# Archaeological Journal/Volume 7/Proceedings at the Meetings of the Archaeological Institute (Part 4)

Proceedings at the Meetings of the Archaeological Institute.
November 1, 1850.
Edward Hawkins, Esq., F.R.S., Treasurer, in the Chair.
Mr. Birch communicated notices of some remarkable relics recently brought from Egypt by Lord Northampton, illustrated by drawings supplied by Mr. Bonomi. These ancient remains consist of a plinth, twenty inches in length, and a stud or knob of ebony, carved with hieroglyphics,—the former having been part of a wooden casket, of which the stud was the fastening. They possess considerable historical interest, as bearing the names of Amenophis III. and his daughter. Wherever the name of this king occurred on the monuments in Egypt, it has been effaced with the greatest care; and on the two relics described by Mr. Birch both his name and that of his daughter had been thus obliterated,—owing, as it is believed, to the religious animosity prevalent after his death between the Aten, or "disk" worshippers, and the votaries of the more ancient religion of Amnion. Mr. Birch also called the attention of archaeologists to these vestiges, as indicating that Amenophis III. associated with himself in the empire a princess, his daughter by the Queen Taia,—probably the princess called Amen-si. This fact in Egyptian history had been previously unascertained. These valuable objects have been presented to the British Museum by the Marquis of Northampton.
The Rev. John H. Austen, of Langton Maltravers, Local Secretary in Dorset, sent the following particulars relating to early vestiges which exist in the Isle of Purbeck, hitherto very insufficiently examined.
Bone Pin. Original size.
Small British Urn, Isle of Purbeck. Height, about 6 inches.
"I much regret that my applications for permission to explore the tumuli which are situated in different parts of the island have been refused. Consequently I cannot venture any opinion respecting that which I have described. I merely subjoin two extracts from Hutchins's History of Dorset. Speaking of the Isle of Purbeck, he says,—'Few or no traces of the Romans appear, though it could not be unknown to that people, one of their vicinal ways being directed from Dorchester to Wareham.' And again,—'Many tumuli are scattered all over the island. The nine barrows near Corfe are probably British; those round Poole and Stutland Bay, Danish. Some, in the other parts of the island, may be Roman.'
"I know not what reason Hutchins may have had for supposing the barrows upon the large tract of heath land which lies between the Purbeck Hills and Poole Harbour to be Danish; but I do not myself think the circumstance that the Danes were frequently in possession of Wareham any ​sufficient proof of such a statement. They are all situated at a distance from the town, and have the appearance of heing British."
Mr. Austen sent for examination the fragment of "Samian," part of an armilla formed of shale, or Kimmeridge coal, with the five coins above mentioned. They consist of first brass coins of Trajan, A.D. 98, and Marcus Aurelius, A.D. 121 (both much defaced and encrusted with patina); fourth brass of Gallienus, A.D. 254; Victorinus, A.D. 265; and Tetricus, junior, A.D. 267. These last are in good preservation.
Mr. W. Wynne Ffoulkes gave a notice of his recent investigation of sepulchral remains in North Wales:—
"On September 30th ult., I commenced opening a tumulus situated about two miles N.W. of Denbigh, at Plas Heaton. The result has been most successful. I first found the bones of some large animal, probably those of the red deer. Next appeared a deposit of burnt bones, which seemed to have been originally enclosed in an urn, since fictile fragments were found close to them. This vessel seemed to have been broken by the settling of the tumulus, and by the roots of an ash-tree growing close to the spot where I found them. Digging to the depth of about five feet, I came to a skeleton, which had been placed in a squatting position, with the legs crossed, like the posture of a tailor. Another skeleton was placed in a similar position, back to back; both had tumbled, owing to the roots of trees and the settlement of the tumulus. Immediately under these skeletons was a cist, lying nearly north and south, slightly to the east of the centre of the tumulus, containing the skeleton of a young man, lying on its side, with the legs and arms gathered up. Near the head were the remains of a curiously-worked earthen vessel, broken by the roots and stones falling in through a hole in the side of the cist. The pieces which remained were in good preservation. Thus closed our discoveries on the 30th. On October 1st, proceeding on the south of the cist, in an easterly direction, I soon found another skeleton, lying, as that in the cist, on its left side; arms and legs gathered up. Had time permitted, I think I should have made further discoveries. I had, however, to fill up the excavations; and, as I was leaving the neighbourhood the next morning, I ordered the men to close up the work, with the hope of resuming it at some future time. Of the four skeletons (I carefully took up all the pieces of the skulls), I could not obtain any one skull entire; but they may suffice to enable Mr. Quekett, or some other able Comparative Anatomist, to form some notion of the race to which these remains may be assigned."
A short account was then read, which had been received from Mr. Way, regarding the excavations, made under the direction of the President of Trinity College, at the "Seven Barrows," near Lamborne, Berks, by the kind permission of the Earl of Craven, Mr. Hippesley, and Mr. Atkins, on whose property these tumuli are situated. This research had excited great interest in the neighbourhood, which is replete with earthworks and vestiges of early occupation. A detailed report will be given hereafter.
Mr. Winter Jones communicated some particulars connected with the interesting discoveries of Roman mosaics and antiquities at Pau, through the spirited exertions of the son of Mr. Baring Gould,—of which an account had been previously given by Mr. Yates. A ground-plan of the villa, and drawings of various remains, were exhibited, including a representation of a remarkable pavement of very elegant design, dissimilar to that of any examples found in England.
​The authorities of the town of Pan had undertaken to protect the pavements, already exposed to view, by a substantial roofing; and for the present the works were discontinued, until that necessary precaution had been completed. The mosaics had suffered materially through the idle curiosity of numerous visitors, anxious to possess themselves of specimens of the tessellæ, and much damage had been caused by the weather. The site of the building, Mr. Baring Gould observed, is in the valley of Gau, about three miles from the ancient Beneharnum of Antoninus, near the modern Lescar, where abundant remains exist, which he hoped to explore during the ensuing winter.
The Rev. John Byron, of Killingholme, comnumicated the following notice of a cross-legged Effigy in Goxhill Church, Lincolnshire:—
"The village of Goxhill (locally called Gousell) is two miles and a half from New Holland, the ferry opposite to Hull, and the terminus of a branch of the Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire Railway. In the parish are some interesting remains of domestic architecture, which would well repay examination by any one versed in such subjects. The church is principally of very early Perpendicular date, with a good tower, and lighted by a beautiful clerestory of eight windows on each side. The figure to which attention is now called lies on the south side of the chancel. Here is a window with flowing tracery; and in the south wall may be perceived traces of a single lancet window. There is, in the usual position, a double Early-English piscina, with trefoiled heads. The shaft dividing the two recesses is octagonal.
"The effigy measures 5 feet 11 inches in height. The armour is of chain mail, without any admixture of plate. It has a band or fillet round the brow, ornamented with scutcheons, and some other simple decorations. The shield is much broken; it is curved, or semi-cylindrical, and has evidently been long and large. It is suspended by a guige. The surcoat is long and flowing; open in front, showing the hauberk. The right hand is on the hilt of the sword, which is partly drawn out of the scabbard. The scabbard appears to be of mail. The left arm is destroyed, from the shoulder; but, though such a position would seem strange, it has evidently hung down outside the shield,—as, indeed, the village tradition states it did. There has been a dog, or some other animal, lying at the bottom of the surcoat at the left side of the figure. The feet are much broken, and the points of the spurs gone. The head rests on a cushion. The whole is a remarkable specimen of early sculpture. The mail, the folds of the surcoat, and the belt which girds it, with its buckle, are well delineated.
"In the neighbourhood, the figure is considered to represent Lord Vere. That family is known to have had a mansion in the parish; and probably the domestic buildings before alluded to are its remains. These, however, are much later in date than this effigy. I cannot help thinking it a singular coincidence, that the attitude of this figure is the same as that of Robert de Vere, at Hatfield Broad Oak, Essex; for, as far as I know, it is not a very usual one.
"May it not be reasonably conjectured that the effigy is that of the founder of the church? The date of the earliest portions of it, the piscina and lancet window, would seem to agree with that of the figure,—probably circa 1240 or 1250."
Benjamin Ferrey, Esq., gave an account of the discovery of some interesting fragments of sculptured alabaster, which were found imbedded ​in the south wall of Upton old church, Bucks. They had been used as common building materials, and in making some recent alterations these relics were discovered: the several parts were found in different places, upon putting them together they produced part of a group representing the Almighty seated on a throne, holding the Saviour extended on a cross. Unfortunately, the head of the larger figure could not be found. The execution of the work is masterly, and the expression of the Saviour dignified. There are some indications of gilding and colour on the borders of the vestment. Mr. Ferrey assigns the work to the latter part of the 14th century, and considers that it formed part of a larger subject, which once filled a niche on the side of the chancel arch, having well executed draperies, with the dog-tooth and other ornaments carved in oak, and coloured and gilded. At the back of the alabaster figure was a socket, which exactly fitted to a projection on the sill of this niche, leaving little doubt that this was its original position.
The Rev. E. Cutts, having sent for the examination of the Society some curious engraved sepulchral portraitures, offered the following observations on those which are incised upon slabs of stone:—"These effigies were much more numerous in the midland counties than has generally been supposed: few, indeed, remain in sufficient preservation to attract the attention of archaeologists, but the defaced and mutilated specimens are far from uncommon. They present a peculiarity, which I am not aware has hitherto been noticed, namely, that the designs, in many instances, are of a very different character or type, from that of sepulchral brasses. On comparing together a number of brasses of any period, it is well known that they are found so closely similar, as to suggest the idea that they were mostly the production of one or two artificers, or manufacturers of engraved memorials. But, on comparing a series of incised slabs with a series of brasses, it will be found that in the former there are two classes of design; one evidently the productions of the artists who engraved on metal, the other entirely different, less conventional, much more rudely, and often very incorrectly, designed. Brasses, it may be observed, were readily transported even to remote places, being composed of several pieces; whilst large slabs of stone, or alabaster, were too unwieldy to be conveyed to any distant locality. I suppose, then, that, in the first class, the slab may have either been sent to the artist in metal, to be incised; or a design obtained from him; and, possibly, an artificer sent to the spot to execute the work. The second class may be conjectured to have been the work of less skilful or provincial workmen." Mr. Cutts submitted a very curious and exaggerated example of the peculiarities of this class. It is a large slab at Burton Joyce, Notts., the memorial of Sir Brian Stapilton. The drawing of the figure is ludicrously out of proportion; the armour presents some curious features. Under the knight's head is an elephant, and a huge hound lies sprawling at his feet. The legend is as follows:—"Here lyeth Ser Brian Stapiltun knyght and barinet, wyche dyparted the second daye of Aprel in the fowrt yere of knyg Edward the syxt. The said Ser Brian had to his ferst wyf dame Elizabethe Stapiltun doughtcr to the lord Hare Skroup of Boltō in Rychemond shyer, and by her he had Rechard his eldest son. And the Ser Brian had to his second wyf Dame Jane Stapilton doughtar to Thomas Baset Esquer, of North Lofnam in Rotland shyer and by her he had Bryan his second son." The inscription is skilfully cut, the artificer, probably, being well accustomed to work of that kind. Mr. Cutts ​sent likewise drawings of two figures (of brass) at Hathersage, Derbyshire, commemorating Ralph Eyre, 1493, and his wife Elizabeth: her figure, and both the faces, present the like style of rude design noticed upon incised slabs. The plates have been repeatedly gilt, and are now fixed in a wooden frame. With these was exhibited a drawing of an imperfect brass of a priest, at Fulborn, Cambridgeshire, circa 1380, of good design.
Arthur Trollope, Esq., communicated the discovery of a monumental inscription, of which he sent a fac-simile, presented to him by the Rector of Waltham, near Grimsby, Lincolnshire. It is of interest as proving the parentage of the distinguished prelate who took his name from that place, and was consecrated Bishop of Sarum, Sept. 20, 1388. He had been supposed by Fuller and other writers to be a native either of Waltham, in Essex, or Bishop's Waltham, Hants. The inscribed plate had been concealed by the floor of a pew, belonging to the manor-house (removed in Aug. 1849), and it lay at a depth of four feet.
* hic iacent Jhoes et Margeareta ux' ei' quond'm pater et mater Joh'is Walth'm nup' Sar' Ep'i quor' aiab𝔷 p'piciet' deus ame'.
John Waltham was Master of the Rolls and Keeper of the Privy Seal in the reign of Richard II.; he was appointed Lord High Treasurer May 20, 1391, and died in 1395. He was interred in Westminster Abbey, by the King's command, near the shrine of the Confessor. The parentage of this eminent dignitary had been unknown until this memorial was brought to light; and Lord Campbell, in the "Lives of the Chancellors," observes that "there is no account of his birth." His interment in the Chapel of the Confessor gave great offence, as we learn from Walsingham;—("mutis licet murmurantibus." Ypod. Neustr. 149.) Weever mentions his memorial, a sepulchral brass now very much defaced, to be seen near the tomb of Edward I., but the inscription has not been preserved.
Antiquities and Works of Art Exhibited
By Mr. Brackstone.—A stone celt of large dimension, weighing 2lb. 131/2oz., found about April, 1846, in a bank of gravel, called "the Carrs," on the estate of Shaw, or Shagh, Hall, Flixton, near Manchester. It lay at a depth of 8 feet, and was brought to light in digging gravel, under the direction of Mr. Charles Royle, who had presented the celt to a gentleman in Manchester, recently deceased. The bank appears to have been formerly the shore of the Mersey, which flows at a short distance, near its confluence with the Irwell; and the flat meadow land between this bank and the river is protected from floods by earthworks, termed locally "fenders." Shaw Hall, Mr. Brackstone observed, is an old mansion of considerable interest; the lower rooms wainscotted, the upper hung with tapestry. Some heraldic glass remains in the windows, with the names of Asshawe of Shagh, and Asshaw of Prestwich, &c. The clock-tower and terraced gardens arc curious. Mr. Brackstone exhibited also an iron mace, supposed to be of Moorish workmanship, the handle elaborately chased.
By the Hon. Richard Neville.—A scries of drawings by Mr. Buckler, exhibiting the details of curious remains of Roman construction recently brought to light, on the site of an extensive villa at Hadstock, Essex, ​These curious vestiges of a structure of considerable importance had been found in the course of excavations, under the direction of Mr. Neville, during the past autumn; and they had been regarded with much interest, as the supposition has been entertained by some persons that this might possibly have been the villa occupied by the Roman colonists, whose remains were deposited in the "Bartlow Hills," in which so many precious relics were found by the late Mr. Gage Rokewode, as related in the Archæologia.
By Augustus W. Franks, Esq.—A Roman wall-tile from Caerleon, in perfect preservation, bearing the legionary impress—leg ii avg. Also a flue-tile, found at the same place. The lateral apertures for transmission of heat are lozenge-shaped.
By the Rev. J. Hewett.—Drawings representing several sepulchral slabs, with crosses flory, lately found at Shoreham, Sussex; also one of singular design, existing at Coombe church, near that place. On one of the slabs an axe appears on the dexter side of the stem of the cross, and a sword on the other. Various interesting remains have recently been brought to light in the course of excavations at New Shoreham, of which some notice has been given in this volume. (See page 301.) The "miniature cross slab" there given inadvertently, as part of the discoveries in question, exists in the chancel of Fletching church, Sussex. Mr. Hewett sent also fac-similes of several masons' marks from the piers of New Shoreham church. They are here represented.
Masons' Marks, New Shoreham Church, Sussex.
Portraiture of the Architect by whom the earlier portion of the Abbey Church of St. Ouen was erected, A.D. 1318.
By Mr. Webb.—A beautiful example of carving in ivory, a portable altar-piece or triptych; date, about 1320. The central subject represents the Virgin with the infant Saviour, who holds a bird in his hands. An angel above seems about to place a crown upon her head. On one of the folding leaves are sculptured the Annunciation and the Adoration of the Magi; on the other the Nativity and the Presentation to Simeon. The exterior was elegantly decorated with gilding and colour: on the volets are two escutcheons, each suspended on a branch or billet raguly; the design of Flemish character.
Also, a singular collar, the insignia of some Flemish confrérie of archers, or the prize of superior skill in shooting at the popinjay. It is of silver gilt, and chased with designs of great elegance. It is formed of twelve medallions, enriched with armorial bearings, enamelled, and suitable devices. At each extremity is a larger medallion, or pendant, arranged seemingly so as to ornament both the back and breast of the wearer. To the richest of these is appended a parrot, crowned, with a collar inscribed * iattens—beneath the ground whereon it stands is—ob dorp. Amongst the ornaments of the medallions are introduced two satyrs or wodewoses, male and female, as supporters to an image of St. Laurence. On the reverse of one is the date, 1554.
Mr. Webb exhibited likewise a choice production of medieval goldsmiths' work, XVIth cent., a covered cup of silver-gilt, set with cameos and enamel.
By Mr. Hawkins.—Several cylindrical objects of terra-cotta, found in digging the foundations of the Corn Exchange at Nottingham. Similar relics had been brought before the Society of Antiquaries during their last session, and much discussion had arisen in regard to their use. (See Report of their meeting, June 20, Gent. Mag. July, p. 77; Athenæum, No. 1183, p. 688.) They were supposed to have served in the curling of artificial hair. It is singular that in a tomb in Etruria, a collection of objects had been found, closely similar in form; they may now be seen in the British Museum.
December 6, 1850.
James Yates, Esq., F.R.S., in the Chair.
Arthur Trollope, Esq., communicated an account of recent investigations which he had directed in Lincolnshire, and exhibited the results of his excavations at a group of British tumuli, at Broughton, in that county, in which urns, weapons of flint and bronze, and other curious vestiges had been found. This memoir is reserved for a future Journal.
Iron axe-head, found near Ashdown Park, Berks.
Mr. Greville J. Chester communicated the following details regarding some Early British remains in Norfolk:—"On Salthouse Heath, near Holt, many tumuli and other ancient earthworks, such as pits, and a curious circle of raised earth, may be observed. Two of the most conspicuous of these tumuli, which are locally called 'Three Halfpenny' and 'Three Farthing' Hills, are situated at the extremity of the Heath near Holt, near a farm called 'The Lowes,' probably taking its name from the neighbouring tumuli, anciently denominated Lowes. Three Halfpenny Hill was partially examined in the course of last winter by Mr. Bolding, of Weybourne. A small and broken urn of sun-burnt clay was all that was then discovered; it had apparently been placed somewhere near the surface of the mound on the north-east edge; but its position was not clearly ascertained, for it was not observed until after it had been thrown out by the workmen. This urn is only 4 inches in height, and has a kind of chevron pattern scored on the rim. The mound in which it was found is about 70 feet in diameter, and 8 feet in height, bounded by a bank and double trench.
"On Aug. 26 I opened the adjoining tumulus, commonly called 'Three Farthing' Hill. It is a large mound, being 40 feet in diameter, and 5 in height, and is formed of sand mixed with flints and gravel; in shape it somewhat resembles an inverted bowl. It is not, like the other, surrounded by a trench. I commenced operations by causing a trench to be dug across the mound, as nearly as I could judge in a north-east and south-westerly direction. The ground had lately been disturbed, and a small hole made in the centre by a boy who had been digging for a rabbit; and when the trench had been dug to the depth of about a foot, a small piece of pottery appeared, which had evidently only lately been broken off. Thus encouraged I continued excavating, and at the depth of about 4 feet came upon the fragments of an urn of considerable size, with a broad rim, rudely ornamented with scored lines. This urn was filled with burnt bones, and had evidently been broken by the boy mentioned above, who, as I afterwards found, had actually dug out a rabbit from the place only the day before. The fragments having been carefully removed, the excavations were resumed. About 3 feet from the surface, and in the centre of the ​tumulus, the workmen suddenly dislodged some large stones, and with them a piece of pottery, which proved to be part of a large urn, which was surrounded on all sides by a kind of wall of large flints, put together very closely, but without any kind of cement or mortar. When some sand had been thrown out, I descended into the hole, and gradually loosened the stones with a knife, working very carefully around the urn. The stones were at length cleared away, and the urn appeared standing on a bed of gravel on the natural level of the soil. It was then carefully lifted out. Its mouth was filled up by a large water-worn flint, which had evidently been placed over the top as a covering, but had been forced down by the weight of the superincumbent earth. The dimensions of this urn, which is of unusually large size, are as follows:—Height, 171/2 in.; across the mouth, 13 in.; circumference of the widest part, 3 feet 10 in.; do. of the bottom, 22 in. It is formed (as are all the other fragments discovered) of sun-burnt clay, without ornament of any kind, and was filled with sand, pieces of charcoal, flints, and a large quantity of burnt bones. I carefully sifted the whole contents, but not a vestige of beads, ornaments, or weapons could be traced. I may, however, perhaps, except one flint, of which the shape and appearance is such as to lead to the belief, that it may have been chosen as suitable to form a celt from. Professor Worsaae's opinion, however, seems to militate against this surmise, since he believes that stone objects are rarely found in those graves which contain burnt bones. I have submitted the bones contained in the large urn to the inspection of an experienced surgeon, who assures me that they could not have belonged to one individual only, as they differ both in appearance and texture. Some of them doubtless belonged to a very young person. Next day I again visited the spot, accompanied by Mr. Bolding. On digging a trench on the south-east side of the tumulus, a few fragments of another urn appeared; this also was of sun-burnt brown pottery, but of a much thinner texture than any before discovered. These pieces were ornamented with a pattern made by puncturing the clay six or seven times in a line with a small pin or such like instrument.
"I understand that the Rev. J. Pullcyn, of Holt, has part of an urn equal in size to the largest of those above described; it was discovered by some boys in a sand bank by the side of the road at Wiverton, in a place not above two miles from Salthouse Heath. Broken fragments of Celtic pottery have also been found in the neighbourhood, at Runton, near Cromer. They were parts of urns, filled with burnt bones, which had been interred so near the surface of the earth as to be broken by the plough in passing over them."
The Hon. Richard Neville communicated an account of the peculiarities of Roman construction, and other details of the vestiges recently brought to light by his researches at Hadstock, in an interesting report drawn up by Mr. Buckler. A notice was also sent by Mr. Oldham, relating to the coins, urns, and various remains found on the site of the extensive villa, of which the discovery had been related at the previous meeting. (See page 389.)
The Rev. J. Graves, secretary of the Kilkenny Archæological Society, sent the following notice of ancient querns, referring especially to a perfect and very interesting specimen recently presented by the Society to the Institute. A representation of this curious object is here given, and the ordinary mode of its use is very distinctly explained by Mr. Graves. The ​upper stone of this quern is of granite, the lower of millstone grit. A curious memoir on this subject is given in the "Dublin Penny Journal," 1836, p. 296. Pennant has shown the use of the hand-mill in North Britain, as worked by two persons: an ingenious and simple expedient appears also to have been devised, hitherto, as we believe, unnoticed by writers on this subject, and shown in an illumination given in a recent German publication. (See the copy of this interesting drawing, in this volume, p. 404.)
"In presenting to the collections of the Institute, on the part of the Kilkenny Archæological Society, a specimen of the Irish Quern or Hand-mill, I wish to say a few words—not concerning the antiquity of this primitive contrivance, the use of which by this and other nations appears to be of very remote antiquity, nor in regard to the history of this quern in particular, any further than to place on record that, before it was deposited in the collection of the Institute, it had been in actual use in the humble cabin of a Kilkenny peasant,—but merely in explanation of the simple mechanism of its construction, and the mode of its use.
"The diameter of a quern varies from about 3 feet 6 inches to 2 feet, and some few are found even smaller. The lower stone having been hollowed or dished to receive the upper one, round holes about 3 inches in diameter were formed in the centre of each. Into the orifice in the lower stone was wedged firmly a piece of oak, through which an auger-hole having been bored, a pin or peg of the same material was inserted, projecting slightly above the surface of the stone. This is technically called 'the navel.' Across the corresponding orifice or hopper of the upper or runner-stone was also firmly fixed a piece of oak, having its under surface furnished with a socket to receive the head of the pin before alluded to. The runner-stone is thus poised a few tenths of an inch above the nether stone; and as this space is increased or reduced, the coarseness or fineness of the meal is regulated. This wedge does not entirely close the hopper, a space being left at each side to feed the quern with corn. Near the circumference of the upper stone a hole was drilled, into which an upright handle, about 10 inches long, having been inserted, the quern was complete.
"The quern, when required for use, was placed on the floor, a cloth having been spread beneath it, and the corn, previously highly dried in an iron pot, or on a griddle, was placed in a vessel within reach of the grinders. When everything is ready, two women take their seats on the ground, at opposite sides of the mill; and a handful of corn having been placed in the hopper, one seizes the handle and pushes the runner-stone round to the other, who dexterously returns the compliment to her companion. The stone thus soon acquires considerable velocity, receiving a fresh momentum as the handle passes each grinder; and, as the work proceeds, the mill is continually fed by handfulls of corn, the meal passing out by a notch cut in the rim of the nether stone.
"One quern serves for many families; and although the owner may chance to be in the poorest circumstances, yet no charge is ever made for the use of the machine, such a procedure being counted unlucky. It is very difficult to determine the age of many querns now in actual use, inasmuch as they have been handed down for many generations from mother to daughter; and as some ill fortune is ever believed to ensue when the quern is sold, the Bean-tighe, or 'woman of the house,' is extremely reluctant to part with this heir-loom, even though offered for it much more than the intrinsic value."
Section, showing the construction.
Presented by the kilkenny Archaeological Society to the Archaeological Institute.
​A short account was read, sent through the Rev. J. L. Petit, by the Rev. John Brooke, of Haughton Hall, Shiffnal, illustrated by several drawings, respecting the remains of Old Bewick Chapel, near Chillingham, Northumberland, which presents some interesting details of Norman character. They will be published in a future volume.
Mr. C. Winston gave the following account of a palimpsest inscription, which he discovered, last September, in the east window of the north aisle of Llanrhaiadr Church, Denbighshire.
The window, a perpendicular one, consists of five lower lights, and a rather complicated head of tracery. It was originally entirely glazed with a stem of Jesse, the greater part of which remains, and is in a remarkably perfect state. The glass in the lower lights is more perfect than that in the tracery lights; this unusual occurrence may be accounted for by giving partial credit to the popular tradition, and supposing that the former was taken down and hid at the time of the Rebellion; whilst the latter, from the greater difficulty of removing it, was left in the window. There is nothing very remarkable in the design of the glass.
A large figure of Jesse lies along the bottom of the three centre lower lights. From his side proceeds a bifurcated vine branch, which, ascending the centre light, forms in it three ovals,—the lowest containing a figure of King David (the name is written on a scroll); the next, King Joras: and the uppermost, the Virgin with the Infant Jesus. In the cuspidated head of the light is a small oval, representing a pelican feeding its young.
Lateral branches from the main stem form a series of foliaged scrolls, each terminating in a flower or bud, from which issues the demi figure of a king or prophet, &c. There are four of these scrolls in each of the outer- most lights, and three in each of the lights next the central light. The individuals represented, taken in rows across the window from north to south, are,—in the topmost row, Manasses, (Ma)thapha, Ozias, Abiud; in the second row, Acham (this figure and that of Ezechias ought to be transposed), Asa, Josaphat, Zorobaell; in the third, Ezehias, (sic) Salamon, Roboas, Salathiel; and in the lowest row, Moyses and Sadoch. In the cuspidated head of the southernmost light is a small oval, exhibiting the emblem of St. Luke; and as there is the indent of an oval in a similar position in each of the other three lights, it may be concluded that the rest of the evangelistic symbols were represented. The costumes and details generally, remind one of the woodcuts of the time of Henry VIII. In the tracery lights are represented Isayas, Zacary, Elija, Abdias, Joel, and another figure, whose name is lost.
The palimpsest occurs on a scroll above the head of King David, in the centre lower light. The beginning of the scroll is broken away, and with it the letters which below are supplied in italics. Upon the scroll is now written, "Misericordias dn'i in eternum cantabo R. I." But this was not the original inscription; for, upon a minute examination of the glass, the faintest possible trace is perceptible of another inscription, which may be thus rendered:—Orate pro bono statu Rob'ti Joh'ni' clerici qui hoc lume' vitriari fecit." That this last inscription is coeval with the Jesse is placed beyond a doubt by the following facts. The scroll bearing the inscription is painted upon several pieces of glass, each wider than the scroll; and on those parts of the glass which are not covered by the scroll are represented leaves belonging to the vine branches, the crown of David, &c. These objects, as well as the outline and shading of the scroll itself, are painted ​with enamel brown, of the same warm tint, and as perfectly vitrified as that used in all other parts of the window, except in the letters of the first-mentioned inscription. It is clear from this—to say nothing of the identity of the style of drawing, and texture of the glass—that the scroll is of the same date as the rest of the window. The inscription has been carefully rubbed out with emery-powder (?); scratches produced by abrasion are very perceptible, with the exception of part of the letters "Ro," in the word "Roberti," and of a small flourish employed to fill up the line, which have been left untouched,—the first, probably because, being at the extremity of a piece of glass, it was thought it would be hidden by the lead; the second, because it was unnecessary to remove it, the palimpsest inscription being shorter than the original one. These portions of enamel brown are in all respects identical with the enamel brown of the scroll; and the belief that the inscription was executed simultaneously with the scroll is strengthened by the observation, that some of the letters, such as the a in "statu," the R in "Roberti," the J in "Joh'ni'," the h in "hoc," and the a in "vitriari," have been, like other letters in the window, illuminated with the yellow stain, which still exists, being on the opposite side of the glass to that which has been abraded, and is of exactly the same depth of tint as the yellow of the small flourish, and of the leaves, &c., before mentioned. Moreover, the original inscription makes sense with the date, which is written on two cartouches at the bottom of the outer lights, thus,—"Aō d'ni Mº CCCCC∘XXXIII." On the other hand, the letters of the palimpsest inscription are written with an enamel brown, of a much blacker or colder tint than that used throughout the rest of the window; and they are not illuminated with yellow, the consequence of this inscription having been subjected to a less heat in burning than the rest of the glass; which is evident from the enamel brown of these letters having been so imperfectly fluxed that a great portion of it has already fallen off the glass, an accident tending to facilitate the discovery of the original inscription.
From the exact similarity of the form of the letters used in both inscriptions, it may be inferred that but a short time elapsed between the painting of the first and substitution of the second legend. And from the use of the words "orate pro bono statu," in the first, and of the initials R. I. at the end of the second inscription, it may naturally be concluded that the alteration was made in the lifetime and at the instance of the donor. Perhaps a feeling of humility led to the substitution of simple initials for the more ostentatious display of his name at fuller length.
It is not easy to make out the exact reading of the donor's surname as given in the original inscription. The difficulty arises from the letter immediately following the h, and which appears to be an m. But the three black letter minims may also form ni, and though no dot over the i is now perceptible, it is possible that it may have been obliterated. If so, the word would be a contraction for "Johannis," and thus the surname would appear to be "Johnes," or "Jones," (the son of John). It can be proved that the Welsh took modern surnames, relinquishing the prefix "ap," about 1533. Assuming the surname to be Jones, the most probable surmise is, that the donor of the window was the rector for the time being of Llanrhaiadr. The Salusbury family were then the chief landed proprietors in the parish. There is a tradition that the painted glass was brought from Basingwerk Abbey, near Holywell; but this seems destitute of foundation. ​The dissolution of the lesser, as well as of the greater abbeys, did not occur until a few years after 1533, the date on the window. Besides, the glass exactly fits the stonework, which it could not have done in the case of such complicated tracery unless it had been originally designed for it. Nor is there any reason to think that the stone framework of the window was removed with the glass; it is built into the wall of the church, and there is no sign of the masonry having been, at any time, disturbed.
James Yates, Esq., referring to the singular objects of terra-cotta from Nottingham, produced by Mr. Hawkins at the previous meeting, and similar to certain specimens submitted to the Society of Antiquaries during their last session, offered the following observations on their use. He took occasion to exhibit some examples from the neighbourhood of London.
"The twelve articles of terra-cotta produced were found in the superficial sand and gravel at Whetstone, between Highgate and Barnet. They are made of a rather coarse pipe-clay. In the same district we find the remains of tobacco-pipes, made of the same material; and it appears probable, that both the tobacco-pipes and the other articles were here manufactured for sale in consequence of the facilities afforded by suitable beds of clay. The largest of the specimens exhibited measures nearly 31/4 inches in length, its diameter at the thickest part being three-fourths of an inch. The smallest measures 21/2 inches, the diameter being about five-sixths of an inch. On the former are impressed, at each end, the letters W A.
Rollers of white clay, found near Barnet. Orig. size.
"Another, of intermediate size, here represented, has W B, with a figure resembling a crown, stamped at each end. The others are plain at the ends. The letters W A and W B clearly indicate a modern origin, although the occurrence of these articles in beds of sand and gravel, where there is no stream of any importance, would induce us to ascribe to them a considerable antiquity.
"They are all thicker towards the ends than in the middle; but some of them increase in thickness towards the ends more than others. Also they vary considerably both in length and in bulk. They appear to have been made by rolling the wet clay between two smooth boards, having a convex or cylindrical surface, after which the projecting ends have been cut off with a knife; and then the stamp, which was small and neat, has been applied to some of them.
"In the 'Encyclopædia of Domestic Economy,' London, 1844, 6111, where there is a brief account of the manufacture of false hair, we are informed by Professor Webster, that 'after having picked and sorted the hair, and disposed it in parcels according to its lengths, they roll these up and tie them tight down upon little cylindrical instruments, called pipes, of wood or earthenware. In this state they arc put into a pot with water over a fire to boil for two hours. When taken out, they are dried and enclosed in brown paper, and baked in an oven.'
"These cylinders of clay being solid, it does not at first appear why they should be called pipes. The origin of the name may be thus accounted for. The oldest work on the manufacture of false hair is a learned and ​curious volume in 12mo, a copy of which is in the British Museum, by Rango, who was Rector of the Gymnasium, at Berlin. It is entitled De Capillamentis, vulgo Parucquen, Magdeburg, 1663. This author says, (p. 159)—'The ladies quickly curl their hair by means of a tobacco-pipe, which is convenient for the purpose, because it parts with its heat gradually from within, and keeps warm.' It appears, therefore, that the articles before us were an improvement upon tobacco-pipes.
"In the 'Encyclopédie dcs Sciences, des Arts, et des Métiérs,' the twelfth volume, published at Neufchatel, 1765, folio, and in the article Perruque (p. 402), we are informed that hair-dressers curl hair by means of wooden moulds, called 'bilboquets,' from their resemblance to the plaything used in the game of cup and ball. 'These moulds,' the author says, 'are generally three inches long. They vary much more in thickness. They are made of different kinds of wood; but box is the best, because it imbibes the least quantity of water.' He adds, 'that these moulds used formerly to be made of clay, but that the employment of these had been given up, because when the clay moulds were placed on the stove, they became so hot as to make the hair too crisp.'
"There are twelve plates annexed, and in one of them (Planches, tome viii., No. III., figs. 4, 5, 6, 14,) we see representations of these objects, agreeing in form with the specimens found in various parts of England.
"In the terminology of our English friseurs, the art of using these implements is called piping. The pipes now employed for the purpose are cylindrical pieces of wood of various sizes, which are wrapt up in paper and then boiled in water. When they are moderately dry and still sufficiently warm, the hair is rolled round them, and tightly tied down. In this state it is left for some months. From the nature of the process it is manifest, that wherever piping is practised to any extent a large stock of pipes is requisite.
"Whether pipes like those before us were used in ancient times is by no means certain, hut not improbable. Splendid perukes were worn by the Assyrians, Egyptians, and other ancient nations; and the use of the curling-tongs, called in Latin calamistrum, has prevailed in all civilised countries from the earliest periods. Since, therefore, the Etrurians were a very luxurious and cultivated people, they were very likely to be acquainted with this art; and I think it probable that the collection of 129 objects of terra-cotta, found in a tomb at Polledrara, in Etruria, the Necropolis of Vulci, and now preserved in the British Museum, was intended for this purpose. For, although thicker and coarser, they are in all other respects exactly like the clay pipes, the use of which in modern Europe for curling artificial hair has now been proved."
Antiquities and Works of Art Exhibited
By the Rev. T. Faulkner Lee.—A very curious bronze fibula, of a type exceedingly rare in England. It was found in the course of recent excavations at St. Albans, in St. Stephen's parish, outside the rampart, on the S. side of Verulam; it lay near the left shoulder of a skeleton, around which were arranged seven fictile urns, some of them still containing ashes. Some parts of the ornament, of open work, designed with much elegance, have suffered much from the corrosion of the metal; hut enough remains to show the form distinctly, as hero represented. Several examples of this ​peculiar form have been found on the continent; of these may especially be cited one found at Paris, in the gardens of the Luxembourg Palace, figured by Grivaud des Vincelles in his "Antiquités Gauloises et Romaines;" also two specimens, one being of very large dimensions, found at Rennes, and given by Toulmouche, "Histoire Archéologique de l'époque Gallo-Romaine de la ville de Rennes," Pl. II. and III. Another very fine example, with open work precisely similar to that of the fibula from St. Albans, is given by Caylus (Recueil d'Antiq., tome iii., Pl. 120). It was found at Rheims. In Germany a similar type has also been noticed by Emele (Pl. XV.)
Bronze Fibula, found with sepulchral remains at St. Albans. Orig. size.
By Augustus W. Franks, Esq.—Two Roman fibulæ, recently obtained in France, chased for enamel, and on which some portions of that coloured enrichment still appear. Also, a lamp of green-glazed earthenware, found in the Seine, at Paris, A perfect example of the same form exists in the Musée Céramique, at Sevres.
By the Rev. Edwix Meyrick, of Chisledon.—Drawings representing several ancient remains found near Abury, Wilts, on the Beckhampton Downs, &.C., and now in the possession of a lady residing in his parish. Amongst them are a double-edged stone axe, and a very curious little British cup, from Windmill Hill, Abury. The latter is ornamented with four rows of little bosses, resembling nail-heads, and may be compared with another specimen found by Sir Richard Colt Hoare in Wiltshire, to which the name of "Grape-cup" had been given, being covered with little knobs, so as to resemble a bunch of grapes. (Anc. Wilts, Vol. I., Pl. 24.) Mr. Meyrick sent also drawings of a bronze celt, an armlet, fibula, and volsellæ; with some iron relics of later date, found at Hilwood farm, Aldbourn, Wilts, and comprising a kind of glaive, a spear-head, a well-preserved pheon and arrow-head, and other remains. Several of the Abury antiquities are noticed by the late Dean of Hereford, and figured from his drawings in his Memoir on Tumuli near Abury, in the Transactions of the Institute at Salisbury.
​By Professor Buckman, of Cirencester.—Several relics found near that town, comprising two bronze weights for the statera; one, a female bust, perhaps of Ceres, in the collection of T. C. Brown, Esq.; the other, described as the head of a satyr. It is remarkable that each weighs precisely 460 gr., so that it may be supposed they were adapted to small stateræ of a recognised kind. A complete specimen with its beam and appliances, lately found at Cirencester, is figured in the "Illustrations" of Corinium, produced by Mr. Buckman and Mr. Newmarch. (See p. 411 of this volume.)
Pilgrims' token, of lead, found at Cirencester. Size of orig.
By the Rev. William Cooper, Rector of West Rasen, Lincolnshire.—A Book of Swan-marks (cigninotæ) originally compiled, probably, towards the latter part of the times of Elizabeth. It contains about 300 marks, some of them dated 1607, 1608, 1610, and 1612; but these appear to be additions or corrections. The list seems chiefly to relate to swans on the meres and rivers in the neighbourhood of Ramsey, Huntingdonshire, and it came into Mr. Cooper's possession from his ancestor, Sir Oliver Cromwell, (uncle to the Protector) who had considerable property in that county, including Ramsey Abbey and Hinchinbrook Nunnery, which the loyal knight expended in supporting the cause of Charles I. The list commences with three royal marks, indicated as "Regine—ye crowne, ye swordes," (doubtless Queen Elizabeth,) those of the Dukes of Suffolk and Norfolk, the Earls of Huntingdon, Essex, Wiltshire, Sussex, &c. It deserves notice that in some cases the intention of these strange devices is indicated by an interlinear gloss; for instance, two square symbols marked with an ace are explained to be "ye dysse;" a large Tau is marked "tantony crosse;" there are also "boot and rother, a skorge, y$^e$ Trifollye (trefoil), the dobel pelles (bakers' peels), y$^e$ spades, shavm and sheres (the musical instrument called a shaum), y$^e$ crose sprites (cross poles, used for pushing boats in shallow water), doubyll pylger (a fish-spear, Forby, Norf. Dial.),dobyll ankers sheris, nedill," &c.; "y$^e$ sterrope, y$^e$ acre staffe," &c. At the top of each parchment leaf of this register are scribbled two lines of rhyme, of a penitential character, running through the book. On the last leaf is the following note:—"Mēd'. that on the sixtenth daye of July Anno Dm'i 1612 there appeared a Swanne of the long Squires foyled, being matched wth the gredyron, hauing betwixt them a brood of fyue Signetts, And for that the long Squyres was the fayrest & that no man could clayme the Swann nor shew whose marke it was that had foyled the same, there was giuen to the field one bird & a halfe, wherupon the marke of the long Squires was amended and allowed upon Ramsey streame, the same Sixtenth daye of July afores'd. By us, —
"Thomas Harwood, vice deputie "Thomas Glapthorne, an owner of swannes."
The signatures are autograph. A very curious and more ancient book of swan-marks was exhibited by Mr. Bromehead, of Lincoln, in the Museum formed during the meeting of the Institute in that city. Another was in the possession of Sir Joseph Banks, and has been published in the "Archæologia."
​By Mr. Donaldson.—A circular bronze matrix, of Italian workmanship, date late in the 13th cent., inscribed ✠ : MINATIVS : D'. MARRIS : P'PO'X : ECCLEXIE : S'CE : MARIE : D':GALLATE. The contraction used in the word prepositus is very unusual, resembling an X, which occurs again in the following word in place of an S. It has been supposed that the church in question may be Gallarate, in the North of Italy. The device is a figure of the Virgin.
By Mr. R. Naughten, of Inverness.—A drawing of a silver armilla, found, Oct. 1850, under a large block of stone, at Stratherricks, Co. Inverness. Also an interesting silver signet ring, found in the same parts of North Britain. The impress is an escutcheon, charged with the initial W., surmounted by a crown, and a fleur-de-lys beneath the letter. Over the escutcheon is the letter R., and at its sides A. and O. (?), or perhaps d. It is placed in a quatrefoiled panel.
By Mr. Richard Green, F.S.A., of Lichfield.—The exquisite signet-ring of Mary, Queen of Scots, formerly in the Royal Collection. It bears a beautiful atchievement of her arms, engraved in Mr. Laing's interesting "Catalogue of Scottish Seals." The hoop was formerly enamelled.
By the Rev. G. M. Nelson, of Bodicote Grange.—A representation of a brass ring, lately found at Hempton, Oxfordshire, and in the possession of Mr. Davis, of that place. It is in the form of a strap and buckle, or of a garter, and is contrived so as to admit of being contracted or enlarged, to suit the wearer's finger,—the end of the strap being formed with little knobs, upon which the buckle catches, and keeps the ring adjusted at the desired size. The hoop is inscribed in relief, "MATER DEI MEMENTO." A ring of this type was communicated to the Institute by Mr. W. Hylton Longstaffe; and there is another in the British Museum.
By W. J. Bernhard Smith, Esq.—Five iron maces, described as of European workmanship, and supplying various types of this ancient weapon. The handle of one of them was ingeniously contrived with a strong band of iron wound spirally around a bar, by which the weapon must have acquired considerable elasticity.
By Henry J. Tomkins, Esq.—A MS. on parchment, being a Latin poem, in hexameters and pentameters, entitled, "Annunciatio pacis super terram, temporisque benigni, ac Anni Domino accepti, &c. Anno 1576." It is dedicated by the author, Roger Ducket, to the distinguished statesman and poet of the Elizabethan age, Sir Edward Dyer. On the reverse of the title are drawn his arms,—three goats passant; and a curious symbolical limning is placed before the poem, representing Satan and Death dominant over the earth, on one side,—and on the other, the Lamb victorious over Death and Hell (Rev. xii. 10). The Edward Dyer here addressed as "venerabili imprimis et doctissimo," was probably the courtier of the reign of Elizabeth, employed by her in foreign embassies, knighted in 1596 on his being made Chancellor of the Garter. He wrote pastorals, which are to be found in "England's Helicon."
By George Vulliamy, Esq.—Several medieval relics found in the bed of the river Thames, during the works preparatory for the erection of the Houses of Parliament. These objects comprised small knives, such as were used by ladies, in pairs, appended to the girdle; one bears the forge mark, the letter L crowned. Also some keys, and a singular brass bodkin. A kalendar, printed at Venice, in 1476; the "impressori" being "Bernardus pictor de Augusta, Petrus loslein de Langencen, Erhardus ratdolt de ​Augusta." Appended to the kalendar is a prognostication of eclipses of sun and moon, with woodcuts showing the degree of obumbration. This table extends from 1475 to 1530. Then follow the ordinary tables for the Golden Number, Dominical Letter, &c.; and this curious volume closes with a treatise, "Del horologio orizontale," giving instructions for constructing a dial, with woodcuts, representing various chronometric instruments.
By D. B. Murphy, Esq.—A specimen of the singular little figures, or seals, of Oriental white porcelain, bearing characters in the old Chinese letter. These remarkable relics, frequently found in Ireland, have excited much interest, and form the subject of a dissertation recently published by Mr. Edmund Getty, M.R.I.A , in which the import of the characters is explained. (See the Notice of this work, p. 407.)
They have been exhibited on several occasions at former meetings of the Institute. A well authenticated example, now in the possession of Lord Talbot of Malahide, was communicated by him to the Society: it was discovered in ploughing near the church at St. Doulough's, co. Dublin, but not within the precincts of the cemetery. No specimen, however, of these curious seals has, as we believe, been hitherto noticed or discovered in any other locality, except in the sister kingdom.
We are indebted to Mr. Thomas Kent, of Padstow, in Cornwall, for the intimation of the curious fact, that one of these porcelain seals, precisely similar in dimension and general form to those found in Ireland, was brought to light in that county. It is now in his possession. There are characters on the under side of the cube, resembling those presented by the Irish specimens. Mr. Kent states that it was found in digging near the site of an ancient mansion, situated on a cove in the harbour, into which the tide flows, adjacent to the town of Padstow. He observes that this port appears well suited to have been a place of resort for the ancient traders who visited this coast to obtain tin or other commodities. He had found various remains of fictile vessels of unusual fabrication on the shores, with vestiges of a settlement, which he is disposed to assign to the Roman period. Scoria, ornaments of bronze, fragments of antique glass, and Roman coins, had likewise been discovered in the sands opposite to Padstow.
Note on the figure of an Architect at St. Ouen. (See page 390.)
Professor Willis considers the instrument seen in the Architect's hand to be what is technically called a mitre square, a drawing instrument to lay down an angle of 45°, and also a right angle, if its rectangular edges are employed. The additional lines traced on the upper part will qualify it to act as a protractor for laying down other angles, possibly those that belong to the polygons, which the masons frequently required. Thus Matthew Roriczer begins by teaching how to set out pentagons, hexagons, &c. The instrument here seen appears to have been adapted for laying down the angles of polygons of five, six, seven, or eight sides. Professor Willis had seen no other representation of this instrument.
* ↑ See Archaeological Journal, vol. i., p. 347.
* ↑ Historical Account of Dunwich, pl. 3, p. 66.
* ↑ Vol. xvi., p. 156. Two other registers of Marks, from the Strawberry Hill Library, are now in the possessionof the Earl of Derby; and several others exist. See the article "Swan," by Mr. Serjeant Manning, in the Penny Cyclopædia; Yarrell's Birds, &c.
* ↑ Notices of Chinese Seals found in Ireland. London, Hodgson, Paternoster Row. 1850. 4to. plates.