The following local tradition respecting the building of Prior Park was communicated to Mr. Kilvert by the late Mr. H. V. Lansdown, of Bath, the well-known artist, a gentleman who had accumulated a large collection of reminiscences of Bath, and its Worthies of the olden time: 'When Mr. Allen had determined to build the present mansion at Prior Park, he sent for John Wood, the architect,[14] who waited upon him at the old post-office in Liliput Alley, where Allen then resided. '"I want you," said Allen, "to build me a country house on the Prior's estate at Widcombe." 'Allen then described the sort of place he wished erected; but when he entered into the details, and talked about a private chapel, with a tribune for the family; a portico of gigantic dimensions; a grand entrance-hall, and wings of offices for coach-houses, stables, etc., the astonished architect began to think the postmaster had taken leave of his senses. '"Have you, sir, sat down and counted the cost of building such a place?" '"I have," replied Allen; "and for some time past have been laying by money for the purpose." '"But," said Wood, "the place you are talking about would be a palace, and not a house; you have not the least idea of the money 'twould take to complete it." '"Well," rejoined Allen, "come this way." 'He then took Wood into the next room, and, opening a closet-door, showed him a strong box. '"That box is full of guineas!" 'The architect shook his head. Allen opened another closet, and pointed to a second and a third. Wood still hesitated. '"Well," said Allen, "come into this room." 'A fourth and fifth are discovered. The architect now began to open his eyes with wonder. '"If we have not money enough--here, come into this bedroom." 'A sixth, a seventh, and lo! an eighth appears. John Wood might well have exclaimed: '"I'll see no more. For perhaps, like Banquo's ghosts, you'll show a score." 'Chuckling in his turn at the astonishment of the architect, Allen now inquired if the house _could_ be built. '"I'll begin the plans immediately," replied Wood. "I see there is money enough to erect even a palace, and I'll build you a palace that shall be the admiration of all beholders."' But we must hasten to a close; a close to which the next allusion to the building propensities of the generous subject of this memoir naturally leads us. In 1754, Ralph Allen rebuilt the south aisle of Bathampton Church, and 'beautified the whole structure.' Appropriately enough, in that aisle has been placed an oval mural tablet, of white and Sienna marble, to his memory; and his son Philip, who became Comptroller of the 'Bye-letter' department in the London Post Office, was, I believe, actually buried there.