Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 3.djvu/294

266 make way for a modern dwelling-house. The original features are in part concealed by ivy, but some of them are perfectly visible: a window in one of the gables is of two lights, and, as is not uncommon in domestic buildings of that age, has a transom. There is a projection on the eastern side of the house, possibly intended as a chapel. This building appeared to be a valuable specimen of domestic architecture, during a period of which few similar works exist, and it deserves to be carefully planned and drawn. The original part seems to have been but little altered; the general composition is very picturesque, and the site, adjoining to the western side of the church-yard, was well chosen. Mr. Hussey expressed the hope that some Member of the Institute might be disposed to examine this fabric without delay, and preserve memorials of its character and details.

The market-place of the town of Ashburton, Devon, a curious timbered fabric of considerable antiquity, consists of an open arcade, formed with pointed arches of wood, supporting a lean-to roof, on either side, and a single upper story. Its dimensions are about 150 feet in length, by 10 or 12 feet in width, the upper part of the building being considerably less wide, on account of the pentise roof on each side. This ancient structure has fallen into decay, and, according to the report of the Rev. Arthur Hussey, it will inevitably, unless some steps be taken to prevent its removal, be demolished on the expiration of an existing lease, terminating at the death of a person above eighty years of age. He suggested that, at least, some examination of its construction should be made by a competent person, and a representation, plan, or section, preserved, as a memorial of an interesting specimen of a class of buildings, of which few now remain.

Mr. E. J. Carlos, in reference to the singular matrix of a mayoralty seal for the city of London, found in the chateau of Gièz, of which a representation had been given in the Archæological Journal, communicated the following observations. He stated that he had regarded it as the seal made in lieu of the former mayoralty seal, on occasion of the avoidance of the old charter of the city of London, by a writ "quo warranto" in the year 1683. The new charter granted to the city would render requisite the fabrication of new seals for the corporation, and the office of mayoralty. The old charter was restored by King James II., previously to his forced abdication, and he, probably, carried the civic seals to France, with the great seals of England and Ireland, These last are enumerated in the inventory of his effects, published in the Archæologia, xviii. p. 229. The mayoralty seal, being of base metal, might not be considered deserving to be included in that inventory. Mr. Carlos remarked that the seal found in Touraine, which clearly could not be assigned to the period of the regent, duke of Bedford, resembled the ancient one in general design, the debased character of the architectural ornaments, and the changes made in the saints and armorial scutcheons excepted. The figures, as he supposed, represent St. Edward the Confessor, and St. Thomas of Canterbury, in place of St. Peter and St. Paul. The design of the matrix well accords with the age of Charles II. or James I.;