Wallis's Library shed and rooms for morning recreation ([1818?])

Butcher Rev. Edmund. The beauties of Sidmouth displayed. Sidmouth: John Wallis, 1820. Third Edition. pp. 36-7.
WALLIS's, THE ROYAL MARINE LIBRARY.This is a very neat pile of building with battlements, and at the western extremity next the Fort Field is a round tower with a flag-staff, upon which the Union is hoisted to celebrate the anniversary of each principal victory during the late war, as well as upon royal birth-days, and other particular occasions. When Sidmouth had no establishment of this description, the present proprietor embarked his property under the most favorable [sic] patronage; among whom he had the honor [sic] to boast, Lord Gwydir, Lady Willoughby, Lord and Lady Le Despenser, Emanuel Baruh Lousada, Esq. and the principal nobility of the town and neighbourhood. The Library was first opened to the Public, June 20th, 1809, and this romantic watering-place at length boasted what it had long desired, a lounging place in a conspicuous and pleasant situation, where articles of fancy, as well as information and utility, may be met with; where the news of the day may be collected and discussed, and and [sic] opportunity given to saunterers to chat and gossip together. No situation can be more favourable for all these purposes than the Royal Marine Library, it has a veranda 42 feet in length, under one half of which is a retreat from the sun 15 feet deep, surrounded with seats. From hence the spectator commands a near and utterly unimpeded view of the sea, comprehending the immense bay within Portland and the Berry-head. Large parties are often chatting on its benches: the gay and healthy are amused, and the invalid finds a spot from which he can inhale those salubrious breezes which so frequently suspend the ravages of disease, pour fresh oil into the lamp of life, and send him back, with renovated energies, to both the cares and the joys of mortality.The Library opens directly upon that charming promenade the Beach , where all the beauty and fashion of the place are often collected. It is well supplied every day with the London and provincial newspapers. Several of the most popular periodical publications are to be found upon its tables. A variety of elegant toys and trinkets, and some articles of greater utility, occupy its shelves. Books of education, dissected maps, and a circulating library, to which new works are regularly added, complete an establishment which, with a continuance of the liberal encouragement so long experienced, will be, every season, increasing in variety and value. In the summer season a room behind the Library, is appropriated to the readers of the newspapers, and in winter a good fire is always kept.[Text may be taken from a different source or edition than that listed as the source by Somers Cocks.]

Aquatint

61x96mm