Winchester Palace was of humble exterior, and displayed little of grandeur or of magnificence. It was two stories in height, and built with red bricks, without pilasters or any other architectural ornament; but, however plain in its exterior, it comprised every convenience and comfort that could be required for a large establishment. The building formed a quadrangle, and its principal entrance was in the south front, the ground floor of which comprised the great hall, kitchen, and chapel, the latter being of moderate dimensions, plainly but neatly fitted up. The great staircase at the eastern end of the hall led to three grand drawing rooms, which extended the whole length of the south front, and which, during the residence of Bishop North, were splendidly furnished. The walls were covered with beautiful paper, having gold borders, the ceilings were richly ornamented in stucco work, and the chimney-pieces composed of various coloured marbles, put up at considerable expense by the bishop after his return from Italy. The sleeping rooms, and other domestic chambers, occupied the whole north front, commanding fine views over the gardens adjoining. On the ground floor of this front were two libraries, and other apartments, bounded on the east by a great gallery, leading to the gardens. * * * * * Having been obliged in the year 1791, by the bad health of part of his family, to seek the climate of Italy, Bishop North collected there many curious articles of undoubted antiquity, of modern art, and of natural history, of which the principal were, Greek sepulchral vases, specimens of ancient marbles used in the Roman villas, mural paintings from Herculaneum, beautiful works in Mosaic, fine bronzes, splendid gems, curious china, &c. These were disposed with much taste in various apartments of the house, and some of them we will notice. * * * * * The great entrance hall was 40 ft. long, and 20 ft. wide; on a table stood an antique juvenile bust of Bacchus, which was much admired. * * * * * The grand staircase was of noble proportions, and was ornamented with a variety of objects of taste, disposed in glass cases, consisting of specimens of all the articles of domestic use among the ancient Romans. Here likewise stood a sepulchral Roman vase of white marble, ornamented with rams’ heads and elegant festoons of white flowers, with the following inscription:— Semproniæ Elegantiorib. choreis Psallendoq; Præstantis Suæ viridis in medio juventæ E. Vivis Per crudelia fata direptæ Sodaliu. Sibi. Choors. Dilecta D.O.M. Moer. M.P. * * * * *