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Broke Hall, Suffolk;

THE SEAT OF

SIR PHILIP BOWES VERE BROKE, BART., K.C.B.

THIS seat, of one of the most distinguished naval champions of Britain, is situated in the parish of Nacton, in Coleness hundred, about six miles southeast from the town of Ipswich. It is a handsome compact edifice, consisting of a centre and two wings, the whole embattled. It has a porch, designed upon the ancient style: the Grounds are pleasingly diversified, adjoining Orwell Park upon the south, and commanding a view of the river Orwell. It is approached by a pleasant avenue of a double row of beech, elm, and lime trees, about a quarter of a mile in length.

Nacton was the manor and estate of the Fastolf family, from the year 1380, upwards of a century. It was purchased in the reign of Henry VIII., by Sir Richard Broke, Knight, Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer, who built a mansion upon it, where the family continued to reside, as Fuller, in his Worthies of England, expresses it, in "right worshippful equipage ;" but which has been rebuilt in more modern times. The portrait of the Lord Chief Baron is still preserved at Broke Hall: he was the fourth son of Thomas Broke, Esq., of Leighton, in Cheshire, and uncle to Richard Broke, Knight of Malta, and Vice Admiral of England, considered to be the founder of the Brookes of Norton, in Cheshire, Baronets. Robert Broke, Esq., of Nacton, the direct descendant from the Lord Chief Baron mentioned above, married a daughter of Sir Lionel Tollemach, of an ancient Suffolk family, and was created a Baronet by King Charles II., 21st May, 1661; but dying without male issue, the title thereby became extinct, and the estate at Nacton devolved on his nephew, Robert Broke, Esq., the father of Philip Broke, Esq., Member of Parliament for Ipswich; whose son, Philip Bowes Broke, Esq., of Nacton, a gentleman highly respected throughout the county, was father of the present proprietor, and also of Colonel Broke, who greatly distinguished himself in the Peninsular war.

The present Baronet is a Captain in the Royal Navy, and, while commanding the Shannon frigate, was engaged in a most spirited action with the United States frigate, Chesapeake, within sight of Boston, on the first of June, 1813. After a short but most severe cannonade, Captain Broke observed the enemy wavering at their guns, and instantly ordered the Chesapeake to be boarded, himself leading on. The heroism of British seamen prevailed, and in fifteen minutes the Chesapeake was carried. For his conduct in this battle, his Majesty was graciously pleased to create him a Baronet, September 25, 1813; and, on May 19, 1814, he was presented with a Sword and the Freedom of the City of London, voted to him by the Corporation. On January 15, 1815, he was created a Knight Commander of the Most Honourable Military Order of the Bath.

In the parish of Nacton, near the road from Ipswich to Trimley, is a place called "The Seven Hills," from a number of elevations, which have the appearance of Barrows, though there are more than the name implies. Hence it has been plausibly conjectured, that it was near this spot, and not at Rushmere, that Earl Ulfketel engaged the Danes in 1010.

THE RESIDENCE OF

LORD RENDLESHAM.

THIS estate, in early time, was possessed by a family of the same name. Richard de Rendlesham had lands here, in the 36th year of Edward the Third. In the reign of Edward the Sixth, it became the property of the Spencers, in which family it continued till it was vested in James, the fifth Duke of Hamilton, by his marriage with Elizabeth, daughter and heiress of Edward Spencer: the Duchess resided here after the death of her husband; and, at her decease, it descended to her eldest son, Lord Archibald, the present Duke of Hamilton, who sold the mansion, together with the estate, to Sir George Wombwell; from whom it was purchased, for £51,400, by Peter Isaac Thelusson, Esq., afterwards created Lord Rendlesham, who very greatly improved the House and Grounds, evincing much taste in the plan.

It became, under his direction, a most princely residence; where was dispensed the most splendid hospitalities to the surrounding nobility. It was also occasionally honoured by the visits of the Royal Family.

The House is an imitation of our ancient architecture, and encloses a Court; on each side of the entrance is a beautiful conservatory. The tower to the right is over the stables, and upon this a flag is hoisted when any branches of the Royal Family visit the house.

The Apartments are very elegantly furnished; and the suite on the ground. floor are particularly grand: the corners supported by some pilasters.

The Manor of Rendlesham is amply stored with game; affording great sport to the numerous visitors who frequent it during the autumn. It is situated about six miles from the market-town of Woodbridge.

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