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The Star-Chamber — Volume 2
The Star-Chamber — Volume 2

Chapter XXIV · Chapter 24

Chapter 24 of The Star-Chamber — Volume 2 is here in full — 98 sentences across 20 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for The Star-Chamber — Volume 2
Context Illustration Reading 1/19 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
A dreadful dungeon! the last and profoundest of the range of subterranean cells already described as built below the level of the river Fleet: a relict, in fact, of the ancient prison which had escaped the fury of Wat Tyler and his followers, when the rest of the structure was destroyed by them.
Not inaptly was the dungeon styled the "Stone Coffin."
Those immured within it seldom lived long.
A chill like that of death smote Sir Jocelyn, as he halted before the door of this horrible place.
Preceded by Grimbald the jailer, with a lamp in one hand and a bunch of large keys in the other, and closely followed by the deputy-warden and Sir Giles Mompesson, our young knight had traversed an underground corridor with cells on one side of it, and then, descending a flight of stone steps, had reached a still lower pit, in which the dismal receptacle was situated.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Star-Chamber — Volume 2

Chapter XXIV · Chapter 24

Chapter 24 of The Star-Chamber — Volume 2 is here in full — 98 sentences across 20 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/19 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
A dreadful dungeon! the last and profoundest of the range of subterranean cells already described as built below the level of the river Fleet: a relict, in fact, of the ancient prison which had escaped the fury of Wat Tyler and his followers, when the rest of the structure was destroyed by them.
Line 2
Not inaptly was the dungeon styled the "Stone Coffin."
Line 3
Those immured within it seldom lived long.
Line 4
A chill like that of death smote Sir Jocelyn, as he halted before the door of this horrible place.
Line 5
Preceded by Grimbald the jailer, with a lamp in one hand and a bunch of large keys in the other, and closely followed by the deputy-warden and Sir Giles Mompesson, our young knight had traversed an underground corridor with cells on one side of it, and then, descending a flight of stone steps, had reached a still lower pit, in which the dismal receptacle was situated.

Learner Dictionary

These definitions explain words found in the current reading and keep every example grounded in its original sentence.

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, and audio.

cells noun US /selz/

plural of “cell” — any small compartment

From this reading “A dreadful dungeon! the last and profoundest of the range of subterranean cells already described as built below the level of the river Fleet: a relict, in fact, of the ancient prison which had escaped the fury of Wat Tyler and his followers, when the rest of the structure was destroyed by them.”

dungeon noun US /ˈdʌndʒən/

the main tower within the walls of a medieval castle or fortress

From this reading “A dreadful dungeon! the last and profoundest of the range of subterranean cells already described as built below the level of the river Fleet: a relict, in fact, of the ancient prison which had escaped the fury of Wat Tyler and his followers, when the rest of the structure was destroyed by them.”

jailer noun US /ˈdʒeɪlər/

someone who guards prisoners

From this reading “Preceded by Grimbald the jailer, with a lamp in one hand and a bunch of large keys in the other, and closely followed by the deputy-warden and Sir Giles Mompesson, our young knight had traversed an underground corridor with cells on one side of it, and then, descending a flight of stone steps, had reached a still lower pit, in which the dismal receptacle was situated.”

receptacle noun US /rɪˈsep.tə.kəl/

An object or container used to hold or store something.

From this reading “Preceded by Grimbald the jailer, with a lamp in one hand and a bunch of large keys in the other, and closely followed by the deputy-warden and Sir Giles Mompesson, our young knight had traversed an underground corridor with cells on one side of it, and then, descending a flight of stone steps, had reached a still lower pit, in which the dismal receptacle was situated.”

styled verb US /staɪld/

past form of “style” — designate by an identifying term

From this reading “Not inaptly was the dungeon styled the "Stone Coffin."”

subterranean adjective US /ˌsʌb.təˈreɪ.ni.ən/

Existing, occurring, or done under the earth's surface.

From this reading “A dreadful dungeon! the last and profoundest of the range of subterranean cells already described as built below the level of the river Fleet: a relict, in fact, of the ancient prison which had escaped the fury of Wat Tyler and his followers, when the rest of the structure was destroyed by them.”

Tyler noun US /ˈtaɪlər/

elected vice president and became the 10th President of the United States when Harrison died (1790-1862)

From this reading “A dreadful dungeon! the last and profoundest of the range of subterranean cells already described as built below the level of the river Fleet: a relict, in fact, of the ancient prison which had escaped the fury of Wat Tyler and his followers, when the rest of the structure was destroyed by them.”

underground adjective US /ˈʌndərɡraʊnd/

under the level of the ground

From this reading “Preceded by Grimbald the jailer, with a lamp in one hand and a bunch of large keys in the other, and closely followed by the deputy-warden and Sir Giles Mompesson, our young knight had traversed an underground corridor with cells on one side of it, and then, descending a flight of stone steps, had reached a still lower pit, in which the dismal receptacle was situated.”

All words in this reading · 101

Every word in these five lines is listed here, and every one of them can be played on its own.

Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

AdeterminerUS /ə/

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading A dreadful dungeon! the last and profoundest of the range of subterranean cells already described as built below the level of the river Fleet: a relict, in fact, of the ancient prison which had escaped the fury of Wat Tyler and his followers, when the rest of the structure was destroyed by them.

alreadyadverbUS /ɔːlˈredi/

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading A dreadful dungeon! the last and profoundest of the range of subterranean cells already described as built below the level of the river Fleet: a relict, in fact, of the ancient prison which had escaped the fury of Wat Tyler and his followers, when the rest of the structure was destroyed by them.

andeterminerUS /æn/

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading Preceded by Grimbald the jailer, with a lamp in one hand and a bunch of large keys in the other, and closely followed by the deputy-warden and Sir Giles Mompesson, our young knight had traversed an underground corridor with cells on one side of it, and then, descending a flight of stone steps, had reached a still lower pit, in which the dismal receptacle was situated.

ancientadjectiveUS /ˈeɪn.ʃənt/

Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.

From this reading A dreadful dungeon! the last and profoundest of the range of subterranean cells already described as built below the level of the river Fleet: a relict, in fact, of the ancient prison which had escaped the fury of Wat Tyler and his followers, when the rest of the structure was destroyed by them.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading A dreadful dungeon! the last and profoundest of the range of subterranean cells already described as built below the level of the river Fleet: a relict, in fact, of the ancient prison which had escaped the fury of Wat Tyler and his followers, when the rest of the structure was destroyed by them.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading A dreadful dungeon! the last and profoundest of the range of subterranean cells already described as built below the level of the river Fleet: a relict, in fact, of the ancient prison which had escaped the fury of Wat Tyler and his followers, when the rest of the structure was destroyed by them.

beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading A chill like that of death smote Sir Jocelyn, as he halted before the door of this horrible place.

belowprepositionUS /bɪˈloʊ/

at or to a lower level than something

From this reading A dreadful dungeon! the last and profoundest of the range of subterranean cells already described as built below the level of the river Fleet: a relict, in fact, of the ancient prison which had escaped the fury of Wat Tyler and his followers, when the rest of the structure was destroyed by them.

builtadjectiveUS /bɪlt/

(used of soaps or cleaning agents) having a substance (an abrasive or filler) added to increase effectiveness

From this reading A dreadful dungeon! the last and profoundest of the range of subterranean cells already described as built below the level of the river Fleet: a relict, in fact, of the ancient prison which had escaped the fury of Wat Tyler and his followers, when the rest of the structure was destroyed by them.

bunchnounUS /bʌntʃ/

a grouping of a number of similar things

From this reading Preceded by Grimbald the jailer, with a lamp in one hand and a bunch of large keys in the other, and closely followed by the deputy-warden and Sir Giles Mompesson, our young knight had traversed an underground corridor with cells on one side of it, and then, descending a flight of stone steps, had reached a still lower pit, in which the dismal receptacle was situated.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading A dreadful dungeon! the last and profoundest of the range of subterranean cells already described as built below the level of the river Fleet: a relict, in fact, of the ancient prison which had escaped the fury of Wat Tyler and his followers, when the rest of the structure was destroyed by them.

cellsnounUS /selz/

plural of “cell” — any small compartment

From this reading A dreadful dungeon! the last and profoundest of the range of subterranean cells already described as built below the level of the river Fleet: a relict, in fact, of the ancient prison which had escaped the fury of Wat Tyler and his followers, when the rest of the structure was destroyed by them.

chillnounUS /tʃɪl/

coldness due to a cold environment

From this reading A chill like that of death smote Sir Jocelyn, as he halted before the door of this horrible place.

closelyadverbUS /ˈkloʊsli/

in a close relation or position in time or space

From this reading Preceded by Grimbald the jailer, with a lamp in one hand and a bunch of large keys in the other, and closely followed by the deputy-warden and Sir Giles Mompesson, our young knight had traversed an underground corridor with cells on one side of it, and then, descending a flight of stone steps, had reached a still lower pit, in which the dismal receptacle was situated.

CoffinnounUS /ˈkɔːfɪn/

box in which a corpse is buried or cremated

From this reading Not inaptly was the dungeon styled the "Stone Coffin."

corridornounUS /ˈkɔːrədər/

an enclosed passageway; rooms usually open onto it

From this reading Preceded by Grimbald the jailer, with a lamp in one hand and a bunch of large keys in the other, and closely followed by the deputy-warden and Sir Giles Mompesson, our young knight had traversed an underground corridor with cells on one side of it, and then, descending a flight of stone steps, had reached a still lower pit, in which the dismal receptacle was situated.

deathnounUS /deθ/

the event of dying or departure from life

From this reading A chill like that of death smote Sir Jocelyn, as he halted before the door of this horrible place.

deputy-warden

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Preceded by Grimbald the jailer, with a lamp in one hand and a bunch of large keys in the other, and closely followed by the deputy-warden and Sir Giles Mompesson, our young knight had traversed an underground corridor with cells on one side of it, and then, descending a flight of stone steps, had reached a still lower pit, in which the dismal receptacle was situated.

descendingadjectiveUS /dɪˈsendɪŋ/

coming down or downward

From this reading Preceded by Grimbald the jailer, with a lamp in one hand and a bunch of large keys in the other, and closely followed by the deputy-warden and Sir Giles Mompesson, our young knight had traversed an underground corridor with cells on one side of it, and then, descending a flight of stone steps, had reached a still lower pit, in which the dismal receptacle was situated.

describedadjectiveUS /dɪˈskraɪbd/

represented in words especially with sharpness and detail

From this reading A dreadful dungeon! the last and profoundest of the range of subterranean cells already described as built below the level of the river Fleet: a relict, in fact, of the ancient prison which had escaped the fury of Wat Tyler and his followers, when the rest of the structure was destroyed by them.

destroyedadjectiveUS /dɪˈstrɔɪd/

spoiled or ruined or demolished

From this reading A dreadful dungeon! the last and profoundest of the range of subterranean cells already described as built below the level of the river Fleet: a relict, in fact, of the ancient prison which had escaped the fury of Wat Tyler and his followers, when the rest of the structure was destroyed by them.

dismaladjectiveUS /ˈdɪzməl/

causing dejection

From this reading Preceded by Grimbald the jailer, with a lamp in one hand and a bunch of large keys in the other, and closely followed by the deputy-warden and Sir Giles Mompesson, our young knight had traversed an underground corridor with cells on one side of it, and then, descending a flight of stone steps, had reached a still lower pit, in which the dismal receptacle was situated.

doornounUS /dɔːr/

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading A chill like that of death smote Sir Jocelyn, as he halted before the door of this horrible place.

dreadfuladjectiveUS /ˈdredfəl/

causing fear or dread or terror

From this reading A dreadful dungeon! the last and profoundest of the range of subterranean cells already described as built below the level of the river Fleet: a relict, in fact, of the ancient prison which had escaped the fury of Wat Tyler and his followers, when the rest of the structure was destroyed by them.

dungeonnounUS /ˈdʌndʒən/

the main tower within the walls of a medieval castle or fortress

From this reading A dreadful dungeon! the last and profoundest of the range of subterranean cells already described as built below the level of the river Fleet: a relict, in fact, of the ancient prison which had escaped the fury of Wat Tyler and his followers, when the rest of the structure was destroyed by them.

escapedadjectiveUS /ɪˈskeɪpt/

having escaped, especially from confinement

From this reading A dreadful dungeon! the last and profoundest of the range of subterranean cells already described as built below the level of the river Fleet: a relict, in fact, of the ancient prison which had escaped the fury of Wat Tyler and his followers, when the rest of the structure was destroyed by them.

factnounUS /fækt/

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading A dreadful dungeon! the last and profoundest of the range of subterranean cells already described as built below the level of the river Fleet: a relict, in fact, of the ancient prison which had escaped the fury of Wat Tyler and his followers, when the rest of the structure was destroyed by them.

FleetnounUS /fliːt/

group of aircraft operating together under the same ownership

From this reading A dreadful dungeon! the last and profoundest of the range of subterranean cells already described as built below the level of the river Fleet: a relict, in fact, of the ancient prison which had escaped the fury of Wat Tyler and his followers, when the rest of the structure was destroyed by them.

flightnounUS /flaɪt/

a formation of aircraft in flight

From this reading Preceded by Grimbald the jailer, with a lamp in one hand and a bunch of large keys in the other, and closely followed by the deputy-warden and Sir Giles Mompesson, our young knight had traversed an underground corridor with cells on one side of it, and then, descending a flight of stone steps, had reached a still lower pit, in which the dismal receptacle was situated.

followedverbUS /ˈfɑːloʊd/

past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading Preceded by Grimbald the jailer, with a lamp in one hand and a bunch of large keys in the other, and closely followed by the deputy-warden and Sir Giles Mompesson, our young knight had traversed an underground corridor with cells on one side of it, and then, descending a flight of stone steps, had reached a still lower pit, in which the dismal receptacle was situated.

followersnounUS /ˈfɑːloʊərz/

a group of followers or enthusiasts

From this reading A dreadful dungeon! the last and profoundest of the range of subterranean cells already described as built below the level of the river Fleet: a relict, in fact, of the ancient prison which had escaped the fury of Wat Tyler and his followers, when the rest of the structure was destroyed by them.

furynounUS /ˈfjʊri/

a feeling of intense anger

From this reading A dreadful dungeon! the last and profoundest of the range of subterranean cells already described as built below the level of the river Fleet: a relict, in fact, of the ancient prison which had escaped the fury of Wat Tyler and his followers, when the rest of the structure was destroyed by them.

Giles

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Preceded by Grimbald the jailer, with a lamp in one hand and a bunch of large keys in the other, and closely followed by the deputy-warden and Sir Giles Mompesson, our young knight had traversed an underground corridor with cells on one side of it, and then, descending a flight of stone steps, had reached a still lower pit, in which the dismal receptacle was situated.

Grimbald

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Preceded by Grimbald the jailer, with a lamp in one hand and a bunch of large keys in the other, and closely followed by the deputy-warden and Sir Giles Mompesson, our young knight had traversed an underground corridor with cells on one side of it, and then, descending a flight of stone steps, had reached a still lower pit, in which the dismal receptacle was situated.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading A dreadful dungeon! the last and profoundest of the range of subterranean cells already described as built below the level of the river Fleet: a relict, in fact, of the ancient prison which had escaped the fury of Wat Tyler and his followers, when the rest of the structure was destroyed by them.

haltedverbUS /ˈhɔːltəd/

past form of “halt” — cause to stop

From this reading A chill like that of death smote Sir Jocelyn, as he halted before the door of this horrible place.

handnounUS /hænd/

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading Preceded by Grimbald the jailer, with a lamp in one hand and a bunch of large keys in the other, and closely followed by the deputy-warden and Sir Giles Mompesson, our young knight had traversed an underground corridor with cells on one side of it, and then, descending a flight of stone steps, had reached a still lower pit, in which the dismal receptacle was situated.

hepronounUS /hiː/

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading A chill like that of death smote Sir Jocelyn, as he halted before the door of this horrible place.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading A dreadful dungeon! the last and profoundest of the range of subterranean cells already described as built below the level of the river Fleet: a relict, in fact, of the ancient prison which had escaped the fury of Wat Tyler and his followers, when the rest of the structure was destroyed by them.

horribleadjectiveUS /ˈhɔːrəbəl/

provoking horror

From this reading A chill like that of death smote Sir Jocelyn, as he halted before the door of this horrible place.

immured

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Those immured within it seldom lived long.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading A dreadful dungeon! the last and profoundest of the range of subterranean cells already described as built below the level of the river Fleet: a relict, in fact, of the ancient prison which had escaped the fury of Wat Tyler and his followers, when the rest of the structure was destroyed by them.

inaptly

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Not inaptly was the dungeon styled the "Stone Coffin."

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Those immured within it seldom lived long.

jailernounUS /ˈdʒeɪlər/

someone who guards prisoners

From this reading Preceded by Grimbald the jailer, with a lamp in one hand and a bunch of large keys in the other, and closely followed by the deputy-warden and Sir Giles Mompesson, our young knight had traversed an underground corridor with cells on one side of it, and then, descending a flight of stone steps, had reached a still lower pit, in which the dismal receptacle was situated.

Jocelyn

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A chill like that of death smote Sir Jocelyn, as he halted before the door of this horrible place.

keysnounUS /kiːz/

plural of “key” — metal device shaped in such a way that when it is inserted into the appropriate lock the lock's mechanism can be rotated

From this reading Preceded by Grimbald the jailer, with a lamp in one hand and a bunch of large keys in the other, and closely followed by the deputy-warden and Sir Giles Mompesson, our young knight had traversed an underground corridor with cells on one side of it, and then, descending a flight of stone steps, had reached a still lower pit, in which the dismal receptacle was situated.

knightnounUS /naɪt/

originally a person of noble birth trained to arms and chivalry; today in Great Britain a person honored by the sovereign for personal merit

From this reading Preceded by Grimbald the jailer, with a lamp in one hand and a bunch of large keys in the other, and closely followed by the deputy-warden and Sir Giles Mompesson, our young knight had traversed an underground corridor with cells on one side of it, and then, descending a flight of stone steps, had reached a still lower pit, in which the dismal receptacle was situated.

lampnounUS /læmp/

an artificial source of visible illumination

From this reading Preceded by Grimbald the jailer, with a lamp in one hand and a bunch of large keys in the other, and closely followed by the deputy-warden and Sir Giles Mompesson, our young knight had traversed an underground corridor with cells on one side of it, and then, descending a flight of stone steps, had reached a still lower pit, in which the dismal receptacle was situated.

largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Preceded by Grimbald the jailer, with a lamp in one hand and a bunch of large keys in the other, and closely followed by the deputy-warden and Sir Giles Mompesson, our young knight had traversed an underground corridor with cells on one side of it, and then, descending a flight of stone steps, had reached a still lower pit, in which the dismal receptacle was situated.

lastadjectiveUS /læst/

immediately past

From this reading A dreadful dungeon! the last and profoundest of the range of subterranean cells already described as built below the level of the river Fleet: a relict, in fact, of the ancient prison which had escaped the fury of Wat Tyler and his followers, when the rest of the structure was destroyed by them.

levelnounUS /ˈlevəl/

a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality

From this reading A dreadful dungeon! the last and profoundest of the range of subterranean cells already described as built below the level of the river Fleet: a relict, in fact, of the ancient prison which had escaped the fury of Wat Tyler and his followers, when the rest of the structure was destroyed by them.

likeverbUS /laɪk/

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading A chill like that of death smote Sir Jocelyn, as he halted before the door of this horrible place.

livedverbUS /lɪvd/

past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in

From this reading Those immured within it seldom lived long.

longadjectiveUS /lɔːŋ/

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading Those immured within it seldom lived long.

lowerverbUS /ˈloʊər/

move something or somebody to a lower position

From this reading Preceded by Grimbald the jailer, with a lamp in one hand and a bunch of large keys in the other, and closely followed by the deputy-warden and Sir Giles Mompesson, our young knight had traversed an underground corridor with cells on one side of it, and then, descending a flight of stone steps, had reached a still lower pit, in which the dismal receptacle was situated.

Mompesson

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Preceded by Grimbald the jailer, with a lamp in one hand and a bunch of large keys in the other, and closely followed by the deputy-warden and Sir Giles Mompesson, our young knight had traversed an underground corridor with cells on one side of it, and then, descending a flight of stone steps, had reached a still lower pit, in which the dismal receptacle was situated.

NotadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Not inaptly was the dungeon styled the "Stone Coffin."

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A dreadful dungeon! the last and profoundest of the range of subterranean cells already described as built below the level of the river Fleet: a relict, in fact, of the ancient prison which had escaped the fury of Wat Tyler and his followers, when the rest of the structure was destroyed by them.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Preceded by Grimbald the jailer, with a lamp in one hand and a bunch of large keys in the other, and closely followed by the deputy-warden and Sir Giles Mompesson, our young knight had traversed an underground corridor with cells on one side of it, and then, descending a flight of stone steps, had reached a still lower pit, in which the dismal receptacle was situated.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Preceded by Grimbald the jailer, with a lamp in one hand and a bunch of large keys in the other, and closely followed by the deputy-warden and Sir Giles Mompesson, our young knight had traversed an underground corridor with cells on one side of it, and then, descending a flight of stone steps, had reached a still lower pit, in which the dismal receptacle was situated.

otheradjectiveUS /ˈʌðər/

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Preceded by Grimbald the jailer, with a lamp in one hand and a bunch of large keys in the other, and closely followed by the deputy-warden and Sir Giles Mompesson, our young knight had traversed an underground corridor with cells on one side of it, and then, descending a flight of stone steps, had reached a still lower pit, in which the dismal receptacle was situated.

ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading Preceded by Grimbald the jailer, with a lamp in one hand and a bunch of large keys in the other, and closely followed by the deputy-warden and Sir Giles Mompesson, our young knight had traversed an underground corridor with cells on one side of it, and then, descending a flight of stone steps, had reached a still lower pit, in which the dismal receptacle was situated.

pitnounUS /pɪt/

A large hole in the ground, or an abyss of darkness and peril.

From this reading Preceded by Grimbald the jailer, with a lamp in one hand and a bunch of large keys in the other, and closely followed by the deputy-warden and Sir Giles Mompesson, our young knight had traversed an underground corridor with cells on one side of it, and then, descending a flight of stone steps, had reached a still lower pit, in which the dismal receptacle was situated.

placenounUS /pleɪs/

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading A chill like that of death smote Sir Jocelyn, as he halted before the door of this horrible place.

PrecededverbUS /prɪˈsiːdɪd/

past form of “precede” — be earlier in time; go back further

From this reading Preceded by Grimbald the jailer, with a lamp in one hand and a bunch of large keys in the other, and closely followed by the deputy-warden and Sir Giles Mompesson, our young knight had traversed an underground corridor with cells on one side of it, and then, descending a flight of stone steps, had reached a still lower pit, in which the dismal receptacle was situated.

prisonnounUS /ˈprɪzən/

a correctional institution where persons are confined while on trial or for punishment

From this reading A dreadful dungeon! the last and profoundest of the range of subterranean cells already described as built below the level of the river Fleet: a relict, in fact, of the ancient prison which had escaped the fury of Wat Tyler and his followers, when the rest of the structure was destroyed by them.

profoundest

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A dreadful dungeon! the last and profoundest of the range of subterranean cells already described as built below the level of the river Fleet: a relict, in fact, of the ancient prison which had escaped the fury of Wat Tyler and his followers, when the rest of the structure was destroyed by them.

rangenounUS /reɪndʒ/

an area in which something acts or operates or has power or control: "the range of a supersonic jet"

From this reading A dreadful dungeon! the last and profoundest of the range of subterranean cells already described as built below the level of the river Fleet: a relict, in fact, of the ancient prison which had escaped the fury of Wat Tyler and his followers, when the rest of the structure was destroyed by them.

reachedverbUS /riːtʃt/

past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading Preceded by Grimbald the jailer, with a lamp in one hand and a bunch of large keys in the other, and closely followed by the deputy-warden and Sir Giles Mompesson, our young knight had traversed an underground corridor with cells on one side of it, and then, descending a flight of stone steps, had reached a still lower pit, in which the dismal receptacle was situated.

receptaclenounUS /rɪˈsep.tə.kəl/

An object or container used to hold or store something.

From this reading Preceded by Grimbald the jailer, with a lamp in one hand and a bunch of large keys in the other, and closely followed by the deputy-warden and Sir Giles Mompesson, our young knight had traversed an underground corridor with cells on one side of it, and then, descending a flight of stone steps, had reached a still lower pit, in which the dismal receptacle was situated.

relictnoun

an organism or species surviving as a remnant of an otherwise extinct flora or fauna in an environment much changed from that in which it originated

From this reading A dreadful dungeon! the last and profoundest of the range of subterranean cells already described as built below the level of the river Fleet: a relict, in fact, of the ancient prison which had escaped the fury of Wat Tyler and his followers, when the rest of the structure was destroyed by them.

restverbUS /rest/

not move; be in a resting position

From this reading A dreadful dungeon! the last and profoundest of the range of subterranean cells already described as built below the level of the river Fleet: a relict, in fact, of the ancient prison which had escaped the fury of Wat Tyler and his followers, when the rest of the structure was destroyed by them.

rivernounUS /ˈrɪvər/

a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading A dreadful dungeon! the last and profoundest of the range of subterranean cells already described as built below the level of the river Fleet: a relict, in fact, of the ancient prison which had escaped the fury of Wat Tyler and his followers, when the rest of the structure was destroyed by them.

seldomadverbUS /ˈseldəm/

not often

From this reading Those immured within it seldom lived long.

sidenounUS /saɪd/

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading Preceded by Grimbald the jailer, with a lamp in one hand and a bunch of large keys in the other, and closely followed by the deputy-warden and Sir Giles Mompesson, our young knight had traversed an underground corridor with cells on one side of it, and then, descending a flight of stone steps, had reached a still lower pit, in which the dismal receptacle was situated.

SirnounUS /sɜːr/

term of address for a man

From this reading A chill like that of death smote Sir Jocelyn, as he halted before the door of this horrible place.

situatedadjectiveUS /ˈsɪtʃuːeɪtɪd/

situated in a particular spot or position

From this reading Preceded by Grimbald the jailer, with a lamp in one hand and a bunch of large keys in the other, and closely followed by the deputy-warden and Sir Giles Mompesson, our young knight had traversed an underground corridor with cells on one side of it, and then, descending a flight of stone steps, had reached a still lower pit, in which the dismal receptacle was situated.

smote

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A chill like that of death smote Sir Jocelyn, as he halted before the door of this horrible place.

stepsnounUS /steps/

a flight of stairs or a flight of steps

From this reading Preceded by Grimbald the jailer, with a lamp in one hand and a bunch of large keys in the other, and closely followed by the deputy-warden and Sir Giles Mompesson, our young knight had traversed an underground corridor with cells on one side of it, and then, descending a flight of stone steps, had reached a still lower pit, in which the dismal receptacle was situated.

stilladjectiveUS /stɪl/

not in physical motion

From this reading Preceded by Grimbald the jailer, with a lamp in one hand and a bunch of large keys in the other, and closely followed by the deputy-warden and Sir Giles Mompesson, our young knight had traversed an underground corridor with cells on one side of it, and then, descending a flight of stone steps, had reached a still lower pit, in which the dismal receptacle was situated.

StonenounUS /stoʊn/

a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter

From this reading Not inaptly was the dungeon styled the "Stone Coffin."

structurenounUS /ˈstrʌktʃər/

a thing constructed; a complex entity constructed of many parts

From this reading A dreadful dungeon! the last and profoundest of the range of subterranean cells already described as built below the level of the river Fleet: a relict, in fact, of the ancient prison which had escaped the fury of Wat Tyler and his followers, when the rest of the structure was destroyed by them.

styledverbUS /staɪld/

past form of “style” — designate by an identifying term

From this reading Not inaptly was the dungeon styled the "Stone Coffin."

subterraneanadjectiveUS /ˌsʌb.təˈreɪ.ni.ən/

Existing, occurring, or done under the earth's surface.

From this reading A dreadful dungeon! the last and profoundest of the range of subterranean cells already described as built below the level of the river Fleet: a relict, in fact, of the ancient prison which had escaped the fury of Wat Tyler and his followers, when the rest of the structure was destroyed by them.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading A chill like that of death smote Sir Jocelyn, as he halted before the door of this horrible place.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading A dreadful dungeon! the last and profoundest of the range of subterranean cells already described as built below the level of the river Fleet: a relict, in fact, of the ancient prison which had escaped the fury of Wat Tyler and his followers, when the rest of the structure was destroyed by them.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading A dreadful dungeon! the last and profoundest of the range of subterranean cells already described as built below the level of the river Fleet: a relict, in fact, of the ancient prison which had escaped the fury of Wat Tyler and his followers, when the rest of the structure was destroyed by them.

thenadverbUS /ðen/

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Preceded by Grimbald the jailer, with a lamp in one hand and a bunch of large keys in the other, and closely followed by the deputy-warden and Sir Giles Mompesson, our young knight had traversed an underground corridor with cells on one side of it, and then, descending a flight of stone steps, had reached a still lower pit, in which the dismal receptacle was situated.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading A chill like that of death smote Sir Jocelyn, as he halted before the door of this horrible place.

ThosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading Those immured within it seldom lived long.

traversedverbUS /ˈtrævərst/

past form of “traverse” — travel across or pass over

From this reading Preceded by Grimbald the jailer, with a lamp in one hand and a bunch of large keys in the other, and closely followed by the deputy-warden and Sir Giles Mompesson, our young knight had traversed an underground corridor with cells on one side of it, and then, descending a flight of stone steps, had reached a still lower pit, in which the dismal receptacle was situated.

TylernounUS /ˈtaɪlər/

elected vice president and became the 10th President of the United States when Harrison died (1790-1862)

From this reading A dreadful dungeon! the last and profoundest of the range of subterranean cells already described as built below the level of the river Fleet: a relict, in fact, of the ancient prison which had escaped the fury of Wat Tyler and his followers, when the rest of the structure was destroyed by them.

undergroundadjectiveUS /ˈʌndərɡraʊnd/

under the level of the ground

From this reading Preceded by Grimbald the jailer, with a lamp in one hand and a bunch of large keys in the other, and closely followed by the deputy-warden and Sir Giles Mompesson, our young knight had traversed an underground corridor with cells on one side of it, and then, descending a flight of stone steps, had reached a still lower pit, in which the dismal receptacle was situated.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading A dreadful dungeon! the last and profoundest of the range of subterranean cells already described as built below the level of the river Fleet: a relict, in fact, of the ancient prison which had escaped the fury of Wat Tyler and his followers, when the rest of the structure was destroyed by them.

Wat

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A dreadful dungeon! the last and profoundest of the range of subterranean cells already described as built below the level of the river Fleet: a relict, in fact, of the ancient prison which had escaped the fury of Wat Tyler and his followers, when the rest of the structure was destroyed by them.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading A dreadful dungeon! the last and profoundest of the range of subterranean cells already described as built below the level of the river Fleet: a relict, in fact, of the ancient prison which had escaped the fury of Wat Tyler and his followers, when the rest of the structure was destroyed by them.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading A dreadful dungeon! the last and profoundest of the range of subterranean cells already described as built below the level of the river Fleet: a relict, in fact, of the ancient prison which had escaped the fury of Wat Tyler and his followers, when the rest of the structure was destroyed by them.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading Preceded by Grimbald the jailer, with a lamp in one hand and a bunch of large keys in the other, and closely followed by the deputy-warden and Sir Giles Mompesson, our young knight had traversed an underground corridor with cells on one side of it, and then, descending a flight of stone steps, had reached a still lower pit, in which the dismal receptacle was situated.

withinprepositionUS /wɪˈðɪn/

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading Those immured within it seldom lived long.

youngadjectiveUS /jʌŋ/

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading Preceded by Grimbald the jailer, with a lamp in one hand and a bunch of large keys in the other, and closely followed by the deputy-warden and Sir Giles Mompesson, our young knight had traversed an underground corridor with cells on one side of it, and then, descending a flight of stone steps, had reached a still lower pit, in which the dismal receptacle was situated.

Chapter 24 of The Star-Chamber — Volume 2 by William Harrison Ainsworth holds 98 sentences, grouped into 20 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the source edition, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 24 of The Star-Chamber — Volume 2 contain?

Chapter 24 holds 98 sentences of The Star-Chamber — Volume 2, unabridged, divided into 20 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 24 of The Star-Chamber — Volume 2 by William Harrison Ainsworth exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 98 sentences, grouped into 20 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 24 of The Star-Chamber — Volume 2?

Work through the 20 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 20 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 24 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 24 can be played aloud in United States English.

Audio covers the whole chapter: any sentence can be played, and any single word within it can be played on its own. The voice uses United States English. For a work of this period that matters, because spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation for vocabulary that has fallen out of daily use, and a learner who guesses wrong tends to keep the error. Hearing the word in its own sentence, and then alone, settles it.

Questions about reading The Star-Chamber — Volume 2

Common questions about reading The Star-Chamber — Volume 2 by William Harrison Ainsworth on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Star-Chamber — Volume 2?

Yes. All 3021 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #12397 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Star-Chamber — Volume 2 is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #12397, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Star-Chamber — Volume 2 take to read?

About 251 minutes of reading across 605 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Star-Chamber — Volume 2 section by section

How to work through The Star-Chamber — Volume 2 section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

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  2. Read one section

    Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.

  3. Listen and tap

    Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.

Vocabulary met early in The Star-Chamber — Volume 2

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Star-Chamber — Volume 2, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Execution
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Star-Chamber — Volume 2; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Lake's
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Star-Chamber — Volume 2; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Criminal
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Star-Chamber — Volume 2; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Vindictive
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Star-Chamber — Volume 2; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.