'A Cross at Clearwell, Gloucestershire' RMG PY6150

'A Cross at Clearwell, Gloucestershire'
Engraving of a Cross at Clearwell, Gloucestershire. This bound volume of 'picturesque' scenes was brought together by engraver Letitia Byrne and publisher Thomas Palser. This type of publication was relatively popular in the early 19th century, bringing together different scenes, all deemed to fulfil the criteria of this new type classification of landscape called 'picturesque' from around the world.
This compliation of pictureque scenes includes for each picture some background, generally a history of the site so as to help the reader better aprpeciate the scene. This type of publication was designed to be read together, perhaps as part of an education, perhaps as educational recreation. The date suggests this belonged to either the Herschels when John FW Herschel was still at school, or perhaps more likely, to the Stewart family, the family of Margaret Brodie Stewart whom John FW later married.
The accompanying text to this engraving reads: 'at the village of Clearwell, or more properly of Clowerwell, in Gloucestershire, is still remaining one of those crosses that were so numerous in the catholic times. It rises from a square basis, or platform of five steps, and each side of the lower part displays a quadrefoil arch; the cross at top has been broken off. This part of Gloucestershire is greatly diversified: the scenery has a very picturesque character, and from some points the views have a most striking and singular aspect.'

'A Cross at Clearwell, Gloucestershire'