Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 3.djvu/177



accompanying engraving represents a portion of the small fragment which is apparently all that remains of the original pavement of Haccombe church, Devonshire: it is interesting from its being an instance of arrangement of an uncommon character, inasmuch as it is totally independent of plain tiles, whether square or oblong.

It seems probable that the whole chancel was at one time paved with decorative tiles: soon after the year 1759 the greater part were removed, and the various brasses and slabs, now occupying its centre, were placed in their present position. In laying down these all the tiles seem to have been taken up except three rows to the east, immediately beneath the steps leading up to the Communion-table: for those forming borders on the other sides, namely, two rows to the north and south, and four to the west, as well as four to the east, retain no satisfactory traces of arrangement. Of the tiles thus removed, those most worn were placed in the north aisle: and those less so, form a very handsome slab of pavement in the passage through the principal aisle to the chancel. They are arranged thus: marigold windows are placed down the centre, with spaces of the width of a tile between; the other tiles are arranged in pairs in this space, and right and left; and another row on each side completes the design.

The pattern, of which a representation is here given, is that mentioned as remaining below the steps to the altar. It extends in an almost perfect state from the right hand side to the length of twenty-one tiles. On the extreme right a sort of finish is given by bringing the last coats of arms, wheel- window, and coats of arms close together, and arranging the shields points outwards: then follow three lions, and the pattern as engraved. A curious variation is introduced, for the tile which occupies the alternate places in the upper row, after thus extending to the length of fourteen tiles, (7 feet,) is replaced throughout the other seven by one which appears in the engraving above the right hand coat of arms, this latter being changed for one with flowers, &c., in a battlemented