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THE

WILTSHIRE Archeolagical ont Botural AWrstory MAGAZINE,

Publishes under the Direction of the Saciety

FORMED IN THAT COUNTY A.D. 1853.

VOL. X.

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

1867.

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

.

a

CONTENTS OF VOL. X.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

No. XXIX.

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

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

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

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

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

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

iv. CONTENTS OF VOL. X.

No. XXX.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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=. WILTSHIRE Archealogeal ond Aotweal Wistory

‘ i

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MAGAZINE.

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

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

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

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

SOME OF THE MORE ADVANCED NATIONS OF ANTIQUITY: By the

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

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

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

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

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

ILLUSTRATIONS.

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

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

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

«“}

THE

WILTSHIRE MAGAZINE

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

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

Tuer Rieur HonovrasLteE Hart NEtson.

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

' Society, took the chair.

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

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

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

VOL, X.—NO. XXVIII, A

2 The Eleventh General Meeting.

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

; REPORT FOR 1865.

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

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

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

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

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

The Eleventh General Meeting. 3

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

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

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

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

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

A2

4 The Eleventh General Meeting.

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

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The Eleventh General Meeting. 5

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

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

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

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

6 The Eleventh General Meeting.

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

The Eleventh General Meeting. 7

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

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

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

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

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

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

8 The Eleventh General Meeting.

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

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

ES

m a ME

The Eleventh General Meeting. 9

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

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

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

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

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

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

_ more prominent features of the building.

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

had lately been devoting so much attention to the architecture of

10 The Eleventh General Meeting.

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

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

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

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

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

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The Eleventh General Meeting. 11

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

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

12 The Eleventh General Meeting.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The company then visited the cloisters, and passed thence round

The Eleventh General Meeting. 13

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

THE DINNER.

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

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

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

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

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

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

oo) ES PRS a 5 ee eS ee

14 The Eleventh General Meeting.

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

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

The Eleventh General Meeting. 15

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

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

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

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

CONVERSAZIONE AT THE PALACE.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

to it further.

16 The Eleventh General Meeting.

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