Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 9.djvu/468

 372 PROCEEDINGS AT MEETINGS OF from which an extensive iew is obtained over the bleak wilds of North- umberland. A mile castle, partly excavated, and a section of the Roman road, laid open by Mr. Clayton's direction, were examined with interest : and the party at length reached Housesteads, where some, who had been unwilling to follow the more fatiguing course taken by Mr. Bruce, had already arrived. Housesteads, which has been regarded as the most remarkable Roman Station in the country, and was designated by Stukeley, the " Tadmor of Britain," has assumed an increased interest to tbe antiquary, throuo-h the discoveries and excavations so earnestly and judiciously prose- cuted by the present proprietor, Mr. John Clayton. These researches have laid open to view numerous curious details, especially the South gateway with its guard-rooms, and the pavement worn into ruts by the frequent passage of wheels ; more recently also, the North gate, of strikingly massive masonry, has been discovered ; presenting the decisive evidence that the stations had gateways towards the Scottish Border, contrary to a supposition frequently maintained, with the notion that the North Britons were the sole cause of the construction of the great barrier. Mr. Bruce gave an interesting address in the midst of these impressive vestiofes of Roman enterprise, and pointed out the evidences of the succes- sive occupation of this remarkable site by various races. After an abundant refection provided by the hospitable owner oi Borcovicus, John Clayton, Esq., of Chesters, the company returned to Newcastle, highly gratified with his kind attentions, and the obliging guidance of the learned historian of the wall, the Rev. J. C. Bruce. Tuesday, August 31. At ten o'clock the Section of Antiquities assembled in the theatre of the Philosophical Institution, the chair being taken by the noble President. The following memoirs were read : — On the Lhn^s Transrhe nanus, between the Danube and the Rhine. — By Mr. James Yates, F.R.S. On Incised Markings, attributed to the Celtic period, noticed upon rocks in the parishes of Ford and Eglingham, in Northumberland. — By the Rev. William Greexwell, Warden of Neville Hall, Newcastle. On the evidences of Saxon Architecture at Jarrow, and other places in the county of Durham. — By Mr. W. Hyltox Longst.ffe. In the afternoon a large party visited Tynemouth Priory, and made detailed examination of the interesting ruins, under the guidance of Mr. Dobson. They were afterwards very hospitably entertained by Captain Andrews, and the officers of the garrison. By the judicious care of that gahant officer the ruins had been cleared, in anticipation of the visit of the Institute, from the debris by which they were encumbered, so as to be seen most advantageously on this occasion. It were much to be desired that this fine architectural monument should be protected from future injury. From Tynemouth many of the company proceeded across the Tyne to Jarrow, to visit the impressive remains, to which their attention had been invited in the interesting discourse read by Mr. Hyltou Longstaff"e at the morning meeting. In the evening a conversazione took place at the Assembly Rooms, and two Memoirs were read. On Brinkburn Priory.— By Mr. W. Sidney Gibsok. — The Topography