In 1414 there was a quarrel in the church between the prior and one John Southam, what about we do not know. They seem to have punched each other's nose, so as to bring blood; whereupon the church was closed till the bishop could hold investigation whether the sacred edifice had been desecrated thereby. Bishop Stafford did hold inquiry, and in ecclesiastical language, and with proper gravity, pronounced that the case was "fudge," that the matter had been made a great deal more of than there was occasion, and that the vicar was to recommence services in the church. Torbrian Church, picturesquely situated in a glen, has been already alluded to. This parish is the cradle of Lord Petre's family. The splendid ruins of Berry Pomeroy Castle are within a walk or drive, and will repay a visit, not only from the interest of the remains, but also from the beauty of the situation on the brow of rock overhanging the water. Below the town of Totnes is the quay, at which the steamboat may be entered for the beautiful descent of the Dart to Dartmouth. On all sides, peeping out of woods, above smooth lawns, backed by orchards, appear numerous smiling villas. It would seem that many well-to-do people have come to the same conclusion as did Brute, and have made Totnes their seat, saying:-- "Here I sit--and here I rest." And the visitor will think that old Brute was no fool when he said that, and will wish that he could do the same. NOTE.--Books on Totnes:-- COTTON (W.), _Graphic and Historical Sketch of the Antiquities of Totnes_. London: Longman, 1850. WINDEATT (E.), "An Historical Sketch of Totnes," in the _Transactions of the Devonshire Association_, 1880. DYMOND (R.), "Ancient Documents relating to the Civil History of Totnes," in the _Transactions of the Devonshire Association_, 1880. [Illustration: DARTMOUTH CASTLE] CHAPTER XVIII. DARTMOUTH A first visit to Dartmouth--Descent of the Dart--The Church of S. Saviour--John Hawley--The Butter Row--Slate-covered houses--The Ship Inn--Walk to the sea--Warfleet--S. Petrock's--The Castle--Attacks on Dartmouth--The Golden Strand--Kingswear--Burying under foundations--Newcomen--Sir Walter Raleigh and his pipe--Slapton Lea--Dame Juliana Hawkins--Visits to be made--What not to be done. I will tell you how I first saw Dartmouth before I proceed to say anything about it, and then the reader will perhaps understand the peculiar affection with which I write about it. It happened early one June that I had made every arrangement to go with a friend a walking tour among the Dolomite Alps. We were to meet in town and cross the Channel together to Antwerp.