Warwick is a small but historic town, charmingly situated on the River Avon, and dominated by its castle, one of the very few baronial castles still remaining entire. The town was destroyed by the Danes, but it was rebuilt by King Alfred's Ethelfleda, who also built a fortress on an artificial mound, overlooking the river. By the orders of William I. the castle was enlarged, and afterwards given by the Conqueror to Henry de Newburgh, whom he made the first Earl of Warwick of the Norman line. The castle was of such strength that when, in the reign of Henry III., it became the property of Margery, sister of Thomas de Newburgh, she was informed that she would not be allowed to marry any one in whom the king had not great confidence. The castle afterwards passed into the hands of the Beauchamps, in whose family it remained until 1445, when the heiress, Anne, married Richard Neville, the "King-maker," who took the title of Earl of Warwick. The title without the estates was given by James I. to Robert, Lord Rich. The castle was given to Sir Fulke Greville, afterwards Lord Brooke. In 1759, when Edward Rich died without issue, Francis Greville was made Earl of Warwick, with whose descendants the estates have since remained. The entrance to the castle is along a winding road cut for more than 100 yards out of the solid rock. The castle as it now stands is a splendid specimen of the fourteenth-century stronghold built in the transition period, when the mere fortress was being superseded by a building of more grace and comfort. St. Mary's Church in Warwick was rebuilt in the reign of Queen Anne, the former church, built by Thomas Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick, having been destroyed by fire in 1694. Guy's Cliff, situated 1-1/4 miles from Warwick, is a most picturesque spot, and is celebrated, according to tradition, as the retreat of Guy of Warwick. A charge of threepence each person (no fee less than sixpence) is made, for admission to St. Mary's Church. [Illustration: _Photochrom Co., Ltd._ WARWICK CASTLE ON THE AVON. One of the very few baronial castles still remaining entire.] GLOUCESTER AND ITS CATHEDRAL =How to get there.=--Train from Paddington. Great Western Rly. =Nearest Station.=--Gloucester. =Distance from London.=--114 miles. =Average Time.=--Varies between 2-3/4 to 3-1/2 hours. 1st 2nd 3rd =Fares.=--Single 19s. 0d. 12s. 0d. 9s. 6d. Return 33s. 3d. 21s. 0d. ... =Accommodation Obtainable.=--"Bell Hotel," "New Inn Hotel," "The Wellington Hotel," and others. =Alternative Route.=--None.