christmas, 1854; the result will be declared shortly.

Rates and Proposals may be had at the Office in London, or of any of the Company’s Agents, who are authorised to report on the appearance of lives proposed for Assurance.

THE AGENTS FOR THE COMPANY IN CHESTER ARE:—

MR. T. CATHERALL,
AND
MR. GEO. PRICHARD,
BOOKSELLERS.

SCOTTISH WIDOWS’ FUND,
AND LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY.

COURT OF DIRECTION—1855–6.

Those marked thus (*) are new appointments.

PRESIDENT.
THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE EARL OF ROSEBERY, K.T.

VICE-PRESIDENTS.

HIS GRACE THE DUKE OF BUCCLEUGH, K.G.

THE MOST HONOURABLE THE MARQUIS OF TWEEDDALE, K.T., AND C.B.

THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE EARL OF ELLESMERE.

* ROBERT DUNDAS, ESQ., OF ARNISTON.

EXTRAORDINARY DIRECTORS.
The Very Rev. Principal Macfarlan, Glasgow. John North, Esq., Dock Solicitor, Liverpool. The Right Hon. Lord John Frederick Gordon Halliburton. The Right Hon. the Earl of Stair. Henry Bury, Esq., Banker, Manchester. Sir John S. Richardson, of Pitfour, Bart. The Right Rev. the Lord Bishop of Lincoln. John Amery, Esq., Banker, Stourbridge. The Honourable Lord Benholme. Joseph James Welch, Esq., Cheapside, London.	Alexander Blair, Esq., Banker, Edinburgh. Wm. B. Watkins, Esq., Alderman, Manchester. Wm. E. Aytoun, Esq., Professor of Rhetoric in the University of Edinburgh. John Ravenhill, Esq., Banker, Warminster. William Wilson, Esq., C.S., Edinburgh. J. Y. Simpson, Esq., Professor of Midwifery in the University of Edinburgh. * Sir James Russell, of Ashiesteil. * George Tod, Esq., Cheltenham. * Henry Cheyne, Esq., W.S., Edinburgh. * Frederick Thynne, Esq., land agent, George Street, Westminster.
ORDINARY DIRECTORS.
Thomas G. Mackay, Esq., W.S. John Cadell, Esq., of Tranent. Alexander Dunsmure, Esq., Merchant, Leith. Thomas Beveridge, Esq., D.C.S. Wm. Jas. Duncan, Esq., Banker, Edinburgh. Lewis A. Wallace, Esq., Architect. Anthony Murray, Esq., of Dollerie, W.S. The Hon. Bouverie F. Primrose. George Dundas, Esq., Sheriff of Selkirkshire.	Christopher Wood, Jun., Esq., Merchant, Leith. Archibald Davidson, Esq., Sheriff of Aberdeenshire. Charles Forbes, Esq., of Canaan Park, Edin. Isaac Bayley, Esq., of Manuel. * Jas. Mylne, Esq., W.S., Edinburgh. * John Jopp, Esq., W.S., Edinburgh. * Jas. Tytler, Esq., of Woodhouselee.
TRUSTEES.
William Mitchell Innes, Esq., of Parsons-green. James Balfour, Esq., of Pilrig, W.S.	Edward Loyd, Esq., Banker, Manchester. The Hon. Bouverie F. Primrose. Alexander Pringle, Esq., of Whytbank.

Medical Officer.—James Begbie, M.D.
Auditor.—Donald Lindsay. Manager.—John Mackenzie.
Secretary.—William Lindesay.

During the year 1854 there have been 638 Policies passed and taken up by the proposers, representing Assurances to the extent of £455,377 14s. 3d. The Society’s Realised and Accumulated Fund amounted, at 31st December last, to £2,802,140 1s. 1d. The Annual Revenue has increased to the extent of £22,168 0s. 11d., and amounted, at 31st December last, to £373,901 13s. 8d.

FOREIGN RESIDENCE AND TRAVEL.

Greatly increased facilities have recently been given to Assured parties having occasion to go abroad; and in the cases of many Foreign Countries (including considerable portions of North America and Australia, New Zealand, the Cape of Good Hope, &c.) the only extra charge now imposed by the Directors is for risk of Sea Voyage.

CHESTER HONORARY BOARD.

Gregory Burnett, Esq., Hawarden.
The Rev. F. Ayckbowm, Rector of the Holy Trinity.
Alexander Mackintosh, Esq., C.E.

John Trevor, Esq., Treasurer of County Courts.
Mr. Samuel Davies, Chemist.
Mr. John Smith, Woollen Draper.

Agent for Chester and North Wales.—JAMES SMITH, OLD BANK, CHESTER.