Page images
PDF
EPUB

of the Reformed Faith in these islands was so cruelly in jeopardy. The documents preserved by Sir Henry Bedingfield (of Oxburgh, Norfolk), to whom Mary had entrusted the guardianship of the Lady Elizabeth whilst in durance at Woodstock, in 1554, will be perused with no slight interest. They consist chiefly of letters between the Queen or her Privy Council and Sir Henry, one of her most attached adherents, relating to the times of Wyatt's conspiracy, Sir Peter Carew's rising in the West, and the alleged complicity of the Princess Elizabeth in certain Protestant movements, to which Mary seems readily to have believed that her sister had lent encouragement. These valuable papers had come into the possession of the family of the Rev. C. R. Manning, one of the secretaries of the Norfolk Society, and to his ability as editor we are now indebted for their publication. The detailed narrative of Elizabeth's journey from the Tower by way of Windsor to Woodstock is full of interesting particulars.

The portion of the fourth volume before us includes also some valuable documentary evidence relating to an early period of English history. Amongst subjects connected with the Arts, may be mentioned an admirable example of Architectural design, the "Easter Sepulchre" at Northwold, which bears some resemblance to the well-known "Sepulchres" at Lincoln Cathedral and Heckington, but its dimensions are much larger. The representation of the soldiers watching the Saviour's tomb, sculptured on the lower part of the structure, appears here, as in the examples abovementioned, recalling objects of more frequent occurrence on the Continent, with which those who have travelled in Germany will be familiar.

A full account, by the Rev. G. H. M'Gill, of the ceremonies and usages observed in connection with the "Easter Sepulchres," accompanies the beautiful plate presented to the Society by Mr. J. R. Tyssen. Of another object, possibly of sacred use, communicated by Mr Madden, we are enabled to place a representation before our readers. (See woodcut.) It is a beautiful candlestick of copper richly enamelled, being an example of the process of art technically termed champ-levé, of which the best productions are usually assigned to the artists of Limoges, having been designated from an early period by the name of the Opus Lemoviticum, or Lemovicense. The accompanying woodcuts, for the use of which we are indebted to the courtesy of Mr. Harrod, will show the elaborate detail of ornament with which this object is enriched: it is stated

XX

to have been brought from the parish of Weston, and was communicated to the Society by that veteran antiquary, Mr. Goddard Johnson. The imbedded colours are chiefly blue, of various tints, yellow, green, and white. This candlestick is assigned by Mr. Manning to the early part of the thirteenth century: it is of the kind termed, from the little spike for holding the candle, subsequently superseded by the socket or nozzle, a priket; in this example the point has been broken off. (See woodcut.2) The choice collection of Norfolk antiquities of almost every class, in the possession of Mr. Fitch, has constantly contributed to the gratification

2 See the note on the term "Pryket, of a Candylstykke," Prompt. Parv. p. 413.

The use of the word in this sense occurs as early as the 13th century.

of the Society; and many of our members will remember the precious relics of ancient art with which, through his friendly liberality, the Museum of the Institute was enriched at the Norwich Meeting. Of two of his most recent acquisitions Mr. Fitch's kindness permits us to present the accompanying representations. (See woodcuts, orig. size.) One is a miniature bronze bust, laureated and supposed to represent Geta; the workmanship and preservation of this relic are equally to be admired; its purpose is uncertain; but it appears intended to be fixed to some flat surface, as shown by the pin at the back, and a series of very similar busts appear on the bronze forceps in Mr. Roach Smith's Museum, found in the Thames. (Archaeologia, vol. xxx., p. 548.) This little object was found at Caister, near Norwich, but at some distance from the Roman Camp. Another beautiful production of Roman Art, of a very rare class, from the same locality, and now in Mr. Fitch's cabinet, is described in the recent publication of the Norfolk Society: it is a terra-cotta fragment, portraying Diana.

We cannot close this brief notice without adverting specially to the valuable services rendered to the Society, and to Archaeology in general, by their energetic and able secretary, Mr. Harrod. To his indefatigable research the portion of their publications, now under consideration, is not less indebted than the preceding volumes. To his elucidation of a remarkable official seal, found at Marsham in Norfolk, allusion has been made in a previous page, and we would renew our acknowledgment of his kindness, in placing at our disposal the woodcut representation there given. Mr. Harrod has commenced an undertaking of high value to the Norfolk antiquary, and scarcely less interesting or useful to all who are engaged in Archaeological inquiries. We allude to the detailed Catalogue of the Antiquities in the Norwich Museum; of which a portion is given in the publication before us. It is needless to assert how indispensable to the full utility of any public museum is the production of such a descriptive record; and Mr. Harrod's praiseworthy zeal in providing a faithful memorial of a collection, singularly rich in local antiquities, may well claim cordial commendation.

66

We regret the necessity of deferring to a future occasion notices of other Archaeological Publications very recently produced; especially the beautiful Illustrations of Ancient Art, selected from objects discovered at Pompeii and Herculaneum," by the Rev. E. Trollope. (Published by Mr. Bell, 1 vol. 4to.) It comprises a great variety of examples of the arms and armour, personal ornaments, vases, furniture and domestic appliances of the Romans.

Archaeological Entelligence.

During the recent Exhibition of Antiquities at Dublin a selection from the more striking and characteristic examples of early Irish Art, chiefly as shown in metal-work, the shrines, crosses, reliquaries, and other marvellous productions of artistic skill, were admirably portrayed by the aid of Photography, by Mr. Philip Delamotte. It is proposed speedily to publish these highly curious subjects in numbers, cach number containing about four plates; and Mr. Cundall in producing this memorial of the Exhibition,

formed through the exertions of our President, Lord Talbot, has fortunately secured the valuable assistance of the Rev. Dr. Graves, who is engaged in the preparation of the descriptive text of the work.

The Abbé Cochet, the indefatigable investigator of the earlier antiquities of Normandy, has prepared for the press a summary of the results of ten years' exploration. It is entitled- La Normandie Souterraine, ou Notices sur des cimétières Romaines et des cimétières Francs, explorés en Normandie." The numerous relics discovered have been chiefly deposited in the Museum at Rouen, and their interest is considerable, as affording means of comparison with objects found in England, especially in the researches prosecuted by the Hon. R. Neville, Mr. Wylie, Mr. Akerman, and other Archaeologists. Those persons who regard favourably the Abbé Cochet's object in this useful Manual should send their names as subscribers, to Mr. Marcus, 8, Oxford Street, London.

In an early volume of the Journal (vol. ii., p. 75), notices were given of certain sculptured crosses in the Isle of Man, bearing Runes; others exist hitherto undescribed. The Rev. Vice-Principal of King William's College, Castletown, has directed casts of the most important examples to be taken, and by application to him, duplicates of these facsimiles of very early Christian monuments may be obtained at a moderate cost.

Mr. C. J. Palmer has recently issued the history of Great Yarmouth, compiled by Henry Manship, town clerk in the reign of Elizabeth, a valuable addition to Norfolk local history, which has been edited with much care. Mr. Palmer has given numerous illustrations; shewing the state of Yarmouth in ancient times, the municipal insignia, including the massive silver oar presented by Elizabeth, the curious seals, &c. The original materials brought under his notice in the course of his editorial labours are of such ample interest that he announces the intention of issuing (to subscribers only) a volume of documents and evidences which have been placed at his disposal, illustrative not only of the history of the town itself, but of commercial enterprise and the results of frequent intercourse between the east Anglian coast and the adjacent parts of the continent, which exerted a powerful influence upon the arts, as shown in the numerous church decorations and other remains in that district of England. Subscribers should send their names to Mr. Meall, Great Yarmouth.

KILKENNY ARCHEOLOGICAL SOCIETY.-At the Meeting on November 3, forty new members were elected; the library and museum were enriched by numerous presents. Mr. Graves reported progress in the works for the preservation of the remains of Jerpoint Abbey, and produced a number of decorative pavement tiles found there; he described the disastrous effects of the storm of December 24, 1852, by which the south arcade of Dunbrody Abbey had been destroyed. Its fall might have been prevented by the judicious outlay of a trifling sum: the fine west window had perished a few years previously. Mr. Prim read a memoir on the old market cross at Kilkenny, erected in 1335, and on the historical associations connected with it, the performance of religious shows or "mysteries" there, &c. The cross was removed in 1771, but several representations have been preserved. Mr. Dunlevy gave an account of an inscribed stone, found in a bog near Dingle. The Rev. J. S. Faber sent a notice of the seal of William de Broc, found at Long Newton, Durham. The Marquis of Ormonde communicated some documents from the evidence chamber, Kilkenny Castle. Mr. Ferguson, keeper of the Exchequer Records, Dublin, sent part of an

original Roll of the Reign of Edward III., regarding the charge brought by Avelina, widow of John de Bermingham, against certain persons in co. Louth, the supposed murderers of her husband: this curious roll formed part of a collection of Irish records which had come into the possession of the Baron de Lassberg, resident near the Lake of Constance. Mr. Ferguson, having through the Rev. H. Ellacombe ascertained the existence of these national evidences, proceeded to Switzerland, and succeeded recently in recovering them. Mr. Albert Way sent a curious letter from David, bishop of Emly, to the Prior of Christ's Church, Canterbury, about 1280. Mr. Hitchcock read a detailed notice of the collections in the Archaeological Court, at the Dublin Exhibition; and a memoir on Irish Raths was contributed by the Rev. James Graves.

In

The Fifth Annual Meeting took place on Jan. 18, when the Report for the previous year was read, and numerous new members elected. addition to the ordinary Transactions, of which the last part completes the first volume, another part being also nearly ready for delivery, an Annual Volume of Original Documents, to be published by subscription, is in preparation, and has received full encouragement through the liberal patronage of the Marquis of Ormonde. A permanent museum and library has been opened. The works at Jerpoint Abbey, for the conservation of that remarkable ruin, have progressed satisfactorily, but more ample funds are requisite for the repairs. The Rev. J. Irwin presented a portion of a MS. service-book, with illuminations, brought by him from Devonshire. It had been recently found in the wall of an old house at Ashprington, near Totnes, where it may have been concealed at the Reformation. Mr. Dunne made a communication regarding the Irish bards, and certain ancient traditions with relics of popular metrical tales preserved through them. Mr. Edward Hoare, of Cork, gave a description of a silver penannular brooch in his collection, found near Galway, and described as being ornamented with amber and devices resembling wolves' heads. Dr. Keating presented a whetstone found in a cairn, and believed to have been used for sharpening weapons or implements of bronze: it was discovered in a locality once a famous hunting-ground. He noticed also the discovery of numerous iron weapons at Callan, once a place strongly fortified, and where some deadly conflict appears to have taken place. The Rev. James Graves gave an account of the excavations on Ballon Hill, co. Carlow, by Mr. Richardson Smith, when a very large deposit of highly ornamented sepulchral urns has been discovered some of these elaborately wrought vases were shown in the Archaeological Court at Dublin, and they attracted much attention by the singularity of their forms and decoration.

It will gratify the collector of medieval seals to be informed, that through the facilities liberally granted to Mr. Ready at Cambridge, he has been enabled to mould many valuable seals preserved in several of the collegiate muniment-rooms, and almost wholly unknown to collectors. At Caius College alone, where he has just completed his work, upwards of five hundred seals have been obtained, comprising especially a number of personal seals with heraldry, of great interest, chiefly connected with Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, and Essex. Impressions in sulphur or gutta percha may easily be obtained at a moderate cost, on application to Mr. R. Ready, 2, St. Botolph's Lane, Cambridge. It is hoped that a descriptive catalogue of these seals may be produced under the auspices of the Cambridge Antiquarian Society.

LIBRARY

[ocr errors]

UNIVERSITY

IFORNIA

INDEX.

A.

AGNUS DEI, case for, in Mr. Sneyd's collec-
tion, 254.

Alabaster, sculptures in, 116; tablets of,
with sacred subjects, 123.
Amber, beads of, found in Ireland, 161.
Anglo-Saxon period; on the style of orna-

mentation, 276; various works in
metal, 299; urns found at Lakenheath,
355; brooch at Welford, 362.
Amphora, examples found in England, 7.
Architectural Museum, formed in London,
79, 160.

ARCHITECTURE, Ecclesiastical, Saxon, at

-

Howe, Norfolk, 62; at Sompting, 362;
excavations at Leominster Priory
Church, 109; notice of Ditteridge
Church, 78; observations on St.
David's Cathedral, 245; Norman door-
ways, Quenington, 260; Churches in
Cornwall, 317.

Domestic; Manor-house at Meare,
Somerset, 130; Fish-house there, 139;
notice of Mr. Clutton's "Domestic
Architecture in France," 264.
Arm, iron, to supply the loss of a limb, 84.
Armilla, bronze, found in Wiltshire, 64; in

Surrey, 73; gold, in Ireland, ib.
Armour and arms, Mr. Le Keux on clean-
ing, 79; head-piece from West Drayton,
75; Fencer's target, 84; Italian
buckler, 85; head-pieces, crest, &c.,
from Hayes, 85; back and breast of
Cromwell's times, ib. ; armour late in
St. Michael's, Canterbury, 258; illus-
trations of, supplied by incised slab
from Cyprus, 363; figure of an Arch-
duke of Austria, 365. See Helm, Fire-
arms, Sword.

Arran, ancient remains in Isle of, 59.
Arrow-heads, of flint, found on Hamden

hill, 247; at Wangford, 354; in Scot-
land, 362.

Artillery, remarks on ancient, 25.
Ashdon, Essex, Roman remains at, 14; kiln
for firing pottery, 21.

Assay, list of annual letter-marks on plate,

33.

VOL. X.

[blocks in formation]

Bagot, Rev. F., brass reliquary exhibited
by, 369.

Bainbridge, Cardinal, snuffers bearing his
arms, 172, 263.
Balista, vestiges of its use in England, 175.
Bamberg, sepulchral brasses at, 168.
Bartlow, Essex, Roman remains at, 17, 357.
Bath, Literary Club formed at, 274.
Baylis, Mr., communicates sepulchral brass
at Hedgerley, 76.

Bayonet, remarks on origin of, 171.
Beads, found at Worle Hill, 30; in Surrey,
73; in Lincolnshire, 73, 81; in Suffolk,
353; Italian, of paste and crystal, 161;
Irish, of amber, ib.

Beaver, tooth of, found in Lincolnshire, 81.
Bedford, Mr. C. D., exhibits a stone bust
and relics from Gerrard's hall, 86;
pardon of Samuel Desborough by
Charles II., ib.; miniatures from Bisham
Abbey, 263; Bishop Burnet's diamond
ring, ib.

Bell, Dr., notices of metal-work in Germany,
159.

BERKSHIRE :-Urn found at Beedon, 3.
Bickorne, anvil, 151.

Bingham, Rev. C., exhibits a gold ring found
in Wilts, 254.

BIRCH, Mr., on Roman remains at St.
Albans, 357.

Bisham Abbey, miniatures from, 263.
Blake, Mr., exhibits bronze celts, &c., 248.
Blois, Henry of, Bishop of Winchester,

enamel representing him, 9; coin of, ib.
Bombards, ancient artillery, 31.

31

« PreviousContinue »