Page:Notes and Queries - Series 11 - Volume 2.djvu/88

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NOTES AND QUERIES, m s. vm. AUG. 2, 1913.

tends to show that Peters was drunk when executed (it was the custom for those who underwent this cruel sentence to stupefy themselves with drink), an anecdote on p. 81 of ' Mirabilis Annus Secundus.' concerning the judgment that befell Col. Carnabj. of Durham for saying so, is of some interest. He, it seems, was found dead in a pool of water and dirt on a Lord's day, which (of course) he had profaned by excessive drink- ing.

The books must be read to be appreciated. The Kingdom's Intelligencer for 14-21 Oct., 1661, describes the first as follows :

"London, Octob. 19. We must now tell the reader, for we can hold out no longer, how strangely impudent the lying faction have been in forging prodigies and monstrous accidents lately befallen persons and places best affected to the Government of this Church and State. They say, and in print too, that in several places in England it lately rained blood, frogs and other animals, that divers persons too many to mention have seen a flaming sword, troops of horses (they mean castles) in the air, that such and such persons have been strook dumb, blind, dead, as they were reading Divine service, that prodi- gious fires, thunders and lightnings have destroyed several of his Majesty's good subjects ; and now, last of all, they tell you of a horrible earthquake in the county of Hereford. And to all these bottomless fictions they have been so modest as to affix time, place, and have fram'd excellent certificates with names subscribed to make, were it possible, such forgeries pass for probable. Be it known, therefore, to all the world that we have sent to those several places, and have it under the respective magistrates' hands that there is not the least colour or pretence for any of these forgeries."

Apropos of the reprint of the second book (in 1663), Mercurius Publicus for 2-9 July, 1663, contains the following:

" An Advertisement. There is lurking up and down this kingdom a certain libellous pamphlet intituled, ' Mirabilis Annus ; or, The Second Year of Prodigies,' which carries with it multitudes of pretended stories, and, amongst the rest, a strange relation of one Mr. Martyn, son to Sir Nicholas Martyn of Devonshire, deceased. That he should be assaulted by two ravens, upon which he im- mediately fell sick and, before his death, the bell in the steeple tolled three hours together of its own accord, but as soon as the breath was out of his body it ceased tolling. Which relation is very strange, but as false as strange. And though such a wonder might last above nine days, yet, when added to a world of wonders, lest it might last to all ppsteritie, we whose names are hereunder added, being some of us present with the said Mr. Martyn at the very instant of the ravens' pretended assault, most of us during his whole sickness, and all at the time of his death, thought it our duty, as well to satisfie the present age as to undeceive the future, to set forth our certain knowledge therein. Who do all aver and declare that the description abovesaid, and every part thereof, is not only basely scandalous, but

a most horrid untruth, proceeding meerly from the poyson of some detracting tongue and never had the least foundation given whereon to erect such a babel of lies."

Fifteen names follow, amongst which two are interesting: "Richard Morice, M.D.," and " Charles -Cunningham, Phar- macopola." J. B. WILLIAMS.

(To be continued.)

STATUES AND MEMORIALS IN THE BRITISH ISLES.

(See 10 S. xi. 441 ; xii. 51, 114, 181, 401 ; 11 S. i. 282 ; ii. 42, 381 ; iii. 22, 222, 421 ; iv. 181, 361 ; v. 62, 143, 481 ; vi. 4, 284, 343; vii. 64, 144, 175, 263, 343, 442; viii. 4.);

SAILORS : NELSON (continued).

Menai, Carnarvon. In 1873 a colossal statue of Nelson was set up on the shore bordering the Menai Straits by Lord Clarence Paget, K.C.B. The statue was modelled by his lordship, and

" is remarkable for its size, and still more for the- materials in which it is executed, a species of concrete formed from limestone and Portland cement."

The whole structure rises to a height of 41 ft. from the face of the rock, the status being 19ft., the pedestal 9ft., and the base 13 ft. high. A strong iron core passes through the figure, which, owing to the bold position it occupies, is particularly exposed to the mercy of the elements. An engraving of the statue appeared in The Graphic of 7 Feb., 1874.

Hereford. In the centre of Castle Green is a Nelson column 60 ft. high. It was erected in 1809, and the original scheme provided for a statue of Nelson on the summit. But the necessary funds were not forthcoming, and an urn Was substituted. Some ancient cannon are grouped around the base.

Glasgow. This memorial consists of an obelisk, and is placed on Glasgow Green. It is constructed of sandstone, is 144 ft. high, and was erected in 1808.

Carmarthen. On the hills near the town is Nelson's Tower. It was erected by Sir Wm. Paxton, and is more commonly known locally as " Paxton's Tower."

Liverpool, The Nelson monument is the joint work of Westmacott and Wyatt. The total height is 25 ft., the figure of Nelson being 14 ft. high. The group depicts Vic- tory presenting a crown to the hero, who