Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 2.djvu/229

Rh Two steel-yard weights, precisely similar in form to that which was found at Fulbroke, and formed likewise of lead cased with brass, discovered near Norwich, were exhibited to the Society of Antiquaries in 1832. One of these weights was identical in dimensions, and ornamented with three escutcheons in relief, charged with a lion rampant, a double-headed eagle, and a fleur-de-lis. The second weight was rather larger, and the escutcheons presented the bearing of England and the double-headed eagle. These arms were supposed to be for Cornwall and the king of the Romans.

The Rev. Augustus Tharp, vicar of Chippenham. Cambridgeshire, sent for the inspection of the Committee, a ciborium, or pyx formed of latten, or mixed yellow metal, (pixis cooperta pro hostiis,) recently discovered in the neighbourhood of Chippenham by a labourer engaged in trenching a plantation. Several altar-candlesticks, bells and other relics were found at the same time, and the deposit consisted, probably, of the furniture of some neighbouring church, which had been concealed in the times of Henry VIII. or Edward VI., on the promulgation of the statutes for putting away all ornaments, sacred vessels, and service books. The pyx, intended for the preservation of the Eucharist for the sick, is in the form of a covered cup, surmounted by a conical spire, on the summit of which is a crucifix; the height of the whole being eleven inches, and the diameter of the cup four inches and three quarters. Around the cover is engraved a legend in large characters of singular form, (?) at the summit there is a ring, and a link of a chain, as if for the purpose of suspension, and there is also a small ring attached underneath the foot of the cup. It appears by Lyndwood's Annotations on the Constitution of Archbishop Peccham (A.D. 1279.) respecting the preservation of the Eucharist in a pyx lined with linen, and placed in a closed tabernacle, that it had been customary in England to preserve it "cupâ," in a cup, suspended over the altar "in conopeo," under a dais or canopy, which frequently appears in illuminations. This usage of suspension is considered by Lyndwood objectionable, as the sacred vessel might more easily be abstracted by a profane hand, than if it were deposited, as in Holland and Portugal, in an ambry or other secure place. The pyx found at Chippenham appears to have been made in the earlier part of the fifteenth century. A representation of it will be given in a future number of the Journal.

Mr. Way exhibited drawings which represent the curious jewelled ornaments and remains of a precious mitre preserved at New College, having recently, by favour of the Warden, been permitted to examine the originals. They comprise nearly the whole of the rich decorations of the mitra preciosa of the founder, William of Wykeham, bishop of Winchester 1366—1405; the ground-work was of silken tissue, closely set with seed-pearls, and upon this were attached at intervals plates of silver gilt set with gems and pearls, as likewise bands formed of jewelled orna-