[13] No. LXVII. Phil. Mag. S. 3, vol. xvi. May, 1840.—2 A.[14] At what time the church fell into decay is not known. It was in ruins, and disused about seventy-five years ago. It was then in contemplation to pull it down, and build a new one. Estimates were afterwards sent in for repairing the old church, covering the west porch, and erecting a new spire (there had been one before.) The cost was too much, and some of the proposed work was not done. Four out of the five bells were sold to help to pay the expense. The old lead from the roof was sold for upwards of three hundred pounds.[26a] There is a foot-path over the fields, which considerably shortens the distance.[26b] The keys of the church may be obtained on application to the clerk, who lives in the village. The way to the village is to the left hand of the gate leading to the park.[28] It must be remembered, that for this and similar privileges, the visitor is indebted to the kindness of the respective owners of the estates through which some of the drives lie, that we have pointed out.[29a] An excellent guide may be found in Mr. Thomas Brown, whose thorough acquaintance with every part of the country, combined with an unusual share of intelligence, good taste, and civility, render him an acquisition to the place, and a desirable attendant on such excursions.[29b] Aylmerton, which is distant three miles from Cromer, stands on a declivity. W. H. Windham, Esq. owns the greater part of the soil, and is lord of the manor and patron of the church, which is dedicated to St. John the Baptist. The rectory is united with Runton.[31] This manor, with many others in the neighbourhood, passed from the Earls Warren to John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, and from him to his son Henry IV. and hence become royal property.[36] The branch of this tree is forty-two feet, the circumference eighteen feet seven inches. It is known to be upwards of two hundred years old.[44] They were originally planned by the late Mr. Flower.[46] The park and pleasure-grounds are computed to comprehend one thousand acres.[55] The ancient family of Walpole derives its name from Walpole, St. Peter in Marshland, where its progenitors were settled before the Norman Conquest. The title of Earl of Orford, which was first borne by the celebrated Sir Robert Walpole, became extinct in 1797, on the death of Horatio, the third earl of his family, but was revived in 1806, in the person of his cousin, Horatio, second Baron Walpole, of Wolterton, whose father (the first baron,) purchased this estate about 1725.[69] The Errata has been applied in this eBook.—DP.