Page:Archaeologia volume 38 part 1.djvu/148

 1-2S IX. Notes on a Collection of Pilgrims' Signs, of the TJiirteenth, Fourteenth, ami Fifteenth Centuries, found in the Thames. By the Rev. THOMAS HUGO, M.A., F.S.A. Read June 10, 1859. I HAVE great pleasure in being able to submit to the notice of the Society a large collection of relics, interesting, not only from the use to which they have been applied, but also from the excellence of their workmanship. They will be recognized as belonging to the class of antiquities known as Pilgrims' Signs. The history of their discovery is as follows : During the summer of 1850, being in one of the river steamers which ply between London and "Westminster Bridges, I accidentally observed that excavations for the foundation of a wharf and warehouse were being made at Dowgate, near Black - i'riars. I had reasons for feeling interested in this spot, and, as soon as the steamer arrived at the next landing place, I made all haste to the scene of operations. The workmen had excavated to a depth of eight or ten feet below the bed of the river, and were on the point of completing their labours preparatory to the arrival of the masons who were to construct the river-wall of the future wharf. My visit was well timed ; and before I left the spot I secured several of the specimens which I now exhibit. An adjoining piece of ground was to be forth- with excavated for a similar purpose, and I therefore commissioned several of the labourers and other persons to obtain for me all that should come to light. Through them I was enabled to form the remarkable collection which I exhibit, and a selection from, which is represented in Plates IV. and V. All the objects are cast in pewter, and, from the character of the several devices, appear to have been made during the thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth centuries. They are of very good workmanship, and the details are rendered with faithfulness and accuracy. They are nearly all furnished with a pin of the same material for the purpose of attaching them to the dress of the wearer. Before however describing the specimens exhibited, it may be well to say a few words on Pilgrims' signs in general.