Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 3.djvu/277

Rh There is a striking difference in point of art, and the quality of manufacture, between this deposit of Roman remains, and that described by Mr. Hart. The latter are evidently of a more costly character, and indicate higher rank and dignity. At the same time they agree in other respects. In both there were no remains of bones or ashes—there was a single coin, a brass in the one, and a silver coin of Valerian in the other—and, probably, there were the implements of the individual craft or profession; in the one, apparently a quantity of nails, in the other the utensils of a Soothsayer or of a Flamen.

Mr. Wright, of Buxton Hall, who takes a lively interest in the antiquities of the neighbourhood, lately employed some workmen to excavate the soil in one of his fields in Brampton, on the borders of Buxton and Oxnead. It was a perfectly level spot, near to the place where the discoveries mentioned by Sir Thomas Brown were made. I was present, and witnessed with astonishment the profusion of fragments of sepulchral urns, human and other bones, that were uncovered. The soil was black from frequent interments, and resembled that of a metropolitan church-yard. We noticed the rude attempt to protect the remains by layers of flint stones, measuring about four feet by two feet, and two feet beneath the surface. We found no entire urns, although we were informed that they were frequently met with in this, and also in the parish of Marsham. There were other specimens of pottery besides sepulchral vases.

Mr. Wright has traced an ancient way, leading from this field, through the marshes to the river at Burgh, near Oxnead, which would fall in with a line of road, pointed out to me by the Rev. James Bulwer of Aylsham, to Stratton (i.e. "Stratum or Street") on the south, and to Burgh on the borders of Oxnead; thence direct to Stowheath, and the Tuttington and Felmingham depositories on the north; this line of road will account for the extension of Roman remains to the north and south, rather than to the east and west. It deviates a little to the east from that marked out by Mr. Woodward.

Spelman placed Garianonum here, where the mouth of the Garienis formerly was; Camden considered it to have been at Burgh, in Suffolk, near the confluence of that river with the Waveney. Spelman urges, in support of his opinion, that the position at Caister is better adapted for the movements of horse,