Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 29.djvu/466

388 features of the church are of no common order, there being specimens of every style of English art, from the earliest form of Norman down to the decadence of the Perpendicular period, even to the introduction of cinque-cento ornamentation. After referring to some of the more important of these features, the discoveries made within the last few years were adverted to, and the writer concluded with an earnest appeal for the preservation of the fine screen separating the choir from the nave. At the Conclusion of the paper, the Rev. E. Kell, in expressing his thanks to the writer, said there was a tradition that the church was built on the site of a Roman temple, and a leaden cist had been found containing the bones of birds which had been sacrificed. Mr. Parker cordially agreed with Mr. Ferrey that on no account ought the screen to be removed. He then passed in review the principal characteristics of the church, drawing special attention to the reredos of the altar, one of the finest examples in England, and which he hoped would on no account be "restored." Proceeding down the aisles, Mr. Parker paused at several points to draw attention to various parts of the structure, and then passed to the exterior, where he performed a similar office. An adjournment was then made to the ruins of the castle, the Norman house being first visited. Mr. Parker thought this was clearly a Norman building of the time of Henry II., with rich window openings. As to the bridge close by, he thought it was most probably Edwardian. A short walk led to the ruins of the keep of the castle, about which Mr. Parker thought it difficult to form a judgment from such slight remains, but it was apparently a Norman keep, built upon one of those mounds which the Saxons often threw up. The existing remains were most probably of the time of Henry II. These were carefully examined and some discussion here ensued, the local tradition that the castle was a Saxon work being brought forward—an idea which did not meet with general approval. Time had now arrived for refreshment, and at 1 o'clock the train started on the return journey for Beaulieu Road Station, where the Railway Company obligingly allowed the excursionists to disembark and take the carriages which were in attendance. Upon reaching the picturesque village of Beaulieu an accession was made to the numbers by the arrival of the President of the meeting and a considerable party. They were all most courteously received by Lord Henry Scott, the owner of Beaulieu, who first explained the relative positions of the clock-house, the mill, and other out-lying buildings, and then proceeded to discuss the "Palace House," as the ancient gate-house with its modern additions was called. Mr. Parker and the Rev. F. W. Baker added some observations in reference to various details of the structure. The interior of the building was then visited. Lord Henry Scott leading the way, and remarking upon the special points of interest. Passing upstairs into a lofty and noble apartment, the story was told of its development from a low-ceiled chamber of very different appearance. Mr. Parker thought it probable that this was a chapel over the gateway with a room behind it; he was much pleased at the conscientious restoration which had been carried out here. A perambulation was then made of the other Abbey buildings, under the guidance of the Rev. F. W. Baker. When the cloisters were reached, attention was drawn by Mr. Stevens, of Salisbury, to a small collection of pottery and other objects, which were the results of the examination of some barrows in