Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 2.djvu/97

Rh son remarked that the discovery of celts with implements of mechanical use, in this instance, may afford a ground for the supposition that celts were fabricated for some domestic or mechanical purpose, rather than to serve as military weapons. Mr. Smith observed that a similar discovery of celts with gouges, and portions of a bronze sword, had been made at Sittingbourne, as stated by the Rev. W. Vallance in a paper which was read at the Canterbury meeting.

Mr. J. Dixon, of Leeds, communicated a description and sketch of a fragment of painted glass, formerly in one of the windows of the old mansion called Oswinthorpe, or Osmundthorpe Hall, near Leeds, now demolished, which was, as it is supposed, a residence of the kings of Northumbria. The drawing represents a portion of a small figure of a king; he is in armour, on his shield and surcoat appears the bearing, argent, three crowns or, and it has been conjectured that it was intended to portray Redwald, the first Christian king of the East Angles. The field, however, of the arms attributed to the East-Anglian kings, is azure. The costume of the figure shews that it was designed in the earlier part of the fifteenth century. Mr. Dixon stated that a gold coin of Justinian, weighing twenty-one grains, was found at Oswinthorpe, in August, 1774.

A note from Mr. Edward Freeman was then read, in reference to the "restorations," which are now in progress, at St. Mary's church, Leicester. The removal of the Altar from the end of the wide southern aisle, where it at present stands, to the original chancel, will leave a space, originally occupied by a chantry altar, and now to be occupied by pews, which will injure or conceal some Early-English sedilia, described as of remarkably fine character. A sepulchral recess near to them has been recently blocked up by a monument, and a beautiful parclose screen, which divided the south aisle from the chancel, has been taken down, and it is proposed to re-erect it as a reredos to the new altar, and to paint the Ten Commandments upon the panels.

Mr. Way shewed to the Committee a sketch of a singular fragment of sculpture, which was discovered some years since at St. Michael's church, Southampton, imbedded in the wall of a porch, which was then taken down. The Rev. Arthur Hussey, of Rottingdean, who made this communication, states that it has been fixed against the chancel wall, within the altar rails: it represents a bishop, vested in pontificals, his right hand elevated in the attitude of benediction, whilst the left grasps the pastoral staff, which terminates in a plain volute. Unfortunately the head is lost; the fragment measures about 30 inches in height: and the only remarkable peculiarity is, that on the breast appears a square jewelled ornament affixed to the chasuble, and apparently representing the rationale. The sculpture is exceedingly rude, and its date may be assigned to the thirteenth century. Mr. Hussey also drew the attention of the Committee to the dilapidated state of Netley Abbey, and the injuries which it had sustained in late years; observing that the fall of some portions might be apprehended, but that wanton mischief had done more than time and decay to deface this interest-