Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 3.djvu/264

236 the right foot, which is not in complete relief, shews they were single pointed spurs with angular shanks; whether each was fastened by one strap or more I could not satisfactorily ascertain. The head rests on two cushions; the upper one lozenge-shaped, the lower rectangular. I have stated that a capuchon covers the head, but there is reason to believe that over the upper part of this was originally represented a coif of mail (coiffe de mailles) or a coif of plate, (coiffe de fer, or cerveilliere;) for the part of the head which such a defence would have covered, is larger in proportion than is usually the case where there is a capuchon only; in addition to which the capuchon is narrower from just below the temples. This is hardly apparent to the eye for want of a good light, but may be readily perceived by passing the fingers lightly over either side of the head. The details of the coif may have been executed in colour only. It was hardly practicable to shew this in the sketch: the place however where the contraction of the capuchon appears to commence is indicated by a faint line. The peculiarity just described, the mode in which the sword-belt is attached to the scabbard, and the fact of the capuchon being separate from the hauberk, overlapping it and the surcote, have influenced my judgment respecting the age of this effigy, and have induced me to place it a few years later than I otherwise should. As the probable date of it, and of the recess in which it lies, corresponds so nearly with that of the church, I am disposed to think it was commemorative of the founder, or a considerable benefactor, whether buried there or not, and that it was executed soon after the erection of the church. The deceased might have assumed the cross under Prince Edward, soon after the termination of the barons' war.

Diminutive effigies, like that at Horsted Keynes, in which the proportions are those of a man, are sometimes supposed to represent children, but I think without good reason.

An effigy is, primâ facie, to be considered as representing that, to which, having regard to the costume and general appearance, it bears most resemblance, irrespectively of its size; for it is unreasonable from size alone to infer that it was not intended for a full-grown person.

Thus, a small effigy, apparently of a knight or priest, is to be taken as representing an adult; for till a certain age knighthood and priests' orders were not usually conferred; and we