Friday August 16th, 1872

On Friday Aug 16 went onboard steamer for a sail to Villeneuve walked from here to Castle Chillon, it is built in the Lake 65 feet from the shore connected by a bridge. Byron has written about the Castle, saw the ring in one of the eight pillars in the Dungeons where Bonnivard was chained a prisoner for many years by the Duke of Savoy his uncle, and many illustrious captives have been chained in this castle, and murdered. Byron’s name is on the pillar, saw the well in a dark dungeon where some of the condemned had to walk in the dark three steps then fell into the well 50 feet deep. 

Also we saw the beam and a portion of the wheel blackened with age that many an early reformer suffered torture and death; the reception room of the Duke of Savoy is noble and old, also the bedroom, since 1798 has been used as a Military Arsenal, there were many cannons and cannon balls in the different rooms. A remarkable pretty girl about 18 showed us over the castle, her dress hair and figure was all good and so neat.

Over the entrance was inscribed in 1643 by Bernese, “Gott der Herr segne den Ein und Ausgang (May God bless all who come in or go out). Between Chillon and Villeneuve on the slope of the hill is Byron’s Hotel, where he staid, the Island opposite in the Lake 30 paces long and 20 wide, a wall was built round it by a Lady a century ago to protect it, there are three elm trees growing on it now; Byron’s words may be used now:

And there was a little Isle

Which in my very face did smile

The only one in view.

Took Steamer at Montreux and back to Vevay the scenery from the lake is extraordinary; the vineyards loaded with fruit, and the lofty mountains inhabited only by a few in the summer months, their houses which are built mostly of wood look very pretty. Returned to our Hotel had tea &c. a quiet walk in the garden, a little chat with some Cognac and a smoke for me, some of our friends preferring water and reading; everyone to their liking. Mrs T keeping in spirits and health very good so much so that many thought she was my daughter, I have no doubt if we go again and are favoured with such nice weather she may be taken for a grand-daughter, for when she is dressed it is rather a stylish affair.