Plymouth, 1815. [Illustration: GUILDHALL SQUARE, PLYMOUTH.] The series ends with a window representing the opening of the Guildhall itself, August 15th, 1874, by the Prince of Wales, who is shown in stained-glass, taking part in the ceremony attired in conventional silk hat, frock coat, and lavender-coloured trousers. It is a weird and uncanny use for stained-glass, and the thing is not less grotesque because it thus perpetuates what now seems the ridiculous fashion in hats, coats, and trousers obtaining in 1874. The Prince is shown holding a wand, symbol of his then honorary office of High Steward of the borough of Plymouth; within the other hand the key used for the opening. In the background of this highly remarkable work of art, which would certainly astonish the mediæval craftsmen, could they return and see it, are represented those who strutted their little parts on the local stage in that day. They are duly pictured in their robes as Town Councillors, and are happier in that fact than the Prince is in his everyday gear. Prominent among them you see a face like a Dutch cheese with whiskers; probably intended for the mayor. [Illustration: THE PRINCE OF WALES IN STAINED GLASS.] St. Andrew’s Church is a striking feature in this group of municipal buildings. It “suggested” the group: it was the keynote whence this architectural symphony was developed, and in the continual modernising of Plymouth, it remains one of the very few old, and characteristic Devonian buildings in the Three Towns. The tower, built in 1460, is the latest part of the church. An odd punning epitaph within is worthy a note. It is to the memory of one “Mrs. Mary Sparke,” whose light was quenched in 1665:— “Life’s but a Sparke, a weake uncertaine breath, No sooner kindled but puft out by Death. Such was my Name, my frame, my fate, yet I, Am still a living Sparke, though thus I dye, And shine in Heaven’s orbe, a Star most bright, Though Death on Earth so soone Eclipst my light.” Plymouth’s other old church—although not so very old—has a romantic story. It is one of the four churches in England dedicated to “King Charles the Martyr.” Begun in the reign of Charles the First, it was abandoned during the troubles that led to the execution of the king, and was completed and dedicated in 1664. CHAPTER XXVIII THE HAMOAZE—THE VICTUALLING YARD AND DOCKYARD—THE TAMAR