Page images
PDF
EPUB

stone reading-pew, where the prayers are said towards the north, and the lessons read to the people towards the west. On the other side of the chancel-arch a stone pulpit projects from the wall, with access from the sacristy. On the left hand, entering the church from the porch, stands the stone font, of good design. The porch is fitted with stone seats on the sides. All the roofs are open, of admirable pitch, forming equilateral triangles. The trusses of the nave roof are of oak, resting on stone corbels; the other timbers are of deal stained. The roofs of the chancel and porch are boarded upon the spars, those of the nave and sacristy ceiled between the spars. The east window is a copy of the well-known window at Dunchurch, in Gloucestershire. It is filled with stained glass from the works of the Messrs. Wailes, of Newcastle-on-Tyne, and is worthy of the admiration it has received from all who have beheld it. In the centre light is a figure of Christ on the cross, with the four Evangelistic symbols at 'the corners, and surmounted by an Agnus Dei. In the lower part is a figure of St. Michael and the Dragon. In the dexter light is a figure of the Blessed Virgin, above which is the monogram of Maria; and in the lower part the Agony in the Garden. In the sinister light, a figure of St. John the Evangelist, surmounted by his badge, a winged serpent issuing from a chalice;

and below, Christ bearing his Cross. In the heads of these two side-lights are angels bearing scrolls, with the scripture, "Non mea voluntas,"" sed tua fiat." In the centre of the tracery, in the head of the window, the triangle trefoiled has the shield of the Trinity. The upper spherical triangle has the usual represen. tation of the Trinity, surrounded by

the sun, moon, and stars; and the two at the sides, angels bearing scrolls, with Scriptures. The side windows are lancets, with cusped heads. The west window, of two lights, is copied from the very elegant decorated windows at Great Haseley, Oxfordshire. The church has kneelings for more than 200 worshippers, and has been erected for less than 9007. including also the expense of the walls round half an acre of burial ground, the communion plate, &c. &c. The family of the late Wm. Wilberforce, esq. give 10007. towards the endowment. The Ven. R. J. Wilberforce, Archdeacon of the East Riding, said prayers on the day of dedication, and the Ven. S. Wilberforce, Archdeacon of Surrey, preached. The sermon, at the unanimous request of the Bishop, clergy, and laity assembled, is to be published. It is intended to proceed with the erection of a parsonage-house forthwith, for which E. H. Reynard, esq. has also given a suitable site of two acres of land.

ANTIQUARIAN RESEARCHES.

NUMISMATIC SOCIETY.

Dec. 19. Lord Albert Conyngham, K.C.H. President, in the chair.

A letter from the Rev. Henry Christmas to C. R. Smith, esq. was read, on three inedited coins. One, a blundered coin of Eadgar, but which Mr. Christmas saw reason to believe was struck at Bury, and

if so, adds another to the list of mints employed by that sovereign. Another, a penny of Henry III. having the reverse retrograde HALLI ON. RVLA. In remarking on this coin Mr. Christmas gave several reasons for assigning the pennies with the short cross on the reverse to Henry III. instead of to his grandfather, and quoted several analogies of the Scottish coinage to support his opinion. He considered it possible that there would one day be discovered specimens of two distinct English coinages of John, the latter closely resembling the first of his son. The third coin was the long looked for halfpenny of Edward VI. and Mr. Christmas observed that it differed considerably from what was expected; instead of having the arms on the reverse, and a

rose on the obverse, it bears on the ob verse, the head of the King in profile, looking to the right, and the legend E. D. G. ROSA. SINE. SPINA. On the reverse, the cross and pellets, with the legend CIVITAS. LONDON, thus not only adding a coin never noticed before to the English series, but extending the series of London coins with the cross and pellets, and the name of the city, from the first to the last Edward.

Mr. C. R. Smith exhibited impressions of British silver coins found on the coast of Sussex, near Alfriston, one of the same series in brass found at Springhead, near Gravesend, and a new variety (in silver) of the coins of Cunobelin. Mr. Smith observed that he had collected the casts, (being unable to procure the actual coins,) with a view to record the localities in which these obscure and unappropriated British coins were found, in order to assist, by a collection of specimens and facts, their proper classification. An almost total disregard of this essential precaution in the numismatists of past days, detracted considerably from the value of

the British coins preserved in our cabi nets, and those engraved in numismatic works. The Sussex coins have helmeted heads (not unlike some of the Gaulish) on one side, and grotesque horses and scrolls on the other; they weigh 20 grains and 10 grains. The only coins of this peculiar type that have been brought before the public are those of Dr. Mantell, figured in the Numismatic Chronicle, and the specimens now produced; all were found in Sussex. The brass British coin found at Springhead, Mr. Smith stated to be a new variety; it bears on the obverse (incuse) a horse, between the legs of which are the letters CAC; on the reverse, the wheatear, and indications of the letters CAM. The remaining coin is also a new addition to those of Cunobelin; it has on the obverse a well-executed horse with head turned back, beneath, CVNO ; on the reverse a flower, in which Mr. Birch traces a resemblance to the silphium upon the coins of Cyrene; across the field CAMV. Mr. Akerman remarked that the Numismatic Society had certainly been the means of directing the energies of numismatists in their investigation of the British coins to a proper channel. A generation since scarcely one British or Gaulish coin was understood; now a vast number of the latter were appropriated to localities or chiefs, and many of the former had been explained, including the hitherto mysterious one with the word TASCIOVAN, so happily read by Mr. Birch; and he made no doubt but that others would ere long be interpreted by means of ascertaining correctly the localities in which they are discovered. (Mr. Akerman) had recently been closely examining all the recorded varieties of Gaulish and British coins, with a view to their publication, and he was convinced that ere long many doubts and obscure points would be cleared up or removed. In pointing out the distinctive characters of Gaulish and British coins, Mr. Akerman stated that the label in which we frequently found words or letters upon British coins, he had never noticed upon a Gaulish specimen. Mr. Birch considered the coins exhibited valuable and worthy of being engraved.

He

Mr. Smith then stated that, by leave of the central committee of the British Archæological Association, he was enabled to lay before the meeting an account of a discovery of upwards of 1200 Roman coins near Gloucester, on the property of Mr. Thomas Baker, of Watercombs House, Bisley. The coins were found in an earthen jar or vase in one of the apartments of an extensive Roman building in progress of excavation, under the superinendance and at the expense of Mr, Baker,

A plan of the chambers of the buildings which have been laid open was exhibited. The coins range from the Tetrici to Allectus, including most of the intervening emperors, and are all in fine preservation; of the first there are many hundreds, of the last, only one specimen. This single coin of Allectus was, however, Mr. Smith observed, a new variety. It reads, Obv. IMP CALLECTVS P AVG. Rev. VICTORI GER. Victoria Germanica. This reverse occurs on the coins of Carausius, but had never before been noticed on those of his successor. Mr. Akerman said, that he was reluctantly compelled to consider many of the inscriptions upon coins of Allectus and Carausius to be borrowed at random by the artists from the coins of preceding reigns. Mr. Smith said that in some instances these coins might deserve to be regarded as mere copies, like particular types of most of the Roman emperors; but in other cases they bore every sign of adaptation to the circumstances they referred to, and he thought might be relied on as affording historical evidence. Thus, the specimen exhibited was probably struck to record an advantage gained over some of the German tribes which already infested the coasts of Britain, either by sea, in their own territories, or on occasion of their making a descent on Britain. Mr. Bergne remarked, that it was singular how uniformly coins, when discovered in large quantities, were found to agree with the received scale of rarity. It was the case in the present instance, and it was seldom or never that a rare coin was rendered common by fresh discoveries.-Several new members were proposed, and the meeting adjourned to Jan. 23.

The Coin Forgers.-A notice has just been received from France, to put collectors and antiquaries in England on their guard against a fresh issue from the Paris forgers' mint, of well-executed imitations of rare Saxon and English coins. One of the gang who in the west of France recently bore the name of Noffman or Hoffman, is now on his road to this country with a large quantity of these forgeries, mixed up, to lull suspicion, with some genuine coins. It is supposed he is connected with a clever forger of ancient coins named Rosseau, a man who has not the excuse of poverty or want of education to shield him from the dishonour that attaches to such pursuits. By a recent law, the obtaining of money by passing forged coins is a serious offence, and the injured party is empowered to obtain a magistrate's warrant for the apprehension of the swindler, who is liable to transportation upon conviction.

CAMBRIDGE ANTIQUARIAN SOCIETY. Dec. 13. The terminal meeting was held in Clare Hall combination-room, the Rev. the President in the chair. Mr. Woodham gave a short account of the different bequests which formed the original library of Jesus' college. He shewed to the society the following books belong ing to that library :-A Sermon of John Alcock, Bishop of Ely, preached at St. Mary's, printed by Wynkyn de Worde; the Legend of the Life of St. Rhadegund, presented to the society by Dr. Farmer; a MS. of Fuller, being a sort of calendar, containing in parallel columns the events relating to the different colleges from the Conquest-Mr. Woodham suggested that this might probably be found useful for inquiries into academical history; a MS. book, containing the general Orders of the Duke of Marlborough in the Campaign 1705-6. Of this he promised to furnish a further account at the next meeting.

Mr. Smith gave an account of a barrow that was opened at Fulbourn, at which he was present in September. He found several fragments of vessels and bones, and one very perfect vessel containing ashes. These he laid on the table. mentioned also that there were several other barrows in the same neighbourhood, which had not as yet been opened. also shewed a stone celt, and some flint arrow-heads found in Ireland.

He

He

Mr. C. W. Goodwin exhibited two drawings of stone coffins found in Anglesey.

Professor Corrie then gave an account of the early libraries of England, beginning with the list of books sent by Pope Gregory through Augustine. He shewed what were the common studies in the earlier ages by the uniform nature of the books contained in the different libraries.

A very beautiful Roman vase, of purple glass, was exhibited by Mr. Inskip, of Shefford, Beds, which, with various other highly interesting articles, forming that gentleman's collection, were purchased by the society. The meeting adjourned to Friday, Feb. 21.

THE CANTERBURY MUSEUM.

The Canterbury Museum has recently been enriched by a collection of Greek and Egyptian antiquities. It consists of sculptured marbles, terra-cotta figures, lamps, vessels used in the interment of the dead, as well as others for every-day purposes, a metal mirror, parts of a sandal, all of which are relics of Greek or Egyptian art; a Mexican figure used as a water cooler; a rude Swedish copper coin (a two-crown piece), a mask of Charles XIII. of Sweden, taken after death, with

a few other miscellaneous articles; the whole forming the most valuable addition to the Museum that has been contributed for many years past.

The Marbles consist of commemorative tablets, with various subjects sculptured upon them, illustrative of their fabulous history or their modes of worship. On some of them are inscriptions in an early Greek character. The figures are mostly carved in that primeval style of art, in which a succession of ridges and furrows in the garments made up for those bold and massive shadows which distinguish a later and better period of the art. It was customary for the convalescent to offer gifts, which remained in the temple, for any disease from which they had been ridded; thus, portions of the body, as hands and feet, were often presented in marble or in metal; four of these, either broken from large subjects, or that had been votive offerings, are amongst the collection.

There are six small heads of various and interesting character, and the lower parts of the figure of a fawn of exquisite workmanship. One of the most attractive of the marbles is a full-length of a draped figure, in a good style of art, and perfect in all save the head and arms. In another, which appears to have been part of the frieze of a building, the artist has shown perfect skill in the manner of tooling, so as to give the effect of shadow from above to the spectator below. It is a figure floating through the air surrounded by fillets and flowers, resembling those on the Temple of the Winds. There are 70 specimens of painted vases, and some of great beauty, and thirty specimens of terra-cottas, of various degrees of excellence; but one, probably the head of a Greek poetess, it being crowned with a garland of berried ivy, is of exquisite beauty; the lips, the nostril, the eye, beam with inspiration. Two tiles also deserve minute inspection-the one a mask, found at Rhodes; the other, a spirited sketch of chariot-racing. There are several small heads, some with much grace of expression, and one of considerable interest, it clearly being a representation of one of the Hebrew nation. Another a female figure with Pan-pipes-is mirthful and peculiar in expression of countenance. Amongst the terra-cottas are many of the Egyptian deities, somewhat rudely executed; but there are some of a Bacchanalian character of great merit. Among animals, a dog's head, with a wolfish expression, and a pig, are the most remarkable.

The cleft pomegranite, showing its grains, is here, and very similar to the same fruit introduced in modern festoons

of fruit and flowers, both in wood and

stone.

There is a collection of sixteen lamps, and not two of them are similar. On one is the representation of an old man feeding the flame with oil; on another is shown the manner in which burdens were carried. But the most interesting of all is a square one, on which, in low relief, is represented the scene in the Odyssey, where Ulysses, sailing off the coast of Ithaca, is delayed by the Syrens.

There are several other things equally curious in themselves, that cannot so readily be classed, such as a metal mirror, evidently of the same shape as that depicted upon one of the vases (No. 7); it is now in a very corroded state. A small

scarabæus, formed of jade stone, and covered with hieroglyphics. A crucible dug up at Naxos, of the same form as that in present use, and, what is no less singular, of the same material, namely, plumbago. Not the least interesting of these miscellaneous articles are the casts from a plate of copper engraved on both sides, found in Sweden, covered with an inscription in what is called in the north of Europe, the Nagry character, but which appears to be a mixture of Egyptian and Runic.

ANTIQUITIES AT RADIPOLE, DORSET.

Mr. Medhurst has been lately prosecuting his researches in the neighbourhood of Radipole. On removing the soil of a bank adjoining the public road leading to Radipole, on the brow of the rising ground a little westward of the Spa, he found a skeleton lying nearly east and west; an urn was found in the right hand, and preserved quite perfect; it was of the common black clay. He also found two other skeletons and two more urns, one of the black clay, the other the red or Samian; he also found one near of a different shape of yellow clay, with signs of a handle on the side. A few days afterwards he made further search a little eastward, but still on the brow of the hill, and within two feet of the surface he found a skeleton lying east and west on its face, the left arm crossing the back, and within the bend of the arm, against its side, an urn of the common black clay, which fell to pieces in spite of every endeavour to preserve it; the soil being damp, the urn was in a state of decomposition. Close to this skeleton another was found in a reverse position, the head lying towards the east. Neither of these skeletons was perfectly straight, the second was rather crossing the former. A few feet distant a female skeleton was

found, lying nearly north and south the head southward, the left arm crossing the back, the right hand by its side holding a knife, the blade partaking the shape of a pruning knife; it was much corroded; the legs of the skeleton were crossed; at the feet of this skeleton the head of another came in close contact, the legs bending towards the west. Several other skeletons were found lying in different directions, one of remarkably large size, having at his feet an urn of the common black clay, but from its perishable condition too far gone to be preserved; some of the skeletons were observed lying across each other, and in some instances only portions of skeletons were met with. Numerous pieces of pottery, evidently of broken urns, a great quantity of stones and remains of pitching, with scattered parcels of ashes, indicative of the action of fire, with jaw-bones of sheep, teeth of an ox and boar, and a few shells of the common cockle, were found mixed among the earth. It is worthy of remark that these remains were found near a Roman causeway, and it is evident the soil is artificial, being very different from that a few yards distant: this made soil is within an area of about 150 yards. As this land was inclosed about 60 years ago, the line of the road from Weymouth to the village of Radipole passing over it, unquestionably caused the removal of a portion of the soil, when the skeletons, &c. might have been disturbed to a certain extent, as the broken pottery and irregular position of some of the skeletons plainly indicates such an occurrence, no caution being used in examining or taking care of such remains by the parties engaged in the work at that time. The knife found with the female skeleton was given to W. Eliot, esq. the proprietor of the land where the remains were met with; the other articles preserved are in the possession of Mr. Medhurst, who is indefatigable in his pursuit and search for Roman remains in this neighbourhood, and by whose discrimination and perseverance the late interesting relics have been brought into public notice.

The finding of skeletons in this locality is by no means unusual; several have been lately met with on Buckland Ripers farm, in ploughing the ground, and also on Tatton farm, in the same parish; several have been found in stone coffins, but, as no search has been particularly made for coins, they have been seldom discovered. A denarius of Constantine was a little while ago taken up with the soil at the Back Water, Weymouth, in indifferent preservation.

[blocks in formation]

On the 12th Nov. a serious insurrection broke out at Logrono, in Old Castile, at the head of which Martin Zurbano placed himself, advancing towards Burgos. To the cry of "Live the Constitution of 1837," was added "Live Isabella II., and death to the tyrants." This insurrection was soon quelled, and the brother-in-law and one of the sons of Zurbano were arrested. The mother and mother-in-law of young Zurbano set off for Madrid, and petitioned the Queen to spare his life, but without effect, as it appears he was executed, together with Capt. Ballanos and Francisco Hervias.

The house of Zurbano was razed to the

ground, his furniture burned, and his horses and cattle destroyed; but he is at present undiscovered. Ten of his soldiers, who voluntarily surrendered, have been sentenced to ten years' confinement. General Prim has also been sentenced to six years' imprisonment, and Col. Ortega, his aide-de-camp, to be transported to the Havannah. A council of war has been instituted for the trial of insurgents in other districts.

SWEDEN.

The King of Sweden has approved of all the modifications by the States in the fundamental law. The principal modifications are-Convocation of the Diet every three years; the right of the King to give or to refuse his sanction to projects of law adopted by the States during the sitting of the Diet; the suppression of all distinctions of nobility amongst the members of the supreme tribunal; the abolition of the right of suspending the publication of journals.

AMERICA.

The election of President (contrary to the expectation which had prevailed) has been decided in favour of Mr. Polk, the democratic, or Loco Foco, candidate, in prefence to Mr. Clay, the representative of the Whigs.

The Montreal papers state the total returns in favour of the Governor-General to be 42 against 27 Radicals, with four doubtful, making a total of decided elections of 73, and the whole number is 84. This appears to be decisive.

The Republics of South America are nearly all in a state of anarchy and revolution.

TAHITI.

On the 20th of June a body of natives having assembled at Point Venus, and their proximity being considered too near for safety, Governor Bruat marched against them at the head of 400 French. The natives having received intelligence of their approach, placed themselves in ambush, and allowed the main body to pass; but, as the rear-guard were passing in front of the English mission-house, they opened their fire upon them in a direct line with the house, and Mr. M'Kean, one of the missionaries, who was walking on his verandah, was struck by a ball, and instantly killed. He was one of those who had lately arrived from England. The action was upon the north side of the Bay of Papeite. The native loss is unknown. The French loss amounted to three killed, and five wounded. At the same time, on the south side, another action took place, in which the natives were routed. In this action five French were killed, and seven wounded. The native loss on this occasion is also unknown; but the day following the natives again advanced upon the town, and succeeded in burning the French mission-house, chapel, &c. The natives seized three Frenchmen, whom they put to death with great torture. The Richmond, which left Tahiti on the 15th of July, reported, that a few days previous to sailing another action took place between the French troops and natives, in which a large number of lives were lost, principally on the part of the natives. The French were strongly fortifying the island, the English missionaries were leaving, and confusion reigned among the inhabitants. There were at Tahiti one English steamer, one French steamer, and one French frigate. The Fishguard English frigate has conveyed Queen Po mare to the island of Bolabola.

INDIA.

Intelligence has been received of the storming and capture of Samunghur, in the Mahratta country, on the 13th of October. The Rajah of Kholapore being a minor, his government had been administered by agents, whose oppressive conduct appears to have provoked a revolt; and the Rajah having been permitted by treaties to maintain 1,000 men, they were

« PreviousContinue »