Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 1.djvu/277

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The pulpit, which has been freed from an old square casing of wood, is of an octangular form, and of the later Decorated period, just prior to the introduction of the Perpendicular. It was once, no doubt, richly painted and gilt, but the panels have had so many coatings that I have been unable to ascertain whether there be any figures thereon, and the time I had was so short, that I was obliged to give it up. Some interest has been excited already in the parish, and a few persons have expressed a wish to have the paintings on the screen restored. The whole are much defaced, and were no doubt partially destroyed and covered with paint during the Commonwealth, which perhaps may have been renewed from time to time. No person in the town, I believe, was aware of their existence, although it was possible to trace the outlines of the heads of some figures, and some had been cut, so that the features are entirely destroyed. I think that in this instance the Society might exercise its influence to some extent, although I hope it may not be necessary, as it is not the intention of our churchwarden to paint over them at present. If you should not feel it too much trouble, perhaps you will endeavour to inform me what the figures are that I have not named, as I cannot find any clue. Your list in No. 1. does not assist me, although I found it very valuable as to the others. I shall have full-sized drawings, or rather tracings taken of them, which I will forward the earliest opportunity, although I should like to have them returned. I shall not send them unless you think they may be of service in illustrating this particular branch of Iconography."

Mr. Smith then read a communication from Mr. J. A. Barton of Barton village, Isle of Wight, relative to the probability of the existence of apartments within the mound on which the keep of Carisbrook castle stands, the entrance to which Mr. Barton believes he has discovered, and with little assistance could open. Mr. Barton remarks, "My first reason for thinking there are subterranean chambers was this,—that the keep having been intended as a final refuge for the besieged, in its present limited extent is too circumscribed for twenty or a dozen men, and it is therefore but a natural inference to suppose there must have been a more extensive accommodation. Secondly, in viewing the structure itself, seated as it appears to be on a lofty mound evidently not natural, we cannot but reflect that he must have been a bold architect indeed who would have ventured to erect so massive a building upon an artificial tumulus, when he might more easily have built it from the natural ground, and then thrown up the earth around its walls. In every part of the keep," Mr. Barton continues, "are abundant proofs of a complicated and scientific arrangement for the purposes of ventilating and warming underground chambers, the entrance to which I believe I have been fortunate enough to discover. The formation of the Archæological Association offers a favourable epoch for the settlement of many of these 'vexatæ questiones,' and as