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THE

WILTSHIRE Archeolagical ont Botural AWrstory MAGAZINE,

Publishes under the Direction of the Saciety

FORMED IN THAT COUNTY A.D. 1853.

VOL. X.

DEVIZES: Henry But, 4, Sarnt JoHN STREET. ~ LONDON: Bett & Datpy, 186, Fuerr Srrezt; J. R. SmrrH, 36, Sono SevaRE.

1867.

DEVIZES : PRINTED BY HENRY BULL, ST. JOHN STREET.

.

a

CONTENTS OF VOL. X.

No. XXVIII. Account of the Twelfth General Meeting, at Salisbury, 13th, 14th,

and 15th September, 1865,—and Report.,.......++.seeeeeeeeees 1 A list of Articles Exhibited at the Temporary Museum, at cae r. 32 On Architectural Colouring : By T. Gamesrer Parry, Esa. . .-» 40-51 On the method of moving Colossal Stones as practised by some ‘of the

more advanced nations of antiquity: By the Rev. A. C. SmirH.. 52-60

On Ambresbury Monastery: By the Rey. J. E. Jackson, F.S.A. .... 61-84 Notes on Barrow-diggings in the parish of Collingbourne Ducis: By

BLES WY «Cae IURIBG cos oe, Cea be PT ena gce pence aenn ae ee 85-103 On the examination of the Roman Station at Baydon: By Wm.

MRMOENGTON MOSQ>- HL GiSe si cc scene dovev. as ciesc edeecs waste 104-109 On a piece of perforated Slate found at Aldington, Worcestershire: By

the Rev. Canon INGRAM, F.G.S. 0.0... .. cc reece ce ese e ee eeeees 109-113 SRPEERECOTIG Tere etnn fats ore aera eyes sacs Steere makeriae te tre e\o\ shel ova" e. 61 epeeeEre 114 DIOR CUMPEOL. Roc tins ota ccO rect ees cseuc kre susana i mcance 114

No. XXIX.

On certain peculiarities in the life-history of the Cuckoo: By the Rev.

Joe OL SITIES spe MEER ere <A ga BB Rig iSean cee inte eeenbee 115-130 Examination of a Long Chambered Barrow, at West Kennet, Wiltshire: oly do alla Ai Hinsels@lbdo ce BRAINS Seas oigese Oech eca ai ne aia 130-135 The Forest Trees of Wiltshire: By W. B., R, Dy ......-.eeee eee 135-164 Gleanings from the Wiltshire Domesday: ‘By th aren W: H. JONES, .

SRT ss ste ee COM Cari ee ne af ne < G20» Mie ns 58 0 ae Carn Wiel 165-173 The Duke of Wellington and Hart Nelson: By the Rev. Bryan Kine 174-176 Fra of the Parochial History of Avebury: By Ditto ........ 176-177 Cn Hen as Guides to Routes over Salisbury Figin Sestaclectsietctacs 178 Roman Coins found at Easterton ...........0seeeeeceeeee see eees 178-180 The Flora of Wiltshire (No. X.): By T. B. ores: Esq., M.R.C.S.,

BM 0,; Gd. ca eit eens eo in TNS wc so eee emeees 180-209

cayations at Avebury: By the Rey. A. C. SMITH................ 209-216

MPRPAIOTI ayes c.a'o cocci a ele ¢ EIMMTRIRTOD Pa ee eters cle eee he eka seleeae ee 216-218

iv. CONTENTS OF VOL. X.

No. XXX.

Account of the Thirteenth Annual Meeting, at Devizes, 19th December,

ASGG—aned MLePONl c.feljers's ee levapeteeret micleebeet sire a oie ele o's a tele ve Meetanens 219-221 On the Recent Discovery of Flint Implements in the Drift of the

Valley of the Avon: By H. P. BuackmorE, M.D. .............. 221-233 Instructions for the Formation of a Wiltshire Herbarium: By T. B.

HnowkR, + Hs@,, MOIR.CS., E.LS., &e., 6, 0. -ce 0. ceclwewenine 233-236 On Bishopstone Church: By the Rey. Precentor LEAR............ 236-239

Terumber’s Chantry at Trowbridge; with a copy of the original Deed of Endowment: By the Rey. W. H. Jonzs, M.A., F.S.A. ........ 240-252 Ancient Chapels, &c., in Co, Wilts: By the Rev. J. E. Jackson, F.S.A, 253-322

Some Old Coppers: By the Rev. Epwarp Pxacock, M.A. .......... 323-327

Bortrait.or. Ri PlekGOwee tens 5s sea tefemtnas oS bh cotelelet tone aes ; 327

Wonations sa- sis ceiste cis she > SSD OC OR OOD SCERO COR ae Ore tions: ic winla wie 328

Era. . coe Sere cad citer ete wO item ak Rel obi ee aateoantes wos 328 Lllustrations.

Map of Barrows at Collingbourne Ducis, 85. Plan of Barrow No. 4, 88. Cup found at Collingbourne, 91. Plan of Barrow No. 6, 92. Three Urns and Horn found at Collingbourne (plate iii.), 93. Plan of Barrow No. 5, 95. Section of ditto, 97. Sections of Barrows in circular enclosures (plate ii), 99. Ditto of Barrow at Windmill Hill, 103. Plan of Roman Station at Baydon, 105. Two Ampulle found at Baydon, 106. Iron Comb and Knife found at ditto (plate v.), 107. Slate Plate found at Aldrington (plate vi.), 109. Slate Plates from Skye and Wiltshire (plate vii.), 111.

Fig. 1, Plan of the Chambered Long Barrow at West Kennet, 130. Fig. 2, The Long Barrow at West Kennet, 130. Fig. 3, Peristalith, 131. Fig. 4, View in the Chamber looking through the entrance, 133. Fig. 5, Plan of Chamber and Gallery, 133. Fig. 6, Gallery looking towards the Chamber, 132. Figs. 7 and 8, Flint Implements from the Chambered Barrow, West Kennet, 133. Figs. 9, 10, 11, 12, Fragments of Pottery from the Long Barrow, West Kennet, 184. Norman Arches between the Nave and Aisle of Avebury Church, Wilts, as they existed previously to 1811, 176. Wooden Font, Norway, 177.

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=. WILTSHIRE Archealogeal ond Aotweal Wistory

‘ i

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MAGAZINE.

No. XXVIII. JULY, 1866. Vou. X. Contents, PAGE Account or THE ELEVENTH GENERAL MEETING, AT SALISBURY, 13th, 14th and 15th SepremBrR, 1865,—and ReEporRT.......... 1

“A List or Artictes EXHIBITED AT THE TEMPORARY MUSEUM, AT

- DEVIZES: Henzy Bort, Saint JoHN STREET, LONDON:

ARMIES MUR Vat is ees acs ns P aio l ay sels eh ate, SOIC ol ckalaichaneretel ays oh olaltisbelan” a> s/s 50's 32 On ArcHITEcTURAL CoLtouRIne: By T. Gambier Parry, Hsq....... 40- 51 On tHE MetHop or Movine CoztossaL STONES AS PRACTISED BY

SOME OF THE MORE ADVANCED NATIONS OF ANTIQUITY: By the

MEE ere Cen TIIT DITA SE ores a(cra/ciisiny d,s) asco vigie e elae aurgerein. ne tartare 52- 60 On AMBRESBURY MONASTERY: ‘By the Rey. J. E, Jackson, F.S.A. 61- 84 Nores on BARROW-DIGGINGS IN THE PaRIsH OF COLLINGBOURNE

Ducts: By the Rev. W. C. Lukis’ .........cccees ceeeee cece 85-103 ON THE EXAMINATION oF THE Roman Station at Baypon: By

iys@unnington, Hsq., F.G.8. oo. cge ce cece cee ee ecw ec ateccee 104-109

_ ON A PIECE OF PERFORATED SLATE FOUND AT ALDINGTON, WORCES-

TERSHIRE: By the Rev. Canon Ingram, F.G.8...............+5- 109-113 Donations To THE MusrumM AnD LIBRARY............... Bice ett. 114 PP ERONNOLENTOD: eats slip ais. s See los Heit eaie ave cle serpie bet ewaldy. 6s 114

ILLUSTRATIONS.

Map of Barrows at Collingbourne Ducis................ 85 Plan of Barrow No. 4. ......-....eee0-5- Sjajwejeie’eis) sis) <\< 88 Cup found at Collingbourne ........ ' CGE - Gar gae Beas 91 Plait of arrow NO. Git. oe) sie wcuctealeiasie) silts ease Sie ded ave 92 Three Urns and Horn found at Collingbourne (plate iii.).. 93 Meter OLS RETO NOME oie 2.0 ow cleltda, acd) Sip eisiares.eiS! cle ae avis nes 95 Section of Barrow No. 5 ........ceeeee GMa. eons dees 97 Sections of Barrows in circular enclosures ( ate 1 AS, 99 Section of Barrow at Windmill Hill ......... mites eee 103 Plan of Roman Station at Baydon ......... ie ass Faecwanal! helen mpulle found at Baydon....................000. 106

Tron Comb and Knife found at Baydon (plate y.) Hawa ste 107 “i ate Plate found at Aldrington (plate vi.).............. 109 Slate Plates from Skye and Wiltshire (plate Vili )ec ss cane » 111

Bett & Datpy, 186, Fienr Srezet; J. R. Surrn, 36, Sono Squarn,

«“}

THE

WILTSHIRE MAGAZINE

‘S MULTORUM MANIBUS GRANDE LEVATUR ONUS.”—Ovid.

THE ELEVENTH GENERAL MEETING OF THE Wiltshire Archeological and Natural History Society, HELD AT SALISBURY, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, September, 13th, 14th, and 15th, 1865.! PRESIDENT OF THE MEETING,

Tuer Rieur HonovrasLteE Hart NEtson.

GUE Society assembled for its Eleventh Annual Meeting on yiZys Wednesday, September 18th, at the Council Chamber, Salisbury, when a very large gathering of ladies and gentlemen was collected from all portions of the county. At two o’clock precisely Tue Rigor Hon. tHe Hart Netson, President of the

' Society, took the chair.

The Mayor of Salisbury (R. H. Ricpsn, Esq.) said that before the Chairman opened the proceedings of that meeting, he desired on behalf of the citizens of Salisbury, _ himself and the Town Council, to bid the Society welcome to this ancient city. The citizens felt very much flattered by the Society’s visit: and he trusted that the exertions they should make would show the members of the Society how much they appreciated the honour.

1 The Editors of the Magazine desire to acknowledge the very great assistance they have derived in preparing their Report of this meeting from the Wiltshire

unty Mirror, and from the Salisbury Journal, from whose columns they herein quote at considerable length.

VOL, X.—NO. XXVIII, A

2 The Eleventh General Meeting.

The President then called upon the Rey. A. C. Smrru, one of the General Secretaries, to read the Report.

; REPORT FOR 1865.

“The Committee of the Wiltshire Archeological and Natural History Society has again the satisfaction of recording, on this, the 12th anniversary of its formation, the continued prosperity of the Society. At the same time, it has to lament the loss of an unusual number of former members by death, withdrawal, or removal from the county: a loss, however, which it trusts is coun- ter-balanced by the enrolment of a long list of new names amongst its supporters. The number of names now on the books of the Society, amounts to 350.

“With regard to finance: A balance sheet, comprising the accounts of several years past, has so recently been circulated amongst the members of the Society, that it need only be remarked that while its income is sufficient to cover the annual expenditure, it ig not in a condition, financially, to incur any extraordinary expense in the way of exploration, restoration, or otherwise, as it is frequently invited to do.

“* With reference to the work of the past year, two more numbers of the Magazine have been issued, of whose merits the Committee must leave the members of the Society to judge. Here, how- ever, they desire to explain that the delay which occurred in the issue of the last number was occasioned by the loss of their pub- lisher and printer, Mr. Bull, who had, from the first, with great satisfaction to the Editors, conducted the Magazine through the press, and whose son now occupies his father’s place.

“The Library and Museum have been enriched with many do- nations, several of which are of considerable value as illustrating the typography, antiquities, and natural history of the county.

‘‘For these, the Committee desires cordially to thank all the contributors, and at the same time to urge on Wiltshire generally the importance of preserving, in some central Museum, such as the very excellent one at Salisbury, for South Wilts, and that of the Society at Devizes, objects, of little value indeed when scattered and in private hands, but of the highest interest when collected and classified for purposes of observation and study.

The Eleventh General Meeting. 3

“In conclusion, the Committee very earnestly invites help from all portions of the county in the researches and investigations it desires to pursue, assured that while very much remains to be done in the way of exploring what is hidden, unravelling what is com- plicated and tangled, clearing away popular errors, and promoting generally a more accurate knowledge of the history of our county, as well ds the works of creation with which we are surrounded, this can only be effectually done by the help of many: help which the Committee trusts will not be withheld by those whose occupa- tions, pursuits, or tastes, enable them to give assistance.”

Mr. Cunnineton begged to add one gratifying sentence to the Report: it was to the effect that the Society had a balance in their banker’s hands, at that moment, of £195.

The Cuarrman then put the motion to the meeting that the Report be approved and printed; which was agreed to unanimously.

The various officers of the Society were then elected: Sir John Wither Awdry as President for the three years ensuing. F. A.S. Locke, Esq., as Treasurer. There were also re-elected the General Secretaries, Rev. A. O. Smith and Mr. Cunnington: the Local Secretaries with the additions of Rev. W. C. Plenderleath for Calne, and Mr. E. T. Stevens for Salisbury: and the Council.

The noble Prestpent then addressed the meeting as follows :— Ladies and Gentlemen,—This is the third and last year of my presidency, and although one year of it has been passed without our usual annual gathering, the pleasing recollections of our meeting at Devizes are still fresh in my memory,and made me anxious to call you together once more before I resign my temporary office. It may be difficult to find objects of interest that have not been previously visited sufficient to keep up our annual gatherings, but I am convinced that a great deal of the interest manifested in our Society would cease if our meetings were less frequent than alternate years. It was this conviction which induced me to press for our meeting this year, although the important meeting of the Archzo- logical Institute last month in a neighbouring county, and in our very diocese, would have afforded a better excuse for a second post- ponement than the Social Science meeting at Bath afforded us last

A2

4 The Eleventh General Meeting.

year. Westbury and Hungerford would both afford good centres of districts unexplored by us, and there is much yet to be investi- gated in those places which we have visited more than once. I had hoped in this visit to have explored some of the pit holes supposed to be the remains of the villages of the aboriginal in- habitants: there are many of these on the hill sides between Pitton and Winterslow, and others at Tidpit near Martin, and near Hanley in the Chase, which, though in Dorsetshire, are within reach of your present centre. Then again there is the great work of coming to some more certain conclusion as to the origin and state of Stonehenge. It was suggested by Mr. Matcham that it would be feasible with proper notice to get together savans from different countries acquainted with that and similar monuments of antiquity, and that a Stonehenge Congress should be assembled, at which much might be done towards elucidating its history. I trust this suggestion will not be lost sight of, for it is peculiarly within the province of the Wiltshire Archeological Society to take the lead in such a scheme. At one time I had hoped to gain this for our present meeting, but the time was too short to do it effectually. A year’s notice would not more than suffice, as the Congress should be summoned through existing Archzological Societies in different parts of the world, and to give effect to the different papers and dis- cussions, some notice should be given to those who were requested to contribute to them. It was also suggested that the assembling of such a congress might well be commemorated by raising the trilithon that has fallen in the memory of man, and that we should obtain leave to search under the supposed altar stone in the hope of elucidating the date and the object for which the structure was raised. I at once applied as your President to Sir Edmund Autrobus for leave to carry out these proposals, if we found it possible at so short a notice to get the proposed Congress together, and I am convinced that Sir Edmund must have been as much suprised as myself, to find that his kind and courteous refusal has magnified him into the defender of our great national monument against the ruthless destruction of it contemplated by the Wiltshire Archzo- logists. We should indeed be unworthy of our name if we could

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The Eleventh General Meeting. 5

have proposed anything destructive of such a monument of anti- quity, and I allow at once that many a so-called restoration of Stonehenge might more truly be called a destruction of it. The only restoration however, that we proposed was to raise the trilithon which had fallen in A.D. 1797, the exact postion of which is clearly defined, not only by drawings, but by accurate measurements made at the time it occupied its original position. And as no other fallen stones have such a data as to warrant the accuracy of their position, the restoration must have stopped here. The search under the altar stone might have given us valuable information as to the date of Stonehenge, and have set at rest the mooted question as to whether it was a place of sepulture or of sacrifice. The stone itself need never have been moved, but a tunnel and brick arch could have been carried under it which would have always secured it in its present position, and the earth underneath could have been carefully examined and replaced. There was nothing ruthless in our proposition. The work, if ever undertaken, must necessitate the superintendence of proficient engineers, and the use of efficient instruments. I have thought it right in my own defence, and that

of our Society to go rather fully into this matter, and also in the

earnest wish that some day our proposal for the Congress, and for the works referred to may be happily carried through. And now without our Congress, and without our proposed visits to the pit holes, or villages of our ancient people we find ourselves at Salis- bury, with every prospect of a pleasant and instructive meeting. I feel convinced that our reasons for coming here again will gain the unanimous approval by our Society of the unanimous decision of their President and Committee. And in the first place I would refer to the present state of our Cathedral, at all times an object of interest to Archeologists. The Chapter House Restoration Com- mittee have just finished their labours. Only last month they handed back the Chapter House free of debt, and completely re- stored, to the care of the Dean and Chapter. And I think we may without fear point to the successful accomplishment of our labours as a worthy memorial of that holy and able man, Bishop

: ‘Denison, who began the work of restoration by restoring so much

6 The Eleventh General Meeting.

of the cloisters at his own cost. The foundation and lower stones of the Cathedral, as well as many of the pinnacles have been well restored under the superintendence of Mr. Scott, with monies voted by the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, and to supplement this an appeal has been made by the Bishop and Dean and Chapter to the Diocese at large, and to all interested in our beautiful Cathedral to aid in its entire restoration. With the monies already entrusted to the Cathedral Restoration Committee, they have ordered the necessary works for strengthening the lower portion of the tower. And for the purpose of securing the efficient services of the present contractor, the clerk of the works, and the men under his employ who have so ably carried out the work already done, we have ordered the restoration of a part of the west front, which I still think beautiful, notwith- standing the severe criticisms of the Bristol Society of Architects. (Applause.) And I trust that when the exterior is finished and flooring and heating carried out, that much of the old interior decora- tions, the patterns of which are still so distinctly visible, may be effectually restored. (Aninteresting paper will be read during the present meeting by Mr. Gambier Parry, who has so ably carried out the painting of the roof at Ely Cathedral, begun by Mr.Lestrange, on Architectural Colouring.) I must next draw your attention to our Museum, founded by Dr. and Mrs. Fowler, about two years since, and which has been so nobly assisted by Mr. Blackmore and others, who, by additional buildings, and by handsome contributions of most interesting objects have rendered it in a very short space of time a Museum of which our county may indeed be proud; I would refer you to the Museum itself, which has been kindly opened to our members during our sojourn, and to the very ably composed descrip- tive catalogue of its contents, which is in itself a book full of interest and instruction. And lastly, I must mention the kind manner in which our proposal to come here was met by the Mayor of Salisbury, and by the whole town and neighbourhood, who have one and all offered us free access to all things which we may wish to visit, and by their contributions to the temporary museum, by subscriptions to the local fund, and above all, by the self-denying labours of the local committee (of which I may speak as being only an honorary

The Eleventh General Meeting. 7

or sleeping member), will, I am sure, convince you all that we have done well in coming to Salisbury in 1865. Two excursions have been plannéd—that to Stonehenge, which it is proposed to approach in a different manner: the new route will combine many fresh points of interest. Mr. Duke’s house at Lake, and the interesting museum which it contains, will of itself make this excursion a most pleasing and instructive one. On the second day we have proposed to take you down the Chalk Valley (never before visited by us), where Bishopstone Church and Norrington House—one of the finest specimens of the old manor house in Wiltshire, the beauties of which Mr. J. H. Parker, of Oxford, has kindly undertaken to point out on the spot,—will ensure a goodly attendance.

The noble Earl concluded his able address amidst general ap- F plause: and then called upon Mr. Gamsrer Parry to read a paper on Architectural Colouring; which that gentleman did to the great satisfaction of his audience; and which valuable contribution will be found in another part of the Magazine.

Dr. H. P. Brackmore next read a very darefally prepared and

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instructive paper on “‘ Recent discovery of Flint Implements in the Drift near Salisbury,” which will also be found in the Magazine. At its conclusion the President observed that the question just brought before the Society possessed a special interest, for at the Museum in St. Anns Street, was to be seen a most valuable series of these implements: moreover the subject had hitherto received little attention from the Society: but he now trusted to hear some remarks upon it from other parts of the room.

Mr. Cunnineton thought the members of the Society might fairly congratulate themselves not only on the presence of so many striking geological phenomena in that immediate neighbourhood, but also on the fact that they had, in Dr. Blackmore, so able an historian of facts as they occurred. (Applause.) The neighbour- hood of Salisbury was, as Dr. Blackmore had said, one of the most remarkable spots in this country for the discovery of the imple- ments of ancient races of men. With one exception, the collection in

the Salisbury Museum was the finest extant. M. Boucher de Perthes

8 The Eleventh General Meeting.

was the first to direct attention to these flint implements, but he was totally mistaken in regarding certain forms of flints as artificial, and as representing gods, goddesses, birds, fishes, and all sorts of animate and inanimate objects. The majority of French and English geologists regarded those forms as purely accidental; but the fossil implements found in this district were undoubtedly the result of human art.. Mr. Cunnington exhibited a specimen which had been sent him by Mr. Prestwich, labelled by the late Dr. Woodward, of the British Museum, “Salisbury, 1846,” It was an admirable example, but differed from all others found at Salisbury, and he did not think that local geologists would recognise it as a local specimen. Instead of being encrusted with a thin white, or slightly yellow material, its original surface was preserved: there had been no oxidation, or drying of the surface. It presented, in fact, the appearance of having been made yesterday, by Mr. Stevens friend, “Flint Jack.” (Laughter.) It was, however, un- doubtedly ancient, and its original appearance might have been pre- served through being deposited in a river. He could not pretend to say to what age these implements belonged, but he hoped that by working steadily on, and by listening with great care to every word coming from Nature—by which he reverently meant God working in nature,—something might yet be learnt to elucidate some of the mystery of the past. (Hear, hear.) This wasa locality where such research could be carried on better.than in any other part of the country, and he sincerely hoped that his friends who had taken up the matter with such zeal and ability would yet be successful in their endeavours. (Applause.)

The Rev. E. Duxe said, that living in the neighbourhood, and having constant opportunities of observing the course of the river in the valley in which his own house was situated, he could not help being struck with the peculiar formation of the various tributary val- leys running into the main one. He thought this had an important bearing on the question before them. If they examined an Ordnance map, they would observe that in South Wilts all the small valleys gently declined into the larger ones. The principal valleys were of considerable depth, the chalk cliffs rising 60, 80,

ES

m a ME

The Eleventh General Meeting. 9

and even 100 feet high on either side. No one, he thought, could feel any doubt whatever that these valleys were formed, not by the action of the sea, but by fresh water running in one direction. Then arose the important question, whence the immense body of water requisite to denude, or excavate these valleys? He could not but think that the true explanation was that suggested by Dr. Blackmore, viz., that within the ordinary human period, there had

been a considerable change of climate in this country, and in the

north of Europe. The sudden melting of large bodies of snow and ice would, he thought, alone account for the denudation of the principal valley and the six or seven tributary ones between Salisbury and his own house. The next point was this—the mel- ting of such large bodies of snow and ice would cause a current of such rapidity that the work of inundation would be carried on more rapidly than it was being at present carried on by any river in Europe. This was important as bearing upon the extreme anti- quity of these flint implements. He believed them to be of human handiwork, but not to be of that extreme antiquity which some persons claimed for them. There might have been such changes

in climate, and in the conformation of land in this district, three

or four thousand years ago, as to account for the deposition of the gravels in which these implements had been found. (Hear, hear.) He was glad to have the opportunity of thanking Dr. Blackmore for his paper, as well as for the valuable service he had rendered to the neighbourhood by his contributions to the Salisbury and South Wilts Museum. (Applause.)

The President then having briefly alluded to the order which was to be followed, announced the morning meeting at the Council Chamber concluded: when the majority of the party proceeded to the Cathedral, in order to inspect that noble building: on reaching the transepts, Earl Nelson requested Mr. Parker to describe the

_ more prominent features of the building.

Mr. Joun Henry Parker, the well-known author of the “Glossary ” and the very able work on “ English Domestic Archi- tecture,” standing on a stool near the organ screen said that he

had lately been devoting so much attention to the architecture of

10 The Eleventh General Meeting.

France and Rome, that he had had little time to think about English Gothic. Still, having been familiar with it for many years, he could not refuse to say afew words. Salisbury Cathedral was a beautiful specimen of pure, early English Gothic—he did not at all connect it with the Pointed style, which some people were in the habit of describing as Gothic. He believed that Gothic architecture was essentially English. In England we had purer and more distinct Gothic than anywhere else. The character of the mouldings, and the lightness of construction, were its distinctive features, as compared with the Roman and Byzantine styles. Cir-

cumstances and convenience guided the form of arch at all times,

and an arch was therefore no guide to the age of a building. He had lately been studying Suza’s Church, near Paris, which had been described as a wonderful specimen of Gothic architecture, but in reality it was not so. As to Salisbury Cathedral, there was not a vestige of the Romanesque about it anywhere. The stone vault was not necessarily a Gothic feature. Lightness, elegance, rich moulding, and clustered columns were its essential features. Almost every stone in Salisbury Cathedral was an example of our own national style. He thought that, on the whole, Mr. Wyatt was to be thanked for his alterations. In some respects he was wrong in principle, and he (Mr. Parker), would like to have collared him for much that he did, but still it must be confessed that he had left a complete unity of style in the building, which was not to be

found anywhere else. The Cathedral was built towards the second _

quarter of the 13th century. There were earlier examples, but it was during the peaceful reign of Henry II. that the Gothic style was developed; and afterwards perfected in this country, at the end of the 12th century. The Choir of Lincoln built between 1192 and 1200, he believed to be the earliest Gothic building in Europe, and this style is not oriental: it belongs exclusively to Western Europe. The ornaments and sculpture introduced from Syria by the Crusaders on their return, came into general use about the middle of the 12th century, and they may have introduced the Pointed arch, but not the Gothic style, the details of which are quite distinct from any other. No doubt the windows of Salisbury

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The Eleventh General Meeting. 11

Cathedral were originally filled with painted glass, and its des- truction or removal was greatly to be lamented. He trusted, however, that the time was close at hand when it would be restored, together with the colouring of other parts of the building. Colour was essential to every Gothic structure. In an edifice like that, there ought to be colour on the floor, walls, windows, roof, and indeed everywhere. The best medieval restorations yet accom- plished were the Chapter Houses of Salisbury and Chester. At the close of Mr. Parker’s observations, the company left the Nave and proceeded through the cloisters to the Chapter House. There, Mr. Parker said, they saw everything as perfect as possible, in the way of colouring and decoration. The Chapter House at Chester was the only restoration equal to it, and that was done by the same clever man, Mr. Hudson. Those who remembered the Chapter House at Salisbury 20 years ago must be struck with amazement that so much had been done, and done so admirably. ¢. As to the clustered column in the centre, with its marble shafts, he _ did not see a fault to find with it. The stained glass, too, was _ peculiarly English, and adapted to our cloudy climate. The thick _ giass of France and other countries would have been inconsistent. The figures, they would observe were of an aérial character—merely in outline—which was characteristic of no other kind of glass. As to the colouring of the vault, he had no doubt that it was strictly _ in accordance with its original character. It was more simple than _ the French vaults, and he had no doubt that all Mr. Hudson’s work had been carefully studied. Taking it as a whole, he had never seen anything more conscientiously or better done.

Earl Netson remarked that Mr. Hudson visited the place many years ago, as a lover of painted architecture, and took copies of many things which became obliterated before the restoration was commenced. It was from those drawings alone that they were able to identify them. He wished to ask Mr. Parker’s opinion ona _ statement made by a Society of Bristol architects depreciating the west front of the Cathedral, as well as the design of the Chapter _ House, saying that the outside was the weakest part of the struc- ture, the buttresses being very poor.

12 The Eleventh General Meeting.

Mr. Parxer said there was a certain degree of truth in their statements on the latter subject, and he himself was somewhat surprised at the courage displayed in removing the iron bars which formerly connected the upper portion of the central column of the Chapter house with the walls. In many foreign countries they were very common, particularly in Italy. He could not help thinking that it was intended to have had iron bars here, even from the first. It was a bold, but, it appeared, a suceessful stroke, to re- move them. Any injurious effect would have been felt in six months.

The Rev. Precentor Lear said the bars appeared to have been added about the middle of the 17th century, but there were hooks in the original pillar, made to receive bars at any time. Before the bars were removed, Mr. Clutton, the architect, took the pre- caution to double the abutments, as throwing greater weight on the outside.

Mr. Parker said, begging Mr. Clutton’s pardon, he thought that a mistake. The buttresses were a part of the original building, and should not have been altered. He did not like any alteration of design.

Dr. ALEXANDER asked whether bars were not used in Italy, to protect buildings from the effects of volcanic action ?

Mr. Parker: Partly so, but the arches are very wide.

The Rev. Precentor Lear said the top of the old central column, with one of the bars and hooks left, would be found in the south- west angle of the cloister. -

Mr. Gamsier Parry, on being called for, also made a few observations. His only matter of regret was that sufficient means had not been taken to protect the new work on the walls from damp. Mere slate and cement over a foundation were not sufficient at any time. One great point, in protecting wall painting, was to get a draught behindit. Ifsuch a plan had been adopted here, they would not have seen the ruin that was already visible. He agreed with Mr. Parker as to the extreme delicacy of the colouring, but he thought that a little more vigour and courage in some parts would have given a better finish to the work.

The company then visited the cloisters, and passed thence round

The Eleventh General Meeting. 13

to the west front, the more prominent features of which were pointed out and described by Mr. Parker, who evidently did not agree with many of the criticisms of the Bristol architects.

THE DINNER.

The Society’s dinner took place at the Assembly Rooms, and was attended by no less than 140 ladies and gentlemen, by far the largest party ever assembled under the auspices of the Society. The chair was occupied by the President, Earl Nelson.

After the usual and loyal toasts, the BisHor in acknowledging the health of the Bishop and Clergy observed that the objects which this Society had in view were especially dear to his clergy and himself, who had the custody of our old churches, and of this noble Cathedral, which carried them back to the days of St. Osmond ; and he was delighted to know that so much interest was felt in _ Wiltshire in this very important subject.

‘The Prestpent then gave the health of the Lord Lieutenant and _ Magistrates of the County, singling out his venerable friend Mr. _ Matcham whose presence was always hailed with delight by the _ Archeologists and who generally accompanied them in all their -peregrinations. With Mr. Matcham he believed originated the idea of a “Stonehenge Congress,” and he hoped that this Society would ere long be the means of carrying it into effect.

_ Mr. Marcuam in returning thanks, expressed a hope that there _ would some day be a meeting of English, Irish, Welsh, and French _ Archzologists at Stonehenge.

_ The noble Cuatrman then gave the health of the County and 4 Borough Members: and Mr. Grove, M.P. for South Wilts; Mr. Hamilton, M.P. for Salisbury ; and Mr. Goldney, M.P. for Chippen- ham, returned thanks.

_ The company then enthusiastically acknowledged the health of _ the noble Chairman, who in responding to the toast testified to the sympathy which the inhabitants of Salisbury generally had with “subjects connected with archeology, and proposed the health of the ‘Mayor and Corporation of the city, with thanks to them for the Cordial manner in which the Society had been received

oo) ES PRS a 5 ee eS ee

14 The Eleventh General Meeting.

The Mayor of Salisbury in returning thanks, said it was highly gratifying to himself and the citizens generally to find that Salis- bury had been selected as the place of the Society’s meeting, arid he hoped that the endeavours which had been made to render the gathering an agreeable and successful one, had not been altogether in vain. While proud of the distinction shown them, the citizens of Salisbury entertained no feelings of jealousy towards their friends in the north, and whether they assembled at Devizes or at Salisbury, he himself should always feel a pleasure in meeting the members of the Wilts Archeological Society. (Applause.) There were many objects of interest in and around Salisbury, and if they could not inspect all of them now, perhaps they might be induced to pay the city another visit on a future occasion. He hoped, also, that something would soon be done to bring about the proposed “Stonehenge Congress.” (Applause.)

The Prestpent then gave the health of the visitors, many of whom he was glad to welcome amongst us, and to some of whom we were much indebted for valuable information contributed to day; he more especially alluded to Mr. Gambier Parry and Mr. Parker: who severally returned thanks. In the course of his speech Mr. Parker remarked that he had a great affection for these local Archeological Societies, because he believed they were doing an immense service throughout the country. They tended to preservation and not to destruction; and he hoped the nobility and gentry would yet do more than they had done to preserve the old manor houses of the country. Those old houses were more interesting in an archeological point of view than even our old churches, because the latter were far more numerous. (Hear, hear.) Archeology was history written in stone, and he rejoiced to know that he had had something to do with the formation and promotion of Archeological Societies. The Oxford Architectural Society, the members of which met at his house, was, perhaps the first Society of the kind. This was copied by Cambridge a few months afterwards ,and from both Oxford and Cambridge the idea was carried home by the youth of different counties. Such So- cieties were highly important. Descriptive books were exceedingly

The Eleventh General Meeting. 15

useful in their way, but persons must see objects themselves, in order to understand them properly.

The noble Cuairman then gave the health of the General Secretaries, the Rev. A. OC. Smith, and Mr. Cunnington, who severally returned thanks.

The health of the Local Secretaries was next proposed, and received with enthusiasm; Mr, Swayne, Mr. Nightingale, and Mr. Stevens, in turn responded ; and the latter, to whose exertions the success of the present meeting was universally acknowledged to be due, referred with satisfaction to the readiness with which everybody seconded his efforts, and to the hospitality offered on all sides to the members of the Society.

The health of the Local Committee followed, and the Curators of the Museum, coupled with the name of Mr. Charles Wyndham, who returned thanks.

CONVERSAZIONE AT THE PALACE.

By the kind invitation of the Bishop, the members of the Society and their friends, to the number of about 200, assembled at the Palace, where they were most hospitably received by his Lordship, and Mrs. Hamilton. The chair was taken by the noble President, Earl Nelson, who introduced the various lecturers; and

the pleasures of the evening were very much enhanced by the addition of some charming glees, which were admirably sung by _ amateurs, ladies and gentlemen, who had very kindly volunteered _ their services for the occasion. .

_ The Rev. A. C. Smrru read a paper on “ the method of moving Colossal Stones, as practised by some of the more advanced nations of antiquity,” wherein he referred more especially to the practice

pursued by the Assyrians and Egyptians as proved by the bas-

reliefs found by Mr. Layard and Sir Gardner Wilkinson ; he also called attention to the Obelisks of Egypt, and the huge stones at Baalbeck which he had personally examined and measured in the

‘spring of the present year. As however this paper will appear

in a subsequent portion of the Magazine it is unnecessary to refer

to it further.

16 The Eleventh General Meeting.

Mr. Cunnineton F.G.S. next read a paper on “ the Geology of the Stones of Stonehenge,” in which he first pointed out the many erroneous statements which had been made on this subject, some having described the stones as foreign marble resembling that of Carrara: others as formed of artificial matter, moulded to the ori- ginal forms ; and others again as a species of coarse freestone. These various statements having been satisfactorily refuted, he proceeded to explain that the owter circle and the large Trilithons at Stone- henge as well as the whole of the circles at Avebury, were composed of sarsen stones: the sarsens found so abundantly in Wiltshire, more especially in the Clatford valley of North Wilts, being the remains of sandy strata once lying above the chalk, the softer por- tions of which have been washed away, leaving these rocky masses on the surface. He then referred to the smaller circle and inner oval, and pronounced all these stones to be primary igneous rocks and of foreign origin, the altar stone is a fine-grained micaceous sandstone. From the facts adduced, Mr. Cunnington argued that Stonehenge was not originally erected either as a sepulchral monument, or as an astronomical calendar. This paper will however be found in ewtenso in the Magazine, and need not therefore be anticipated here.

The Rev. H. T. Arnmrretp then read a paper on ‘“ The Druids,” written by Dr. Bushnan of Laverstock: wherein that gentleman, though he recognized in the feelings and habits of the Druids some traces of solemn truth, at the same time adopted the view that they sometimes offered human sacrifices: and that this was no uncommon practice in early times, he referred to the example of the Phenicians, Gauls, and others. Dr. Bushnan also contended that the statements of ancient authors regarding the pre-Roman inhabitants of Britain, are not to be hastily rejected as wholly unworthy of credit, but at any rate deserve careful attention and study.

Earl Netson now thanked all the gentlemen for their instructive and interesting papers; and also paid a graceful tribute of grati- tude to the amateurs who had so materially contributed to the harmony of the evening, and then taking leave of the kind and |

The Eleventh General Meeting. 17

hospitable Bishop, the company, though with evident reluctance, withdrew. .

SECOND DAY. THURSDAY, Szrr. 14ru.

The members of the Society, to the number of about 150, made an excursion to Old Sarum, Stratford Church, Woodford Church, Great Durnford Church, Ogbury Camp, Lake House, and thence to Stonehenge. At Old Sarum, Mr. Swayne, one of the able Local Secretaries, pointed out all that was of interest to the archzologist, calling attention to the massive remains in that commanding spot ; explaining the course of the Roman roads which branched off from * the ancient city; showing the position of the Tournament ground ; and examining the site of the Old Cathedral, of which though no remains exist, the form and position are sufficiently indicated to leave no doubt in the mind of the visitor, that here stood the original Cathedral of Sarum. Thence the party proceeded by _ Stratford Church, where the quaint old frame for the hour glass, _ affixed to the side of the pulpit, attracted attention: thence by Woodford Church, where a fine old Norman arch at the southern porch, and an old monument were the subjects of considerable discussion: then by the grounds of Heale House, famous as the spot where Charles II. was secreted for several days during his flight after the battle of Worcester: then by the very interesting - church of Great Durnford, where the Norman Font in remarkable _ preservation, the very perfect Norman chancel arch, and other arches in the church, as well as several architectural details and a curious old brass (dated 1670), attracted much attention. Thence _ the excursionists climbed the hill to visit Ogbury Camp, and after- _ wards crossed the Avon to Lake House, where they were hospitably received and cordially welcomed by the Rev. E. Duke, who had fitted up his hall as a temporary Museum for the inspection of the members of the Society. Amongst very many objects of deep interest to archeologists, doubly interesting because nearly all of them had been exhumed from the Lake estate, may be mentioned some remarkably perfect cinerary urns, of the Celtic period: also bone pins; fragments of cloth which had been used to enwrap the VOL. X.—NO. XXVIII. B

18 The Eleventh General Meeting.

burned bones when placed in the urn; amber ornaments; bronze dagger blades; jet, agate, and amber beads; pully beads; gold ear- rings; flint arrow heads; bronze torques, armille, and rings; and bronze and stone celts. One amber ornament found in a tumulus at Lake, in 1806, is probably unique in size, whilst four unique objects of polished bone also found in a tumulus at Lake, were con- sidered by Sir R. C. Hoare as “the greatest curiosities we have ever yet discovered:” they were probably used for casting lots or for playing some game. There was also a mould for casting bronze celts, made of a compact syenite, which was found in the parish of Bulford, near Amesbury. The collection was very large, and included many curious and rare articles too numerous to be particularised.

On taking leave of this charming spot, nestled like an Oasis in the downs, and bidding adieu to the kind-hearted proprietor, the party proceeded over the Normanton down to Stonehenge: here a ladder was reared against the highest impost, and several persons ascended the trilithon above, for the purpose of ex- amination and measurement: after which on the suggestion of Earl Nelson, Dr. Thurnam came forward, and gave a general outline of the principal features of Stonehenge. He remarked, at considerable length, on what had been the probable use of Stone- henge, the date of the structure, and the mode of its construction. He gave a most interesting account of what was known respecting the stones, and the various changes which had taken place within the memory of man. In reference to the projeeted raising of the trilithon and altar-stone, which he said had been suggested by the British Association, and which had brought their society into so much notoriety within the last few months, he was of opinion that it might have been done without endangering the structure in the least. If they had placed the matter in the hands of competent engineers, he was of opinion that the altar-stone might have been undermined, in the way suggested by the chairman in his opening address, and been the means of eliciting much valuable information without endangering its safety. He referred briefly to the differ- ent excavations that had been made, and stated that he had heard that when the present Mr. E. Antrobus, M.P. came of age, an

The Eleventh General Meeting. 19

officer of the name of Beamish made an excavation under the stones, and deposited a bottle containing a report of the fact, With regard to the “L.V. and sickle” which were cut upon the fallen trilithon, Docter Thurnam acknowledged that the matter had been satisfactorily cleared up by the exertions of Mr. Kemm and Mr. Zillwood, of Amesbury, who had ascertained that the figures had been cut by a travelling mason.! It was very satisfactory that the matter had been so cleared up. He then proceeded to read an extract of the report of the meeting of the Archeological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland in 1849, as showing what were the feelings at that time with regard to the raising of the stones :— “The Right Hon. Sidney Herbert begged to remind the meeting that that proposition (the raising of the fallen trilithon) involved no incongruous addition to, or alteration of the temple. The stones had fallen in the memory of man, and they would be re-erected precisely in their former position in a spirit of reverent regard for their antiquity. For the sake of posterity he was deeply desirous of taking every precaution to preserve that-august relic of the past in its integrity and simplicity.—The Bishop of Oxford likewise gave the weight of his opinion in favor of the restoration;

_ and Sir John Awdry assured the assemblage that the proposal met

with the entire concurrence of Sir Edmund Antrobus, who had moreover, liberally offered to raise the stones. The question was put to a show of hands, and carried by acclamation.”

The doctor’s interesting explanation was listened to with great

| interest, and he was frequently applauded.

After a few observations from Mr. Cunnineton, Mr. Parker was called upon. He said there was one branch of

a the subject which the doctor had not referred to, and which he

thought the assemblage would be interested in. In the Oriental language a circle of stones was called a Gilgal, and in Scripture

_ there was every reason to believe that such a place was a circle of

| stones. A Gilgal was a temple where holy rites were celebrated,

where the army met together, and was also used for a place of eerial for the chieftains, and if they put all things together, and

Vide Wiltshire Magazine, vol, ix., p. 268, et seq. B 2

20 The Eleventh General Meeting.

took into consideration that the Celtic tribes were sprung from Oriental origin, it was clear that Stonehenge was a Gilgal, and was erected for the purpose of celebrating holy rites, a place where the army met, and where the chieftains were buried. They might, therefore, ca]l it a burial place, or a House of Commons.

Mr. Zitiwoop, of Salisbury, made some original remarks, which were received with considerable attention. He begged to call the attention of those present to a stone in the temple, about which a great deal had been said, and various theories advanced as to its original position, and its uses. He alluded to the stone now lying partially underneath the fallen stone of the inner circle, and which had on its upper side two mortise holes, similar to those in the upper stones of the trilithons. He thought that this stone could not have been one of the corona of the outer circle, as it was of a different kind of stone from those which composed the corona, and besides it was too short, and the holes were too close together for such a purpose. He knew it had been suggested that this stone formed the top stone of one of two small trilithons, which were supposed to stand within the inner circle, and between it and the large trilithon composing the cell; but if they looked they would perceive that such could not be the case, as there was not sufficient room for it. He agreed with Inigo Jones (who visited this temple), when he said there were only six trilithons in the cell, although he altered their position to favour his own hypo- thesis of its being a Roman temple and erected on the bases of four triangles. Although Jones was wrong as to the position, he believed he was right as to the number. He thought that this stone was one of the small trilithons which stood opposite the highest trilithon, and just within the inner circle at the entrance, and that before it lay the altar-stone, or stone of observation, which Aubrey states was removed from the inside of the temple to St. James’s. He (Mr. Zillwood) might be asked what had been the use of this stone. He thought this small trilithon, with the stone lying before it, which was taken away, was used for a similar pur- pose, as was the large trilithon with the stone lying before it. He conceived that as the Arch-Druid stood on the stone lying before the high trilithon to observe the sun rise at the Summer Solstice,

The Eleventh General Meeting. 21

over the gnomon (now called the Friar’s Heel), and as that stone was of a light colour, being emblematical of the light about to be diffused over the earth; in the same way he would stand before the small trilithon, to observe the setting of the sun at the Winter Solstice, and the small trilithon being dark, it was emblematical of the darkness about to be spread over the earth. The highest trili- thons might represent the length of the days in summer, and the small trilithons, the length of the days in the winter season. If they took the corona of the outer circle to represent the equator, and drew a line from the top of the highest trilithon to the lowest, it would cut at the same angle as the ecliptic does the equator. Might not then these six trilithons, with their six spaces, represent the sun’s places during the twelve months of his revolution, and the thirty upright stones, with their spaces of the outer circle, repre- sent the thirty days and nights of the month. In the same way the twelve upright stones, composing these six trilithons, might represent the twelve months of the year.”

After dinner which was served in a tent, and to which the appetites of the excursionists, sharpened by their mornings work and the fine air of the downs, inclined them to do full justice; some of the more enthusiastic set off, at about half-past five o’clock, to visit the Cursus or Race-course, which lies at about half a mile to the North of Stonehenge, and is enclosed between two parallel

banks and ditches, running east and west. An oblong elevated mound is thrown across the east end of the course, resembling a _ long barrow, which Dr. Thurnam, who was at the head of the _ party, explained was supposed to be the seat of honour, where the

judges, or umpires, and the principal spectators witnessed the com-

‘petitions of horse racing, chariot racing, and the solemnities which attended the celebration of the ancient festivals. After a short

delay here, the party returned, and the whole of the excursionists set off towards Salisbury, at which place they arrived at about half-

_ past seven o’clock.

CONVERSAZIONE AT THE COUNCIL CHAMBER.

_ By the liberality of the Mayor, a very large number of ladies and. gentlemen attended a Conversazione at the Council Chamber

22 The Eleventh General Meeting.

in which they began to assemble at eight o’clock : all were welcomed on entering by the Mayor, who had a kind word of greeting for everybody; and who most hospitably supplied his numerous guests with suitable refreshments. Earl Nelson took the chair as President, and introduced the several lecturers: and the amateurs again enlivened the company with glees, which were admirably sung, and formed a most delightful interlude amidst the heavier work of the Society.

The Rey. A. C. Smrru read a paper “On certain peculiarities in the life history of the Cuckoo, more especially with reference to the colouring of its Eggs:” in which he began by refuting many of the fallacies which prevailed respecting this bird: then gave a general outline of its true habits: and brought before the Society at some length the remarkable discovery of the eminent German ornithologist, Dr. Baldamus, that the female cuckoo colours its eggs so as to resemble those of the birds in whose nests she de- posits them. The argument is #00 elaborate to be given here in outline, but the paper will appear in a subsequent number of the Magazine.

At its conclusion, Earl Netson conveyed -the thanks of the company to the Rey. A. C. Smith for his very interesting and instructive paper.

The Rey. W. C. PLenpEeRLEATH next read a paper, written by the Rev. W. H. Jones, F.A.S., on “ Gleanings from the Wiltshire Domesday,” the principal object of which was to prove that the names of most of the places on the borders of the county are the same as those which were given in the Domesday Book of the L1th century. A variety of instances were cited in support of the con- clusions of the writer; but as the paper will be published in the Magazine, it is needless to enter into it more fully.

Earl Newson said that the thanks of the meeting were due to Mr. Jones, and also to Mr. Plenderleath who had kindly yolun- teered to read the paper.

Dr. THurnam then read a paper on “Flint Blades of weapons found in Tumuli,” and produced several very beautiful specimens which he had found in barrows opened by himself, which belonged to the late stone age, and which he placed at from 500 to 1000

The Eleventh General Meeting. 23

years before the Christian era. In 1860, he opened a long barrow at Walker’s Hill, in North Wilts, and in the débris in the chamber he picked up a flint arrow head, an inch and a half long, and about one-tenth of an inch in thickness. In May, 1865, he was present at the opening of a long barrow at Fifield Hill, near Pew- sey, called the Giant’s Grave. This was a very large barrow, and with the remains of human beings he found a beautiful leaf-shaped arrow-head, two and two-tenth inches long, and one inch in breadth. From these specimens and from those which had been found in other counties in England, he was disposed to conclude that in these long barrows was found a particular class of arrow-heads, and that they were the oldest sepulchral tumuli in this country. 4 He next produced two flint javelin heads. These he stated, were _ found in an oval barrow on Winterbourne Stoke Down, 1864. He then alluded to the particular formation of the oval tumuli, which embraced two or three round barrows within an oval ditch. In the one referred to were found.in one part a skeleton, and a small drinking cup; and in another part, a tall skeleton, upwards of six feet high, doubled up, and four beautifully shaped flint arrow-heads. He believed that these were the work of the ancient Britons, and were used by them for warlike purposes. | Earl Newson conveyed the thanks of the company to Dr. _ Thurnam for his very interesting paper. The Rev. Prebendary Witxk1nson proposed a vote of thanks to the Rev. Canon Jackson for his very valuable services during the time he had held the office of Honorary Secretary of the Society. He regretted to hear of his retirement from that post, and spoke highly of his exertions in connection with the Society. With regard to his writings, “Jackson on Aubrey” must of necessity lay the foundation for a future history of the county. Earl Netson, in the name of the members, begged to thank the Bishop and the Mayor for the handsome way in which they had _ been received in this city. _ The Rev. A. C. Smirx said that Earl Nelson’s three years of office as President of the Society would terminate at the close of this meeting, and he begged to propose a vote of thanks to his

Se

24 The Eleventh General Meeting.

lordship for the manner in which he had discharged his duties. The Society had been exceedingly” fortunate in its Presidents. They had, first, Mr. Poulett Scrope; secondly, they had the late Lord Herbert of Lea, then Mr. Sidney Herbert ; thirdly, they had Mr. Sotheron Estcourt; and now Earl Nelson had just completed his term. He was quite sure they would all thank the noble lord for what he had done. ;

Earl Netson returned thanks, and expressed a hope that the Society might increase more and more. He trusted the members would not lose sight of a congress at Stonehenge, and that the trilithon, which had fallen within the memory of man, might be restored.

Mr. Cunnineton proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. E. T. Stevens for his great labours in connection with the meeting. In fact, he said it might truly be called Mr. Stevens’s meeting.

Mr. E. T. Srevens returned thanks, and acknowledged the assistance which he had received from the curators of the temporary museum. A

After hearing several glees sung by the amateurs, the company retired, highly pleased with a most agreeable entertainment, and deeply grateful to the Mayor for his hospitality, cordiality, and urbanity.

THIRD DAY. FRIDAY, Serr. loru,

Again a large party of archeologists, no less numerous than in yesterday’s expedition, proceeded on an excursion to the Chalk Valley; with the same magnificent weather which has attended them throughout, and with a very long days work before them. They first visited the Hospital of St. Nicholas, at Harnham, which was founded, under the auspices of Bishop Poore, by Ela, Countess of Salisbury. It now supports a number of poor men and women, a chaplain, and master. The chaplain’s apartments and the adjoining chapel are formed out of part of the southern aisle of the ancient church of St. Nicholas, some of the arches of which remain. The visitors inspected this chapel, which is early English in character, and which was restored by Butterfield, a few

The Eleventh General Meeting. 25

years ago. The party then visited the church of Coombe Bissett, which contains some very interesting specimens of Norman archi- tecture.

On leaving Coombe, the archzxologists proceeded to Bishopston, where they were most hospitably received by the Rev. Precentor and Mrs. Lear, who had kindly provided refreshments for them, and who had a cordial welcome for all. Much gratification was expressed at the fine view of the church obtained from the charm- ing grounds of the rectory, which are most tastefully laid out. The variety of the outline, and the exquisite proportion and tracery of the windows, as seen from this spot, afford a rare example of ecclesiastical taste and munificence. We know of no finer church than Bishopston, in any part of South Wilts.

The Rey. Presentor Lear having expressed his gratification at seeing so many visitors present that day, and having welcomed them heartily to Bishopstone, read a paper which he had prepared upon this remarkabie Church, wherein he called attention to its principal features, and inyited the careful examination of the Archzologists. This interesting paper will be found in another portion of the Mag- azine. At its conclusion, the party repaired to the Church, and the chief objects of interest were pointed out: its cruciform shape ; its highly decorated windows; its pulpit with a wood carving bronzed, brought from Spain; its Chancel, with wood carvings and communion plate; and above all, the singular building attached to the outside of the South Transept.

Mr. J. H. Parxer, who was called for, said a few words res- pecting the edifice. It wasa good specimen of the architecture of the

q time of Edward III. He considered that the portion attached to the

southern exterior of the south transept was a chapel, erected to the memory of some person of importance who was connected with the church. The chancel was a really beautiful specimen of the architecture of the period, and the canopies of the sedilia were most unique in design, and resembled one at Dorchester, in Oxfordshire.

__ The whole church was a most valuable specimen of the architecture

of the 14th century, and had been well preserved. While he was _ addressing the members of the Wiltshire Archeological Society, he

26 The Eleventh General Meeting.

would suggest to them the propriety of employing good photo- graphers, to take views of all the most interesting objects of antiquity in the county. He should like to see other societies follow the same example, as by exchanging these photographic views, a great amount of antiquarian and archeological knowledge might be obtained. At present the information on such subjects was locked up in the local archeological journals, which no one ever saw out of their own county. They had a remarkable instance of the want of good photographs of such objects of interest in the church in which they were then assembled. For himself, he would travel fifty miles at any time to see such a valuable specimen of the best period of our ecclesiastical architecture. There could be no doubt that there were many other equally beautiful churches in this county, of the merits of which the public were profoundly ignorant. For himself, he wished that the beauties of: Wilts might become known to all England.

Mr. G. Marcuam said that if the church was built as late as the time of Richard II. it might probably have been erected by William of Wykeham, as the bishops of Winchester were lords of the manor.

Mr. Parker said that he was clearly of opinion that the archi- tecture was of the time of Edward III. He also observed that, if William of Wykeham built this church, it must have been when he was very young; as he was supposed to have introduced the Perpendicular style, and he certainly could find no vestige of that style in this edifice. The architecture was clearly that of the middle of the 14th century. The church was not later than the year 1360.

Mr. Martcuam suggested that in out-of-the-way places the old style of architecture sometimes lingered after a new style came in, just as old fashions prevail in the provinces long after new fashions had been adopted in London.

Mr. ParKER was quite aware that in some parts of Wilts and Somerset the old styles of architecture lingered for some time after new styles had been adopted. William of Wykeham, as the in- ventor of a new style, was least likely to have worked in the style

The Eleventh General Meeting. 27

of his fathers. He was of opinion that the west window was of the same date as the rest of the building. The vault of the chancel was late Decorated or early Perpendicular. He thought that some wealthy family built the church by degrees.

Before the party left the Rectory, Earl Netson proposed a vote of thanks to the Rey. Precentor Lear, for providing such an agreeable repast for the members.

This proposition was unanimously agreed to, and was acknow- ledged by the Rev. gentleman.

The party then left Bishopston and drove to Broad Chalk, where they were received by the Rey. Dr. Rowland Williams, who in- vited the archeologists into his schodlroom, and gave a very interesting lecture on the most striking objects they would meet with in the valley of the Chalk. He observed that he considered it to be a great honour to be permitted to address so learned a body. The oldest thing which they would meet with in this parish was that wonderful production of nature, the chalk; while in Bower Chalk they wonld meet with something older still, viz., the green sand. He touched upon the natural productions of the chalk valley, and then noticed the little river which flowed through it, the Ebele, tracing its progress through the vale. It rises in Ber- wick, takes its course by Norrington through Ebblesbourne, or Eb- besbourne, and proceeds through the vale of Stratford Tony, Coombe Bissett, Homington, and Odstock, until it falls into the Avon near Harnham. There is a spring rising at Knoyle Farm, in the parish of Broad Chalk, which shortly afterwards assumes the character of a rivulet, and then falls into the Chalk, or Ebele, water. But for this tributary stream the Chalk water would, in a dry sea- son cease to flow. The structure of the valley was in favour of those geologists who hold what are called the water theories, as it appears to have been gradually hollowed out by the action of water. The Roman road from Old Sarum, or Sorbiodunum, passed through the vale of the Chalk to Dorchester. He thought it highly proba- ble that part of this road was originally an old British trackway. And while on this subject he pointed out the singular fact that most of the great trunk railways of this kingdom took the direction

28 The Eleventh General Meeting.

of the lines of the old Roman roads; thus showing the foresight displayed by the ancient conquerors of England in taking the same routes as were now required by the necessities of modern commer- cial enterprise. He then observed that portions of the Bokerly Dyke and Grimsditch passed throngh this district. Vern Ditch was next referred to, aa forming part of Cranborne Chace, and some particulars connected with its disforesting were related. The owners of Cranborne Chace contended that it was in length from 20 to 25 miles, and in breadth from 15 to 20 miles, making a circuit of nearly 100 miles, extending from Harnham Bridge, by the edge of Wilton, westward, by the river Nadder, thence south- ward to Shaftesbury, and to the banks of the Stour, near Stur- minster, thence to Blandford, following the Stour near Wimborne, then by Ringwood Bridge, Fordingbridge, and Downton, to Harnham Bridge, including a very large portion of the county of Dorset, no inconsiderable portion of the counties of Wilts and Hants, and the whole of the land within the Hundred ef Chalk. On the other hand it was contended by those who thought that these extensive boundaries were usurpations on the rights of the owners and occupiers of lands in Wiltshire and Hampshire, that the utmost extent of the Chase could not exceed the bounds of the county of Dorset. Throughout a long period of history the extensive rights claimed by the owners of Cranborne Chase, were objected to. In the 7th year of Edward I., an inquisition was taken, when it was found that the Chase did not belong to Wilts. Other instances were mentioned as showing the struggles which had been made in former days to prevent the operation of the forest laws in this part of Wiltshire. Somewhere about the years 1813 or 1814, Lord Rivers, the owner of the Chase, attempted to put the ancient forest laws in force. It was asserted that Cran- borne Chase, though called a chase, was in truth a forest, and that it had all the rights that could belong to a forest attached to it; in consequence of which, in one part of the chase the inclosures which had been made on Pimperne Down, with fences no higher than those which a rabbit could easily have leapt over, were broken down. In the neighbourhood of Chalk, too, notices were given to

The Eleventh General Meeting. 29

persons not to plough up any of their down land; and one person, who, notwithstanding the notices, had the courage to do so, was immediately served with a law process for his alleged breach of the chase and forest law. In an instance where a deer had escaped into Wardour Park, the sanctity of the retreat was broken into, and a pack of bloodhounds, without the permission of Lord _ Arundell, was turned into the park, who started the game and } killed it on the spot. In the year 1814, Mr. Thomas King, a farmer living near Alvediston, determined to try what were the | actual bounds of Cranborne Chase, and what were the real chase 1 rights. As the tenant of Norrington Farm, on which was a certain down where deer were feeding, he turned in greyhounds to drive them away, on which an action was commenced against him by _ Lord Rivers for breaking and entering Cranborne Chase. This cause was tried at Salisbury in the year 1816, when the jury found a verdict in favour of the defendant. By that verdict a death-blow _ was given to the intended revival of the obsolete forest laws, and a _ way was opened to the total abolition of the rights of the chase since so happily effected. Dr. Williams then pointed out, at some length, the important social changes which had followed the dis- _ foresting of Cranborne Chase, which had been productive of a great improvement in the character of the rural population of the dis- trict. He then alluded to the circumstance of the eccentric John _ Aubrey having resided at one period of his life at Broad Chalk, and mentioned several facts connected with this writer, of whom, although he had some strange peculiarities, he desired to make respectful mention. Dr. Williams then gave a description of the _ church, which is dedicated to All Saints, the living being in the gift of King’s College, Cambridge. Mr. Bowles, in his ‘“ History of Broad Chalk,” says that the church is a pure specimen of the architecture of Henry the Eighth’s time, at least so much of it as _ extends from the western door to the chancel, including the tran- ' sept or cross aisle. He (Dr. Williams) was, however, of opinion. _ that this parish church was of older date, and was probably built in the early part of the 15th century, somewhere about 1410. consisted of a nave, chancel, and transepts. There was a large

30 The Eleventh General Meeting.

porch on the south side, over which was formerly a priest’s cham- ber. The south transept was comparatively modern. The general effect of the chancel was good, and it appeared originally to have been older than the rest of the church. After many other obser- vations on this subject, Dr. Williams observed that the archzolo- gists in the excursion that day would pass by the church of Bower Chalk, and remarked that the village took its name from a cor- ruption of Burgh Chalk, it having been for many years the property of a family named Burgh. They would also pass by the village of Fifield Bavant, in which was one of the smallest churches in England. This place was so called in consequence of a family named Bavant once holding the lands. The parish derived its earliest name from having contained during the Saxon dynasty five hides (or fields) of land. After leaving this place the excur- sionists would next come to Ebbesborne, which derived its name from its situation in the bourne on the banks of the river Ebele. They would then pass by Alvediston, and thence to Norrington House, which would, no doubt, be explained to them. In allusion to the village of Berwick St. John, through which they would pass, he stated that the Rev. John Gane, by his will dated 1735, left a tenement and garden, on condition that the great bell of the parish church should be rung for a quarter of an hour at eight o’clock, every night from the 10th of September to the 10th of March, for ever, for the purpose of enabling travellers on the Wiltshire downs to find their way by the sound on dark and foggy nights. He then pointed out the corruption of some of the names of places in the Vale of Chalk, and concluded a very able and interesting address, of which the foregoing is a mere summary, amidst the loudly expressed applause of his hearers. At its conclusion the Rev. A. C. Smith proposed a vote of thanks to Dr. Williams, which was cordially responded to.

The party then left the schoolroom, and after inspecting the church, where considerable discussion arose as to the date of its nave and chancel: proceeded through Fifield Bavant and Alve-

iston to Norrington House, which by the courtesy of Mr. Parham, they were allowed thoroughly to explore. Dinner however

The Eleventh General Meeting. bl

proved to be the first attraction; and at its conclusion,

Earl Netson, who was in the chair, said as that was the last time he should have the opportunity of addressing the members of the Society, he would now, at the close of his office as their Presi- dent, bid them farewell. And first, he begged to thank Mr. and Mrs. Parham for their kindness in permitting them to visit Nor- rington House. (Loud cheers.) He would next ask them to give their hearty thanks to Mr. Stevens for the great exertions which he had made in connection with their visit to Salisbury, and for the admirable manner in which he had arranged the excursions. For himself he (Earl Nelson) bade them all farewell.

Mr. E. T. Srevens returned thanks.

The company then left the dinner table, and proceeded to the _ lawn in front of the hall. ; Mr. J. H. Parxer, mounted on a chair, delivered an address on

}

_ Norrington House. He said that it was a good specimen of the _ domestic architecture of the 15th century. Two of the windows of the hall and the porch were original. The third window was _ an addition made about twenty years ago. He condemned the ivy _ which clustered round the porch, and observed that in a few years _ it would destroy that interesting specimen of architecture. He _ then explained the arrangement of an English gentleman’s house _ in the 15th century, cbserving that on one side of the great hall _ were the servants’ apartments and the cellar, and on the other side were the family apartments. He called attention to the cellar, which was finely groined, and which, in the olden times, was well _ stocked with wine. He then explained the arrangements of the _ great hall, and after many interesting observations on domestic _ architecture, concluded an able and learned address. . The party then visited the house, and inspected the great hall,which _ has been divided into apartments. They also went into the cellar, which is a noble specimen of medieval architecture. ' Leaving Norrington, they divided into three sections: one _ of which visited Old Wardour, by permission of Lord Arundell ; another visited Chiselbury Camp, through the Hare Warren, passing _ Netherhampton and West Harnham churches. A third party pro-

382 The Museum.

ceeded to Compton House, which they were allowed to inspect, by the kind permission of Mr. C. Penruddocke. |Unfortunately, owing to the lateness of the hour, it was impossible to devote sufficient time for an inspection of the valuable and interesting collection which was displayed in the dining room. Universal regret was expressed at this circumstance, and it was hoped that on some future occasion Compton House would be taken at the commencement of an excursion. After being most hospitably entertained by Mr. Penruddocke, the visitors re-entered the carriages and drove through the beautiful deer park, and so in the cool of the evening, back to Salisbury; and it was felt by all as a subject of regret, that the Salisbury meeting of the Wiltshire Archzolo- gical and Natural History Society was ended.

A Hist of Articles Exhibited

IN THE

TEMPORARY MUSEUM AT THE COUNCIL HOUSE, SALISBURY, September 13th, 14th, and 15th, 1865.

Those marked with an Asterisk have been presented to the Society.

By the Mayor AND CoRPoRATION OF SALISBURY :—

A rich collection of Charters and other documents relating to the early history of the city. Also a bronze Winchester bushel sent to Salisbury by Henry VII., for the purpose of regulating the measures at the market, and recently discovered in some of the premises of the Corporation.

By the Lorp BisHor oF SALISBURY :—

Pastoral staff of silver, parcel gilt; the stem fluted and bossed, and the crook ornamented with foliage in relief set with amethysts. In the centre are the figures of the virgin and child, and also that of a mitred bishop within a glory. The upper portion has been recently regilt ; but the whole belongs to a period late in the ‘‘ renaissance” style, probably about the middle of the 17th century, and is apparently of German workmanship. A similar object is preserved in the Cathedral at Lyons, which is known to be of German origin ; the ornamentation is very similar to the present example, but the form of the crook is simpler, indicating a somewhat earlier date. Cross and shell.

The Museum. 33

‘in mother of pearl, carved with sacred subjects, from Jerusalem. Two copies of early Italian paintings by Fra. Angelico. Portrait, on panel, of Jewel, Bishop of Salisbury, A.D. 1560—71.

By the Dean anp Cuaprer or SALISBURY :—

An ancient chasuble of green velvet, probably in use at the Cathedral before the time of the Reformation, and decorated with “‘ orphreys” or embroidery, representing the Crucifixion and figures of Saints; amongst which the in-

_seription ‘ Orate pro anima Johann. Baldwini,” is still traceable. Remains of wooden pastoral staff, chalices of silver and pewter, and two episcopal rings of gold, set with an agate and a sapphire, from tombs in the Cathedral opened during Wyatt’s alterations about the year 1789. One of the original transcripts of Magna Charta, and a Charter of King Stephen (A.D. 1136) confirming the liberties of the church. A series of rare manuscripts and early printed books including “ Aldhelmus de laude Virginttatis” MS. viii. century: ‘‘Isidori Historia Sacre Legis Speculum Gregorit” MS, viii. or ix. century: Latin Psalter Calendar and Liturgy with interlined Anglo Saxon translation MS. x. century: Geoffrey of Monmouth MS. almost contemporary xii. century: ‘ Justiniant Institutiones Juris Civilis eum glossd accursiana” MS.: Breriarium secundum usum Sarum MS. xv. century: also a printed copy of the Golden Legend by Caxton or Wynkyn de Worde, and a Graduale in usum Sarum A.D. 1528.

By the Rr. Hon. Lavy Hersert :—

A very finely executed painting of Mary Sidney, Countess of Pembroke, by Mare Garrard. Also a beautiful miniature of Sir Philip Sidney, by Isaac Oliver, from Nonsuch, sold at Lord Liverpool’s sale to Mr. Capon, whence it came into the possession of Catharine Countess of Pembroke, &c. A lock of

“Queen Elizabeth’s hair given to Sir Philip Sidney ‘‘ by her Majesty’s owne faire hands,” in 1573; found ina copy of the ‘‘ Arcadia” at Wilton House, together with a memorandum and a verse composed by Sir Philip on the occa- sion. A bowl of bright yellow metal found at Wilton a few years since, during excavations for sewerage. Attached to the rim are four rings (as if

‘for suspension), secured by staples terminating in the heads of animals. The

‘workmanship is apparently as early as the 1lth century. Vessels of this description have been found with interments of the Anglo Saxon period. Dr. Rock considers it probable that this is one of the Anglo Saxon Gabate,

or vessels suspended in churches, often mentioned amongst rare and precious gifts to the churches in Rome and elsewhere, in early times. It was dug up

‘near the site of the residence of the Anglo Saxon Kings, at Wilton, and may have belonged to a church which existed near the spot before the Norman Conquest.

By the Rr. Hon. Eart Netson :—

A case containing various relies of the late Admiral Lord Nelson, viz. :— the orders and stars worn by his Lordship, together with his log book and several letters, one written with his left hand on board his flag-ship, the ‘Victory, in 1805. Also a model of the mast of the Victory after the action

“of Trafalgar; and a box made from the wood of the Royal George, the

‘Victory, and the Bellerophon. A burlesque pack of playing cards of the time of the Commonwealth. Portrait of Oliver Cromwell undescribed by

VOL. X.—NO. XXVIII. Cc

34 The Museum.

Granger or Bromley. Printed demands for ship money, temp. Charles I. Two watches of the same date. Various medals. Drawing of. Stonehenge by Speed the historian, temp. Elizabeth. Bronze celt found on Charlton Downs, &c., &c. Silver cup and two dishes of good repoussé work, of the reign of George I. To the Natural History Section his Lordship was also a contributor of some well preserved specimens, including a Bittern (Ardea stellaris), Woodcock (Scolopax rusticola), Goosander {Dergus merganser), Redbreasted Merganser (Mergus serrator), a pair of short-eared Owls (Strix brachyotus), pair of Sparrow Hawks and young (Falco nisus), Buzzard (Falco buteo), Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus), a fine specimen of the Grey Phalarope (Phalaropus platyrhynchus) in winter plumage, Nightjar (Capri- mulgus Europeus), Dotterell (Charadrius morinellus) Polecat (Mustela puto- rius), Ermine Weasels (Mustela erminea) in winter dress, and a pair of Stoats and young in summer dress. By Lavy Poors :—

Some fine specimens of old lace, including Venetian and English points, &e., &e.

By Mrs. E Wickens, The Close :—

A volume of drawings of various remains of antiquity in Salisbury from the year 1820, and the only record extant of many local antiquities which haye disappeared since that date. Models of the old belfry in the Cathedral yard destroyed by Wyatt in 1789, and the wardrobe House in the Close. Original drawing of a mural painting discovered in St. Thomas’s Church, Salisbury, in 1819. Flagon presented by Sir Isaac Newton to an ancestor of the ex~ hibitor.

By Miss Dyxe, The Close :—

Mortuary ring with head of Charles I,, enamelled and emblems of death on

the back. Presentation ring. Specimens of old Venetian point lace. By Mrs. MonrcoMeEry :—

_ A painting. on copper of the Blessed Virgin, of Spanish work. By E. G. Benson, Esq :—

A large and interesting collection of Greek, Roman, English, and other coins. Also a pair of bronze figures discovered behind a mantlepiece in the Close by the Rey. G. Benson.

By the Rev. Sus-pEaAN Eyre :—

A very interesting engraving by J. S, Muller, of the interior of Salisbury Cathedral, from a drawing by J. Biddlecomb, 1754. (This engraving shows the original early English organ-screen, removed by Wyatt in 1789, anda large font in the nave.)

By the Rey. A. C. Smrra :—

Case containing a handsome pair of the great spotted Cuckoo (Cuculus glandarius), from Africa, and also a pair of the common Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus.)

By the Rev. J. J. Scorr :—

Medal, ‘‘ In piam memoriam Gulielmi ITI.” Bezoar stone, enclosed in an oriental case of gold filigree work. Two specimens of lacquered ware from the East Indies. Indian fan, carved box of sandal wood, and specimen of bead work from North America,

The Museum. 35

By H. J. F. Swayne, Esa., Netherhampton House :—

‘ Letters Patent giving a license to alienate certain lands in Anstey, Great Durnford and Netton, held in capite by John Swayne, 9th Charles I. (1633), with impression of Great Seal appended.

By C. J. Reap, Esa. :—

Account of the execution of Lords Kilmarnock and Balmarino, printed in Sarum, August 18, 1746. Broad sheet of the execution of Simon Lord Lovat, April 9, 1747. Ancient viol made in Somerset by John Strong, about the latter part of the 16th century; and a violin made in Cremona by the brothers A. & J. Amati in 1628.

By F. R. Fisuerr, Ese :— Several old engravings of Malmesbury Abbey, Longleat, and plan of St, Thomas’s Church, Salisbury. By E. T. Stevens, Eso :— Large Majolica vase with snake handles. By the Rev. R. F. Purvis, Whitsbury :—

Silver dish of repoussé work, containing a mythological subject, with rich border of fruit and female busts, foreign manufacture, Silver box enamelled of oriental work. Two baskets of silver open work. Pair of tea caddies em- bossed. Gold seal surmounted with elephant carrying howdah, engraved in several eastern characters. Polished metal plate, of Chinese or Japan work, used as a looking glass.

By the Rev. G. S. Master, West Dean:—

Three specimens of bronze celts. Illuminated copy of ‘‘ The Hours,” 15th eentury. A double gem episcopal ring set with a stone called ‘ Root of Ruby,” of two distinct colours. Antique gold ring from Greece, and Talis- manic ring from India. Brass decade ring 16th century. Two gold lockets, one with miniature of Charles I., containing hair and set with diamonds; the other formed of coins of Charles I. and I]. Silver reliquary or lockets, with heads of our Saviour and the Blessed Virgin Mary. Greek painting of the Holy Family set as a locket. Inkstand, mirror-ease, basket, and locket in filigree silver (17th century), from India. Seal handle with carving in ivory, representing the temptation of Adam and Eve. Also several specimens of fictitious antiquities sold by navvies employed in the underground railway’ and Thames embankment.

By Witt1am Bracxmorz, Esa. :—

Model of the unique ‘ Finger Pillory” preserved in the church of Ashby dela Zouch, Leicestershire, Several gold objects found in graves at Chiriqui, in central America. One of these objects, in the form of a frog, has loose balls in the eye spaces, which rattle when it is shaken, a peculiarity observed in much of the pottery found at Chiriqui. In collections of Mexican ebjects also rattles of ware are not uncommon.

By Dr. BrAckMoRE :-—

Specimens of pointed flint implements from the high level drift gravel of Milford Hill and Bemerton; and one example (the only one hitherto dis- - covered) from the pleistocene brick-earth of Fisherton. Two living specimens of the new species recently added to the list of British reptiles, the smooth snake (Coluber levis), caught in the sandy heath near Bournemouth. Also a specimen of the adder (Pelias Berus).

c2

36 The Museum.

By Mrs. BLackmorE: —

Several fine specimens of Venetian and English point lace. Also specimens

of old cutlery manufactured in Salisbury. By J. E. Nicurmeare, Ese., Wilton :—

A Florentine bronze lect of elegant form, probably one of the ordinary type in use about A.D. 1500. An onyx cup richly mounted and enamelled, of early Italian work. Several Limoges enamels of the school of Penicaud and later. An early Byzantine carving in ivory, representing our Lord in glory (10th century). Some pieces of enamelled glass lamps from a mosque at Cairo, of Syrian workmanship (14th century). These latter are amongst the earliest specimens of medieeval glass.

By Miss NIGHTINGALE :—

Specimens of old lace.

By Mrs. Hussey, The Hall:—

A rare print of Salisbury Cathedral, with the belfry, by Robert Thacker, A.D. 1680,

By W. Downrne, Ese., Fisherton :—

A collection of crystallised flints including a fine specimen of the coralline known as Neptune’s drinking cup. Leg and body irons, and hand bolts, anciently used in Fisherton Gaol. Fragment of stone from the tomb of St. Osmund in the Cathedral of Old Sarum,

By C. W. Wynpuam, Esa. :—

A most interesting and valuable collection of English gold and silver coins, including many rare specimens. A box of brass and pearl found at Stratford. Another box commemorative of the battle of Manilla 1760. Brass in relief representing the presentation of our Saviour by Nicolaus Vurgen A.D. 1598. and another representing the Crucifixion. Two silver mourning rings in memory of Charles I, and Oliver Cromwell; one engraved with a crowned skull, cross bones and initials ‘“ C. R.’’ ; the other with arms of the Common- wealth and the initials ‘‘ 0. C. ob: Sep. 3, 1658.” Some excellent specimens of plate of the early part of the last century, A beaker with the arms of the Commonwealth, 1653, Several pilgrim’s shells carved in mother of pearl, from the Holy Land. Bust of Charles I. of France in ivory by Amand. Piece of tapestry with figures of Charles II. and his queen, and a Bible cloth of

- tapestry work, &c., &c. Also several books and prints of local interest, including a north view of Salisbury Cathedral by Hollar 1672, a view of the Old Belfry 1787, an excellent copy of Inigo Jones’s ‘‘ Stonehenge,” 1725, and Stukeley’s ‘* Stonehenge,” 1740.

By Mr. James Brown :—

A collection of flint implements from the drift gravel of Milford Hill and Bemerton, including some remarkable examples of long pointed implements both of the pear-shaped and spear-head types. A very fine oval specimen from Hill Head, near Fareham, and others of the same form from Amiens. Also a case of Danish stone and flint implements, illustrating the high degree of perfection to which stone chipping attained in that country. Three speci- mens of flint celts found: at Clarendon, Laverstock, and Bishopsdown. Bronze celt from Cambridge. Thirteen specimens of iron arrow heads, and cross bow bolts; the latter found in the Close, Salisbury, 1865. Snuff box

The Museum. 37

inlaid with ivory, 1668, and a second with a shield bearing 6 fusils, and.

name “Anne Essington, 1732.” Three Majolica plates, ivory patch box,

silver whist counter box, Royalist medal Charles I. Ancient seal found

at Bemerton. Embroidered purse, &c., &c.

By Mr. Crence :— Flint implement from the gravel of Milford Hill. * re By Mr. WaHrEaton :— - . Large specimen of flint implement from Milford Hill. By T. 0. Stzvens, Ese :—

Charter of James If. to the city of New Sarum, with autograph of the

notorious Judge Jefferies. ° - By Tomas Barnarp Ese :—

Silver mounted snuff-box, made from a plank severed from Nelson’s Flag ship “‘ The Victory,” by a shot during the battle of Trafalgar, October, 21, 1805.

By Dr. Tuurnam, Devizes :—

Arrow-heads from the bed of Niagara river ; and leaf-shaped arrow-heads, and javelin points from Wiltshire tumuli; the latter being perfect marvels of skill in the way of chipping. An exquisitely polished flint celt from Catterley Banks. Two polished celts of green stone, mounted in sockets of deer horn, one of them handled in wood; from the lake dwellings of Switzerland. Specimen of ossiferous crematious breccia, and horn cores and bone of ox from a barrow near Tilshead.

By Mr. Suaw, Andover :—

Three rare specimens of ancient British gold coin found near Thruxton and Farringdon ; and one of penannular Celtic ring money, weighing 204 grains, recently found near Andover. Also several Saxon coins, and a touch-piece of Charles II. given to persons touched for the King’s evil. Tracts relating to the Martin Marprelate controversy, and specimens of pottery found in making the London and Southampton railroad.

By Mr. Epwarp Kite, Devizes :—

Petition from Daniel Drake, Keeper of Fisherton Gaol, A.D. 1649, to the Court of Quarter Sessions at New Sarum, for an allowance of £60 4s. 6d. spent in the maintenance of prisoners and suppression of mutinies in the gaol during the Commonwealth. ‘

By Messrs. Bennett & CLENCH :—

A large number of fine examples of early plate, amongst which the most remarkable object was a silver gilt Chalice of the 13th century, with the boss of the stem ornamented with foliage and the letters J. H. E. 8. U.S. also a silver gilt standing cup and cover, of large size, with a bas-relief of our Lord carrying the cross, and other sacred subjects; a pair of fine old candle- sticks of German work, parcel gilt and embossed, of the 17th century ; several drinking cups of silver and silver gilt, some richly embossed and engraved, of the form prevalent in the 16th and 17th centuries ; several highly ornamented spoons, in silver gilt, of about the same period; and some valuable specimens of richly embossed, and repoussé work of the reign of George I.

_ By J. Rawience Esa., Bulbridge House :—

Illuminated MS. of the 15th century. Black letter Bible in old binding.

38 The Museum.

Memorandum book with ancient needlework cover and silver clasps engraved with figures of Moses and Aaron, the Evangelists, &c. Piece of needlework of the tire of Charles II. with portrait of a lady surrounded by rural objects. Map of Ireland A.D. 1610 printed on satin. Map showing the progress of Queen Elizabeth to Tilbury. A very handsome pair of Honey Buzzards (Falco apivorus) with their young, also specimens of the Goshawk (Falco palumbarius), killed at Fonthill in 1863, and the great or solitary Snipe (Scolopax major). By Henry Brackmore, Ese :—

A large case of stuffed British birds, some of great rarity in this country. Amongst those worthy of special notice were the Gyr Falcon (Falco gyrfaleo), Goshawk (Falco palumbarius), Rough-legged Buzzard (Falco lagopus), Common Kite (Falco milvus), Swallow-tailed Kite (Falco jurcatus), Hawk Owl (Strix ulula), Tengmalms Owl (Strix Tengmalmi), Scops-eared Owl (Strix scops), Little Owl (Strix passerina), Great Gray Shrike (Lantus excubitor), Woodchat Shrike (Lanius rufus), Bee Eater (Merops apiaster), Bohemian Waxwing (Bombycilla garrula), Fire crested Regulus (Regulus ignieapillus), a pair of Golden Orioles (Oriclus galbula), Fork-tailed Petrel (Thalassidroma Leachii) killed at Quidhampton, Night Heron (Nycticorax ardeola), Little Bittern (Ardea minuta) ; a beautiful specimen of the Grey Phalarope (Pha/a- ropus platyrhynchus), in summer plumage. Also a good specimen of the Pine Marten (Martes abietum), &c., &e,

By Mr. Epwarps, Amesbury ;—

A large and very interesting collection of water colour drawings of churches, &e., in Wiltshire, including corbels, stained glass, &c., from Amesbury Church. An ancient fireplace in the Green Dragon at Alderbury. Bulford House, Lake House. Desecrated chapel at Chittern Ali Saints. Exterior and Interior yiews and details of the old churches of Chittern Ali Saints and Chittern St. Mary, both of which are now partially destroyed. Also of Great Durnford, Winterbourne Dauntsey, Winterbourne Earls, Winterbourne Gunner, and Porton Chapel. Mural painting of St. Christopher, recently discovered in Idmiston Church, &c. Also a series of patterns of encaustic tiles found on the site of Amesbury Abbey in 1859—60, and several old and curious engravings of Longford Castle.

By Mr. W. C, Kemm, Amesbury :-—

A series of drawings of stone capitals, plinths, mouldings, and vessels dug up during excavations on the site of Amesbury Abbey in 1859—60. Water colour drawings of the exterior and interior of Idmiston Church, corbels, font, monument, &c.; also a copy of Buck’s perspective view of the city of Salisbury.

By Mr. TIrrrn :—

A fine miniature likness in oil of a lady A.D. 1580, and a beautiful cameo about 1500. Three illuminated drawings by a Siennese artist about 1300. Artists cup of silver, parcel gilt, with heads of M. Angelo, &e. View of Longford Castle as it stood about 1680. Specimen of Limoges enamel by J. Laudin, 1690, Several rare books, viz.:—‘‘ Biblia latina” MS. about A.D. 1300. ‘‘ Mammotractus,” by Marchesimus, B.L. Milan, 1481, (mentioned by Rabelais among the choice books of the Library of St. Victor.) ‘‘ De

The Museum. 39

Miraculis occultis Nature,’’ &c., Frankfort, 1593, (in old hogskin binding, stamped with figures of Fortune and Justice.) Description of England, by T. Smith, Elzevir edition, 1641. The latter work contains, at p. 31, the following description of Salisbury :—“Sarisburia cedificiorum magnificentia et elegantia nulli cedens!”’ Plan of Salisbury Cathedral, west front, after Hollar, 1808 ; the north-west view, after Hollar, 1670, showing the Hunger- ford and Beauchamp Chapels destroyed by Wyatt in 1789; and the east view, 1670, A pair of shoes, of English needlework about 1690, and a lady’s girdle about 1730. By Mr. W. Osmonp, Jun. :— ¢

Copy of Heading of the original Charter granted by Edw. Iy., to the

tailors of New Sarum, dated 14th Dec., 1461. By Mr. S. Maton :—

Roman jug from a barrow on Salisbury Plain. Carving representing the

Assumption of the Virgin. Plan of Salisbury 1751. Several posey rings. By Mr. J. Rumpoip :—

Several examples of decade and posey rings, one of them said to have been

found at Stonehenge, also an ancient clock with curiously inlaid case. By Mr. WIxxzs :—

A Majolica drug vase bearing the figure of St. Sebastian, also a double

vase of Mexican Pottery. By Mr. Beacu :—

Court sword of Alderman Beckford, of Fonthill. when Lord Mayor of

London for the third time A.D. 1770. By Mr. Conntneron, Devizes :—

Three fine specimens of stone celts found in North Wilts, Case of fossil Crustaceans from the Upper-green-sand of Wiltshire. Piece of needlework temp. Elizabeth. Photograph of John Britton.

By Mr. R. T. Sure :— Specimens of flint flakings from a river-bed near Weymouth. By the Rev. 8. Lrrrnewoop :—

Latin Bible, with illustrations, A.D. 1512. Portrait of our Saviour, in tapestry, from a gem cut by order of the Emperor Tiberius Cesar, and sent by him to Pope Innocent VIII.

By Mr. Srarrarp, Calne :— Highly curious masonic snuff box, of very rare device.

The inscription on this tapestry is as follows:

VERA SALYVATORIS NOSTRI EFFIGIES AD IMITATIONEM IMAGINIS SMARAGDO INCIS& IVSSVY TIBERII CHSARIS QVO SMARAGDO PO- STEA, EX THESAVYRO CONSTANTINOPOLITANO, TYRCARVYM IMPERATOR INNOCENTIVM VIII. PONT. MAX: ROM. DONAVIT, PRO REDIMENDO FRATRE CHRISTIANIS CAPTIVO.

40

On Architectural Colouring. By Mr. T. Gamprer Parry.

RT owes a greater debt to whitewash than it might

like at first to avow. Whitewash preserved the portrait of Dante ‘to Italy, and the records of much ancient art to England. The Puritans’ whitewash was as good as a museum for the works it protected. But those works are now rapidly dis- appearing under the improving influences of restoration committees. It is difficult to detect the actual culprit of this ruthless destruction, because the builder employed in repairs shields himself behind the stupid ignorance of his men, the architect shelters himself behind the stupidity of the builder, and the ladies and gentlemen of the subscription list smile safely under the «gis of limited liability. There has been a variation of public taste. It has now gone from one bad thing to another—from whitewash to bare walls. Public taste began to wake to a sense of its own impurity, and then rushed into immoderate use of soap and water. The indiscriminate des- truction of early works of English art has been grievous. Much was bad, no doubt; but the good has gone with it, and, what is worse, the record of their composition, the incidents of their history, and the expression of their poetry, are gone also. There are, how- ever, scraps enough left to form for us the alphabet of restoration. No geological catastrophe has ever denuded a continent more com- pletely than the flood of modern Purism, under the lying name of Restoration, has laid bare the architecture of our ancestors. They have bared its very bones. No martyr was ever more effectually flayed. The finer taste of other days had covered the hideous mortar joints and rough masonry of the interior of buildings with a film of fine cement or gesso. But this has all been scraped away, under the ignorant supposition that that two was merely whitewash. The exteriors had been left rough by the builders, all fitly and

By Mr. T. Gambier Parry. 41

tightly enouzh, to suit the action of rough times and rough climate ; but the interiors were to meet only the gentler action of men’s thoughts and men’s prayers. Roughness and refinement are both elements of sublimity in art, but they can never change places. What would give masculine grandeur to an exterior would mar all good effect within. The last touch given to the interior was to soften down the asperities of the rough materials. Coarse lines and broken joints of mortar confounded the finer forms of architecture. A thin film of fine cement resolved those discords, and prepared the way forthe colourist. But nowadays colour, whitewash, gesso, and allare gone. Architecture, first washed of its dirt, then deprived of its complexion, and last of all denuded of its very skin, is presented to us ina state of nudity, which we are then called on to admire! This ruthless process, besides its effect on countless minor buildings, _ has reduced the interior of Lichfield and a great part of Worcester Cathedrals to a condition of bare masonry and vaulting, like that of a common beer cellar, and has given the two magnificent columns which rise from the floor to the roof of the choir of Ely the appear- ance of two huge piles of double Gloucester cheeses. These are but illustrations. This ruinous process has been the rule of modern __ restoration. e _ The employment of colour in architecture in the times of _ its greatest perfection is now too generally admitted to need _ proof or argument. The beauty of a nude colourless architecture may be and often is very great; but it needs to be of the highest _ art to bear the trial of such nude exposure. Such beauty, the nude _ beauty of uncoloured architecture, is of the most abstract kind. _ The forms of architecture, and consequently the beauty of their composition, have nothing in common with nature. Of course its structure has; but I am now speaking of the higher ideal of its _ art, not the lower one of its mechanism. That higher ideal is a most abstract one. There is an element of beauty in architecture _ which surpasses the original conception of the architect. A painter _preconceives his work; a sculptor does so, and works it gradually into shape in plastic clay; but an architect does not and cannot preconceive all the varying effects of perspective and of light.

42 On Architectural Colouring.

They affect him as though he were a stranger to it. Architecture is an intellectual creation. It may delight, attract, and awe the multitude, and no doubt it does; but I doubt the power of the multitude to penetrate the depth of its poetry. It is too exclusively artificial, too abstract, too exclusive of all that is common to external nature, to command all hearts. There is a note wanting in its scale. One touch might bring all the refinement of its calculated symmetry into harmony with nature; one touch might bring the abstractions of human mind into harmony with the feelings of human nature; one touch alone: and that is, the touch of colour. Acoldsnow- white rose flushed with the glow of an autumn sun; a glacier irrides- cent in the level rays of evening, as though it were changed into one great opal: how such beauty charms and draws out an affection warmer than that of mere intellectual admiration.

A thing of colour is a thing of life—a colourless thing in nature, if there be one, savours more of death than life. In art a colourless thing is but a passionless abstraction. It may be, in both, pure and lovely even though the idea of life may have no part withit. Butas life is better than death, so are things which suggest it ; and so it results that as nature without colour is inconceivable, so art without colour is incomplete.

How then shall we apply this deduction to architecture? If its forms have no precedent in Nature, whence are the princi- ples of its colour to be drawn? I grant the difficulty, particularly at this time when people’s eyes are so habituated to the poetry of Puritan whitewash or to Purist nudity, that colour comes upon them as a separate idea, clashing with that of architecture. I am not surprised at it. It is often less their fault than the artist’s. Incompetent persons are intrusted with an art, of the delicacy and difficulty of which they have no more idea than their employers. There are few more difficult problems in art than the combination of painting with sculpture and architecture. The result is often most unsatisfactory, and neither artist nor employer knows why, and until the province, not merely ef each art, but of each branch of it, be clearly recognised, both by artists and their patrons, there can be no hope of rescue from that confusion of ideas

By Mr. T. Gambier Parry. 43

which now makes any harmonious combination of those arts im- possible. In so short a paper I can only offer a few notes on two branches of this large subject :—(1.) The methods of art employed in former times. (2.) The principles which, in the most perfect styles of art, have guided and ever must guide the combination of painting and architecture.

From the earliest times to our own there appear to have been three distinct methods of architectural painting in common use. Fresco, encaustic, and tempera. There were many modifications of each. Their history is of great practical value tous. The earliest

_ method was that of tempera,—the fixing of colour pigment to a surface by some retentive and protective medium. Size was the oldest and commonest—as used from the days of the Egyptians to

our own. Wax, too, appears to have been used by them asa medium in tempera. It becomes a water colour medium by admix- ture with egg or alkali. It is, however, of little moment to us, except for its archeological interest, what was used in such a cli- mate as Egypt.

In Greece and Italy, the method most valued for its durability was the encaustic. It was very variously used—so much so, that

_ that word came to be employed in any method in which wax formed the principal ingredient. "Wax was in all probability the earliest _ protective vehicle used for colours in the architectural painting of the Greeks. Their earliest temples were of wood, and so too were their statues. It is hard to believe that the maritime Greeks, whose principal emporium was Egypt, could have remained unin- fluenced by what they saw there, where every work of art or ingenuity was rich with natural or artificial colours. As they _ preserved and painted their wooden ships, so would they preserve and paint their wooden temples. The tradition that they did so is preserved by Vitruvius, who states that the Greeks covered the _ ends of beams or roof timbers: exposed to the weather with blue ; wax. The exceeding softness of the effect of colour used with a wax medium, was just what the Greeks desired. It was used in various ways, with a brush, with a spatula, with the encaustic process, and without it. Wax was also the main ingredient in

44 On Architectural Colouring.

the circumlithio of statues. The statue-painters were known as eykavorat, t.e., artists who used wax. The advantages of its use on marble, whether of architecture or of sculpture, with or without the addition of colour, were its permanence and transparency, and its resistance of atmospheric influences. Examples of painted surfaces from the Theseum, the Propyle, and the Pinacotheca at Athens, were not long ago submitted to analysis by Mr. Farraday, in England, and to a French chemist, M. Landerer, and in almost every case wax was discovered by them as the medium of the colours. It was also the favourite medium for moveable pictures. A mode of its use is illustrated in a small painting found at Pom- pell, where an artist is represented mixing his colours on a stone slab with a fire burning beneath it. It appears to have been the medium most common in use for architectural decoration by the Romans as well as by the Greeks; and it was used for all sorts of | artistic purposes throughout the middle ages. Wax is prescribed among the recipes of the Lucca MS. in the eighth century, and in the MS. of Eraclius of the eleventh or twelfth centuries. In the French MS. of Pierre de St. Audemar it is prescribed as a varnish to protect vermilion from the damp and air. And throughout the old documents of English works of art connected with painted architecture, it is mentioned as an ingredient commonly supplied to painters.

In medizval art, the encaustic system of burning in the wax does not appear to have been used north of the Alps. Wax is prescribed in the French MS. of La Begue, in the fifteenth century, to be mixed with white lead as a ground for painting ; and other- wise used also with size and mastic. The receipt of an English artist of the fourteenth century was found not long ago at Roches- ter, describing its use, when melted with resins and other materials.

I am strongly convinced by the universal opinion of artists employed in architectural painting, from the early days of Greek art to those of the later middle ages in Europe, that wax was the most highly valued ingredient in their hands. It was commonly used by them as a ground for their work, a medium for their

By Mr. T. Gambier Parry. 45

colours, and a varnish for protection against damp and air. It has also the invaluable qualities of durability in itself, permanency of colour, transparency, and freedom from any chemical action on the most delicate mineral or vegetable colours.

The other two methods used in wall painting were tempera and fresco. The controversy about buon fresco and fresco secco, used by the Greek artists, is of no practical consequence to us. There is no doubt that buon fresco was used by them ; the question being

only how far that system was used in the higher branches of art. The argument inclines to a peculiar method between the real fresco and the secco. Fresco secco is this,—the fresh plaster is allowed to set, and thus far only to be secco—the wall is wetted for use, and the colours used with lime for white, and lime water for a vehicle—whereas the method used by the Greeks and Romans of classic days appears to have been this, viz., to lay upon a secco wall (i.e. where the plaster had set) a fresh wash of lime, into or upon which, before it set, the artist painted ad libitum.

The methods commonly used in England were various kinds of tempera. Real fresco does not appear to have been practised ‘ in England. There is no evidence of its use in Christian art Bach before the time of Cennini. It was probably first used at Pisa, in the early part of the fourteenth century. The serious objection to fresco of any sort, is, of course, the very limited num- ber of colours which will bear the action of lime. Its excellence is in the mellowness of its effects, and freedom from a glossy i Surface, a quality absolutely necessary for mural painting. But its surface, unprotected by any varnish, or coating of any sort—its colours held in their places only by the crystallising of the lime _ water—its porous, or at least granulated surface, on which damp and minute fungi find an easy lodgment, disqualify it from being trusted where walls are constantly exposed to an alternation of _ damp atmosphere and hot multitudes.

Tempera painting has many modes of work. Oil is found in some of its recipes. ii appears to have been of very ancient use, Greek writer, in the time of the Emperor Augustus, describes he preparation and the use of drying oils. The monk Eraclius

46 On Architectural Colouring.

mentions its use in architectural decoration of the eleventh or twelfth century thus: ‘If you wish to paint a column or 2 stone, take white lead and grind it with oil.” He then describes the thin film of gesso or cement with which all finished architecture was covered, and adds: ‘“ You may then paint upon it in colours mixed with oil.” As he was the compiler of old Greek art tradi- tions, we may suppose him thus giving an account of oil painting used by Byzantine artists, and even by those of still greater anti- quity. But oil is a very bad vehicle for architectural painting where it cannot be protected by a varnish, on account of the gloss.

That colour had its place in architectural effect, and that it was necessary to its perfection, had been a principle recognized in all times and countries. The fact of art having been unanimous in its greatest and purest age, whether of Pagan or of Christian times, on this subject, is a sufficient reason for our enquiry whether our preference for uncoloured objects is a purer taste, or whether it be not a simple deficiency of perceptive powers, aud the evidence of an elementary, inchoate, and limited taste. In the palmiest days of classic art, sculpture as well as architecture was coloured, the tone being mellowed without affecting the texture of the marble. The draperies were often coloured very powerfully, and gold, and even jewellery, used. Unpainted statues are mentioned by classic authors as exceptions. The buildings of the Greeks were also coloured, without regard to the materials. Every moulding of the Parthenon, of the purest marble, was ornamented with colour or with gold. The primary colours were generally used in the architecture of the Greeks, and often in great intensity. Vermilion, ultramarine, and yellow earth were common, and a bright green, probably the same as that of which our medieval painters were fond—viz.: the vert de Gréce, whence the colour is commonly called verdigris, the French name originating in its importation to England from Montpellier, the greatest emporium for colours in Europe in the middle ages. Works of classic art, at the greatest distance apart, witness to the same principle in colouring, that what the carver had brought out in the strongest relief should be still more strongly relieved by a bold use of the primary colours and of gold; and

By Mr. T. Gambier Parry. 47

that what the architect had left broad and flat should be maintained so by the painter, by diapers, flat and conventional patterns, and bold simple bands of colour. Of higher art, figure and subject painting there is only the evidence of books. The paintings on ancient vases and the remains at Pompeii are valuable indirect evidences of what the course of classic art had been. Those vases represent to us the perfect idea of Greek wall painting. The com- position of subjects on those vases are commonly much too fine to have originated with artists employed in a business comparatively low. The inference is a fair one that those compositions are re- peated from the works of the greatest artists on the temple walls.

The system of flat composition in wall painting was then universal.

There is a description by Pausanias of a work by Polygnotus,

painted about 450 B.C., in which the figures of a great subject

were in distinct groups one above the other. On the Greek and

Etruscan vases, the system of wall painting is admirably illustrated. ‘The most beautiful and expressive groups are there made subservient

to the architecturai purpose. If those inferior works on mere pottery

were so fine, the great originals must have been admirable. The system of painting was one of sufficient relief to satisfy the eye, “but not enough to disturb the dignity of the architecture. This Polygnotus is said to have painted men better than they were, ‘.e. “he idealised his figures. And let it be remembered that the date of Polygnotus was the date also of Phidias and of Ictinus, the sculptor and the architect of the temples at Phigalea and at Athens, the age of the zenith of Greek art, and themselves its greatest ex- “ponents. —

_ An artist is not to be measured by the high finish of his works. ‘The age of high finish and high relief in painting was the turning point of classicart. Painting then asserted its individuality. It was still admirable, but only for itself and by itself. By this _yery assertion of individuality it dissevered itself from architecture. [rue architectural ornamentation, whether by decorative design or by high art figure painting, was at an end; and the abuse of the of wall painting culminated in a certain Roman, Ludius,

rho painted market scenes and stables, and cobbler’s stalls, and

48 On Architectural Colouring.

vulgar groups on walls, ignoring all principle, and defying all taste. With him that chapter of the arts was closed.

When the painter and the architect first worked together the spirit of the age which brought their arts into life and action inspired them alike. It has been common among art-critics to regard rather with a compassionate admiration that union of spirit which kept those arts in harmony. In the account taken of Pagan and Christian arts, that period is regarded as that of their weakness or their infancy. The full dignity of manhood has been accorded to them only when they had arrived at a direct and positive antagonism—when, for instance, painting worked for its own glorification—when it took a space assigned to it by the architect, and turned that space into a lie,—when it turned the surface of strong walls into scenes of atmospheric perspective, or a cupola into a region of clouds. I urge that this was and isa miserable abuse of art—I believe that this abuse lies in a mis- appreciation of the vastness and elasticity of art. It comes of conceit, and the self glorification of one art in abnegation of the purposes of another. I speak not now of painting merely for its decorative effects, but of the higheat sphere of that art, its historic, sacred and poetic expression in alliance with architectural design. I must express regret at the paucity of ideas, not only in our own day, but even in the greatest days of artist life by which one ex- clusive phase of the painter’s art has been recognised as perfect,— that of pictorial effect. I believe the greatness of that art rather to consist in the greatness of its adaptability—in its power to respond to the most opposite demands. But now it is restricted to one only phase—that one only is supposed compatible or proper to its highest aims—that whether that grand art be applied within the limits of a gold frame, or be spread over some great surface, needed for the repose and grandeur of architectural effect, yet still that the same ever repeated phase of “‘ picture” should prevail. It is strange that artists should not see the excessive weakness of this poor restriction of their art—that whether it be applied toa picture . in a boudoir, to the bulging side of a jug, to the bottom of a dish, or to the great wall spaces of architectural design, their grand art

By Mr. T. Gambier Parry. 49

should manifest such poverty of invention, such wretched weakness of resource, that under conditions so opposite it should still remain the same.

But the modern painter has made himself a slave to the techni- calities of perspective. The greatness of his art lies in design, not in the mere technicalities of linear or atmospheric relief. But art was in this way narrowed centuries ago, even by those who in its great days glorified it by their genius—but they were intent on one ideal of it alone—so they dammed up its stream and made its channel narrow. I mean in what is called the renaissance of the 15th and 16th centuries. Painting was reduced to pictorial effect. Arts once glorious in their diversity were all drawn in, within one narrow code of academic rules. The altar-piece, the window and the wall (as I have said elsewhere) were all brought within the category of the same rigid table of art laws. Glass, pottery, walls, pictures, mosaics, were all to be treated alike—and why ? because the artists were in bondage.

Academies had ignored the varying conditions of art in its place, its purpose, and its materials ; and popular opinion, lending its nose to the hook of academic pretension, had frightened the artist into compliance, for his health, his peace, and his pocket, but not for his conscience sake.

Mr. Parry then proceeded as follows:—I trust that you will have seen my purpose in this brief sketch of classic art. I can suppose that the story of Christian art might have been more interesting to you, but that classic art was a perfect prototype of what followed in Christian times. They both illustrate the triumphs of art gained by the principle of mutual subordination—subor- dination, I mean, not reducing one art to the slave of another— but a mutual act, rather of espousal than of vassalage. When painting asserted its own individual powers, all combination with its great sister was at an end. In Christian art the case has been the same, and nowadays all true principle of wall painting seems to be ignored. The modern artist will not succumb to the require- ments of his new position. He has been a picture painter ; he is now a wall painter, but here he continues a picture painter still. VOL. X.—NO. XXVIII D

50 On Architectural Colouring.

All art is subject to conditions. Its excellence depends on their fulfilment. It is this fact of subjection to conditions which makes all art necessarily conventional. Painting is an art of exceedingly wide range—wide in respect to itself, from the bold symbolic outlines of an Egyptian hierograph to the niggling mimicry of a Dutch picture, and wide in respect to the purposes it can fulfil, such as for pottery, for walls, for moveable pictures, enamels, sculpture, architecture, glass, tapestry, &c. This versatility of powers must be thoroughly realised before any just judgment can be formed. People err in taste because they ignore the proper base of criticism. They are confounded by the flood of heterogeneous forms which disgrace the character of modern art, and no wonder. But once seize the guiding star of all judgment; once realise the condition in which a work is placed, conditions as to itself, con- ditions as to its place, purpose, and materials, and then all is clear. No matter how much consecrated by long use or common associations, it must be at once condemned if its conditions be unfulfilled. Apply this to the subject before us. Monumental art is of all others the highest in its aim. It must compel the resources which all arts can afford into unison. The success of former ages is attri- butable to that unison in which the whole chorus of the arts joined. It is the modern self-assertion of each individual art that renders success in monumental art well nigh impossible. By monumental art I mean the combination of the whole sisterhood of arts clustering round and working under the master spirit of architecture. Let each art be free as air, and revel in its own powers alone and uncontrolled. But here it is not alone. I can conceive no taste more reprobate than that of vain self-assertion, where self restraint would be the most graceful virtue. Take for instance such a case as this—an artist paints a scene for a theatre. It would be im- possible for hm to imitate too closely the natural effects, both of linear and atmospheric prospective. But apply this scene so painted with its sunny foreground in strong relief, its receding forms of wood or mountains, or of distant water mingling its horizon with the sky,—apply this elsewhere. It was a triumph of art in its own sphere; it had fulfilled all its conditions. But now how ridiculous would all those be, associated with the condition of

4 ~ : ‘ f

By Mr. T. Gambier Parry. 51

architectural design. The artist has made all light and flimsy which the architect had left purposely and necessarily massive, bold and broad. Both mind and eye are offended at the result. He has placed the two arts in direct antagonism. He has stultified the architecture, and reversed every condition of equilibrium, opening that which should be closed, lightening that which should be heavy, leaving weighty masses of masonry without apparent support. He has turned heavy walls into thin air, and has left massive arches to carry the clouds. But the great works of other times have given us the precedents and principles to attain the same success, Surely it will not be denied that if ever taste cul- minated to its highest ‘act, it was in the creation of beautiful works. If ever there was authority in taste which we are bound to reverence, it was when art had attained its greatest triumphs. Individual taste may nowadays rebel, in vanity and self-assertion, but the greatest artists of the greatest days did otherwise. I am confident that in conjunction with architecture all arts are raised

__ at once to their highest sphere. Architecture is the most conven-

tional of all arts, the creature of thought most abstract and refined —and with it the others can find companionship complete and sympathetic only in their purest and noblest forms, where all power is concentrated to symbolise and suggest rather than to realise, to address imagination rather than to satisfy curiosity. Naturalism and imitation is another, a distinct, and most inferior phase both of sculpture and painting—a phase, indeed, to which a good pupil must attain—to which the master must have himself attained to reach his higher standing ground. They are steps, mere steps, which all must mount who care to feel the pure air above, and to see the broad horizon of arts’ poetry in all its beauty. I conclude then with this,—that if those various arts of which my subject has” treated could be attained, and their spirit guided by the genius of one master mind—if their full powers could be compelled and

_ their resources welded together with unity of purpose and unity of _ result; such a conclave of the arts could only meet for one great _ triumph—in an architecture completely beautiful—the mother and 4 the mistress of them all. i

D2

52

ON THE

Adlethod of Atlobing Colossal Stones,

As practised by some of the more adoanced ations of Antiquity. By the Rey. A. C. Smrru.

Read before the Society during the Annudl Meeting at Salisbury, Sept. 13th, 1865.

PRESUME that among the many strangers who annually visit Stonehenge, after the first mental conjecture as to its date, and the people who erected that imposing structure, the question which next suggests itself to the mind of each is, how did the builders of those times (whoever they were, and whenever they lived) transport and then erect such huge and massive stones ? Now this is a question which nobody can satisfactorily answer, for we have nothing to guide us to any certainty on the point: and however ingenious and plausible the theories which from time to time have been adduced, they can at most lay claim to pro- bability, but can by no means be pushed beyond the limits of conjecture.

Under these circumstances it is well to make a wide cast among the nations of ancient time, and if we can leave anything definite of the practice in this particular of other people in those distant ages, such practice may perhaps serve as a clue to guide us to the true solution of the question which occupies our attention here, and at any rate is an enquiry full of interest, as we ponder over the vast and bulky masses which somehow were raised by a primitive people to the position they have held for so many ages.

Now it so happens that within the last few years, the researches which have been carried on among the most civilized of the ancient nations (I mean the Assyrians and the Egyptians), have revealed the method which both those nations employed for transporting the colossal figures in which those people delighted. Mr. Layard and Sir Henry Rawlinson in Assyria, and Sir Gardner Wilkinson

° By the Rev. A. C. Smith. 53

in Egypt, have all described the process as it is still exhibited in bas-reliefs or paintings on the walls; and I proceed at once to extract from their respective writings a short epitome of the des- criptions they have given of these most interesting illustrations of the mechanical skill of the ancients.

With regard to Assyria, Mr. Layard! has elaborately represented in his “Monuments of Nineveh,” and Mr. Rawlinson? has detailed with considerable minuteness, from the bas-reliefs discovered at Koyunjik, all the particulars with reference to the transport of the colossal bulls from the quarry to the palace gateways. The very fact that they were able to transport masses of stone many tons in weight, over a considerable space of ground, and to place them on the summits of artificial platforms from thirty to eighty or ninety feet high, would alone indicate considerable mechanical power. The further fact, now made clear from the bas-reliefs, that they wrought all the elaborate carving of the colossi before they pro- ceeded to raise them or put them in place,’ is an additional argu- ment of their skill, since it shows that they had no fear of any accident happening in the transport. It appears from the repre- sentations, that they placed their colossus in a standing posture, not on a truck of any kind, but on a huge wooden sledge, and cased it with an openwork of spars;* and then by means of well adjusted ropes attached to various portions of the framework, the workmen were enabled to steady the bulky mass, while large gangs of men dragged the sledge along in front, as I have already des- cribed in a former paper.5 _ This is godt and conclusive evidence as regards the transport of colossal stones in Assyria. Let us now see what the paintings on

1 Layard’s Monuments of Nineveh, 2nd series, plates x. to xvii.

*Rawlinson’s Five great Monarchies of the Ancient Eastern World, vol. i. pp. 495—499.

$Mr, Layard at first imagined that the contrary was the case [Nineveh and its Remains, vol. ii., p. 318], but his Koyunjik discoveries convinced him of his error. [Nineveh and Babylon, pp. 105, 106.]

‘The nineteenth century could make no improvement upon this: Mr. Layard tells us that ‘‘precisely the same framework was used for moving the great ‘sculptures now in the British Museum. [Nineveh and Babylon, p. 112, note.]

5 Magazine, vol. ix., p. 131,

54 On the Method of Moving Colossal Stones.

the walls of the rock-hewn tombs of Egypt hand down to us, as the practice of that remarkable nation in early times.

Not far from Antinoe, and in one of the grottoes on the hills immediately behind the village E’ Dayr e’ Nakhl, in the Arabian desert, on the eastern bank of the Nile, at the distance of some few miles from the river, and therefore but little visited, the early pioneers of Egyptian antiquities, (Captains Irby and Mangles) discovered the very interesting subject of the transport of a colossal figure by means of a vast number of workmen, towing it on a sledge with ropes. I myself visited this tomb during last winter and made a rough sketch of the painting on the walls: but I prefer to describe it in the words of Sir Gardner Wilkinson.! “The subject,” (he remarks) “is doubly interesting, from its being of the early age of Osirtasen II., (that is to say, of the 12th Dynasty, or about B.C. 2000,) and also one of the very few paintings which throw any light on the method employed by the Egyptians for moving weights; a singular fact, since those people have left so many unquestionable proofs of skill in these matters. In this representation, one hundred and seventy two men, in four rows of forty three each, pull the ropes attached to the front of the sledge : but this number of men is probably indefinite, and it is supposed by Sir Gardner Wilkinson that more were really employed than are indicated in the painting. Upon the pedestal of the statue stands a man pouring a liquid from a vase, probably grease or perhaps water, in order to facilitate its progress as it slides over the ground, which was probably covered with a bed of planks, though they are not shown in the picture. Behind the statue are four rows of men, in all twelve in number, representing either the architects and masons, or those who had an employment about the place where the statue was to be conveyed. Below are others car- rying vases, apparently of water, and some machinery connected with the transport of the statue, followed by taskmasters with their wands of office. On the knee of the figure stands a man who claps

1Manners and Customs of the ancient Egyptians, vol. iii., pp. 325—329. See also Handbook for Travellers in Egypt, by the same author. (Murray) p, 289.

By the Rev. A. C. Smith. 55

his hands to the measured cadence of a song, to mark the time and ensure their simultaneous draught; for it is evident that in order that the whole power might be applied at the same instant, a sign of this kind was necessary: and the custom of singing at their work was common to every occupation in Egypt, as it is now in that country, and many other places: nor is it found a disadvantage among the modern sailors of Europe and others, when engaged in pulling a rope, or in any labour which requires a simultaneous effort.” Sir Gardner Wilkinson concludes his account of this interesting painting, by observing ‘‘that while small blocks of stone were sent from the quarries by water to their different places of destination, either in boats or rafts: those of very large dimen- sions were dragged by men overland, in the manner here repre- sented: and the immense weight of some shows that the Egyptians were well acquainted with mechanical powers, and the mode of applying a locomotive force with the most wonderful success.”

But if it be thought by any that the colsssal figures alluded to above, would be of inferior bulk and weight to the rough stones of ___ Avebury or Stonehenge, let me hasten to correct such an erroneous impression by remarking, that the statues of the Assyrians were of enormous size and weight, while those of the Egyptians were of no less dimensions. I proceed to prove this by figures; and would first observe that the height of the Egyptian colossus just described was twenty four feet,! while the bulk of the Assyrian human headed bull, alluded to above, was far greater: but these are as nothing when compared to other colossal figures which still exist, ___ carved out of one block of stone or granite. Thus we find in the plain of Koorneh or Western Thebes, two colossi of Amunoph IIL, (date B.C. 1400)? one of which is the well-known vocal Memmon, each of a single block, forty seven feet in height, containing above 11,000 cubic feet, and made of a stone not known within several day’s journey of the place. And not far off in the Memmonium, on the same plain, is another statue of Remeses II. (date B.C.

1 Wilkinson’s Ancient Egyptians, vol. iii., p. 327.

2 Wilkinson’s Ancient Egypt, vol. iii., p. 329. Ditto Egypt and Thebes, pp. 33, et seq. Ditto Handbook for Egypt, pp. 327—339.

56 On the Method of Moving Colossal Stones.

1311)! of red granite, which when entire weighed upwards of 887 tons, and was brought from Assouan to Thebes, a distance of 138 miles. This is indeed a surprizing weight, but it has the reputation of being the largest statue the world ever saw, and though now shattered into several pieces, lies a perfect marvel to all beholders. These three colossal statues I myself saw and roughly measured last winter.

But to pass from the statues to other blocks of stone. Herodotus describes a chamber made of a single stone? quarried at Syene, which took two thousand labourers three years to convey to Sais, and which was 21 cubits long, 14 broad, and 8 high, (or 31 feet in length, 22 in breadth, and 12in height). Still more extraordinary, not to say incredible than the last, is his second story of the monolithic temple at Buto® which was 40 cubits, or 60 feet in height, breadth and thickness, and which would have weighed some 6788 tons, a tolerable bulk to move at any time, and which would, I think, startle our most scientific engineers even with all their clever appliances of the L9th century after Christ: what then must it have been as many centuries before Christ, when the lever, the wedge, and the inclined plane comprized almost all the mechanical science the nations of antiquity possessed.

But I will not tax the credulity of the Society, by asking it to give a blind assent to the figures of Herodotus, generally accurate _ though I hold that much maligned but most valuable author to be. I would rather call attention to the huge masses of stone which still exist, quite enough in number, and bulky enough in size, to astonish us, and perplex us to account for their transport to the sites they still occupy: all of which moreover I have myself seen, and most of which I have measured this year.

And here the obelisks of Egypt first claim our attention.* They were all carved in the quarries of Syene, at the first Cataracts, and they were transported either to Thebes, a distance of 138 miles,

1 Ancient Egypt, p. 329. Handbook for Egypt, p. 331. 2 Herodotus, book ii., chap. 175. Rawlinson’s Herodotus, vol. ii. p. 267. 8 Herodotus, book ii., chap. 155. Rawlinson’s Herodotus, vol. ii., p. 140. 4 Wilkinson’s Ancient Egyptians, yol. iii., pp. 329—331.

By the Rev. A. C. Smith. 57

or to Heliopolis, no less than 800 miles from the quarries. They are each of a single block of granite, and they vary in size from 70 to 98 feet in length: the largest in Egypt, which is that of the great temple at Karnac, has been calculated to weigh about 297 tons: and this must have been brought 138 miles. The power however to move the mass was the same, whatever might be the distance, and the mechanical skill which transported it five or even one, would suffice for any number of miles. Then again the skill of the Egyptians was not confined to the mere moving these im- mense weights: their wonderful knowledge of mechanism is shown in the erection of these Obelisks; and in the position of large stones, such as those of which the pyramids are built, raised to a considerable height, and adjusted with the utmost precision : some- times too in situations where the space will not admit the intro- duction of the inclined plane. Some of the most remarkable are the lintels and roofing stones of the large temples: and the lofty doorway, leading into the grand hall of assembly at Karnac, is covered with sandstone blocks, above 40 feet long and 6 feet square. Again, in one of the quarries at Assouan is a granite obelisk,’ which having been broken in the centre after it was finished, was left in the exact spot where it had been separated from the rock : I measured this obelisk, and found it above 95 feet in length and 11 in breadth at the largest part. The depth of the quarry is so small, and the entrance to it so narrow, that it was impossible for the workmen to turn the stone, in order to remove it by that opening ; it is therefore evident that they must have lifted it out of the hollow in which it had been cut; as was the case with all the other shafts previously hewn in the same quarry. Such in- stances as these suffice to prove the wonderful mechanical knowledge of the Egyptians: and Sir Gardner Wilkinson even questions whether with the ingenuity and science of the present day, our engineers are capable of raising weights with the same facility as that ancient people: while M. Lebas, well-known in France as an eminent engineer, who removed the Obelisk of Luxor now at Paris,

q _ paid a similar tribute to the skill of the ancient Egyptians.

1 Wilkinson’s Ancient Egyptiaus, vol. iii., p. 332.

58 On the Method of Moving Colossal Stones.

I have but one more instance to adduce, but that will be found to outweigh even the stupendous obelisks and massive building stones of Egypt. It is in Syria, at the Great Temple of Baalbec,' within two day’s journey of Damascus, and forms part of the most magnificent ruin the world can shew. I allude to the three? well- known stones of enormous magnitude, now built into the foundation wall of the temple; but which, nearly black in colour from weather stains of countless ages, are undoubtedly far anterior even to the ancient ruins amongst which they lie, and are of unknown antiquity. The masonry all around is truly cyclopean: there are no less than nine other stones each measuring 31 feet in length, 13 in height, and 93 in width: but each of these three gigantic masses measures above 63 feet in length, 13 in height, and 13 in thickness: and yet they were not only moved from the quarry in the neighbouring rocks to the site of the temple, but somehow raised to their present posi- tion at least 20 feet above the ground, and that though each of these stones is calculated to weigh above 900 tons. I will add as a climax, though this is hardly a case in point, for it never was moved, that at the quarry whence these massive stones were obtained, one enormous block remains, ready hewn, but not quite detached: it is even larger than the other three; being in length 68 feet, in height 14 feet, in breadth 14 feet: it thus contains above 13,000 cubic feet, and would probably weigh more than 1100 tons. The figures given above are indeed almost incredible, .but the stones themselves still stand to prove the correctness of the measure given, and I measured them myself this year, and can vouch for their accuracy.

Now after giving the above dimensions and weights, and showing that the more civilized nations of antiquity moved their colossal figures by the united strength of multitudes, aided by a few of the more simple mechanical contrivances, we seem to have narrowed our subject into trifling dimensions, for when we come now to compare the size and bulk of the stones of Avebury or Stone-

1 Porter’s Handbook for Syria and Palestine, (Murray) vol. ii., p. 559. *From these stones the Great Temple took the name by which it was long called, ‘‘ Trilithon,” the three-stoned.

By the Rev. A. C. Smith. 59

henge, those stones which we have been accustomed to look up to as of colossal proportions, now dwindle into comparative insignifi- cance, by the side of their gigantic brethren. For (to speak only of what I have myself seen and measured) while the statue of Remeses weighed 887 tons, and each of the great stones of Baalbeck weighed 900 tons, and measured 63 feet in length: the highest stone at Stonehenge is computed to measure under 25 feet, while the largest stone at Avebury is scarcely 20 feet in height, and its weight about 62 tons; and this is declared by Mr. Cunnington and announced by Mr. Long, (the very able author of Abury Illustrated) ! to be the most massive sarsen stone in Wiltshire.? Let me hasten to add that I do not say this in disparagement of our famous Wiltshire temples; “the first architectural witnesses of English religion,” as Dean Stanley calls them: * it would indeed ill become me, as Secretary of the Wiltshire Archzological Society to de so: and such indeed is very far from my thoughts. But to sum up the conclusions which may perhaps be drawn from the facts to which I have been directing attention; we may, I think, reasonably conjecture, that those who erected Avebury and Stone- henge, could have drawn the stones which compose them, by the united strength of numbers, without any very great mechanical knowledge: while in the words of Mr. Rawlinson,‘ “it is the most reasonable supposition that the cross stones at Stonehenge and the _ Cromlech stones, were placed in the positions where we now find ; them by means of inclined planes afterwards cleared away.” 3 But if it is here objected, that it is unsound to argue from the practice of those considerably advanced in scientific and mechanical } skill; and apply this argument to the practice of a nation, which 4 shows no such tokens of enlightenment: I would submit in the f

1 Wiltshire Magazine, vol. iv., p. 336. ‘‘ The specific gravity of Sarsen stone is about 2500 or 13 times greater than that of water. The weight per cubic foot is 154 lbs.”

2A larger specimen stood in the same structure a few years since, but is now unhappily destroyed; the weight of which was not less than 90 tons,” [Iidem, p. 336. ]

5 Lectures on the Jewish Church, p. 59. * Ancient Monarchies of the Hast, p. 500.

60 On the Method of Moving Colossal Stones.

first place, that the stones of Avebury and Stonehenge must have been transported and erected by some means, and what more pro- bable method can be shown? And in the next place I am not attributing to our British architects anything like the skill of their Assyrian and Egyptian contemporaries, who were confessedly so far their superiors in civilization, science and art: but I do hold, that if those advanced nations of antiquity could transport their colossi and erect their megalithic structures (many of which mono- liths weighed ten times more than our largest Wiltshire stones) by the sheer force of numbers, aided only by such simple mechanical contrivances, as the roller, the lever, and the wedge: it seems likely that the founders of our Wiltshire temples would, with an unlimited command of human strength, even without the assistance of any mechanical knowledge, if we should deny them this, be able to effect on a comparatively small scale what their more advanced contemporaries did to such an astonishing extent. And therefore I would claim for the early inhabitants of our downs who built Stonehenge and Avebury, the same motto which the Wiltshire Archeological Society of this day has adopted for its badge, <‘ Multorum manibus grande levatur onus.”

Atrrep CHaARLEs SMITH.

Yatesbury Rectory, Calne, July, 1865,

61

Ambreshury Alonastery.

By the Rry. Canon Jackson, F.S.A.

(@m=GHIS paper does not in any way refer to the original . ley monastery of Monks or Friars, on the Hill of Ambrius or Ambrosius, which in the historical account of the erection of Stonehenge in the 5th century is mentioned as the burial-place of the massacred British chieftains: but to a later House of Nuns which stood upon the flat ground near the river Avon, close to the existing church of Ambresbury.

This House of Nuns had been founded about A.D. 980, by Elfrida, Queen Dowager of King Edgar, in atonement for the murder of her son-in-law Edward the Martyr at Corfe Castle. It was of the Benedictine Order, and under the patronage of St. Mary, and of Melorus a Cornish saint whose relics were preserved. here, but of whose title to a place in the calendar more was known then than now.

From the time of its foundation it continued an independent house till the reign of Henry II., when (A.D. 1177) irregularities brought down the King’s displeasure, and the community of Nuns was dissolved. The house was then reformed, and made a cell, or house subordinate to the foreign Abbey of Font Evrault in Anjou, from which a fresh Prioress and twenty four Nuns were introduced into Wiltshire. The French Abbess, Johanna de Gennes, was in- ducted by Richard Archbishop of Canterbury in the presence of the King, of Bartholomew, Bishop of Exeter, and others.! From that time it became one of the most select retreats for Ladies in the higher ranks of life. Among royal or noble ladies connected with Ambresbury we find the following :—

1From an old French letter printed in New Monasticon (Amesbury, No. x.) it appears that there were also some ‘‘ Brethren,” probably a staff of chaplains, _ &c., attached to the Monastery who as well as the sister-hood were placed under _ the new Abbess’s controul.

62 Ambresbury Monastery.

I. Evezanor or Britany, a Nun of this House. She was daughter of Geoffry Plantagenet (3rd son of Henry II.) and sister of Prince Arthur. After being imprisoned at Bristol, and (on her brother’s death) at Corfe Castle, she lived here but appears to have died at St. James’s Priory, Bristol, as Tanner (p. 479) mentions an order, in 1240, for the removal of her body from St. James’s to Ambresbury.

IJ. Exzeanor Queen Dowacer or Kine Henry III. She was the second daughter and coheiress of Raymond Berenger, count of Provence. In 1287, fifteen years after her husband’s death, she took the veil here about the time of the Feast of St. John the Baptist (24th June), her dower being confirmed to her, and her profession being dated 1286.

In M.A. Everett Wood’s “ Letters of Royal and Illustrious Ladies,” 1846, is the following notice of her connexion with Ambresbury.!

«A contemporaneous chronicler gives an interesting account of her conventual habits. He tells us that she filled her hands with good works; that she spent her whole time in orisons, vigils, and works of piety; that she was a mother to the neighbouring poor, especially to the orphans, widows and monks; and that her praise ought to resound above that of all other women. Besides other large charities, she distributed every Friday £5 in silver—a large sum in those days—to the neighbouring poor. When she ex- changed the crown for the veil—the proud title of Queen of England for that touchingly simple one of ‘humble nun of Fon- tevrand,’ Eleanor seems indeed to have laid aside the ‘ pomps and vanities’ of the world, and to have devoted herself, with the zealous” energy that characterised her ardent temperament, to works of religion. The present letter is in favour of the abbess of Fon- tevrand, who naturally looked for and found a powerful advocate in her royal votaress. The subsequent one appeals too forcibly to the feelings of domestic life to need comment. They were both written between 1286 and 1291, the year of Eleanora’s death. Much of the correspondence of this queen, scattered over many

1 Mr. Edward Kite of Devizes was so good as to supply the information con- tained in the work referred to.

By the Rev. J. BE. Jackson. 63

years, still remains in the Tower of London, of which a small portion only has been printed in the Fodera. Her letters are principally written in Norman French, which was almost the native language of this Provencal Queen.”

1. Eleanora Queeen Dowager of England to her son, Edward I.

«To the most noble prince and our dearest son, Edward by God’s grace King of England, Lord of Ireland, and Duke of Guienne, Eleanora, humble nun of the order of Fonteyrand of the convent of Amesbury, health and our blessing.

Sweetest son, our Abbess of Fontevrand has prayed us that we would entreat the King of Sicily to guard and preserve the franchises of her house, which some people wish to damage. And, because we know well that he will do much more for your prayer than for ours, for you have better deserved it, we pray you good son, that for love of us you will request and especially require this thing from him; and that he would command that the things which the Abbess holds in his lordship may be in his protection and guard, and that neither she nor hers may be molested or grieved. Good son, if it please you, command that the billet be eee delivered. We wish you health i in the sweet Jesus, to whom we commend you.”

2. The same to the same. (Original Letter No. 1106, Tower of London. French).

‘¢To the most noble prince and her very dear son, Edward by God’s grace King of England, Lord of Ireland, and Duke of Aquitaine, Eleanora, humble nun of the order of Fontevrand, of the Convent of Amesbury, wishes health and her blessing.

Sweetest son, we know well how great is the desire that a mother has to see. her child when she has been long away from him, and that dame Margaret de Nevile, companion of Master John Giffard, has not seen for a long time past her child, who is in the keeping of dame Margaret de Weyland, and has a great desire to see him. We pray you, sweetest son, that you will command and pray the aforesaid Margaret de Weyland, that she will suffer that the mother may have the solace of her child for some time, after her desire. Dearest son, we commend you to God. Given at Amesbury the 4th day of March.”

The Queen Dowager died 1291 or 1292. King Edward I. came back from Scotland to give her a sumptuous funeral. Her body was buried at Ambresbury, but her heart in the church of the

Friars Minors, London.!

1 Leaving for a moment the history of Amesbury monastery, the casual men- tion of this Queen’s name brings to memory that of a mysterious and remark- able person to whom she owed her elevation to the throne of England, but

: ‘about whom one would wish that something more could be discovered. The Queen (as already stated) was one of the daughters of Raymond Berenger, (or

64 Ambresbury Monastery.

III. Tue Princess Mary, sixth daughter of King Edward I., took the veil as a Nun of this house, or rather as a Nun of Font Evrault but resident at Ambresbury in A.D. 1285. (13. Edw. I.) An account of this ceremony, in which thirteen noble young ladies entered with her, is given in Mrs. Green’s Lives of the Princesses of England. vol. ii. p. 405. The Princess is said in one record to have been Prioress: but this is not confirmed. Her retreat was against the wishes of the King and Queen but was urged by the Queen Dowager. For the maintenance (the “ Camera,” as it was called) of his daughter, King Edward allowed at first £100 a year. In 1291 he increased this by £20 a year of oak timber out of Chute Forest and £20 from Buckholt Forest for her fuel: the Sheriff of Hants being charged to see the said fuel duly delivered at the King’s expense. The King also assigned to her 20 casks of wine yearly to be delivered by the Bailiff of the port of Southamp- ton. By a later deed, in 1801, he gave her in lieu of all this,

Belinger, in Italian, Berlinghieri) Count of Provence. The Count had four daughters, all of whom became Queens. Margaret the eldest was married to Louis IX. (St. Louis) of France. Eleanor, the second daughter, was wife of Henry III. of England. Sanchia, the third, married Henry’s brother, Richard Earl of Cornwall, King of the Romans and of Almaine, and Beatrice, the youngest, was wife to Charles of Anjou, King of Naples and Sicily, brother to Louis. The mysterious person through whose able management these four royal matches were arranged is briefly known to us as one Roméo. [This name signified a person who went on pilgrimage to Rome. It is familiar to us in Shakespeare as Romeo the e being pronounced short: but properly the pronun- ciation was Romayo]. He appeared as a pilgrim at the court of Provence, under that asswmed name, and rose through extraordinary cleverness to be superintendent of Raymond Berenger’s finances, and affairs in general. But after a long and faithful stewardship certain enemies about the court filled Raymond’s mind with unjust suspicions, and upon an account being demanded from Roméo of the revenue which he had carefully husbanded, and which his master had lavishly disbursed, Roméo simply called for his little mule, the staff and scrip, with which, as a stranger from the shrine of St. James in Galicia, he had entered the Count’s service: and so, parted as he came: nor was it ever known who he was or whither he went. Such is G. Villani’s account, Lib. vi., c. 92. Dante has rescued him from oblivion by giving to him a place in the planet Mercury : the sphere which the great poet furnishes with the good spirits of those who laboured for honour and renown but were defrauded of it. “ Within the pearl that now encloseth us

Shines Romeo’s light, whose goodly deed and fair Met ill acceptance,” &c. (Paradiso, Canto, yi.]

By the Rev. J. E. Jackson. 65

Corsham manor worth £97 a year, also from Wilton borough and Berford £4 a year, from Sherston manor (N. Wilts) £60 a year, Porstock co. Dorset, £18, Hurdcot co. Somerset, £17, and from Freshwater and Whitfield in the Isle of Wight, £70 138s. 4d., being total £266 183s. 4d. a year. Her brother King Edward II. gave her in 1317,a further allowance of 100 marks (£66 138s. 4d.); to be paid partly by the value of 10 casks of wine from South- ampton. : “ Many curious and interesting particulars respecting her,” (says _ M.A. Everett Wood) “are to be found in the wardrobe accounts of the period. From these we gather very different ideas of conventual life in the thirteenth century from those that we are wont to form of it in the nineteenth. During the earlier years of her profession Mary was under the government of her grandmother, Eleanora of Provence, who entered the convent in 1286, but as she advanced in years she was by no means confined within the walls of the 5 cloister. She paid frequent visits to the courts of her father and brother; she went on pilgrimages to the most famous shrines ; nay, when the state of her health required it, she was even per- mitted to change her residence for the sake of the air. On two : _ occasions she took upon herself a singular office for a veiled lady— she attended her step mother Queen Margaret during her con- _ finement of her second son Edmund of Woodstock, and afterwards - accompanied the royal mother on a pilgrimage of thanksgiving. A few years afterwards she performed the same good office for her niece Elizabeth de Burgh. In the affairs of the convent Mary took an active part; though she never aspired to the rank of Prioress, she was invested with power to visit all the establishments of the same order in England, and to administer discipline, reproof or correction, as she thought fit. She closed a life of unwearied activity about the year 1333, having survived by some years the _ whole of her family. The following letter was written to her | brother Edward II., about the election of a Prioress of Amesbury. The nuns were always anxious to secure one of their own Convent as their superior, while the Abbess of Fontevrand, with whom the choice rested, frequently imposed upon them a Prioress from the ) you. x.—no. xxviu. E

66 Ambresbury Monastery.

parent Abbey. Her ‘cousin tke Abbess,’ of whom Mary speaks, was Eleanor of Bretagne, granddaughter of Henry III., by his daughter Beatrice, who had been educated at Amesbury, and sub- sequently became Abbess of Fontevrand. The letter is undated, but from its being written at Swainton, it was probably penned subsequently to 1315, when that manor became the property of the Princess in exchange-for that of Cosham in Wiltshire, and: before the year 1317, when Eleanor of Bretagne ceased to be Abbess of Fontevrand.” .

The Princess Mary, to her brother King Edward IT.

‘* To the very high and noble prince, her very dear lord and brother, my lord Edward, by the grace of God King of England, his sister Mary sends health and all manner of honour and reverence.

Very dear Sire, as a long time has passed since God did His will upon our prioress Dambert, we immediately after her death sent to our very dear cousin the lady Abbess of Fontevrand, both on my part and on that of the Convent, asking for a lady from this our Convent, to wit, for the Lady Isabella, whom we understand to be well able and sufficient for the office, that she might be granted to us for our prioress. And we thought, dear sire, that she (the Abbess) would have willingly granted us our request, for she is bound to do so since she was brought up and veiled amongst us, and so she should neither wish nor permit that the church should be so long without prelates ; but as yet we have had no answer, only we understand from certain people that she intends to send us a prioress from beyond the sea there, and a prior by her counsel out there, And know, certainly, my very dear brother, that should she send any other than one belonging to our own Convent, it would prove matter of discord in the Convent, and of the destruction of the goods of the church, which I know well, sire, that you would not suffer willingly and wittingly ; wherefore I pray you dearest lord and brother, and require you, both for the love of me and of our Convent, which after God trust surely in you, that you would please to send word to my said lady abbess, that she do not undertake to burden our church with any prioress out of the Convent, nor with prior other than the one we have now, but that she would grant us her whom we have requested. Do this, most dearest brother, that our Convent may receive your aid and sustenance in this case as they have always done in their needs. May Jesus Christ give you a long life, my dearest brother. Written at Swainton, in the Isle of Wight, the 9th day of May.”

IV. Leonora, half-sister of the Princess Mary, and ninth daughter of King Edward, lived at Ambresbury Nunnery with her: and dying 1311, was buried at Beaulieu Monastery, Hants.

VY. Marcarer Cospuam of the great House of Cobham in Kent was a Nun here in 19 Edw. III.

By the Rev. J. E. Jackson. 67

The List or Priorrsses on Azprsses is very imperfect. In the following are one or two names not hitherto noticed.’

A.D. 1211. Emenina. (Hunter’s Berkshire Fines, p. 145.)

1294. Joan pe Gennes, from Font Evrault.

1308. Jonanna. (Wilts Institutions.)

— Damperr. (See preceding letter.)

1349. Marcery DE Piresrooxe. (Wilts Institutions.)

1420. Srp1miza DE Monracure, died this year. (Pedigree of Duke of Manchester.)

1438. Jouanna. (Wilts Institutions.)

1486. 16th May, Atice Fisuer. (See Wilts Collections, Aubrey & Jackson, p. 199, ‘‘ Wanborough.”)

1534. Fiorence Bormewe. (Valor Eccles.)

1539. Joanna Darett. The last.

“ As early as 1535 or 1536,” (says M. A. Everett Wood) “an at- tempt had been made on the part of (Secretary) Cromwell’s emissaries to persuade the prioress voluntarily to surrender her monastery into

_. the King’s hands, but this she steadily refused. Dr. Tregonnel and _ his fellow commissioners thus addressed Cromwell on the subject ”:— “«¢ Wecame to Ambresbury, and there communed with the Abbess

for the accomplishment of the King’s highness’ commission in like ; sort; and, albeit we have used as many ways with her as our poor wits could attain, yet, in the end we could not, by any persuasions, bring her to any conformity, but at all times she resteth and so remaineth in these terms: ‘If the King’s highness command me to go from this house I will gladly go, though I beg my bread; and as for pension I care for none.’ In these terms she was in all her - communication, praying us many times to trouble her no farther herein for she had declared her full mind, in the which we might plainly gather of her words she was fully fixed before our coming.’

1 In the New Monasticon (p. 334), and in Sir R. C. Hoare’s “‘ Amesbury,” p. 72, the first known Abbess is said to have been Isabella of Lancaster, fourth daugh- ter of Henry, Earl of Lancaster, and grand-daughter to Edmund Crouchback son of Henry III., and the date given to her is A.D. 1202. This date must certainly be an oversight ; as the Earl of Lancaster died 1345. But it is very _ doubtful whether she was an Abbesshere at all. Aconbury in co. Hereford, and

not Amesbury in Wilts, appears to have been the nunnery over which Isabella of Lancaster presided. See Notes and Queries, 3rd series, vol. vii., p. 76.

E 2

68 Ambresbury Monastery.

Her steadiness averted for a while the dreaded crisis, but at length the Royal mandate arrived. Very sorrowful were the feelings with which many of the recluses abandoned the houses where they had intended to find an Asylum to the close of life, and to which some of them had bequeathed their ample fortunes, and found themselves dependant on the capricious charity of Henry VIiI., but their only resource was in the mournful submissiveness of which the following letter affords a specimen. The death of the writer almost immediately after, saved her from any share in the impending calamities of her convent.”

Florence Bormewe, Prioress, to Lord Cromwell, Lord Privy Seal.

‘¢ Right honourable my singular good lord,

I humbly recommend me unto your good lordship, and have received the King’s most gracious letters and yours, touching the resignation of my poor office in the monastery of Ambresbury ; according to the purport of which letters and your good advertisement I have resigned my said office into the hands of the King’s noble grace, before the commissioners thereto appointed ;, trusting that such promises as the same commissioners have made unto me for assurance of my living hereafter shall be performed, And so I most humbly beseech your good lordship, in the way of charity, to be means for me unto the King’s high- ness, that I may be put in surety of my said living, during the little time that it shall please God to grant me tolive. And I shall continually during my time pray to God for the preservation of the King’s most excellent no[ble] grace, and your honourable estate long to endure, At the poor monastery [of] Am- bresbury the 10th day of this present month, August.

‘« By your poor O[ratrice], *¢ Vlorence Bof[rmewe], ‘* Late Prioress [there ].”’

In A.D. 1501, Queen Katharine of Arragon upon her arrival in England lodged here on her progress to London from Exeter: and the following instructions were issued for her reception.

‘To be lodged on Saturday 30 Oct. at Shaftesbury Abbey that night and the next day following which shalbe the Sonday, and Monday all day which shall be All Alonday [All Hallows day].

Item ij or iij myles befor she come to Shaftesbury to be mette with Sir Morys Barowe, John Mompesson, Thomas Long, John York, and others to conyey her to Ambresbury, and ther departe.

Item the Tewsday next ensuying which shalbe the ij of the said moneth (2 Noy.), the said princess accompanyd with the said Sir Morice Barowe and th’oder shall disloge from Shaftesbury and drawe towardes Ambresbury, and ther loge the next night in thabbey.

Item it is appoynted that my Lady of Norfolk, with certain ladies awaiting upon her, at the naming of the quene and my lord tresourer, be at Ambresbury

Na

By the Rev. J. E. Jackson. 69

upon Monday the xxv‘ day of October, ther and then to mete and receyve the said princesse after the maner folowing, that is to saie, my lord tresourer. ac- companyed with the Bishops of Bathe and Hereford, the abbots of Abindon and Redyng, my lord Dacre of the South, my lord Zouche, Sir Robert Poyntz, Sir Wm. Sandes, Sir John Seymor, Sir Christopher Wroughton, Sir John Brereton and Sir John Chok, to mete her iij or iiij myles befor she come to Ambresbury. And the said Duchess of Norfolk to receyve her after her offring in some con- venient place betwix that and her loging; at which tyme Wm. Hollybrand which shall awaite upon her, shall in the Spanyshe song, in the name of the said duchesse, welcome the said princesse with such wordes as be delyvered to him in writing, And that the said duchesse have warning therof, and the said Hollybrand, by my lord chamberlayn.

Item that there be a chare redy at Ambresbury the same tyme for the said princesse to put her in the next day, or at any other tyme when it shall please her.

Item the Wensday next folowing (3 Nov.) she shall disloge from Ambresbury and draw towards Andover and ther loge in the inn of Thaungell.” *

The monastery and its precincts, including garden, orchards, fishponds, cemetery, &c., covered 12 acres of ground. No plan or view of the buildings appears to be in existence, and of their style or character nothing is known. In the beginning of King Edw.

-IYV.’s. reign, about A.D. 1461, they had suffered by fire. This we learn incidentally from an old document called “A Wrytyng an-

nexed to the will of Margaret Lady Hungerford and Botreaux ;” in which she recapitulates all the costs and expenses she had been put to by the troubles that befell her family in the Wars of the Roses.

“Item, at such tyme as I was by the Chanceler of Ingland put in the Abbay of Amesbury, and ther kept by the Kyng’s comm’ndement, by fortune of fyre all my meoyable goods, that is to say, beddis of cloth of goolde, beddis of aras and of silke, hangyngis of aras for hallis and chambris, plate, monay, and other stuffe, to the value of a Thousand pounds and more, and the chief loggyng of the same place where I was in, cover’d with lede, by the said infortune was brent and pulled downe, of which the new bildyng and amendyng coste me £200: sum £1200.”

The monastery was granted at the Dissolution (31 Henry VIII.) to Edward Seymour, Earl of Hertford (afterwards the Protector Somerset): and with it so much of the estates as had been held in their own occupation by the nuns. This consisted of 290 selions of arable land called ‘Acres,’ lately cultivated by the Prioress,

and valued at 4d. an acre per annum: feeding for 374 sheep in the common pasture of Ambresbury: a piece called the Park, 6

* Letters and Papers illustrative of H. VII. Gairdner, vol. i., p. 407.

70 Ambresbury Monastery.

acres: 22 acres of meadow in Helemede, Lavender Mead, Le Folds, Rackmead, Birchmead, and Abbey Bekermead: four dovehouses, a fishery in the Avon, and the value of 2 waggon-loads of wood every day throughout the year, from Chute forest, Grovely and Bradley wood, granted to the monastery by Henry II. One of the grounds is described in the Earl of Hertford’s original Register of Estates, (from which these particulars are taken) as “ lying next the great stones called Bounds.”

“Lands appoynted to th’Erle of Hertford in ExcHAUNGE betwene Kyng’s Majestie and the seid Erle. (Original at Longleat.)

xxviij"® Die Januii.

Ano xxxij* Henr. viij. & a ulate: Fyrst, the yerly value of the lands of Shene .......-.. evi. iiij. Itm, the lands of Saint Margarett’s, Marleburgh ...... ix. v. viij. Itm, the lands of Saynt Augustine juxta vill. Bristol .. _ iiij.

Itm, the lands of Bradenstocke valuyd at ............ xyiij. Xviij. Itm, the lands of Ambresbury, valuyd at.............. xi, xiiij. Ttm, mor of the seid monastery .............200 00000 xliiij. Vv. Viij. Itm, of the late monastery of Bathe.................. vi 0. a2G, Itm, the lands of the late monastery of Henton....... xvij. vi. YViij. Suma Tot, of all the premysses...........+..05 CXV1. LXV pap. Adde therto for the soile and spryng of the woods of ES HGIUONE YOR Y chil sin wists! cckale cue ee ne whee Bd aawise bub e ele ws XXxii. iijj.

And so the holle lands appointed to the Erle of Hertford with the sprying of the woods of Buckholte, persons Throte > cxiij. Ixvie and Noddes copis dothe amounte yerly to the Some of

Wherof deduct yerly for the Tenths xi. xvij. 0, and so Rempynetinneleres fers seid ee asia sbi oteiae aiaiel= ed efodjaims OVI. RAVE The yallue of the woods of Buckholte, The copis called Throte and Nodes to be sold hac vice for Reddy mony clij. xv. iiij. The vallue of the leades of Ambresbury—Cvy foodders vicv'. de vi'®. wherof abated for pe _Wast and ay as yt paneer by the certificate of the

M4‘. the Kyngs lands dothe Brena to the some of ..... LC]. ele aes Wherof ther ys to be abatyd for the Recompence of the lands of the seid Erle lxix". ys, v3. And so remaynethe £xxvii. vijs. 034. Wherof deducte for the Kyngs Gyft £xvij. vii’. 034, : And so remaynethe clere x", wiche must be Reseryyd : and then the holle Reservaycon must be to the Kyng’s grace Xxl. Xyij. 0. M®‘. the seid Erle must paye for leade and the woods of Ambresbury in mony to the Kyng £pxlvii. ii. vij. to be payd in forme followyng: That is to sey in hand c¥, And

di ‘ " 4 . 7 = is *

" “3

<pre>

SN RRL,

By the Rev. J. E. Jackson. 71

at the feast of the Nativyte of our lord then next cel. and at the next said Feast ecxlvii". ii. vii.

M‘. the Kyngs Magestie must discharge the seid Erle of all incombraunces except leasses, and except viij". for the cellary (salary) of a priest to serve the Cure of Ambresbury, and vij’. vit. for synods and proxters (procurations) to the Archdeacon of Salisbury,

M‘. that one for the seid Erle must be bounden in decophimnnes for the woods growyng in the woods of Shene appoynted to the seid Erle. And in the lands called Est grafton, West grafton Burbage, belonging to the late monastery or pryory of Saynt Margarett’s juxta Marleburgh : and in the lands called Baggeruge parcell of the possessyons of Saint Augustine juxta vill’ Bristoli, Littelleott, the manor of Eston parcell of the late monastery of Bradenstocke: And the Burgage and the parsonage of Ambresbury, late parcell of the late monastery of Ambresbury, And of Lullington, Backyngton, and Longeleate cum membris, parcell of the late monastery or pryory of Henton yn the Cowntie of Somerset.

‘‘ Rychard Ryche.”

That the Earl of Hertford, coming into possession of a vast range of monastic buildings, the tenants of which had been scatter- ed and the establishment finally extinguished by law, would desire to take down the larger part of the monastery itself, was perhaps to be expected. But that for the sake of the value of certain tons of lead, a fine church should have been stripped and spoliated of all that was not only upon it, but within it, must be pronounced to be an act of simple barbarism. That the Crown officers did so with respect to Amesbury Church, will be shown beyond doubt from the following papers.

The first of them is preserved in the Augmentation Office: and has been already printed ‘in Sir R. C. Hoare’s History of S. Wilts. (Hundred of Ambresbury p. 67.) It is a paper of instructions as to the monastery and church, issuing of course from the Crown.

“ Houses and buildings assigned to remayn undefaced.

_ The lodging called the Priore’s Lodging, viz, halle, buttre, pantrye, kytchyn and gate-house, as it is enclosed within oon quadraunte unto the convent kytchyn: the longe stable with the hey barne adjoining: the whete barne, the baking house, and the gate with the gate-house in the base courte.

Committed to the custodie of John Barwik, servaunte to the Erle of Hertford.*

Deemed to be Superfiuous.

The Church, Cloister, Frayter, Dormitory and Chaptre-house: the Convent Kytchen, with all the houses adjoyning to the same: thé old Infirmary, with the Chapell, Cloister, and lodgings adjoyning: the Sextery with houses joyning

*See Wilts Arch. Magazine viii, 299.

72 Ambresbury Monastery.

.to the same: the styward’s, receyvor’s, auditor’s and preest’s lodgings: and all

oder houses in the Base Court above not reserved.

Committed as aboyesaid. (i.e. to Mr. Berwick’s custody.)

Leades remayning upon

The church, quere, iles, steple, chapells, revestry,* cloister, Licnlates halle and chambers there, with the gutters belonging to the same, esteemed at cexxx foders.

Bells remayning.

In, the atecple Gnomes. ie Fas <5 ves nately « liij. POLS MB Ys OS UA RCUON whee yate eee et fs pice tein efoiay als’ Mecce. weight. Juells reserved. To the use of the king’s Magestie............ None. Plate of sylver reserved to the same use viz. BEGR= (Fy tO ais «via pars Sls AIT TSR e aS Satan ccyj. ounces. Silver;parcbll Pylte, Gece eet. 84 foie «pale nea exl. ounces. Silver white......... Fetidvne ths itebicwiet sous cccxij. ounces. Ornaments reserved. To the use abovesaid, wiz. .........0.0 0020s None. sow vas The ornaments, goods and chattels sold by the commissioners PORIDZOD ie worn eps yen witty le Jo's o's 'e ehaielegela ohio e tists Nie Oe cle earner 147 5 2 Whereof was me to 33 late religious women, of the King’s WOWAEG: ti! Licvsias sides Mas se hie hitb hide ride Poheniss loc 74 3 4 And to 37 persons viz, 4 priests and 33 servants for WBE GRIANG (LY;VELIERs eyorcjnuceie Aine s cies ers re cyete eles Siok oot 31 8 4/ 105 118 is 41 136 The debts owing by the Monastery were.................... 20 145

And so remayneth clere 20 191

“The records and evidences of the monastery ought to be in existence, as they were specially reserved under lock and key “ for the King’s Majesty.”

According to the preceding document there were two consecrated buildings belonging to the monastery, viz., the principal church, and the chapel of the Infirmary. The latter was undoubtedly destroyed. The former was apparently sentenced to be destroyed, being “deemed superfluous:” and the following papers certainly describe considerable havoc in stripping off lead, pulling down a spire, selling paving tiles, &c., &c. And further, one of them states that a certain quantity of the lead was reserved “ to be placed upon the chancel of the Parish Church.” This at first led me to suppose that there must have been two large churches: but

* For “‘ Revestiary,” Fr. revestiaire, Latin, revestio: the place where the dresses of the Clergy were reposited.

By the Rev. J. E. Jackson. 73

as there is no trace or tradition of any other large one than the present parish church which is of great antiquity: and as the measurements of the monastic church corresponded very closely (as the documents show) with those of the present church, it is most likely that (as at Edington in Wilts), one and the same build- ing served both for the monastery and the parish. This seems to be confirmed by the fact that in the Episcopal Registry at Sarum (as printed in the “ Wilts Institutions”) there are no Presentations of a clerk to Amesbury church before.the Dissolution of monasteries. The Abbess had been Rector and had supplied a chaplain for parish work: and in the Earl of Hertford’s “ Exchange” (printed above) it is particularly stated that on becoming owner the Earl was charged with £8 a year “for the salary of a Priest to serve the Cure.” The following papers show that before the Dissolution there was upon the present square tower, a spire 61 feet in height. Also a high altar and choir 51 feet long, a chapel of our Lady anda chapel of St. John; both of which may perhaps be identified by the piscine remaining, two in the modern vestry, and one in the _ §.E. angle of the present south aisle of the nave. Against the i tower walls are still to be seen dripstone lines which may represent the older roofs that were stripped of lead at the Dissolution: and upon the east side of the south transept there are also indica- tions of a chapel or other addition. By the “South Aisle 39 feet _ long” and the “North Aisle 40 feet long” mentioned in the fol- lowing papers are perhaps meant the present transepts. _. The papers also give some idea of the extent of the monastic j buildings: viz., a cloister 104 feet long, a dorter (or dormitory) 200 feet long; a “ Frater” (or refectory) 110 feet; a ‘ Jessy,” ?

1A “Jesse” in architectural language is generally understood to have been a particular kind of window: in which the mullions appear to spring from a re- cumbent figure of Jesse, the father of King David: the different compartments of the window being so arranged as to contain his various descendants: the whole being a representation of the genealogy of Christ. No account of any building or part of a building so called having been met with, it may be con- jectured, in default of better information, that there may have been at Amesbury Monastery some gallery or large room, at the end of which may have been a Jesse indow : and the apartment being remarkable from that peculiarity, may have Topen called ‘the Jesse.”

-

74 Ambresbury Monastery.

110 feet; and a hall 70 feet. Among other apartments mentioned were Kent’s chamber 65 feet, the Abbess’s chamber 25 feet, the old parlour 22 feet; Joan Horner’s chamber, Maurice Halcombe’s chamber, and some small ones called The Leaden Chambers.

The documents alluded to, relating to the destruction of Ambres- bury monastery, were lately found at Longleat.

No. 1. “The Content of the lead upon the late monastery of Ambrusburie viewed by Christopher Dreye and George’ Hinde, plumbers, at the comaundement of Thomas Cumine the King’s Sergeaunt Plumber xxij” of September, the xxxij” yere of the reign of our Soverayn Lord King Henry the VIII”.

Furste, a stepe roof over the High Altar and Quire covered with

lead, in length 51 foot, and in depth on either side 24 foot ........ 6 15 Item, a spere roof over the steeple covered with lead, in height

61 foot, containing 8 panes (sides or faces), every pane in breadth at

the skirts 10 foot, and in the middle 7 foot, and in the top the

Foder cwt.

taper growen to 6 inches. ......-.-- se eeeeee ee tree esse eee eeee: 10 0 Item, a steep roof over the South aisle, covered with lead, in

length 39 foot, and in depth on either side 24 foot ......... Pepe Pe Item, a steep roof over the North aisle, in length 40 foot, and in

depth on either side 20 foot..... 1... e+s-ee errr teres we ietg ots yee 4 2 Item, a steep roof over the body of the church, covered with lead,

in length 120 foot, and in depth on either side 24 foot.........+-. 14 6 Item, a flat roof over the Vestry, covered with lead, in length 22

foot, and in depth over 16 foot .........+0+e++- Arstelee + Aalst sateen

Item, a flat roof over the Chapel of our Lady, covered with lead, in length 32 foot, and in breadth on the one side 13 foot, antl on the

Other wide 12 footer wee. tess. Se cites cle clove w ulotavevsle ele! a faiave anaes 1 1 Item, a flat roof over St. John’s Chapel, containing six times ten

foot square and 50 other foot...........-0e eee ee eee e ener e es 16 Item, a flat roof over the Cloyster, covered with lead, containing

4 squares, every square in length 104 foot, and in depth 12 foot.... 12 0 Item, a flat roof over the Dorter,* covered with lead; and in

length 200 foot, in depth on either side 18 foot........ +... +++ 20 18 Item, a flat roof over the Frater,+ covered with lead, in length

110 foot, and in depth on either side 15 foot ......+..+++++-+++ 05 7ZL46 Item. a flat roof over the Jessye, covered with lead, in length 110

foot, and in depth on either side 16 foot ......-..+seeeeeee eens 7 16 Item, a flat roof over the Hall, covered with lead, in length 70

foot, in depth on either side 14 foot.......- se. eee serene eeee cere Sepae Item, a flat roof over Kent’s chamber, covered with lead, in length

65 foot, and in depth on either side 10 foot ..........-.ee+eeese 2 12

* Dormitory ; in French, dortoir. + Refectory. 3

By the Rev. J. E. Jackson. 75

: Foder ewt. Item, a flat roof over the Abbess’s chamber, covered with lead, in

length 24 foot, and in depth on either side 14 foot. ....-..-.+-.+- 1 10 Item, a bastard roof over the old parlour, covered with lead, in

length 22 foot, and in depth on either side 22 foot ........ ..... 2 3 Item, a little entry from the Hall to the Kitchen with a vice

(spiral staircase), covered with lead....... 00 1... seer eres eee eee Peed Item, a roof over Joane Horner’s chamber crested with lead.... 0 10 Item, a roof covered with lead over the little chamber, called The

Meneen Chambers We oss tea uve lielsseicelececcs ccetes succeccasees 2eO

No. 2. Extracts from “ William Nottingham’s Payments for costs and charges of trying, melting and casting of the lead, 31 March, 32 H. VIII.”

The work lasted 10 weeks; John Plomer 6d. a day with meat and drink. John Roger, carpenter, 6d. a day, finding himself. ‘‘ The same John for pullies and ropes to make tackling to pluck down the spire.” Five other men 6d. a day, finding themselves. They worked on Good Friday, ‘lacking four hours.” On Thursday and Friday in Easter week the spire was plucked down. On the 2nd July the glass was pulled down, and the iron was weighed.

Other items were for ‘penny halters and halfpenny halters, spades and

showels,’ ‘gress for the pollis’ (yrease for the pullies), handbarrow, sand, a mason to make the furnace, &c. eigtiet

Wm. Bawdewyn was the watch-man who sat up all night to watch the lead and for his vigilance he received 4d. a night.

For 2lb. of gunpowder bought at Sarum, to fire the great timber of the steeple. 2s. 8d. _ For 2 line cords, one to fire the gunpowder in the steeple and the other to make fast the great gable 12d.

For the hire of Mr. Bundye’s horse to ride to Easton (near Pewsey) to speak with Mr. Berwyk about the pulling down of the steeple 4d.

For an ox hyde to make a pair of bellows to melt the lead ashes 6s. 8d.

For a load of charcoal to melt the same ashes 8s,’ ”

No. 3. “ Receptis of the Superfluous Houssis of the lat Monastery of Amesbury belongyng to the Rygth Honorable Erylle of Hert- ford, A°. R. Henrici Octavi tricesimo primo. (31 Hen. VIII.)

8. .

Ttem, x® day February, Umpfre Lovyngbone for a Silyng (ceiling) and bords of one Chamber by the Lytell Cloysters.... iiij. "a Item, xvi. day Feb., Nicholas Noors of Chaldryngton for pav- _ yng tyell before the hye Auter, The Vestre, with all the Gryffes Stonys (grave-stones) befor the hye Auter...............00005 vij. Item, iiij day Marche, Thomas Hayle, Tudworth; for ij Tombe _ Stonys in the North Ile ............ SLEEK DEE Sie HBR v: Item, xij day March, The Churchwardens of Shypton for a porcion pavyng tyell yn the Sowth Ie by thechurchdour...... ij. ij.

76 Ambresbury Monastery.

Item, x** day Octob', Willyam Chafyn, Boltisford, for a Tombe SUB tole Gein asin evogaleiateia stare als etalnastase Biatele esa chads amos vss Spor

Solde by my Lordis comadement. Ultimo die August Av. R. Regis Henrici Octavi xxxij.

Item, xvi Sep., Amis Collens, Netherhayen for xv pavyng tyells And eAltbOOSHENS wi vellestarOs ie.%s)5,0 +\5)1Nae o's wee ate cies «Tore - dele teielsle Item, xii day Oct., Hugh Long, West Amesbury, for the Olde Stabulls, contaynyng iiij Rooms, The tyell of a euttyng at the end by estimacion cc. : wythe alle the face stonys to the same house be- MGYPRY DE Osan, roa tela i Meteueiae easton arstarean eiersucieiobatd ope isnaiav sic ottnerate Raatevene Item, xxx Oct. Warnar Hayle of Rumsey for a fayt (vat) that wasn the Covent duaumdre’. si... <1 12 cel se) b alslen win cin Sieielreieiee Item, xiij Feb., Wyllyam Notyngham, Amesbury, for the Payll (paling) by the Churche door, the Covent Syde, the Semitory ( CEMeTErt/) MINEO MAL WOn 47. lots clots tale eleirie lei tatcters trie a gis ola ieee tae Item, xxiiij Feb., the Church wardens of Fitulton for one Plot pavyng tyell yn the Great Cloyster..............-..0seeceerss Item, Sir Wyllyam Edway, Amesbury, for sertayn olde glasse and PLE MOUNARIO\MONTEHO MC ee meee ies mite elem vic eieln Semele cette Item, iij June, Mathew Kyngton, Ludgersall, for the dorter dour Item, John Monday, Buddisden, for sertayn Greyn stone, not Malte '.a ood wre rtrwucnrs!s ck. cee re cle sareiavcieieca's la sete» apes Gieteterete Item, xvij June; Wyllyam Sowyth gent., West Amesbury, for the Rooffe of the Vestre, with all the Tymber tothe same be longyng, a chambur yn the lytell Cloister of xv footes longe, xvij foots brode, the Stere lofte Silyng, with all the Tymbur of the same. Also one Tombe stone of the Lesser sworte (Sort) ..........0.-.eeneeees Item, John Sadlar, Amesbury, 1 grond syll pece, ij smale pecis Item, xviij June, Mathewe Kyngton, Ludgersall, for a lytell housse that stode in the Covent syde.............2.--..200---- Item, viij July, Nicholas Smyth, Amesbury, for ix pecis of olde tymber, and for a part of a olde Steres................sseeeves Item, xj July, Thomas Fyveasch, John Richards, Church- wardens, Fytulton, for sertayne pavyng Tyellin the gret Cloister, a plot atthe dortersdoptpectertte 5 atecls otete cis arstaelsnesialnvelaielobieisters Item, xviij July, John Andrewes, Amesbury, for the boords of the flour ‘yn the Tueenem BANG gee para aineisiaeya:s's plaisir ways wie endae ae Item, xix July, Robert Pederell, Amesbury, for the Midel ae by the rate, the Rooffe, too flours, the Steres, with all the Tymber contayned withyn the stone walles of the same. Item, the seyd Robert to take downe the Sclat, too cary the same, and set hytt in goode order at hys coste and charge...... 0.2. .6.-.-ss0sceeves Item, xx July, John Andrews, Amesbury, for serteyne Tymbur of the Spyur, as Rafturs, wyth other Short peces of the Norythe Ile

ix,

By the Rev. J. E. Jackson.

Item, xxvi July, Bawden Lenton, Duryngton, for the Tymbur and bords of the flour of wygth (white) chambors, wyth too peces Sennar of tlie Bpyare (at. io take ce eases’ chee aweee ee

Item, xxyij July, Nycholas Smyth, Amesbury, for all the Tymbur and bords of the gret Cloister lackyng one loode..............++.

Item, Nicholas Smyth, for the Sylyng and Tymbur of Maistris see Rampur, MN the SESS asus ccc es cdss cs eessseepene

Item, xxyiij July, Thomas Atkyns, Boltisford, for bords and tymbur of the flour of Jane Hyldislee’s Chambur, aa iiij bords of the flour of Maris Aleom’s (Maurice Haleombe’s) Chambur ......

Soma,

Anno R. Henrici Octavi xxxiiij.

Item, xxiiij Sept. John Coulls, Amesbury, for the broken wode that fell downe of the Spyur, and of the Roof of the Sowyth Ile, MER CUH ET NALLCT! POGIR: ros .ejceia Seldie.c-se'sate ote she eels ars aeteha some

Item, the same day, Symon Reef, Chesunbury, for a hundred and fene pavyng tyell in the Chapter house .................0.05. Item, ij Oct., Wyllyam Ratway, Amesbury, for one Rafter pece oaks Koss ura lucs Wu o'suralo'wtalcin/Gy'e)s'oida’e"e'aieta}ala'ece «s,s 2'0 Item, the same day, Gylbart Netherhavyn for viiij boosheles _ tylle shards, and for sertayne Greyn ston that was smalle........ Item, v Dee., Wyllyam Crasse, Chesonbnry, for a hundrede and a hallffe pavyng Tyell .................. MLR OAMT VALERIE) sO

Item, Gafere Gunter, Fytulton, for ij c. pavyng tyelle ........ Item, vj Dec., Michaell Scot, Amesbury, for j lytell wyndow, ij __ wyndoolyddes, e letell ee pecis, a planke v foots long, xij foots tymbur, A porcion Tyell shards and broke ................ Item, viij December, Thomas Haull, Oxsonwode, for the particion _ of the parlar chambur that was Maistr*s., Cristina Hyldislee’s, The

q _tymbur, the lytell buttre, joynyng to the particion. Also the Buttre Ewe ORR ROBES A i rer SalI Sea ae eee oes a Item, xxxj Dec., Richard Root, Alyngton, for vj boosshells Tyell ERS SEES A gi a Item, xvij Jan’. Thomas Haull, Oxsonwode, for ij hundred thre- TY 1 GS en 0 A ee Item, xxij Jan’., John Symons, Duryngton, tyell shards ...... _ Item, xxiiij Jan’., Thomas Goldyng, Netherhavyn, for halffe c. = Greyn batts,* j booshell Tyell shardes ................0ceceece Item, xxvj Jan’., John Lege, Netherhavyn, for vij booshells

SREREORS ere ites csi SAI he Uhl) on Sh ems cede op sys _ Item, fora bour-stye be hynd the Gret baryne Gar). 185-0 Item, xxvij Jan’., Robart Rodmon, Tudworth, for seveyne

* Perhaps broken pieces, as we now say, a mised

8 d. ij. ij xlyi. viij ae ij.

£x. 0. xiv.

xyi.

xyi.

ij.

ij. itij.

iiij. viij.

iiij.

78 Ambresbury Monastery.

Item, Sir Stevyn Liones, Vicar, Amesbury, for a privy house by the hen-cowrts, and for yj pecis of the Tymbur of the Stepull.... Item, xxv Aprill, John Bochar, Duryngton, for one loode greyn ston, that war of the low seyts (seats) of the gret Cloister ...... Item, ij May, Robart Leare, Amesbury, for vj tymbur pecis....

Som. totall) gs. Recepts xii,

Tymbur delyvered to the Tenants of Amsbury.

Item, Robert Payn, to the Reparying of the Singe (sign) of the Georgiat pundredyMes: ois bs. be Sie ee ees eo cit cela males

Item, to the Reparyng of the Sowyth baryne (barn) ........--

Item, to the Reperyng of Robart Harison’s housse.........---

Item, John Andrews, j dour, ij pecis tymbur.. .....-..--+++-

Item, Arnolde Greke, glasiar, hade to Wolfall of newe glasse, lxyj foots. Item, of olde glasse, xx foots.

PayMENTS. Item, Umpfre Lovyngbone, John Rogers for Takyng downe the

Sylyng of the Quere, and to cary and lay the same in the Plomb- MALY Clie meme ce ee eee oe base pas. eer oe rane

Item, Alan’s borde, hys ij men as from Monday after none to Seturday After None to wasche the leed asches ...........--..+ Item, for a Iron showall that Alan be spake of John Coulls, smyth, to make clene the leed that he caste..........-.-.-.+++5 Item, for a cord lyne to mesure the Spyur, the woods of Buckholde, for a lyne tomesure the spyur when the King’s plumbmers cam to Ammesburyaens nel iistic toe setae ae eicenl Lette = eee eee Item, John Richards, to warne Thomas Benet to have hys helpe, to mesure the woods of Buckolde .....:........0cusssceeeees Item, John Gylle, John Adams, Thomas Yongs wyffe to make clean the halle chambers, the Curt, the Covent chamburs and the fylthy places ther agenst my lords fyrst comyng to Amesbury .... Item, for mendyng a loke to set a pon the Covent garden, men- dyng the dowr, a loke sete a pon the wycket, a key to the dowr whar thecreste lyenhie:r..tc-neteieie neler mole A clare oe Gapel\teye steel Item, for mendyng the parke payll.. ....... ceeseeeeceeeees Item, a basket of quynses that Maister Thyn causyd to be send to my Lord’s place at Seyn. (Sheen, co Surry).....+- 02-200 ee cere

Payments. <A°. R. Hen. VIII., 33 and 34. Item, Wyllyam Bauden for takyng upe ccl pavyng tyell yn the ender chamber on Tne spAtlats sieve <acee so rajeiein <eihle la alee ai ae Item, Nicholas Sarvyce, for takyng upe the pavyng tyell in the vestre, the parlar, a part of the tyell yn the inder parlar, a part of the cloister, a part of the Chapterhousse : and to bere the same into the Noryth Ile

ed

xiij.

s d, xxij XVi. viij. d. ij.

xxxvi pecis xviij pecis XxXvj pecis Xviij pecis

ij.

x

By the Rev. J. E. Jackson.

Item, takyng downe the Sylyng of the Wygth (white) Chambur, Sylyng of Mastris Warder’s Chambur yn the lowur end of the Jesse, and to cary the same into the Covent Kychyne..........

Item, Umpfre Lovingbone, John Rogers, for ij dayes worke to make the stabulls necessary for my Lord’s Great Horsis, vi‘. ob. a day fyndyng ‘them’ seles)\ oo... ete eek ete e cece eres

John Rogers for naylls to the same worke.. ......0.eeeceee re

Item, for caryng vj loods hay to the stabulls.

Item, Wyllyam Scamell hys costis for caryng a horse Mode: iyi cis from Amesbury, to my Lord’s place at Seyne..............+-

Item, to take downe the gret wall that was particion of the Myd- quere, to have outh the leed that ther was cast, And to breke downe one part of the Great Cloister, To have the leed outh of the fratery and to ryde the same at both ends... ....... ee ce cece ee cee

Item, Wyllyam Bawdwen, Robart Tappen, Harry Cane, John Showell j day, iiij’., fyndyng them selles .............. 002.0085

Item, John Rogers, Wyllyam Wylchmone to make a dray, to convey the leed and to make a barrall for the Gyne (i.e. engine, perhaps a windlass), and to amend the same ...............0.05-

Item, —pere trace harnes to draw the leed outh of the church and Fratery, to the beeme and from the beeme .........+..+0-005

Ttem,xxxi May and i June, Willyam Notyngham at Sarum ij days, to newe way (to weigh anew) the sowes of leed that the marchaunds had resevyd, and to try the weyt after Alen’s marke ............

Item, the sayd Wyllyam, one day at Sarum wyth Alen, to newe way and try a part of the sowes leed........ .ecseee eee cece ners

Item, Wyllyam Welchmon, Harry Russall, John Sadlar, Thomas Haulle, at Alen’s beyng at Amesbury one day,to waye serteyne sowes in the churche, in the Fratery, a part of the sherts leed yn the hall, a part of the small Sowes in the plombmery vi‘. a day fyndyng SLUG podtiGe nila 0b: a OBO cL ean GREE aC epinngn cee prcisiaitryrae

Item, the same Wyllyam, Harry, John, Thomas, ij days to nombre and way xx Tonesof the small Sowes and Sheyts, for my Lorde, vi‘.

Mmeay tyndyne themselves ..... 0.6.5... 0.ecaessceandeee veene

Item, Richard Willowes. John Watts, halfe a day to helpe ficin

_aforsayd to cary the leed outh of the halle to the plombmery.. Item, for ij Roopes to bere sowes. ij harters to bere the shettes leed from the low halle to the plombmere..............-..eese00: Item, for a polle (pulley) of brasse that was lost at the departyng eioyn and Jolin Pinmbmer: 23 sie ie) v.02 cleepee ne de seg neeseis'’s Item, for a locke and key for the chapell chambur wher the glasse and Iren lyethe, and i key to the chambur at the hy haull end....

Item, to John Andrews, that restyd a pon hys bille for the fyrst

poaryeg of my Lord’s leed to Hampton and the second ......... ees

Som: totall Lit a ee of this Payments j ~Y- *VJ- V-

7 4 /

R. R. Henrici VIIL., 34°.

79

5 d. Se 4 ij Ie ij. ij. iij. xyl. Vj. vi. xii, yi. ij. iiij. yi. liij. xe x. ae

Paymentis for takyng downe the Rooffes of the church, the uere Dorter, with th’other byldyng ther, xxi day August, Anno

80 Ambresbury Monastery. 8. d. The Roofe of the Gret Quere ........--..-eeeeeeeeee -sum total xxvii. ilijob. The roofe over the hy Autar............ .eeceeceee -.6* diffo © Yiij- ‘V1. The roofe of the Dortor, the loft, with all the particions undur tlie dortor sce ah. sinae otemer ite -Bucietias sete Geena seer The Roofe of our Ladye Chapell, the Roofe of the Leeden Hall ) xlix. v. ther, wyth all the houssyngs to the same. Allso the ij chamburs jonyng to the Ledden Hall a pon the garden syde.... ...+.-. +++: Thys Count made the xxviij day September. The Roofe of the Jesse, the portions above and undur the parlar

and the roofe of the same, The wygth Chamurs...............+ Xxxvi. Xi. The Roofe of the Fratery, the outhoosis by the old farmery (in- - Jirmary), Maister Horner’s housse and Chamburs .........-+++: XxXyil. Vi. ROME, AGT DELL TIVEL Boy hips © Bie 6 o Bip a ie ainic's » » hibieta a Saat ij. — for the dressyng of the pully and boxsyng the same...... Vv. os SORA POO MERGES 22 oer) cn AE, cise bate wsesde En kach eee yi. = BOT fig TNGORS Cee shen os. So 2a ne <one ede map cas Sao ij. Item, Richard Tebolde, to move the pavyng outh of the, North Ile to make rome for the Tymber ....-... scceen eve-cnvene nstece il.

Som : totall payments for the takyng down of the Roofs £vij. xi. j. ob.

Debet Som. to be paid of this A count xxy*. x‘, ob.

No. 4. The Charge of the meltyng, castyng and weyng of the leade at Amysburye the last day of Marche, 32 Hen. VIII. Among the items were, att

To John Colls, smyth for the makyng of a skemer, a cole-rake, a fyer forke, 1iij crowe barrs, one rake, one hoke pyn, one prychell

(*), certen gret naylls of my lord’s'iron .............202 se0cs iii. iiij. Item, for an iron plate to leye in the bottom of the trowe where

the dele wan in the pytt. sida ss causal os one's oe ae oe arabes viii. Item, for the mendyng of the greate beme........-.++ssseeees viij. Item, for ij pere of hoks for the same beme.....-......-..++-% . -Viij. Item, for the makyng and mendyn of hoks to drawe the

Soweslof leaded. 22s teas sts Se cele LCS ASE Ac CUSU Gram Hawoac iiij. Item for ij iron Ryngs for the dragge........... ...2.ceeeeee iiij. Item, for ij lynt pynns for the same drugge.............-.++- ij. Item, for the mendyng of hoks, pynns, barrys and other tols wh".

were occupyed aboute the meltyng of the leade..........+..e.200e- Viij. Ttem; for ij spadsandishovylls .s225...ch maces sacs Sundae B28. Ttem,: for tyme panrawes vwcs).cec a dat cere ses fess espe eee ix. Item, for ij lyne cords, one to fyer the Gunpowder in the Steple

and thother to make faste the greatt Gable........ ............. xij. Item, for the fetchyng of the Shovylls andSpads at Sarum...... a

Item for the hyer of Rychard Bundye’s horse to ryde to Easton to speke with Mr. Berwyke concernyng the pullyng downe of the Stople.s-::i./3 es esee ke noes Darke SE tee OH hae ha eee liij.

ee eee ee ee * Halliwell gives ‘‘ Prichell, a brake for dressing flax,” and ‘ Prijel, an iron tool for forcing nails out of wood.” The latter seems the more likely instrument of the two.

By the Rev. J. E. Jackson. 81 8. d. Item, for iij peny halters and ij halfpeny halters.............. iiij. Item, for a hoggshed to kepe water......++-+s+++eereeeeeereees xs Item, for grese for the pulleys........-..+see- ceeeeeereeeeeees i Item, for ij lods of erthe to make the pyt to melte the leade.... Viij. Item, for iiij lods of Sande to cast the lede........ sseeeeeeseees XYj. Item, for ij lods of erthe to make the leade pyt in the Frater..... viij. Ttem, for iiij lods of sande to caste the leade there...-........+. XYj- Item, to Thomas Alen’s servant mason to make the furnes wher the lede ashys were melten ...----. seer cece reece cette tees eens x, Item, for ij 1b. of Gunpowder bought att Sarum to fyer the grett : tymber peces of the Steple........... sees cereee cece sett eeeeeeee jj. Vu}, Item, for ij lb of Gunpowder bought at London......-..+-..---- ij Item, for an oxe hyde to make a pere of bellowes to melte the leade ashys. Mr. Alen hath theym............c0ceceeeeeeeeceees vi. Vij. Item, for a lode of Charcole to melte the same ashys-...-....... viij. Item, for a rope borrowyd of John Androes for the weyng of the WM aes cel bs ile (eats hota « so ctw sth iy alosagia wiatniayeveibininiore We.al rinvie Sal 9s viij.

The sum total of the hole charge £xiiij. vs. iij’. (This included the men’s wages for several weeks.)

Wherof Receaved for lede by him sold to diverse men iiij'. xiij’. v‘.: and so resteth more to the saide Nottingham ix". xis. ix*. the whiche is allowed to him in the fote of his account for the prouffitts of the demaynes and parsonage of Ambrosbury for oon

_ year and an half, ended at thannuntiation of O'. lady, A°. xxxiij’. R. Henrici viij, and so even.

No. 5. Thys porcion of my Lord’s leede delyvered from Ambros- bury to Hampton, by Aleyn’s marke, the lst day August A’ R. Regis Henrici 8%. xxxiij’.

Sowys of leede, 100, weighing 29°" 18°". 0%. 131

This was conveyed by carts hired from Douse and others of Collingbourne, Wm. Nowis and others of Ursaunt (Urchfont), John Burden and Edmund Longe of Kaninge, J. Collet of Allyng- ton, Ryng and Rowemans of Newton and Manningford, Maton of Enforde, Thos. Hunt of Chesenbury, Alexander and Giles Thystylthawrt of Winterslowe, R. Ocborne of Farley, Symon Cane and others of Wynterbourne, Thos. Byggs, Isabel Fostarde

Sse hi

hana ee

1 The ‘* Sows” of lead were not all of one and the same weight. Dr. Johnson _ says ‘‘An oblong mass of lead or unforged iron, or mass of metal melted from

the ore, is called, I know not why, sow metal, and pieces of that metal are called

pigs.”

“VOL. X.—NO. XXVIII. F

82 Ambresbury Monastery.

and others of Stapulford, and Thos. Noors of Bedywn»

Leed delyvered to Robert Steward, sadler in London 5 tons, 5 lbs,

Ditto to John Berenger of Hampton, marchant, 9 tons, 19 cwt. 26 lbs.

The number of Sowys delyvered to Robert Eyre and Thomas Sembarbe mar- chaunts of Sarum, 162 tons, 6 cwt. and 6 lbs.

Sold to Mathew Kington, Ludgersall, and John Monday, Buddesden, sheyt leed 3 cwt. and 11 Ib. at 3s. 4d. the ewt.

Sold to Alexander Auckar, and Robert Peris, Church wardens of Nether- haven, vii clothes,* weighing 1 ton, of lead, at £4 the ton.

Lead delyvered to Marchaunt of Hampton to be sent to Jersey for Gunshot 28 June, 34 H. VIII., 30 ewt. 3 qrs. 11 lbs.

Total number of Sowys of leede delyvered in all places, 637, containing 209 tons, 17 cwt. 2 qrs. 18 lbs.

Over and above John Howell plombmer layde a pon the Chaunsell of the Parish Church,+ and a pon the Gutter of the Newe Covent Kytchen 5 clothes, weighing 11 cwt. Sum total of Tons delyvered, 210 tons, 5 cwt. 2 qrs. 16 lbs. Lead reserved for my Lord, and returned: 21 tons, 3 cwt. 1 qr. 10 lbs.

It does not appear that any such scene took place at Amesbury

monastery church as had kindled Sir John Harington’s indignation elsewhere. Speaking of the spoliations at Wells cathedral, he says “Such was their thirst after lead (I would they had drunke it scalding) that they tooke the dead bodies of Bishops out of their leaden coffins, and cast abroad the carkases skarce throughly putri- fied.” [Nuge Antique, ii. 147.] The graves of the illustrious ladies abovementioned, and of all others buried in the church, have probably been undisturbed. - The Seymours made a dwelling house out of the old monastery, and the Protector’s son Edward Earl of Hertford resided here. His third wife was Frances daughter to Lord Howard of Bindon, widow of Henry Prannell citizen of London. Of this lady a very curious account is preserved,! and of a tragic incident in her history the scene lay at Amesbury.

‘She was one of the greatest, both for birth and beauty, in her time: but at first she went a step backward, as it were, to fetch a career, to make her mount the higher. Her extraction was high, fit for her great mind: yet she descended so low as to marry one Prannell, a vintner’s son, in London, having a good estate, who

* Does this mean sheets of lead? +That is, the*present chancel, which, as already stated, had probably been used for Parochial purposes during the time of the Monastery. See above, p. 72.

1 By Arthur Wilson: printed in Brydges’s Peers of James I., p. 297.

By the Rev. J. E. Jackson. 83

dying left her childless, a young and beautiful widow: upon whom

Sir George Rodney a gentleman in the west, suitable to her for person and fortune, fixing his love, had good hopes from her to reap the fruits of it. But Edward, Earl of Hertford, being en- tangled by her fair eyes, and she having a tang of her grandfather’s ambition,! left Rodney, and married the Earl. Rodney, haying drunk in too much affection, and not being able with his reason to digest it, summoned up his scattered spirits to a most desperate attempt: and coming to Amesbury in Wiltshire, where the Earl and Countess were then resident, to act it, he retired to an Inn in the town, shut himself up in a chamber, and wrote a large paper of well-composed verses to the Countess in his own blood, (strange kind of composedness,) wherein he bewails and laments his own unhappiness; and when he had sent them to her, as a sad catas- trophe to all his miseries, he ran himself upon his sword, and so ended that life which he thought death to enjoy; leaving the Countess to a strict remembrance of her inconstancy, and himself a desperate and sad spectacle of frailty: but she easily past this over, and so wrought upon the good-nature of the Earl her husband, that he settled above five thousand pounds a year jointure upon her for life.” 2

The Earl’s grandson William, Marquis of Hertford, resided here in1611. (Wilts Mag. ii., 181.) The Marquis’s grandson William,

third Duke of Somerset, dying without issue, this property passed

4

;"

by Elizabeth Seymour the third Duke’s sister in marriage to Thomas, Earl of Ailesbury. In 1720, Charles Lord Bruce sold it to Henry Boyle, created 1714 Baron Carlton; and he, by will 1729 bequeathed it to his nephew Charles third Duke of ee whose family made large additions by purchase.

A Yorkshire clergyman taking a little tour through Wilts in

1750, made the following note of his visit here.?

1 Thomas Howard third Duke of Norfolk, who was only preserved from the scaftold by the death of Henry viij.

* Sir George Rodney was of Stoke Rodney, co. Somerset. For the poetical j Epistle see the ‘* Topographer i, 398—405

° MS. Letter by Rey. Richard Woodyeare ; 1750.

a F2

84 Ambresbury Monastery.

“ Ambrosbury. A large body of a man found here, the thigh- bone 21 inches. Saw the Duke of Queensberry’s: a Chinese House and Bridge, and fine Canals in the gardens. In the Housea grand new Room and furniture, Chimney pieces, red and white marble: the fable of the Stork and the Fox carved on them: Emblems of Her Grace’s hospitality.| The Barber the best cicerone in the village.”

William fourth Duke of Queensberry died 1810: and in 1824 his estate was purchased by Sir Edmund Antrobus, Bart.

Ambresbury house was built by John Webb from the designs of his master Inigo Jones.2 Colin Campbell adopted Inigo Jones’s principles, and fixed ‘“‘The Ambresbury type’’ as the man- sion of the 18th century. The house has been renovated by Mr. Hopper, architect. The church was restored in Misi. at the expense of Sir Edmund Antrobus.

In the Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries, vol. iv., p. 27, are woodcuts of three curious old seals found at Ambresbury in 1843: and in the Journal of the Archeological Institute, vol. ii. p- 194, are drawings of two memorial escutcheons with the initials I. D., and K. D. in the church.

Ambresbury was in 1188 the birthplace of Ela Devereux, heiress of the Earls of Sarum, and foundress of Lacock Abbey in Wilts, and Henton Charterhouse Abbey, co. Somerset. That part of the

estate which belonged to her family was called Ambresbury Comets g

or Earl’s.

In his history of the Hundred of Ambresbury, Sir R. C. Hoare has omitted to mention that the Hundred included some outlying portions of co. Wilts, lying within co. Berks., viz., part of Shinfield,

(alias Dydenham) comprising an old manor of Beaumys or Beames; _

Hinton and Haines Hill, in Hurst ; Swallowfield, including Farley, and Sheepridge: and Wokingham, some part. J. E. J.

1 Lady Catherine Hyde, daughter of Henry, Earl of Clarendon and Rochester, the ‘Kitty, beautiful and young” of Prior’s Ballad, ‘“‘The Female Phaeton.” For an account of her see Burke’s Romantic Records, vol. ii., p. 31. As one of the three coheiresses of Henry Earl of Clarendon in