Hill, in Wiltshire, was of such amazing bulk, that Dr. Stukely has conjectured, the construction of such a mound, in his days, could not have been effected at a less expense than twenty thousand pounds.

Nor let it be supposed that these works exceeded the power of the Britons. This island abounded with an excessive population ;* and in the construction of places of defence, and of retreats for their wives and children, in times of pressing danger, they were unanimous in affording every facility towards rendering such edifices perfect and complete. For, to the honour of this savage people, it is mentioned both by Cæsar and Tacitus, that they entertained the most profound respect for the weaker sex, and treated them, on all occasions, with becoming decency and tenderness. The laws provided that no woman should have more than one husband, nor any man more than one wife; and yet, even in the most degraded communities, where this salutary ordinance was entirely disregarded, and the women were in common, they were still treated with a degree of affection which is scarcely credible in so rude and ungovernable a people. Hence, their united exertions, in the erection of such places of defence and security, may be considered as fully equal to the task of raising the stupendous mounds which have excited the astonishment and admiration of poste rity. At the call of their priests, however, they

* Cæsar, 1. 4. Diod. Sic.

could unite to raise still more extraordinary monuments than these; and the astonishing structures of Stonehenge and Abury, will be a testimony, as long as the world shall endure, of the persevering efforts of the Britons, when incited by superstition, and stimulated by the overwhelming influence of an infallible priesthood.

I am the more confirmed in my opinion, that Grymsby was a station of consequence amongst the Britons, from the superior magnitude of its artificial hills. Silbury Hill, in Wiltshire, is mentioned by many authors as a most wonderful specimen of British industry and perseverance. It measured, according to Sir Richard Hoare, 2027 feet in circumference at the base, 120 feet in diameter at the top, 170 feet in perpendicular height, 316 feet sloping height, and covered upwards of five acres of land. Now our hills are superior even to this magnificent mound. Toote Hill measures upwards of 2000 feet in circumference at the base, is 270 feet sloping height, and 100 feet in perpendicular height to the very summit of the mound, and contains nearly six acres of land. The dimensions of Cun Hu Hill are 450 feet long by 250 feet broad-the sloping height 130 feet, and measures somewhat more than two acres. The three mounds at Ellyll contain together about three acres each being about 800 feet long by 600 feet broad; the perpendicular height not being more than six feet. The hills at the Nunns, measure together about eight

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arrés. The Abbey Hill measures ten acres, and is 2600 feet in length by 1600 feet in breadth, and about 50 feet perpendicular. Sand Hill is 600 feet in length by 400 feet broad. But Holm Hill is the most extraordinary monument which Grimsby can boast. It is more than 2000 feet long by 300 broad-180 feet sloping height, from the most elevated point-and contains upwards of twelve acres of land. Here are seven stations, of very superior magnitude; and it is much to be doubted whether the same number of artificial hills can be found in any part of England, of equal dimensions, and situated, as these are, in the immediate vicinity of each other.

The old Haven washed the base of Holm and Abbey Hills, and terminated at the foot of Sand Hill, which has long been under the operation of the plough, and is, consequently, much reduced from its original altitude, and its specific character almost destroyed. I doubt not but the ancient town of Grymsby, as inhabited by the Britons, commenced at Holm Hill, on which were situated the dwellings of the principal people; for the chieftains always selected the most elevated places for their peculiar residence. This hill was therefore erected into a military station, as being the best calculated for the warriors' abode, because it commanded the harbour, and hence afforded protection to what is now called the Abbey Hill, which was occupied by the Druids and their attendants. The town then proceeded in

the direction of the haven, to the Bar Gate, Sand Hill, and Ellyll-and continued throughout the present parish of Little Coates; for Toote Hill was undoubtedly used as a conspicuous beacon, and place of judgment for the whole colony; and the range of hills, which lies still further to the west, will serve to convince us that this neighbourhood was very abundantly peopled during the whole period to which I now refer. There are several smaller mounds scattered over the whole lordship; which, as they are without names, and as their uses are beyond the reach of tradition, I conclude to be tumuli; and must refer to the map for their relative situation.

CHAP. IV.

HOLM HILL DESCRIBED A PLACE OF DEFENCE-THE OLD HAVEN-KET BANK-ETYMOLOGY OF WELLFOU THE BLOCK HILLS DESCRIBED-THEIR USESTHE KET BANK USED IN PEACEABLE TIMES AS A PLACE OF INITIATION INTO THE DRUIDICAL MYSTERIES→ MAY DAY.

For the sake of regularity in the conduct of this essay, I will now describe each of these seven stations separately, in the order just enumerated; and endeavour to suggest the probable purposes for which they were constructed. This method will tend to convey a striking idea of the uniform system of habitation and defence which was practised by the ancient Britons, and exhibited in the monuments still existing around us.

First; Grymsby had a colony on Holm Hill, which was military.

Secondly; it had a colony on the Abbey Hill, which was religious.

Thirdly; it had a colony on the Three Hills at the Nuns, which was religious.