Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 3.djvu/401

Rh important river, and the primitive appellation of the log-huts of the fishermen of the priors of Tynemouth and Durham is now borne by two flourishing towns—North and South Shields—which send vessels to all parts of the globe. This prolonged and interesting contest between secular and ecclesiastical merchants may be further illustrated by other records than those printed by Mr. Gibson, who has our thanks nevertheless for what he has contributed towards it.

Before parting with Mr. Gibson, and our space admonishes us that we must now do so, we would say a few words touching his remarks upon the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle on Tyne, against whom he has launched a severe philippic. It is true, as he observes, that Society has of late years given few proofs of its vitality; it may be even admitted that it has not made its existence felt; but in passing these strictures on it Mr. Gibson has not taken into consideration how many of its once most active supporters have been overtaken by death, or enfeebled by age. The places of those who have finally departed or merely retired from the scene cannot be readily supplied, at a time when a more precise method in conducting archæological enquiries is expected, and more especially amidst that activity of professional and commercial rivalry which distinguishes the state of society in Newcastle, in common with other northern towns, leading more to considerations of the present and future than to retrospection. Still that, although it may be somewhat dormant, the Society is rich in the material wherewith to pursue its former course of usefulness, the members of the Archæological Institute can testify, who received much valuable assistance from its council on the occasion of the recent meeting at York. Why does not Mr. Gibson, who, although a stranger, has already shewn himself so fully alive to the antiquarian wants of the north, step forward and co-operate with them, instead of railing, because his own particular taste is for monuments of a later time, at the unrivalled collection of relics of the Roman occupation of England which, in our opinion, so gracefully and appropriately decorate the approach to the Society's room—an edifice which is built where the wall of Severus once stood? He may be assured his assistance would be duly estimated whatever the shape it might assume.

It is impossible to speak too highly of most of the illustrations of this work. The fac-similes of charters are especially worthy of remark, as among the best ever executed. The grant of Edgar the son of Gospatric cannot be surpassed for truthful character.

The seal of the priory, at least the only one of which an impression has been preserved, is of Decorated character, though late. The Virgin and Child are represented in one compartment, and St. Oswin, regally attired, in the other. Mr. Gibson observes that it is difficult to appropriate the large head which is represented between the two ogee canopies: it is evidently intended fur a female, and from the presence