Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 1.djvu/278

260 one of its objects is to examine and throw light upon doubtful points of antiquarian research, I cannot do better than point out this as one worthy of attention, and ask its aid to enable me to set the question at rest."

Mr. Way communicated an account of the discovery of a monument in St. Stephen's church, Bristol, furnished by Mr. J. Reynell, Wreford, who observes; "This discovery occurred about the last week in May, 1814. Having been absent on the continent for some weeks it had escaped my notice, but from my friend Mr. William Tyson, F.S.A., I have derived the following information respecting it, which I have much pleasure in sending you to make any use of you may desire. The workmen who have been employed for some time in altering the pews in St. Stephen's church in this city, quite accidentally, as in the former instance, met with this long-forgotten memorial of the dead. It was previously apparent that some arched recesses had been filled up in the south wall of the church, and a slight opening had been made in one of them which however led to no discovery, and from the shallowness of the wall it was supposed to be destitute of any monument. But in covering the surface with a portion of the pews now erecting, a workman found an obstruction in making good his fastenings, which led to the removal of some stones, when the recess was found to contain a monumental effigy. The figure is that of a man, and measures from the head to the feet six feet two inches. It is in a recumbent position, with the hands joined in supplication. The head is uncovered, with the hair curled round it, so as to resemble a wig. He has a short peaked beard partly mutilated. The dress is a long gown, reaching to the feet, with an upright collar and large full sleeves. The basilard is suspended in front by a belt passing over the shoulders. The feet rest on a much mutilated animal. From the recess being only eighteen inches in depth, the right elbow was of necessity embedded in the wall. The arch of the recess is ornamented in a similar style to that recently discovered in the north wall. The features of the face are in a remarkably fine state of preservation; the countenance exhibits much individuality of character; and the circumstance of the eyes being but partially closed induces the belief that the sculptor worked from a cast. On the fillet in front of the edge of the slab on which the effigy lies, an illegible portion of the usual obituary inscription remains, and which was continued round the other sides of the stone. This circumstance, together with the inadequate space in which the effigy is placed, would strongly indicate that it has been removed from its original position.

There is good reason to believe that other monumental effigies still remain walled up in this church, but unfortunately the vestry were so much dissatisfied with the derangement of their plans respecting the pews which the discoveries had occasioned, that they would not permit any further researches. On the removal of the old pews there was also brought to light the entrance to a newel staircase, leading to the rood-loft, which has been permitted to remain open. A very interesting portrait of the fifteenth century, painted on glass, was found in a fractured state amongst some rubbish on the steps leading to the rood-loft."

The Rev. Beale Post, of Maidstone, informed the Committee that he had personally examined the appearances resembling fortifications on the Hallingbourne hills, the subject of a letter from Mr. Pryer, recently read at a meeting of the Committee. Mr. Post is of opinion that these ridges have been formed by agricultural operations.

Mr. J. A. Dunkin, of Dartford, exhibited a flint celt, the property of R. Wilks, Esq., found in the bed of the river at Darenth. It is of grey flint, is seven and a half inches long, and six inches in circumference in the widest part.