Sunday, 8 September 1782

Sunday Septr 8th

I would not have it suppos'd that I am ever finding fault, or know not how to commend. The Inn of last night (The Crown) I may praise for its good Larder, good Stabling, and good Beds; and if I did not sleep in mine, it was only owing to my eating Supper, which allways disagrees with me, but is not to be avoided at an Inn after a long Ride.

This Morning, after some difficulty of rousing the Waiter and Chambermaid, (who, no doubt thank me for my kindness) I left Basingstoke at six o' clock.

At the end of Basingstoke are the Remains of The Old Chapel of The Holy Ghost, now in Ruins, which is reported to have been beautifully carved within, and without, and Tradition says that the Lead of the Roof was melted into Bullets to serve at the Seige of Basing-House. From this Ascent, there is a good view over the Town, and to the Duke of Boltons Park at Hackwood. In a Miles riding I overtook a conversable Farmer and We jogg'd on together being both bound for Reading; but soon, Oh Grief of Griefs! my Horse went miserably Lame, as if he had wrench'd his Foot; The Farmer said it would walk off, but the poor Beast being unable to move, I dismounted to examine his Foot, into the Frog of which a great Horse-Nail had enterd so deeply, that with difficulty we cou'd extract it. As soon as possible we stopp'd at a Blacksmiths, who burnt in some Turpentine, which, secur'd by Tow, enabled my Horse to go on tolerably.

The Road so changes from Hills, Stones, and Openess to Level, Wood, and Gravel, as to persuade me I never had a pleasanter Ride; for the Country is rich in Trees, Cottages, and neat Farm Houses. On entering Reading, ...