Page:Notes on the churches in the counties of Kent, Sussex, and Surrey.djvu/328

268 four words in italics; but consult the two works referred to. The round towers of churches might, as observed by Mr. Gage, be "imitations of the military round tower," on account of the greater solidity of that form, especially with inferior materials, as learned from experience; without any view to their use as defensive buildings.

A grass field in this parish, situated north of the village, immediately beyond and above the Pottery, and impending over the road to Lewes, appears a not unlikely spot, whereon to search for Roman remains. After hot, dry weather I have here traced, by the withered herbage, numerous foundations of walls. Evidently an extensive settlement of some kind existed in this field at some period or other; and I can hear of no recollection or tradition of modern erections of any kind. The place seems inviting for the site of a villa, where no apprehension of ague was felt, being sheltered by higher ground on one side, and commanding a good view over the valley, in ancient times the estuary, of the Ouse to the opposite hills.

196. .—A church of chancel, nave, small low western tower, and north porch. The outer walls and tower are original, the remainder was rebuilt about A.D. 1844, the whole being thickly coated with plaster. The tower is perhaps Tr. Norm. In the chancel is a double piscina under an ogée, cinquefoiled arch, apparently Dec. Here are also many encaustic paving-tiles. The font is round, upon a modern stem, with carving in very slight relief. It is curious, and may be of Norm. date, or even earlier.

197. .—This chapelry, in the parish of Kirdford, is a peculiar of the Archbishop of Canterbury without cure of souls or stipend. The building is not earlier than the sixteenth century, if so early, erected probably for the convenience of the archbishop's tenant at Plaistow Place, now a farm-house, containing some vestiges of the ancient mansion, particularly a ceiling.

198. .—The free chapel of Playden beside Rye was alienated by K. Henry VII to the Abbey of Westminster for the building of the Lady Chapel at the east end of the abbey church and other purposes. (Horsfield's Suss. I, 506, note 2.) No reference to any authority is there given, and no other mention of the chapel has been met with. There was formerly a hospital here. (Ut sup. 506.) It is however asserted to be in Rye. "'Pleydone—This hospital, in the parish of Rye, was of ancient