Home1815 Edition

ASTURIAS

Volume 3 · 167 words · 1815 Edition

anciently the kingdom of Asturia, is now a principality of modern Spain, bounded by Biscay on the east, Galicia on the west, Old Castile and Leon on the south, and the sea on the north. Its greatest length is about 110 miles, and its breadth 54. On the south it is separated from Old Castile and Leon by high mountains covered with woods. The province is tolerably fertile, but thinly inhabited. The inhabitants value themselves much on being descended from the ancient Goths. Even the poor peasants, who are fain to go to seek work in other provinces, call themselves illigitimous Goths and Mountaineers, thinking it ignominious to marry even with great and rich families of another race. This pride is flattered by the respect paid them by the rest of the nation, and the privileges bestowed upon them by the government. The hereditary prince of Spain is styled prince of the Asturias. The most remarkable places in this principality are Oviedo, Gyon, Santillana, and St Andero.