Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 29.djvu/483

Rh interesting spot, and to Mr. Joyce for his courteous and able discourses, home of the more remarkable relics which had been found were submitted to the attention of the visitors. These consisted chiefly of frames and cases, in which coins were displayed, and the famous and unique legionary "Eagle" which had been found in the "Treasury" of the Forum, under a thick layer of wood ashes. Upon this almost sacred object Mr. Joyce expatiated with some pride, picturing its bearer as chosen for his prowess and high character, officiating at the sacrifices before a battle, and perhaps, in the present instance, tearing away the eagle from the staff at the storming of the city of Calleva, and thrusting it among the timbers of the roof of the important municipal building which had been defended to the last. The streets of houses were then visited, and many singular discoveries pointed out. From thence the party were led to the Forum, where the remains are on a grand and noble scale, and where Mr. Joyce concluded his careful and able remarks by some general observations upon this Roman capital of Southern England. The Rev. J. Collingwood Bruce added some remarks, and again expressed his thanks, and those of the visitor generally, to Mr. Joyce for his kind attention to them.

Returning to Basingstoke, the party assembled at the ruins of the "Chapel of the Holy Ghost," which are so conspicuous an object to all travellers on the South Western Railway. Here they were received by the Vicar, the Rev. Dr. Millard, who discoursed upon the establishment of the Brotherhood founded by Lord Sandes, under licence from Henry VIII., and the chapel built by them. There were thought to be evidences of the influence of Italian art in some of the remains of this highly decorated structure—the final ruin of which was completed by the Parliamentary army in the famous siege of Basing House. Dr. Millard's kind offices were again exercised in Basingstoke Church, an interesting building of the "late decorated" period. In it was seen the painted glass which had belonged to Holy Ghost Chapel, and which had been lately found at Mottisfont Abbey. In the Town Hall some excellent refreshments were kindly provided by the Mayor and Corporation, who took the opportunity of displaying some of their muniments for the gratification, of the visitors. Old Basing House was the next object of interest, and here the visitors were met by the Vicar, who conducted them to the best points of view. Old Basing is chiefly known as the site of Basing House, the scene of the gallant defence of the Marquis of Winchester against the forces of the Parliament. The Church also is well known to ecclesiastical antiquaries for its light Perpendicular architecture, its painted glass windows, and for the shields and crests of the ancient family of Paulet, its founders and patrons, and many of whom, including "Polly Peachum," the celebrated Duchess of Bolton, are here buried.

But the most interesting relic of Old Basing is of far earlier date: this was the seat of the great Barons Port of Basing, afterwards represented by the still-flourishing house of St. John, and who, though high among the nobles of the Conqueror, are reputed to have been of Saxon descent, and to have retained the ancient Saxon domain and chief seat of Basing. The earthworks, though mixed up with the garden walls and works of Basing House, are still tolerably perfect, and are exceedingly curious. A circular platform, a little raised above the adjacent ground, and about 72 yards in diameter, is surrounded by a bunk of earth, from