There is another small palace near by Montplaisir which was built after the English style for the wife of the Emperor nicholas, being called Znamenska, and it is occupied at times by the present Empress.
"Due North or Glimpses of Scandinavia and Russia"
Maturin M. Ballou
After the great bell fell from the supporting-tower,-which was destroyed by fire, and which is supposed to have stood very nearly over the spot where the bell now rests,-it lay buried in the earth for over a hundred years, until it was dug up and placed on its present foundation by order of the late Emperor nicholas I. As we stood there beside the monster bell, a shudder passed over us sufficiently visible to attract the observation of the guide.
"Due North or Glimpses of Scandinavia and Russia"
Maturin M. Ballou
This was completed by his brother nicholas, who also printed three later editions of it.
"Fine Books"
Alfred W. Pollard