their deputies to attend the bailiff, on the eve of the fair, when he makes proclamation; after which they keep watch all night in every part of the town, and this is the most perfect remains of watch and ward retained in any part of this country. It is said that King John, having endured considerable inconvenience from the miry state of the roads, in humorous revenge, directed that for the future, the freemen of Alnwick, should be made in the following manner, which is still observed.--On St. Mark's day, those who are to be made free, assemble in the market place, dressed in white, with white caps, and a sword by their side. They proceed on horseback from this place to the town moor, headed by the four chamberlains, attired in the same manner, where they alight and rush through a muddy pool; having performed this ceremony, they change their soiled garments, and return to the town. Here is a free school, supported by a revenue arising out of the tolls, and various minor charities. _Market_, Saturday,--_Mail_ arrives 6-1/4 A.M., departs 5-1/2 P.M.--_Fairs_, Palm Sunday eve, for shoes, hats, &c.; May 12th, horses and horned cattle; last Monday in July, linen and woollen cloth; 1st Tuesday in October, and October 28th, horses and cattle; and Saturday before Christmas Day, for shoes, hats, and woollens.--_Bankers_, Ridley and Co., draw on Glynn and Co.--_Inn_, White Swan. [Sidenote: An abbey of monks, founded in 1147.] [Sidenote: Fortress of great strength.] [Sidenote: The fall of Malcolm II. and his son Edward.] [Sidenote: Monument to the memory of the late Duke of Northumberland.] [Sidenote: Curious customs in Alnwick.] [Sidenote: Making freemen at Alnwick through a muddy pool.]