It was a small district, and had but few inhabitants.

The church was pleasantly situated on a rising bank, at the foot of a considerable hill.

It was surrounded by trees, and had a rural, retired appearance.

Close to the churchyard stood a large old mansion, which had formerly been the residence of an opulent and titled family; but it had long since been appropriated to the use of the estate as a farm-house.
Its outward aspect bore considerable remains of ancient grandeur, and gave a pleasing character to the spot of ground on which the church stood.
In every direction the roads that led to this house of God possessed distinct but interesting features.

One of them ascended between several rural cottages, from the sea-shore, which adjoined the lower part of the village street.