The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1849-08-07 00:00:00

THE BRITISH ARCHEOLOGICAL SOCIETY.

The general annual congress commenced at Chester on
Monday evening. A most respectable assemblage at-
tended, consisting of the elite of the city and neighbour-
hood. Lord Albert Conyngham was introduced by the
Lord Bishop of the diocese, and was heartily welcomed.
His lordship addressed the meeting in eloquent and appro-
priate terms, in the course of which he thus remarked
upon the antiquity of Chester :—" I should indeed have
deeply regretted had I been unable to meet my antiqua-
rian friends in a locality so full of interest to them and to
me as Chester.—(Loud cheers.) The British Archeolo-
gical Association has been founded to investigate, pre-
serve, and illustrate all the ancient monuments of history,
manners, customs, and arts of our forefathers, as well as
to render available the researches of a numerous class of
lovers of antiquity, who are unconnected with the Society
of Antiquaries in London.—(Hear, hear.) Where can
the antiquary find a field for his labours more tempting
than Chester?—(Applause.) I frankly state that I felt
an interest in the city, and longed to visit it since I read
the old chronicles of our country—(cheers)—although it
is true they gave its early history in rather an unantiqua-
rian manner. For instance, we 'attribute its foundation
to a giant named Leon Gamer, and mention it as that
stately city especially favoured by King Arthur the Great,
who held a noble parliament there ; and they state that
in those days the majesty thereof was such as that all the
forefronts of the houses were laid over with gold, accord-
ing to the Roman usage ; that Chester was in like sort a
famous university, wherein were 200 philosophers ; also
two goodly churches, erected in remembrance of Julius
and Aaron, two British martyrs. It was at Chester
where King Edgar, surnamed the Peaceable, was con-
veyed in great state along the river Dee from his palace
to the Church of St. John and back ag-ain, the oars being
manned by eight kings, and himself holding the helm. It
was Chester that was given up by the Conqueror to the
tender mercies of Haques-la-loup, and bearing a wolf's
head for his device. Who in this locality will not feel inte-
rested in endeavouring to trace truth from fable ?
(Loud applause.) At this meeting kindred minds may
commune upon those subjects of antiquarian interest
which they will assist each other in unravelling, and
those who follow the study of antiquities merely as
an amusement, may make up for the want of deep
reading by the conversation of scientific men.—(Hear.)
After alluding to the value of archeology as a science,
he said—lt may be enjoyed in the intervals of the most
active business, and the calm and dispassionate interest
with which it fills the mind renders it a delightful retreat
from the agitation and dissensions of the world, and from
the conflict of passions, prejudices, and interests in which
the man of business finds himself continually engaged.—
(Cheers.' But though the British Archeological Asso-
ciation seeks to investigate and illustrate the history and
monuments of its own country, it would be impossible to
do this without studying archeology generally, and enter-
in.. into that of other countries to illustrate our own ;
and though the science of archeology may be followed as
a relaxation to the mind, it is highly important in the
graver pursuits of life. No person taking part in public
Life can do so without some antiquarian knowledge. The
explanation of the technical forms of government, the
principles of public policy, the tenures of land, our Bri-
tish union with teutonic custom, with the Roman law,
cannot be understood without some antiquarian research.
* * * But if the study of antiquity be requisite for
the politician and the artist, how much more is it required
by those who turn their minds towards that higher study,
which reflects upon the Almighty and his ways. No
antiquarian can talk of chance or fortune ; he must see
that what is chance in regard to our uncertain fortunes is
a concerted design in a higher council, which includes all
causes and effects in one anti the same order of things ;
he will see how the Almighty prepared mankind from afar
for the coming of the Messiah, by allowing the nations to
walk after their own ways, while neither the light of rea-
son nor the dictates of philosophy could dispel the clouds
of error or reform their depraved inclinations t and when
he compared the present state of any country where the
Gospel is professed in its purity with its state at that
period when the sun of righteousness began to rise upon
it, he will see light pervading that region of darkness and
ignorance, and barbarism yielding to knowledge and moral
cultivation. (His lordship was warmly applauded.).
On Tuesday the society resumed its sitting, in the
Shire-Hall, the Lord Bishop in the chair. W. H. Black,
Esq., gave an interesting description of the public records
now existing among the muniments of the county and
city. The records referred to were those relating to the
common law side of the palatine, now in the care of E.
W. Lloyd, Esq., and those on the exchequer side, under
the control of P. Humberston, Esq. He then proceeded
to exhibit a great number of rolls, files, and otherrecords
relating to the county and city, from the reign of Edward
the First, in the year 1252, down to the present time.
These records were curious illustrations of the laws, man-
ner of trial in former days, of the mode in which property
was transferred, of the fines and recoveries paid, and of
the various offences for which amercements were inflicted.
The party then proceeded to view some of the antiquities
of Chester, after which they partook of a dejeuner a la
fourchette at the residence of Sir E. Walker. In the
evening several interesting papers were read, one on the
present state and original design of the Roman wall,
which extends from the Tyne to the Solway.
On Wednesday the association attended Divine service
at the Cathedral, and afterwards proceeded by rail for
Conway, calling on the way to inspect Flint Castlp and
Basinwork Abbey. A pie-nic dinner was provided within
the picturesque ruins of Conway Castle, where the band of
the 46th Regiment was in attendance, and Mr. Hicklin
delivered a lecture on the history of this once magnificent
edifice.

On Thursday, the members of the association visited
this town. They arrived early in the morning, and were
met by the members of the Liverpool Historic Society.
After viewing St. George's Hall, the Custom-house, the
docks, and other places in the town worthy their atten-
tion, different parties were formed to Speke, Hale,
Sephton, and Ince Blundell. The party that visited
Speke received an invitation to lunch with Mr. Joseph
Brereton, who treated them with the greatest liberality
and kindness. Various objects of antiquity at these vil-
lages were inspected, particularly the old church at
Sephton, which the company spent some time in exa-
mining. On their return they dined at the Adelphi
Hotel. In the evening, the parties attended a soiree at
the Town-hall, to which they had been invited by the
Mayor. We need scarcely sik that they were received by
his Worship with that spirit of liberality which has always
characterised his conduct on similar occasions since he
was elected to fill the civic chair. Invitations were libe-
rally distributed, and a large and fashionable company of
ladies and gentlemen were present. The handsome suite
of rooms at the Town-hall were thrown open, and every
arrangement made to do honour to the occasion.
Refreshments of tea, coffee, &c., were provided under the
direction of Mr. Lynn, of the Waterloo Hotel. The
band of the 46th Regiment was stationed in one of the
principal rooms, and by the performance of a selection of
the most approved music, gave an interest and animation to
the scene, which appeared to be highly appreciated by the
visitors. A second band occupied a place near the
bottom of the grand staircase. The guests numbered
altogether about 500, and many more would have attended
had it not been for the unfavourable state of the weather.
After the company had promenaded for some time the
splendid suite of rooms in the Town-hall, the refreshment
room was thrown open, where the company were supplied
with tea, coffee, confectionery, &c. Addresses were then
delivered by the following gentlemen :—By the Rev. Dr.
Hume, on the Chester Mysteries, a series of ancient
dramas known by that name; by Mr. Waller, on the
Ancient Glass in Sephton Church ; by Mr. Fairholt, of
London, on the History and Character of Guilds. A
great number of valuable engravings, ancient manuscripts,
and antiquities of various kinds were disposed on the
tables in two of the rooms for inspection. They formed
a pleasing feature in the proceedings, and some of them
were examined with great interest. Amongst the pro-
ceedings of the evening was the presentation of a cup, by
the Historic Society, to Lord Albert Conyngham, presi-
dent of the Archmological Association. The cup, which
is handsomely mounted with silver, has, in a shield, a
view of Prince Rupert's cottage, taken down in 1844 ; and
also, on another shield, the following inscription :
" Made from the house occupied by Prince Rupert, as his
head-quarters, during the siege of Liverpool, 1644."
The cup is what is termed a mazar bowl, or ancient Bri-
tish drinking cup. His lordship not being able to attend
the soiree, owing to the illness of his father, the present
was received on his behalf by Mr. Pettigrew, a gentleman
well known to the public by his researches in connexion
with Egyptian literature and antiquities. The company
separated about eleven o'clock, after which the mem-
bers of the association returned to Chester by a special
train. Most interesting proceedings took place on the
same day in Chester.
On Friday there were two excursions. One party left
Chester by railway at 9.0 a.m., for Chirk Castle, Llangol-
len, Valle Crucis Abbey, and the Eliseg Pillars. Lun-
cheon was provided at the Hand Hotel, in Llangollen ;
and the return train left at 3.0 p.m. The other party
started for Beeston by the 9.45 a.m. train ; carriages were
in attendance at the station, and conveyed the visitors to
Bunbury Church, and Beeston Castle; and thence to the
2.20 p.m. for Waverton, where carriages were ready to
take them by Saighton Hall, Aldford, and Eaton Hall,
for Chester. Both these excursions include, as our rea-
-1 ders are aware, many objects of archaeological interest,
some magnificent examples of modern skill and enterprise,
and much beautiful scenery. On the return of both par-
ties there was a dinner at the Albion Hotel, and a soiree
at the Royal Hotel.
On Saturday morning the proceedings of the Society
terminated with a splendid public breakfast at the Royal
Hotel, Chester.

S --

THE GRAND FANCY FAIR AND FLOWER SHOW.

A cursory visit id the ground in the Prince's-park,
selected for the site of fhe forthcoming festival, enables us
to furnish a sketch of the more prominent scenic attrac-
tions that will present themselves to the pubile, independ-
ently of the numerous works of industry and art which
will constitute the materiel of the fair, and the flower
show.

There are several entrances to the park, but the most
pleasing for effect is, we think, that from opposite Aig-
burth-road, near the Dingle. The ground comprises the
highest portion of the Park, from which, there is a gentle
acclivity to the south, forming an extensive verdant lawn,
surrounded by trees and shrubs, and variegated' by clumps
disposed with that variety in which nature delights. Within
and around this space are the erections and tents for the
fair, and its adjuncts. The first and most striking and
lofty object that presents itself, is the semblance, in " real"
masts and rigging, of a huge ship, the hull of which is con-
stituted by a long wooden building—the grand " nautical"
Pavilion, in which are placed the ladies' stalls. The
masts and entire rigging of the ship, shrowds, stays, and
all, are hung with an uncountable number of beautiful
fresh-coloured flags, chiefly national, and many of them
very large. All round the building, too, are planted Nu-
merous lofty poles, similarly decorated. These flags, when
spread out on the grass on Saturday, appeared to cover
three or four acres of ground. The effect is truly magni-
ficent. All the other tents are equally adorned with
colours, and flags flutter from every point in the coppices
surrounding the open space, and from staffs in various
parts of the sloping green. Such a quantity of bunting
(and silk together) was never before seen within a similar
space, many of the flags, including Mariott's signals, private
signals, &c., are of a costly description. One of the British
flags, of silk, (sent, we believe, by the Odd Fellows) is
valued at £5O. We wish her Majesty the Queen were to
be present, in which ease the Royal Standard would have
topped the whole.

The extreme length of the Pavilion is 350, and its
breath from 90 to 100 feet. It is covered in with boards,
but we were informed, that should the weather be fine
and dry, the boards sloping ta the south, or in front, may
be removed for the better admittance of light and air. The
boards, in such case, will -be substituted by flags, which
will shew like stained glass. The centre of the Pavilion is
of circular form, with a pointed roof rising considerably
above the roof-trees of the general building. At each end
there is also a circular roofed portion of a smaller altitude.
Any of these three parts would, if per se, form a pavilion.
The centre one has one small roof over the other, leaving
a louvre openinc, all round for ventilation and light. The
three round parts of the roof form, as it were, as many
round-houses, on the deck of the huge " ship,"—one
the forecastle, one a-midshins, and one abaft. The masts
rise from the centres of the three round roofs. The
"rigging" is not quite in accordance with that of an ordi-
nary ship, but this is one of an extraordinary kind, in
" land navigation ;" and he were a churlish jack tar who
would find fault with trifles, when the object is merely
decorative, in the carrying out of a praise-worthy object.
It is somewhat curious to see a ship on the top of a hill ; and
a gentleman who came up at dusk on Saturday, quizically
inquired,—" What new dock is this ?" " The Ladies'
Dock, Sir," was the smart reply of a bystander, " and this
ship, The Charity,' is bound for California." At the
main-mast head there is a regular top railed round, up to
which ladies and others may be hoisted in a chair, by
means of suitable tackle, From the top a most beautiful
panoramic view of the whole surrounding country is ob-
tained.

The grand entrance to the bazaar is from the centre oa
the south side. Here there are three arches beautifully
festooned with a centre or main corridore. Amongst the
decorations are two splendid cast vases, and other stands,
for flowers, &c., from the establishment of Messrs. Young
and Co. The whole room is floored with boards, forming
a platform about a foot in height from the sward. The
view on entering is magnificent even now, the whole inte-
rior being lined with flags ; and what will it be when the
whole is completed, and it is replete with the elite of the
land. and the tables, stands, &c., are filled with all that is
beautiful in design and execution—the• labour of many
thousand hands—the result of the anxious industry of
many months ! In addition to the multifarious articles
which will be presented at the tables by the fair vendors,
there will be numerous works of art in all departments of
science and ingenuity, useful or ornamental, in every
available part of the building. The tables or stalls are its
one continuous line on the north side of the building, the
space on the south forming a wide promenade from end to
end. There are in all about 20 large tables, for the ac-
commodation of about 100 ladies as vendors. In the cen-
tre of the pavilion (the round, or rather octagonal part),
the line of table forms three sides of an octagon, the cen-
tre one being the stand assigned to the Lady of our worthy.
Mayor. Th other stalls are allotted to the ladies by bal-
lot. Behind the recess formed in the line of tables there
is a corridore for the ladies, and behind that the ladies'
drawing-room or sanctum sanctorum, lined with silk.
There are also smaller retiring rooms on each side, and
every possible convenience for refreshment or temporary
repose, to mitigate the inevitable fatigues which the ladies
have, for blessed charity, undertaken to encounter dur-
ing " the three great days,"—greater in reality, and des-
tined to be more beneficial and enduring in alleviating hu-
man suffering than the boasted " three days " of revolu-
tion in the metropolis of France. At each of the ladies'
tables there is a beautiful bronze and gold stand, filled
with bouquets. There is a committee room for the gen-
tlemen at the west end of the building, and other accom-
modation for " workers" in the cause.

To the westward of the grand pavilion is a tent, and,
close to it, a wooden erection for the Floral Show. Both
of them are large, and elegantly and appropriately
adorned. The plants and flowers are of great beauty, and
many of them rare and valuable specimens from all parts
of the country. At no ordinary flower show could such
a display be got up ; and the lovers of the beautiful and
curious in those productions of nature stimulated by art
will be delighted, if not confused, by the varied attractive
objects within these temples of Flora. A large quantity
of horticultural proluce will also be shown.

A short distance to the south of these there is a large
round pavilion, with a handsome conical roof, for the
dispensing of the good things of this life—viands, wines,
confectionery, &c. ; and there are other tents on the
ground for the same purpose. This department is worthily
entrusted to the management and supervision of that
prince of caterers, Mr. Lynn, of the Waterloo Hotel.
Our readers will be generally aware that large presents of
wines. ales, confectionery, &c., have already been made,
to be sold for the benefit of the charities for which this
festival is got up, and the donors have selected their
choicest kinds with no stinted hand. Many of even the
smallest shops in the town have sent in, or are sending,
their mite to the general stock'; and as trade is dead
without consumption, we implore visitors to " eat,
drink, and be merry."
There are, in all, on the grounds from twelve to fifteen
tents, and other buildings. One large tent is for a cigar
divan, or smoking-room. One is for a small Italian
theatre, and others for various sights or amusements. In
the latter department many open-air attractions will be
presented. We can merely enumerate—the electric tele-
graph in operation—the galvanic battery—ascent of Mr.
Green's balloon—grand display of fire-works and fire-
balloons every evening, by Mr. Atkins—miniature aquatic
amusements on the lake in the Park—camera obscura,
&c.—besides no fewer than tea full bands of music, which
on one of the days will form one " monster" band, play-
ing a battle piece with " terrific" effect. We hope they
will be all in tune, otherwise they will scare away all the
" songsters of the grove" from the locality of Aigburth.
We should do injustice did we not state that the design,
construction, and arrangements of the Pavilion and the
other buildings were undertaken and carried out by Mr.
Councillor Fisher, and the result will better speak his
merits than any encomiums we can bestow. He has
laboured zealously and laboriously, and, we may add,
almost night and day, from the commencement of the
works on the grounds. Mr. Councillor Preston has
attended to the erections for the floral departments, and
many other of the Council, as well as merchants and pri-
vate individuals, have lent their valuable aid.
We may add, in conclusion, that it is a high gratifica-
tion to reflect that this great local movement for the bene-
fit of our " chiefest" public charities, at a time when
there are so many calls upon them which their funds can-
not meet, has met with the full approval of all classes of
the community in the town—rich and poor, without dis-
tinction, religious or political. It is a cause in which
there is, happily, an universal sympathy, extending even
to distant towns, from which donations have been sent.
We are glad to observe that many of our respectable
tradesmen have announced their intention to close their
establishments part of a day (or a whole day), to enable
their shopmen and others to see the Fancy Fair, and we
doubt not but that this example will be followed generally
by the heads of other establishments. The fair opens at
noon to-morrow.

The following contributions were received on Saturday
and yesterday :—Mr. Charles Turner, £10; Mr. Lowe,
£lO ; Mr. Claxton, £l5 15s. ; Mr. Mould, £5 ; Mr..
Greaves, £5 ; Edward Bates, Esq., of West Derby, and
Thomas Bates, have each given £5 ; E. Falkner, £5 ;
A. R. Lafone and Brother, £5 ; Mr. Lathbury, £3 3s. ;
Mrs. Robert Lathbury, £2 2s. Mr. Bevan, of Freckleton-
house, near Wigan, has presented a splendid copy of
Roberts' Sketches in the Holy Land. This is valued at
forty guineas. Mr. Ashton, master of the Salisbury and
Nelson Docks, has given a model of a piratical prow. Mr..
Councillor Thomson presents one of the medals, com-
memorative of the event, to all the boys and girls of
the Blue Coat School. Miss Clark, Bold-street, has
kindly offered to provide 150 rosettes for the committee.
Messrs. Huntley and Palmer, of Reading, have for-
warded thirty tins of their well-known biscuits. Messrs.
Skillicorn and Co., 20, Park-lane, have sent as a contri-
bution three large oil paintings, which may be seen at the
entrance of the Town-hall; burning of the Ocean
Monarch, about six feet by four ; ship in a storm, about
five feet by three ; and a wreck, valued at £lOO, and will
probably yield a much larger sum ; Mr. John Archer,
Upper Stanhope-street, £2 2s. ; Captain Joseph Spark.
Leveson.street, £1 Is. ; a captain, five live tortoises !
sclrre.eDn
s. D. Davies,lviessrs.
10,wStanley-street,iiacyand B
ro t
hteenrs
,boeaf üßtiefurrly .Chinese:Berry-street,
contribute a certain quantity of the " staff of life" each
day.

AN EGG BREAKFAST.-At breakfast, one morning, in.
that quiet and comfortable old inn, the White Swan, in
York, a foreigner made quick dispatch with the eggs_
Thrusting his spoon into the middle, he drew out the
yolk, devoured it, and passed on to the next. When be
had got to his seventh egg, an old farmer, who had already
been prejudiced against Monsieur by his mustachios,
could brook the extravagance no longer, and speaking up,
said, " Why, sir, you leave all the white ! How is Mrs.
Lockwood to afford to find breakfast at that rate ?"
" Sacre bleu !" exclaimed the Frenchman, " you wouldn't
hab me to eat de vite ? De yolk is de shicken ; de vite de
fedders. Am Ito make von bolster of my belly !" The
Tamer was dumfoundered.—Gateshead Observer.

Mltst inbtrs.

To sail on the Bth instant.
.s. For DEMERARA,
4
Islat
1,
.V. The Barque L E 0 N 0 R A,
D. THOMSON, Master ;
-
404 tons burthen.—For terms of freight or passage
SANDBACH, TINNE, and CO.

apply to

outi) c.lnirrfca.

LINE OF PACKE'IS FOR RIO DE JANEIRO.

To on the Ist, 11th, and 21st of every Month.
To sail on the 11th instant,
The fine British-built Brig RIVAL,
Capt. Wm. LLOYD ;
11.10! * 1 (in red), coppered, is one of the fastest vessels
qmr;r_. out of the port, and well known for delivering her
cargoes in the highest possible order —For terms, &c., apply
on board, No. 8 berth. east side Prince's Dock, to Messrs
BROWN, FERNIE and Co., or to

W. and J. TYRER.
ASHLEY BROTHERS.

Sritisb amerita.

To be despatched immediately.
Y. For MONTREAL,
Alb- The regular trading Ship
---. SIR RICHARD JACKSON,
,_ Mr t
JAMES DORON, Master, •
(Who is well acquainted with the navigation of the
St. Law) ence ;)
418 tons per register ; A 1; and coppered : and now loading
west side Queen's Dock.—For terms of freight or passage apply
to WILLIAM FISHER aneSON.

Succeeds the above, and to sail on the 15th instant.
For QUEBEC and MONTREAL,
The fine fast-sailing Barque DUNBRODY,
J. WILLIAms, Commarder,
(Who is well acquainted with the navigation of the
St. Lawrence
458 tons per register; A 1 ; and coppered; well known in the
trade for ber quick and successful voyages ; and is a most
desirable conveyance for fine goods : now loading on the west
side Queen's Dock.—For terms of freight or passage apply to
WILLIAM FISHER and SON.