on into one of the chapels, where high up in the wall, snugly housed within the masonry, stands an ancient oak coffin bearing the appropriate inscription of Dust to Dust. [Picture: St. John’s Rains] The Priory House was built on the ruins of the priests’ houses, but has of itself no other claim to our notice, being little in character with aught else around. Thus, then, have we inspected these venerable ruins, so typical of the vanity of everything human; let us now, all unwilling, tear ourselves away, And thence returning, soothly swear, Was never scene so sad and fair! Perhaps the best general idea of the Church and Ruins is obtained from yonder gateway at the east end of the yard, where the eye embraces the whole at one view. During the Siege of Chester, ST. JOHN’S CHURCH was taken and garrisoned by the puritans. From hence we proceed along a narrow pathway to the right, turning round, as we do so, to take a last fond look at the south side of the Ruins, which, from whatever point viewed, are distinguished alike for their sublimity and beauty. Slightly to the westward, on this side of the Church, stood formerly the _Chapel of St. James_, which the brothers Lysons assert was the original parish church. If this be true, it was probably while St. John’s was the Cathedral of the united sees of Lichfield, Coventry, and Chester; in which case _St. James’s_ must have been even of greater antiquity than the present Church of St. John. There is now no trace existing of this venerable Chapel. Yon block of buildings at the extreme west of the churchyard is known as DEE SIDE, and the two mansions comprising it were erected on the site of the Bishop’s Palace and Deanery of the episcopal foundation. From thence a flight of steps leads down to the GROVES, near a spring of great repute, called JACOB’S WELL; over which is engraved the warning of Christ to the woman of Samaria, Whoso drinketh of this water shall thirst again. Moving along to the eastward, we see a curious old house, crowning the edge of the cliff on the left, and known as the _Anchorite’s Cell_. Here it is traditionally affirmed that King Harold, merely wounded, not killed, at the Battle of Hastings, was conveyed by his friends, and lived the life of a hermit for several years. This is an article of faith which you may believe or reject, as the spirit moves you; for ourselves, we are tainted with the leaven of unbelief!