WILFRID HUDLESTON HUDLHSTON, M.A., F.R.S.
DORSET
IIS'PORY
FIEIiDGItHB.
EDITED BT
C. W. H. DICKER.
VOLUME XXXI.
Dorchester :
PRINTED AT THE "DORSET COUNTY CHRONICLE" OFFICE
1910
V.SI
CONTENTS.
List of Officers of the Club since its inauguration . . . . v.
Rules of the Club . . . . . . . . . . . . vi.
List of Officers and Honorary Members . . . . . . xi.
List of Members . . . . , . . , . . . . xii.
List of New Members since the publication of Vol. XXX. . , xxiv.
Publications of the Club ; Societies in correspondence with the
Field Club . . . . . . . . . . xxvii.
THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CLUB during the Season 1909-1910
First Winter Meeting . . . . . . . . . . xxviii.
Second Winter Meeting . . . . . . ... xxx.
Annual Meeting . . . . . . . . , . xxxiii.
MEETING AT THE VALLEY OF THE N.E. WINTERBOURNE . . xxxvi.
Winterbourne Stickland .. .. .. .. xxxvi.
Winterbourne Clenston Manor House . . . . . . xxxvii.
Winterbourne Clenston Church . . . . . . . . xxxvii.
Winterbourne Whitechurch . . . . . . . . xxxviii.
Winterbourne Kingston . . . . . . . . xxxviii.
Winterbourne Anderson . . . . . . . . xxxix.
Winterbourne Tomson . . . . . . . . xxxix.
Aimer . . . . . . . . . , . . xl.
Sturminster Marshall . . . . . . . . , . xli.
MEETING AT POOLE HARBOUR . . . . . . . . xlii.
Arne Church . . . . . . . . . . . . xliii.
MEETING AT SALISBURY AND STONEHENOE . . . . . . xlvi.
Church of St. Thomas of Canterbury . . ; . . ,. xlvi.
St. Edmund's Church . . . . . . . . . . xlvii.
The Cathedral . . . . -> . . . . . xlviii.
Old Sarum . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.
Amesbury Priory Church . . . . . . . . li.
Stonehenge . . . . . . . . . . . . li.
MEETING AT ABBOTSBURY AND BRIDPORT HARBOUR . . . . liii.
Abbotsbury Castle : . . . . . . . . . liii.
Swyre Church . . . . . . . . liv.
Puncknowle . . . . . . . . . . v . liv.
Berwick . . . . . . , . . . , Ivi.
Burton Bradstock . . . . . . . . . Ivi.
The Geology of the Coast , . Ivi.
The Hon. Secretary's Report , . . . . . . . Iviii.
The Hon. Editor's Report .. .. .. .. lx.
Report of the Hon. Director of the Photographic Survey of Dorset Ixi.
The Hon. Treasurer's Statement o the Club's Receipts and Ex-
penditure . . . . . . . . Ixiii.
The Hon. Secretary's Account .. .. .. ixiv.
Anniversary Address of the President . . . . . . . . 1
Notes on the Present Condition of the Dorset County Museum, by
the Curator.. ., .. .. .. .. 24
Some Dorset Privateers, by Henry Symonds . . . . . . 30
On British Arachnida, noted and observed in 1909. by the Rev. O.
Pickard -Cambridge, M.A., F.R.S., Ac. .. .. 47
IT.
PAGE
The Birthplace of Matthew Prior, Scholar, Poet, and Diplomatist. . 7 1
Dorset Chantries, by E. A. Fry 85
The Normans in Dorset, by the Rev. C. W. H. Dicker .. .. 115
Returns of Rainfall, Ac., in Dorset in 1909, by H. Stilwell . . 129
The Geology of the Purbeck Hills, by Dr. W. Theophilus Ord .. 141
Notes on a Large Boulder found at Branksome, Upper Parkstone,
by the Rev. H. Shaen Solly, M.A. .. .. .. 161
The Pitt Family of Blandf ord St. Mary, by Rev. A. C. Almack, M.A. 1 65
The Story of the Bettiscombe Skull, by J. S. Udal, F.S.A. .. 176
Weymouth and Melcombe Regis in the Time of the Great Civil War,
by W. Bowles Barrett . . . . . . . . 204
Short Report on the Excavations of Maumbury Rings of 1910, by
H. St. George Gray .. .. .. .. 232
Report on the First Appearances of Birds, Insects, &c., and First
Flowering of Plants in Dorset during 1909, by Nelson M.
Richardson, B.A. .. .. .. .. 267
Some Recent Books, <fec. . . . . . . . . . . 281
Index to Volume XXXI. 283
INDEX TO PLATES AND ENGRAVINGS.
PAGE OB TO
FACE PAGE.
Wilfrid Hudleston Hudleston, M.A., F.R.S. . . . . Frontispiece
Dorset County Museum, 1910 .. .. .. .. 24
Matthew Prior . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
80
" Normans in Dorset "
Examples at Wimborne Minster, Wynford Eagle, Studland,
Worth Matravers, Dorchester St. Peter's, Piddletrenthide,
Dewlish, also at Pe>iers (Norrnandv) and Hangleton
(Sussex) .. .. .. .'. .. .. 129
Piers at Sherborne, Maiden Newton, Godmanstone, Studland,
Piddletrenthide, and Bere .. .. .. .. 129
Studland Church in the 12th Century .. .. .. 129
" The Geology of the Purbeck Hills "
The Geological Structure of the Purbeck Hills in transverse
section near their Eastern termination in Ballard Down ;
the Purbeck Hills (Central Section); the Purbeck Hills
(Western End). Diagrams illustrating the formation of
the Purbeck Thrust Fault ; the original Monoclinal
Fault ; the complete Fault . . . . . . . . 142
Boulder found at Parkstone. . . . . . . . . . 161
Bridehead Sarsen (I. and II.) .. .. ,. 163
Branksome Boulder (III. and IV.) .. .. .. 163
Bettiscombe Skull and Bettiscombe House .. ., ,. 177
Montravers, Nevis ; Old Slave Dungeon, Montravers .. 189
Pedigree of the Pinney Family (British West Indies) . . 203
H>orset
IRatural HMstors anfc Hntiquarian jfielc- Club.
INAUGUBATED MARCH 2CTH, 1875.
Presidents :
1875-1902 J. C. Hansel- Pleydell, Esq., B.A., F.G.S., F.L.S.
1902-1904 The Lord Eustace Cecil, F.R.G.S.
1904 * Nelson M. Richardson, Esq., B.A.
rice-Presidents :
1875-1882 The Eev. H. H. Wood, M.A., F.G.S.
1375-1884 -Professor James Buckman, F.S.A., F.G.S., F.L.S.
1880-1900 The Rev. Canon Sir Talbot Baker, Bart., M.A.
1880-1900 General Pitt-Rivers, F.R.S.
1880 * The Rev. O. Pickard- Cambridge, M.A., F.R.S., F.Z.S.
1885 * The Earl of Moray, M.A., F.S.A. Ed., F.G.S.
1892-1904 Nelson M. Richardson, Esq., B.A.
1904" 19 2 ! * T 116 Lord Eustace Cecil, F.R.G.S.
1900-1909 W. H. Hudleston, Esq., M.A., F.R.S., F.G.S., F.L.S., Past Pres.
Geol. Soc.
1900-1904 Vaughan Cornish, Esq., D.Sc., F.C.S., F.R.G.S.
1900 * Captain G. R. Elwes, J.P.
1902 * H. Colley March, Esq., M.D., F.S.A.
1904 * The Rev. Herbert Pentin, M.A.
1904 * The Rev. W. Miles Barnes, B.A.
1904 * The Rev. J. C. M. Mansel- Pleydell, M.A., R.D.
1904-1903 R. Bosworth Smith, Esq., M.A.
1908-1909 Henry Storks Eaton, Esq., M.A., Past Pres. Hoy. Met. Soc.
1909 * The Rev. Canon C. H. Mayo, M.A., Dorset Editor of " Somerset
and Dorset Notes and Queries."
1909 * E. R. Sykes, Esq., B.A., F.Z.S., Past Pres. Malacological Soc.
Hon. Secretaries :
1875-1884 Professor James Buckman, F.S.A., F.G.S., F.L.S.
1885-1892 The Earl of Moray, M.A., F.S.A. Ed., F.G.S.
1892-1902 Nelson M. Richardson, Esq., B.A.
1902-1904 H. Colley March, Esq., M.D., F.S.A.
1904 * The Rev. Herbert Pentin, M.A.
Hon. Treasurers :
1875-1882 The Rev. H. H. Wood, M.A., F.G.S.
1882-1900 The Rev. O. Pickard-Cambridge, M.A., F.R.S., F.Z.S.
1901-1910 Captain G. R. Elwes, J.P.
1910 * The Rev. J. C. M. Mansel-PIeydell, M.A.
Hon. Editors :
1875-1884 Professor James Buckman, F.S.A., F.G.S., F.L.S.
1885-1892 The Earl of Moray, M.A., F.S.A. Ed., F.G.S.
1892-1901 Nelson M. Richardson, Esq., B.A.
1901-1906 The Rev. W. Miles Barnes, B.A.
1906-1909 The Rev. Herbert Pentin, M.A.
1909 * The Rev. C. W. H. Dicker.
The asterisk indicates the present officials of the Club.
VI.
RULES
THE DORSET NATURAL HISTORY AND ANTIQUARIAN
FIELD CLUB.
OBJECT AND CoNsnrtrnoN.
1. The Club shall be called The Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian
Field Club, and shall have for a short title The Dorset Field Club.
The object of the Club is to promote and encourage an interest in the study of
the Physical Sciences and Archaeology generally, especially the Natural History of
the County of Dorset and its Antiquities, Prehistoric records, and Ethnology. It
shall use its influence to prevent, as far as possible, the extirpation of rare plants
and animals, and to promote the preservation of the Antiquities of the Count}'.
?. The Club shall consist of (i.) three Officers, President, Honorary Secretary,
and Honorary Treasurer, who shall be elected annually, and shall form the
Executive body for its management ; (ii.) Vice-Presidents, of whom the
Honorary Secretary and Treasurer shall be two, ex officio ; (iii.) The Honorary
Editor of the Annual Volume of Proceedings ; (iv.) Ordinary Members ; (v.)
Honorary Members. The President, Vice-Presidents, and Editor shall form a
Council to decide questions referred to them by the Executive and to elect
Honorary Members. The Editor shall be nominated by one of the incoming
Executive and elected at the Annual Meeting.
There may also be one or more Honorary Assistant Secretaries, who shall be
nominated by the Honorary Secretary, seconded by the President or Treasurer,
and elected by the Members at the Annual Meeting.
Members may be appointed by the remaining Officers to fill interim vacancies
in the Executive Body until the following Annual Meeting.
The number of the Club shall be limited to 400, power being reserved to the
Council to select from the list of candidates persons, whose membership they may
consider to be advantageous to the interests of the Club, to be additional
Members.
PRESIDENT AND VICE-PRESIDENTS.
3. The President shall take the chair at all Meetings, and have an original and
a casting vote on all questions before the Meeting. In addition to the two
ex-oJKcio Vice-Presidents, at least three others shall be nominated by the President,
or. in his absence, by the Chairman, and elected at the Annual Meeting.
VII.
HON. SECRETARY.
4. The Secretary shall perform all the usual secretarial work ; cause a
programme of each Meeting to be sent to every Member seven days at least
before such Meeting ; make all preparations for carrying out Meetings and, with
or without the help of a paid Assistant Secretary or others, conduct all Field
Meetings. On any question arising between the Secretary (or Acting Secretary)
and a Member at a Field Meeting, the decision of the Secretary shall be final.
The Secretary shall receive from each Member his or her share of the day's
expenses, and thereout defray all incidental costs and charges of the Meeting,
rendering an account of the same before the Annual Meeting to the Treasurer ;
any surplus of such collection shall form part of the General Fund, and any
deficit be defrayed out of that Fund.
HON. TREASURES.
5. The Treasurer shall keep an account of Subscriptions and all other moneys
of the Club received and of all Disbursements, rendering at the Annual General
Meeting a balance sheet of the same, as well as a general statement of the Club's
finances. He shall send copies of the Annual Volume of Proceedings for each
year to Ordinary Members who have paid their subscriptions for that year (as
nearly as may be possible, in the order of such payment), to Honorary Members,
and to such Societies and individuals as the Club may, from time to time, appoint
to receive them. He shall also furnish a list at each Annual Meeting, containing
the names of all Members in arrear, with the amount of their indebtedness to the
Club. He shall also give notice of their election to all New Members.
ORDINARY MEMBERS.
6. Ordinary Members are entitled to be present and take part in the Club's
proceedings at all Meetings, and to receive the published "Proceedings " of the
Club, when issued, for the year for which their subscription has been paid.
7. Every candidate for admission shall be nominated in writing by one
Member and seconded by another, to both of whom he must be personally known.
He may be proposed at any Meeting, and his name shall appear in the programme
of the first following Meeting at which a Ballot is held, w T hen he shall be elected
by ballot, one black ball in six to exclude. Twelve Members shall form a
quorum for the purpose of election. A Ballot shall be held at the Annual and
Winter Meetings, and may be held at any other Meeting, should the Executive
so decide, notice being given in the programme. In the event of the number of
vacancies being less than the number of candidates at four successive Meetings,
the names of any candidates proposed at the first of such Meetings who have not
been elected at one of them shall be withdrawn, and shall not be eligible to be
again proposed for election for at least a year after such withdrawal. Providtd
that if at any Meeting there shall be no vacancies available, it shall not be counted
in estimating the above named four Meetings.
Vlll.
S.-The Annual Subscription shall be 10s., which shall become due and
payable in advance on the 1st of January in each year. Subscriptions paid on
election after September in each year shall lie considered as subscriptions for the
following year, uidess otherwise agreed upon by such Member and the Treasurer.
Every Member shall pay immediately after his election the sum of ten shillings as
Entrance Fee, in addition to his first Annual Subscription.
y. No person elected a Memljer shall be entitled to exercise any privilege as
such until he has paid his Entrance Fee and first Subscription, and no Member
shall be entitled to receive a copy of the " Proceedings" for any year until his
Subscription for that year has been paid.
10. A registered letter shall be sent by the Hon. Treasurer to any Member
whose Subscription Ls in arrear at the date of any Annual Meeting, demanding
payment within 2S days, failing which he shall cease to be a Member of the Club,
but shall, nevertheless, be liable for the arrears then due.
11. Members desiring to leave the Club shall give notice of the same in
writing to the Treasurer (or Secretary), but, unless such notice is given before the
end of January in any year, they shall be liable to pay the Annual Subscription
due to the Club on and after January 1st in that year.
HONORABY MEMBERS.
12. Honorary Members shall consist of persons eminent for scientific or
natural history attainments, and shall be elected by the Council. They pay no
subscription, and have all the privileges of Ordinary Members, except voting.
MEETINGS.
13. The Annual General Meeting shall be held as near the first week in May
as may be convenient ; to receive the outgoing President's Address (if any) and
the Treasurer's financial report ; to elect the Officers and Editor for the ensuing
year ; to determine the number (which shall usually be three or four), dates, and
places of Field Meetings during the ensuing summer, and for general purposes.
14. Two Winter Meetings shall usually be held in or about the months of
December and February for the exhibition of Objects of Interest (to which not
more than one hour of the time before the reading of the Papers shall be
devoted), for the reading and discussion of Papers, and for general purposes.
The Dates and Places of the Winter and Annual Meetings shall be decided by
the Executive.
1"). A Memlxjr may bring Friends to the Meetings subject to the following
restrictions : Xo person (except the husband, wife, or child of a Member), may
attend the Meeting unaccompanied by the Member introducing him, unless such
Member be prevented from attending by illness, and no Member may take with
him to a Fit-lit .Vrrtiiiij more than one Friend, whose name and address must be
submitted to the Hon. Secretary and approved by him or the Executive.
The above restrictions do not apply to the Executive or to the Acting Secretary
at the Meeting.
IX.
16. Members must give due notice (with prepayment of expenses) to the Hon.
Secretary of their intention to be present, with or without a Friend, at any
Field Meeting, in return for which the Secretary shall send to the Member a card
of admission to the Meeting, to be produced when required. Any Member who,
having given such notice, fails to attend, will be liable only for any expenses
actually incurred on his account, and any balance will be returned to him on
application. The sum of Is., or such other amount as the Hon. Secretary may
consider necessary, shall be charged to each person attending a Field Meeting, for
Incidental Expenses.
17. The Executive may at any time call a Special General Meeting of the
Members upon their own initiative or upon a written requisition (signed by Eight
Members) being sent to the Honorary Secretary. Any proposition to be submitted
shall be stated in the Notice, which shall be sent to each Member of the Club not
later than seven days before the Meeting.
PAPERS.
18. Notice shall be given to the Secretary, a convenient time before each
Meeting, of any motion to be made or any Paper or communication desired to be
read, with its title and a short sketch of its scope or contents. The insertion of
these in the Programme is subject to the consent of the Executive.
19. The Publications of the Club shall be in the hands of the Executive, who
shall appoint annually Three or more Ordinary Members to form with them and
the Editor a Publication Committee for the purpose of deciding upon the contents
of the Annual Volume. These contents shall consist of original papers and
communications written for the Club, and either read, or accepted as read, at a
General Meeting ; also of the Secretary's Reports of Meetings, the Treasurer's
Financial Statement and Balance Sheet, a list to date of all Members of the Club,
and of those elected in the current or previous year, with the names of their
proposers and seconders. The Annual Volume shall be edited by the Editor
subject to the direction of the Publication Committee.
20. Twenty -five copies of his paper shall be presented to each author whose
communication shall appear in the volume as a separate article, on notice being
given by him to the Publisher to that effect.
THE AFFILIATION OF SOCIETIES AND LIBRARIES TO THE CLUB.
'21. Any Natural History or Antiquarian Society in the County may be
affiliated to the Dorset Field Club on payment of an annual fee of Ten Shillings,
in return for which the annual vulume of the Proceedings of the Field Club shall
be sent to such Society.
Every affiliated Society shall send the programme of its Meetings to the Hon.
Secretary of the Field Club, and shall also report any discoveries of exceptional
interest. And the Field Club shall send its programme to the Hon. Secretary of
each affiliated Society.
X.
The Members of the rVM Clul. >hall not be eligible, ipso facto, to attend any
Meeting* of affiliated Societies, aud the Members of any affiliated Society shall
I elipl.le, ipwfdfto, to attend any Meetings of the Field Club. But any
Member of an affiliated Society shall be eligible to read a paper or make an
exhibit lit the Winter Meetings of the Field Club at Dorchester.
Any PuWic Library, or Club or School or College Library, in England or
elsewhere, may be affiliated to the Dorset Field Club on payment of an annual
foe of Ten Shillings, in return for which the annual volume of the Proceedings of
the Field Club shall be sent to such Library.
SECTIONAL COMMITTEES.
22. Small Committees may be appointed at the Annual General Meeting to
report to the Club any interesting facts or discoveries relating to the various
sections which they represent ; and the Committee of each section may elect one
of their Members as a Corresponding Secretary.
NEW RULES.
23. No alteration in or addition to these Rules shall be made except with the
consent of a majority of three-fourths of the Members present at the Annual
General Meeting, full notice of the proposed alteration or addition having been
given both in the current Programme and in that of the previous Meeting.
XI.
2>orset
IWatural Ibiston? ant) Hntiquarian tfielfc Club.
INAUGURATED MARCH ISth, 1875.
Preside tit :
NELSON M. RICHARDSON, Esa., B.A.
Vice-Presidents :
THE LOED EUSTACE CECIL, F.R.G.S. fPu*t President).
THE REV. HERBERT PENTIN, M.A. (Hon. Secretary).
THE REV. J. C. M. M ANSEL -PLE YD ELL, M.A., R.D. (Hon. Treasurer).
CAPTAIN G. R. ELWES, J.P.
H. COLLEY MARCH, ESQ., M.D., F.S.A.
THE REV. CANON MAYO, M.A., Dorset Editor of "Somerset and Dorset JTotes
nnd Queries."
THE REV. W. MILES BARNES, B.A.
THE EARL OF MORAY, M.A., F.S.A. Ed., F.G.S.
THE REV. O. PICKARD-CAMBRIDGE, M.A., F.R.S., F.Z.S.
E. R. SYKES, Esq., B.A., F.Z.S. (Past Pre*. Malaeological Society).
Executive Body :
NELSON M. RICHARDSON, Esq., B.A. (President J .
The Rev. HEHBEET PENTIN, M.A. (Hon. Secretary J, Milton Abbey Vicarage,
Blaiidford.
The Rev. J. C. M. MANSEL-PLEYDELL, M.A., (Hon. Treasurer), Sturmiuster
Newton Vicarage, Dorset.
Hon. Editor :
The Rev. C. W. H. DICKEE, Pydeltrenthide Vicarage, Dorchester.
Publication Committee :
The EXECUTIVE, The HON. EDITOR, H. B. MIDDLETON, Esq.,
Dr. COLLET MAECH, and E. R. SYKES, Esq.
Hon. Director of the Dorset Photographic Suivey :
C. J. CORNISH-BROWNE, Esq., Came House, Dorchester.
Earthworks Sectional Committee :
The Revs. C. W. H. DICKEE and C. W. WHISTLER (Corresponding Secretaries').
Honorary Members :
O.M. W. CARRUTHERS, Esq., Ph.D., F.R.S., F.G.S., F.L.S., British Museum
(Nat. Hist.), South Kensington.
The Rev. OSMOND FISHEE, M.A., F.G.S., Graveley, Huntingdon.
A. M. WALLIS, Esq., 29, Mallams, Portland.
A. J. JUKES-BROWNE, Esq., B.A., F.R.S., F.G.S., Floriston, Torre,
Torquay.
1900 R. LYDEKKER, Esq., F.R.S., The Lodge, Harpeiiden, Herts.
1900 CLEMENT REID, Esq., F.R.S., One Acre, Milford-on-Sea, Hants.
1900 A. SMITH WOODWAED, Esq., LL.D., F.R.S., F.G.S., British Museum (Nat.
Hist.), South Kensington, London.
1904 Sir WM. THISELTON DYER, K.C.M.G., C.I.E., F.R.S., The Ferns,
Witcombe, Gloucester.
1904 Sir FREDERICK TREVES, Bart., G.C.V.O., C.B., LL.D., Thatched House
Lodge, Richmond Park, Kingston-on-Thames.
1905 THOMAS HARDY, Esq., O.M., LL.D., Max Gate, Dorchester.
1909 ALFRED RUSSEL WALLACE, Esq., O.M., LL.D., D.C.L., F.R.S., Broadstone.
XII.
LIST OF MEMBERS
OF THE
Dorset ^laturaL ^istorj? & Jlntiquarian
iyo:i
1903
iHitial* " ">/" *'i/"i/>/ " "ri-jixal Member.",
The Most Hon. the Marquis of
Salisbury
The Most Hon. the Marchioness
of Salisbury
0.x. The Right Hon. the Earl of
Moray, M.A., F.S.A. Ed.,
F.G.S. (1'icc-Prfxident)
190-2 The Right Hon. the Earl of
Shaftesbury
1884 The Right Hon. Lord Eustace
Cecil, F.R.G.S. (r'tce-Pfexidrnf)
1903 The Right Hon. the Lady Eustace
Cecil
1904 The Right Reverend the Lord
Bishop of Durham, D.D.
1890 The Right Reverend the Lord
Bishop of Salisbury, D.D., LL.D.
l-'.'J The Right Reverend the Lord
Bishopof Worcester.D.D., F.S.A
ISKi) The Right Hon. Lord Digby
1895 The Right Hon. Lord Walsing-
ham, F.R.S.
1903 The Right Hon. Lord Chelmsford
1907 The Right Hon. Lord Wynford
1907 The Right Hon. Lady Wynford
1910 Abbott, F. E., Esq.
1S93 Acland, Captain John E., M.A.
IX'J Acton, Rev. Edward, B.A.
1^-yj Aldridge, Mrs. Selina
1907 Allner, Mrs. George
The Manor House, Cranborne
The Manor House, Cranborne
Kinfauus Castle, Perth, X B.
St. Giles, Wimborne
Lytchett Heath, Poole
Lytchett Heath, Poole
Auckland Castle, Bishop's Auckland
The Palace, Salisbury
Hartlebury Castle, Kidderminster
Minterne, Dorchester
Mertou Hall, Thetford, Xorfolk
Governor's House, Brisbane, Queens-
land, Australia
Wynford Eagle, Dorset
Wynford Eagle, Dorset
Gleudinniug Avenue, Weyinouth
Wollaston House, Dorchester
Iwerne Minster Vicarage, Blaudford
Deuewood, Alum Chiue Road, Bourne-
mouth
Xatioual Provincial Bank, Sturmiuster
Xewton
Xlll.
1908 Almack, Rev. A. C., M.A.
1906 Atkins, F. T., Esq., M.R.C.S.,
L.R.C.P. Ed.
1907 Atkinson, George T., Esq., M.A.
1907 Badcoe, A. C., Esq., B.Sc.
1902 Baker, Sir Randolf L. , Bart. , M. P.
1887 Bankes, W. Albert, Esq.
1884 Baukes, Eustace Ralph, Esq.,
M.A., F.E.S.
1887 Baukes, Rev. Cauoii, M.A.
1906 Bankes, Mrs.
1902 Barkworth, Edmund, Esq.
1904 Barlow, Major C. M.
1894 Barnes, Mrs. John lies
1889 Barnes, Rev. W. M., B.A. (Vice-
President)
1903 Barnes, F. J., Esq.
1903 Barnes, Mrs. F. J.
1884 Barrett, W. Bowles, Esq.
1906 Barrow, Richard, Esq.
1S95 Bartelot, Rev. R. Grosvenor, M.A.
1886 Baskett, Rev. C. R.
1893 Baskett, S. R., Esq.
1904 Baskett, Mrs. S. R.
1910 Bates-Harbin, Rev. E. H., M.A.
1909 Batten, Colonel J. Mount, C.B.,
Lord -Lieutenant of Dorset
1889 Batten, H. B., Esq.
1910 Baxter, W. H., Esq.
1910 Baxter, Mrs. W. H.
1888 Beckford, F. J., Esq.
1903 Beiiett-Stauford, Major J..
F.R.G.S., F.Z.S.
1910 Blackett, Rev. J. C., B.A.
1910 Blomefield, Commander T. C. A.,
R.X.
1903 Bond, Gerald Denis, Esq.
1906 Bond, Xigel de M., Esq., M.A.
1893 Bond, Wm. H., Esq.
1903 Bond, Win. Ralph G., Esq.
1910 Bond, F. Bligh, Esq., F.R.I. B.A.
1894 Bousor, Geo., Esq.
The Rectory, Blandford St. Mary
Cathay, AlumhurstRoad, Bournemouth
Durlstou Court, Swanage
County Offices, Dorchester
Ranston, Blandford
Wolfeton House, Dorchester
Nordeu House, Corfe Castle, Wareham
The Close, Salisbury
Kingston Lacy, Wimbome
South House, Pydeltrenthide
Southcot, Charminster
Summerhayes, Blandford
Weymouth Avenue, Dorchester
Gleuthoni, Weymouth
Gleuthoru, Weymouth
2, Belfield Terrace, Weymouth
Sorrento House, Saiidecotes, Parkstone
Fordingtou St. George Vicarage,
Dorchester
Mouktou Rectory, Dorchester
Evershot
Evershot
Newton Surma ville, Yeovil
Sherborue
Up-Cerne House, Dorchester, and
Morniugton Lodge, West Kensington
Aldoii, Yeovil
The Wilderness, Sherborue
The Wilderness, Sherborne
Witley, Parkstoue
Hatch House, Tisbury, Wilts
Gillingham
S, Old Castle Road, Weymouth
Holme, Wareham
83, Coleherne Court, London, S.W
Tyiieharn, Wareham
Tyueham, Wareham
16, Brock Street, Bath
The Gables, Spetisbury
XIV.
1889 Bower, H. Syndercombe. Esq.
1900 Bower, Rev. Charles II. S., M.A.
1X'> Itramlreth, Rev. F. W., M.A.
19<)1 Brennaud, John, Esq.
1885 Brennand. W. E., Esq.
1905 Bromley, Miss
1900 Brown, Miss
1S91 Browning, Benjamin, Esq., M.D.,
D.P.H., Staff-Surgeon B.N.,
Fellow of the Sanitary Institute
of Great Britain
1S95 Brymer, Rev. J. G., M.A.
1907 Bulfin, Ignatius, Esq.
1900 Bullen, Colonel John Bullen
Symes
1907 Bury, Mrs. Henry
1905 Busk, W. G., Esq.
1905 Busk, Mrs. W. G.
1901 Bussell, Miss Katheriue
1903 Butler -Bowdeu, Mrs. Bruno
1906 Butt, Rev. Walter, M. A.
1909 Carnegie-Cheales,J.A.,Esq.,B.A
1891 Carter, William, Esq.
190.) Chadwyck-Healey, Sir C. E. H..
M.A., K.C., C.B., F.S.A.
1903 Champ, A., Esq.
iv.iT Chudleigh, Mrs.
1894 Church, Colonel Arthur
1904 Clapcott, Miss
1892 Clarence, Lovell Burchett,
Esq.
1905 Clark, Mrs. E. S.
ISO.) Clarke, R. Stanley, Esq.
1883 Colfox, Miss A. L.
1878 Colfox, T. A., Esq.
1905 Collins, Stephen, Esq., M.P.
1907 Collins, Wm. W., Esq., R.I.
1905 Colvflle, H. K., Esq.
1904 Coney, Major Wm. Bickuell
1902 Cornish, Rev. W. F., M.A.
Fontmell Parva, Shillingstone, Bland-
ford
Childc Okeford Rectory, Shillingstone,
Dorset
Bucklaiid Newton, Dorchester
Belmont, Parkstone
Blandford
Grange, Florence Road, Boscombe,
Bournemouth
Belle Vue, Shaftesbury
Bec-eu-Hent, Sidmouth, Devon
Ilsington House, Puddletowii
The Den, Knole Hill, Bournemouth
Catherston Leweston, near Charmouth
May field House, Faniham, Surrey
Wraxall Manor, Cattistock, Dorchester
Wraxall Manor, Cattistock, Dorchester
Thorneloe, Bridport
Upwey House, Upwey
Oakwood, Chepstow
The Kendalls, Gillingham
The Hermitage, Parkstone
Wyphurst, Crauleigh, Surrey
St. Katherine's, Bridport
West Parley Rectory, Wimborne
St. Alban's, Rodwell, Weymouth
Bradford Peverell, Dorchester
Coaxden, Axminster
St. Aldhehn's, Wareham
Trobridge House, Creditou, Devon
Westmead, Bridport
Coneygar, Bridport
Harborue, St. Ann's Hill, Wands-
worth, S.W.
Corfe Castle
Loders Court, Bridport
Martinstown, Dorchester
Steepleton Rectory, Dorchester
1903 Cornish -Browne, C. J., Esq. (Hon.
Director of the Dorset Photo-
graphic Survey)
1S91 Cothcr, Rev. P. L., M.A.
1901 Crallan, G. E. J., Esq., M.B.
1886 Crespi, A. J. H., Esq., B.A.,
M.B.C.P.
1909 Crickmay, Harry W., Esq.
1884 Cross, Rev. James, M.A.
1890 Cull, James, Esq.
1885 Curme, Decimus, Esq., M.R.C.S.
189G Curtis, C. H., Esq.
1897 Curtis, Wilfrid Parkinson, Esq.,
F.E.S.
1903 Dacombe, J. M. J., Esq.
1907 Daniell, G. H. S., Esq., M.B.
1907 Daniell, Miss Margaret
O.M. Darell, D., Esq., F.G.S., F.L.S.,
F.Z.S.
1904 Davies, Rev. Canon S. E., M.A.
1891 Davis, Geo., Esq.
1909 Day, Cyril D., Esq.
190i Dearie, Mrs. A. M.
1910 Deveuish, Major J. H. C.
1901 Dicker, Rev. C. W. H., R.D.
(Hon. Editor}
1907 Dicker, Miss Eleanor H.
1903 Digby, Captain H. Montague
1906 Dixon, J. R. L., Esq., M.R.C.S.,
L.R.C.P. Ed.
1906 Dodd, Frank Wm., Esq.,
M.Iiist.C.E.
1908 Dodington, H. P. Marriott, Esq.
1908 Dominy, G. H., Esq., M.R.C.S.,
L.R.C.P.
1904 Dugdale, J. B., Esq.
1905 Duke, Henry, Esq.
1905 Duke, Mrs. Henry
Carne House, Dorchester
1, Clear-mount, Weymouth
The Elms, Parkstone
Cooma, Poole Road, Wimborne
Maybury, 12, Greenhill Gardens,
Weymouth
Baillie House, Sturminster Marshall,
Wimborne
47, Phillimore Gardens, Campden Hill,
London, W.
Childe Okeford, Blaudford
Blaudford
Aysgarth, Parkstone Road, Poole
27, Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth
Dale House, Blaiidford
Dale House, Blandford
Hillfield House, Stoke Fleming, Dart-
mouth, Devon
Wyke Regis Rectory, Weymouth
Sunbeams, Icen Way, Dorchester
Downing College, Cambridge
Clay Hill House, near Gilliiigharn
Springfield, Weymouth
Pydeltreuthide Vicarage, Dorchester
Pydeltreiithide Vicarage, Dorchester
Chalmiugton House, Cattistock, Dor-
chester
Sherbrook, Christchurch Road, Bourne-
mouth
Connaught Road, Weymouth
Castle Gardens, Wareham
Milton Abbas, Blandford
Saudford, Wareham
Clandon, Dorchester
Clandon, Dorchester
XVI.
l'Ji>7 Dukr. Miss M. Constance
1908 Duke, Mrs. E. Barnaby
1910 Duncan, Mrs. Walter
isyi! Dundas, Yen. Archdeacon, M.A.
191C Eaton, Rev. A. E., M.A., F.E.S.
lss."> Elwes, Captain G. R. (Vicr-
/VrviVc///)
1905 Evans, Miss Annie Elizabeth
1886 Falkner, C. G., Esq., M.A.
1884 Farley, Rev. H., M.A.
1903 Fairer, Colonel Philip
1905 Feacey, Jena, Esq.
1904 Ffooks, Mrs. E. Archdall
1904 Fielding, Thos., Esq., M.D.
1892 Filleul, Rev. S. E. V., M.A.
1889 Filliter, George Clavell, Esq.
1896 Filliter, Rev. W. D., M.A.
1910 Filliter, Mrs. W. D.
1901 Fisher, Mrs. J. F.
1906 Fisher, Harry, Esq.
1S90 Fletcher, W. H. B., Esq.
O.M. Fletcher, W. J., Esq., F.R.I.B.A.
1906 Fletcher. Mrs. W. J.
1907 Fletcher, Rev. J. M. J., M.A.,
R.D.
1885 Floyer, G. W., Esq., B.A.
1895 Forbes, Mrs.
1897 Forde, Henry, Esq.
1910 Forder, B. C., Esq.
1893 Forrester, Hugh Carl, Esq., B.A.
1893 Forrester, Mrs. James
1910 Fox-Straugways, H. W., Esq.
1910 Freame, Major B. E.
1895 Fry, Edward Alexander, Esq.
1903 Fry, George S., Esq.
1898 Fullaway, Mrs.
O.M. Galpiu, G., Esq.
1896 George, Mrs.
1908 Gildea, Miss M.
1906 Girdlestone, Mrs.
The Limes, Dorchester
Maeu, Dorchester
Duncraig, Charmouth
CharmiiLster Vicarage, Dorchester
West House, Symoudsbury, Bridport.
Bossington, Bournemouth
Claiidou, Dorchester
Ireton Bank, Rusholme, Manchester
Lytchett Minster, Poole
Binnegar Hall, Wareham
Culliford Road, Dorchester
Kingscote, Dorchester
Milton Abbas, Blaudford
All Saints' Rectory, Dorchester
St. Martin's House, Wareham
East Lulworth Vicarage, Wareham
East Lulworth Vicarage, Wareham
Vines Close, Wimbome
The Rosery, Florence Road, Boscombe
Bournemouth
Aldwick Manor, Bognor, Sussex
The Chantry, Wimbome
The Chantry, Wimbonie
The Vicarage, Wimbonie Minster
West Stafford, Dorchester
Culverhayes, Shilliugstoue, Blandford
Luscombe, Parkstone
Langtoii House, Blaudford
St. John's Cottage, Shaftesbury
Westport, Wareham
38, Haldon Road, Exeter -
The Chantry, Gillingham
227, Strand, London, W.C.
Chesham, The Grove, Xether Street,
Finchley, London, N.
Childe Okeford, Blandford
Clarendon Court, Clarendon Road,
Bournemouth
Fleet House, near Weymouth
Upwey Rectory, Dorchester.
The Corner House, Alum Hurst Road,
West Bournemouth
xvn.
IS90 Glyii, Captain Carr Stuart
1898 Glyn, Lieut. -General J. P. Carr
O.M. Glyn, Sir E. G., Bart.
1895 Godman, F. du Cane, Esq., F.E.S.
1883 Gorringe, Rev. P. R., M.A.
1906 Gowring, Mrs. B. W.
1908 Greenwood, Arthur, Esq., L.M.S.,
L.S.A.
1888 Greves, Hyla, Esq., M.D.
1904 Groves, Herbert J., Esq.
1906 Groves, Miss
1906 Gundry, Joseph, Esq.
1896 Haggard, Rev. H. A., M.A.
1903 Hambro, Sir Everard, K.C.V.O.
1905 Hambro, C. Eric, Esq.
1910 Hanham, Sir John A., Bart.
1893 Hankey, Rev. Canon, M.A.
R.D.
1890 Harrison, Rev. F. T., M.A.
1900 Hasluck, Rev. Ernest, M.A.
189S Hassell, Miss
1894 Hawkins, W., Esq., M.R.C.S.
1903 Hawkins, Mrs. H.
1903 Hawkins, Miss Isabel
1908 Hawkins, Rev. H.
1893 Hayne, R., Esq.
1889 Head, J. Merrick, Esq., M.R.I.A.,
F.R.G.S., F.P.S.
1905 Heath, F. R., Esq.
1905 Heath, Sidney, Esq.
1899 Heiming, Mrs.
1906 Higginbotham, J. C., Esq. (' ' Orme
Agnus ")
1901 Hill, R. E., Esq.
1910 Hill, Miss Pearson
1902 Hine, R., Esq.
1902 Homer, Miss E. C. Wood
1907 Homer, Mrs. G. Wood
1888 Huntley, H. E., Esq.
1906 Jameson, Mrs.
1903 Jenkins, Rev. T. Leonard, M.A.
Wood Leaze, Wimborne
North Leigh, Wimborne
Gaunts House, Wimborne
Lower Beeding, Horsham
124, Richmond Park Road, Bourne-
mouth
49, High West Street, Dorchester
32, Dorchester Road, Weymouth
Rodney House, Bournemouth
Clifton, Weymouth
Thickthorne, Broadwey, Dorset
Wales House, Prince of Wales Road,
Dorchester
Molash Vicarage, Canterbury
Milton Abbey, Dorset
70, Prince's Gate, London, S.W.
Dean's Close, Wimborne
Maiden Newton Rectory, Dorchester
Burton Bradstock Rectory, Bridport
Handley Vicarage, Salisbury
Westfield Lodge, Parkstone
Hillfield, Broadwey, Dorchester
Rew House, Martinstown, Dorchester
Wyke, Sherborne
1, Westerhall, Weymouth
Fordington House, Dorchester
Pennsylvania Castle, Portland
The Woodlands, Weymouth
Victoria Avenue, Upwey, Dorchester
Frome, Dorchester
Northport House, Wareham
Long Lynch, Childe Okeford
Rax, Bridport
Beaminster
Bardolf Manor, Puddletown
Bardolf Manor, Puddletown
Charlton House, Blandford
Kenmare, Prince of Wales Road,
Dorchester
Leigh Vicarage, Sherborne
xvin.
is'.i! Kerr, E. W. Esq., M.D.
1895 Lafoutaino, A. C. de, Esq., F.S.A.
1902 Langdon, Miss M.
1876 Langford, Rev. Canon, M.A.
1910 Leach, F. R., Esq.
1901 Lee, W. H. Markham, Esq.,
I.S.M.
1907 Lees, Captain Edgar, H.X.
1907 Lees, Mrs. Edgar
1910 Le Fleming, E. K., Esq., B.A.,
M.B.
1900 Legge, Miss Jane
1899 Le Jeune, H., Esq.
1900 Leslie, Rev. E. C., M.A.
1902 Lewis, Rev. A., M.A.
1894 Linklater, Rev. Prebendary,
D.D.
1S90 Lister, Miss Gulielma
1905 Llewellin, W., Esq., M.A.
1900 Lock, Mrs. A. H.
1S92 Lock, B. Fossett, Esq.
1893 Lock, Miss Mary C.
1910 MacCormick, Rev. F., F.S.A.,
M.R.A.S.
18S8 Macdonald, P. W., Esq., M.D.
1902 Mainwaring, Lieut. -Col. F. G. L.
1890 Manger, A. T., Esq.
1907 Mansel, Miss Susan
1894 Mansel-Pleydell, Mrs.
1899 Mansel-Pleydell, Rev. J. C. M.,
M.A., R.D. (Vice- President
and Hon. Treasurer)
1890 March, H. Colley, Esq., M.D.,
F.S.A., M.R.S.A.I., F.A.I.
(Vice- President)
1883 Marriott, Sir W. Smith, Bart.
1904 Marsh, J. L., Esq.
1907 Mate, C. H., Esq.
1879 Maunsell, Rev. F. W., M.A.
O.M. Mayo, Rev. Canon, M.A., R.D.
( Vice-President)
1902 Mayo, Miss B.
South Street, Dorchester
Athelhampton, Dorchester
Parrock's Lodge, Chard
Belle Vue, Higher Hooe, Plymouth
Upcott, Bournemouth West
Wyke Regis, Wcymouth
The Manor House, Upwey
The Manor House, Upwey
St. Margaret's, Wimborne
Allington Villa, Bridport
St. Ives, Upper Parkstone, Dorset
Came Rectory, Dorchester
Chardstock Vicarage, Chard
Stroud Green Vicarage, London, N.
High Cliffe, Lyme Regis
Upton House, Poole
53, High West Street, Dorchester
11. New Square, Lincoln's Inn, London
7, Blackheath Road, Oxford
Wrockwardine Wood Rectory, Wel-
lington, Salop
Herrison, Dorchester
Wabey House, Upwey
Stock Hill, Gillingham
Top -o' -Town, Dorchester
Longthorns, Blandford
Sturminster Newton Vicarage, Dorset
Portesham, Dorchester
The Down House, Blandford
White Cliff Mill Street, Blandford
Elim, Surrey Road South, Bourne-
mouth
Symondsbury Rectory, Bndport
Long Burton Vicarage, Sherborne
Friar Waddon, Dorchester
XIX.
1907 Michell, Theo., Esq.
O.M. Middleton, H. B., Esq., M.A.
1909 Middleton, Miss A.
1900 Middleton, Miss L. M.
1890 Milne, Rev. Percy H., M.A.
O.M. Moorhead, J., Esq., M.A., M.D.
1905 Morgan, Mrs.
1897 Moullin, Arthur D., Esq.
1908 Nettleton, Spencer, Esq.
1910 Newlaiid, Miss Mary
1909 Newnham, H. S., Esq.
1905 Nicholson, Captain Hugh
1906 Oke, A. W., Esq.
1886 Okeden, Colonel U. E. Parry
1906 Okeden, Edmund Parry, Esq.
1908 Oliver, Vere L., Esq.
1908 Oliver, Mrs. Vere L.
1904 Oliver, Westoii, Esq., M.A.
1908 Ord, W. T., Esq., M.R.C.S.,
L.R.C.P.
1905 Paget, Miss Adelaide
1909 Pain, Miss
1905 Parkinson, Miss M. B.
1890 Patey, Miss
1908 Patterson, Mrs. Myles
1907 Paul, Edward Clifford, Esq.,
M.A.
1907 Paul, Mrs. Edward Clifford
1894 Payne, Miss Florence O.
1906 Pearce, Mrs. Thos. A.
1909 Pearce, Edwin, Esq.
1901 Peck, Gerald R., Esq.
1878 Penny, Rev. J., M.A.
1894 Penny-Snook, S., Esq., M.R.C.S.,
L.R.C.P.
1907 Penny-Snook, Mrs. S.
1901 Pentin, Rev. Herbert, M.A. (Vice-
president and Hon. Secretary)
1894 Peto, Sir Henry, Bart.
1896 Phillips, Miss
1908 Phillips, Rev. C. A., M.A.
Trewirgie, Wellington Road, Bourne-
mouth
Bradford Peverell, Dorchester
Bradford Peverell, Dorchester
Cliff Cabin, Worbarrow, Wareham
Homblottoii Rectory, Castle Gary
The Imperial Hotel, Bournemouth
Haselbury Bryan Rectory, Blandford
Fermain, Cranbourne Road, Swauage
West Lulworth, Wareham
Belgrano, Alexandra Park Road,
Parkstone
Rodlands, Dorchester
Nettlecombe, Melplash
32, Denmark Villas, Hove, Sussex
Turnworth, Blandford
Turnworth, Blandford
Greeuhill House, Weymouth
Greenhill House, Weymouth
Castle House, Weymouth
Greenstead, 14, Madeira Road, Bourne-
mouth
Park Homer, Wimborne
Membury, Bournemouth
Oaklands, Wimborne
Holmlea, Lincoln
Southover, Tolpuddle, Dorchester
Eastbrook House, Upwey
Eastbrook House, Upwey
Rydal, Wimborne
Ivythorpe, Dorchester
Fore Street, Taunton
East Looe, Parkstone -on -Sea
Tarrant Rushton Rectory, Blandford
Netherton House, Weymouth
Netherton House, Weymouth
Milton Abbey Vicarage, Blandford
Chedington Court, Mistertoii, Somerset
Walton House, Bournemouth
Walton House, Bournemouth
XX.
1883 Pickard-Cambn.i;: . A \V .. Esq..
M.A.
O.K. Pkkard - Cambridge, Rev. O.,
M.A., F.R.S. (rtct-Ptotuknf)
1908 rVkard-Cambriage, Miss Ada
Pickard -Cambridge, MBB
Catherine
1903 Pike, Leonardo., Esq.
1903 Pitt-Rivers, A. L. Fox, Esq.,
F.S.A.
1904 Plowman, Rev. L. S.
1896 Pond, S., Esq.
1894 Ponting, Chas. E., Esq., F.S.A.
1905 Poole, Rev. Sealer, M.A.
OK. Pope, Alfred, Esq.. F -
1906 Pope, Alfred Rolph, Esq., M.A.
1906 Pope, Mrs. Alfred Rolph
1905 Pope, Miss Hilda
1900 Pope, George, Esq.
1909 Pope, Francis J., Esq.
1909 Pownall, Rev. B. C., M.A.
1909 Pratt, Colonel, R.A.
1896 Prideaux, C. S., Esq., LJXS,
1900 Prideaux, W. de C., Esq.. LJ).S.
1905 Pringle, Henry T., Esq., M.D.
1905 Pringle, Mrs. Henry T.
1S8S Pye, William, Esq.
tM Radclyffe, Eustace, Esq.
1905 Ramsden, Mrs.
1906 Ransford, Colonel
OJC. Ravenhill, Rev. Canon, M.A.
190o Raymond. F., Esq.
1906 Raymond, Mrs. F.
1S99 RendeH, W. F., Esq.
1556 Reynolds, Mrs. Arthur
1904 Rhydderch, Rev. W.
1557 Richardson, N. M., Esq., BJL
(Prn^tnt)
St. Catherine's, Headington HOI, Ox
ford
Bloxworth Rectory, Wa
Picardy, Rod well, Weymouth
Picardy, Rodwell, Weymonth
Kingbarrow, Wareham
Hinton St. Mary, Blandf ord
P'-.r- -. fm I ry. Bhflil tt
Blandf ord
Wye House, Marlborough
Chickerell Rectory. Weymouth
South Court. Dorchester
Cullif ord House, Dorchester
Cullif ord House, Dorchester
South Court, Dorchester
Weston Hall, Bournemouth
17, Holland Road, London, W.
1-2, Grange Road, Weymoath
The Ferns, Charminster
Ermington, Dorchester
1J. Frederick Place, Weymouth
Ferndown, Wimbome
Femdown, Wimbome
Dunmore, Rodwefl, Weymouth
Hyde, Wareham
Great Bidlake, Bridestow, X. Devon
Talavera, Dorchester Road, Weymoul
Southlea, Queen's Avenue, Darchesto
Garryowen, Dorchester
Garryowen, Dorchester
HaDow Dene, Parkstone
, Dotdbastu
Montevideo, duckeren, near We;
1901 Ridley, Rev. J. The Rectory, Polhaou Dotcbester
1390 Robinson, Sir Charles. C.B.. F.S.A. Newton Manor, Swanage
1886 Rodd. Edward Stanhope, Esq. Cbardstock Hone, Chard
1907 Roe, Miss M. M. E. Saadford Orcas Rectory, Sherborne
XXI.
1909 Roe, Rev. Wilfrid T., M.A.
1907 Roper, Freeman, Esq.
1909 Rowston, Robert, Esq.
1889 Russell, Colonel C. J., R.E.
1910 Russell. Wright, Rev. T., M.A.
1906 Samson, Miss E. A.
1905 Saudersoii-Wells, T. H., Esq.,
M.D.
1905 Saunt, Miss
1905 Saunt, Miss B. V.
1889 Schuster, Rev. W. P., M.A.
1910 Schuster, Mrs. W. P.
1907 Scott, J. H., Esq., M.E.
1904 Seaman, Rev. C. E., M.A.
1883 Searle, Alan, Esq.
1906 Shephard, Colonel C. S., D.S.O.
1896 Shepheard, Thomas, Esq.,
F.R.M.S.
1906 Shepherd, Rev. F. J.
1903 Sheridan, Mrs. A. T. Brinsley
ISM Sherren, J. A., Esq., F.R. Hist. S.
1908 Shortt, Miss E. F.
1908 Shortt, Miss L. M.
18t>7 Simpson, Jas., Esq.
1895 Simpson, Miss
1906 Smith, Mrs. Alfred
1899 Smith, Howard Lycm, Esq.,
L.R.C.P.
1909 Smith, Nowell C., Esq., M.A.
li)OS Smith, Mrs. Spencer
WSS Solly, Rev. H. Shaen, M.A.
1901 Sotheby, Rev. W. E. H., M.A.,
R.D.
1909 South, H. E., Esq., Fleet Surgeon
R.N. (retired)
190.") Stephens, J. Thompson, Esq.
1908 Stephens, A. N., Esq.
1903 Stilwell, H., Esq.
1900 Storer, Colonel, late R.E.
Sandford Orcas Rectory, Sherborne
Forde Abbey, Chard
Casterbridge, Dorchester
Clavinia, Weymouth
Mountside, Westbourne Park Road,
Bournemouth
Elwell Lea, Upwey
16, Victoria Terrace, Weymouth
The Cottage, Upwey
The Cottage, Upwey
The Vicarage, West Lulworth, Ware-
ham
The Vicarage, West Lulworth, Ware-
ham
Skiddaw, Talbot Hill, Bournemouth
Stalbridge Rectory, Blandford
Ashton Lodge, Bassett, Southampton
Shorttake, Osmington, Weymouth
Kingsley, Bournemouth West
Dorchester
Frampton Court, Dorchester
Helmsley, Weymouth
The Manor House, Martinstown
The Manor House, Martinstown
Minterne Grange, Parkstone
12, Greenhill, Weymouth
Newton House, Sturminster Newton
Bucklaud House, Buckland Newton.
Dorchester
School House, Sherborne
Kingston Vicarage, Wareham
Southcote, Alexandra Road, Park-
stone
Gillingham Vicarage, Dorset
Manor House, Moreton
Wandenvell, Bridport
Haddon House, West Bay, Bridport
Steepleton Manor, Dorchester
Keavil, Bournemouth
XX11.
1900 Stopforcl, Admiral
1895 Sturdy, Leonard, Esq.
1896 Sturdy, Philip. Esq.
1902 Sturdy, Miss Violet
1907 Sturdy, Alan, Esq.
1905 Sturdy, E. T., Esq.
1898 Sturt, W. Neville, Esq.
1898 Suttill, H. S., Esq.
1905 Suttill, John, Esq.
1909 Swaffield, A. Owen, Esq.
1908 Swaffield, R. H. O. Owen, Esq.
1893 Sykes, E. R., Esq., B.A., F.Z.S.
(J'ice- President)
18S9 Symes, G. P., Esq., M.A., B.C.L.,
M.V.O.
1904 Symonds, Arthur G., Esq.
1904 Symonds, Henry, Esq.
1901 Telfordsmith, Telford, Esq.,
M.A., M.D.
O.M. Thompson, Rev. G., M.A.
1900 Thomson, Chas. Bertram, Esq.,
F.R.C.S.
1907 Tims, E. M., Esq., R.N. (retired)
1907 Tims, Mrs. E. M.
1907 Towers, Miss
189S Troyte-Bullock, Mrs.
1905 Truell, Mrs.
O.K. tidal, J. S., Esq., F.S.A.
1908 Udal, N. R., Esq., B.A.
1897 Usher, Rev. R., M.A., F.L.S.
1890 Usherwood, Rev. Canon T. E.,
M.A.
1910 Vivian, S. P., Esq.
1907 Waite, Arthur H., Esq.
1887 Walker, Rev. S. A., M.A.
190o Ward, Samuel, Esq.
Shrotou House, Blandford
Trigon, Wareham
The Wick, Branksome, near Bourne-
mouth
The Wick, Branksome, near Bourne-
mouth
The Wick, Branksome, near Bourne-
mouth
Xorburton, Burton Bradstock, Bridport
Baytree Farm, Great Horkesley, Col-
chester
Pymore, Bridport
24, West Street, Bridport
5, Lansdowne Square, Rod well, Wey-
mouth
1 , Lansdowne Terrace, Weymouth
8, Belvedere, Weymouth
Monksdene, Weymouth
10, South Street, Dorchester
30, Bolton Gardens, London, S.W.
The Knoll, Parkstone
Highbury, Bodorgan Road, Bourne-
mouth
Romansleigh, Wimborne
Winfrith House, Winfrith
Winfrith House, Winfrith
Whicham, Porchester Road, Bourne-
mouth
Silton Lodge, Zeals, Bath
Onslow, Wimborne
Symondsbury, near Bridport
Gordon College, Khartoum
Netherbury, Beaminster
Bagdale, Parkstone
Inland Revenue Office, Somerset
House, London
Upwey Place, Upwey
Charlton Manor, Blandford
Ingleton, Greenliill, Weymouth
XX111.
O.M. WaiTe, Rev. Canon F., M.A.
1904 Worry, Mrs. King
1904 Worry, Wm., Esq.
1905 Watkins, Wm., Esq., F.R.O.S.
O.M. Watts, Rev. Canon, M.A.
1905 Watts, Miss .
1893 Weaver, Rev.F. W.,M.A.,F.S.A.
1905 Webb, H. N., Esq.
1910 Webb, Miss
1909 Whistler, Rev. C. W., M.R.C.S.
1895 Whitby, Joseph, Esq.
1905 Whitby, Mrs. J.
1904 Wildman, W. B., Esq., M.A.
1892 Williams, E. W., Esq., B.A.
1903 Williams, Captain Berkeley C. W.
1897 Williams, Miss F. L.
1884 Williams, Colonel Robert, M.P.
1884 Williams, Mrs. Robert
1908 Williams, Miss Rhoda
1906 Williams, Miss Meta
1903 Willis, Mrs. A. Ratcliffe
1905 Wills, A. W., Esq., B.A., LL.B.
1910 Wingote, Rev. P. B., M.A.
1906 Winwood, T. H. R., Esq., M.A.
1910 Woodd,A.B.,Esq.,M.A.,M.R.I.
1898 Woodhouse, Miss
1903 Woodhouse, Miss Ellen E.
1906 Woodhouse, Frank D., Esq.
1906 Woodhouse, Mrs. Frank D.
1902 Wright, Rev. Herbert L., B.A.
1904 Yates, Robert, Esq.
1910 Yeatman, H. F., Esq., M.A,,
B.C.L.
1893 Young, E. W., Esq.
Bemerton, Salisbury
39, Filey Avenue, Upper Clapton,
London, N.
Westrow, Holwell, Sherborne
62, London Woll, B.C.
Bemerton, Salisbury
Bemerton, Salisbury
Milton Vicarage, Evercreech, Somerset
Bibury Cottage, Osbom Road, Brank-
some Park, Bournemouth
Luscombe, Parkstone
Chesilborue Rectory, Dorchester
Preston, Yeovil
Preston, Yeovil
The Abbey House, Sherborne
Herringston, Dorchester
Herriiigstoii, Dorchester
Westlea/e, Dorchester
Bridehead, Dorchester
Bridehead, Dorchester
Bridehead, Dorchester
South Walk, Dorchester
Bendemeer, Parkstone
3, Hyde Park Gate, London, S.W.
Tarrant Keynston Rectory, Blandford
High Littleton House, High Littleton,
Bristol
Heckfield, Milford-on-Sea, Hants
Chilmore, Ansty, Dorchester
Chilmore, Ansty, Dorchester
Old Ford House, Blandford St. Mary
Old Ford House, Blandford St. Mary
Church Knowle Rectory, Corfe Castle
Delcombe, Milton Abbas, Blandford
28, Cecil Court, Hollywood Road,
London, S.W.
Dorchester
The above list includes the New Members elected up to and including the
August meeting of the year 1910.
(Any omissions or errors should be notified to the Hon. Secretary.)
XXIV.
ELECTED SINCE THE PUBLICATION OF THE LIST CONTAINED
IN VOL. XXX.
PROPOSED ON ATJQUST 25TH, 1909.
Nominee. Proposer. Seconder.
3. A. Carnegie -Cheales, Esq., of The The Rev. W. E. H. The Rev. Canon
Kendalls, Gillingham Sotheby Langford
Miss Pain, of Membury, Miss Towers The Hon. Treasurer
Bournemouth
Edwin Pearce, Esq., of Fore W. de C. Prideaux, Mrs. T. A. Pearce
Street, Taunton Esq.
PROPOSED ON DEC. 14th, 1909.
Nominee.
The Rev. E. H. Bates-Harbin,
M.A., of Newton Surmaville,
Yeovil
Commander T. C. A. Blomefield,
R.N., of 8, Old Castle Road,
Weymouth
F. Bligh Bond, Esq., F.R.I.B.A.,
of 16, Brock Street, Bath
H. W. Fox -Strang ways, Esq., of
38, Haldon Road, Exeter
The Rev. F. MacCormick, F.S.A.S.,
M.R.A.S., of Wrockwardine
Wood Rectory, Wellington, Salop
Miss Mary Xewland, of Belgrano,
Alexandra Park Road, Parkstone
The Rev. T. Russell -Wright, M.A.,
of Mountside, Westbourne Park
Road, Bournemouth
Miss Webb, of Luscombe, Park-
stone
H. F. Yeatman, Esq., M.A., B.C.L.,
of 2S, Cecil Court, Hollywood
Road, London, S.W.
Proposer.
Canon C. H. Mayo
The Rev. P. L.
Cother
The Rev. R. Gros-
venor Bartelot
Philip Sturdy, Esq.
The Hon. Secretary
The Rev. H. S.
Solly
F. T. Atkins, Esq.
F. J. B. Beckford,
Esq.
Mrs. Forbes
Seconder.
The Rev. F. W.
W eaver
F. D. Lys, Esq.
The Hon. Secretary
Alan Sturdy, Esq.
The Rev. C. W. H.
Dicker
Alan Searle, Esq.
The President
H. Forde, Esq.
Sir Raudolf Baker
XXV.
PROPOSED ON MARCH 2ND, 1910.
Nominee. Proposer.
W. H. Baxter, Esq., of Sherborne Alfred Pope, Esq.
Mrs. W. H. Baxter, of Sherborne ,,
Mrs. Walter Duncan, of Charmouth H. S. Suttill, Esq.
The Rev. A. E. Eaton, M.A., F.E.S. The President
of West House, Symoudsbury,
Bridport
A. B. Woodd, Esq., M.A., M.R.I., Capt. J. E. Aclaud
of "Heckfield," Milford-on-Sea,
Hants
Seconder.
W. B. Wildman, Esq
J. T. Stephens, Esq.
The Rev. O. Pickard-
Cambridge
H. S. Newnham, Esq.
PROPOSED ON MAY 19TH, 1910.
Nominee. Proposer.
Major B. E. Freame, of The H. Syndercombe
Chantry, Gillingham
Bower, Esq.
Seconder.
H. C. Forrester, Esq.
PROPOSED ON JUNE 30TH, 1910.
Nominee. Proposer. Seconder.
The Rev. J. C. Blackett, B.A., of The Rev. F. W. The Rev. W. E. H.
Gillingham, Dorset Brandreth Sotheby
B. C. Forder, Esq., J.P., of Alfred Pope, Esq. The Hon. Secretary
Langton House, Blaudford
S. P. Vivian, Esq., of the Inland The Rev. C. W. ,,
Revenue Office, Somerset House, Whistler
London
PROPOSED ON JULY 22ND. 1910.
Nominee. Proposer. Seconder.
Major J. H. C. Devenish, of Spring- Lieut. -Colon el U. The Hou. Secretary
field, Weymouth Parry Okeden
Mrs. W. D. Filliter. of East Lul- The Rev. W. D. ,,
worth Vicarage, Wareham Filliter
Sir John A. Hanham, Bart., Lord Eustace Cecil H. Syndercombe
of Dean's Close, Wimboriie Bower, Esq.
Miss Pearson Hill, of Rax, Bridport H. Symonds, Esq. Miss A. L. Colfox
\.\V1.
PEOPOSED ON AUGUST I.'JTH, 1910.
Nominee. Proposer. Seconder.
F. E. Abbott, Esq., of Gleiiclinuiiig W. Bowles Barrett, Harry W. Crickinay,
Avcuuc, Weymouth Esq. Esq.
F. R. Leach, Esq., of Upcott, Dr. C. B. Thomson Dr. T. Telfordsmith
Bournemouth West
E.K. Le Fleming, Esq., B. A., M.B., ,, ,.
of St. Margaret's, Wimborne
Mrs. W. P. Schuster, of .West The Rev. W. P. The Rev. W. D.
Lulworth Vicarage, Wareham Schuster Filliter
The Rev. P. P. Wingate, M.A., The Rev. A. C. The Hon. Secretury
of Tarrant Keyuston Rectory, Almack
Blaudford
XX Vll.
PUBLICATIONS.
Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian
Field Club. Vols. I. XXXI. Price 10s. Cd. each volume, postfree.
General Index to the Proceedings. Vols. I. XXVI. Price 6d., by
post "d.
The Church Bells of Dorset. By the Kev. Canon RAVEN, D.D., F.S.A.
Price (in parts, as issued), Cs. 6d., post free.
Church Goods, Dorset, A.D. 1552. By the Rev. W. MILES BABNES.
(Out of pi int.)
By the late J. C. MANSEL-PLEYDELL, B.A., F.G.S., F.L.S.
The Flora of Dorset. 2nd Edition. Price 12s.
The Birds of Dorset. Price 5s.
The Mollusca of Dorset. Price 5s.
By the Rev. O. PICKARD -CAMBRIDGE, M.A., F.R.S., F.Z.S.
Spiders of Dorset. '2 vols. Price 25s., post free.
The British Phalangidea, or Harvest Men. Price 5s., post free.
British Chernetidea, or False Scorpions. Price os., post free.
The Volumes of Proceedings can be obtained from the Hon. Treasurer (the
Rev. J. C. M. Mansel-Pleydell, Sturminster Xewtoii) ; the Church Bells of
Dorset, from the Rev. W. Miles Barnes, Dorchester ; Mr. Mausel-Pleydell's
works, from the Curator of the Dorset County Museum, Dorchester ; the
Rev. O. Pickard- Cambridge's works, from the Author, Bloxworth Rectory,
Wareham ; and the General Index, from the Assistant- Secretary (Mr. H.
Pouiicy, Dorset County Chronicle Office, Dorchester).
SOCIETIES IN CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE
FIELD CLUB.
British Museum, London.
British Museum of Natural History, London.
British Association, Burlington House, London.
Cambridge Philosophical Society, Cambridge.
Devon Association for the Advancement of Science.
Geological Society of London. London.
Hampshire Field Club, Southampton.
Royal Society of Antiquaries, Dub'in, Ireland.
Society of Antiquaries, London.
Somerset Archaeological Society, Taunton.
University Library, Cambridge.
Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society,
Salisbury.
"glaturaC ^istor^ & Jlntiqttaricm
DURING THE SEASON 1909-1910.
WINTER SESSION.
THE OPENING MEETING took place at the Reading Room
of the County Museum on Tuesday, December 14th. The
President occupied the chair, supported by five of the Vice-
Presidents ; and nearly forty Members attended the meeting.
Three new Members were elected, and nine nominations
were announced.
EXHIBITS.
By the PRESIDENT :
Ancient jug, got out of the Backwater at Weyinouth ;
the base adorned with a rough " thumbing."
By the Rev. CANON RAVENHILL :
Fragments of mediaeval tiles, from Old Sarum.
By the PRESIDENT (on behalf of the Rev. A. R. TURING
BRUCE) :
A cylindrical perforated mass of earthenware, &c., found
by him in a pit at Sixpenny Handley. Dr. MARCH suggested
THE FIRST WINTER MEETING. XXIX.
that it was a weight suspended by a cord and used in weaving.
Captain ACLAND observed that there were a number of such
loom weights in the Museum.
STONE MORTARS.
The Rev. J. M. J. FLETCHER and the Rev. C. W. H. DICKER
exhibited some ancient mortars or stoups of Purbeck stone.
By the Rev. C. R. BASKETT :
An interesting collection of stone implements from British
Columbia.
ROMAN VILLA AT WYKE REGIS. Captain ACLAND produced
a letter from Mr. H. C. Bowdage, calling attention to the site
of a supposed Roman villa at Wyke Regis, discovered ten
years ago while he was superintending the construction of the
Ferry Bridge. He observed traces on the soil of some building
underneath. Nothing, added Captain Acland, was more
likely than that there was a Roman villa at Wyke, and his
object in mentioning the matter was, if possible, to induce
some antiquary of the neighbourhood to undertake excava-
tions to ascertain the truth of the supposition. The Rev. C.
R. BASKETT said he had two Roman coins which were dug
up in the allotments at Wyke not long ago.
PAPERS.
The Rev. J. M. J. FLETCHER read a paper on ' The
Birthplace of Matthew Prior . ' ' (Page 71.)
Mr. F. J. BARNES read a paper (of considerable scientific
value and of general interest) on " Lobsters."
The Rev. H. SHAEN SOLLY contributed a note on " A large
Boulder, found in the Drift, Upper Parkstone." (Page 161.)
Mr. HENRY SYMONDS read a paper on " Some Dorset
Privateers," of the ports of Poole, Weymouth, and Lyme
Regis. (Page 30.)
Two other papers by the Hon. Editor and by Mr. J. S.
Udal, F.S.A. were held over until the next meeting.
net. THE SECOND WINTER MEETING.
SECOND WINTER MEETING.
Wednesday, March 2nd, 1910.
The chair was taken by the PRESIDENT. There were also
present : Lord Eustace Cecil, V.P., the Hon. Treasurer,
the Hon. Editor, the Assistant Secretary, and about fifty
other Members.
Nine new Members were elected, and five nominations were
received.
CONGRESS OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETIES. Printed copies
of the Report of the Twentieth Congress were circulated
amongst the Members present, showing the valuable work
that is being done throughout the country by the various
bodies interested in Archaeological research and in the care of
ancient monuments and other works. Our Club was
represented at last year's Congress by Mr. Nigel Bond.
PUDDLETOWN CHURCH. A short discussion was raised, at
the suggestion of the PRESIDENT, on the subject of the
proposed re-building of the Chancel of Puddletown Church,
and the extension of the North Aisle. Subsequently, a
resolution was moved by the Rev. S. E. V. FILLEUL, seconded
by the Rev. C. R. BASKETT, " That this Club has heard with
regret of the proposal to make additions to Puddletown
Church, and wishes to express disapproval of any alterations
being made to this ancient fabric." This was carried
unanimously.
THE " PROCEEDINGS. " Captain ELWES gave notice that
at the next meeting he would move that the price of the
annual volume should be raised from 10s. 6d. to 12s. 6d. to
members, and to 15s. for non-members.
THE MEDALS COMPETITION. The Rev. J. C. M. MANSEL-
PLEYDELL said he wished to say how much he hoped that
the generous interest in the founding of the medals com-
petitions by Lord Eustace Cecil would be justified by a larger
entry.
THE SECOND WINTER MEETING. XXXI.
EXHIBITS.
By the PRESIDENT :
A copy of the 1st Edition of the Nuremburg Liber
Cronicarum, printed in 1493 by Antony Koberger, and
containing a history of the world, illustrated by over 2,000
woodcuts by Michael Wolgemut (Albert Diirer's master) and
Wilhelm Pleydenwurff.
The Creation, the Expulsion from Eden, and many other Bible events are
illustrated. Sacred and prof me history run side by side, Ulysses and Circe
finding a place 011 the same page as King Saul. Long series of Popes, Kings,
and Emperors, and famous personages are shown (as stated in the colophon)
by accurate portraits. A great feature of the work is a number of maps and
views of cities and countries. There are also woodcuts showing types of dog-
headed, headless, and other strange peoples in various foreign countries.
The second part is of the nature of a Gazetteer, with descriptions and views
of different lands and localities.
OLD STONE CROSSES. Mr. ALFRED POPE, F.S.A., author
of " The Old Stone Crosses of Dorset," exhibited his fine
collection of prints, photos, &c., illustrating the subject.
They were, he said, principally of mediaeval memorial and
market crosses, and represented by excellent line engravings,
mostly of late in the 18th or early in the 19th centuries.
DORSET PHOTOGRAPHIC SURVEY. Mr. C. J. CORNISH
BROWNE, of Came House, the director of the Photographic
Survey of Dorset, exhibited about 160 platinotype photo-
graphs, temporarily mounted. In doing so he wished to say
how much the work of the Survey could be helped by the
members of the club who had photographs putting themselves
in communication with him and offering to help with their
cameras. Captain ACLAND suggested the adoption of some
broad system of classification in the collection. The
PRESIDENT proposed that a small committee should be
appointed to co-operate with Mr. Cornish Browne, to consist
of the Executive, the Rev. W. Miles Barnes, who instituted
the Survey, and Captain Acland on behalf of the Museum.
This was agreed to.
XXxii. THE SECOND WINTER MEETING.
QUARTER NOBLE. The Rev. C. W. WHISTLER exhibited an
interesting gold coin of the reign of Richard II. a quarter
of a rose noble, which was found at Cheselbourne.
A COFFIN LID AT TOLPUDDLE. Mr. W. DE C. PRIDEAUX
exhibited a plaster cast of an early stone coffin lid, at
Tolpuddle, having an effigy in low relief with an inscription
around it. The PRESIDENT said the Club were much indebted
to Mr. Prideaux for getting this portion of the stone slab out
and making the plaster cast of it. 2 was voted towards
the estimated cost (5) of getting removed from the wall the
lower portion of the slab which is embedded in it.
A DOUBLE STOUP. Mr. LE JEUNE showed a photo of a
reversible stone stoup with trunnions found at Christchurch
Priory.
PAPERS.
The HON. EDITOR read a paper on " The Normans in
Dorset." (Page 115.)
" THE BETTISCOMBE SKULL." In the absence of the Hon.
J. 8. Udal, F.S.A., portions of his paper on the " Bettis-
combe Skull " were read. (The paper will be found printed
at page 176.)
SPIDERS. The introduction was read to the customary
annual paper prepared by the Rev. O. PICKARD CAMBRIDGE,
F.R.S., the eminent arachnologist, on " British Arachnida
Noted and Observed in 1909." The result of the past year's
collecting and observations enabled him to record the
addition of seven species to the British and Irish list.
WEYMOUTH AND MELCOMBE REGIS IN THE CIVIL WAR.
Mr. W. BOWLES BARRETT, the well-known Weymouth
historian and antiquary, read an interesting paper on that
town in the time of the Civil War.
The meeting terminated with a paper by the Rev. A. C.
ALMACK on the " Pitts of Blandford St. Mary." (Page 165.)
THE ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING. XXX111.
ANNUAL MEETING.
THE ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING took place on May 26th.
The President (in the chair) was supported by the following
Vice-Presidents : The Rev. H. Pentin, Captain Elwes, the
Rev. W. Miles Barnes, the Rev. J. C. M. Mansel-Pleydell,
and Mr. Ernest Sykes. There were also present the Hon.
Editor, the Assistant Secretary, and nearly 30 other
Members. Five new Members were balloted for and elected,
and one fresh nomination was announced.
The PRESIDENT then read his Address. (Page 1.)
Mr. MIDDLETON moved a vote of thanks to the President,
and was seconded by Canon RAVENHILL.
The HON. SECRETARY read his Report, in the course of
which he announced the financial results of the summer
meetings held during the past year. (Page Iviii.) He next
referred to the work of the sectional committees, and concluded
by proposing that an Earthworks Sub-Committee be added.
This proposal being formally put to the meeting, was
unanimously carried, and the following Members elected
ad hoc .-The President, Dr. Colley March, the Rev. C. W. H.
Dicker, Captain J. E. Acland, Messrs. C. S. Prideaux, W.
de C. Prideaux, and H. Le- Jeune, and the Rev. C. W.
Whistler as corresponding secretary.
The HON. EDITOR read a short report. (Page Ix.)
THE DORSET PHOTOGRAPHIC SURVEY. Mr. C. J. Cornish
Browne (Director) being unable to attend this Meeting, his
Report was read by the HON. SECRETARY. (Page Ixi.)
THE CLUB'S FINANCES. The HON. TREASURER presented
his financial statement. (Page Ixiii.) The PRESIDENT said
they were much indebted to Captain Elwes for the wonderful
way in which he managed their finances. He had pleasure in
moving the adoption of the report. The Rev. G. THOMPSON,
in seconding, said he was glad to hear that, although so much
had been done by the Club, there was so large a balance in
hand. The motion was carried with applause.
XXxiv. THE ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING.
THE MUSEUM. Captain ACLAND, as Curator, gave some
account of the principal work done in recent years in the
County Museum, and a vote of thanks was accorded to him
for his valuable services. (Page 24.)
PRESENTATION OF THE ESSAY COMPETITION MEDALS.
The Rev. J. C. M. MANSEL-PLEYDELL then made the presenta-
tion of the " Mansel-Pleydell " and " Cecil " medals. The
" Mansel-Pleydell " silver medal and prize, of the value of 5.
had been awarded by the Trustees to Dr. W. Theophilus Ord,
of Greenstead, Madeira-road, Bournemouth, who, although a
busy professional man, had found time to produce an excellent
essay on " The Geology of the Purbeck Hills." The " Cecil "
medal and prize, also of the value of 5, had been awarded
to Mr. George Nicholson, of Sunny Bank, Weymouth, for an
admirable essay on "Electricity as a motive power in aviation,
navigation, and motor traction on land, in view of recent
developments." This subject was chosen by Lord Eustace
Cecil himself, the founder of the competition, who had
written saying how sorry he was not to be able to attend
and present the medal in person.
MISCELLANEOUS EXHIBITS AND REMARKS. The
PRESIDENT called attention to a small fossil of uncertain
nature found at Swanage and sent by Sir Charles Robinson,
C.B., and also to some very large roots of black bryon} 7 .
Mr. EATON, who has lately been in Algeria, studying the
habits of the various small desert animals, ranging in size
from a fox to a small mouse, gave a short and interesting
account of some of his observations, speaking especially
about the jerboa.
ELECTION or OFFICERS.
On the motion of Canon RAVENHILL, seconded by Mr.
VERB OLIVER, Mr. Nelson M. Richardson was re-elected
President with acclamation.
Mr. STANLEY CLARKE proposed, and Major CONEY
seconded, the re-election of the Rev. Herbert Pentin as
Hon. Secretary ; which was unanimously agreed to.
THE ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING. XXXV.
Captain ELWES, who had intimated that he would be
unable to continue in the office of honorary treasurer, said he
wished to propose as his successor the Rev. J. C. M. Mansel-
Pleydell. This would once more connect one of the most
revered names in their history with the official heart of the
Club. The PRESIDENT, in seconding the proposition, said it
was with regret that he heard of Captain Elwes's resignation,
for he had been a phenomenal treasurer. He found the Club,
if not in debt, yet with no money in hand, and they had just
heard what was the present satisfactory financial position of
the Club. The motion having been carried with applause, the
newly-elected Hon. Treasurer accepted office with a few
felicitous remarks.
Mr. FLOYER proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Captain
Elwes for his ten years' work, and was seconded by the HON.
SECRETARY. The vote was cordially given.
The Rev. C. W. H. Dicker was re-elected to the post of
Hon. Editor of the Club's '' Proceedings."
It was proposed by Captain ELWES, and seconded by Mr.
DICKER, that Mr. Cornish Browne be re-elected Director of
the Photographic Survey. Carried unanimously.
The PRESIDENT then re-nominated all the Vice-Presidents.
Mr. Alfred Pope accepted the duty of representing the
Club at the meeting of the British Association at Sheffield,
and Messrs. Alfred Pope and Nigel Bond were asked to
serve as the Club's delegates to the Congress of Archaeological
Societies in union with the Society of Antiquaries in London.
A programme was arranged for the holding of one two-day
meeting and three single-day meetings during the Summer.
XXX VI. THE VALLEY OF WINTERBOURNE.
FIRST SUMMER MEETING.
THE VALLEY OF THE NORTH-EASTERN WINTERBOURNE.
Tuesday, June 30th.
For this year's opening meeting in the country the
Valley of the North-Eastern Winter bourne was selected,
Blandford railway station being the rendezvous. The
gathering numbered upwards of 70, and included the
President, the Hon. Secretary, the Editor, and our ex-
Treasurer (Captain Elwes). With the exception of a small
shower at starting, the weather was fine all through the
day.
WINTERBOURNE STICKLAND
was the first halt, and here the carriages were met by a small
contingent who had come by cars. On alighting the party
entered the church. The Rector (the Rev. G. H. Matthews)
was unavoidably absent ; but he had thoughtfully left
some notes which he had written about the church. In
these he stated that the tower and nave were of about the
date 1470 ; but the east window, of three lights, is Early
English.
In the side chapel the party viewed the large tomb of the Skinner family,
one Thomas Skinner having died in 1756. The Rev. R. GROSVENOR BARTELOT
called attention to the mural tablet bearing an heraldic shield, the dexter side
void, the sinister side charged with a crossbow between four choughs, probably
the arms of a former rector of the name of Highmore, whose daughter married
a husband having no coat of arms. The Communion plate was exhibited,
the chalice bearing the date 1688. Mr. ALFRED PorE said a few words on
the rude sculpture of the ancient Rood in the church porch, discovered during
the restoration of 1890, with the face side hidden in the east wall of the porch.
It is thought to be the head of the old village cross, the base of which is still
to be seen in tho roadway.
THE VALLEY OF WINTERBOURNE. XXXVii.
WlNTERBOURNE CLENSTON MANOR HOUSE.
The party drove next to the beautiful manor house of
Winterbourne Clenston, the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Rupert
Tory, who had kindly allowed the Club to view it, and who
gave the members a hospitable welcome. When the party
were standing on the lawn before the house,
The Rev. C. W. H. DICKER gave a brief historical sketch
of the development of the English Manor-House, ending
with some particulars of the present example. He called
attention to the splendid staircase of stone leading up to the
principal apartment, the roof of which had been elaborately
decorated with fine plaster work.
The Rev. R. GROSVENOR BARTELOT said that the house, so
far as he knew, had never changed hands by purchase, but
came down from the time of the Conquest by marriage from
family to family.
A beautiful carved oak overmantel in the dining room traced, in its heraldic
shields, the descent of the manor. From a Saxon named Syward, it came to
the Winterbournes ; the Winterbourne heiress married a Norman named
de la Lynde. A de la Lynde married a Morton, the heiress of the Mortons
married a Pleydell, and a Pleydell married a Michel.
The PRESIDENT having expressed the hearty thanks of the
Club to Mr. and Mrs. Tory, the party inspected the fine barn,
with its magnificent roof of the early Perpendicular Period.
CLENSTON CHURCH.
TRIBUTE TO THE FIRST PRESIDENT.
The church of St. Nicholas, Clenston, rebuilt in 1840 by
Mrs. Michel with flints and Portland stone, in the Perpen-
dicular style, is of no archaeological interest ; but the party
entered it to pay a tribute of affectionate remembrance to
their first President, the late Mr. J. C. Mansel-Pleydell, of
Whatcombe, who there lies buried.
XXXVJii. THE VALLEY OF WINTERBOURNE.
WlNTERBOURNE WHITECHURCH.
Following the valley road the party came next to Winter-
bourne Whitechurch, and entered the interesting church of
St. Mary, which succeeded the original " white church " of
Saxon times.
The Rev. HERBERT PENTIN mentioned that the Rector (the
Rev. H. H. Tilney Bassett) could not be with them, and had
asked him to call attention to the principal features of interest
in the church.
The nave was burnt down CO years ago. The arches under the tower, with
their capitals carved with faces, some grotesque, other angelic, were late
Norman. The wooden pulpit, of about the date 1420, belonged originally
to the old parish church of Milton, which was pulled down at the restoration.
It was formerly covered with plaster ; but some years ago the Rector dis-
covered that there was some beautiful woodwork under the plaster, and on
the plaster being removed the carved and painted woodwork was found.
The figures of the evangelists in the niches were modern. In the parish
register was to be seen the entry of the baptism of John and Charles Wesley's
father. It had been photographed, and would soon be obtainable in the
popular picture postcard form. The entry read :
" 1662. Samuel Wesley, the son of John Wesley, was baptised December
17th."
The Rev. C. W. H. DICKER, referring to the tower arches and Norman piers,
observed that in many cases pointed arches were found in association with
pure Norman work. The pointed arch had been discovered centuries before,
and did not necessarily mark any transition, as was popularly supposed.
Here at Whitechurch they saw the true contrast between the heavy Norman
work and the light Early English. The Gothic feeling was noticeable in the
spring upwards, which marked a new departure in structure. Originally
that was probably a late Norman church. For some reason the tower dis-
appeared, and all that remained of it, the two arches, were left in situ, and
thereupon the Thirteenth Ce tury builders started and finished the chancel
in the prevailing style of the period.
On leaving the church the party went round to the north outside wall, to
view the small ancient cross embedded in the masonry, a cross which some
call Saxon and others British.
WINTERBOURNE KINGSTON.
The party did not dismount from their carriages at Winter-
bourne Kingston, but they pulled up for a minute to have a
THE VALLEY OP WINTERBOURNE. XXXIX.
view of the exterior of the church of St. Nicholas, built, like
so many others, of courses of flint and ashlar, and in the
Early English style.
The south doorway lias a beautiful feathered inner-arch. In 1873, when
it was restored from designs by Mr. George E. Street, R.A., the eminent archi-
tect, who made a special study of the Early English period of architecture,
the north aisle was added, and a memorial window to Mrs. Michel.
In Little's Farmhouse, in this parish, there is to be seen some rncient
heraldic glass, in w'.iich the griffin rampant of the Dacombes is associated
with the arms of the families with whom they intermarried.
WINTERBOURNE ANDERSON.
The next stopping place was Winterbourne Anderson.
The charming manor house is under internal repair, but Mrs.
Gratrix, the owner, had kindly given the Club leave to view
the outside. An alternative name for this parish was in
olden times Fyve Ash. Probably the " five ashes " which
gave the name to the place have long since decayed or been
cut down, although the " nine elms " after which the
locomotive works of the L. and S.W.R. in London are named
are said to be still growing in Nine Elms-lane.
William de Stokes held the manor in the reign of Edward I. In the 36th
year of Edward III. that well-known Dorset family, the Turbervilles, of Bere
Regis, came into possession. In the 29th year of Henry VI. it passed to the
Mortons, of Melcombe. In 1620 Sir John Tregonwell, of Milton Abbey,
purchased the manor of Sir George Morton, and two years later built the
house so typical of the domestic architecture of the period. It is quadrangular
on plan, built of red brick with massive stone quoins. Three gables, formerly
surmounted with ball finials, as at Montacute and other houses of the period,
combine with the tall, elegantly grouped chimneys to relieve the house of any
flatness and stiffness, while " the mellow reds and greys of the brickwork "
are a feast of colour to the artist's eye. Inside the house the floor and main
staircase are of oak, with especially good balustrades.
WINTERBOURNE TOMSON.
By the leave of Mr. W. E. Genge, the party went over the
manor house of Winterbourne Tomson, which has some
Elizabethan windows, with stone mullions and jambs and
xl. THE VALLEY OF WINTERBOURNE.
typical label moulds. The principal internal feature is the
fine early Jacobean plaster ceiling, which extended over the
whole area of the house and is to be traced in all the rooms
into which the original hall has been divided.
The party went from the manor house to the small derelict
church adjoining.
The HON. SEC. mentioned that that little church was put up by Archbishop
|fl3/ Wake, a native of Blandford, and has fallen into disuse simply because the
population of the parish and district had grown smaller and smaller. Much
attention was drawn to the church and its decayed condition when Sir Frederick
J Treves's book on Dorset in the " Highways and Byways " series was published.
- "JJo money had been spent on its restoration, but Mr. Genge had done what he
could for its preservation by havi ig the windows all boarded up and a lock
put on the door.
ALMER.
Through Winterbourne Zelston, the centre of the County
Council's small holdings, the Club drove to Aimer, where
the Rector (the Rev. BARON HICHENS) was waiting at the
church .
A beautiful structural feature here is the Norman arcade of three bays, in
warm-hued sandstone, with two shallow carved human faces over the capitals
of the pillars. The Early English font, standing on the inverted bowl
of another old font, is also an object of special interest.
Mr. BABON HICHENS said that the most curious thing they had in the
church was the pair of Swiss glass panels inserted in the north window of the
chancel. They were of the sixteenth century, and considered very valuable.
He had been offered 100 apiece for them ; but, although they were perhaps
not altogether suitable for a church, they could not dispose of them. Probably
Mr. Drax brought them from Antwerp, where he collected many things which
he put in the church at Charborough. He also referred to the small inter-
esting brass on the wall. He found it in a house at Stickland and gave the
man half-a-crown for it. The Latin inscription, beginning " Orate pro
anima," may be translated :
" Pray for the soul of Master William Trygge (or Brygge), formerly Rector
of this Church, who died on the 29th day of December, in the year of our
Lord MVXLIII."
There are, in the brass, two points in dispute. First, some say that the
name of the deceased is Trygge and others that it is Brygge. We think that
the initial letter is a " T." Secondly, some say that the date is not
" MVXLIII.," but " MVXVII."
THE VALLEY OF WINTERBOUBNE. xli.
The PRESIDENT read a letter from Mr. W. de C. Prideaux, of Weymouth,
the indefatigable student of Dorset brasses, calling attention to the fact that
the inscription was the same as that of the brass given by Hutchins as being
in the neighbouring church of Winterbourne Zelston to the memory of one
Brygge. It would be strange if there was a Rector named Brygge in one
parish and a Rector named Trygge in an adjoining one. Mr. RICHARDSON,
in returning thanks to the Rector, congratulated him on his rescue of this
interesting brass.
Mrs. Rogers, of the Manor House, had kindly allowed the Club to visit this
picturesque and pleasantly secluded residence, which, one would judge by
the ridges in the adjoining fields, was originally moated. The house has a
typical Tudor doorway, and outside this a handsome Jacobean portico has
been erected, with an ornate superstructure in the classic Renaissance style,
and of the seventeenth century. Mr. BARTEI.OT mentioned that this was the
old house of the Anketyls, and he called attention inside to a Concordance of
the Scriptures published by " S. N." of Cambridge in the year 1672 before
Cruden's.
STURMINSTER MARSHALL.
The last church visited was that of St. Mary, Sturminster
Marshall, where the members were confronted with a Norman
arcade with massive square piers, rudely chamfered, and the
arches adorned with a later escalloping in plaster.
Here the Club were received courteously by the Rev. James Cross, who has
been Vicar for 33 years, and who gave them a detailed account of the church
and everything of interest that it contains. The nave and north aisle, he said,
were supposed to be of the time of King John. In the tower are four bells,
one of the fourteenth and another of the fifteenth century. Mr. Cross
announced with satisfaction that he had succeeded in completing a collection
of portraits of previous vicars from 1745 to the present time. In the church-
yard the visitors observed with interest the base and shaft of the old cross, and,
near by, the mutilated stone coffin.
Driving on to the Rectory, the party were refreshed with tea at the hospitable
invitation of the Rector, who also exhibited a chalice, which, he said, was
thought to be the latest piece of pre -Reformation Communion plate known.
A short business meeting was held, in the course of which
one new member was elected.
The PRESIDENT having thanked Mr. Cross heartily for his
kind services and much appreciated hospitality, the carriages
started on the return drive to Blandford.
xlii. POOLE HARBOUR.
SECOND SUMMER MEETING.
POOLE HARBOUR.
Friday, July 22nd.
Nearly 100 Members assembled at Poole Station, among
those present being the President, Lord Eustace Cecil (past
President) and Lady Eustace, the Hon. Secretary, and the
Hon. Treasurer. Alderman Mate acted as guide during the
day. Pausing for a few minutes to inspect the problematical
15th Century building known as the " Town Cellars," the
party proceeded to the Fish Shambles and embarked in
capacious seine boats, in tow of two tugs. Passing up Ware-
ham Channel, the flotilla brought up at Russel Quay. Here
Alderman MATE gave an able address on Poole Harbour,
dwelling on its historical and scenic aspects.
Excluding the islands, the estuary contains about 10,000 acres, and it is
estimated that upwards of 36 million tons of water flow into and out of it
every spring tide many discussions having been entered into regarding the
possibility of harnessing this stupendous force. From Russel Quay great
quantities of peat are shipped. Close to the Quay is the ancient Attewell, u
famous fresh-water spring from which water used to be fetched in boats to
Poole in times of drought. The Mayor of Poole is Admiral of the port. A
perambulation of officials in 16 J 9 was quoted, of which the record runs :
" Having erected a tilt with the oares and sayles of the boat, we refreshed
ourselves with such vichialls as God had provided for that perambulation,
and, having seen the young men disporting themselves with their hats in a
kind of football, the Mayor and others proceeded to the margin of the ocean
and claimed jurisdiction as usual, when ' it pleased Mr. Moses Durell, having
Peter Hiley in his one hand and in his other hand John Gigger (unknown to
the company till afterwards), for a better and future remembrance of the
claymeigne of the admyrall jurisdiction, and liberties abovesaid, to lead these
two youths in his hands about knee-deep into the ocean, and then returning
back to the tilt again, and having refreshed ourselves with some discourse?
concerning the observation of that day's service, and seen the young men
again disport themselves with their hats at football, as aforesaid, the tide
being come for our departure from thence, we came up to Poole with our
several companies in the boats above mentioned, and thence, the women
POOLE HARBOUR. xliii.
departing to their several habitations (after salutations past), Mr. Mayor with
the rest of the magistrates and men in his company went to Mr. Melmoth's Inn,
where, having refreshed for a little while themselves with some wine, beer, and
tobacco, every man taking his leave one of the other in a civil, loving, courteous
manner, they departed to their several and respective homes, without any
observation of any remarkable incivility through the passage of that day.' "
There was formerly an important salmon fishery in the Wareham river, and
Hutchins quotes the testimony of an old fisherman that he once assisted in
the capture of 47 fine salmon at a draught, weighing in the aggregate 60 score
pounds. The fish were taken to Wareham ; failing to sell them there the
party carried them to Bindon Fair, and sold them at 2d. a pound. Mr. Mate
added interesting information about the eel and oyster fisheries.
The PRESIDENT having proposed, and Lord EUSTACE
CECIL seconded, a hearty vote of thanks to Alderman Mate,
the party walked by the path across the heath, glowing with
gorgeous blossom, to
ARNE CHURCH
where they were met by the Rev. SELWYN BLACKETT, rector
of Wareham and perpetual curate of Arne, who had kindly
come out to receive them.
Mr. Blackett said that the simple little church dated from the early part of
the 13th century, but had been restored. It was interesting to observe that
the heads of the windows were each cut out of a single stone. Arne used to
belong to Shaftesbury Abbey, and when the tenants paid their rent they were
given a ticket entitling them to a dinner at the Abbey any time they were
passing. The church possesses an altar-slab of shelly limestone, of ancient
date.
The Rev. R. GROSVENOR BARTELOT asked what became of
the lovely old Trinity frontal ?
Mr. BLACKETT answered that it disappeared mysteriously,
but he believed that it was in the possession of Lord Eldon,
who, by the bye, presented the church with beautiful Com-
munion vessels, silver-gilt, studded with rubies.
The PRESIDENT expressed the thanks of the Club to Mr.
Selwyn Blackett for so kindly taking the trouble to come over
all the way from Wareham to receive them, and he mentioned
xllV. POOLE HARBOUR.
that Mr. Blackett was a very old friend of the Field Club,
who had helped them on many occasions.
Re-embarking in the boats, which had come round Pachin's
Point from Russel Quay, the Club resumed the journey for
Ower Quay. The motor launches were able to proceed in a
fairly direct course ; but the tugs drew so much water that
it was necessary for them to steam along the Wych Channel
and right round Brownsea Island and up the South Deep or
" Sou' Deep " Channel to the Ower Passage. This took a
longer time, but the detour gave the passengers one of the
finest and most exhilarating experiences of the day.
On landing at Ower Quay the party took tea, after which
Mr. WILFRED PARKINSON CURTIS, F.E.S., kindly gave an
address on " The Birds of Poole Harbour."
He considered the black-headed gull was an easy first, and estimated the
colony close to Ower at about 2,000 pairs. He also referred to the colony at
Littlesea, and the attempt the birds made to establish themselves at Brown-
sea, which attempt was frustrated by the keepers. He alluded to the nesting
habits and changes of plumage, and also the habit of the birds in the
winter congregating in large flocks, especially at night, and, if disti rbed,
rising with a babel of cries. He next touched on the shelduck, or burrow
duck, and after describing its peculiar preference for nesting 9 to 15 feet
down a rabbit burrow, referred to its many characteristics, and to the winter
habit of seeking the open water outside the harbour in the daytime. He then
dealt with the heronry at Arne, and after referring to the structure of the nest
and gregarous habits of the birds dwelt on the terrible destruction wrought by
it amongst the small fish in the harbour, and remarked that a drastic thinning
out of the number of herons in and about the harbour was badly needed. He
then remarked on the redshank, the ringed plover, and the common plover,
and quoted an instance of the young of the latter a few days' old swimming
from the Green Island to the mainland at Ower. Mr. Curtis remarked that
the oyster catcher had, by reason of persecution, somewhat changed its
nesting habits, now seeking fallow fields near the harbour, in preference to
laying its eggs on the bare beach. He n'.so said the bird is not strictly a
resident, since it leaves the harbour for a month or six weeks in the winter.
After a reference to the stockdove, he recalled the discovery by the late Mr.
J. C. Mansel-Pleydell, a former President of the Field Club, of the fact that
the curlew bred on the edges of the harbour, and stated that probably not
more than 12 to 16 pairs bred in the vicinity, but that the number was largely
increased by migrants in the winter. He stated that other birds bred on the
shore, but not in sufficient numbers to be characteristic. Of the non-breeding
POOLE HARBOUR. xlv.
birds, he remarked on the large number of cormorants that had come into
the harbour at daybreak to make havoc amongst the fish, and stated that
the supposed habitual occurrence of the shag was an error, he only having
seen one in ten years. He also deal* with the herring gull and black-backed
gulls. In closing he said the winter migrants were too numerous for him to
even give a bare list of names, leaving alone any adequate note of each bird.
The PRESIDENT, in proposing a hearty vote of thanks to
Mr. Parkinson Curtis, took the opportunity to commend the
good work being done by the Royal Society for the Protection
of Birds.
A ballot for new Members resulted in the election of three
gentlemen, and (time not allowing of the proposed visit to
Goathorn, at the invitation of Captain Marston, R.N.), a
return was made to Poole Quay.
xlvi. SALISBURY AND STONEHENGE.
THIRD SUMMER MEETING.
SALISBURY AND STONEHENGE.
Monday and Tuesday, August I5t?i and Kith.
Present : The President and Mrs. Richardson, the Hon.
Secretary, and nearly 60 members. From headquarters at
the County Hotel the party paid a visit to
THE CHURCH OF ST. THOMAS OF CANTERBURY,
where they were received by the Rector, Canon SANCTUARY,
and Mr. DORAN WEBB gave an interesting description of the
building, which was rebuilt in the 15th Century.
The handsome open-timber roofs, the fine monumental brasses, and pre-
Reformation glass, notably the remains of a Jesse window, were all duly
admired, and, in the vestry, the rich 15th century embroidery, originally
supposed to be part of a cope, and afterwards used as an altar frontal. Canon
Sanctuary exhibited pages of an ancient psalter a Sarum autiphoiiary with
both words and music.
From St. Thomas of Canterbury the party walked to the
old Poultry Cross close by.
Mr. DORAN WEBB said that the cross was described in 1530 as the "High
Cross," and it was added "It is the place where poultry is sold." To the
original cross, of the 14th century, were added by a local enthusiast, the elder
Pugin, the beautiful pinnacles and niches, which, owing to soft stone being
used, looked now as old as the original parts of the cross.
" THE OLD GEORGE " was then visited.
An early 15th century hostel, in which decay has been happily arrested in
the original oak beams. Mr. Doran Webb said it was pretty certain that the
inn took its name from St. George of dragon fame, and not from George
Merriott, of Somerset, who was alive in 1410. In 1457 the inn was damaged
by fire. The fac3 carved on the front of a massive oak corbel was supposed
ti be that of Henry VI., ob. 1461. While the party w.re in the so-called
" Great Hall " Mr. Webb paid a warm tribute to the zeal of the proprietors
for the preservation of the ancient woodwork and its uncovering so as to be
SALISBURY AND STONEHENGE. xlvii.
visible to the public. The party noticed with interest the ancient oak wains-
coting. Especially interesting is the bedroom with its open-timbered roof
supported by a massive principal and a corresponding kingpost. The eaves
are adorned with beautifully-carved paterae in the device of the Tudor rose,
and the spandrels also tastefully worked.
THE " HALLE OF JOHN HALLE " (now a china shop) a
beautiful 15th Century house ; the CROSS KEYS INN, with a
picturesque wooden staircase, were depicted on the way to
ST. EDMUND'S CHURCH.
It was indeed hard to believe, as Mr. Doran Webb assured
the party, when they had sat down in the present nave of
five bays, that it was really not a nave at all, but the original
chancel of the 15th Century church, the nave and transepts of
which were demolished, after being damaged by the fall of
the western tower of 1653.
The whole church originally measured from east to west from 200 to 300
feet, and was the longest and largest church in Salisbury, with the exception
of the Cathedral. In or about 1539 the good people of Salisbury received so
heavy a bill from their plumber for re-leading the lead-covered wooden spire
that, to prevent the recurrence of a similar item of expense, they forthwith
pulled it down. The new chancel was built by Sir Gilbert Scott.
TRINITY HOSPITAL an ancient place of shelter, sustenance,
and repose for twelve old men was next visited.
The almshouse, said Mr. Doran Webb, was founded by Mr. William
Chandler, who died in 1411. It consisted originally of chapel and hall,
dormitory, kitchen, buttery, store-house, and solar. Rebuilt in 1704, it is
now an excellent specimen of the much maligned " Queen Anne " period.
The chapel preserves some of the old glass. Mr. Geo. Fulford, chairman of
the trustees, courteously attended, with Mr. W. H. Baker, a local antiquary,
and tome fellow trustees, and by their kind leave, Mr. Hamilton Fulton,
their clerk, j reduced for inspection the ancient communion plate, and the
cherished papal bull. It was stated that the Elizabethan chalice bearing the
date 1598 was given in exchange for the pre-Reformation chalice, and there is
a paten of 1704, and a pewter flagon with the date 1707. The precious parch-
ment, a bull of Pope Boniface, is a fine specimen of mediaeval penmanship, of
the date 1379, and promising a fortnight's indulgence for obedience to its
behests.
xlviii. SALISBURY AND STONEHENGE.
The Club were taken next to ST. MARTIN'S CHURCH, which
is said to have been rebuilt from a much earlier church which
stood down by Harnham Bridge.
Even the present building is the oldest existing church in Salisbury save the
cathedral, since the chancel and tower are Early English. The three-light
i-iist window was a restoration of 1849, replacing a Perpendicular window which
was an undesirable anachronism.
THE CATHEDRAL.
Shortly after four o'clock the Mother Church of the diocese
was reached. The visitors were courteously received by the
DEAN, who had asked Canon Bourne, from his long and familiar
knowledge of the fabric, to act as guide on this occasion.
As he led the party on from chapel and chantry to choir and chapter-house,
he dealt in detail, not only with the fabric itself, as beautiful in its symmetry
and grace as a perfect poem, but also with the richly-dight stained-glass win-
dows and monuments, the brasses and the banners, which repose under this
mighty and marvellous efflorescence of Early English architecture. Calling
attention to the pair of inconspicuous inverted arches built high up in the
transepts, he mentioned how the\' were inserted, by the ingenuity of the mediae-
val builder, as a remedy against the perilous thrust caused by the erection of
the tower. The spire was not begun until some 40 years after the completion
of the Cathedral. The architect was not known, or really anything about the
work. The only record preserved in the Chapter was that between the years
1335 and 1370 a great deal of money was spent upon building operations, and
this presumably was upon the spire. It was supposed that a special book of
account was kept, but this had been lost. The immense weight of the spiiv at
once began to thrust the building away, and so the north and south inverted
arches were built to counteract the movement, and this device had been suc-
cessful. The spire is now 23 inches out of the perpendicular, with a list to the
north-east ; but for a couple of centuries it has not given way at all. We may
here mention that in the cathedral the party were joined by Canon Eldoii S.
Bankes, for 40 years the devoted and beloved rector of Corfe Castle, and since
a canon residentiary in the cathedral city. In the circuit of the Cathedral
Canon Bourne pointed out the tomb of John Bampton, a prebendary of the
cathedral and founder of the Bampton lectures. He also called attention to
the segmental cope chest, of which, he said he believed, only four fellow chests
were extant in English cathedrals. Formerly every canon on attaining that
dignity had to present a cope, and thereby a magnificent collection of copes
came into being ; but copes are not worn in the cathedral now. There was
left only a red chasuble, probably in the reign of Queen Mary. In the retro-
choir, or the Chapel of the Holy Trinity and All Saints, Canon Bourne halted
SALISBURY AND STONEHENGE. xlix.
and invited his company to admire the extreme beauty of the slender shafts
of Purbeck marble springing from floor to roof. From the Cathedral the way
was led to the cloisters, the broad paved quadrangular walk, pillared and with
groyned roof, bordering the square cloister garth, and thence the party entered
the Chapter House, familiar to many present as the scene of animated
debates at the Diocesan Synod. Canon Bourne invited admiration of the cne
central pillar of Purbeck marble, supplemented by slender columns of the same
material, supporting like the trunk of a tree the roof of this flawless and glorious
example of 13th Century architecture. The Canon referred to the carvings
of Old Testament subjects right round the walls as " quaint and in some cases
objectionable ; " but while all assented to the description " quaint," the word
" objectionable " did not seem anywhere justified.
The Dean then led the way into the garden of the Deanery,
where Mrs. Page Roberts was awaiting the arrival of the Club,
and an enjoyable and very welcome tea was laid upon tables
under the trees.
MEETING AND DINNER.
At 7.15 a short business meeting was held at the hotel,
at which four new members were elected. Five more
nominations were announced, and (on the motion of Mr.
Alfred Pope) the sum of 5 14s. was voted to the Maumbury
Excavations Fund.
At dinner the club had the pleasure of welcoming two
guests Canon Bourne and Dr. Blackmore, w r ho sat with
the President and Mrs. Richardson. To everybody's regret,
the Dean and Mr. Doran Webb were both unable to come.
The party walked after dinner to the Salisbury and South
Wilts and Blackmore Museums, in St. Ann's-street, over which
they were shown by Dr. Blackmore, brother of the deceased
founder of the museum of that name, Mr. William Blackmore,
of Liverpool and London.
The Blackmore Museum is famous throughout the scientific world for its
magnificent collection of prehistoric flint tools and weapons, gathered not only
in England, but from the Continent and indeed all quarters of the globe
" eoliths," palaeoliths, and neoliths many of them, celts, axes, hammers,
of great size and marvels of flint-knapping, and others, especially the neolithic
arrowheads, beautifully pointed, barbed, and tanged, wonders of delicate
workmanship. The arrangement of the collection is orderly and progressive,
facilitating study and comparison.
1. SALISBURY AND STONEHENGE.
OLD SARUM.
At 9.45 on Tuesday morning a start was made for Old
Sarum, that famous " city set on a hill," the Sorbiodunum of
Antoninus, and, for many years before the Roman occupation,
a hill fort of importance.
Its strategic value was recognised by the Saxons, and it became in the ninth
century the object of contention between Saxon and Dane. Alfred in 871
gave orders for the strengthening of its fortifications. Sweyn is said to have
captured and burnt the town in 1003, and here 30 years later died Canute,
Sweyn's son. Herman, Bishop of the united sees of Ramsbury and Sherborne,
in consequence of the decision of the Council of London held under Archbishop
Lanfranc, translated the seat of the bishopric to Old Sarum, and in 1078 laid
the foundations of a Cathedral which was finished by Bishop Osmund, the
Conqueror's nephew, who drew up the celebrated " Sarum Use " which still
bears his name. After it was deserted by Bishop Poore, who laid the found-
ation of the present Cathedral in 1220, and after the incorporation of the new
city which sprang up around it seven years later, Old Sarum soon began to
decay, and in 1331 the materials of its Cathedral and other buildings were
brought down to build the present close wall, and possibly the spire in the
city. The old town itself seems to have afforded a convenient quarry for all
those in its neighbourhood who wished to build, so that when Leland in Henry
VIII. 's reign viewed the place it was entirely deserted, " not one house, neither
within nor without Old Saresbyrie, inhabited." The subsequent history of
Old Sarum, how though deserted it still returned two members to
represent it in Parliament, and became notorious as the rottenest of rotten
boroughs until the Reform Bill swept it away, are matters of modern history.
Purchased by the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, it passed into the possession
of the Dean and Chapter of Salisbury, who, having placed it under the pro
tection of the Conservators of Ancient Monuments, have consented to tho
systematic excavation of the site which is now in progress.
On arrival at Old Sarum the party, who were accompanied
by Dr. Black more and Mr. Dor an Webb, were received by
Colonel Hawley, who is in charge of the excavations, and
who, leading the way, pointed out clearly exactly what has
been done, and also stated what has been found, in the excava-
tion of the Norman Castle.
The site of Old Sarum cathedral, lying between the prehistoric outer vallum
and the Norman castle vallum, was uncovered some 80 years ago and then
covered in again, and the work now in progress is on the site of the castle.
Passing over the causeway and through the gatehouse, with its drum towers, and
walking through the inner bailey, the party came to the site of the great tower
SALISBURY AND STONEHENGE. H.
or keep, where the most extensive and remarkable work has been done. Some
deep square vaults have here been cleared out to a considerable depth, showing
the walls to be of massive well-squared stones, and closely jointed. Through-
out the foundations the ashlar is an excellent example of Norman masonry.
Entering the Museum on the spot where all interesting finds
are deposited, the party viewed the carved stones, remains of
pottery and old glass, &c., recovered during the excavations.
The PRESIDENT, in expressing the thanks of the Club to
Colonel Hawley for kindly acting as guide, spoke of how
greatly the interest which the club took in Old Sarum had been
enhanced by the excavations.
AMESBURY PRIORY CHURCH.
A drive over the downs brought the Club to Amesbury,
where, under the guidance of Mr. Doran Webb, an examination
was made of the Church, a fine cruciform building with a low
central tower.
Its architecture dates from the 12th Century onwards. There is a hand-
some 15th Century wooden roof to the 'nave ; the tower arches and transepts
are of Early English work, the chancel being somewhat later. The present
East window is an unfortunate bit of " restoration " by Mr. Butterfield, re-
placing a Perpendicular window (shown in Hutchins). A controversy arose,
about the year 18GO, as to whether this church, or a church some distance to
the north, was the real priory Church ; but Mr. Doran Webb was able to show
ample grounds in support of the histoi ic view. To Dorset visitors the quaintl y
carved Norman corbels were a reminder of Studland and Worth Matravers.
STONEHENGE.
After lunch at the George Inn, another drive over the downs
brought the party to Stonehenge, to which they were admitted
by the permission of Sir E. Antrobus.
Dr. BLACKMORE, standing upon the prone upright lying over the so-called
altar or sacrificial stone, first described clearly the plan upon which Stonehenge
was constructed, and then the different kinds of stone used the larger stones
sarsens from Salisbury Plain, obtained from the wasting of the Reading and
Woolwich beds, and the smaller tho so-called " blue stones," syenite or
diabase, of which there are nine different varieties, and which are spoken of as
" the mystery of Ston henge," and it cannot be told whence they came. The
plan of the horse-shoa enclosed in a circle is se n in similar remains scattered
over a wide are of the world, ranging from the Indian hills through Persia,
Spain, and the north of France to Salisbury Plain. Dr. Blackmore gave his
Hi. SALISBURY AND STONEHENGE.
reasons for believing that Stonehenge was erected at the end of the Stone
Age or the beginning of the Bronze Age. This is the only known place of the
kind composed of worked stones, and the tools with which the bigger bits
were worked are found in large numbers large mauls with which the bigger
bits of stone were chipped off, smaller ones which could be used with both
hands, and yet smaller still, to be used with one hand, for doing the finer work ;
and under ground one can find a quantity of chips. As to how the stones were
got there, in Japan not long ago equally large stones were moved in a simple
way on rollers, being hauled by teams of men. Dr. Blackmore called attention
to the numerous barrows dotting the plain around. Altogether there are
some 300 of them, of the Bronze Age, and bearing the same relationship to
Stonehenge as a churchyard to a church.
Leaving behind them the plain dotted with barrows and
passing Lake House, a fine specimen of Jacobean architecture,
the club crossed the river Avon by the bridge at Woodford
and reached Netton, beyond where, nestling among some old
elms, is Heale House, where Charles II. lay hid after the battle
of Worcester. Charming scenery lies between Netton and
Stratford, where the river Avon pursues its sinuous course.
Passing through a grove of beech trees they caught a glimpse of
the old house at Little Durnford, and shortly after entered the
village of Stratford. This church, some two miles from Salis-
bury, retains its 15th Century roodscreen, altered and added to
in the 18th century, also a wrought-iron hour-glass stand of
simple but good design. The tower was repaired in 1711 by
Thomas Pitt, son of Governor Pitt, of diamond fame. The
picturesque Vicarage house is known as Ma warden Court,
from a family of that name who lived there in the 15th century.
On the lintel over the entrance door appears the inscription :
" Parva, sed apta domino,"
At tea at the County Hotel, the PRESIDENT voiced anew
the indebtedness of the club to Mr. Doran Webb and Dr.
Blackmore for their kind offices. Then the party left for the
railway station.
Owing to the exigencies of available space in the present volume it ha9 been
found necessary to omit much interesting matter in connection with Wiltshire
antiquities, notably two long contributions by the Rev. A. C. Almack and the
Rev. R. G. Bartelot. The latter appeared in the Dorset County Chronicle
of Aug. 25th. (ED.]
ABBOTSBURY TO BRTDPORT HARBOUR. liii.
LAST SUMMER MEETING.
ABBOTSBURY TO BRIDPORT HARBOUR.
Tuesday, September 20th.
The last Summer Meeting took the form of an excursion
along the somewhat unfamiliar strip of the Dorset coast
between Abbotsbury and West Bay. About 100 members
attended. The President was unfortunately prevented from
coming on account of indisposition ; the officers present
included the Hon. Secretary, the Hon. Treasurer, the late
Treasurer (Captain Elwes), the Editor, and the Assistant
Secretary, whose assistance at these meetings has been as
assiduous as it has been welcome.
" ABBOTSBURY CASTLE."
A stiffish climb brought the party to this great prehistoric
earthwork, where they were met by Dr. COLLEY MARCH, whose
extensive acquaintance with the subject of " Camps " enabled
him to give an interesting account of the one under inspection.
As is clearly seen by a reference to the contoured map, Abbotsbury Castle
or Ringc is a promontory fort, an example of that selection of a site which
minimises the work of fortification, since on the promontory side the ground
sloped down steeply and there was less need of entrenchments. On the east
side they found those deep ditches and lofty ramparts protecting the camp
from the surface of the ridge. It was distant from Eggardon five miles and
from Maiden Castle seven. Hutchins called the camp nearly square ; but
the Ordnance map -howed it to be almost a triangle. Hutchins said that the
area was 20 acres, whereas it is less than 10. Hutchins aid again that in the
middle of the western bank there is an entrance ; but there is no entrance
there, the only entrance being at the north-east angle, although Warne says
that it is at the south-east angle. Leading the Club over the earthwork Dr.
March pointed out two mounds on the seaward side which were probably
speculee or look-out posts, from which watchers could observe the approach of
the enemy, coming possibly up the Fleet in their long boats. Such forts as
this belonged to the late Celtic age, which is supposed to have begun two or
three hundred years B.C., and long before that the sea was covered in the
liv. ABBOTSBURY TO BRIDPORT HARBOUR.
summer with sea rovers who came from Scandinavia. Dr. March also called
attention to an earthen ring and two barrows within the lines of the camp,
but observed, contrary to Warne's opinion, that probably the barrows were
there long before the camp was constructed.
A vote of thanks to Dr. March was moved by Captain
ELWES.
SWYRE CHURCH.
The Club then drove to Swyre, and there entered the
church, where, in the regretted absence of the Rector (the
Rev. T. Horton Roberts), who was away from home, some notes
which he had thoughtfully prepared were read by the
Rev. J. C. M. MANSEL-PLEYDELL..
The church, which dates from 1503, was (unfortunately) rebuilt in 1843
with the exception of the tower and chancel arches ; and the pillars of the
nave (so ran the notes) bear record to the execrable taste of the period. Of
the bells in the tower, the devout and public -spirited churchwardens early
last century sold one towards defraying the cost of repairing the roads !
The members inspected with especial interest two nice brasses to John Russell,
who died in 1505, and James Russell "and Alys hys Wyfe," who deceased,
1509, the grandfather and father respectively of the first Earl of Bedford,
who was born at Berwick House, a former home of the Russells, who also
had another seat at Kingston Russell. The only other object that claimed
attention was the large and handsome monument, on the north wall of the
chancel, erected in 1692 to the memory of James Napier, brother of Sir
Alexander Napier, and an interesting example of the mural tablets of the
William and Mary period.
PUNCKNOWLE.
Of this picturesque little village, Sir Frederick Treves draws
an admiring picture, the truthfulness of which the members
present fully approved, especially in regard to the Manor
House.
" Hidden in a garden behind the church is one of the daintiest and most
beautiful of the manor houses in the county, a marvel of ancient dignity
and peace."
When, by the courtesy of Colonel Walter L. Mansel, the
party entered the grounds of his house and found themselves
ABBOTSBURY TO BRIDPORT HARBOUR. Iv.
face to face with its exquisite fagade, all felt immediately that
Sir Frederick Treves' enthusiasm was amply justified. The
house, charming in design, with its protecting porch sup-
porting a room above, is of that interesting period,the transition
from the Elizabethan to the Jacobean.
The Rev. J. C. M. MANSEL-PLEYDELL, who received the Club, assured them
that both Colonel and Mrs. Mansel were most glad to welcome them there,
and to invite them to inspect everything there of interest, both inside and
outside the house ; but regretted that Colonel Hansel's delicate health did
not admit of his receiving them himself. It was not known, continued Mr.
Mansel-Pleydell, when the house was built. It belonged to the Napier family
until 1700, when it was sold to a Mr. Clotterbooke, modernised into
Clutterbuck, who migrated from Devon into Dorset to marry a daughter of
the Chafyiis, originally of Chettle. Inside the house the Club were much
interested in the two curiously panelled rooms upstairs. The panels were
occupied by ancient paintings, and they inspected the numerous portraits of
members of the Chafyn and other families. The HON. SECRETARY drew
attention to the portrait of the Rev. Mr. Chafyn, who was chaplain to the
Dorset Rangers. The portrait is by the Dorset artist Thomas Beach, who
painted the portraits of all the officers of that regiment, now hanging in
Came House. Upstairs also was seen the original portrait of the famous
sporting parson, the Rev. William Butier.
From the Manor House the church was visited, and atten-
tion was called to the extensive remains of Norman work.
The Rev. R. H. GASH, the Rector, told the story of the pair
of ancient fonts, the one resting on the other.
Bexington, on the seaward side of Puncknowle, used to be an independent
parish ; but during the 16th Century it suffered so much from a French
invasion that the people abstained from rebuilding their burned church,
and united with Puncknowle. Of that union there were two symbols in this
church : the one was the Bexington font, the other the Bexington aisle.
The church, like that of Swyre, is rich in associations of the Napper or Napier
family. The Rector pointed to the memorial to Sir Robert Napper, whose
humility expressed itself in the characteristic inscription : " Reader, when
thou hast done all thou canst, thou art but an unprofitable servant ; there-
fore this marble affords no roome for fulsome flattery or Vaine Praise.
Sr. R. N. (Johannis Hamiltonis Scoto, Britannus fecit.) " Upon the church
wall hang the tilting helmet, gauntlets, and spurs of Sir William Napier.
Leaving the church, the Club inspected the base and shaft
of the old churchyard cross.
Ivi. ABBOTSBURY TO BRIDPORT HARBOUR.
BERWICK.
In Saxon times Berewick was the seat of the family of
Tour or de Turri. Here the first Earl of Bedford, Thomas
Russell, was born. Mr. C. Bryant kindly allowed the visitors
to view the house ; but little remains qf the original structure
save some portions of the chapel.
BURTON BRADSTOCK.
At the Church the Rector, the Rev. F. T. HARRISON, gave
an interesting account of the parish.
Burton was " Bride-ton," the tun or village of the Bride ; and Bradstock,
Bradeiistoke, because it belonged to the priory of St. Augustine at that place
in Wilts. Henry I. gave the manor to the Abbey of Caen, in Normandy, to
redeem the regalia which the Conqueror had at his death handed over to that
abbey. The church is a large, handsome, cruciform structure, principally
Perpendicular, with a high tower adorned with battlements and containing
five bells. Originally in that parish they had no less than six churches or
chapels. The Rev. C. H. W. DICKER added a few words about the Norman
history of the church, and called attention to the Jacobean communicants'
rails, as prescribed by Archbishop Laud, and with projecting nobs supposed to
be intended to help old people rise from the kneeling posture. Upon the front
of the rails is carved the date IfiSfi and the initials of the churchwardens of
that year.
THE GEOLOGY OF THE COAST.
Some of the partyfrom this point drove straight to West Bay,
but a strong pedestrian contingent went across some fields to
the spot where the little river Bredy approaches the beach.
Here Dr. W. THEOPHILUS ORD kindly gave a most lucid and
interesting lecture on the geology of the coast of Dorset.
He first laid stress on the exceptional advantages offered by
the coast of Dorset for the study of the geological formation
of England, since, out of the different stratified rocks of the
country, 24 in number, more than half, to be precise 13, were
exposed in the Dorset cliffs.
In walking from the west at Lyme Regis to the east at Caiiford Cliffs, one
finds all the formations arranged in their proper and unbroken succession,
ABBOTSBURY TO BRIDPORT HARBOUR. Ivii.
the oldest in the west and the newest in the east. Shortly and crisply Dr.
Ord led his audience all through the sequence from the Lias of Lyme Regis,
rich in the remains of the great saurians, and the Lower and Inferior Oolite
of the West Bay Coast, through the Middle Oolite near Abbotsbury, the
Upper Oolite north of Weymouth, the Chalk of the Lulworth Coast, then the
Kimmeridge Clay, the Portland beds of the Purbeck coast from St. Aldhelm's
to Durlston Head, just capped with the Purbecks, the Purbeck beds of Durlston
Bay and the Wealden beds of Swanage Bay, with the Chalk reappearing at
Ballard Down. At Swanage we for the first time leave the Mesozoic strata
and enter the Kainozoic, more commonly now called by geologists the Tertiary.
The Isle of Portland was an exception to his rule of the regular order of the
beds, since there we have Kimmeridge Clay covered with Portland stone.
Dealing next with the principal faults along the coast, due to secular cooling
of the underlying strata, Dr. Ord mentioned the great fault at Eype Gap,
where the Forest Marble and Fuller's Earth are faulted up against the Lias.
Another fault a little to the west of Bridport Harbour has brought down the
Midford Sands, which form the predominant feature of the cliffs from west of
West Bay to beyond Burton Bradstock. From Bridport Harbour to the
mouth of the Bredy we have only Milford Sands capped with Inferior Oolite,
which is full of fossils. Dr. Ord called attention to how the summit of the
sandstone cliffs east of the Bredy mouth have weathered back, a grey colour.
This was due to the appearance on the top of the cliffs of Fuller's Earth, the
next stratum above the Inferior Oolite. He pointed out how the Midford
Sands at Burton Bradstock are characterised by calcareous bands which,
being harder than the sandstone, stand out in relief owing to the softer sand-
stone weathering away, thus giving the cliffs the appearance of being horizon-
tally ribbed. The capping of Inferior Oolite, which had here been thinned
to ten feet, contained an enormous number of cephalopods, to which all the
ammonites and belemnites belong. Of these and other fossils found in the
neighbourhood he exhibited specimens which Mr. W. R. Bates, the Bridport
geologist, had kindly brought down for inspection. Dr. Ord concluded a
most interesting address, of which only a bald outline has been given, by
speaking of the Chesil Beach, its constituents, and process of formation.
The HON. SECRETARY, in the name of the members present,
heartily thanked Dr. Ord for his lecture ; after which the party
proceeded to Bridport Harbour, where tea had been provided
on the most hospitable scale by Mr. and Mrs. A. N. Stephens.
At a business meeting which followed six new members were
elected, and, on the motion of Mr. Philip Sturdy, sincere thanks
were voted to all who had, in the capacity of guides and hosts,
contributed to the enjoyment of a most successful day.
Iviii. THE HON. SECRETARY'S REPORT
THE HON. SECRETARY'S REPORT.
The membership of the Club throughout the past year has
fluctuated between 390 and 400. There will probably be
a fair number of vacancies at the end of June, and members
wishing to propose friends should do so at once. The summer
meetings last year were less well-attended than usual, owing
partly to the uncertain weather, but the attendance at the
winter meetings has slightly increased. There is still a balance
in hand on the Summer Meetings' Account of over 5 ;
so for one more year we will continue the Is. 6d. per diem
levy for " incidental expenses," instead of 2s. The accounts
for the past year have been duly audited, and the vouchers
pertaining thereto lie upon the table.
There is one other subject to which I should like to draw
attention. One sometimes hears the regret expressed that
there are not more sectional committees appointed in connec-
tion with the Club. We have already, it is true, a Publication
Committee with the Hon. Editor as its corresponding secretary ;
a Photographic Survey Committee, with Mr. Cornish-Browne
as director ; an Ornithological, Entomological, and Botanical
section of the Club directed by the President ; and a Meteoro-
logical section in the charge of Mr. Stilwell. But there is no
reason, if it were thought desirable, why those workers in these
sections who are members of the Club should not be banded
formally into sectional committees, as contemplated by Rule
22, and also other sectional committees be appointed. For
instance, the formation at this meeting of an Earthworks'
Committee would be an immediate help to the Hon. Secretary,
as such a committee could give much valuable help in
drawing up the report on the subject which he has to prepare
each year for the Congress of Archaeological Societies, besides
doing other useful work.
THE HON. SECRETARY'S REPORT. b'x.
The whole subject is well worth the consideration of the
members of the Club, and it would be a healthy sign if, for
the next few years, not an annual meeting passed without at
least one additional Sectional Committee being appointed.
A wise application of Rule 22 would certainly have the
fullest sympathy of the Executive of the Club.
Ix. THE HON. EDITOR'S REPORT.
THE HON. EDITOR'S REPORT.
In the preparation of Volume XXXI. I find myself in
danger of being overwhelmed by an embarras de richesse,
through the possession of an unusual number of papers,
of a degree of importance that renders their omission, and
even curtailment, a question of some difficulty.
The contents include the following subjects : " Matthew
Prior," by the Rev. J. M. J. Fletcher ; " Dorset Privateering,"
by Mr. H. Symonds ; " Weymouth and Melcombe Regis
during the Civil War," by Mr. W. Bowles Barrett ; " The
Bettiscombe Skull," by Mr. J. S. Udal ; " The Pitts of
Blandford St. Mary," by the Rev. C. Almack ; a further
contribution on British Arachnidese from the Rev. O.
Pickard -Cambridge ; the remaining sections of Mr. E. A.
Fry's " Dorset Chantries ; " " The Normans in Dorset," by
the Hon. Editor ; besides the Mansel-Pleydell Prize Essay
on Geology, by Dr. W. Theophilus Ord (to whom our
congratulations are due) ; and, we hope, a short account of
this year's excavations at Maumbury, from Mr. St. George
Gray. To the President we are indebted for the text of
his valuable address, and for the Tables of Natural Phenomena
so ably compiled by him.
The question of printing a catalogue of the great collection
of Dorset Deeds given to us by Mr. E. A. Fry, upon which we
have had the benefit of much learned and useful labour given
by Mr. H. Symonds, is occupying the attention of the Publica-
tion Committee.
NOTE. The important Paper on " Lobsters " (read by Mr. F. J. Barnes
on Dec. 14th, 1909). will, it is hoped, appear in the next volume of our
Proceedings. [Eo.]
THE HON. DIRECTOR'S REPORT. Ixi.
REPORT OF THE HON. DIRECTOR OF THE
PHOTOGRAPHIC SURVEY.
May, 1910.
At the last meeting of the Field Club were shown the photo-
graphs contributed to the Survey of the County since the
annual meeting in May, 1909. They numbered 159, and were
the work of Mr. St. George Gray, Mr. Dicker, Mr. Scott Orr,
and the Director. It has for some time been felt that the
survey has not received the recognition and support from
amateur photographers throughout the county that it de-
deserves ; and in order to determine what steps should be
taken to make it better known, and to bring it into line with
similar surveys in other counties, there was appointed a small
committee, of which the members were the President, Captain
Acland, Mr. Barnes, Captain Elwes, Mr. Pentin, and the
Director of the Survey. The committee met at the museum
on April 4th, and having taken into consideration what is
being done in other places, and the methods of conducting
surveys with success elsewhere, it then decided that the plan
of keeping the collection in books should be abandoned for
the future, and that, instead, each photograph should be
mounted on a loose sheet, preferably one on a sheet, but two
if the sizes are small, and the subjects suitable ; that these
sheets, with printed slips attached, giving full particulars
of the photograph, should be stored in cardboard boxes,
and cafalogued after being arranged under parishes, and sub-
divided under the following sections : Antiquities, Architec-
ture, Art and Literature, Geology and Natural History, Passing
Events, and Topography.
That platinotype and carbon prints should form the per-
manent collection, but that untoned bromides should be taken
until a permanent print of the same subject was forthcoming.
Ixii. THE HON. DIRECTOR'S REPORT.
That permanent prints should be paid for, if desired, at the
rate of 2s. 6d. per dozen for half -plate platino types. That
permits should be given to amateur photographers, who may be
willing to work for the survey, as in another county the adop-
tion of this plan has been found of great service in obtaining
facilities for workers. And lastly, it decided that the present
collection should be left untouched in the existing volumes,
where so large a number of interesting photographs many of
which are now unobtainable was got together with great
labour and care by Mr. Barnes, who, it must always be
remembered, was the originator of the Photographic Survey
of Dorset. It is hoped that, with the assistance of the
members of the Field Club, and of others interested in the
county, or in photography, there may be assembled here,
before very long, such a collection as will take a high place,
both as regards merit and numbers, among the surveys of the
English counties.
Ixiii.
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(Read May 26th, 1910.)
OBITUARY.
r
7 T may not be realised by some of the more recently
\^ elected of our members that this club
was successfully carried on for the first
24 years of its existence without any
written rules, under the presidency of
my honoured predecessor, Mr. J. C.
Mansel-Pleydell. One of his excellent
maxims, which I have often heard him
enunciate, and which, as well as many
others, I endeavour to act upon, was that the club
should always shew its loyalty when occasion offered ; and I
cannot begin my address without expressing my sincere
regret, which I am sure is shared by every member, at
2 PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS.
the great loss which we and the whole kingdom have sus-
tained in the death of an excellent King, who always thought
for his subjects, and was invariably ready to give up his own
pleasure and comfort in order to perform duties which must
often have been troublesome and irksome to him. I feel sure
that you will approve of the action of your executive body,
who deemed it to be only a suitable mark of respect to his
memory to postpone this meeting, which was originally fixed
for May 19th in the week in which the late King's funeral
was to take place. The list of those whom we have lost by
death in the last twelve months is shorter than that which
I laid before you last year with so much regret, but it includes
one of our very few remaining original members, Captain
J. W. T. Fyler, who was well known and popular in Dorset,
but did not take any active part in the work of our club,
though he occasionally attended its meetings. We have
also lost amongst our members Mr. R. S. Freame, who, though
not an original member, yet joined the club in 1878, only
three years after its foundation. The Museum possesses
some interesting remains of Ophthalmosaurus presented
by him with other fossils, and described by Mr. Mansel-Pleydell
in Vol. XI. of our Proceedings. Miss Emma Burt, who
joined in 1894, occasionally attended our meetings, and will
be remembered by many of us, as well as by myself, for the
kindly and hospitable welcome accorded to the club by her
father and herself at the meeting at Swanage in 1892. Colonel
Ferguson was elected in 1900, and the Rev. Nigel W. Gresley,
who was elected only last year, would, I think, from what I
have heard of him and seen of his interesting collections in
various branches, have made a valuable member of our
club. I should like also to refer to two former members.
The late Earl of Moray, when living in Dorset, took great
interest in the club, and was, like his brother, a keen observer
of natural history, especially in regard to animals and birds.
He left Dorset to reside in Scotland about 1894, and resigned
his membership some years afterwards. His brother, an
original member and vice-president of the club, succeeds him
PRESIDENT S ADDRESS. 3
in the title. The other former member is the late Mr. Vincent
Robinson, who belonged to the club for some years, and in
1899 entertained its members at Parnham, where he had
brought together a large and valuable collection of art objects,
in which he was a great connoisseur. A copy of the finely
illustrated catalogue of these was presented by him to the
Dorset County Museum Library. I now proceed to touch
upon some of the points in which science has advanced
during the past twelve months.
ZOOLOGY.
The chief recent discovery in connection with the researches
of the Royal Society Commission on sleeping sickness is that
the flies conveying the disease may remain infective for a much
longer period than was supposed, up to at least 75 days, and
not improbably for the rest of their lives. A conference has
been held at Simla to consider the best means of destroying
the mosquitoes, which carry the infection of malaria, but
it was realised that local conditions, which were extremely
favourable in Ismalia, had much to do with success in the
crusade against them, and in many places the operations
would be difficult and costly. Some of the small organisms
which play so important a part in disease are still unknown,
such as that of vaccine, which is believed to owe its energy
to a protozoon. It has been shown that by storing water
containing cholera bacilli, it becomes pure in less than three
weeks. This has been tried with artificially infected water
from the New River and elsewhere. It has been suggested
that the wheel-animalcules, or Rotifera, owe their remarkable
universal distribution over the earth's surface, many of the
same genera, and even species, being found from the Poles to
the Equator, to the fact that they can be dried up and carried
about by winds and come to life again ; but it has been shown
that this applies only to a very few species, the bulk dying
directly under such treatment their distribution must,
4 PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS.
therefore, be ascribed to other causes. In the Shackleton
Antarctic Expedition, experiments on rotifers shewed their
wonderful powers of resistance to low temperatures and
ultra-salt water, which powers are necessary, seeing that
they are only thawed for a short time in the summer, being
frozen up all the rest of the year a pleasant existence !
Organized war is now being made against the locusts in
South Africa, with some success ; but the insects are so
prolific and destructive that the campaign is never-ending.
In connection with this it may be mentioned that the Govern-
ment has appointed an African Entomological Research
Committee to deal chiefly with the diseases in which insects
play so conspicuous a part as carriers. The magnificent
collection of Micro-Lepidoptera, from all parts of the world,
presented some time ago to the British Museum by Lord
Walsingham, whom we have the advantage of numbering
amongst our members, is now to be removed to the Natural
History Museum, and the importance of the gift may be appre-
ciated from the fact that the collection is the finest in existence,
and adds about 45,000 species to the 40,000 already in the
Museum. The smallest known insect, measuring only
about 1 -125th inch in length, has lately most obligingly
introduced itself to the scientific world by walking into the
field of a microscope, otherwise it would undoubtedly have
remained unknown. It belongs to the Hymenoptera, and may
be one of those whose larvae live on the contents of the eggs of
moths or other insects. It is an Indian species, and rejoices in
the name of Alaptus magnanimus. Great attention is now being
devoted to research amongst fish, and the North Sea and Baltic
and adjacent waters have been well investigated by the
bordering countries, especially England, so that much is now
known about their inhabitants. It is found that some years
are far more favourable for the breeding of fish than others,
and that the products of these years largely preponderate in
the catches. Though the young eels have been found in
different stages, and their life history is practically known,
neither the eggs nor the actually spawning fish have yet
PRESIDENT S ADDRESS. 5
been met with. Of the number of marked plaice liberated,
no less than from 46 to 66 per cent, have been re-captured,
which shows that a considerable proportion of the fish at any
time on the fishing grounds are actually netted. The Marine
Biological station in the Isle of Man and other similar institu-
tions deal more generally with the marine fauna, and give
valuable results, perhaps all the more so in that they are not
limited in the object they have in view, which is the extension
of scientific knowledge generally, and not only the good of
the fisheries. An aquarium has lately been opened to the
public at Madras, being, I believe, the first large one in a
tropical country. Some very successful transportations
of salmon eggs to New Zealand have been made, but the
rearing of the young fish has hitherto been a failure. Some
tropical fish from the Bermudas and elsewhere have a chame-
leon-like power of changing their colours, and a plain leaden-
coloured fish will, under the influence of excitement, shew a
series of white bands or even become wholly whitish, the
descriptions which have been made of them as separate
species being thereby rendered valueless. Through examina-
tion of the contents of the crops of grouse it has been shewn
that, contrary to the common belief, they eat considerably
of caterpillars and other insect larvae, spiders and slugs. It is
interesting to read that certain New Zealand birds have the
same habits in snail-eating as our thrush, the ground round a
suitable stone being strewn with remains of large snail-
shells. Cuckoos in this country appear to have some dis-
crimination as to where they lay their eggs, but it has been
observed that Australian species are much more casual in
their selection, and that their eggs rarely resemble those
of the nest where they are laid, and besides this they will
sometimes lay in the nests of gramnivorous birds, so that
the young cuckoo starves, or in a nest already containing
a cuckoo's egg. A good deal of theory has been evolved
with regard to bird migration, but some remarkable results
have lately been obtained from the marking of storks and
other birds. A stork marked on the shore of the Baltic
6 PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS.
has been found in Basutoland, and one marked in Hungary
in Natal, and other similar cases show that European storks
habitually migrate to South Africa. Why they should go
such an unnecessary distance to obtain the desired climate is a
mystery. A system of marking with small rings, numbered
and addressed, has been started by the Editor of " British
Birds," Mr. Witherby, of High Holborn, and anyone able
and willing to take part could help to elucidate this very
puzzling subject. Bird migration is also being similarly
investigated in America. A novel explanation of the great
mortality which occurs amongst shrews in autumn is that
they die of old age, their life extending to about fourteen
months. This is supported, the author says, by the fact
that all caught after November are young ones. An inter-
esting method of existence is seen in the African jerboa
in the desert where water and even dew are unobtainable
for long periods. The jerboa buries in the sand a sufficient
number of small juicy melons to last him during the dry
season, and with them satiates his thirst. Other desert
animals seem to obtain liquid in a similar way from succulent
plants, though I am not aware that they bury them. Experi-
ments have been recently made on the power of imitation
in monkeys, which former experiments have not always
shown to be so great as is popularly supposed, but in this
case out of 11 monkeys, seven imitated each form of test
in such things as simple arrangements for opening doors, &c.,
whilst two monkeys failed altogether, the other two being
partially successful. The President of the Zoological Section
at the British Association Meeting last autumn dealt with
the question of the disappearing species of animals, which
are chiefly becoming extinct through man's agency, whether,
like some of the whales, destroyed for useful purposes, or the
large animals of Africa and elsewhere for amusement, or the
beautiful birds of various countries for dress. Africa,
Australia, America, and indeed many countries, have now
reserves where these persecuted species may be safe, and
laws, more or less, to protect them ; but these remedies are
PRESIDENT S ADDRESS. 7
only partial. Another way in which animals are rendered
extinct through man's agency is by the introduction of
species into a new country where they often cause the
destruction of some native species. This is taking place to a
great extent in Australia through European foxes, cats (which
run wild), &c. These animals, once introduced, it is almost
impossible to control.
BOTANY.
The recent publication of a report on the lichens collected
in the Arctic regions by the " Fram " Expedition, 1902,
has added to our knowledge of these low plants which form so
importamt a part of the Arctic flora, 161 species being re-
corded, including eight new to science. The whole number
of Arctic lichens known is about 500, of which three-quarters
are also found in the Tyrol and two -thirds in Germany.
Whilst on the subject of lichens I should like to mention that
the Dorset Museum has lately received a present of a collection
of lichens, chiefly, if not all, Dorset, with names and localities.
As some of our members may have been prevented from
studying this somewhat obscure group by the difficulty of
naming their finds, I hope that by this welcome gift they may
be encouraged to investigate this branch. I would remind
them that it is in these obscure groups that there is the
best chance of making new discoveries and finding species
new to science. That there are still spots on the earth to
reward the botanist with the discovery of new species is
proved by the collection of 25 species of the genus Impatiens,
or Balsam, from the Philippine Islands, of which all but
two were new to science. The increased consumption and
scarcity of wood was one of the subjects brought forward
at the British Association meeting in company with the
still more important wheat problem. It would appear that
America is consuming more than three times the amount
of wood she is producing yearly, and Canada, with her vast
s PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS.
forests, is not preserving them as she ought to do. Many
woods have doubled in price in the last 22 years, but if this
condition of things continues, the next generation will be
very short of timber. The discovery of large quantities
of stones, enclosed in the wood of trees, chiefly in the root
material, near Faversham, has suggested this as a possible
means of transportation of stones to distances across the seas,
as has been so largely done by ice in past times, but I doubt
if this would account for many stones, as trees generally rot
where they fall instead of floating out to sea. The fact
brings to my mind the practice which is still, I believe, or
was recently, carried on by savages in the Pacific and else-
where, of placing a stone implement in a cleft or hole made in
a living branch of a tree, and leaving it until the wood had
grown up considerably around it, so as to fix it firmly in its
substance. The branch is then cut off, and forms an excellent
handle. I do not know if there is any evidence to show
whether this method was used in Neolithic times, or whether
the stone axe was always fastened in a cleft stick with gut
or thongs of skin.
GEOLOGY.
Anything that will throw light on the duration of geological
periods is always interesting, and a stratum of clay at Stock-
holm, formed during the melting and retreat of the great
ice-sheet in Sweden, is marked with a series of dark and
light bands, which it is suggested were formed in different
parts of the year, the light bands being caused by the melting
of snow in spring. These bands have been traced for great
distances, and, if the theory is correct, show clearly the
length of time occupied in the formation of the stratum. A
serious earthquake occurred in Mexico on July 30th last,
and an eruption in Teneriffe in November, with streams of
lava which did much damage. More recently, there com-
menced on March 23rd last, an eruption of Etna, large
streams of lava moving onwards at the rate of up to 40 yards
PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS. 9
an hour. Fortunately the damage is not as extensive as
might have been expected. The address to the Geological
Section of the British Association by its President, Dr. Smith
Woodward, one of our honorary members, is well worth
reading by others than geologists. He deprecates much
the views of those who expect to find complete series of animals
in a fossil state, for the gaps in our knowledge of fossil faunas
and floras are great and numerous, and will probably never
be even approximately bridged over. Another subject
into which he enters is the old age and death of races without
any obvious cause, and the signs which accompany its
approach, such as gigantic size, as in the Dinosaurus, and
the extreme development of excrescences, such as spines or
horns, as in the Pariasaurus and the Irish elk. A thigh bone of
a species of Dinosaur has lately been found in German East
Africa, measuring 6ft. lOin. in length, or 2 feet longer than that
of the Diplodocus, the immense reptile whose cast is in the
Natural History Museum. A skull of Megalosaurus has for
the first time been discovered. It was found at Minchin-
hampton, and is thought to belong to a different species from
Bucklandi, represented by the jaw at Sherborne, of which
we have a cast in the Dorset County Museum. A series of
remains of another large Dinosaur (TracJiodon) from Wyoming
has lately been acquired by the British Museum, including
some remarkable impressions of its skin. The only other
fossil I shall mention is small, but most interesting. We have
all seen in our gardens the leaves with round holes cut out of
them by the leaf cutter bees to line their nests, if we have not
observed the nests themselves and the bees. A bee, closely
allied to our present-day species, and a specimen of its work
on a leaf, much the shape of a willow leaf, have been found
in Miocene shales in Colorado, showing the great antiquity
of the habit amongst these insects. New minerals, as well as
fossils, are continually being discovered, and an appendix
to Dana's Mineralogy, covering the years 1899-1909, enumer-
ates and describes no less than 60 from different parts of the
world.
10 PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS.
ASTRONOMY.
The most startling astronomical event of the last twelve
months is undoubtedly the sudden appearance of the splendid
comet which, for want of a better name, we will continue to
call 1910A. It was first seen, as far as is known, by some
workmen employed at the Premier Diamond Mine in South
Africa and had eluded observation until it had become a
conspicuous object in the heavens. Soon after the end of
January it ceased to be visible to the naked eye. I first
saw it shortly after sunset on January 22nd. The nucleus was
then bright, but not so much so as the brighter stars, and
there was a short tail. The clouds prevented it from being
seen regularly, but on January 29th, about 6.30 p.m., the
nucleus was quite inconspicuous, but there was a magnificent
tail reaching upwards in the form of a slightly-curved spray
to a distance of about 45 degrees. At half its length from
the nucleus this tail was of about the same brightness as the
Milky Way. In contradistinction to this, Halley's Comet,
a well-known visitor of 74| years period, possibly remembered
by some of our oldest members, has been before the public for
months, and the first naked-eye observation reported in Dorset
was from Lyme Regis on April 25th, about 4 a.m. After
May 20th the comet should be visible in the evening. Its
appearances have been traced (so it is supposed) for a very
long way back, including one at the Norman Conquest,
and probably some of the numerous comets figured in the
Nuremburg Chronicle of 1493, which I showed at our last
meeting, represent it. Several bright meteors have been
recorded, but nothing to compare with that of February 22nd,
1909, in which the train lasted for nearly two hours, which
I described in my address last year. One was seen in France
on April 20th, 1909, one in daylight on October 6th, 1909,
with Leo as a radiant point, one on February 17th last with a
train visible for seven minutes, and one on February 27th.
The only evidence of the November meteors seen by Mrs.
Richardson and myself last year was one very bright one in
PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS. 11
the early evening of November 13th. For many years
attempts have been made to solve the question of the nature of
the zodiacal light by means of its spectrum, but it is so exceed-
ingly faint that the subject is attended with great practical
difficulties. In 1874 it was in this way shown to be most
probably caused by reflected sunlight, and recently fairly
successful photographs of the spectrum have been obtained
after 12 1 hours' exposure, which confirm this theory. It is
supposed that sunlight is reflected from a band of small
bodies surrounding the sun. As I mentioned in my Address
of last May, it has been practically shown by photographs
during an eclipse that no intra-Mercurial planet exists of
nearly sufficient size to account for certain observed pertur-
bations in Mercury, Venus, the Earth, and Mars, but these
might be caused by a number of small bodies such as are
supposed to account for the zodiacal light, which tends to
confirm this theory as to its nature. A fine Auroral display
was seen in England and over the whole route between
England and the United States on October 18th last, whereas
on September 25th Australia witnessed the finest display
of Aurora seen there for 50 years. Definite proof is now forth-
coming that new canals are being formed in Mars, in addition
to those already known, the new ones being too conspicuous
to admit of their having been overlooked during all the years
in which Mars has been under special observation for this
phenomenon. In 1907 it was considered to be certainly,
proved that water existed in Mars, and it is now proved
that free oxygen also exists there. The difficulty is that
the spectroscope does not discriminate between water and
other things in suspension in our atmosphere and in that
of Mars, the ray of light from Mars having to pass through
both, but recently, by photographing and comparing the
spectra of Mars and the Moon, taken at the same time, it
has been shown that the atmosphere of Mars contains more
oxygen than that of the Moon, that in our atmosphere
being the same of course in both spectra. Curiously,
on this occasion, no water could be traced in Mars, but this
12 PRESIDENT'S ADDKESS.
may merely mean that the air there was in an exceptionally
dry state last September, when Mars was very near the Earth
and convenient for study. From complicated calculations of
observations on Neptune's satellite it has been shown
that the equator of that far-distant planet is inclined at an
angle of about 27 degrees to the plane of its orbit. A meeting
of the International Astrographic Congress for making charts
of the stars and for other astronomical purposes, was held
at Paris in April, 1909, and considerable progress was reported
in various directions. By methods connected with the colour
of the stars it has been shown that there is probably a small
absorption of light in space, but very much smaller than some
astronomers had assumed. It has been suspected, and has
now been proved, that the moon causes a small tide in the
solid earth as well as in the water. The height of this tide is
probably about 13 inches. A tide has also been detected
in the solid earth caused by the sun's attraction, and also
a slight tilting owing to the heating of the tropics by the sun
during the day, but these movements are of exceedingly
minute dimensions. It also seems to be the case that in
land near the sea the weight of the high tide depresses the
land underneath and near it, and consequently tilts up the
adjacent land, though to a very minute extent, so that at
high tide it slopes a little more towards the sea than at low
tide, and, for instance, the wall of a house facing the sea,
which is vertical at low tide, will lean a little towards the sea
at high tide.
METEOROLOGY.
Although there was an excess of rain over all England
in 1909, except in the south-west, yet the duration of bright
sunshine was also in excess, except in the north-east. The
temperature was, however, below the average over the whole
kingdom, and the general impression was that of a cold,
summerless year. In the week ending October 30th, the
rainfall at Broadstairs amounted to 5'79in, in three days,
PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS. 13
and elsewhere there were considerable falls, including 3'32in.
at Brighton in 24 hours. The hitherto highest record of
the number of hours of sunshine in any month was beaten in
May, 1909, when 326 hours were recorded at Greenwich,
and even more in the south of England. At Weymouth
Mr. Brown's record at the meteorological station was 326^
hours, being nearly 100 hours above the average. The
Meteorological office has determined in future to issue forecasts
of weather more than 24 hours ahead, when circumstances
justify this course, but not, as I understand, regularl}*. The
Paris floods of February last, which caused such destruction
and suffering in that city, rose higher than on any previous
recorded occasion since February, 1658, and were doubtless
produced by the conjoined effects of a sudden rise of tempera-
ture, which melted the snow, and a large but not unusual
rainfall. In a very different part of the world the Sea of
Aral which is supplied by two good sized rivers, but has no
outlet and is kept to its level solely by evaporation, has of
late years been rising. Its height is so much more dependent
on meteorological conditions than that of most lakes that I
mention it under this heading. For a long time before 1880
it had been falling as far as records show ; but since then,
owing to increased rainfall and possibly fewer hours of sun,
it has risen by 10 or 11 feet. I believe that there are traces
of ancient river beds, by which it emptied itself in former
times when it rose sufficiently high, and on the other hand it
seems probable that it has at times been in the condition of
a marsh owing to extreme lowness. There is some evidence
that it was in this state in the time of Marco Polo (13th cen-
tury). Experiments and observations on dewponds have
been lately carried on, but the full explanation of their
working does not seem to be yet forthcoming. The tempera-
ture of the water in the ponds does not seem low enough as a
rule for the deposition of dew. It is considered that the
straw placed underneath them when made is merely used to
prevent the clay with which they are lined from cracking, and
has nothing to do with the deposition of dew. If they are
14 PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS.
shallow they are apt to dry up ; if the water is deeper, its
depth is maintained. A rain gauge in the hollow of the
pond produced about a third more rain than on the open down,
but I doubt if any conclusion can be drawn from this as to
the amount of rainfall, as the wind in an exposed place would
blow some of the rain out of the gauge as fast as it was
deposited. In the Peak of Derbyshire there are quantities
of such ponds, or " meres " as they are called, but they are
always assisted with arrangements for drawing the surface
\vater into them, when possible, which suggests that the}-
are the better for a little help. In connection with this
subject, artificial dewponds are advertised, consisting of
one shallow metal tray inverted within another in which it
is claimed that a continual supply of water is deposited.
Dr. March has had for years a glass aquarium in his garden at
Portesham with a cover raised a short distance above it, and
lie tells me that this simple apparatus is always full of water,
which is, I believe, deposited on the inside of the cover and
falls into the vessel below.
ELECTRICITY.
The Post-office has recently completed arrangements
by which it takes over the whole of the Marconi system of
wireless telegraphy in this country with all improvements
which may be made during 14 years, so that in future it will
be worked in connection with the inland postal telegraph
service. The selective power of this form of telegraphy has
been improved, so that messages can be sent from a station to
another particular station without reaching others, by so-
called tuning. The transmission of photographs by elec-
tricity has much developed and is now used commercially
for news purposes. Electricity is also used on a few farms
practically in agriculture, and increases the yield 30 or even
more per cent. The method is to suspend a network of
galvanised wire about 18ft. above the ground and keep it
charged with electricity for about eight or ten hours a day
PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS. 15
whilst the crop is growing underneath. For medical purposes
the use of the Rontgen rays has been much improved, and they
can now be used to detect early stages of disease in various
organs which could not so well be perceived by other means.
A non-magnetic ship was last June launched with a view
to its making a magnetic survey of the earth, which is expected
to take about 15 years. The ship is entirely constructed
of non-magnetic materials (with slight necessary exceptions)
to facilitate the work of the survey. A magnetic storm of
unusual intensity took place on September 25th last, beginning
suddenly at 11.43 a.m., and lasting till 8.30 p.m., after which
very little disturbance was felt. The oscillation of the needle
was large and frequent, and the storm was felt all over the
world, but the causes giving rise to it seem uncertain and
little understood. There had been on the previous day an
extensive disturbance in a large sunspot which might probably
have some connection with the terrestrial magnetic storm.
The presence of magnetic effects in the sun was proved and
can be observed on the earth by means of the spectroscope
through a discovery of Zeeman that the lines in the spectrum
are duplicated in the presence of a magnetic field in the source
of light. From recent observations it seems probable that in
places where deposits of petroleum exist, magnetic distur-
bances occur in connection with them similar to those caused
by deposits of magnetic minerals. This may, if confirmed,
be of use in the future in discovering new petroleum deposits.
CHEMISTRY.
The statements in the daily papers of the isolation of a small
quantity of polonium and of its enormously greater intensity
of action than radium must be received with some modifica-
tion. Polonium has before been separated, but it is so soon
changed into helium and another constituent, probably lead,
that its powerful effect is very fleeting and, unless means
can be found of producing it in larger quantities, of com-
paratively little practical use. In connection with this
16 PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS.
subject I may echo the remarks of the President of the
Chemical Section of the British Association and say that we
must either have a new definition of an element or exclude
radium, uranium, polonium, and various other substances
from the list of elements, for if a substance gives off an
emanation, or divides into two other substances, how can it
come under the well known definition of the term " element,"
which is not capable of such division ? It has lately been
found that potassium emits a radiation, though in a much less
degree than radium. Native Tantalum has been met with
for the first time in gold washings in the Ural mountains,
though in very minute quantities. It is found that aluminium
is unsuitable for shipbuilding as it becomes corroded in sea
water. Another discovery of a different nature is that when
certain dry soils are wetted, heat is evolved, which may
perhaps have some influence on the growth of plants. A
very delicate test for the presence of blood is a solution of
benzidine in acetic acid, which, when brought in contact with
blood, becomes of a brilliant blue colour. After many attempts
it is at last probable that the chemical nature of the red colour-
ing matter of the blood and the green colouring of plants,
chlorophyll, will be discovered, the latter being a salt of mag-
nesium. I think that after the President's Address to the
Royal Society last November I need no excuse for giving you
what is no doubt a fragmentary and incomplete account,
though I hope correct as far as it goes, of chemical progress.
He alludes to the difficulty of understanding the researches in
that branch by non-specialists, and asks if it would not be
practicable for some of their distinguished chemists to give, in
language intelligible to scientific men generally, an outline
of the progress of that branch of science.
ENGINEERING.
The formation of a Government Department for Aerial
Investigation marks a step in the development of this new
method of transport which is either already, or is about to
PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS. 17
be applied, in one instance at least, to a regular passenger
service in Germany. A flight across the English Channel has
been successfully accomplished in an aeroplane, and we have
just heard of a second one, and on other occasions flights up
to more than 100 miles in length have been made in these
machines, such as the recent flight from London to Manchester.
In a manned balloon, a record height of 38,715ft., or rather
over seven miles, has been attained. In regard to motoring on
terra firma, it is not improbable that special roads for the sole
use of motorists will be constructed, which will no doubt be
an advantage to those who use them, and a far greater
advantage to those who do not. A conference on roads
was held in London in May last and advised the use of tar,
properly applied, to render roads dustless and more permanent.
A new invention of a heavy car carrying 15 tons propelled
by a motor and running on a single rail, has been tried with
great success, the car remaining level under various searching
tests. The equilibrium is sustained by means of gyroscopes.
The improvement of American and Canadian waterways has
been taken in hand, including the cutting of new canals, to
relieve the railway traffic. An aqueduct on a large scale, 92
miles in length, is being constructed to supply water to New
York from the Catskill mountains. One of the latest advances
which has been made in the working of metals is that of cutting
thick plates of steel by burning the metal with an oxyhydrogen
blow-pipe. By this means an armour plate 6' Sin. thick was
cut for the length of a metre in ten minutes. Most metals will
thus burn in oxygen at a high temperature, and can be treated
in the same manner. It has long been a matter of speculation
as to how the Indians of former times gilded the curious works
of art that are found in different parts of central and South
America, the film of gold being very thin and resembling
that produced by electro-plating. Recent experiments have
shown the possible truth of a traditional belief that it was
done by rubbing the articles with the juices of certain plants.
The material is metal containing a small quantity of gold,
and the baser parts being dissolved, though very slowly,
18 PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS.
by acid juices, a film of gold is left on the surface capable of
being burnished. This process can be carried on much more
quickly with nitric acid, but this would not probably have
been available to the workers of that period. The measure-
ment of standard lengths in terms of the wave lengths of
light is much more accurate than any other, and has recently
been adopted in this country to the extent of introducing
into the Standards office an instrument for the purpose of
such measurements. The number of wave lengths of red
cadmium light in the French metre has been found to be
1,553,163.
GEOGRAPHY.
The most notable geographical feat of the past year has
been the attainment of the North Pole by Commander Peary
on April 6th, 1909. It is a feat which has been attempted
by many and has cost many lives, but there seems little
doubt that it has at last been accomplished. The scientific
results of this successful journey are, perhaps, hardly worth
all the exertions that have been made towards it, but so long
as it was open to competition, many would undergo anything
to be the first to stand on the earth's axis. The rival claim
of Dr. Cook has not been generally admitted, and it would
be wise of any intending traveller to that point to take one or
two reliable witnesses with him. The South Pole is now the
chief object of attraction, and various expeditions are being
arranged for that region, so that we may, before long, be able
to chronicle the presence of a human being at both ends of
the earth. But in the midst of these exciting and adventurous
feats, we must not forget the very valuable scientific work
done by those members of Arctic and Antarctic expeditions
who do not reach the Poles, for it is they who have given us
what knowledge we possess of the Polar regions by patient
and steady work under great hardships and perils. Such
discoveries are the coal measures, 1,500 feet thick, found to
exist in lat. 85 degrees S., showing a very different state of
PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS. 19
climate in former ages, and many important zoological and
botanical facts, as well as observations of meteorological
and other phenomena. Another part of the world which
has of late been the subject of expeditions is Central Asia,
especially that barren and little known portion between
India and China, including Tibet and Eastern Turkestan.
Since the explorations of Drs. Stein and Sven Hedin, which I
spoke of last year in my address, a French expedition has
returned with wooden statues and paintings on silk, said to
be earlier than the llth century, and a large number of
MSS., printed records, and records stamped on wood, of the
7th century, besides much topographical information. The
Lorentz expedition to the interior of New Guinea has success-
fully reached the Snow mountains hitherto seen only from a
distance, and found glaciers at a height of 1,500 feet, but
details are not yet forthcoming. The geodetic survey along
the African meridian arc is progressing, and is only delayed by
want of funds. In an early map of the British Isles, recently
unearthed in the British Museum, of a date probably before
the middle of the 16th century, various interesting details
are shown. Portland is mainland, whilst Corfe is given as an
island. Though these can hardly be relied upon, they yet
suggest, especially in the case of Corfe, the possibility of
considerable changes. Portland, though called an island, is
of course really a peninsula.
ARCHAEOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY.
The further excavations carried on at Maumbury Rings in
the past season have tended to confirm the general idea
that it was an amphitheatre for the display of combats
between gladiators and wild beasts, and one of the most
interesting discoveries, amongst many others of 1909, was
that of a rectangular area, of about 13| by 17J feet in size,
at the southern end of the enclosure, which is believed to
have formed the den where the wild beasts used in combats
were confined. Two more prehistoric pits containing antler
20 PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS.
picks, &c., were also discovered and will be more fully ex-
cavated this year. There have been lately at least three
instances of the discovery of very ancient human remains,
of which two, found in the Dordogne, were whole skeletons,
the first ever obtained of that date, other finds having been
only of portions of the skeleton, chiefly skulls. What is said
to be the earliest known human bone was found near Heidel-
berg about 80 feet deep in a stratum of sand, and consists only
of a lower jaw with its teeth intact. These teeth are such as
might be found in a skull of the present day, but the absence of
chin, the general thickness, and other features proclaim an
early origin. Worked flints are said to have been found
beneath the glacial boulder clay in Suffolk, but it is very
desirable that the existence of man at that early epoch should
rest on some more substantial evidence than these eoliths,
the apparent rough workings on which are, in the opinion of
many, due to natural causes and not in any way to human
action. What is said to be the earliest human figure has
been unearthed near Ratibor, in Silesia, in a stone age dwel-
ling. It is made of clay and represents a female divinity.
Some ancient pit dwellings have been found at Holderness,
a prehistoric horse of about 14 hands, perhaps of neolithic
times, at Bishop's Stortford, and the Hull Museum has lately
become the fortunate possessor of the largest known specimen
of a prehistoric boat, 48 feet long, made out of a trunk of oak
and found in Lincolnshire in 1886. A report has been issued
by the University of California on 425 of the shell mounds
found in San Francisco Bay, the stone implements being
neolithic in style, and the mounds having served as burial
places, quantities of human bones are found in them. It seems
probable that their makers were of the race of the present
day Indians of that country. More rock engravings have been
found in South Africa. They are chiefly of animals, and appar-
ently much more elaborate in execution than the European
palaeolithic engravings and in higher relief. Their age seems
uncertain. In a burial near Thebes of the 17th dynasty
were found some string nets of fine workmanship, of very
PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS. 21
rare if not unique occurrence ; the burial was untouched
and contained much gold jewellery and other ornaments.
Two years ago I alluded in my address to the finding of the
tomb of Queen Tii (or Tiyi), the identification of which was
somewhat doubtful, as the mummy was stated to be that of
a young man ! This anomaly is now explained by the perusal
of the writing on the sheets of gold which envelop him, which
declares him to be Khuniatonu, the Queen's son. In a crypt at
Rothwell, in Northamptonshire, are stored about 6,000 skulls,
probably of the 14th and 15th centuries. It is interesting to
note that the average measurements of these do not differ
from those of Englishmen of the present day except that the
Rothwell skulls are slightly larger and have somewhat broader
foreheads. With regard to the alleged exceptional hardness
of ancient bronze implements, it is stated that they do not
owe their hardness to the purity of the metal, as they are of
very impure quality, but that modern bronze can also be
made very hard by hammering.
GENERAL.
I do not think that the corresponding societies meetings of
the British Association last year offer anything very new and
useful for the consideration of our club. Original observa-
tional work is recommended, and it is to be hoped that some
of our members have always tried, and will always try, to
carry out that recommendation, in their own special line,
with more or less success. We cannot all emulate those great
original observers, Darwin or Wallace, whose jubilee was
celebrated with such eclat at Cambridge last June, when dele-
gates from all parts of the world assembled to do them honour ;
but I hope that the fact that since our last annual meeting
Dr. Wallace has honoured our club by consenting to become
one of its honorary members may have some influence in
stirring us up to follow in the footsteps of his scientific
work. The adulteration of our food is one of the most import-
ant questions of the present day, which accounts for the fact
"2jlotes on tfte present on6itiort of tBc
orset
By THE CURATOR.
(Bead May, 1910.)
S there has been no systematic account of the
additions to the County Museum since the
death, in 1904, of our honoured curator.
Mr. Henry Moule, I venture to think that
members of the Field Club may be interested
by a brief statement showing the progress
made since that date, and the re-arrange-
ment rendered necessary by the erection of the galleries,
presented by the late Mr. Charles Hansford.
In Mr. Moule's last report to the Field Club, he said,
" For many years it had been eagerly wished that more
Museum room could be found, and a complete severance
effected between Dorset and non-Dorset things. If galleries
were erected, all non-Dorset things might be moved into them
and the Dorset collections would have good room and a
chance of proper arrangement." How sincerely we all must
wish that he had been spared to carry this out himself.
The Museum was open to the public on completion of the
galleries on 4th July, 1904, and the re-arrangement, which
DORSET COUNTY MUSEUM, 1910.
NOTES ON THE DORSET COUNTY MUSEUM. 25
was at first of a somewhat temporary character, was con-
siderably delayed by the purchase of improved cases for many
of the Dorset collections, as a memorial to the late curator,
and also by the provision of several new cases for the galleries,
paid for by a special fund raised for the purpose. As matters
now stand, the division of the Dorset from the non-Dorset
collections is complete, the whole of the floor space being
devoted to the County ; of which we Dorset folk may well
be proud, as it is universally admired by strangers.
All the Dorset cases (numbered I. to XXVII.) being now
of pitch pine, and for the most part symmetrical in design,
and no longer unduly crowded together, the general aspect
of this fine building is greatly improved (see illustration).
In the galleries the cases are black, and distinguished by
letters A T. These non-Dorset collections are classified,
but as they are of a most miscellaneous character, comprising
" odds and ends " from many different parts of the world,
it is not possible to make a very successful arrangement.
They contain objects of much value and interest, which are
seen now far better than formerly, but the Council desire to
conform as far as possible to the advice of General Pitt Rivers,
given at his inaugural address at the formal opening of the
Museum, January 1st, 1884, " that all the space and all our
efforts should be reserved for collections that emanate from
the county, or illustrate its history and industries."
Mr. Moule was accustomed, in his annual reports to the Field
Club, to give a fairly complete summary of the acquisitions
during the previous year, both to Museum and Library.
Such an attempt on my part to-day, having a period of five
or six years to deal with, would obviously be most wearisome ;
but it may be of interest to describe, first, the principal changes
that have been effected in the arrangement of the collections,
and then to refer briefly to some few of the acquisitions that
stand out clearly as important, and as likely to increase the
prestige of our County Museum.
First then as regards re-arrangement. Advantage has been
taken of the necessary shifting of many objects into new cases,
L.M1 NOTES ON THE DORSET COUNTY MUSEUM.
to bring together those Dorset antiquities of the same period or
class which had been previously separated. It has, for
example, been found possible to arrange in 24 consecutive
shelves, and on the brackets adjoining, all the cinerary urns,
and sepulchral pottery from our barrows. The 127 specimens
have been re-labelled, and a numerical and descriptive
catalogue printed. The Roman pottery follows, occupying
22 shelves, with space for future additions. In one range of
table cases, we now get all the Bronze exhibits, viz. : axe-
heads, daggers, and spear heads, followed by the Bronze
tores, rings, brooches, &c. ; in another case the objects of
Kimmeridge shale make a collection not easily matched
elsewhere ; the Roman wall plaster, and the exhibits of
glass, have each a division to themselves ; the Roman coins
have been placed in specially designed trays, and the Dorset
trade tokens have been arranged in the same manner.
An attempt has been made to bring into one case, a few
of the best examples of the various types of flint imple-
ments, arranged after the classification of Sir John Evans ;
for the Museum has, in course of time, become possessed of
such a large number of worked flints that the really good
specimens were apt to be overlooked.
Of acquisitions to the Museum since 1904, perhaps the
most valuable is the Roman mosaic pavement, found in
July, 1905, at the lower end of Durngate Street, Dorchester,
and now adorning the southern portion of the floor (see illus-
tration), \vhere indeed it looks so natural, and harmonises so
well with its surroundings, as to be occasionally unnoticed by
visitors. That one, and the mosaic floor previously laid,
are perhaps the only Roman tessellated pavements, in a public
museum, over which we can walk at pleasure. It has been so
carefully described by Dr. Colley March hi Vol. XXVII.
of our Proceedings that I need say no more about it to-day.
In Mr. Moule's last report, May, 1903, he said that
the most important addition to our Dorset antiquities that
had reached us for a long time was the loan collection
from Mr. C. L. Hall, of Osmington. Now, however, I am
NOTES ON THE DORSET COUNTY MUSEUM. 27
happy to state that it is "a loan " no longer ; it was
purchased by the Council last year. The principal items
are the stone mould for casting bronze celts, the leg of a
stool made of Kimmeridge shale, three pieces of gold ring
money, and a massive bronze neck tore. Another example
of Kimmeridge shale manufacture has been given by Rev.
R. Grosvenor Bartelot ; the material is exceptionally hard,
it is of conical shape, and partly hollowed, and is figured in
Hutchins' " History of Dorset " and " Papers of the Purbeck
Society." In 1906 we purchased a very fine Roman sword
handle, or " grip," of bone ; it was found in Dorchester
during building operations, at the usual depth for Roman
relics, and not far from a Roman pavement. It was sub-
mitted to Dr. C. H. Reed, who thought it sufficiently valuable
to make a cast of it for the British Museum. It was also
exhibited at a meeting of the Society of Antiquaries, and is
figured in their Proceedings, April, 1906. A specimen of the
same general design, but inferior in size and appearance, is
figured in Archaeologia, Vol. XLV., p. 251.
In connection with the geological side of the Museum, the
most important undertaking has been the scientific and
critical examination of certain series of fossils by our late
Vice-President, Mr. W. H. Hudleston. He devoted many
months to the work, re-arranging and re-naming where neces-
sary, replacing inferior specimens with others from his own
collection, and completing a series where gaps occurred. The
one acquisition that stands out pre-eminently for notice
in this department is the Chelonian skull, presented by Sir
J. C. Robinson in 1909, and described and figured at page 143,
Vol. XXX. of the Proceedings Dorset Field Club. Dr. Smith
Woodward reported it to be of great rarity, and adds that
" only one other such skull appears to have been met with in
the Purbeck Beds of Swanage ; the discovery of a second
skull is, therefore, of much interest."
Although I have mentioned only a very few acquisitions
to-day, it must be understood that during the five years,
nearly every department has been enriched by gifts, or
28 NOTES ON THE DORSET COUNTY MUSEUM.
pmvhasi's geological, and antiquarian, and Dorset curiosi-
ties, ancient, mediaeval, and modern.
As regards the library, I find that 300 volumes, or more, have
been added during the period under review ; and though it
is difficult to make a selection for special notice, attention
may be drawn to the following works :
Fifty-six volumes, chiefly on Archasological subjects,
part of the library of the late Mr. Bos well Stone.
A complete set of Somerset and Dorset Notes and
Queries.
Nine large volumes, finely illustrated, the official
account of the National Antarctic Expedition, 1901-4.
The English Dialect Dictionary, 6 volumes.
The Dictionary of National Biography, 22 volumes.
But as it may interest members of the Dorset Field Club,
I will give a list of the books either relating to the county of
Dorset, or presented by the authors, as being connected with
the county :
A complete set of the writings of the late Mr. R. Bos-
worth Smith, and a copy of " The Memoirs," by his
daughter, Lady Grogan.
Five volumes by the Earl of Ilchester viz., " Memoirs
of the Whig Party, 1807-21"; "Journal of Elizabeth,
Lady Holland," and " Life and Letters of Lady Sarah
Lennox."
Four volumes, presented by Mr. Broadley viz.,
" Dumouriez and the Defence of England " ; " Three
Dorset Captains " ; and " Napoleon and the Invasion
of England."
" Highways and Byways in Dorset," by Sir Frederick
Treves, Bart.
" Old Stone Crosses of Dorset," by Mr. A. Pope.
" In and Around Purbeck," by Mr. Bond, and Miss
Woodward.
NOTES ON THE DORSET COUNTY MUSEUM. 20
Essays on Archaeological subjects and other papers,
by Dr. Colley March.
" The Life of Col. Whetham. A forgotten soldier of
the Civil Wars."
The works of J. F. Pemiie, given by Mr. H. B. Middleton.
" Memorials of Old Dorset." Edited by the late
Rev. T. Perkins and Rev. H. Pentin.
"Ancient Furniture at Parnham."
" Some Dorset Manor Houses." Messrs. W. Prideaux
and S. Heath.
" Essays on Political Subjects " by Lord Eustace Cecil.
" The Civil War in Dorset. 1642-60." Bayley.
" Life of Arthur Acland," by his son.
Six plays by Mr. Albert Bankes.
Dorchester Borough Records.
Wey mouth charters.
Dorset Records, and Dorset Parish Registers as
published annually.
Some
By HENRY SYMONDS.
(Read Dec. 14th, 1909.)
ports of Weymouth, Poole, and Lyme Regis
were the homes of many adventurous
spirits who hazarded both life and substance
on " private men of war " at various
periods when the Royal Navy was unable
to afford complete protection to the
mercantile flag.
It may be well at the outset to define
the legal theory which supported these
commissions to make war, and to describe the preliminary
formalities laid down by the Court of Admiralty, who exer-
cised supreme control. Letters of Reprisal had originally
a more limited scope than Letters of Marque, which latter
authorised the holders to make seizures at sea outside the
marche, or boundary of jurisdiction, of the Sovereign who
granted the commissions. In course of time, however, the
two terms became interchangeable, and a vessel holding a
joint form of licence was known as a privateer. Reprisals
SOME DORSET PRIVATEERS. 31
by individuals to whom Letters of Marque had been issued
were justified in international law by the fact that such
persons had suffered loss at the hands of the subjects of a
foreign Power, for which redress could not be obtained by
other means. Practically all maritime nations made use
of these methods ; in our own country one of the earliest
instances occurs in the year 1293, when a Patent Roll men-
tions Letters of Marque which had been granted against
the King of Castile, and again, in 1387, permission is given to
" take what they can for one year." The issue of these
licences to make reprisals on the shipping of another state
did not necessarily imply a condition of warfare with its
Government, but in practice such reprisals were regarded as
unfriendly acts, and a formal declaration of war generally
followed, the other party to the dispute failing to appreciate
such a nice distinction.
In Britain the Crown, after it had unsuccessfully preferred
claims for redress, issued a general commission to the Lord
High Admiral, authorising him to grant Letters of Marque
to the aggrieved persons, and under Charles I. the more im-
portant of the regulations laid down by the Admiralty Court
were as follows :
1. The complainant shall prove the amount of his loss.
2. Shall execute a bond to bring in all captures to
a British port.
3. Prize ships and cargoes to be kept intact until the
Court have adjudged them to be lawful seizures.
4. After judgment the captor may sell ship and mer-
chandise to cover his loss.
Customs were levied on dutiable articles brought in, and an
additional toll of one-tenth was taken by the Court, which
tithe was apparently a perquisite of the Lord Admiral,
who appointed deputies to collect his proportion ; in 1625-6
John Drake and his son, Sir John, acted in that capacity for
Dorset. The remaining sum was usually apportioned as
32 SOME DORSET PRIVATEERS.
follows: two-thirds to the owners who had fitted out the
privateer, and one-third to the captain and ship's company,
divided according to rating. The fees for the grant of a Letter
of Marque when the Duke of Buckingham was Lord Admiral
were 3 2s. 4d., with an additional 1 3s. 4d. if attendance
was not made in London. (It is curious that Whitaker's
Almanack for 1909 retains the out-of-date information
that the stamp duty on a letter of reprisal is 5 !)
I will now turn from the general to the particular in order to
show, as far as time will permit, the extent to which Dorset
ports availed themselves of the privilege of endeavouring
to recoup their losses at sea during the seventeenth and
eighteenth centuries. The records of the Admiralty Court
and the Domestic State Papers yield a considerable harvest
of references to privateering in connection with this county ;
the earliest that has come under my notice is in 1588, when
the Mayor of Weymouth says that the borough had not
taken much benefit from Letters of Reprisal. The period
immediately following the death of James I. saw the largest
issue of these licences to help oneself and take the risks.
Charles I. came to the throne in 1625 under the shadow of
trouble with Spain, and shortly afterwards France made
common cause with his Catholic Majesty ; this war brought
about the grant of some seventy Letters of Marque to Dorset
applicants within the space of four years, and the number
of ships was still larger seeing that many were authorised
to take with them a satellite in the shape of a pinnace. The
object of this smaller vessel is not quite clear; she may have been
used for scouting purposes, or perhaps as a convoy for captured
prizes. In the cases of Poole and Weymouth, it is probable
that the big ships had been built for the Newfoundland
trade which then formed the staple industry of the two har-
bours. The merchants of the conjoined towns of Weymouth
and Melcombe owned three-fourths of the vessels which were
" set forth in warlike manner " from this county. Poole
was next in point of numbers, and Lyme was responsible
for only three or four. Many classes of Dorset people appear
SOME DORSET PRIVATEERS. 33
to have shared in these ventures, the sons of great land-
owners and several members of Parliament joining hands
with the civic fathers and traders of the coast towns in the
fitting out of private men of war. Nor were their energies
confined to the work of preparation ; in some cases they went to
sea in command of the vessels they owned or had chartered.
Somewhat akin to the Letters of Marque, but more dangerous
to the holders, were the commissions to take pirates, on which
the Lord Admiral claimed an ad valorem tax of one-fifth.
The fact that only four such commissions were locally applied
for goes to show that there was no great desire to undertake
that unprofitable work ; indeed, it was roundly asserted in
1623 that Weymouth supplied stores to the Algerian pirates
who infested the coasts, and that the Admiralty officials
connived at the practice. Be that as it may, it is certain
that Elizabeth had found it necessary to send down commis- ;
sioners to Poole to assist in suppressing a similar evil.
It may be convenient, at this point, to quote in full one of
the warrants which authorised the issue of Letters of Marque,
and to give in general terms the purport of the bond which was
imposed upon an owner :
23 No. 1625. The like com. to John Lockier of Waymouth Mellcombe
Regis marehante to sett forthe the Dragone of Waymouthe burthen 80 tonnes.
Gyles Bonde capt. Francis Saunders maister. 8 peecs of ordnance, 40 men,
victualled 12 monethes. And her pinace called the Sealove of Waymouth,
John Reeves capt. victualled for 12 monethes. Losses 60001i. Interponit
cautio.
The bond which follows refers to a later commission
granted to the same ship with a different pinnace :
1 626. Robert Pawlett gen, John Lockier merchant, Robert Roy merchant,
and others of Weymouth are bound in 1,000 to the Lord High Admiral ;
Whereas Thos. Pawlett, John Lockier and company are authorized by Letters
of Reprisal to set forth the Dragon of Weymouth, about 80 tons, whereof
John Lockier goeth captain and John White master, and her pinnace called
Hn/iiii-dl of about :>0 tons whereof Hubert Roy ^uftli rn plain and (''lenient
White master, to take ships and merchandise of the subjects of the King of
Spain. If the said owners within one month of return to port do pay 1- 10th of
7
34 SOME DORSET PRIVATEERS.
ships or merchandise to the Admiral, then this bond to be of no effect. Signed
in the presence of Henry Russell, mayor, and Giles Greene, comrs. at Woy-
mouth. A second bond provides that prizes shall be brought to a British
port, and that bulk shall not be broken until after adjudication.
These two examples will serve to show the preliminary
procedure.
Another enterprising owner, John Freke, obtained in 1626
both Letters of Reprisal and a commission to take pirates
for his vessel, the Leopard, of Weymouth (240 tons), the largest
of the Dorset swarm of hornets which were turned loose by
Charles I. This fine ship was built at her port of registration,
and was armed with 16 sacres, i.e., small cannon, and four
mynyons of cast iron ordnance, as appears in her Trinity
House certificate.*
She was commanded by Nicholas Strangways and her
builder Nich. Audney sailed as master. Two years later the
Leopard was transferred to Poole and recommissioned for
another cruise, which ended in disaster, as she was wrecked
on the Irish coast in 1628 with the loss of most of her
guns.
What happened to these cruisers, which, singly or in pairs,
roved the Channel and the Bay as far as the Mediterranean ?
Very little is known as to how many of them were captured
or lost at sea, but at least one Weymouth ship, the Willing
Mind, was " sunk by enemies." On the other hand there is
some evidence that certain vessels returned in safety to the
ways of peace ; for instance, the privateers Harry and John and
Speedwell, of Weymouth, were probably identical with two
ships of the same names and town which were exempted
in 1635 from visits by naval press gangs, being then engaged
in the less exciting task of carrying Portland stone for the
repair of St. Paul's Cathedral.
Chief among the commanders who survived the expeditions
was the old freebooter, John Lockier, who ended his active
* An undertaking had to bo given that the weapons authorised by these
certificate* would not bo alienated outside the realm.
SOME DORSET PRIVATEERS. 35
career by breaking his leg at the age of sixty-seven, when in
charge of harbour works at Weymouth in 1647 ; unfortun-
ately, his log books have not come down to us.
It was when fortune had smiled upon their voyages that we
learn most concerning these merchant adventurers, who,
after bringing in their prizes, too often quarrelled among
themselves and doubtless handed over to the lawyers a fair
proportion of the spoils taken from the foreigner. The
archives of the seventeenth century Courts of Exchequer
and Chancery take us behind the scenes and furnish some
instructive details at which we will briefly glance.
A Chancery suit in 1632-3 between Antiochesten Phelps (who
surely hailed from the Tarrant valley) and John Gardner, mer-
chant and controller of Customs at Poole and Weymouth,
tells us that the Content of the latter port had captured the
St. Jago of Lisbon, laden with sugar, Brazil tobacco, &c.
The ship and cargo were said to be worth 7,000 beyond
the Lord Admiral's share, and the cost of fitting out the
Content had been 360 : a very profitable result, but one of
the owners laments that another of their vessels, the Sarah,
had returned empty and lost her voyage. It was apparent!}'
the custom to sell " 5 ventures " to anyone with a liking for
lotteries, and several Dorchester men had purchased shares
in the Content. Another suit relates how the Gift of God, of
Weymouth (Edward Cuttance, master) had captured in 1627,
when on a voyage to the Isle of Maye, a Portuguese carvel
valued at nearly 7,900, and a small French vessel worth
200. A well-known Weymouth mariner, Peter Sallanova,
who owned and commanded more than one privateer, tells
the Court that his ship, the Truelove, had brought in the French
Dolphin, laden with Bank's fish and train oil, and the same
individual is, on another occasion, officially commended for
the capture of a cargo of French wines, which were, no doubt,
an acceptable prize at a time when communications with that
country were cut off.
The owners of the Poole and Lyme " men of war " were
presumably less litigious than their brethren of the central
36 SOME DORSET PRIVATEERS.
port, and therefore, leave us, for the most part, in the dark
as regards any personal details of their proceedings. One
solitary instance occurs of a trader in an inland town being
also the owner of a privateer namely, in the case of John Hill,
of Dorchester, who fitted out the Pilgrim, of 200 tons, and her
pinnace, the Friendship, in 1627, with a view to pirate hunting
as well as reprisals on the Spaniards.
It is to be feared that the confusion resulting from the
coming and going of these vessels led to irregularities of
another kind, for one reads on a Memoranda roll of Mich.
Term 10 Chas. I. that Thos. Gyear and Thos. Waltham, of
Melcombe, and John Blachford, of the county town (each
of whom was concerned in the subject of this paper), were
heavily fined for confederating together to avoid payment of
customs at Poole and Wey mouth, several of the implicated
ships having previously received Admiralty commissions.
The penalties then inflicted were not, however, paid for many
a long day, if ever, as the Sheriff in 1651 mentions these fines
(one of 3,000 and two of 2,000) as being still outstanding,
and certifies " no property in bailiwick." Evasions may
be suspected.
After the treaty of peace with Spain in 1630 the rush for
Letters of Marque abated, and comparatively few were issued
in the later years of Charles's reign. The Civil War afforded
the Weymouth firebrands an opportunity of doing some
fighting ashore, one ex-privateersman, Gabriel Cornish, being
master of ordnance during the siege, and another, Gregory
Babbidge, serving as ensign in the same operations ; about
the same time George Scutt, ex-Mayor of Poole, and owner
of privateers, was appointed governor and commander of the
troops in that town.
To touch for a moment upon Lyme Regis, the Bonadventure
was sent to sea by Wm. Kirridge, who had been chief magis-
trate of the borough in 1621, his ship being licenced to " lay
aboard four mynyons and five falckons " as armament.
Subsequently Richard Alford, another ex-Mayor of the
Western port, took out Letters of Reprisal, and achieved
SOME DORSET PRIVATEERS. 37
considerable success with the Swan and other vessels until
the Commonwealth Government withdrew all these commis-
sions on the grounds that good sailors were wanted for the
Navy and that too many abuses were prevalent.
Weymouth is again mentioned in 1692, when the William
and Mary galley (150 tons, 45 men, conmmanded by Wm.
Hollman) had effected several captures in the Channel after
her Letters had been revoked, but, by the grace of the authori-
ties, her owners were permitted to retain the profits of her
exploits. A stirring incident in the year 1694 illustrates
the insecurity of the unfortified roadsteads. While two local
privateers were lying at Weymouth, two similar French
craft sailed in and cut out a ketch laden with Purbeck stone.
Although the British commanders were ashore at the time,
their men proved equal to the emergency, and retaliated on
the daring Frenchmen with such effect that the intruders
lost their own ships in addition to their prize.
The period which covers the long wars of the eighteenth
century saw very many additions to the number of Dorset
Letters of Marque ; but the mass of the Admiralty Court
documents, chiefly without indexes, renders a complete list
impracticable, even if such were desirable. A few examples
chosen more or less at haphazard must therefore suffice.
The Dorchester Museum possesses a newspaper extract
(unnamed but marked 1755) which states that Poole mer-
chants were then fitting out the Fox privateer with 8 guns,
14 swivels, and a crew of seventy, under Capt. Thos. Francklin,
but the corresponding Letters are not mentioned in the records,
unless an entry under 1778 refers to the same ship. The
formalities which obtained under the Stuart monarchs had now
become more stringent, every commander being ordered
to keep an " exact journal " of events ; he was also required
to describe minutely the vessel and its equipment, presumably
with the object of placing beyond question the identity of
the privateer, and a pinnace was no longer included in the
commission. A specimen of one of these " Declarations "
is perhaps of sufficient interest to be quoted here.
38 SOME DORSET PRIVATEERS.
On 29th December, 1778, it was declared that
J. R. Wood's ship is called the Friend of the port of Poole, is of the burthen
of 250 tons, is square sternod, has no figure head, has three masts ; that the
said J. R. Wood goeth commander of her, that she is mounted with twelve
carriage guns carrying shot of 6, 4, and 3 pounds weight, and no swivel guns ;
navigated witli twenty men, has twenty stands of small arms, twelve cutlasses,
three barrels of powder, twenty rounds of great shot and about two cwt. of
small shot ; that the said ship is victualled for six months, has two suits of
sails, five anchors, three cables, and about one ton weight of spare cordage ;
that Richard Wood goes mate or lieutenant, Robert Ash gunner, Thomas
Glover boatswain, John Clarke carpenter, James Hibbs cook, and Henry
Bailey Green surgeon of the said ship, and that Peter Jolliffe* junr., of Poole,
merchant, is the sole owner and setter out. This commission was against
the King of France.
Another Poole ship, the Resolution, commanded by Chris-
topher Fry and owned by John Bundock and Company,
received in 1778 Letters of Marque directed against " the
American colonies now in rebellion and all vessels of our
subjects trading to or with the said colonies," words which call
to mind England's great mistake.
Wey mouth, also, watched the departure of many ships
flying the privateer's flag during the reign of George III.,
and occasionally a newspaper advertisement provides a wel-
come addition to the dry official records. The Western Flying
Post of 21st December, 1778, announces that the Trimmer,
of Weymouth, was about to proceed on a three months' cruise
against the enemies of Britain, that all gentlemen, seamen,
and able-bodied landmen willing to serve on board would
receive advance money before proceeding to sea viz., four
guineas to a seaman, two to a landman, one to a boy ; if
the landmen had served in the militia, and were expert in their
exercise, then three guineas. This vessel of 120 tons was
* An instance of heredity in tastes may be inferred from the fact that an
earlier Peter Jolliffe, of Poole, had distinguished himself in 1694 by annexing
two foreign privateers on the adjoining coast, for which feat ho was awarded
a gold medal by Royalty, and his praises were sung in a ballad quoted in
S. & D. N. & Q. III. 173.
SOME DORSET PRIVATEERS. 39
owned by John Collins and commanded by Benj. Hughes,
her crew numbered sixty, and she was armed with ten carriage
guns and 20 howitzers to be used against the French and the
Spaniards. The same news sheet gives notice in March, 1779,
that the Shaftesbury, Capt. John Horsford, would shortly
distribute to the officers and men their shares in captured
prizes. The ship was 180 tons burden, and carried a crew of
seventy, with 24 guns. The owners were the commander,
a Weymouth merchant, and John Le Mesurier, of Alderney.
It is to be feared that, on the whole, the distributions fell short
of the expectations.
To find the name of a Government Department among
those asking for Letters of Marque is both unusual and sur-
prising ; an instance occurs in the year 1793, when the Com-
missioners of Customs converted into a privateer the Grey-
Jiound, of Weymouth (200 tons, Capt. S. Watson), the warrant
being directed against France. Their object in taking this
step is not, of course, disclosed, but they may have wished to
extend beyond territorial waters their right to capture contra-
band, on account of the general prevalence of smuggling
along our South coast. The Commissioners also obtained
licences for the same cutter in 1795 and '96 for operations
against the United Provinces and Spain respectively. The
permits issued at this period to Lyme Regis vessels must
have been very few in number, as I have met with only two
applications in the years that have been examined. Perhaps
we may say of the port that it was happy in thus having no
history during the wars with Spain, Holland, and France.
The Dove, lugger, of Lyme (Capt. Thos. Jervis), a small
craft of 39 tons, carrying 4 guns and a crew of 25, was fitted
out there in 1793, the year following the partial destruction
of the Cobb by storms. The other example was the Lyme, of
60 tons, in 1757.
The neighbouring haven of Bridport is mentioned only
once in this connection. The Sherborne Journal of 27th
May, 1779, contains an intimation that the cutter Resolution
was then being made ready for sea at Bridport, and invites
40 SOME DORSET PRIVATEERS.
seamen and able-bodied landmen who had a mind to make
their fortunes to apply there to the captain, Hilary Gosselin.
This cutter's " declaration " shews that her crew was one
hundred, and her armament 20 carriage guns, 10 cohorns,
and 12 swivels. If the tonnage of 280 is correctly stated, the
Resolution must have had some difficulty at that date in
entering or leaving the little harbour now known as West
Bay.
Swanage in the eighteenth century was only a fishing vil-
lage, but the spirit of adventure was not wanting, as may
be learned from a tablet in the church to the memory of three
parishioners named Edmonds, who were closely associated with
privateering (Hutchins, 3rd ed., I. 679). It appears that
Joseph Edmonds had commanded in 1757 the Defyance, of
London, and that he had fitted out in 1793 the New Albion,
of Southampton, his son John being a partner in the under-
taking and captain of the ship. Samuel Edmonds was
surgeon on board the New Albion, and another son is said to
have commanded the Dorset, which was presumably also a
privateer, but is as yet untraced. There are certain dis-
crepancies between the documents of the Admiralty Court
and the inscription on the memorial ; no doubt the latter
was carved some years after the events narrated.
Having now reached comparatively modern times, I will
bring these notes to a close, notwithstanding that Letters of
Marque were granted, at lengthening intervals, until 1856,
when the treaty of Paris finally put an end to the practice
as between European nations, the United States being a
dissentient. It is conceivable, however, that if the da\
of a naval Armageddon should come upon us, the best of our
mercantile marine will once more be armed as commerce
destroyers, though a less ugly term than " privateer " may
be used to describe them.
SOME DORSET PRIVATEERS. 41
WARRANTS FOR LETTERS OF MARQUE AND
REPRISAL.
ALL OF WEYMOUTH AND MELCOMBE EXCEPT WHEN OTHERWISE STATED.
Owner.
Name and Tonnage of
Ship.
Captain.
1625.
John Lockier, merchant
Dragone, 80
Gyles Boiide and
Francis Sauuders
1626.
and her pinnace Sealove
John Reeves
Edward Roy and others
Peter Salleneuve
Truelove, 100
and pinnace Hopewell, 25
St. Nicholas, 90
E. R.
Clement White
Owner
John Freake, Esq.
Thos. Powlett and others
John Bryard and Thos.
Hill
Leopard, 240
and pinnace Margaret, 60
Dragon, 80^
and pinnace Hopewell, 30
Garland, of Poole, 160
Nich. Strangways and
Xich. Audney
John Lockyer
Robt. Roy
John Randoll
Henry Miehell
Abigail, 120
John Miehell and W.
Collins
George Skutt
Thos. Roberts
Win. Wilson
Desire, of Poole, 80
Concord, of Poole, 80
Boiiadventure, of Lyme,
70
John Fox
Win. Bryant
Owner and Jas.
Easman
John Lockyer
Robert Baasett
Phoenix, 40
and pinnace Hopewell, 3 6
Gift, 140
Owner
Thos. Prowse
Owner
Rich. Champion
Henry Maior
and pinnace Phoenix, 40
Shuttle, 30
Flower, 40
Owner
H.M. and Portland
Buniie
Stephen Dennis
Palacra, 80, 6 guns
1627.
Edward Roy
John Hill
Dragon, 80,
and 2 pinnaces Phoenix,
40, Speedwell, 25
Sarah and Katherine, 50,
and pinnace Dumosell, 20
Thos. Chaplin
42
SOME DORSET PRIVATEERS.
Owner.
Name and Tonnage of
Ship.
Captain.
John Scoble
Desire, of Poole, 100
and pinnace Flying Hart,
50
Barnard Drake and
Bonadventure, of Lyme,
others.
80
Owner
Rich. Wright and others
Shuttle, 30
Gabriel Cornish
Henry Cuttance
Gift of God, 120
Edward Cuttance
and pinnace Flower, 40
Portland Bunne
Nicholas Audney, of
Leopard, of Poole, 240,
Owner
Weymouth and others
and pinnace Scout, 60
Win. Lovell
Jonas Dennys
Judith, 70,
Owner
and pinnace, unnamed,
30
John Fox
Garland, of Poole, 60
Owner
Henry Waltham and
Sarah Bonadventure, 100
David Gcyer.
and pinnace, Mermaid, 40
Win. Waltham and
Elizabeth, 100
Win. Collins
Thos. Geyer
and pinnace Robert and
John, 40
Stephen Pettifiz and
Stephen, 100
Owner
others
and pinnace Hopewell,60
Henry Russell
Content, 40
Henry Hinckley
Rich. Davy
Bonadventure, of Lyme,
100
Owner
and pinnace Desire, 30
Jas. Davy
Robert Maior and others
Hope, 70
R. Maior
1628
1'eter Salleneuve
Truelove, 80
Owner
Win. Simpson
Eleanor, 45
Owner
Arnold Basset
Hopewell, 60
Owner
Win. Bryard and others
Garland, of Poole, 160
W. Bryard
and pinnace Mermaid, 60
Rich. Alford and John
Hallett
Swan, of Lyme, 90
Abel Thomas
John Davis and others
Sarak Bonadventure, 100
Owner and Jolri
and pinnace Mermaid
Randoll
Jonathan Dowm-s
Mary gold, 69
Owner
Gabriel Cornish and
others
Margaret, 100
G. Cornish
SOME DORSET PRIVATEERS.
43
Owner,
Name and Tonnage of
Ship.
Captain.
Stephen Reynolds and
others
Content, 60
S. Reynolds
John Moncke and others
Pilgrim, 140
J. M.
Rich. Champion and
others.
Elizabeth, 50
R. C.
Robt. White and others
Great Katherine, 100
R. W.
John Haynes and others
Flying Drake, 40
J. H.
Rich. Russell
Content, 60
Henry Hinckley
John Lockyer
Dragon, 140
J. L.
and pinnace Phoenix. 40
1629
Thcophilus Man
Mermaid, of Poole, 60
Henry Frost,
Thos. Chaplin and others
Friendship, 60
T. C.
Robt. Guyer and others
.garah, 100
R. G.
Robt. Salter
Margaret, 100
R. S.
Henry Cuttance
Marygold, 140
Edward Cuttance.
and pinnace, unnamed
Henry Mayor and others
Hopewell 60
H. M.
John Hallett and Abel
Thomas
Swan, of Lyme, 80
A. T.
and pinnace Goose, 40
John Sacheverell
Judith, 80
J. S.
Edward Linze and
others
Dolphin, 100
Gabriel Cornish
and pinnace Desire 50
Robt. Damen
John Blachford and
David Guyer
Pilgrim, 160
Capt. Holmes
and pinnace Mary, 50
David Guyer and others
King David, 60
John Lockier
and pinnace Corymuch,
30
N. Corney
Jonas Dennys and others
Thomasine, 120
J. D.
and pinnace, 40
Raufe Horsey and others
Marigold
R. H.
1630
Thos. Waltham and
others
Ellinor 60
R. Champion
and pinnace Joane, 30
44
SOME DORSET PRIVATEERS.
Owner.
Name and Tonnage of
Ship.
Captain.
John Reynolds and others
John Nutt and others
Rich. Wright and Gre-
gory Bavidgo
John Gardner and others
Henry Waltlmm
Jonathan Downes
Joseph Lysley and others
1633
Thos. Gaynour (aic)
Christian, 40
and pinnace Greyhound,
35
Swan, of Lyme, 80
and Goose, of Lyme, 40,
pinnace
Willing Mind, 80
and pinnace Shuttle, 50
Harry and John, 140
and Swiftsure, 40
Long John, 140,
and Phoenix, 50
Niger, 90
Abigail, 100
Truelove
J. R.
J. N.
R. White
Henry Russell
Francis Saunders
Alex. Clattery
J. L.
T. G. and Walter Davis
master ; Benj. Denny
Lieut.
WARRANTS FOR LETTERS OF MARQUE TO TAKE PIRATES ON
THE COASTS OF SPAIN AND PORTUGAL.
Owner.
Name and Tonnage of
Ship.
Captain.
1620.
John Lockier, merchant
Robt. Bassett
John Freake, EMJ.
1627.
John Hill, of Dorchester,
merchant
Phoenix, 40
and Hopewell, 36
Guift, 140,
and Phoenix, 40
Leopard, 240
and Margaret, 60
Pilgrim, of Weymouth,200
and Friendship, 40
J. L.
T. Prowse
R. B.
Nich. Strangways, capt.
Nich. Audney, master
These commissions to take pirates reserve a full fifth part for the Admir-
alty, except the last-mentioned vessel, when one-third is reserved.
SOME DORSET PRIVATEERS.
45
Owner.
Name and Tonnage of
Ship.
Captain.
1696.
P. Taylor and C. Lang-
Melcombe, sloop, 30
John Mansell
rish and others
1757.
James Stephens & Co.
Hawke, of Poole, 200
James Hunt
R. F. Goad and Capt.
Mansell
Lyme, of Lyme, 60
Abr. Bailleul
John Tivitoe
Mountserrat Planter, 200
The Owner
Humphry Sturt
Dorset, 400, of Poole
Francis Pinney
John Lidderdale and
Defyance, of London,
Joseph Edmonds, of
others
500
of Swanage
1778.
S. Walker & Go.
Fox, of Poole, 80
Capt. Blanchard
J. Bundock & Co.
Resolution, of Poole, 30
Christopher Fry
Isaac? and Benj. Lester
Earl of Sandwich, of
Poole, 300
Rich. Sainthill
J. Bundock & Co.
Active, of Poole, 120
John Broom
1779.
T. Mackrell and others
Eagle, of Poole, 130
Arch. McMaste
Wm. Thompson
Laurel, of Poole, 130
R. Buck
J. Bundoek & Co.
Antelope, of Poole, 110
F. Messeroy
Enterprise, of Poole, 130
W. Collingwood, jun.
J. Callen and T. Minter
Ranger, of Poole, 200
J. Streeter
Gabriel Stewart and
others
Weymouth, 1 50
Wm. Talbot
John Horsford and others
Tamer, 270
R. Wilkinson
1780.
John Horsford and others
Portland, 70, against
Dutch
John Way
Gab. and Fr. Steward
Achilles, 400, against
Dutch
J. Williams
G. Steward, T. Bagg, and
Active, 50, against
others
Dutch
J. Harris
L. Lemesurier
Kite, 140, against Dutch
M. Langrish
J. Bundock & Co.
British Lyon, of Poole,
270, against Dutch
Peter Baird
46
SOME DORSET PRIVATEERS.
Owner.
Name and Tonnage of
Ship.
Captain.
1793.
John Head and others
Benj. Lester
Francis Steward
* Samuel Weston and
others
Elias Durell and others
Thos. Tizard and others
John Horsford and others
Commissioners of
Customs
Joseph and John
Edmonds, of Swanage
1794.
James Scott, f Sam.
Margrie, J Thos. Rich-
ardson, and the Cap-
tain
1796.
Jas. Scott and others
1803.
Robt. Williams
Dove, lugger, of Lyme,
39
Paulina, cutter, of
Poole, 30
Weymouth, lugger, 30
Resolution, 76
Mary, cutter, 32
Vulture, of Jersey, 42
Lottery, cutter, 20
Achilles, 195
Brilliant, 46
Greyhound, 200
New Albion, of South-
ampton, 250.
Spitfire, 288
Surprise, 51, against
Spain and the Dutch
Dorsetshire, of London,
1268, 32 guns
Thos. Jervis.
Thos. Lander
John Sturmey
John Manger
Wm. Reed
John Filleul
Thos. Hickman
Rich. Wilkinson
Sam. Smetham
S. Watson
John E., of Swanage.
Thos. Dymond
Wm. Evans
R. H. Brown
* Major in Weymouth Volunteers, 1799.
| Ensign in Weymouth Volunteers, 1799.
Ensign in Weymouth and Wyke Volunteers, 1799.
DESCRIPTION OF PLATE A.
FIG. 1. Clubiona facilw, sp. n. 2. Profile of cephalothorax. 3. Genital
aperture.
4. Microneta passiva, Cambr. Palpus, female. 5. Genital aperture.
6. Ditto in profile.
7. Hypselistes florens, Cambr. Profile of cephalothorax, male.
8. Caput and eyes from in front. 9. Palpus, male, outer
side. 10. Genital aperture, female.
11. Araeoncus oequus, sp. n. Female. 12. Profile of cephalothorax.
13. Genital aperture.
14. Notioscopus sarcinatus, Cambr. Male. 15. Profile of cepthalo-
thorax. 16. Radial and cubital joints of palpus. 17. Genital
aperture, female.
,,18. ? Troxochrus scabriculus, Westr. Female, genital aperture.
19. ? Troxochrus cirrijrons, Cambr. Female, genital aperture.
20. Eboria caliginosa, Falconer. Male. 21. Profile. 22. Cephalo-
thorax and eyes from in front. 23. Palpus, male, outer side.
23a. Genital aperture, female.
24. Xysticus luctator, Thor. Palpus, male, showing palpal organs.
25. Genital aperture, female.
,, 26. Xysticus robustus, Hahn. 26 and 27. Palpus, male, shewing
form of radial joint above and below. 28. Genital aperture,
female.
29. Attus caricis, Westr. Male, profile. 30. Cephalothorax from
above. 31. Palpus on outer side. 32. Genital aperture,
female. 33. Ditto from another example.
N.B. The short lines in the Plate indicate the natural lengths of the
various spiders.
PLATE A.
Proc.Dorset,N.H.&AF. CM, Vol.MXI.
lant JcErsldne.lJU. in
NEW AND RARE BRITISH SPIDERS.
NOTED AND OBSERVED IN 1909.
By Rev. 0. PICKARD-CAMBRIDGE, M.A., F.R.S., &c.
PLATE A.
T AM still indebted to the kind assistance of corres-
pondents for the greater part of the materials
on which the following remarks are based.
With their help, the result of the past year's
collecting and observations enables me to
record the addition of several species to
the British and Irish List. Of these, two
are, it is believed, new to science, and three
others are recorded as new to the British list. These last
three are specially remarkable, having been described and
figured by myself many years ago ; two in 1872 (Notioscopus
sarcinatus, Cambr., and Cornicularia Kochii, Cambr.) from
Bavaria and Warsaw, and the third (Hypselistes florens
Cambr.), from Boston in North America in 1875 ; since those
dates (excepting a male of C. Kochii from Holland in 1889)
no record of their occurrence has been made until their
discovery now in England. Further reference will be made
to these in the subjoined list. I must here mention a fine
Clubiona received from Mr. W. P. Winter, of Shipley, York-
shire. This appears to be undoubtedly new to science (on
this spider see postea, p. 68). Besides the above, I have re-
ceived several very rare species from the New Forest ; two
48 ON BRITISH ARACHNIDA.
were sent to me by Mr. Horace Donisthorpe, and one by
Dr. A. R. Jackson ; the two former were first recorded as
British from a single specimen of each, found in the Bloxworth
district, Dorset, in 1854, and the other from several immature
examples found by myself in the New Forest in 1858. Since
these dates neither of them has been met with until this past
year. Further notes on these also are added (postea) ;
their names are Xysticus robustus, Hahn, and Xysticus luc-
tator, L. Koch (two of the largest and handsomest of the
European Thomisids or crab-spiders), the third being
Oxyopes heterophthalmus, Latr., whose nearest allies are
continental and exotic.
I have now again to thank my many friends and
correspondents for their kind assistance during the
past year ; especially among them Dr. A. Rand ell
Jackson, M.B., D.Sc., of Chester ; Mr. Horace Donisthorpe, 58,
Kensington Mansions, London ; Mr. William Falconer,
Slaithw r aite, near Huddersfield ; Mr. Denis Packe-Beresford,
Bagenalstown, Ireland ; the Rev. J. E. Hull, Whitfield,
Northumberland ; Mr. W. Ruskin Butterfield, Hastings,
Sussex ; Mr. F. P. Smith, 15, Cloudesley Place, Islington ;
Mr. W. P. Winter, Shipley, Yorkshire ; Mr. H. H. Harrison,
Birtley, Durham ; Mr. G. A. Dunlop, Stockton Heath,
Cheshire ; Mr. Wallis Kew, 12, Werndon Road, Wandsworth ;
Mr. F. T. Palmer, Cheltenham ; Mr. J. H. Keys, Plymouth ;
Rev. J. H. Bloom, Whitchurch, Stratford-on-Avon ; Mr.
Eustace R. Baiikes, Norden, Corfe Castle ; Dr. Sharp, Brocken-
hurst ; Dr. Grierson, Great Grimsby ; Mr. Cecil Warburton,
Cambridge ; Mr. A. G. Burton, Goole ; and Dr. G. H. Oliver,
M.D., Bradford, Yorkshire.
If further information is required on any of the Arachnids
in the following list, I would refer to " Spiders of Dorset,"
1879-81 ; and to Papers published since, in its annual Pro-
ceedings, 1882-1909, by the Dorset Field Club ; as well as
to the " List of British and Irish Spiders " (Sime and Co. :
1900). Also, for information upon some of the less numerous
groups of British Arachnids, I would refer to " Monographs
ON BRITISH ARACHNID A. 49
on the British Phalangidea or Harvest Men, 1890 " (Vol. XI.),
and on the British Chernetidea, or False Scorpions, 1892
(Vol. XIII.), published in the Dorset Field Club Proceedings.
I should mention here that Papers have also been published
during the past year on some British Spiders, by the Rev. J.
E. Hull (Trans. Nat. Hist. Soc. of Northumberland, Durham,
and Newcastle-upoii-Tyne, ii.s.,Vol.IIL, Part 2, and " Natural-
ist," 1909, August 1), and by Mr. W. Falconer, " Natural-
ist," August and September, 1909, and February, 1910.
Mr. T. Stainforth, of the Municipal Museum, Hull, also gives
a List of East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire Arachnids in
Trans, of the Hull Scientific and Field Naturalists' Club.
I must not conclude these few introductory remarks
without thanking the Dorset Field Club most heartily for
having so long continued to publish my annual remarks
and notes on a subject not congenial (to say the least of it)
to the greater part of our members. I wish I could report
that my efforts had prevailed upon some, or some one of
them at least, to take up this special branch of natural history
investigation ; but the coming student of arachnology among
our Dorset Natural History and Field Club members is still
coming, though when he or she may arrive who shall say ?
LIST OF NEW AND RARE BRITISH ARACHNIDA.
Order ARANEIDEA.
Fam. THERAPHOSIDJE.
Atypus aflinis, Eichwald.
In the Proc. Dors. N.H. and A.F. Club XXIX. (1908),
p. 164, it is stated that A. af finis, Eich., is the only
British representative of the family. This was an over-
sight, as another species was found by the late Mr.
Richard Beck at St. Leonard's, near Hastings. (Atypus
Beckii, Cambr.), vide Spid. Dorset, Vol. I., p. 4.
50 ON BRITISH ARACHNID A.
Fam. DYSDERID^J.
Ischnothyreus velox, Jackson.
This curious little spider has again been sent to me
during the past year from the Royal Gardens, Kew,
where, in the warmer buildings, it appears to be quite
domiciled, though no doubt originally introduced from
some exotic region.
Fam. DRASSIDJE.
Drassus pubescens, Thor.
An adult male sent to me in July, 1908, from Whit-
church, near Stratford-on-Avon, by the Rev. J. A.
Bloom.
Prosthesima pedestris, C. L. Koch.
A full grown example of this spider was sent to me from
the New Forest, Hampshire, by Mr. H. Donisthorpe ;
it was in the jaws of another spider.
Xysticus robustus, Hahn.
Noted further on p. 62 postea.
Clubiona neglecta, Cambr.
An adult male sent to me from Worcestershire by the
Rev. J. H. Bloom. It is a rare spider, though widely
distributed.
Clubiona facilis, sp.n.
Nearly allied to Clubiona holosericea, De Geer. A
single example of the adult female sent to me from
Shipley, Yorkshire, by Mr. R. P. Winter (see further
note and description p. 68 postea).
ON BRITISH ARACHNIDA. 51
Fam. AGELENIDJE.
Cryphoeca incisa, Cambr.
Two adult females, found in nests of Formica fusca,
were kindly sent to me in May, 1909, by Mr. H. Donis-
thorpe, from Bradgate Park, Leicestershire.
Cieurina einerea, Panz.
Adult and immature females found in nests of Lasius
fuliginosus, Darenth Wood, in September, 1909, were
sent to me by Mr. H. Donisthorpe.
Tegenaria Derhamii, Scop.
Dr. Oliver, of Bradford, Yorkshire, tells me that
a female of this species (just dead) had lived under his
care seven years in confinement ; and another example
five years. These are supposed by Dr. Oliver to have
furnished instances of " Parthenogenesis," but the
evidence did not appear to me conclusive on the point.
Fam. THERIDIIDJE.
Theridion aulicum, Luc.
Adults of both sexes of this rare and local spider
were found in June, 1909, at the Sandbanks, near Poole,
and also Morden Park, Bloxworth, by Dr. A. R. Jackson,
and my son, Alfred E. LI. Pickard-Cambridge.
Leptyphantes patens, Cambr.
The spider recorded (Proc. Dors. F. Club, Vol. XXVIII.,
p. 140, pi. A, figs. 20, 21), as the female of this species
appears to be most probably that of Leptyphantes pallidus,
Cambr.
52 ON BRITISH ARACHNIDA.
Porrhomma microphthalmum, Cambr.
The spider recorded (Proc. Dors. F. Club, Vol. XXIX.,
p. 172) as Porrhomma Meadii, F.O.P., C., being synony-
mous with P. microphthalmum, should have been entered
under the latter name.
Hilaira excisa, Cambr.
Numerous examples of both sexes received from the
Rev. J. E. Hull from Northumberland in 1909.
Hilaira uncata, Cambr.
An adult female from Mr. D. R. P.-Beresford, by whom
it was found near the Ulster Canal, Ireland.
? Oreoneta Tmeticus, Cambr.) fortunata, Cambr.
Porrhomma inerrans, Cambr., Proc. Dors. N.H.
and A. Field Club, Vol. VI., p. 11 (male, not
female).
An adult male from Rev. R. J. Pickard-Cambridge,
found on iron railings at Warmwell, May 29, 1909.
Also two males in a similar situation, at Bloxworth
Rectory, taken by Dr. A. R. Jackson and myself early in
June, 1909. From a recent examination and comparison
of types, it appears that the males of Porrhomma inerrans.
Cambr., and 0. fortunata, Cambr., are undoubtedly
identical though the females are distinct.
Mengea, F. 0. P.-C. (Tmeticus, Cambr.), Warburtonii, Cambr.
Tmeticus probabilis, Cambr., Proc. Dors. F. Club,
XXIX., p. 195.
T. probabilis, Cambr., is certainly a small variety of
the female of M . Warburtonii with no sign of the usual
dark chevrons on the upper side of the abdomen. An
adult female of M. Warburtonii was received from Dr.
A. R. Jackson, by whom it was found near Stamford
Bridge, Cheshire, in September, 1909.
ON BRITISH ARACHNIDA. 53
Microneta innotabilis, Cambr.
. An adult male found by A. E. LI. Pickard-Cambridge
among herbage in Berewood, near Bloxworth, July 2nd,
1909.
Microneta passiva, Cambr.
Adults of both sexes were received from the Rev. J. E.
Hull, Northumberland, and from Mr. W. Falconer, near
Huddersfield. The spider at first thought to be the female
of M. passiva turns out to be that of M. saxatilis, Bl.
For a figure of what is now considered to be M.
passiva (female) see postea pi. A., figs. 4, 5, 6, cf.
also Proc. Dors. N.H. and A.F. Club XXX., p. 105.
Sintula fausta, Cambr.
Both sexes, adult, were received from Northumberland
from the Rev. J. E. Hull in 1909.
Typhoerestus digitatus, Cambr.
An adult female received from Mr. H. Donisthorpe,
by whom it was found in an ant's nest (Formica fusca),
Bradgate Park, Leicestershire, May, 1909.
Diplocephalus picinus, Bl.
Gongylidium morum, Cambr., Ann. Scottish Nat.
Hist., 1894, p. 21, and List of Brit, and Irish
Spiders, p. 38.
Comparison of the type of G. morum with typical
examples of D. picinus., Bl. (female), shows that these two
spiders are identical.
Genus HYPSELISTES, Sim., Hist, des Araignees, 2nd Ed.,
torn. I., p. 671.
This genus was formed by M. Simon for a North
American (New England) spider Erigone (Entelecara)
florens Camb. (Proc. Zool. Soc., London, 1875, p. 403,
54 ON BRITISH ARACHNIDA.
pi. xlvi., Fig. 10). Its chief generic distinction seems to
be based upon the armature of the underside of the tibiae
and metatarsi of the legs, which appears to be a good
distinction, though it is chiefly marked in the female,
and in that sex most strongly on the anterior legs, while
in the male it is not so remarkable.*
Hypselistes florens, Cambr.
Erigone florens, Cambr., Proc. Zool. Soc., Loiid., 1875,
p. 403, PI. xlvi, Fig. 10. Both sexes adult were received
lately from the Rev. J. E. Hull ; these were found by
Mr. Hull's nephew (Mr. H. H. Harrison) in swampy
places on the ancient jet workings on Eston Moor,
Cleveland, Yorkshire. The occurrence of this fine
and very distinct species in Yorkshire is of great interest,
as it has not been recorded in any locality until now since
its record in 1875 in North America, where it appears to
be an abundant form. It is new to the British fauna.
Hypselistes Jacksonii, Cambr.
Entelecara Jacksonii, Cambr., Proc. Dors. N.H. and
A.F. Club, XXIII., 1902, pp. 24 and 23, Fig. 6.
Taking the armature of the legs as generically distinc-
tive, Entelecara Jacksonii, Cambr., should, I think, be
removed to the genus Hypselistes, Sim. Others of the
genus Entelecara show a somewhat analogous, though
not similar, armature, w r hile in one or two species the
legs are normal. Further consideration seems necessary
to determine the position of the different species of this
now somewhat heterogeneous group.
* M. Simon says, I.e., simply " tibiis anticis subtus satis longis biseriatis
instruct!." All the legs, however, metatarsi as well as tibiae, are more or less
well-marked in respect of this armature. In Arachnides de France V., p. 617,
M. Simon includes E. florens, Cambr., in the genus Nemalognus, Sim., with
the type of which, however, E. florens, Cambr., has only a somewhat similar
general form of the male palpus, but 110 other good affinity.
ON BRITISH ARACHNID A. 55
Thyreosthenius biovatus, Cambr.
Adults of both sexes of this curious little ant's-nest-
loving spider were received from Mr. H. Donisthorpe,
by whom they were found at Nethy Bridge, Inverness-
shire in May, 1909.
Araeoncus aequus, sp.n.
An adult female found with ants (Tetramorum ccesp-
tum) at Ram's Head, Cornwall, and sent to me by Mr.
H. Donisthorpe in April, 1909. This spider seems to be
nearly allied to Araeoncus longiusculus, Cambr., received
many years ago from Corsica ; possibly it may be the
female (with which I am not acquainted) of that species !
It appears at any rate to be new to Britain. For fuller
description see postea (p. 69).
Lophocarenum stramineum, Menge.
Adult females were lately received from Mr. D. R. P.
Beresford, Fenagh, Ireland. Males of this spider were sent
to me from Ireland by Mr. Beresford in 1906. (See
Proc. Dors. N.H. and A.F. Club, XXVIII, p. 131.)
Gen. NOTIOSCOPUS, Sim. (Arachnides de
France V., 2nd part, 1884,
p. 648).
This genus was founded by M. Simon in 1884 (I.e.
supra) on a single species first described by myself in
1872 from a spider received from Nuremberg in Bavaria
from Dr. Ludwig Koch.
Notioscopus sarcinatus, Cambr.
Erigone sarcinata, Cambr., Proc. Zool. Soc., Lond.,
1872, p. 757, PL Ixv., Fig. 13. Both sexes were found
among sphagnum in ditches on Eston Moor, Cleveland,
56 ON BRITISH ARACHNIDA.
North Yorkshire, by Mr. H. H. Harrison, in June, 1909,
and were sent to me by the Rev. J. E. Hull. It is a very
distinct species, and has not been recorded, so far as I
am aware, excepting in France, since its description in
1872 from Bavaria. Its occurrence, therefore, is of
much interest. This is its first record as a British
species ; the genus being also new to Britain.
Styloctetor penicillatus, Westr.
Adult females found in 1909 were received from
Ireland from Mr. D. R. P. Beresford.
Troxochrus cirrifrons, Cambr.
An adult male was received from the Rev. J. H. Bloom
from Whitchurch (Stratford-on-Avon) in July, 1909,
also a male, and (taken with it) two females, from the
East Coast of Yorkshire, from Mr. W. Falconer ; pre-
sumably these last may be the females of T. cirrifrons.
This species is very nearly allied to T. scabriculus, Westr.,
and indeed is considered by Mons. Simon to be identical
with that species, and to differ only in the male sex,
which it does remarkably. I can, however find in the
females received from Mr. Falconer a difference from
some others which I believe to be the typical form of T.
scabriculus, Westr. These others were taken by myself
at Basingfield, Hampshire, some years ago, in company
with an equal number of males, and they correspond
exactly with the female figured as that of T. scabriculus,
Westr.. by Bosenberg. (Die Spinner Deutschlands, p.
203, PI. xviii., Fig. 284.) M. Simon relies chiefly, for the
identity of scabriculus and cirrijrons, on the two forms
being always found together (i.e., at the same time and
place) ; but this I have by no means myself proved to be
the fact. Indeed, I have on several occasions received
each of these male forms when no example of the other
occurred. This evidence however, alone, would of
course not be conclusive. (Bosenberg makes no mention
ON BRITISH ARACHNIDA. 57
at all of the form " cirrifrons " !) On the whole T.
cirri frons still seems to me to be a distinct species from T.
scdbriculus. Not only do Mr. Falconer's females differ
from what I believe to be the true female of scabriculus
and with Bosenberg's figure, but they also agree exactly
with others, in my collection, mixed up hitherto
with those which I consider to be of that sex of T.
scabriculus : indeed, out of eleven females thus mixed,
I found six of the form I believe to be scabriculus, and
five of cirrifrons. Of the circumstances and localities,
however, of these, I have no special notes ; all having
hitherto been considered to be scabriculus. With a view
towards clearing up the question whether a female
distinct from the normal form of that of scabriculus can
be reasonably allotted to cirri/rons I have given (pi. A.
figs. 18, 19) a figure of the epigyne of each of the forms
mentioned above.
Evansia merens, Cambr.
A male and female were found in ants' nests, and sent
to me in May, 1909. by Mr. H. Donisthorpe from Nethy
Bridge, Aberdeenshire. Both sexes of this species
were also found by the Rev. J. E. Hull in the nests of
an ant (Lasius niger) and sent to me from Northumber-
land. An adult female of this species was also taken by
Mr. Hull in a situation far removed from any nests of
ants, so that it seems probable that the species is not
invariably dependent for its perpetuation on obtaining
the hospitality of the ants. I have myself found this
to be the case in respect to another ants'-nest species,
Thyreosthenius biovatus, Cambr.
Gen. Nov. EBORIA, Falconer.
This new genus is based on a rather obscure spider
found in 1909 by Mr. W. Falconer in West Yorkshire.
58 ON BRITISH ARACHNID A.
It appears to me to be nearly allied to the genus Stylocte-
tor, Simon, and some others, to one of which I should
myself have preferred for the present to relegate it pro
visionally.
Eboria caliginosa, Falconer, sp.n.
Eboria caliginosa, Falconer, " Naturalist," February,
1909, p. 83, PI. 1, Figs. 110. An adult of each sex was
found and sent to me for examination in August, 1909,
by Mr. Falconer. The species is certainly new to Britain ;
whether the female example sent to me by Mr. Falconer
is that sex or the male appeared to me to be doubtful.
The occurrence of future specimens would make this
more certain.
Cornicularia Kochii, Cambr.
Erigone Kochii, Cambr., Proc. Zool. Soc., Lond.,
June, 1872, p. 759, PL Ixvi., Fig. 15.
Cornicularia unicornis, Cambr. -Bosenberg, Die
Spinnen Deutschlands, p. 186, PI. xvi. Fig.
256, 1903.
Cornicularia valida, Jackson (female), Trans. Nat.
Hist. Soc. of Northumberland,
Durham, and Newcastle, Vol.
III., part 2, p. 7, PI. x.,
Fig. 10.
,, Kochii, Cambr. -Falconer, " Natura-
list," 1909, p. 295, PI. xvii.
,, valida, Jackson -Cambr., Proc. Dors.
N.H. and A.F. Club XXX.,
p. 107, figs. 1114, 1909.
An adult male was sent to me in June, 1909, from the
North Lincolnshire coast for examination by Mr. W.
Falconer, and was easily recognised as identical with
Erigone Kochii, described and figured by myself in
1872 (I.e. supra) from Warsaw and Nuremberg, but of
ON BRITISH ARACHNID A. 59
which the female was then unknown. Subsequently Mr.
Falconer sent me another example of the male, together
with the female, which last, on comparison, appeared to
be without doubt identical with Cornicularia valida,
described and figured (I.e. supra) by Dr, A. R. Jackson.
The spider, therefore, was not new to Britain on the
discovery of the male by Mr. Falconer, the female having
been already discovered but recorded under another name.
In September, 1909, I received both sexes of this very
distinct and interesting spider from Dr. Jackson, by whom
they had then recently been found near Stamford Bridge,
Cheshire. From Mr. Falconer's paper ( " Naturalist,"
1909, p. 295) on this and others of the genus, it
appears that examples of this species have also occurred
in some other localities Yorkshire and Lincolnshire
on the dried mud beneath or amongst coarse matted
grass and other estuarine plants.
Tapinocyba insecta, L. Koch.
Tapinocyba Insecta, L. Koch, Cambr., Proc. Dors.
N.H. and A.F. Club, Vol. xxix, p. 179.
An adult female received from Fenagh, Ireland, from
Mr. D. R. P. Beresford. As yet this is an exceedingly
rare species.
Fam. ULOBORIDJE.
Uloborus Walckenaerius, Latr.
Adults of both sexes were found by Dr. Jackson in the
New Forest in June, 1909, where it was met with by
myself in 1858. It has only been recorded, since 1858,
at Blox worth and Wokingham.
Hyptiotes paradoxus, C. L. Koch.
Examples of the adult female were found, and sent to
me in August, 1909, from Glengariff, County of Cork,
60 ON BRITISH ARACHNID A.
Ireland, by Mr. Wallis Kew. This occurrence is interest-
ing, being only the third locality in the British Isles
whence it has been recorded. It was first found by the late
Mr. Meade, F.R.C.S., &c., of Bradford, Yorkshire,
in the Lake District of Cumberland in 1863, and subse-
quently in 1894 near Brockenhurst, New Forest, by Mr.
Cecil Warburton ; also afterwards (1895) I found it in
June in fair abundance in the same New Forest locality.
On the 18th of July the examples I met with were of
both sexes and mostly adult ; and I had now the oppor-
tunity of observing them in their curiously imperfect
orbicular snares, and to see how they assisted the en-
tanglement of their prey by suddenly letting loose a line
held in readiness in their claws. The three far separated
localities mentioned above show a remarkably wide
distribution in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Ireland.
Fam. EPEIRIDJE.
Sub.-Fam. TETRAGNATHIN/E
Tetragnatha pinicola, L. Koch.
An adult female received from the Rev. J. F. Bloom,
by whom it was found near Stratford-on-Avon in 1909.
Sub.-Fam. EPEIRIDJE.
Cercidia prominens, Westr.
An adult of each sex received from Mr. H. Donisthorpe,
from near Ryde, September, 1909.
Singa hamata, Clerk.
Adult females were found in tolerable abundance
near Brockenhurst in June, 1909, by Dr. A. R. Jackson
ON BRITISH ARACHNIDA. 61
Singa Herii, Hahn.
An adult male of this very distinct species was recorded
(Proc. Dors. F. Club, Vol. XIV., 1893, p. 160) from
Wicken Fen, Cambridgeshire, taken by Mr. Cecil War-
burton in 1892. I have recently found in my collection
an example (hitherto overlooked) of the adult female,
also taken by Mr. Warburton in the same locality in
1900.
Singa sanguinea, C. L. Koch.
Adult as well as immature examples of both sexes
were found by Dr. A. B. Jackson near Brockenhurst
early in June, 1909, and subsequently at the Poole sal-
terns, and also on Blox worth Heath. In the adult males
the cephalothorax was black, or nearly so.
Epeira dromedaria, Walck.
Adult females were again met with by Dr. Jackson at
Burnham Beeches, Buckinghamshire, early in June, 1909.
The males, however, have still eluded discovery.
Epeira alsine, Walck.
An adult female was sent to me from near Ryde,
I. of Wight, where it was also found by Mr. H. Dom's-
thorpe, in September, 1909.
Epeira agalena, Bl.
Male adults were taken on iron railings at Blox worth
Rectory at the end of May, 1909 ; an adult example of
each sex was also sent to me from Aviemore, Inverness-
shire, Scotland, by Mr. Eustace R. Bankes ; these last
were remarkable for the vividness of their colouring
and markings.
Epeira triguttata, (?) Fabr.
Adults of both sexes on iron railings, Bloxworth
Rectory, May 19th, 1909.
62 ON BRITISH ABACHNIDA.
Fam. THOMISID/E.
Xysticus ulmi, Hahn.
Immature examples received from the Rev. J. H.
Bloom, Whitchurch, Stratford-on-Avon, July, 1909 ;
an example was also received from Mr. H. Donisthorpe,
found near Byde, in September, 1909.
Xysticus robustus, Hahn.
An adult male and two adult females were received from
Mr. H. Donisthorpe, by whom they were found in a sand-
pit in the New Forest, near the Beaulieu Road station, in
May, 1909. This species has not been recorded in Britain
since July, 1882, when I met with the female among
heather on Bloxworth Heath, the only example (an adult
male) recorded previous to that having occurred in
the same locality in May, 1854. It is, in many respects,
one of the most striking species, and one of the largest
of those found in Great Britain, if not also in Europe.
Xysticus luctator, L. Koch.
An adult male of this fine species was found by Mr. H.
Donisthorpe in the New Forest at the same time and in
the same locality as the species last recorded ( X. robustus,
Hahn.). It is as large, and even longer in the legs than
that species. The only examples previously recorded as
British are the adult male (noted above, p. 48), found by
myself on Bloxworth Heath in May, 1854, and an adult
female not long after in the same locality.
Oxyptila nigrita, Thor.
An adult female found by Dr. A. R. Jackson, either at
Portland or at Swanage, in 1908. The only hitherto
recorded occurrences of this species in Great Britain were
at Deal in 1907 and Dover in 1906 (see Proc. Dors. N.H.
and A.F. Club, XXIX., p. 181, 1908). The present
record, therefore, is its first in the county of Dorset.
ON BRITISH ARACHNID A. 63
Fam. LYCOSIDJE.
Trochosa cinerea, Fabr.
An adult female received from Scotland, from Dr.
Sharp, and another of the same sex from Northallerton
(per Mr. F. M. Campbell).
Tarentula pulverulenta, Clerck.
Tarentula aculeata, Clerck-Cambr. Spid., Dorset,
p. 549, and List of British and Irish Spiders, p. 67.
Having been able to compare the Spiders thought to
be T. aculeata, Clerck, I.e., with examples of the true
aculeata from Switzerland it appears certain that the
former are only pulverulenta, Clerck ; T. aculeata, Clk.,
must therefore be expunged from the British List.
Fam. OXYOPIDJE.
Oxyopes heterophthalmus, Latr.
Sphasus lineatus, Walck.-BL, Spiders of Great
Britain and Ireland, p. 34, PI. iii., Fig. 22.
Oxyopes lineatus, Latr.-Cambr., Spid. Dors., p. 552,
and List of British and Irish Spid., p. 69.
Oxyopes heterophthalmus, Latr. -Sim, Araneides de
France, torn. III., p. 220.
An adult female and immature examples of both sexes
were found by Dr. A. R. Jackson in the New Forest
in May, 1909, where in September, 1858, I had myself
met with it. These are, so far as I am aware, the only
known British occurrences of this very rare and
striking-looking species. The reference to it in
" Spiders of Dorset " and " List of British and Irish
Spiders," as Oxyopes lineatus, Latreille, was an oversight ;
it should have been 0. lineatus, Walckenaer, of which
there appears to be no doubt that the specific name
heterophthalmus, Latr., is a synonym, and has priority
over lineatus, Walck.
64 ON BRITISH ARACHNID A.
Marpessa pomatia, Walck.
An adult female of this large and distinct salticid
was received in September, 1909, from Wicken Fen,
Cambridgeshire, where it was found by Mr. H.
Donisthorpe.
Attus caricis, Westr.
Attus caricis, Westr. -Cambr., Spid. Dors., p. 563,
and Proc. Dors. N.H. and A. Field Club., Vol. X.,
p. 135.
Dendryphantes hastatus, C. L. Koch-Cambr.,
List of Brit, and Irish Spiders, p. 71, 1900.
A comparison of types of Dendryphantes hastatus,
C. L. Koch (sent me by Dr. Ludwig Koch) with those of
Attus caricis, Westr. -Cambr., proves the identity of these
two spiders. It is a widely distributed species, and has
been found not only in Norfolk, Suffolk, Wiltshire, and
Dorsetshire, but as far north as Cumberland. As yet
it is among our rarer forms.
Salticus formicarius, Walck.
An immature female, found in an ant's nest (Myrmica
scabrinodes) near Ryde, was sent to me in September,
1909, by Mr. H. Donisthorpe.
Order PHALANGIDEA.
Fam. PHALANGIDJE.
Oligolophus Hansenii, Kraeplin.
An example of this species was sent to me from
Warwickshire, where it was found by the Rev. J. H.
Bloom, in August, 1909.
ON BRITISH ARACHNID A. 65
Order THELYPHONIDEA.
Sub-order THELYPHONIDES.
Fam. TARTARIDJE.
Trithyreus Bagnallii, Jackson. See Proc. Dors. N.H. and
A.F. Club XXIX., 1908, p. 185.
,, ,, Trans. Nat. Hist. Soc., Northumber-
land, Durham, and Newcastle -
upon-Tyne, n.s., Vol. III., part I.,
p. 29, 1908.
,, ,, Bulletin, Royal Bot. Gardens, Kew,
No. 6, 1909, p. 250.
I have again recently received two examples of this
curious arachnid from the Royal Gardens at Kew ; both,
however, are females, so that the male is still necessary
to show some of the best specific distinctions of the
species.
P.M. Very recently (since the foregoing was read), I have
received a copy of a Paper by the Rev. J. E. Hull on the genus
Tmeticus and other allied genera, with records of some
other northern spiders. (Trans. Nat. Hist. Soc., Northum-
berland, Durham, and Newcastle, n.s., Vol. III., part 3, pp.
573, 590, PL xv., 1910). In this paper the occurrence
of Hypselistes florens, Cambr., and Notioscopus sarcinatus,
Cambr., in Yorkshire is recorded.
LIST OF ARACHNIDA
In the foregoing pages, and reference to page and Plate A.
ARANEIDEA.
Atypus affinis, Eichw. p. 49
Ischnothyreus velox, Jackson, p. 50
Drassus pubescens, Thor. p. 50
66 ON BRITISH ARACHNIDA.
Prosthesima pedestris, C. L.
Koch. p. 50
Clubiona neglecta, Cambr. p. 50
Clubiona facilis, sp.n. p. 50 Figs. 1. 2, 3.
Cryphoeca incisa, Cambr. p. 51
Circurina cinerea, Panz. p. 51
Tegenaria Derhamii, Scop. p. 51
Theridion aulicum, Lucas. p. 51
Leptyphantes patens, Cambr. p. 51
Porrhomma microphthalmum,
Cambr. p. 52
Porrhomma inerrans, Cambr. p. 52
Hilaira excisa, Cambr. p. 52
Hilaira uncata, Cambr. p. 52
? Oreoneta (Tmeticus, Cambr.)
fortunata, Cambr. p. 52
Mengea [F.O.P-C.] (Tmeticus,
Cambr.) Warburtonii,
Cambr. p. 52
Microneta innotabilis, Cambr. p. 53
Microneta passiva, Cambr. p. 53 Figs. 4, 5, 6
Sintula fausta, Cambr. p. 53
Gongylidium morum, Cambr. p. 53
Typhocrestus digitatus, Cambr. p. 53
Diplocephalus picinus, Bl. p. 53
Hypselistes florens, Cambr. p. 54 Figs. 7, 8, 0, 10.
Hypselistes Jacksonii, Cambr. p. 54
Lophocarenum stramineum,
Menge. p. 55
Thyreosthenius biovatus,
Cambr. p. 55
Araeoncus aequus, sp.n. p. 55 Figs. 11, 12, 13.
Notioscopus sarcinatus, Cambr. p. 55 Figs. 14, 15, 16, 17.
Styloctetor penicillatus, Westr. p. 56
Troxochrus cirrifrons, Cambr. p. 56 Fig. 19.
Troxochrus scabriculus, Westr. p. 56 Fig. 18.
Evansia merens, Cambr. p. 57
ON BRITISH ARACHNID A. 67
Eboria caliginosa, Falconer, p. 58 Figs. 20, 21, 22, 23, 23a.
Cornicularia Kochii, Cambr. p. 58
Tapinocyba insecta, L. Koch. p. 59
Uloborus Walckenaerius,
Latr. p. 59
Hyptiotes paradoxus, C. L.
Koch. p. 59
Tetragnatha pinicola, L.
Koch. p.
Cercidia prominens, Westr. p.
Singa hamata, Clerck. p. 60
Singa Herii, Hahn. p. 61
Singa sanguinea, C. L. Koch. p. 61
Epeira dromedaria, Walck. p. 61
Epeira alsine, Walck. p. 61
Epeira agalena, Bl. p. 61
Epeira triguttata, '( Fabr. p. 61
Xysticus ulmi, Hahn. p. 62
Xysticus robustus, Hahn. p. 62 Figs. 26, 27, 28.
Xysticus luctator, L. Koch. p. 62 Figs. 24, 25.
Oxyptila nigrita, Thor. p. 62
Trochosa cinerea, Hahn. p. 63
Tarentula pulverulenta Clk. p. 63
Oxyopes heterophthalmus,
Latr. p. 63
Marpessa pomatia, Walck. p. 64
Attus caricis, Westr. p. 64 Figs. 29, 30, 31, 32, 33.
Salticus formicarius, Walck. p. 64
PHALANGIDEA.
Oligolophus Hansenii,
Kraeplin. p. 64
THELYPHONIDEA.
Trithyreus Bagnallii, Jackson, p. 65
68 ON BRITISH ARACHNID A.
DESCRIPTIONS OF Two or THE SPIDERS IN THE FOREGOING
LIST.
Clubiona facilis, sp. nov., PI. A, Figs. 1, 2, 3, p. 50.
Adult female, length rather over 5 lines.
In general appearance and colour, this fine species is much
like Clubiona holosericea, Degeer., but is rather larger ;
the Cephalothorax is but very slightly constricted on the
lateral margins at the junction of the caput and thorax,
and the profile line forms a continuous curve ; it is of a reddish
yellow-brown hue deepening into a rich red-brown on the
caput, and furnished with a short silky grey pubescens in parts,
probably in a more perfect example over the greater part. The
legs are dull yellow above, whitish yellow underneath, furnished
normally with spines, and with a dense scopula of dark hairs
beneath the tarsi and metatarsi of the first and second pairs of
legs.
The Eyes are small, and in the normal position. Those
of the posterior row are in very nearly a straight line, and
separated by nearly equal intervals, that between the two
central eyes being a little greater than between each of them
and the laterals.
The Falces are massive, prominent, and of a deep shining
dark red-brown colour.
The Abdomen is of a dull yellowish colour, apparently
furnished thinly with greyish pubescens and some fine
black hairs ; and a dark blackish pattern is traceable on the
upper side, consisting of some lateral lines, and several trans-
verse angular bars, or chevrons, on the hinder half in the
median line ; the foremost of these bars traverses the whole
of the width of the abdomen. On the fore part of the abdomen
there are also traces of a central longitudinal dark marking
and a lateral one on each side as well. The under side is
whitish yellow. The spinners are cylindrical, those of the
inferior pair are much longest and largest, they are of a yellow
hue, the superior pair whitish. The genital aperture is large
and of a very distinctive form.
ON BRITISH ARACHNID A. 69
A single adult female was received from Mr. W. P. Winter,
by whom it was found near the canal between Earby and
Gargrave, in the West Riding of Yorkshire, among vegetation
under a wall. This spot is quite in the country, so that it is
highly improbable that it may have been a foreign importa-
tion. M. Simon thinks that it must be an " exotic," but
although the importation of foreign spiders often occurs,
it has not, so far as I am aware, ever been known to happen
in any spot thus far removed from foreign traffic and com-
merce. At any rate, even if this should have been the case
in the present instance, this spider appears to be undoubtedly
a species new to science, and a very remarkable one.
Araeoneus aequus, sp.n., PI. A., Figs. 11, 12, 13, p. 55.
Adult female, length 1 line.
Cephalothorax broad, gradually narrowing to the fore
extremity, but with little or no lateral impression at the junc-
tion of the caput and thorax. Occiput rather roundly convex,
and its profile slopes gradually forwards in an even line to the
lower margin of the clypeus, the height of which is about half
that of the facial space, and there are several curved hairs in the
median line on the hinder part of the caput. The colour is
yellow-brown, a little darker on the sides of the caput.
Eyes small in two almost equally curved rows, whose con-
vexities are in opposite directions, or four pairs, those of the
posterior row are nearly equally separated ; the interval
between the two centrals being perhaps rather the largest.
The four central eyes form a square, whose anterior side is
much the shortest.
Legs moderate, and almost equal, in length, colour pale
and yellowish, that of the first and second pairs suffused
slightly with yellow-brown ; they are furnished with fine
hairs, those of the under sides of the femora arranged (as is
the case in so many spiders) in two parallel longitudinal
lines ; and there is a fine bristle on each of the genual and
tibial joints of the two hinder pairs.
70 ON BRITISH ARACHNID A.
Falces strong, straight, and directed a little backwards,
colour yellow-brown.
Abdomen dark brown, of a regular oval form, and thinly
clothed with fine hairs. The genital aperture is very charac-
teristic in size and form.
Though somewhat obscure, I believe this spider to be of
the genus Araeoncus, Sim., and have conjectured that it
might possibly be the female of A. longiusculus, Cambr..
of which I formerly described the male from Corsica, but have
never as yet seen an authentic female. Meanwhile, it is
certainly, I think, distinct from any of our British species,
and on the whole it is perhaps safer to describe it as new rather
than to relegate it to an already described species without a
type of the latter with which to compare it.
A single example was sent to me in April, 1909, from Rams'
Head, Cornwall, where it was found in a nest of the ant Tetra-
morum ccespitum by Mr. H. Donisthorpe.
CORRECTION OF A FORMER PAPER.
The following corrections should be made of one or two
mistakes in the paper on " British Arachiiida " (Proc. Dors.
Nat. Hist, and Antiq. Field Club, Vol. XXX., p. 97, 1909).
Page 104, under heading of Mengea Warburtonii, Camb.,
instead of " by Mr. W. Falconer," read " and has been received
by," etc.
Page 106, under heading Erigone arclica, White-Cambr.,
instead of Sunderland, read North Sunderland.
Page 107, under heading Cornicularia valida, Jackson, line 9,
from top of page for " longer " read " larger."
Page 113, under heading Hyctia Nivoyi, Lucas, for " Saltend
Common, near Hull," read " Spurn ;" and instead of " Mr. W.
Falconer has met with it here," read Mr. W. F. " has not
himself met with it," etc., etc.
MATTHEW PRIOR.
of ^taff^ew "gfrior,
SCHOLAR, POET, AND DIPLOMATIST.
By the Rev. JAS. M. J. FLETCHER, M.A.
(Read Dec. 14th, 1909.)
To Matthew Prior, Poet and Scholar,
Born at Eastbrook in this Town
Anno 1664. Died September 18, 1721,
In the Fifty Seventh Year of His Age,
Weld Taylor, Esq., has placed this Brass
To His Memory.
(Perennis et Fragrans.)
runs the inscription on a modern brass, which
was placed against the South Wall of the
West Porch, beneath the Belfry, at Wimborne
Minster, some quarter of a century ago, by
Mr. Weld Taylor, an artist, who for a long
period acted as drawing master at Wimborne
Grammar School. An article by him in
'' Longman's Magazine " for October, 1884,
entitled " Was Matthew Prior a Dorsetshire
Man ? " may be known to some of our members.
There has, we believe, always been a tradition in Wimborne
that Matthew Prior was a native of the town, and that his
father was a carpenter. Various houses or sites are pointed
out as places where at one time or other his parents lived, or
72 THE BIRTHPLACE OF MATTHEW PRIOR.
where he was born. We have some old cottages in Wimborne,
but the life of a small house in a country town does not
always amount to 2 centuries ; and my own impression is that
the original home of his childhood's days does not now exist,
though I feel sure that its locality is known, although the house
itself has been pulled down. And the passage which connects
East Boro' with West Boro', called in the old maps of Wim-
borne Luke's Lane, has, of recent years, had its name changed
to that which it is said to have sometimes borne, from the use
which the poet made of the street in question in the days
of his childhood, " Prior's Walk."
Weld Taylor, in his article in " Longman's," speaks of an
old lady, a Miss Knott (at the time when she gave the informa-
tion, ninety years of age), who told him that her father and
grandfather often spoke of the Priors' occupancy of the house
alluded to, and of Matthew frequently coming out of the door
which there then was in the wall. It was on the South side
of the lane, where it joins East Boro'.
Hutchins, in his original edition of the " History of Dorset "
(1774, Vol. II., p. 75), points out that it is highly probable
that Matthew Prior was born at Wimborne, but that no entry
of his baptism could be found in the Registers his parents
presumably being Dissenters.
The tradition in Wimborne that Prior was born there has
been spoken of. We now turn to another tradition :
Amongst the many objects of interest which are to be seen
in the Minster at Wimborne is a copy of Sir Walter Raleigh's
History of the World, which has now a place in the large glass-
case in the centre of the room, commonly called the Library,
in which the celebrated collection of chained books is deposited .
It is not the distinguished author's name, nor yet the subject
matter of the volume, nor even the antiquity of this particular
edition of Sir Walter's great work (A.D. 1614), which makes
it such an object of attraction to the multitude of visitors
who, during the course of the year, come to inspect the trea-
sures of the Minster. But its special interest arises from the
fact that a hole has been burnt through a considerable portion
THE BIRTHPLACE OF MATTHEW PEIOR. 73
of the volume, and that each page has been so neatly repaired,
and the missing words so carefully re-writteii with the pen,
that in many instances it is scarcely noticeable that the page
has suffered any damage, excepting a slight discolouration,
unless the attention is especially drawn to it.
What adds to the interest is the tradition that the injury
to the volume in question was caused by Matthew Prior,
who is said, in the days of his boyhood, to have been reading
in the Library ; and, falling asleep over his studies, to have
upset his candle, and thus inadvertently to have seriously
damaged the book. Report adds that, in order as far as possi-
ble to atone for his carelessness, the future poet set himself
to repair the charred portion of each page (there are in all
about 100 pages which have suffered), and to fill up with his
pen the missing portions of the history.
That the book has suffered from burning is a fact ; but that
it was done by the carelessness of the youthful Prior in the
manner above stated cannot have been the case ; and that
for two reasons :
(1) When he was quite young, his father, as will be seen
presently, removed from Dorset to London. But as Matthew
Prior was born in 1664, and the Chained Library was not
established until 1686, when he would be 22 years of age,
it follows that he must have left Wimborne some number of
years before this time.
(2) A slight examination of the book would show that the
injury could not have been done by a fallen lighted candle ;
but that it must have been caused by a red hot iron ; and that
the hole must have been produced intentionally, even if it
was not made maliciously.
But, although this picturesque tradition of the damage
having been inadvertently done to the volume in question
by the drowsy boy and its subsequent reparation, must be
put aside as baseless, yet I venture to think that the evidence
is conclusive that Matthew Prior may be claimed as a native
of Dorset ; and, what is more, that his birthplace was as
certainly Wimborne itself.
74 THE BIRTHPLACE OF MATTHEW PRIOR.
Dr. Samuel Johnson, in the account of Prior, given in his
" Lives of the Poets," writes :
" Matthew Prior is one of those that have burst out from an obscure orig-
inal to groat eminence. He was born July 21, 1664, according to some, at
Winburn in Dorsetshire, of I know not what parents ; others say that he was
the son of a joiner in London : he was perhaps willing enough to leave his
birth unsettled, in hope, like Don Quixote, that the historian of his actions
might find him some illustrious alliance."
And in a note the great lexicographer adds :
* " The difficulty of settling Prior's birthplace is great. In the register of
his college ho is called, at his admission by the President (a) Matthew Prior
of Winburn in Middlesex ; by himself next day (b) Matthew Prior of Dorset-
shire, in which county, and not in Middlesex, Winborne . . in the Vittare
is, found. When he stood a candidate for his fellowship, five years after-
wards, he was registered again by himself as of (c) Middlesex . . . It is
observable that, as a native of Wimborne, he is styled Filius Georgii Prior,
generosi ; not consistently with the common account of the meanness of his
birth."
The account of Prior in the last edition of Hutchins' Dorset,
at any rate, so far as his early life is concerned, is taken from
Dr. Johnson's " Lives of the Poets," whole sentences and even
paragraphs being copied verbatim. But the editors add the
statement, given if I remember rightly by Hutchins, though
* (a) Matthaeus Prior, Dorcestr : (altered by a later hand to Middlesexiensis)
filius Georgii Prior, generosi, natus infra Winburn in praedicto comitatu,
atquo literis institutus in schola Westmonasterieiisi sub M'ro Busby per
trieimium, admissus est pensionarius aetatis suae 17, et quod excurrit,
tutore et fidejussore ejus M'ro Billers, 2 Aprilis, 1683. [Admission Registers
of St. John's Coll : Cambridge. Pt. II., pp. 92-93. Deighton 1893],
(b) Ego Matthaeus Prior, Dorcesiriensis, juratus et admissus sum in dis-
cipulum hujus collegii pro domina Sarah ducisca Somersettiensi ex ipsius
nominationc die 3'" Aprilis (1683).
(c) Ego Matthaeus Prior, Middlesexiensis, juratus et admissus sum in
perpetu' socium hujus Coll", pro D're Keyton, decessore M'ro Roper, 3 April,
1638.
THE BIRTHPLACE OF MATTHEW PRIOR. 75
not by Dr. Johnson, that tradition says that he (Prior)
was educated at the (Grammar) School (in Wimborne).
It appears that the difficulty in ascertaining where Matthew
Prior was born arises entirely from the variations in the entries
in the Registers of St. John's College, Cambridge.
Hutchins, with regard to these statements, says : " The
learned Thomas Baker, B.D., once Fellow of St. John's College,
Cambridge, informed Mr. Browne Willis that he (Prior) was
born here (at Wimborne) of mean parents, to conceal which
he entered himself at college as of Wimborne, Middlesex."
The following paragraph from Hutchins' " History of
Dorset " throws a little more light on the subject :
"About 1727 (i.e., some six years only after the death of the poet), one
Prior of Godmaiistone, a labouring man, and living 1755, declared to a com-
pany of gentlemen, where Mr. Hutchins was present, that he was Mr. Prior's
cousin, and remembered his going to Wimborne to visit him, and afterwards
heard that he became a great man."
There is no doubt that during his lifetime Matthew Prior
felt keenly the humbleness of his origin, and that he was reti-
cent with regard to his ancestry and the place of his birth.
. Amongst the Duke of Portland's MSS. at Welbeck is a letter
which was written rather more than nine years after the
poet's death by one Conyers Place to his cousin, Dr. Conyers
Middle ton, who was the principal librarian of the University
library at Cambridge :
Dorchester, Dorset,
1730, Dec. 7.
Cousin Middlotoii,
Pursuant to your request I send you here an account of Mr. Prior's parent-
age, from his father's brother's son Christopher Prior. Mr. Prior's grand-
father lived at Godminston (Godmaiistone), a small village three miles from
this town ; he had five sons and one daughter called Mary, married to one
Hunt of Lighe, a village eight miles hence. Thomas and George, two of the
brothers, were bound apprentice to carpenters at Fordington joined to this
town ; whence they removed to Wimborne about eighteen miles hence east-
ward where Thomas lived and died, and where George the father of Mr. Prior
76 THE BIRTHPLACE OF MATTHEW PRIOR.
married, but how long ho lived there I cannot find, only his wife, Mr. Prior's
mother, lies buried at Winiborno or by it, with whom I have heard that Mr.
Prior desired to be buried before Westminster Abbey was in his eye. That
Mr. I'rior was born at or by Wimborne I find because Christopher said he
remembers his cousin Matthew coming over to Godwinston when a boy and
lying with him. George, his father, after his wife's death, I suppose, moved
to London, encouraged by his brother Arthur who had succeeded in the world
and kept the Rummer Tavern by Charing Cross, the great resort of wits in
the latter end of King Charles the Second's reign, and in my remembrance ;
who took his nephew to wait in the tavern, from which time you know his
history."
Arthur Prior, whose will (dated 1685) was proved in 1687,
left to his " cousin Mathew Prior, now in the University of
Cambridge " the sum of 100. He also left 5 to the poor
of Godmanston, county Dorset, " the parish where I was
born." His son Laurence Prior, who was his executor,
whose will, dated 1690 was proved in 1691, left " to my
cousin Mathew Prior 50 besides what I have still in my
hands of the legacy left by my father." (G. A. AITKEN,
in " Cont. Rev." May, 1890.)
The Parish Registers at Godmanstone date back to 1650.
The Rector has kindly sent me the following entries of
Priors :
1746. May 16, Laurence, son of Thomas Prior, buried.
1791, January 9? John, son of Elizabeth Prior, baptized.
1791, April 24, Elizabeth, daughter of Christopher and Elizabeth Prior,
baptized. (Notice the continuance of the name Christopher).
1793, February 6, Elizabeth, daughter of Christopher and Eliza Prior,
buried,
1834, February 3, Christopher Prior, buried.
1879, October 11, Martha Prior, buried.
Enquiries have been made in the parishes in the immediate
neighbourhood of Wimborne ; but without result.
At Hampreston, where the registers date back to 1617,
no entry of the name of Prior has been found until the year
1857, when Isaac Prior was married.
THE BIRTHPLACE OF MATTHEW PRIOR. 77
No entries of the name have been found at Corfe Mullen
(1652).
At Canford the registers have been searched from 1650 to
1740 ; but no record of any Prior has been discovered. It
is just possible that the books may have been carelessly
kept in 1664, as the following extract shows that they were
ten years later
" Memorandum that these Christenings, Burialls, and
Marriages war not sett down which arr underwritten from the
year 1673 to 1674 with severall other Christnings, &c., by
reason this Register Book was in the custody of Mr. William
Beaumont, Vicar, who by reason of his age was unmindful
of it."
At Wareham the register does not go back further than
1762.
At H or ton the name of Prior is not mentioned.
At Hinton Martd I am told that an old Dissenting family
named Prior used to reside ; the old man died recently,
and his widow moved to Parkstone.
I have been able to find no mention of his baptism in the
Wimborne Minster Parish Registers ; and Hutchins (before
1774) found none ; though presumably the registers were in
a better condition and consequently more legible 135 or 140
years ago than they are at the present time.
If Matthew Prior's parents were Dissenters, it would most
probably mean that he would not be baptised in Church,
and consequently that his name would not appear in the
baptismal registers. It sometimes, however, happens that
there is a separate page in the registers on which the births
of Dissenters' children are inscribed. In the third volume
of the registers belonging to Wimborne Minster (1694-1764),
there are three pages in which " Dissenters' births " are regis-
tered, 62 in number between the years 1694 and 1771. There
is no corresponding list in the earlier volumes, and even
this list does not seem to have been carefully kept there
being in one or two places gaps of ten years without entries
being made.
78 THE BIRTHPLACE OF MATTHEW PRIOR.
That Matthew was, in his childhood, brought up as a Dis-
senter has been assumed from the following lines in his " First
Epistle to Fleetwood Shepherd " (dated 1689) :
So at pure barn of loud Non-con,
Where with my grarmam I have gone,
When Lobb had sifted all his text,
And I well hop'd the pudding next ;
Now TO APPLY, has plagued me more,
Than all his villain cant before.
This, in all probability, referred to the Rev. Stephen Lobb,
who in 1681 settled in London as Independent Pastor of
Fetter-lane. He gained some distinction from the accusation
brought against him of being concerned in the Rye House
Plot, and from his controversy with Stillingfleet. He had
three sons, two of whom conformed and became clergymen
in the Anglican Church ; the third, Theophilus, was a medical
man, and an independent preacher. He was at Shaftesbury
from 1706 to 1713. His life was written by his brother-in-law,
Rev. John Greene, of Wimborne. But whether Mr. Lobb's
lengthy discourses, which the young Prior felt so wearisone,
were preached in the neighbourhood of Wimborne, or were
delivered in London after the Priors had settled in the metro-
polis, in either case it would point to the fact of the family
being Dissenters.
Weld Taylor, in 1884, writes :
" At one time the name of Prior was common in the neighbourhood (of
Wimborne), and several of the name are still living. One Richard Prior
was transported and one was drowned in the Stour some years ago. They
were all of the poor or labouring class, and they were Nonconformists."
There is a family residing in Wimborne at the present
time which claims relationship with the poet. The wife's
maiden name was Prior, and there has always been a
tradition in the family that they were connected with the
celebrated Matthew Prior,
THE BIRTHPLACE OF MATTHEW PRIOR. 70
In the list of subscribers to the 1718 edition of Prior's
poems are several Wimborne names.
Two more extracts and we shall have a sufficiency of
material from which to make our deductions.
That it was well known, in spite of his learning and of the
high position to which he had attained, that he was of humble
origin, may be gathered from the following words of Queen
Anne, written to the Earl of Oxford :
" 1711, Nov. 19, . . I have no objection to Mr. Prior then what I men-
tioned in my last, for I always thought it very wrong to send people abroad
of meane extraction : but since you think Mr. Prior will be very usefull at
this time, I will comply with your desire."
Does the following extract refer in reality to Matthew
Prior's mother, or was the " Dutch baker " the mother of
some Chloe or other friend of the poet's ?
" 1698, Aug. 15, Richard Powys to Matthew Prior,
" I doubt you will draw another bill upon (me) for a charge, I am to tell
you has fallen upon you, though I doubt it will be hardly allowed in your
extraordinaries, which is that you must buy a new equipage of mourning for
your good old mother, the Dutch baker in King Street, and fell down dead
on Friday last. The virtuous young lady you may be sure is under great
affliction and wants you to comfort her."
The Prior family then were living, when first we hear of
them, at Godmanstone, in Dorset. The first ancestor we hear
of had six children, five sons and a daughter. Of the sons,
Arthur went to London, where he became a successful vintner,
Avhose house, the Rummer Tavern, was a favourite meeting
place for the more learned . men of position in the reign of
Charles II. Possibly Samuel, who seems to have owned
the " Rhenish Wine House," was another of the five sons.
A third, Christopher, appears to have remained at Godman-
stone. The other two, Thomas and John, who had been
apprenticed to carpenters at Fordington, removed to Wim-
borne, where Thomas died ; and where George married and
80 THE BIRTHPLACE OF MATTHEW PRIOR.
where his son Matthew was born.* Very likely Matthew
received the rudimen'.s of his education at the Wimborne
Grammar School, but his father, when the boy was quite
young, moved to London. Here his uncle Arthur appears to
have taken notice of him and to have sent him to Westminster
School.
To this uncle he refers in a second " Epistle to Fleetwood
Shepherd " :
My uncle, rest his soul, when living,
Might have contrived me ways of thriving ;
Taught me with cyder to replenish
My vats, or ebbing tide of Rhenish.
So when for hock I drew prick't white-wine,
Swear't had the flavour and was right wine.
&c., &c.
After some little time had been spent at school, his uncle,
finding him useful, took him to be his assistant in the wine
shop. Here the Earl of Dorset and his friends used to resort,
and there one day they found young Matthew with a " Horace"
in his hand, and, after asking him some questions, set him to
translate an Ode into English. He did it in verse, and so well
was his task accomplished, that it became a favourite amuse-
ment with visitors to the house to get the boy to translate
passages from Ovid and Horace. At Lord Dorset's suggestion,
and at his cost, he went back to school, probab'y about the
year 1680 ; and a year later, in 1681, was elected King's
Scholar ; another Dorset lad, Thomas Dibben, who translated
the " Carmen Seculare " into Latin, being one of his school-
fellows. But his chief friends at Westminster were Charles
and James Montagu, sons of the Hon. Charles Montagu,
who lived in a large mansion opposite his uncle's house. In
1683 Prior was elected to a scholarship at St. John's College,
Cambridge. Perhaps it was his false shame with respect to
* But in consequence of his parents being Dissenters (and at this time one
of the Nonconforming Religious Bodies in Wimborne was an Anabaptist
one), the child's name does not appear in the Church Registers.
THE BIRTHPLACE OF MATTHEW PRIOR. 81
his lowly origin which made him wish to conceal as far as
possible the place of his birth, and so in one of the three
entries to register himself as a native of Middlesex ; though
the name of no town is given whilst, in the original entries
in both the other places, he is spoken of as having been
born at Wimborne in Dorset. And indeed, there is no such
place as Wimborne in Middlesex. The Index Villaris gives
only Wimborne in Dorset. But, more probably, the sugges-
tion made by a writer in the Gentleman'' s Magazine for
1779 (Vol. XLIX., pp. 640 1) gives the reason ; alluding
to the question whether Dorset or Middlesex was Matthew
Prior's native county he says "Had it been thought of at
" election time he would have been rejected as incerti
" comitatus. Only two (Fellows) can be chosen from a
" county by the college statutes." If already there were
two Dorset men who were Fellows of the College, he would
not as a third Dorset man be qualified by election. In the
two entries, which register his admission to the College,
Wimborne, Dorsetshire, is mentioned. But in the entry,
which chronicles his election, 5 years later, to a fellowship,
his county is given as Middlesex that is the county in
which he then resided, and not that in which he was born.
In all probability it was to make the earlier register agree
with this that in one of the other entries the name Middlesex
was substituted for Dorset. He took his B.A. degree in 1686.
In the same year, with his friend Charles Montagu, he pub-
lished " The Story of the Country Mouse and the City Mouse,"
a parody of Dryden's " The Hind and the Panther." In
1688 he obtained a fellowship at his college, and wrote the
annual poem which St. John's College each year sent to its
benefactor, the Earl of Exeter. As a result he paid a visit to
Burleigh, and became for a short time tutor to Lord Exeter's
son. In 1690 he obtained a diplomatic appointment, and
went as secretary to the ambassador to the Hague. He had
a corresponding appointment in connection with the Treaty
of Ryswick in 1697, and then for some time held a similar
position in Paris, where he was a persona grata at the French
82 THE BIRTHPLACE OF MATTHEW PRIOR.
Court. He became M.P. for East Grinstead in 1701. Under
Queen Anne he changed his politics and became a Tory.
In 1711 he was employed in connection with the Peace of
Utrecht. But on the death of the Queen, the Whigs triumphed.
And Prior, returning to England in 1715, was impeached and
for a time imprisoned. He was released in 1717, but his sole
income was that derived from his college fellowship, which,
he had prudently retained, although he had given the income
to another. His friends arranged about the publication of
his poems, of which an issue of 2,000 copies in 1718 brought
him in 4,000 guineas. To this Lord Harley added a similar
sum, and Down Hall was purchased for him (in Essex). Here,
for the most part, he resided during the remainder of his
life. He died of a fever at Lord Harley's seat at Wimpole,
in Cambridgeshire, on the 18th of September, 1721. The
lengthy Latin inscription, consisting of 65 lines, on his monu-
ment in Westminster Abbey, was written by Dr. Robert
Freind ; and over it was placed his bust by Antoine Coy se vox,
which had been presented to him by Louis XIV. The epitaph
is given in full by Dr. Johnson. Notice that here he is
described as Armiger.
J. have tried in this paper simply to speak of the birthplace
and early life of the poet, and to give a very brief account
of his later life ; but not in any way to comment upon him as
a poet. In his writings, he did but bear witness to the
habits of bis time. May I conclude with the words of the
Duchess of Portland (cf. Works of Lady M. W. Montague,
Vol. I., p. 63), that he was " beloved by every living thing
in the house, master, child, and servant, human creature,
or animal."
The following is a list of some of the works which might be
with advantage consulted by those wishing to know r more of
Matthew Prior :
" Lives of the Poets," by Dr. Samuel Johnson.
" Matthew Prior," by George A. Aitken, " Cont. Review,"
May, 1890, Vol. LVIL, pages 715-729.
THE BIRTHPLACE OF MATTHEW PRIOR. 83
Austin Dobson's Introduction and Notes, prefaced to the
" Selections from Prior," published in the Parchment Library,
1889.
" Matthew Prior," in Austin Dobson's Eighteenth Century
Vignettes, Third series : Chatto & Windus, 1907
" Dictionary of National Biography," Austin Dobson.
Thackeray's " English Humourists," Oxford Thackeray,
Vol. XIII., pp. 579 to 586.
Weld Taylor's article, entitled " Was Matthew Prior a
Dorsetshire Man ? " in " Longman's Magazine," October,
1884.
Bell's Aldine Edition of Prior (2 vols.), with Mitford's
introduction.
" Encyclopaedia Britannica."
Seward's " Anecdotes," II., 285-7.
Bos well's " Life of Johnson."
" North British Review," November, 1857.
Grosse's " English Literature," Vol. III., pp. 208-212 (with
portrait after Sir Godfrey Kneller's, and facsimile of his hand-
writing, extract from a letter to Secretary Blaythwayt).
Courthope's " A History of English Poetry " (Macmillan,
1905), Vol. V., pp. 26-30, 108-121.
" Cowper's Letters to Unwin," Jan. 5 and 17, 1782, and
March 21, 1784.
Calendar of MSS. of the Marquis of Bath at Longleat
(Historical MSS. Commission), especially Vol. III. (Prior
Papers) .
" Cont. Review," July, 1872.
" Poems, &c., by Matthew Prior, to which are added
memories of his life, his last will and testament," &c.
Dublin, Grierson, 1723.
" Gentleman's Magazine " especially Vol. XLIX. (A.D.
1779).
The later edition of Hutchins gives the following list of
engraved portraits :
Painting by Richardson, given by him to St. John's College, Cambridge,
Engraved by G. Vertue.
84 THE BIRTHPLACE OF MATTHEW PRIOR.
Portrait after Richardson, by Vertue, 1710.
A mezzotinto, after Richardson, 1718, by J. Simon.
Portrait prefixed to his poems, 1721, 12mo, after H. Rigaud, by Du Floi.
Another, folio, by Clark, 1722.
Another, after Kneller, by J. Faber, 1728, mezzotinto.
A small one by Fourdrinier, prefixed to the duodecimo edition of hs
g^cmfries.
(CONCLUDED FROM VOL. XXX., p. 57.)
By E. A. FRY.
Section D.
PARTICULARS OF KINE AND SHEEP IN VARIOUS
DEANERIES.
The following is the only Sale or Grant of the Cattle men-
tioned in the Chantry Roll as given for finding lights and other
purposes that I have come across in the course of my investi-
gations into Chantry lands. It would have escaped my notice
altogether, as it is not. indexed in Vol. 68, but that I went
through Vols. 67, 68, 258, and 259 page by page to see that
nothing had been omitted. I have arranged it under the
various Deaneries for easier reference. This list does not
account for anything like the total, 99 4s. 8d., given
in the Chantry Roll and there can be little doubt that
the Churchwardens of the other places (who, according
to this list, had the charge of the cattle) did not account for
them to the Commissioners. The prices obtained by the sale
differ from the valuation in the Chantry Roll and much of the
money seems unaccounted for.
86 DORSET CHANTRIES.
The totals for each of the Deaneries as given in the
Chantry Roll were
Dorchester Deanery . . . . 16 16 4
Shaston ,, .. 51 11 4
Pimperne ,, . . 10 3 4
Whitchurch .. . . 16 13 4
Bridport , . . . . . 404
99 4 8
Vol. 68, p. 100.
Hereafter ensueth the nombre of kyne and sheepe late
appteyneing to certain Brotheredes, Guilds, and
for finding of certen lights and stipendary priests
remaining in the Churchwardens hands hereunder
mencioned ; that is to saye
DORCHESTER DEANERY, Chantry Roll No. 11.
In the custody of the Churchwardens of
Winterborne Came, 2 Kyne, 14 Shepe 134
Steple Purbeck, 7 Shepe . . . . 080
Tyneham (called Christchurch Twyneham)
15 Shepe 168
Worthe (Matravers) 6 Kyne . . . . 234
5 1 4
SHASTON DEANERY, Chantry Roll No. 20A.
In the custody of the Churchwardens of
Marnlmll. 3 Kyne 1 10
Caundell Bishoppe, 41 Shepe . . . . 500
Hollwall, 242 Shepe 24
30 10
PIMPERNE DEANERY, Chantry Roll No. 32.
In the custody of the Churchwardens of
Gussage Mich'is, 40 Shepe . . . . 300
Longecrechell, 50 Shepe, 3 Kyne . . 500
800
DORSET CHANTRIES. 87
WHITCHURCH DEANERY, Chantry Roll No. 38.
In the custody of the Churchwardens of
Iberton, 9 Kyne 420
Kingeston St. Cruc (probably W. King-
ston), 4 Shepe, 1 Cow . . . . 13 4
Piddel Hinton, 6 Shepe 070
Piddel Trenthid, 40 Shepe .. .. 2 13 4
Buckland (Newton), 6 Kyne .. .. 300
10 15 8
BRIDPORT DEANERY, Chantry Roll No. 54.
In the custody of the Churchwardens of
Beamister, 1 Co we . . . . . . 10
Hylton (sic but query Litton Cheney)
ICowe 10
Powerstocke, 1 Co we . . . . . . 10
Mayden newtoii, 50 Shepe . . . . 2 13 4
434
58 10 4
The premisses are sold to John
Hannam for 60 10
Section E.
Of the following items on the Chantry Roll I have been
unable to find any further particulars than there given.
Chantry Roll 53 (72).
Certain lands in Chardstock (Holdiche Mead. Avense,
Woolmington, and Garnespitt), some information will be
found in Hutchins, Vol. II., 87.
Chantry Roll No. 79.
An Obit in Alton Pancras for Dne Mirrell, Hugh Rosse,
mil. and Ralph Ross 100
Hutchins IV., 461 spells the names somewhat differently.
88 DORSET CHANTRIES.
Chantry Roll No. 80.
Certain lands in Wareham for the sustentation of a Light
in the Church of the Blessed Mary .4 8
Hutchins does not mention it.
Chantry Roll No. 81.
Certain lands in Wareham belonging to the Fraternity
called Corpus Christi Brotherhood 8 4
Hutchins mentions it in Vol. 1, 109.
Chantry Roll No. 81, Memorandum.
The Free School lands here mentioned in Milton (Middleton
Tregonnell) no doubt were appropriated to that institution,
which in 1785 was transferred to Blandford, and is still
in existence there. See an account of it in Hutchins Vol. IV.,
396.
Chantry Roll No. 89.
The Lepers House in Dorchester had no lands attached to
it, but received yearly from Mr. Williams 200
It is mentioned in Hutchins, Vol. II., 366.
Chantry Roll No. 116.
The Almshouses in Blandford had certain lands in the
Fields of Pimperne in the tenure of John Pynge, for which he
paid a load of firewood annually. I can find no further
particulars of these lands.
Hutchins gives an account of these Almshouses in Vol. I.,
237. They are still in existence.
Chantry Roll No. 117.
The Almshouse in Wareham, which is still existing, was
founded by John Streche in the reign of Henry IV., who,
by his will, endowed it with lands in Olewell (Ulwell) in
Swanwich and Le Bailley (now Bailey Ridge) in Lillington.
I have not seen particulars of these lands but an account
will be found in Hutchins, Vol. I., 89, 674, and in Vol. IV.,
196.
DORSET CHANTRIES. 89
Section F.
CHANTRIES NOT MENTIONED IN THE CHANTRY
ROLL.
Fraternity of St. John in Bere.
Grant to John Dodington for 21 years.
File No. 31, 14. 29 April 9 Eliz. 1567
Terr, concelat. in Bere in co. Dors. val. in
Firma cujusdam prati continen. p.
estimac. 3 acras pcell. nup.
Fraternitatis Sci. Johnis apud
Bere modo vel nup. in tenur.
Thome Turb'vyle p. ann. 1 6
The fine is 4 years' rent.
Chapel in Halstock.
Grant and Lease to John Dodington.
Vol. 259, 205 and File 31, No. 13. 29 Jan. 1566
Though entered in Vol. 259, 205, it is not clear to whom it
was sold, the names of Robert Carre and John Almond
and also John Strobridge occurring, but without the usual
declaration in whose name it should be passed. The Patent
Rolls are also silent. However, by the contents of File 31,
No. 13, it will be seen that it was eventually leased in 1566
to John Dodington.
Capella infra poch. de Halstock, val. in
Lapid. et mearm. diet. Capelle infra poch
de Halstock 13 4
This Chapell standeth upon the grounds belonging to the
psonage and was made by the pishioners but there belongeth
neither land, tents, nor stocke to yt. It was builded for a
Brotherhod and given ou. for lack of abilitie.
File 31, No. 13. Halstock.
A certificat made to the Right Honorable William,
Marquis of Winchester, Lord Treasorour of England and Sir
90 DORSET CHANTRIES.
Walter Mildmaye, Knight, Channcellor of the Honorable
Courte of Exchequere, touching the declaracon of suche
matter as is conteined in a Ire by them unto the Surveior
of the countie of Dors or to his deputie directed bearing date
the 12th daie of Marche 1565.
DORS. Ther is in the poch of Halstocke in the countie
aforesaid a Chappell and a certen pcell of grouiide conteininge
by estimation 2 acres wheruppon the same Chappell standeth
which Chappell and pcell of grounde by informacon made
unto yo r honours is pretended to be wrongefullie witheholden
from the Quenes maiestie.
For the better triall and examinacon of the Quenes maieties
title in that behalf I resorted to the said Chappell wheare
aswell by reporte of the tennants and inhtannts of the said
poche as also by other honest and credeble parsonnes it is
manifestlie for truethe affirmed that the Chappell above
named is and hathe ben alwaies called Sainte Judethes
Chappell otherwise called a free Chappell in whiche ther
was sumtyme a Fraternitie or Brotherod of Sainte Judethe ;
And to the same Chappie belongethe adjoining thereunto
two acres of ground in severall alredie allotted and appointed
by metes and boundes to remayne to the said Chappell as
before tyme hathe ben accustumed ; Whiche said Chappell
and other the premisses are nowe occupied and hathe ben
since the dissolucon of the same by the farmers of the psonage
of Halstocke aforesaid w'oute any accompte or rente yelden
or paid there fore unto the Quenes maiestie who ought to
have enioyed and ben aunswered the same and of the pro-
fuits thereof by force of the Statute made in the firste yeare
of o r late Sou'aign Lorde Kinge Edward the Vlth as by the
said Statute appeareth.
The said Chappell was purchased by one John Strowbridge
of Collesdon (viz., Colliton, Devon) in the 7th yeare of the
reign of o r said late sou'aign Lorde Kinge Edward the VI.
But the said two acres of ground thereunto belonginge doe yet
remayne in the Quenes maiesties hands. Also there is within
the said poche of Halstocke a howse with a backeside and
an orchard apperteineinge to the same called S r . Peters howse
which is also certified by the foresaide tennants and inhitanntes
of Halstocke to be given for praienge for the deed in the poche
churche of Halstocke and the same hath also been concealed
from the Quenes maiestie hetherunto.
per me THOMA MYLLER,
Deputat. Sup vis.
DORSET CHANTRIES. 91
Terr, concelate infra pochaim de Halstocke in
com. Dorset pdict.
Terr, et tent, in parochia de Halstocke in com.
predict, val. in.
Reddit. sive firma duas acras pastur.
ptiii Capelle in pochia de Halstocke
nuncupat. Sainte Judithes Chapell
sup. quam eadem Capella scituat
est modo in juste et sine title
occupat. per Johem Sheppard
firmarium R'corie de Halstocke
valet p. ann. 2
Reddit. sive firm, unius domus sive
cotagii cum le Backside et uno
pomario eidem ptinen. voc. S r .
Peters Howse modo vel nuper in
tenur. sive occupacone Thome
Pankarde quondam dat et con-
cesse pro oracioe fiiar. defunctor.
in ecclia pochial de Halstocke
predca p. ann. 2
4
The fyne (4 yeres rent) cancelled and " nil " written above
because the land is conceyled and must be tried at his charge.
29 Jan. 1566.
Lease to John Dodington for 21 yeres.
Fraternity of Lodres.
Grant to John Holman for 21 years.
File 33, No. 57. 15 Feb. 4 Edw. VI. 1550
Parochia de Loders val. in
Reddit. sive firma unius domus vocat.
the Brotherhede House cum pvus
curtillag. ordin. ptinen. scituat. et
existen. in Loders in com (Dorset)
ptinen. Fratintate ibm in tenura
Johnis Holman p. ann. 1 4
Memor. that there is none other lands belonging to the
Fratintatye in Loders aforesaid than is above mentioned
92 DORSET CHANTRIES.
and that the other pfitts belonging to the same ryse upon
the sayle of ayle at certeyn tymes in the yere.
Hutchins refers to this Fraternity in Vol. II., 308.
Chantry of Margaret St. John, in Shaftesbury.
Grant to Silvester Taverner.
Vol. 258, 1. File No. 1,998. 12 Apl. 3 Edw. VI. 1549
Cantar. in Ville de Shaston vocat.
Margaret Sainte John val. in
Firma domus mansionis dee Cantar.
in tenur, Johnis Spencer reddend.
inde p. ann. 3
Meraor. that there is no other londs apprteyning to the
said Chantrie then is above specified forasmuch as the said
Chauntrie was founded wthin the Church of the late Monastery
of Shaston and received theire pencons yerelie at the Recevor
of the Kings revenues of the Courte of the Augmentac. sens
(since) the dissolucon of the late Monastery of Shaston
and that the mansion house apperteyning to the said Chauntry
is very ruynous and in decay bireason that after the death
of thimcumbents it remained in the Kings hands.
From the account given by Hutchins in Vol. III. p. 36 of
this Chantry it would seem to have been rather an important
one, the income amounting to 14 17s. 6d. per annum from
divers tenements. Margaret St. John was Abbess of Shaftes-
bury Abbey from 1460 to 1496, and the Chantry being within
the Monastery the property went, no doubt, the same way as
the Abbey lands, leaving only the above house undisposed of in
Edward VI's time.
Fraternity of the Blessed Mary in Wike Regis.
Grant to Richard Randall.
Vol. 68, 11. File 1896. 8 July 2 Edw. VI. 1548
Terr, peel possession Fraternitate Bte Marie de Wike.
DORSET CHANTRIES. 93
In Wike Regis
Thomas Gray tenit p. indent, un.
cotagm. et 12 acr. terr. voc. " a
Ryve of land " et r. inde p. ann. 7
Note at side : The pchaser will stand to the adventure
of this at his owne p'ill. (peril). Memo, the said cottage
and 12 acres of land called a Ryve of lande was given to the
Brothered of our Ladie, and as the Churchwardens do saye
by ther bill the profetts thereof was employed to the mayn-
tenance of a Highway in Wike.
In Portlande.
Rector ibm tent, unam pceii terr. voc.
The Cheyne cont. duas acr. reddend.
inde p. ann. 2 6
Mem. That this pcell is called The Chym
and is no pcell of the Frnitie abovesaid
9 6
Repris.
Reddit. resolut. Dne Regine pro dco
cotagio et 12 ac. terr. vocat. a
Ryve of land nunc in tenura Thome
Gray ad manerm. de Wyke p. ann.
(3s. crossed out; 1 6
Reddit. resolut. Dne Regine pro predic.
terr voc. " le Chyne " nunc in
tenura Rectoris ibm ad manerm de
Po tland p. ann. (6d. crossed out) 319
7 9
At 27 yeres purchas 10 9 3
Chapell of Saint Catherine in Wimborne Minster.
Grant to Robert Thomas of London, Merchant-taylor, and
Andrew Salter.
Vol. 259, 242. File 2002. 23 Jan. 3 Edw. VI. 1549
Capell. de Sc. Katerine als voc. " The Armi-
tage " infra villa de Wimborne Mynst. val. in
94 DORSET CHANTRIES.
Redd, sive firma cujusdam Capellae
Sancte Katerina vocat " The
Armitage " infra villa de Wim-
borne (cum uno gardino eidem
ptinen modo) in tenur. Johnis
Kelley p. ami. 12
At 10 yeres purchas - - 10
This Chapel is mentioned in Hutchins in Vol. III. 228, 243.
Section G.
FOREIGN CHANTRIES.
Under this denomination have been placed all those
Chantries, which, though appearing in the Dorset Chantry
Roll, belonged really to other Counties, but held property
in Dorset.
College of Saint Stephens, Westminster.
Chantry Roll No. 10 Gross income 146 18 6
Less Rents resolute 480
Nett income 142 10 6
So far I have been able to account for only about 40
of the above total ; whether the balance remained permanently
in the hands of the Crown or what became of it I have not
been able to ascertain. I may mention that neither the
Valor Ecclesiasticus of 26 Henry VIII. 1535, nor the Middlesex
Chantry Survey of Edward VI. agree in the total value
of the Dorset properties as given in the Dorset Chantry Roll
above.
Grant to Thomas Boxley and Robert Reves.
Vol. 68, 108. File 1436. 12 June 2 Edw. VI. 1547
Pcella possession, nup. Col leg. Sci Steph.
Westm.
DORSET CHANTRIES. 95
Unum burgag. sive cellar, jac. in Melcombe Rs.
pcell maner. de Frampton valt. in
Firm, unius burgag. sive Cellar scituat.
et jacen. in Melcombe Regis in com
pcdo (Dorset) modo in tenur.
sive occupac. de Lancelot
Reynolds de anno in annis ad volun.
Dne R(eddend) hide p. ann. 4
At 20 yeres pchas 400
Memor. that the said Burgage or cellar is peel of the
manor of Frampton being of the yearlie value of 5 (sic)
and is distante from the said manor of Frampton 8 miles and
(that) the Kings Majestic hathe no more lands in Melcombe
Rs in the right of the said Coll edge of St. Stephens of Westmr
then is above mencioned.
Grant to Richard Randall.
Vol. 68, 73, File 1896. 8 July 2 Edw. VI. 1548
P'cella possess, nup. Colleg. Sci Stephi Westm.
Manerm de Bettiscombe, valt. in
Reddit. trm. tentor. cu ptin. continen.
30 acr. pastur. et prat, inclus. in
tenur. Willmi. Martyn p. cop. cur.
r(edend.) inde p. ann. 3 6
Redd. duor. tentor. continen. 40 ac.
past, et prat, in tenur. Willmi
Tanner et Johnis Tanner p. cop.
cur. r(eddend.) inde p. ann. 5 8
Reddit. 4 tentor. contin. 60 acr. past,
et prat. quor. 2 voc. Hill, tercm
voc. Ewsay (Eusay) et quartm voc.
Sayers (Seyars) in tenur. Johnis
Devinell p. cop. cur. r(eddend.)
inde p. ann. 12
Reddit. duor. tent, cum ptin. in
Bettiscombe quor. unu. edificat.
voc. Maykershaye (Maskershey) et
als. Ressell (Resseles) voc. Ham in
tenur. Erne Drayton vid. nup. ux
Johnis Drayton als Gate p. cop.
cur. r(eddend) inde p. ann. 3 8
96 DORSET CHANTRIES.
Reddit. trm tentor. cum ptin. ibm voc.
Gregory Eversham (Eusey) et
Hayplace in tenur. Humphri.
Paull p. cop. cur. r(eddend) inde
p. ann. 7 11
Reddit. unius tent. cu. ptin. voc. le
Spence continen. p. estimac. 40 ac.
past, et prat, in tenur. Petri Shave
p. cop. cur. r(eddend) p. ann. 3 4
Reddit. duor. tentor. voc. Waterhouse
et Baschurch cont. p. estim. 60 acr.
terr. past, et prat, in tenur. Robt.
Rawe et Willmi. Rawe p. cop. cur.
r(eddend.) inde p. ann. 8 8
Redd, duorum tent, cum ptin. voc.
Horsemill et Combe cont. p.
estimac. 15 acr. terr. past, et prat.
in tenur. Alic. Wareham p. cop.
cur. r(eddend) inde p. ann. 3 8
Redd, unius tent, cm ptin cont. 25 acr.
terr. arrab. et past, et 3 acr. prat.
in tenur. Thome Baker p. cop.
cur. r(eddend) inde p. ann. 3 4
Redd. duor. tent. cu. ptin. voc. Ever-
sayes (Eusays) in tenur. Johnis
Browne p. cop. cur. r(eddend)
inde p. ann. 3 4
Rated at 22 yeares pchase 61 12 10
Add thereunto the advow-
son of the psonage of
Bettiscombe 760
2 15 1
Pqiis. cur. ibm (ciobus annis) 1
2 16 1
68 19 10
Md. that there is no woods growing upon the pmisses but
only to serve for the reparing of the tents, abovesaid and for
making of the defects of the grounds as for hedges and sticks
and for such other like.
DORSET CHANTRIES. 97
Grant to Giles Kelway and William Leonard.
Vol. 258, 103. File 1731. 7 March 3 Edw. VI. 1549
Dius cotag. cu. eor. ptin. in Sanwych pcell.
possession, nup. Collegii Sci.
Stephi Westm. in com. Middx.
valt. in
Firm, unius cotagii cu. gardino ibm in
tenura Thome Norrys et Ric:.
Bussheler sic sibi dimiss. p. tmio
vite eor. reddend. inde p. ann. 2 6
Firm, unius cotagii cu. gardino ibm
sic dimiss. Willmo Harvye et
uxor. ss. p. tmio. vite eor. red-
dende inde p. ann. 2 6
Firm. 4 cotagior. cu. gardin. eisdem
ptinen. in tenur. Willmi Saby
als. Peres sic sibi dimiss. p. tmio.
vite s. reddend. inde p. ann. 10
Firm, unius cotagii cu. gardino in tenur.
Willmi Bussheler sic sibi dimiss. p.
tmio vite sue reddend. inde p.
ann. 2 6
Firm, unius cotagii cu. gardino in
tenur. Robti Hawarde, Nichi.
et Henricifil. ejus sic eisdm dimiss.
p. tmio vite eor. reddend. inde p.
ann. 2 6
100
At 10 yeres purchas 10
Hutchins Vol. I, 661 refers to this Chantry.
Grant to William Perye and John Kyle.
Vol. 258, 133. File 1871. 23 Feb. 3 Edw. VI. 1549
Parcel, posthuc nuper Collegii Sci Stephan.
Westm. in com. Middx. Duo tent,
in Benville (in Corscombe) in co.
Dors. val. in
Firm, un ten. cont. 20 acr. terr. arr. et
coe. in Ben vile als Benefeld Mshe
in tenure Willmi Seintclere (Sen-
clere) p. cop. cur. p. ann. 4
98 DORSET CHANTRIES.
Firm, unius ten. cum cert. terr. eidem
ptin. jacen. in Ben vile als Benfeld
Mshe pd. modo in tenur. Willmi
Parker p. cop. cur. p. termin. vite
sue p. ann. 55
2 19
At 22 yeres purchas 64 18
Grant to William Moryce and Edward Isaake.
Vol. 259, 292. File 1801 . 10 June 4 Edw. VI. 1550
Pcell poss. nup. Collegii Sci. Stephani Westm.
Terr, dmical de Cowden et Magiston in com.
pdic (Dors.) val. in
Firm. terr. dmical de Cowden cum.
2 acr. prat. jac. in le Warde cum
ptin. dd (dimiss) Johni Browne (et
assign, suis) p. inden. (p. tmio.
armor reddend. inde p. ann.) 40
Firm. terr. dmical. de Magiston cum
omibus suis) ptin. dd (pfat) Johni
Browne (et assig. suis) p. indentur.
(p. termino armor, reddend. inde p.
ann.) 66 8
568
At 22 yeres purchas 117 6s. 8d.
Memor. there be no londs or tents, lieing in Cowden or
Magiston aforsaid belonging to the said College other than
are above specified.
Grant to Lord Clinton.
File 1515. 27 May 6 Edw. VI. 1552
Pcell possession, nup. Collegii Sci Stephi.
Westm. in co. Midd.
Firm, unius mess, et unius cotagii cu
ptin. in Hide et Northover modo
vel nup. in tenur. Johis Bertlett
reddend. inde p. ann. 120
Valuation not given.
DORSET CHANTRIES. 99
Grant to William Earl of Pembroke.
File 1861. 13 April 7 Edw. VI. 1553
Pcella possession, nup. Collegii Sci Steph.
Westm. in Middx.
Tria tent, cu eor ptinen. infra parochiam de
Burton (Bradstock) in com. Dorset, valt.
in
Firm, unius tenement, continen.
15 acr. et dimid. terr. arrabil.
et dimid. acr. prati in tenur.
Willmi Gregory e reddend p.
ann. 4
Firm, unius tenti cu ptinen. cont. 16
acr. terr. arrabil. et pastur. et un
acr. et dimid. prati in tenur.
Johnis Pulham p. ann. 12 4
Firm, unius tenti continen. 41 acr.
terr. arr. 5 acr. past, et uni acr.
et dimid. prati in tenur. Johnis
Walter p. ann. 17
At 20 yeres purchas 22
1 13 4
At 20 yeres purchas 33 6 8
Unm. tent, cu ptinen. jacen. in pochia de
Frampton, valt. in
Firm, unius tenti continen. 30 acr
terr. arrabil 4 acr. past, et uni
acr. di. prati in tenur. Johnis
Orchard p. ann. 1 2
Manerai. de Winterbourne Cayne, valt. in
Eedd. assis. omium. cons'tinm. tenen. ibm p.
ann. sol vend, ad quatuor anni
termin. principales p. equalis
porcoes 500
At 20 yeres purchas 100
100 DORSET CHANTRIES.
Grant to Thomas Beve and George Cotton.
File 1901. 20 Feb. 7 Edw. VI. 1553
Pcell possession, nup. Collegii Sci Stephi Westm.
Alfercomb* (co. Dorset) valt. in
Firm. 2 mess. 2 plac. et I cotag. ten.
cu ptinen. in Alfercombe modo vel
nuper in tenur. Johis Lyttill senior
p. tmio vite p ann. 2 10
At 24 yeres purchas 60
Grant to Thomas Reve and Giles Isham.
File 2222. 15 July 2 Mary 1554
Pcella possession, nuper Collegii Sci Stephen.
Westm.
Un. tent, cum suis ptinen. in Frampton, valt. in
Firm, unius tenement! continen. 20
acr. terr. arrabil. et unius acr.
prati pdco tent, ptinen. nuper
Ha wards et modo in tenura Johis
Browne et Edithe fil. ss. reddend.
p. ann. 12 4
At 24 yeres purchas 14
Memor. that the pmisses are not letten to any person
or psons in fee tayle for term of lif or lyves or during the
Quenes pleasure to thauditors knowledge and that the same
is not pcell of any of her Highnes Honors castles pkes forests
or chaces nor of the lands de antiqua corona Regis Anglie'
nor of the Duchies of Lane, and Cornwall or therldome
of Chester ne do adjoine to any of her Maties castells, manors
palacies or mancions res'ued for thacesse of her Highnes.
Grant to Peter Johnson.
File 2400. 1 Dec. I. Eliz. 1558
Pcell. possess, nup. Collegii Sci. Steph. Westm.
Maneria de Bincombe valt. in
* I cannot identify this place in Dorset. ? Ilfracombo, Devon.
DORSET CHANTRIES. 101
Redd. un. custom, tenement, ibm p.
ann. 15
Perquis. cur. ibm coibz. annis 3 4
15 3 4
At 20 yeres purchas 303 6 8
Lease to Katherine Orchard, widow, and to Robert and John
her sons for term of their lives.
File 31, No. 34. 10 Feb. 5 Eliz. 1563
Pcell. possession, nup. Colleg. Sci. Steph. Westm.
Pcell. manerm de Frampton val. in
Reddit. unius tent. ; unius claus. pastur.
voc. le " backside " cont. un.
acr. ; unius claus. cont. duas acr. ;
unius claus. pastur. voc. " Marie "
cont. duas acr. ; 2 acras et di.
pti. jacen. in prato Occident. ; 1
acr. et di. prati jacen. in campo
orient. ; 23 acr. terr. arr. et
pastur. ; 9 gross catall. et 92 ovm.
cu. ptin. sic dimiss. Elinor Allen p.
cop. cur. dat. 6 die Novemb.
anno Rs. H. VII (sic) 13 hend.
sibi duran. viduetat. s. reddend.
inde cu. 2s. 4d. p. cert, pecuniis
voc. " Churcheytes " p. ann. 140
Fine at 4 yeres rent 4 16
The said tents, is pcell of the customarie tents, of the said
manor of Frampton and the said manor is of the yerlie
value of 83.
Lease to Katherine Strowde, Ellynour Strowde and Mary
Strowde for their three lives successively.
File 32, No. 26. 16 Aug. 29 Eliz. 1586
Pcell nuper Collegii Sci. Stephi. Westm. Pcell.
maner de Burton valt. in
Firm, unius tent, cu ptin. ac unius
molend. aquatic, ibm. ac unius
cotag. cu. eor. ptin. in Burton pd.
102 DORSET CHANTRIES.
sic. dimiss. Rico. Jolyf, Katherne
Cleves et Elz Cleves fil. Johnis
Cleves p. tmio vite eor. successive
p. cop. dat. 14 die Marcii anno regni
Dne. nre Eliz. Reg. nunc. 11,
reddend. inde p. ann., viz.,
p. pd. tent. 13 4
et p. mollend. 168
et p. pd. cotag. 3
203
Fine rated at 2 yeres rent.
Fraternity of the Blessed Mary in Axminster, Devon.
Not on the Chantry Roll.
Grant to Richard Randall.
Vol. 68, 10. File 1896. 8 July 2 Edvv. VI. 1548
Pcella possession. Fraternitate Bte Marie in
Exmester, Devon (Axminster in Port-
folio of Surveys 2267).
WIKE REGIS.
Thomas Gibons tenet 28 ac. terr. arrab. et
pastur. in Wike Regis et reddit. inde p. ann. 110
PORTLAND.
Robtus Browne sen. tenet diver, terr. cont.
24 ac. terr. pcell. dci. Fraternitate unacum
53s. 4d. in pecu. noie stauri (reddend) p. ann.
tarn pro predict, terr. quam pro. predict
63s. 4d. in pecu. noi stauri 19 4
204
Repris.
Reddit. resolut. Dne Regin. pro
terr. in tenura Thorn.
Gibons ad inaner. de Wike
R. viz. p. qdlit acr. (7s.
crossed out) 3 6
DORSET CHANTRIES. 103
Redd, resolut. Regin. pro terr in
tenur. Robti Browne sen. ad
maner de Portland viz., pro
qualt. acr (6s. crossed out) 3
6 6
1 13 10
At 27 yeres purchas 45 13 6
Parish of Christchurch. Free Chapel of Hinton Admiral,
Hants.
Chantry Roll 52 No. 53 Income 334
Grant to John Churchill and William Samwich.
Vol. 258, 47. File 1501. 9 Feb. 3 Edw. VI. 1549
Terr, et tent, ptin Liba Capella de Hinton Am'all
als diet. Am'el Hinton in co. Southampton
val. in
Firm, unius horrei cum omibz terr.
tent. prat, pascuas et pastur. et
coiis cum suis ptin. scit. et exist,
in Forston et Charminster in com.
Dors, dicto horreio ptin. et spect.
qui omnia et singla nup. fuer. in
tenur. sive occupac. Robti Hunt p.
termio vite sue ac modo dimiss.
Henr. Hunt fil. pdci Robti p. ind.
dat. 5 die Maii anno R. H. VIII.
28 Hend. et ten pdict.horrem,
terr. ten. prat. pasc. pastur. et
coiis cum suis ptin. pfato Henr.
et primogenito sive primogenite
s. p. trmio vite eor. et alterios eor.
diutius vivent successive ; Redd,
inde annuatim gardian. diet.
Capelle et success, suis 63s. 4d. ad
fest. Sci. Michis Arch, singlis
annis sol vend. Et pdcus Henr.
et pmogenito sive pmgenta s.
104 DORSET CHANTRIES.
omia pdem horreu. terr. et tent,
cum s, ptin. in omibz. bene et suffic.
rep'abunt et sust'abunt durante
tm. pdc. Acetiam sol vend, seu
solui facient capitlo Dno feod.
illius 2s. p. ann. p. omibz redd,
sect, et demant. durant. termio
suo pdco put in dci ind. plenius
continetur 334
At 22 yeres pchas 69 13 4
Memor. that the said fermor paid for an Incombe at the
sealing of the said Indenture 10s. more than the old accus-
tomed rent was in time past ; And the woods upon the same
growing are not able to maintain the fences of the pmisses.
There be no lands nor tents to the said Frechapel then is
above expressed to my knowledge.
Job. Bonde deput. Johnis Hannam.
Hospital of St. Johns, Bridgwater, Somerset.
Not on the Chantry Roll.
Grant to John Wright and Thomas Holmes.
File 2102. 17 March 7 Edw. VI. 1553
Pcella possession, nup. Prioratus sive Hospitlis
Sci Johnis in Bridgwater in com. Som.
Birdeporte val. in
Redd, unius tent, cum suis ptin in
tenur. Johnis Toker scituat. in
Birteport pdict. reddend. hide p.
ann. ad fest. ibm usual, equis.
pconibz 6 3
At 15 yeres pchas 4 14
Memor. that the premises is not pcell of any manor nor
lieth nere any his Graces pks, forests, or chases or nere any
hous res'ued by a keeper for the accesse of his Highness by
the distaunce of 8 miles nor that there is no land belonging
to the said tenement.
DORSET CHANTRIES. 105
Chantry of Compton Paunceford, Somerset.
Not on the Chantry Roll.
Grant to John Whitehouse and John Baylie.
Vol. 68, 346. File 2075. 30 June 2 Edw. VI. 1548
Cantaria de Compton Paunceford co. Som.
infra eccliam pochaim ibm val. in
Reddit. unius tent, cu suis ptin. in
Shaston in com. Dorsett in occupac.
Thome Batte p. annum 10
Reddit. 4 gardinor. et omne pve pca3
tre in Shafton pd. diet. Cant, ptin
d'uis pson ibm sepali d : miss. p.
arm. 7
17
At 16 yeres pchas 13 12
Sir Robert and Lady Margaret Hungerford's Chantry in the
Cathedral at Salisbury, Wiltshire.
Chantry Roll 58, No. 6 and 59, No. 1.
The foundation and endowment of this Chantry are so well
described in the Chantry Roll and also in Hutchins' Vol.
IV., 175, et seq. that further reference seems unnecessary here.
Forward's Chantry in Mere, Wiltshire.
Chantry Roll 58, 21 Income 18
Grant to Sir John Thynne, Knt. and Lawrence Hide.
Vol. 68, 132 7 June 2 Edw. VI. 1548
Terr, et possess, ptin. Cantar. in Mere in com.
Wilts voc. Forwards Chaunterye, viz.
Motcombe in co. Dors, valet in
Reddit. sive firm. 4 claus pastur.
insimul jacens in Motcombe
106 DORSET CHANTRIES.
predict, voc. Forwards als North
Hand cont. p. estim. in tot. 8 acr.
sic dimiss Willo Browne, Alicie ux.
ejus et Pho. fil. eor. dim. p. inden.
dat. 4 die Mcii anno 34 Rx.
Henr.VIII pro term, vite eor. p.
arm. 18
At 21 years purchas 18 18
Hartley's Chantry in Mere, Co. Wilts.
Not on the Chantry Roll.
Grant to Sir John Thynne, Knt. and Lawrence Hide.
Vol. 68, 135 7 June 2 Edw. VI.1548
Cantar. fundat. infra Eccliam poch. de Mere in
com. Wiltes voc. Barteleys Chaunterie.
Gillingham in com. Dors, valet in
Redd. 4 claus. pastur. jacen. infra poch.
de Gillingham voc. Sadleborne
cont. p. estim. 13 ac. dimiss.
Thome Swynerton, Elene ux.
ejus et Johne fil. eor. pro termio
vite eor. p. ann. 14
At 21 yeres purchas 14 4
Section H.
FOUNDATION OF SCHOOLS.
Sherborne Free Grammar School.
Augmentation Office. Foundations of Schools.
Edward VI. Roll No. 13.
Lands appointed by the Kings Maiestie for a Free Grammer
Scole in the Town of Shirborne in the Countie of Dors. 24
(29 ?) March 4 Edw. VI. 1550.
DORSET CHANTRIES. 107
Cantaria de Martocke in Com. Soms. valt. in
Reddit. uiiius messuag. cu. suis ptin.
in Bradforde Brand et Barnardes-
ley infra pochiam de Wymborne
in Com. Dors pdict. sic dimiss.
WalteroGodderde p. Indenturam p.
termio armor, reddend. indep. arm. 76 8
Reddit. unius tent. cu. suis ptinen.
ibm in tenura pdict. Walteri
Godderde p. ann. 70
Reddit. cert. terr. arrabil. ibm in
tenura Thome Prior p. ann. 8
Reddit. unius pastur. ibm modo vel
miper in tenura Nichi Cocks p. ann. 7 2
Reddit. 2 Glaus et 2 acr. terr. arrabil.
ibm modo vel nuper in tenura
Johnis Godderde p. ann. 11 8
Reddit. unius tent, sive burgagii ibm
modo vel nup. in tenura Johnis
Hannham p. ann. 9 8
Reddit. unius tent, sive burgagii ibm
modo vel nuper in tenura Johnis
Davy p. ann. 18 8
Reddit. unius tent, vel burgagii ibm
cu. ptin modo vel nup. in tenura
Rici Russell p. ann. 31 4
Reddit. unius tent, sive burgag. cu. ptin
ibm modo vel nup. in tenura Phi
Barons p. ann. 41 10
Reddit. unius tent. vel. Burgag. ibm.
cu. ptin modo vel nuper in tenura
Johnis Abbotte p. ann. 10
Reddit. dom. mancon. Cantie pdce in
ten p. ann. 4
14 5 4
Repris in
Reddit. resolut Georgio Antyll
p. libo reddit. p. ann. 6 13 4
Reddit. resolut Edwardo Twynho
p. libo reddit. p. ann. 5 6 18 4
Valt. clare ult. repris pd. p. ami. 770
108 DORSET CHANTRIES.
Memor. that all the lands belonging to the Chaunterie of
Martock abouesaid lyeth in the countie of Dors except the
Chaunterie house of the yerely value of 4d. as is aboue men-
coned And that ther is no other lands belonging to the said
Chauntry then is aboue menconed.
Cantaria See Katherine infra eccliam pochialem
de Gillingham in com Dors. valt. in
Reddit. dom. mansion cantie pdce in
tenur. sive occupacon. (blank) p.
ann. 2
Reddit. unius claus pastur. in Gilling-
ham dimiss. Georgio Dirdo p.
copiam reddend. inde p. ann. 13 4
Reddit. duor. claus pti ibm sic dimiss.
Waltero Hendbury p. copiam
reddend. inde p. ann. 16
Reddit. dvis terri jacen. jux. Syltonsic
dimiss. Willmo Willoughby p.
inden. reddend. inde p. ann. 10
Reddit. unius cotagii cu. dvis terr. in
Milton sic dimiss. Willms Butt p.
copiam reddend, inde p. ann. 10
Reddit. unius pec. pati in Combermede
in ten. Will mi Fryth sic sibi dim.
p. copiam sic reddend. inde p.
ann. 8
Reddit. unius pec. pati in Gillingham
modo vel nup. in tenura Rici Fryth
p. ann. 8
Reddit. unius pec. pati in Combermede
modo in tenura Thome Nicholls et
Augustini Cuflfe sic eisdm dimiss.
p. copiam reddend. inde p.
ann. 7
Reddit. unius cotag. in Gillingham
modo in ten. Edwardi Coke p. ann. 5
Reddit. unius pec. pati in Comber
mede modo vel nup. in tenur.
Johnis Chettle p. ann. 6
Reddit. dvis terr. arrabil in Gillingham
in ten. Johnis Butt sic sibi
dim. p. copiam reddend. ind p.
ann. 6
DORSET CHANTRIES. 109
Reddit. duar. pcell. pati in Comber-
mede modo vel nup. in ten. Auncii
Casse sic sibi dim. p. copiam
reddend. inde p. ann. 6 8
Reddit. unius pcell pati ibm modo vel
nup. in tenur. Willmi Knaplocke
sic sibi dim. p. copiam reddend.
inde p. ann. 6
Reddit. unius Berton in Gillingham
modo vel nup. in tenura Rici
Fryth sic sibi dimiss. p. copiam
reddend. unde p. ann. 2 4
Reddit. unius pec. pati juxta Comber-
mede modo vel nup. in tenura
Robti Macham reddend. inde p.
ann. 2
Reddit. unius pec. pati in Comber-
mede in tenura Cecilie Lambte
sic sibi dim. p. copiam reddend.
inde p. ann. 2 8
Reddit. unius cotagii in Gillingham
modo vel nup. in ten. Willmi
Gilberde reddend. inde p. ann. 5
Reddit. unius cotagii ibm modo vel nup.
in tenura Johnis Clyve sic sibi
dim. p. indent, reddend. inde p.
ann. 7
Reddit. unius acr. terr. ibm modo vel
nup. in ten. Willmi Haskett
reddend. inde p. ann. 1 4
Reddit. unius horrei ibm modo vel nup.
in tenura Robti Macham sic sibi
dim. p. indent, reddend. inde p.
ann. 1 4
Reddit unius claus pastur. jux.
Cantiam ibm modo vel nup.
in ten. Willmi Knaplocke sic sibi
dim. p. indent, reddend. inde p.
ann. 8
6 13 8
(The total is given as 6 13 4)
110 DORSET CHANTRIES.
* Cantaria in Lychett Matrauers vocat Gybbons
Chauntrie in Com. Dors pd. valt. in
Reddit. sive firm, omi claus. trr.
ten tor. prat. pasc. et pastur. cum
suis ptinen in Lychett Matrau's
pdict. et Sturminster Marshall in
com. Dors, dee Cantie ptinen. sic
dimiss. Thome Trencherde mil. p.
termio 21 annor. p. indentur. dat
6to die Maii anno regni nup. Rs
Henrici VIII. 35to reddend. inde
p. ann. 200
f Liba Capella de Thornton infra p'ochiam de
Marnehull in dco com. Dors. valt. in
Reddit. sive firm, unius claus. pastur.
cum 3 acr. et di. pati ibm in tenura
Johnis Rake sic sibi dim. p. indent,
reddend. inde p. ann. 34
Reddit. sive firm. 20 acr. terr. arrabil
ibm in tenura Robti Branker sic
sibi dimiss. p. indent, reddend.
inde p. ann. 20
2 14
Memor. that ther is no other lands belonging to the Chaun-
tries in Gillingham and Lichett Matravers or the Fre Chappell
of Thorneton in the pishe of Marnehull then is above declared.
The Chantry of St. Katherine in the parish Church of
Ilminster, co. Somerset.
Trigint. acr. terr. in pochia de Symondesborowe
in com. Dors pcell Cant. See Katherine ex
fundac. Johnis Wadham in ecclia pochial
de Ilmynster in com. Soms. valt. in
Reddit. sive firm. 30 acr. terr. arribil et
pat. in pochia. de Symondsborowe
in pdco com. Dors modo vel. nup.
in tenura Willmi Hunsehill p. ann. 40
Chantry Roll 35 (76). f Chantry Roll 12 (98).
DORSET CHANTRIES. Ill
Repris in
Reddit. resolut Georgio Broke mil.
dno Cobham p. uno chimino sive
una via hend. ad terr. pd. in
pochia de Symondesborowe pd. p.
ann. 1
Valt. clare ult. repris. pd. p. ann. 1 19
Sm. totlis
Ann. valoris terr. ptinen. Cantar. et
Libre Capellis pd 27 12 8
Inde in reddit. resolut ut pticl. supius 6 19 4
Reman, clare p. ann. 20 13 4
Annual reddit. reservand. dno Reg. 13 4
20
Ex. p. me Henrici Leke, Deput. Audit.
29 die Marcii anno E. VI. quarto. The Kinges maiestie
by thadvise of his privy Counsaill is pleased and contented
that a free Grammer Scole shalbe erected and established
in Shirbone in the Countie of Dors. Landes to the yerely
value of 20 li. to be geven and assured by his highness to the
mayntenennce thereof, And that there shalbe a Corporacon
of 20 of the Inhabytants of the Towne and Parishe of Shirbone
aforesaid to be inhabled to have ppetuall succession as
Gouernours of the possessions revenues and goodes of the
same scoole, and to have powre to receyve the lands to be
appoynted for the said scoole goods and gouernnce thereof.
Wherefore there must be a bill therof devysed accordingly, and
a graunte to be made of the lands aboue rehersed wth the
Issues and proffitss therof from the Annunciation of our Lady
last to the Gouernours of the possessions revenues and goodes
of the said Scoole and to their Successours wth a Licence
also that they may take and receyve by way of purchase
or gifte other landes and heredytaments hereafter to the
yerely value of 20.
From the foregoing document it will be seen that the
following Chantry Lands were allocated to the foundation of
Sherborne Grammar School, viz. :
112 DORSET CHANTRIES.
(1) The lands belonging to a Chantry in
Martock, co. Somerset, which lands were all in
the county of Dorset, amounting to, nett 770
(2) The lands belonging to the Chantry of St.
Katherine in Gillingham, nett 600
(2) The lands belonging to Gibbons Chantry
in Lytchet Maltravers, nett 200
(4) The lands of the Free Chapel of Thorneton
in Marnhull, nett 2 14
(5) Lands in Symondsbury, part of the
Chantry of St. Katherine in the Church of
Ilminster, co. Somerset, nett 1 19
20
The Charter is given in full in Hutchins Vol. IV. 292, but
the details of the lands, &c., are not given there. Further
information about the School will be found in Vol. IV., 284.
The Grammar School in Netherbury, Lands in Swanwich for
the Maintenance of the Sea Walls and the Grammar
School in Wimborne Minster.
Augmentation Office, Foundations of Schools. Edward VI.
Roll No. 13. No. 23
20 July 2 Edw. VI. 1548
Wee for Walter Myldway knight and Robert Keylwey
esquier Comyssioners appoynted by the Kinges Maiesties
Comysson under the greate seale of England bering date the
XXth daie of June last past touching order to be taken
for the contynuance and mayntenance of Scholes and
preachers and of priests and of Curates of necessitie for
serving of Cures and Mynystracon of Sacraments and for
money and other things to be continued and paid to the poore
and for dyverse other things appoynted to be done and
executed by vertue of the same Comyssion.
To the Auditor and Receyvour of the revenues of the
Courte of Thaugmentacons and revenues of the Kings
Maiesties Crowne in the Countie of Dors and to either of
them greeting.
For as moche as it apperith by the certificats of the
pticler surveys of lands of the said Courte in the said
DORSET CHANTRIES. 113
Countie that a Grammer Schole hath been contynuallie
kept in Netherbury (Chantry Roll 40 (57) in the said
Countie \vt the revenues of the late Chauntrie of
Netherbury And that the Scolemaster hath had for his
stipende and wages yerelie Cvis viiid which Scole is very
mete and necessarie to be contynued And that xs xid yerelie
hath been paid out of certeyn lands wthin the parishe of San-
wyche (Chantry Roll 90) in the said Countie to the maynten-
ennce of See bankes there And that a Fre Grammer Scole
hath been kept in Wymborne (Chantry Roll 28, 106) in
the said Countie and that the Scolemaster there hath had
for his stipende and wags yerely xli Us xid, wch Scole is
very mete and necessarie to be contynued And that it is
nedefull and necessarie to have foure Curates for serving
of the Cures in the Churche of Wymbone and in three
Chapells belonging to the same being farre distant from
the thens.
We therefore the said Comyssionars by vertue and aucthoritie
of the said Comyssion have assigned and appoynted that
the said Grammer Scole in Netherbury aforesaid shall
contynue And that Martyne Smythe Scolemaster there
shall have and enjoye the rome of Scolemaster there and
shall have for his wages yerelie Cvis viiid And that the said
xs. xid shalbe paid yerelie to the maynetenannce of the
Sea Bankes in Sanwiche aforesaid as heretofore it hath been
accustomed. And that the said Gramer Scole in Wymborne
aforesaid shall contynue And that the Scolemaster there shall
have for his stipende and wages yerelie xli iis xid. And that
Joh Dooe (?) late Vicar of the first prebende in 'he said Col-
"edge of W3^mborne, John Clerke late Vicar of the second
prebende in the same Col edge, Walter Mathewe late Vicar
of the thirde prebende in the same College and John Goddyng
late Vicar of the fourth prebende in the same Colledge shalbe
Curates of the parishe Churche of Wymborne aforesaid and of
the three Chapells annexed and belonging to the same and that
evy of the same Curates shall have wages yerelie xili xiiis iiiid.
And we the said Comyssioners on the Kings Maiesties behalf
by veitue of the said Comyssion do require you the said Re-
ceyvor that of suche the Kings money and revenues as from
tyme to tyme shalbe and remayne in your hands ye do content
and paie yerelie from Ester last furthwarde the said severall
somes of money before menconed to the psones before rehersed
and to suche other psone and psones as shall have and enjoye
the romes and places of the same psones to be paid wekely
114 DORSET CHANTRIES.
or quarterly or otherwise as necessitie shal require untill
suche tyme as further or other order shalbe taken for the
same. And this warraunte shalbe to you the said Receyvor
and Audytor sufficient discharge for the payment and allow-
aunce of the same accordinglye.
Youen the xxth daie of Julye in the seconde yere of the
reigne of our souereign lorde Edwarde the Sixt by the grace
of God King of England Fraunce and Ireland defender of
the faith and of the Churche of Englande and also of Ireland
in eairth the supreme hedd.
WA. MILDMAY.
ROBT. KEYLWEY.
From the foregoing document it will be seen that the
income belonging to the Chantry founded by Thomas Powlett,
at Netherbury (see Chantry Roll No. 40, 57) was given by
Edward VI. to the Free Grammar School in that town.
Unfortunately, however, no details are given ; but it would
seem that the amount 5 6s. 8d. was paid by the Paulett
family for an obit, and there may have been no lands speci-
fically applied for the purpose. More as to this school will
be found in Hutchins, Vol. II., 108.
The lands from which 10s. lid. were yearly paid for main-
taining the sea banks at Swanwich (Chantry Roll No. 00)
also are not enumerated, but the rent was to be continued to
be used for the purpose stated. Hutchins does not seem to
mention this endowment.
The property of the Chantry founded by Margaret, Countess
of Richmond and Derby (Chantry Roll No. 28, 106) was
granted to the Free School in Wimborne Minster, but the de-
tails are not given. Hutchins gives a lengthy account of this
School in Vol. III. 191, and quotes in full on p. 270 the deed or
Charter dated 12 March 2 Henry VIII. 1511, and on p. 273A
the Letter of Attorney to take livery and seisin, 21 May
3 Henry VIII., 1511, of certain lands specified in Somerset.
These may very likely be the lands from which the income
of 11 2s. OAd. came.
THE END.
^lormcms in porsef.
By the Rev. C. W. H. DICKER.
(Read March 2nd, 1910.)
BRANCH of that wonderful race of North-men,
to whom the world owes the making of
England in the seventh and eighth cen-
turies, and its re-making in the eleventh
and twelfth, wrested about the year 918
from the Frankish king the province
which still bears their name, Normandy.
Amongst the qualities which distinguished
that common stock whence English and
Normans descended, were a remarkable capacity for acquiring
and assimilating new forms of civilisation, and also the
power of impressing their national characteristics upon races
with which they came into contact.
These qualities are strikingly illustrated by the divergent
lines of development which followed their conquests respec-
tively in Britain and France. The English quickly adopted
the Christian religion ; but were not tempted to adopt the
degenerate forms of town-life of the Welsh, and established
116 THE NORMANS IN DORSET.
their own methods of government and husbandry. The
Normans, on the other hand, soon learnt the language of the
people they had conquered ; took to dwelling in towns,
applied themselves to Franco -Roman learning, and at last
became the greatest builders of the age.
The re-uniting of these two vigorous streams of humanity
attended though it undoubtedly was by the most painful
social convulsions has proved hi the long run the best thing
that could have happened to England.
Our task to-day is to survey briefly, with the aid of such
sources of information as are available, the condition of
things which existed in this country after Norman supremacy
had become an accomplished fact ; to try and picture, in our
minds, the social position of the Dorset folk at that period ;
and to speak of some relics that still remain to us of Norman
doings. During the reign of the Conqueror, and the early
part of the twelfth century, history is almost silent in regard to
Dorset. We know of King William's march upon Exeter,
but practically nothing more.
There is, however, a source whence a vast amount of
information may be drawn concerning the land and the
people in the later years of his reign namely, the Domesday
Survey of 1085 ; and upon this I have to rely for my principal
data in regard to Dorset. I must first make one or two
general remarks. The Norman, to quote an authority in Enc.
Brit., " was not only a born soldier, but also a born lawyer."
And William, having won his rights by the sword, defended
them, and enforced them by an appeal to the Law of
England with (as he said) certain additions he made for the
benefit of the English. In the legal frame- work inherited
from the English kings, he found a machinery effective for
his purposes.
The Norman king assumed the position of Edward's
lawful successor ; all that had been done by Harold was a
series of mutinous and invalid acts which it was his duty, as a
law-abiding monarch, to correct and punish. Accordingly
every man who had fought against him at Hastings was
THE NORMANS IN DORSET. 117
adjudged unworthy of holding any English land. England,
in fact, had disgraced itself ; for some hundred years, English-
men were disqualified from holding any position of authority or
honour in Church or State.
The wholesale dispossession of the English thanes cleared
the way for the introduction of the new system of tenure, by
virtue of which every acre of land in the island was held
as a grant from the King, on condition of service to the Crown.
The barons (as the large holders now began to be called)
were thus kept from opportunities of becoming independent ;
and another check was imposed upon them by granting
them estates separated from one another by great distances,
which made it impossible for any lord to secure a prepon-
derating local influence that could endanger the Royal
prerogative.
With the help of Mr. Eyton's valuable book on Domesday,
we are able to judge very fairly of the effects of the Conquest
in Dorset. The estates anciently belonging to King Edward,
including Portland, Bere Regis, Whitchurch Canonicorum,
Wimborne, Shapwick, Dorchester, Fordington. Preston
and Sutton, Gillingham, Pimpeme, Winfrith, and others,
of course were claimed by the new King ; these lands amounted
to nearly 70,000 acres. King William also held by escheat
the lands formerly belonging to Harold as Earl of Dorset ;
to Queen Matilda, and to Goda, Countess of Boulogne, King
Edward's sister some 38,000 acres.
Next we come to what are commonly spoken of as " Church
lands," the long list of manors bestowed in time past upon
Bishoprics and monastic communities. These occupied
more than one-third of the whole area of Dorset, and were not
alienated from their religious dedication, but were re-assigned
by King William, with some changes. One of these changes is
typical : Sherborne, with manorial rights over some 20 000
acres, was transferred to the bishopric of Sarum, under the
auspices of the business-like, as well as saintly, Bishop Osmund,
who was one of the commissioners who superintended the
Domesday Survey. William got rid of all the English bishops
118 THE NORMANS IN DORSET.
and abbots (with one exception) during his reign, and the Nor-
manised Church was given a very important part in the politics
of the period. The ecclesiastical leaders brought to England
by the Norman kings were men of remarkable and varied
ability ; and although some signal instances of " diamond
cut diamond " will be remembered, on the whole, the imported
bishops and abbots proved valuable allies in the enforcing
of the new order of things. Many monastic properties,
parochial tithes, and a number of escheated manors were
given for the endowment of foreign establishments in Nor-
mandy a course largely followed for some centuries
afterwards.*
We may now glance at the list of fiefs held by tenants-
in-chief from the Crown, under the new obligations of military
service. At the time of the Survey these numbered about
43 Normans and 36 King's Thanes Englishmen who had
become " the King's Men." There were also 10 fiefs held in
sergeantry, i.e., for service other than military ; thus Wim-
borne St. Giles was allotted to Harvey the Keeper of the
Bedchamber ; Fifehead Nevill and other estates to Waleran
the huntsman, and a number of estates to Aiulfus the Royal
Chamberlain. But I think our interest will mainly centre
upon
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune
which wrought such dire changes in the ranks of the gentry
of our country side.
Of the old thanes' estates in this county, about a dozen
were given back to the original holders of their sons. Mil-
borne Stileham and an adjoining property were retained by
the Swain family. Dodo (one of King Edward's thanes) was
deprived of several extensive manors, but on becoming
* An interesting cane is given in S. and D. Notes and Queries, 1909, p. 350
et seq. The great tithes of Sturminster Marshall given to the Hospital at
Pont Audemer.
THE NORMANS IN DORSET. 119
" King William's man " was granted three small estates at
Hampreston, Wimborne, and Great Toller. Two of the old
landholders, Edwin and Uluric, appear to have obtained
commissions as huntsmen to King William, accompanied
by grants of land. The principal landowners who suffered
confiscation, besides Harold, were Brictric,* who owned over
15,000 acres at Evershot, Frome St. Quintin, Cranborne and
Ashmore ; Saul, of Hampreston ; Aluric of Tarrant Gunville
and other places ; and Ulviet, of Upsydling. A number of
thanes also fall under this category, whose names are not
specified in the Survey.
The largest Norman grantee of the escheated lands in Dorset
was the Earl of Mortain, whose share of the county must have
exceeded 46,000 acres. His manors included a large part
of the Cerne valley, Martinstown, parts of the north-eastern
Winterborne, of Broadwey and Upwey, Child Ockford, and
many small estates scattered about the county. Our second
largest landholder in 1085 was a wealthy lady, the widow of a
baron, who bore the suggestive name of Hugh Fitz-Grip.
She held, in all, 27,000 acres. In regard to these vast estates,
we must remember that they did not bring in any very great
income to the tenant-in-chief, who let the various manors
to other men for knight's service, and reaped little benefit for
himself beyond the produce of the demesne lands, which
were worked for him by the unpaid (but by no means exces-
sive) labour of villeins and ceorls.
It is very likely that the great revolution did not make much
difference to the dwellers in many villages. The changes
chiefly affected the great nobles and thanes, who held directly
from the King and perhaps rarely or never visited their
estates in the county. Although the Survey does not give
the names of all the mesne tenants who held under them,
it is certain that a large proportion of them were English,
* This is the Domesday spelling of the name. Its English form is
Brihtric.
120 THE NORMANS IN DORSET.
and were left in undisturbed possession. It is also likely
that many of the old landowners lived on as occupiers of the
ground that formerly belonged to them. As for the lower
classes of villeins and ceorls, the main stream of contem-
porary politics hardly touched them at all. If they had to
work, or if they had to fight, the question of who was in
command made little or no difference to them.
Indeed, the political changes were not so much the real
source of trouble as the general atmosphere of demoralisation
and lawlessness which followed the flood of truculent foreigners
who were scouring the country. In a few } 7 ears the Normans
had built 1,200 castles some 30 to each county ; a large
proportion of these were veritable hornets' nests, garrisoned
by ruthless partisans of King William, who. whilst they
exacted his service and that of their lords, did not scruple
to help themselves to anything they wanted, and missed no
opportunity of bringing home to Englishmen the fact of their
subjection. The " Anglo-Saxon Chronicle " and the writings
of Ordericus Vitalis draw us pictures which approach in
horrid detail the recent atrocities perpetrated in Macedonia
and the Eastern Levant.
These tribulations were not long in coming to Dorset. In
1068 the people of the West had organised a plan of resistance
to the encroachments of the foreign government. " The
smaller towns of Devonshire and Dorset entered into a league
with the capital " (Freeman). William at once marched to
Exeter, calling out his newly-enlisted English militia from
the conquered shires, and after his custom made a progress
of terror westwards, " harrying frightfully the towns of
Dorset " as he went.*
At that time four towns were recognised as Royal boroughs
in the county Dorchester, which in King Edward's time
contained 172 houses before 1085, 100 of them lay in ruins ;
Bridport, which by that date had lost 20 houses out of 120 ;
* "William the Conqueror," p. 113.
THE NORMANS IN DORSET. 121
Wareham, whose 285 houses had been reduced to 135 ; and
Shaftesbury, with 80 destroyed out of the 257 it formerly
boasted. When we remember the free and traditional
uses of fire in the hands of ancient soldiery, there is nothing
surprising in these records. And once down, the houses were
not likely to be built again. I have seen towns in Ireland,
whose large proportion of houses, empty and ruinous, tells
tales of a decaying and dwindling population. Much worse
was it in England at the end of the 1 1th Century.
Hallam * gives the following statistics :
In Edward's time. In Domesday.
York . . . . 1,607 inhabited houses . . 967
Oxford .. ..721 .. _M3
Derby .. ..293 .. 103
Chester .. ..487 .. 205
It is interesting to note the small size of the Norman towns,
which in those days were simply settlements of traders
headquarters whence chapmen set out with packhorses or
sumpter mules to do business with the outlying manor houses
and villages ; and to which the villagers from the surrounding
country resorted on market days. Dorchester then was
about the size of Maiden Newton to-day. The population
of the whole county at the census of 1901 was 202,962 ; of
which number we may say (in round figures) 118,000 dwelt
in towns of over 2,000 people. Now if we compare this with
the Dorset of Domesday, I think we may estimate that there
are now 2,000 per cent, more town dwellers than then,
whilst the increase of the rural population only amounts
to 250 per cent. If we go back half a century earlier (King
Edward's time), it is probable that there were then as many
people in the Dorset villages as there are at the present
time.
* " Middle Ages," viii., Pt. 2.
122 THE NORMANS IN DORSET.
I have referred to the condition of general disturbance,
injustice and violence, which certainly prevailed to sonic
degree through the reigns of the Williams, Henry I., and
Stephen. But there is another side to the picture, which
shows that these evils were intermittent and not universal.
In Dorset there is no record of any special troubles from the
time of Domesday onwards ; on the contrary, there are
indications that our people soon began to revive under the
new regime both in regard to numbers and material prosperity.
This, I think you will agree, is a fair inference from the
ecclesiastical and architectural history of the period, some
facts of which I will now ask you to consider.
With the twelfth century, it is evident that Dorset came
into the full impetus of Norman building ; not that we can
point to many Norman churches or castles, but there is
abundant proof that they were built. In addition to the
more important remains of which I may have to speak, a large
number of Baptismal Fonts*, of Norman doorways in buildings
of later date, and fragments of Romanesque masonry built
into walls throughout the county, all bear witness that the
wave of building zeal inaugurated by the invaders was
widely manifest in Dorset.
What became of all those Norman buildings ? Why, in
sleepy Sussex, should it be possible to visit a dozen Norman
churches in an afternoon, and yet so hard to find even one or
two between Purbeck and the Vale of Blackmoor ? The
reason, I think, lies in the fact that Wessex was never wanting
in a supply of go-ahead people. No province appears to
have profited more by the development of the wool-growing
* The following list is doubtless incomplete : Affpiddle, Askerswell,
Hiiiconibi'. Bftv HCLMS.^ BruaiKvindsor, Clialdim HorriiiL'. Chrlborou^li.
Cliirkrrrll. Cilliii^liain. Cii-sa._'i- All Saints, L.id.-rs. Mappuwdcr, Marnliull, "
Milborne St. Andrew/>*Ncther Cerne, North Porton, Pimperne, Portisham,
Preston, Pulham, Puckiioll, Sydling, Toller Fratrum, Toner's Piddle, Ware-
ham, Warmwell, Whitcombe^Winterbo^ne Abbas, Martinstown, Whiteihurch
Canonicorum. /
THE NORMANS IN DORSET. 123
industry in the middle ages ; and this must have enriched
the landowners and monasteries to such a degree, and led
to such an increase of population, that the old Romanesque
buildings were found to be too small, as well as out of keeping
with the magnificent ideas and showy fashions of the
fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. So down came the old
naves of Milton and Sherborne, Cerne and Abbots bury,
Maiden Newton and Dorchester, to make room for bigger
and finer things.
But to return to Norman times. There are no figures in
English history better known to us than the great ecclesi-
astics of the days of the Williams, Henrys, and Stephen ;
Lanfranc, Anselm, Gundulf, Walkelin, St. Osmund. And
amongst the foremost of them in point of greatness (if not
of saintliness), ranks our Bishop Roger of Caen, Bishop of
Sarum and Abbot of Sherborne brought to Royal favour
(so a malicious but possibly true story goes) by the rapidity
with which he said Mass who certainly supplied the
necessary stimulus to the building operations in this county
and diocese. Not content with the rebuilding of his Cathedral
Church, he appears to have walled in the whole city on the
hill. He built the castle at Sherborne, another at Devizes.
Sherborne Abbey Church gives us a good sample of his style.
How Bishop Roger's work struck a contemporary may be
seen in the pages of William of Malmesbury :
He erected extensive buildings at vast cost, and with surpassing beauty ;
the courses of stone being so exactly laid that the joint deceives the eye,
and leads it to imagine that the whole wall is composed of a single block-"
And again, " with unrivalled magnificence he erected splendid mansions 011
all his estates ; in merely maintaining which his successors toil in vain."
With regard to Sherborne, we might wish that the Bishop
had spared Aldhelm's venerable cathedral, of which nothing
now remains but that humble doorway in the west front.
But in such days of enthusiasm and hard work we cannot
wonder that Bishop Roger, who had brought from Caen the
124 THE NORMANS IN DORSET.
new chisel-worked masonry, should be impatient of the old
rough walls he found here.
In Dorset, as elsewhere, the monastic and collegiate bodies
took a leading part in the building operations of the time,
although it is often a difficult problem to decide by whom
churches were built, for documentary evidence is very scarce.
Charminster being one of the Episcopal manors, we may
perhaps attribute the present nave to Bishop Roger himself
the pointed arch having been introduced about seven years
before his death in 1142.*
A Romanesque church in the Bishop's manor of
Alton Pancras, finally demolished in 1875, was probably
Roger's work. Turning to the parishes owned by monas-
teries, we find evidence of the care of these bodies for
providing places of worship for their tenants. Thus, the
church at Iwerne Minster, belonging to the Abbey of Shaftes-
bury, had its fine Romanesque nave rebuilt. The church
of Wimborne Minster, which place was given by King William
I. to his chaplain Maurice, Bishop of London, also Dean of
the College owes its nave and tower "to this period. " For
love of " another chaplain, a monk of St. Wandrille, the
same King bestowed the churches of our Lady at Wareham,
of St. Wita at Whitechurch Caiionicorum, and others, upon
that Norman Abbey, which now happens to be the workshop
of M. Maeterlinck. The walls of Wareham parish church
are probably the original Norman work of Bishop Roger's
time. At Whitechurch, building operations were commenced
by its new owners, as testified by two bays of the nave and a
Romanesque door still standing. In the year 1200, however,
the parish was given back to Sarum, and the rebuilding
shows a sudden transition to Early English.
St. Martin's at Wareham owes its building (perhaps of
pre-Norman date) to the Abbots of Horton, who also in J.085
* Bere Regis Church shows some remarkably similar characteristic^/but
is probably a few years later in date.
THE NORMANS IN DORSET. 125
owned an " ecclesiola " at Wimborne, now lost. To Milton
Abbey Dorset is indebted for a church at Whitcombe, part of
which still stands, and a little Norman building at its cell of
Lyscombe (now desecrated). Remains of twelfth century
work at Winterborne Monkton remind us of the time when its
Priory belonged to the Benedictines of Cluny. The great
monastery of Abbotsbury was annexed (as regards its tithes)
by Bishop Roger, who wanted money to build his two castles
with, and so its abbots were crippled for a time ; but the
Abbotsbury manor of Tolpuddle got a church built all the
same, traces of which may still be seen in the existing
fabric.
The greater number of Norman buildings in Dorset must,
however, be attributed to benefactions on the part of the
new landlords. For, despite the ever-recurring troubles to
which England was subject, the Church had a powerful hold
upon the hearts of the people, and a strong religious principle
blended with the other elements which made the great Inva-
sion a blessing in disguise.
NORMAN ARCHITECTURE.
Doors. The feature of Norman architecture which has
most widely survived amongst us is the familiar Romanesque
doorway in older Norman work the two doorways on the
north and south sides of the nave an arrangement traceable
at Maiden Newton, Studland, Worth, Frome Vauchurch,
Cranborne, Tolpuddle, Dewlish, Monkton, Milton St.
Catherine's, and Whitcombe. In a greater number of in-
stances the old doorway is found on the south side ; the
famous porch* of Bishop Roger's church at Sherborne will
occur to many of your minds, and a very fine specimen of
* Norman porches are very rare. I only know of three in Dorset Sher
borne, Bloxworth, and Belcha'.well.
126 THE NORMANS IN DORSET.
slightly later date is to be seen close at hand at St. Peter's
in this town. The earliest Romanesque doors had within
the arch a tympanum, or heavy lintel, decorated with sculp-
ture or painting. Of this we also have a remarkable specimen
at East Fordington, ascribed by Professor Parker to the second
half of the twelfth century. A rather interesting, not to say
puzzling, example is sketched amongst my illustrations
to-day (Wynford Eagle). Another very curious specimen at
Tarrant Rushton is figured in our recently published book
of Proceedings (Vol. XXX., p. liii.).
Capitals. The Norman capital is surmounted by an
abacus having a square edge, and the lower member or "bell"
is generally hewn into a " cushion " design, as at Sherborne,
or " scolloped " by vertical rounded flutings. As time went
on these were enriched at the angles by volutes (as at
Piddletrenthide) , or, as in the nave at Bere Regis, with
heads or figures. At Winterborne Whitchurch there are
some late Norman capitals carved with angels with outspread
wings.
Windows. At Studland and Worth Matravers the churches
have some windows which may perhaps be regarded
as a legacy from pre-Norman times. The windows of the
period were small, and placed high up in the wall. Some
very interesting ones are to be seen at Shillingstone.
Most of our twelfth century churches originally had towers,
although we never see this feature at its best in England ;
you must go to the neighbourhood of Caen to see Norman
towers. Our towers of this period were massive and of no
great height, that of Wimborne being a typical example.
Owing to the badness of the masonry, or insecure foundations,
some of the early towers fell down within a few years of their
erection, as Bishop Walkelin's did at Winchester in 1100.
At Maiden Newton, Winterborne Whitchurch, and other
places piers still exist which formerly supported Norman towers
now defunct. At this period the tower, even in small churches
like Studland and Iwerne Steepleton, stood between the nave
and the chancel. It was crowned with a pyramidal stone
THE NORMANS IN DORSET. 127
cap or stunted spire, springing from the corbel-table, wh'ch
was especially characteristic of this style. The corbels were
frequently carved with grotesque, and sometimes mytho-
logical emblems, representing extremely ancient traditions.
Chancels. The Norman architects seem to have had an
'mportant share in the settling of the question of where the
principal altar should stand. In their ground-plan the
apse, formerly a small alcove behind the altar at the east
or west end of the building, became permanently fixed at the
east, and widened to the full breadth of the chancel. This
rounded east end was for a time universally adopted ; but
the tide of opinion turned against it in England, and
square-ended chancels soon became the rule amongst us.
Beyond the foundations of the Abbey Church of Shaftes-
bury, I do not know of any apsidal chancels of early days in
Dorset.
The introduction of the pointed arch, about the year 1135,
is often considered to mark a transition to the characteristic
English style. But this is not necessarily the case ; there
seems to be no reason why pointed arches should not have been
incorporated into a permanent Romanesque, as they had been
into Arab work long before. At Wimborne, Charminster,
Bere Regis, and other places for many years afterwards
we find the pointed arch associated with methods of structure
and details purely Norman ; frequently pointed arches
in a nave arcade have round-arched windows above them.
The real T: ansitional style began with those improved ideas of
construction which become manifest from 1175 onwards,
and through which the possibility of lighter and more graceful
effects led to the final abandonment of the Romanesque.
The Normans were great colourists, and their interiors
were richly painted throughout.
In conclusion, I am venturing to offer you a rough sketch
conveying some idea of what a typical Norman church in
Dorset looked like in its original condition some of you may
recognise it as that of St. Nicholas, Studland. The details
are all adapted from contemporary work.
128
THE NORMANS IN DORSET.
Let us treasure carefully and reverently the remains
that link us with the great and stirring drama of the twelfth
century, not without some sympathy and thankfulness
towards the builders of that strenuous age of one of whom
the broken effigy at Sherborne retains the epitaph :
Clemens clementem sibi sentiat Omnipotentcm,
Quo, dum mvebat, domus haec dominante vigebat.
May Clement, under whoso rule this house in his lifetime flourished.
Find (at the last) the Almighty clement to him.
WIMBORNE MINSTER.
IV,
"itef turns o "glainfad, &c., in ?orsef
in 1909.
By H. STILWELL.
" HE year 1909 must be reckoned as a wet year in
the county of Dorset, but its chief character-
istic is the great number of days on which
excessive falls of rain occurred.
At Evershot, Cattistock, Bradford Peverell,
and Charminster, upwards of 1 in. is reported
as having fallen on ten separate days in the
year, and in the fourth column of Table II.
it will be seen that at many places such falls occurred six,
seven, or eight times ; and Weymouth is the only place which
reported only two falls of 1 in. in the year.
At Wynford House 3'75 in. was registered on 27th July,
and falls of over 2 in. were recorded at ten other stations on
that day, and on 26th October a fall of over 2 in. was reported
by twenty observers. Also at Winterbourne Whitechurch
Vicarage, 2'04 in. fell on 28th September.
Other days, on which falls of over 1 in. were recorded at
several places, were 5th and 6th March, 6th June, 17th August,
10th and 28th September, and 21st December.
130 RAINFALL IN DORSET.
Taking the mean of the totals of the twenty stations
marked with an asterisk in Table I., and comparing it with
the mean rainfall of the previous 53 years, viz., 33*53 in.,
we have an excess of 3 '69 in. in 1909 ; but during the first
eight months the rainfall was very deficient, amounting
only to 19 '52 in., whereas the four later months gave 17 '70 in.,
of which 8'12 in. fell in October, and 5'60 in December.
November was a dry month, as also were January, February,
April, and May.
The return showing the greatest total fall in the year comes
from Bradford Peverell (49'02 in.) which seems abnormally
high. Next comes Wynford House (48'33 in.) where 3'75 was
registered on 27th July, then Cattistock with 44'94, Steepleton
43 '82, and Evershot 43 '35. The lowest returns are from
Fleet House 27'15 in. ; Weymouth, Westham, 27'68 in., and
Chickerell Rectory 28'62.
The only long spell of drought occurred during the first
23 days of May.
In the following tables reports are published from ten
new stations, for seven of which we are indebted to Dr.
Mill, the editor of " British Rainfall," who has kindly given
advice in the settlement of questions which arose in compar-
ing the figures sent in from various districts.
Three returns, which appeared in the tables for 1908,
have dropped out this year, one of these, Milton-on-Stour,
being the most northerly station in the county ; and, therefore,
it is lost with regret.
It will be noticed in Table II., that the fifth column,
which, in former reports, gave the number of days on
which " -01 in. only " fell, has been altered to show the
number of " Days with more than '01 in.," the number
of " days of '01 in." having been deducted from the total
number of " rain days " given in the last column of that
table.
Some observers are much more accurate than others in
recording small amounts of rain, and a fall of -01 in. in
the 24 hours is an almost inappreciable amount, although
RAINFALL IN DORSET. 131
when recorded, it shows the care and exactitude of the
observer.
By giving a column with the number of " days of more
than '01 in.," it will be seen that the numbers of such appreci-
able rain days correspond more nearly with others in their
immediate neighbourhood than do the figures given in the
last column of that table.
OBSERVERS' NOTES ON METEOROLOGICAL
PHENOMENA, &c.
BUCKHORN WESTON. March 2nd. A wonderfully heavy
and sudden fall of snow, lasting from 4 p.m. to 4.48 p.m.,
during which a depth of 3 in. fell. During the night of March
2nd and 3rd, thermometer registered 12 Fahr. in meteoro-
logical screen ; time, 4 a.m. August 12th. This evening at
about 9.50 p.m., I saw two magnificent meteors, the finest
I have ever seen, in the Northern heavens, apparently starting
from a point between the Pole star and Cassiopea's chair,
and taking their course to the S.W. The tail of the first
left a very wide trail of light, lasting some while, and stretching
almost right across the sky. The second, which soon followed,
not quite so large, but a very fine one. I may mention
here, that on the evening of February 22nd at 7.40, I saw a
less beautiful, and slower-flighted meteor in the S.E. heavens,
the tail extending over a large area and its course could be
traced for quite 15 minutes.
SHROTON. The feature of the year is the large number
of heavy daily rainfalls, no less than five of over an inch,
including the 2 '51 in. on 26th October, the heaviest for 14
years, the system of which produced 3*48 in.
ST. GILES HOUSE. Mean temperature of the year 48 0- 3.
Amount of sunshine 1,855 '5 hours. Maximum temperature,
91, August 13th Minimum 13, February 23rd, and March
5th. Highest barometer reading, 30*55, January 4th.
Lowest barometer reading, 28 -40, December 3rd. May had
132 RAINFALL IN DORSET.
most sunshine, with 320 hours. From April 30th to May 12th,
unbroken sunshine with cold wind. The only real warm
weather of the year was between August 7th and August 16th,
inclusive.
STURMINSTER MARSHALL. Night of January 15th 16th
bright lightning to the N.W. The snow, marked March 2nd,
fell 5.30 6 p.m. A day or two later five inches deep. May
24th, about midnight, heavy thunder rain, 0'66 in. June
6th, heavy thunder rain. From August 1st to 17th, glorious
weather. September 28th, rain 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Night,
October 29th 30th, first white frost, flowers cut down.
December 4th, 5 a.m., vivid flash of lightning and loud
thunder.
BROADSTONE. Only two short periods of drought, three
weeks in May and a fortn'ght in August occurred during
the year in this district. In October only three days without
rain.
PARKSTONE. Over 1 in. rain fell on seven occasions,
the heaviest rainfall being 2 44 on October 26th. Slight
snow fell in morning, February 10th and 28th. March 2nd,
snow storm between 5 and 6 a.m. March 3rd, snow fell
from 7 to 8 a.m., measured 2 in.
WAREHAM, TRIGON. February 23rd 18 frost at 8 a.m.
March 1st snow fall began in evening. Two inches snow came
down in an hour and a-half. By 9.30 a.m. on March 2nd
snow measured 8 in., and later in the day 9 in. May 24th,
thunderstorm.
EAST LULWORTH. February dry and cold. February 22nd,
brilliant meteor with luminous trail lasting 1 1 hours encircled
Orion. March 2nd, heavy snowfall, 9 in. deep. March 4th,
16 frost. May, hot and dry till 24th, with N.E. wind.
June 29th heavy thunder, lightning, and rain. July 10th,
50 in. rain in 2 hours. August, first fortnight extreme heat.
October 7th fierce gale and rain. December 5th, thunder,
lightning, and rain. Total rainfall 10| in. more than last
year. Heaviest days February 5th and 6th July 27th,
September 10th, December 21st.
RAINFALL IN DORSET. 133
WEYMOUTH, WESTHAM. Climatological returns for 1909 :
Means Barometer 29 '976 in.
,, Thermometers 9 a.m. 50'8
,, ,, Maximum 55 '9
,, ,, Minimum 44*5
,, ,, Range 11 '4
Max. and Min. 50-2
Relative humidity, 78 per cent.
Total bright sunshine, 1938'5 hours.
Sunless days, 59
Amount of cloud, 5 -9.
The winds, observations taken daily at 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.,
N. 76, N.E. 79, E. 90, S.E. 41, S. 53, S.W. 75, W. 226, N.W. 82,
Calms 8.
EASTON, PORTLAND 1909 was a wet year, but as this is a
new record I cannot tell how it compares with an average year.
January, February, and November were dry months, February,
with '21 only, and 5 wet days, being exceeding'y so. Abso-
lute droughts were experienced from the 1st to the 16th
May and from the 2nd to the 16th August inclusive. October
was a very wet month, 6'32 in. being recorded, and was, as
usual, the wettest in the year. December and March were also
wet months. More than 1 in. of rain was recorded on five
days whilst on 24 days during the year less than '005 was
registered, these days being marked with an asterisk. Snow
fell on five days during the year, and thunder was heard on
the 24th May and June 16th and 29th.
CHICKERELL RECTORY. Gales from January 12th till 18th
and also most of October. Snowfalls February 26th, 27th,
28th, March 1st to 4th, May 1st, December 15th and 16th.
Hail, April 30th. Thunderstorms, June 29th, September
10th Rather remarkable lunar halo, December 24th.
CHICKERELL, MONTEVIDEO. April 30th, distant thunder
and lightning, early morning. May 24th, sharp midnight
thunderstorm June 5th, 12th, 16th, some thunder, and
29th, thunderstorm. September 12th, slight thunder and
lightning.
134 RAINFALL IN DORSET.
PORTLAND WATERWORKS, UPWEY. 1909 was a wet year,
being wetter than the deduced average by 6'33 in. February
and November were dry, which also applies to the first three
weeks in May. October, with 7*72 in., was again the wettest
month in the year. December, March, and June were also
wet. The year was remarkable for the number of days on
which more than 1 in. of rain fell, no less than seven such
days being recorded, compared with a total of seven days
during the past five years. Snow fell on 12 days during the
year, and thunder was heard on May 24th and June 16th.
Frosts were experienced on October 29th and 30th, during
the middle of November, and the early part of December.
The number of wet days, namely, 211, is greater than in any
year since this record began.
BROADWINDSOR. February 22, 7 p.m., beautiful meteor
passed N.E. to S.E., bluish-green, leaving a track of light,
which was visible three hours later. Seven falls of over
1 in. in 24 hours, abnormal. 9 63 in October, greatest regis-
tered for one month in past ten years.
BEAMINSTER, FLEET STREET.
TEMPERATURE.
Max. Min. Max. Min.
January . . 43 "3 32-5 August . . 70 "0 51*4
February .. 43'8 29'4 September 61'7 46'6
March.. .. 44-9 31'3 October .. 56'3 44-4
April .. .. 56-4 39'6 November .. 46'7 33'5
May .. .. 62-6 41-8 December .. 44-8 31-9
Means 55 -1 40 "2
July . . . . 67'8 52-6
Mean range 14'9. Mean temperature of year, 47 '7. There
were four total droughts of 14, 15, 16, and 15 days respec-
tively in January, February, May, and August. October
was the wettest month of the past 18 years, and equalled
8'76 in. In January, February, May, and November the total
rainfall was only 3 97 in., out of a total for the year of 40 '66 in.
There were 97 frosts during the year, of which 37 were in the
autumn months. Highest shade temperature, 79.
RAINFALL IN DORSET. 135
WINTERBOURNE STEEPLETON. The rainfall 6'08 in. above
the mean of the previous 16 years. The fall on July 27th
(2 -85) the heaviest recorded during that period, and on seven
other days during the year upwards of 1 in. was registered,
of which three occurred in October. A drought occurred
in May, when during the first 23 days no rain fell except
01 on the 17th. The rainfall for the last quarter of the year
amounted to 18'61 in., although November was a dry month,
and only added 0'93 to the total.
CHARMINSTER. May 1st, slight snow and hail, very cold
May 14th, 2 of frost. 13 days of less than 1.
Rain March 5th 1-08
6th 1-03
June 6th 1-68
August 17th .. .. 1-50
September 10th .. .. 1-03
October 10th .. .. 1'04
26th . . . . 2-63
December 21st T54
Eight days 11 -53
DORCHESTER, WOLLASTON HOUSE. Annual average rainfall
is given for Dorchester as 34'20. The total for 1909 is, there-
fore, much in excess. The fall of October 26th, 2'75, is the
greatest I have recorded since 1894, when I began in this
county.
BLOXWORTH. The number of days on which over 1 in.
of rain fell is remarkable, 7, viz. :
March 6th 1'40
June 6th ... .: .. 1-28
July 27th 1-34
August 17th 1-49
September 10th I'll
October 26th 1*95
December 21st 1-69
Thunderstorms remarkably few and none severe.
136
EAINFALL IN DORSET.
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RAINFALL IN DORSET.
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RAINFALL IN DORSET.
TABLE III. STATISTICS OF THE TEMPERATURE OF THE AIR, AND
OF THE HUMIDITY AND AMOUNT OF CLOUD, AT
WlNTERBOURNE STEEPLETON MANOR, AT 9 A.M.,
KEPT BY MR. H. STILWELL.
Temperature of the Air.
In Stevenson's Screen.
On Grass.
-
"SiH
o
1909.
Average of
Extremes.
1
on
i\
O es
t
'w "*"
o
A
8
is
<D
.43
^t
M
.i
'f
,5 ts
2
V
.73
<o
8
o
*32
I
o
cS
Q
ji
o
H
E
5
5
HJ
$
January
44'2
33-4
39'0
50-7
19'0
31-1
16'3
90
7'5
February
44-2
29-7
37-0
52-0
17'7
26'8
12'8
87
6-1
March
44-4
32'2
38-1
52'8
12-0
29-7
8'7
91
7'0
April
55-4
38'9
46-8
70-0
28'2
36'6
24-5
78
5'9
May
64-7
39'4
51-3
75-6
25'8
35-1
22-0
71
4'3
June
60-5
46-1
52-8
69-0
36-8
42'8
32-4
34
7'9
July
65'2
52-6
58-5
72-0
42-1
49-4
36-9
83
7'2
August
70'1
50-6
59'7
85'2
41-9
47-0
37'8
80
4-5
September
61-6
47-5
54-2
68-0
36-0
43'5
32-0
89
7'4
October
56-7
46'3
51-3
64-8
26-0
43-1
20-8
93
7-3
November
48'0
34'3
41-2
57-0
24-0
32-0
20'0
92
5'5
December
46-1
32-9
39-8
51-8
18-1
Il'l
16.0
93
7-1
Year
55-1
40'3
47-7
37-4
83-6
6'5
of f
(Being the Mansel-Pleydell Prize Essay, 1909-10.)
By Dr. W. THEOPHILUS ORD.
geology of the district of Dorset traversed
by the Purbeck Hills has been exhaustively
treated by many able geologists ; but it
contains three problems of great interest which
have not yet been satisfactorily solved. These
are, in brief, (1) The mode of formation of the
great Purbeck Thrust-Fault in the Chalk ;
(2) the origin of the Corfe Monticle on which
Corfe Castle stands ; and (3) the details of the vast processes of
denudation by which the enormous mass of strata that
within recent geological times, possibly since Oligocene days,
has been removed from the southern half of the Isle of Purbeck,
that is, south of the Purbeck Hills. The present paper
comprises (I.) a general sketch of the geology of this district,
and (II.) an account of the author's studies and researches
which it is hoped may advance our knowledge of these three
problems a step or two further.
142 THE GEOLOGY OF THE PURBECK HILLS.
PART I.
INTRODUCTORY.
The Purbeck Hills traverse the Isle of Purbeck from east
to west, commencing at the chalk cliffs of Handfast Point
and terminating at the chalk cliff in Worbarrow Bay.
Geologically their chalk formation is continued west of
Worbarrow ; but since the Isle of Purbeck terminates
geographically at Arishmell Gap, this paper does not consider
the further prolongation of their structure west of that point.
The Purbeck Hills divide the Isle of Purbeck geographically
into two portions, namely a northern half which extends to the
River Frome, and consists of Tertiary strata, chiefly Bagshot
sands and clays, and a southern portion which forms a
syncline of Wealden Clay merging southwards into the
northern slope of an anticline of Upper, Middle, and Lower
Purbeck beds ending at a coastline of high cliffs of
Portland stone and sand resting on Kimmeridge clay, which
forms the axis of the anticline. The line of Purbeck Hills thus
dividing the Isle of Purbeck is formed of an elevated mono-
clinal ridge of highly inclined, often vertical, chalk, flanked
on the north by Tertiary beds, and on the south by a narrow
strip of Greensand, the beds of which are conformable with the
almost vertical chalk, and hence are exposed at the surface
on edge. These comprise Punfield beds, Atherfield clay, and
Upper and Lower Greensand, which, however, can seldom
be distinguished geologically. The Gault is not here repre-
sented as distinct from the Upper Greensand.* The three
diagrams on Plate I. give an illustration of the relationship
of the strata in three transverse sections I. near the eastern
extremity of the hills ; II., about their centre ; and III., near
their western termination.
* Strahan, Memoirs Geol. Survey, Isle of Purbeck, p. 143.
THE GEOLOGY OF THE PURBECK HILLS. 143
PHYSICAL FEATURES OF THE DISTRICT.
The Purbeck Hills, commencing at the chalk cliffs of the
Foreland, form at Handfast Point the south-easterly pro-
montory of Studland Bay. Their range proceeds from this
point W.S.W. for rather less than a mile, forming the high chalk
cliffs of the eastern half of Ballard Down so far as Punfield Cove,
where they bound the northern side of Swanage Bay. At Pun-
field Cove the Purbeck Hills strike inland, continuing as the
high ridge of Ballard Down, which rises to a height of 528 ft.
About two miles from the Foreland their range curves W.N.W.,
and thence extends in a wide sweep ten miles in length, having
its concavity to the South and terminating at Worbarrow Bay.
This is a point one mile beyond the stream known as Luckford
Lake, which is considered geographically the western
boundary of the Isle of Purbeck. The eastern portion
of the ridge is known as Nine Barrow Down, which rises to s
height of 655 ft. This terminates at about the centre of the
range at Corfe Gap. West of this, the ridge is known as
Knowle Hill, 481 ft. in height. Two miles from Corfe, on the
northern flank of the hill, is the well-known eminence of
Creech Barrow, which in height is only slightly less than the
Purbeck Hills. Geologically Creech Barrow is of extreme
interest, as it consists of Tertiary beds, probably of Bagshot
sands, which have been shown by the late Mr. W. H.
Hudleston to be there capped by limestone of the Oligocene
age. From this we conclude that the Tertiary beds were
formerly overlain by Oligocene strata, which now occur
nowhere else in this district. In Section I., Plate I.,
their probable position has been indicated in the extreme
right of the diagram. As Creech Barrow does not come
strictly within the subject of this paper, it will not be further
considered.
At Creech Barrow the ridge of Purbeck Hills bends
slightly southwards, about W.S.W., and is there known
as Flowers Barrow, which is 567 ft. high, thence it
terminates geographically in Warborrow Bay.
144 THE GEOLOGY OF THE PURBECK HILLS.
GEOLOGICAL STRUCTURE or THE PURBECK HILLS.
The geological structure of the Purbeck Hills can best be
studied at Ballard Cliffs, and especially the adjacent coast
of Studland Bay. The great cliff section at Ballard Downs
shows the structure to consist of a central axis of nearly
vertical chalk strata which projects upwards, so that its
edges form an escarpment near the summit of the hills.
On the northern slopes this vertical edge is flanked by
a sheet of chalk beds which incline rapidly from the
vertical to the horizontal, where they are overlain by
Tertiary strata. On the southern slopes of the chalk ridge
is a thin strip of the edges of Greensand strata comprising
Upper and Lower Greensand, and Punfield beds, which strata
are almost vertical, conformably with the chalk. These are
succeeded by Wealden clays, which, being highly inclined
against the Greensand at first, become gradually horizontal
southward, and form the lowest slopes of the .outhern flanks of
the hills. This structure is shown in each of the three sections
in Plate I.
The disposition of strata on the northern slopes of the hills
can best be studied in Studland Bay, from the opening of the
little dell, whence Studland village is approached, to near -the
Foreland. From the former spot Bagshot sands occupy the
coast line. These are the lower beds of the Bagshot series, and
are of fluviatile origin, although here unfossiliferous. They
consist of variegated and coloured sands, with thin partings of
clay, dipping at a slight angle of 5 to 7 N.E., and are con-
tinued to a point about 400 yards beyond the little coombe
leading to the village, where they are replaced by London Clay.
This in a short distance gives place to Woolwich and Reading
beds, which here consist chiefly of white sand, some 40 ft.
thick, with a bed of flint gravel 6 to 10 ft. thick between it and
the London clay. The Woolwich and Reading beds occupy
some 100 yards of the foreshore, which here curves round to
the east. At a point half a mile from the Foreland the chalk
appears at the shore level. Its upper surface, on which the
THE GEOLOGY OF THE PURBECK HILLS. 145
Tertiary beds rest, is deeply piped and eroded, as it is in the
same point of junction in Alum Bay, with which it was
formerly continuous, before the sea broke through the chalk
ridge between the Needles and the Foreland to carve out
Bournemouth Bay. The Woolwich and Reading beds are
here described by Mr. Strahan (Memoirs of the Geol. Survey,
Isle of Purbeck) as consisting of hard brown grit with rolled
flints and some red or mottled clay. This description also
well suits the same beds lying against the chalk in Alum Bay.
The Tertiary beds here commence ascending from the shore on
the chalk, and some 250 yards to the east they thin off at the
top of the cliff, which, beyond this point, consists wholly of
chalk. The chalk here consists of the upper beds of the
Belemnitella Mucronata zone, having the usual bands of black
flints. As far as the Foreland the beach follows the line
of strike of the beds, which are nearly horizontal, and con-
tinue so until near the great fault. The right-hand portion
of the section in Fig. 1, Plate I., illustrates the strata here
described, and is typical of the structure of the northern
flanks of the Purbeck Hills throughout their range, though
nowhere shown so well as in Studland Bay.
THE SECTION AT THE CLIFFS OF
BALLARD DOWN.
This magnificent section cuts the southern half of the
Purbeck Hills nearly at a right angle, giving as perfect
a view of their structure as could be desired, and
completing the view obtained in Studland Bay. From the
Foreland or Handfast Point, vertical chalk cliffs extend
S.S.W. for a mile and a-quarter, increasing gradually in height
from 50ft. at the point, to 250ft. at Ballard Head. From Ballard
Point to Punfield Cove the cliffs turn west for 400 yards,
the chalk there giving place to Punfield and Upper Greensand
beds. From the Foreland southwards the strata, corresponding
with the beds on the other face of the cliff in Studland Bay,
146 THE GEOLOGY OF THE PURBECK HILLS.
are nearly horizontal, dipping about 8 a little west of north ;
but half way along the section they suddenly bend upwards
in a magnificent curve, forming a quarter of a circle at the
great fault, which here interrupts their continuity. This
fault is indicated in Plate I., Fig. 1., but this section, being
taken some distance from the cliffs, does not show the struc-
ture of the fault, which, however, is exhibited in Plate III.,
Fig. 3. So many excellent photographs of these cliffs and
the fault have been published in various works that we have
not thought it necessary to reproduce one ; but the best is
probably that in Dr. Rowe's " Zones of the White Chalk of
the Dorset Coast," p. 35. On the southern side of the fault
the beds are vertical, but they gradually decline from this
angle to their junction with the Punfield beds. Thence are
found in succession the Upper Greensand, Gault (which,
however, cannot be identified distinctly) and the Lower
Greensand, which are found in some 220 yards, each dipping
N. at a gradually diminishing angle, until succeeded by
Wealden strata which, at half a mile from Punfield Cove,
appear to have escaped the disturbing effect of the fault,
and resume the nearly horizontal level of the chalk north of
of the rupture towards the Foreland. The total thickness
of the chalk in this section has been estimated at 1,300 ft.
It gradually decreases throughout the range of Purbeck Hills
westward, being 1,200 ft. at Lulworth, beyond the Purbeck
area, and about 500 ft. at Blackdown, where the chalk vanishes
to seaward. The thicknesses of the three great divisions of
the chalk in this section are given by Dr. Strahan as upper
chalk, 1,049 ft*. ; middle chalk, 102 ft., and lower chalk,
149 ft. The chalk rock, Melbourn rock, and chloritic marl,
which severally divide these sections, can each be traced in
their usual positions, and the zones into which each division is
subdivided have been exhaustively worked out and described
by Dr. Rowe hi his paper quoted above. Reference to the
three diagrams in Plate I. will show that the geological
structure here described is continuous throughout the range
of the Purbeck Hills.
THE GEOLOGY OF THE PURBECK HILLS. 147
GEOLOGICAL RELATIONSHIPS or THE PURBECK
HILLS.
The relationship, geologically, of the hills with the strata
of the South of England demands attention. A study of
the geological map of England shows that the chalk forms four
anticlinal lines from W. to E. and N.E. These four in order
from N. to S. form each the escarpment of four series of
hills, namely the Chiltern Hills, the North Downs, the
South Downs, and the Brixton anticline of the Isle of
Wight. This latter was formerly continuous with the
Purbeck Hills before the formation of Bournemouth Bay,
the position of the central chalk ridge, with its adjacent
strata being almost identical in each case. Between the
Chiltern Hills and the North Downs lies the Tertiary basin
of the Thames valley, and between the South Downs
(with their prolongation westward as the Wiltshire Downs)
and the Southern chalk of the Isle of Wight with the
Purbeck Hills, lies a similar Tertiary basin, the trough
of which is now occupied by the Solent, Bournemouth Bay,
and the River Fro me. In addition to these four main
anticlines, there are in Hampshire two subsidiary chalk ridges
parallel with the southern anticline, those of Guildford and
Portsdown. These chalk hills, together with their inter-
vening valleys or synclines, are observed to lie en echelon along
a line from W. to E., or to E.N.E., coinciding in direction
somewhat with the chalk ridges between Norfolk and Dorset.
With one important exception, each of these anticlinal
ridges is formed of an axis of chalk, the intervening valleys
forming basins of softer Tertiary strata, or, between the North
and South Downs, by Wealden and Lower Cretaceous beds.
The exception to this rule is the case of the Purbeck Hills, and
a reference to Plate I., Fig. 1, will show that they do not form
the axis of the southern anticline, but rather consist of the
northern monoclinal edge of the upheaved mass whose axis
is really the Kimmeridge clay, some three miles south of the
148 THE GEOLOGY OF THE PTJRBECK HILLS.
hills, beneath the southern cliffs of Purbeck. Another im-
portant feature common to each of these chalk anticlines is
that their northern side's are steeper and more abrupt than
the southern. These considerations lead to the conclusion
that this series of anticlines, including that of the Purbeck
area, were all formed about the same time, and by the same
series of earth movements. These movements were tangential
and compressive. Their direction must have been from
N. to S., or N.N.E. to S.S.W., thus producing a greater steep-
ness of fold on the side against which the pressure was applied.
In each case the massive chalk strata presented the greatest re-
sistance to the movements, and hence were raised up in earth
waves, protecting in each case, except that of the Purbeck
Hills, the softer southern strata from extreme disturbance.
That the disturbance penetrated southward of the chalk in
the Isle of Purbeck may be accounted for by several considera-
tions : (1) That the earth wave had here become deeper,
and so passed partly beneath the chalk, its superficial
force having been absorbed by the more northern beds ;
(2) that the chalk strata here offered less resistance than
elsewhere ; and (3) by the chalk fracturing in the line of the
great fault. Each of these facts would encourage the main
earth movement to upheave the beds beyond the chalk, and
hence cause the original anticline of the Isle of Purbeck to
attain vaster dimensions than its northern contemporaries.
The original outline of the anticline is shown in Plate I.,
Fig. 1. It formerly extended for at least three miles out to
sea, but has been denuded back to what is probably the center
of its axis at the present coast line. It is evident, therefore,
that the Purbeck Hills here form, as stated, the northern
monoclinal edge of this great anticline, so differing from the
otherwise similar chalk hills to northward. Geologically
they are continuous with the chalk axis of the Isle of Wight,
and form a westerly extension of the southern lip of the
Hampshire basin. The total length of this anticline from
Brixton to its western termination in Weymouth Bay is
about fifty miles.
THE GEOLOGY OF THE PURBECK HILLS. 149
PART II.
SPECIAL POINTS IN GEOLOGY OF DISTRICT.
THE GREAT PURBECK THRUST FAULT.
In the cliffs below Ballard Down an almost transverse
section of this well-known fault is magnificently exposed.
The fault runs due east and west, and its effect has been to
thrust a huge sheet of upper chalk strata on the northern sides
of the Purbeck Hills for probably their whole extent 10
miles, and also for an equal distance beyond the district
upwards and southwards for probably 300 yards or
more over the upturned edges of the strata south of the line
of fracture (Plate III., Fig. 3). From the exposure in
Ballard Cliffs, the fault runs in the axis of Ballard Down,
for nearly two miles to a gap in the hills between that and
Nine Barrow Down, through which the road from Swanage to
Studland passes, and where the Ulwell spring is thrown out.
It continues thence along the line of the hills, and can be
clearly traced beyond the Isle of Purbeck in several
cliff sections. The enormous forces involved in this
great earth movement, a fracture at least a quarter
of a mile across, and extending for over twenty miles,
are shown in the changes in the chalk contiguous
to the line of motion. These at Ballard Cliff have pul-
verised the flints and drawn them out into streaks of black
dust, the rock between the bedding planes being polished into
slickenslides. The fracture is seen (Plate II., Fig. 2. and Plate
III., Fig. 1), to have taken place along one of the bedding
planes, while the upturned edges of the nearly vertical beds
on the southern side of the fault have been sheared off by
the forcing of the upper beds over them. So much is obvious ;
but the exact means by which the present effect was brought
about is less easily to be traced. Many geologists have
endeavoured to explain this, but the latest and most thorough
account is that given by Dr. Strahan in " Memoirs of the
150 THE GEOLOGY OF THE PURBECK HILLS.
Geological Survey, Isle of Purbeck," and also in his " Guide
to the Geological Model of the Isle of Purbeck." Dr. Strahan
has not, however, given diagrams to illustrate the various
steps in the process, and hence his description is by no means
easy to follow. His account also depends on a certain con-
tingency which further study may prove to be incorrect,
and hi that case the method of construction must have been
materially different. In Plate II., Figs. 1 and 2, and Plate
III., Fig. 1, I have drawn diagrams illustrating the several
steps in the process as described by Dr. Strahan, and in
Plate III., Figs. 2 and 3, two diagrams are given illustrating
the alternative explanation, which may yet prove to be the
more correct. I now give a description of these diagrams
and the geological processes they are designed to illustrate.
Until near the close of the Oligocene period the strata
of this district remaineed almost in the horizontal position
in which they had been deposited ; but at this period earth
shrinkage commenced to upheave the great anticline indi-
cated in outline in Plate I., Fig. 1. No fracture commenced
until this had proceeded probably to its highest point, which
was then as now in the Purbeck area, and still exists
in the chalk monocline of the Isle of Wight where it has
remained unfractured until now. The condition would
then have been as indicated in Plate II., Fig. 1, which shows
on a larger scale the monoclinal edge of the great anticline
with which we have now to deal. Tertiary beds, since denuded
off, must then have overlain the chalk, and probably these
were in places covered by Oligocene beds, a remnant of
which is still found (as described by the late Mr. Hudleston)
capping Creech Barrow. The movement continuing, a
fracture began to form, and the question arises, where did this
first occur ? The researches of the French geologist, C.
Barrois * (" Terrain Cretace Superieur," 1896), confirmed
* Dr. Barrois supposed that the northern beds belonged to the Marsupite.s
zone, but this has since been disproved. (Dr. Rowe, op. ct., p. 36.)
THE GEOLOGY OF THE PURBECK HILLS. 151
by Dr. Strahan, and since more minutely by Dr. Rowe
in his " Zones of the White Chalk of the Dorset Coast,"
have proved that the curved beds north of the fracture,
and the vertical beds below, belong all to the Belemni-
tella mucronata zone of the Upper White Chalk, which is
the highest zone of the series. It is assumed by Dr. Strahaii
that the vertical beds are the lower series of this zone and
the curved beds above the fracture the upper beds of the
same series, and on this supposition my three first diagrams
are based. If this be so, the line of fracture must have occurred
as indicated by the line A B C in Fig. 2, Plate II. It would
have commenced along a bedding plane dividing the zone
into an upper and lower portion, of which the former subse-
quently formed the curved beds above the fault and the
lower became the vertical beds below it. These latter must
have been cut across by the fracture as at B, the rupture
then continuing upwards across the elevated beds of the
monocline as at A, which beds have since been denuded off.
A movement then took placo from N. to S. along the fracture,
the upper beds being thrust bodily, in a sheet 20 miles wide,
first southward for at least 400ft. (the present height of the
Downs), then upwards over the upturned edges of the station-
ary lower beds, and thence up and above what is now the top
of the cliff. This means that the whole block DD (Plate II.,
Fig. 2) was forced up and over the others, whilst its place
was taken by the strata which formerly had occupied the
space to the right of the dotted line EF. The result is shown
in Plate III., Fig. 1, of which the shaded portion shows the
existing condition of the beds, the extruded portion and the
rock debris, after being thrust up and over the present strata,
have since been denuded off, leaving the contour of Ballard
down as it now exists. The bedding plane, along which this
movement took place, as well as the junction between the
stationary and displaced beds of the zone, are now hidden
beneath the cliff, but their probable arrangement is shown
in the lines drawn in the diagram. Thus, could a section be
cut at a point where the curving beds resume the horizontal
152 THE GEOLOGY OF THE PURBECK HILLS.
north of the fault, as at C, no sign of the fracture would be
apparent except at that juncture of the bedding planes
a'ong which the thrust took place, where pulverised debris
and slickenside polishing of the contiguous surfaces would
doubtless be evident.
This description gives the simplest, and doubtless the
most probable, explanation of the phenomenon ; but it may
have been produced by less simple and obvious processes.
The researches of recent geologists in the Alps that great
example of the mightiest and most complex of strata dis-
tortions have thrown much light upon faults and overthrusts.
Lujeon's classical work on " The overfolding of the Alps,"
and Dr. Suess in his " The Face of the Earth," Vol. I., have
shown that many apparently simple results were obtained by
far less simple processes than were formerly supposed. It is
quite possible that a more complicated folding of the upper
beds, perhaps resulting in reversed folds, may have taken
place at Ballard Cliff, before and during the thrusting south-
ward of the upper beds ; but if so the remains of these folds
would have been pushed up and over the others and denuded
away, so that no trace can now be found of them. This
would, however, depend upon the distance through which the
thrust took place. Presumably it was at least 400 ft., but
it may have been much more. It will be observed that while-
ordinary faults are examples of radial earth movements, and are
due, not to compression, but to the opposite an expansion of
earth surface, or rather a diminution of pressure below the
strata causing a wedge-shaped mass to drop down, or a radial
fracture to allow one side to sink thrust faults are due to
actual compression, and are tangential to the earth's surface.
In the Purbeck district we have many examples of the former,
as at Ulwell, and in the Purbeck beds in Durleston Bay,
but only one of the latter movement, which is comparatively
rare in this country, and due to far more violent forces than
the simple radial fault.
Another point in the formation of this fault must be noted
which is the amount of denudation of the anticline which
THE GEOLOGY OF THE PURBECK HILLS. 153
had occurred before the movement commenced. It is possible
that denudation had proceeded to a very considerable extent,
and that the amount of strata covering the present
level of Ballard Down was not much greater, when the fracture
occurred, than it is now. This would help to explain why
the edges of the vertical strata were so easily sheared off by
the moving mass, which would then be taking the line of
least resistance. But had the vast mass of chalk strata
remained intact (as represented in the diagram), it would offer
a far greater resistance to the thrust movement than seems
necessary or probable. The answer to this will depend upon
how long after the upheaval of the anticline the thrust move-
ment commenced.
II. AN ALTERNATIVE THEORY OF THE FAULT
FORMATION.
It will be observed that the above explanation of the process
by which the present relation of the strata at the fault came
about, depends upon the supposition that the beds above and
be'ow the fracture unite under the present cliffs. The
vertical beds would then resume the horizontal and continue
northward, as indicated in Plate III., Fig. 3. As has been
stated, in this case the order of beds from above downwards
through the fault must be continuous, and no bed be missing
unless one or two had been faulted out and thrust up ; but
if so they would re-appear and resume their place at some
point towards C in the diagram. But further examination
may possibly show that the vertical beds, which belong equally
with the upper beds to the same zone, may actually be the
same beds, or a portion of them, as those above. In this
case an entirely different method of formation of the fault
will have to be assumed, and what this process would have
been is indicated in Figs. 4 and 5, Plate III. As to whether the
vertical beds are lower beds of the same zone, or a repeat of
the same beds as those above the fault, much will depend
154 THE GEOLOGY OF THE PURBECK HILLS.
upon the thickness assigned to the zone in question. Dr.
Rowe gives 250ft. as the thickness exposed, which is simply
the height of the cliff where the beds above the fault resume
the horizontal. But to this must be added (in the first
hypothesis) the thickness of the vertical strata belonging to
that zone. This Dr. Rowe gives as having been identified
by him for 39ft. (Plate VIII., " Zones of the Chalk," p. 36.)
Dr. Barrois, however, is quoted by Dr. Strahan (Memoirs of
Geo. Survey, p. 166) as estimating the average thickness of
the Belemnitella zone in this district as 98ft. to 164ft. Accept-
ing Dr. Rowe's estimate we have a thickness of at least
289ft. at Ballard Head as the total for the zone, to which
must be added an unknown thickness below the exposure.
This certainly seems an extreme estimate, especially in the
light of Dr. Barrois' more moderate figure, which, however,
is for the district of S. Dorset (see note, p. 150), and lends
more colour to the supposition that the vertical beds may
be identical with the lower beds of the upper portion. I
proceed then to describe ' the manner of formation of the
fault on this second hypothesis, which, from this point of
view, seems the more probable.
In Plate III., Fig. 4, is shown a restoration of the mono-
clinal edge of the anticline as it must have existed before the
start of the thrust movement. It is seen there that the
horizontal or northern beds must then have been below the
level of the present cliffs, and that the Tertiary Beds covered
them, as in Plate II., Fig. 1, but in the inferior position, as
indicated in the diagram, Plate III., Fig. 4. The line of
fracture in this case will have been as at ABC (Fig. 4),
and at its northern or lower extremity would have cut down
through the upper beds diagonally through a portion of
the Tertiaries, thus forming a wedge-shaped mass in the
northern chalk beds as at D D. As the thrust movement
continued this mass must have been forced bodily upwards
and southwards, carrying with it and shearing off a triangular
mass of the vertical beds, as at B, in the direction
of the letter A. The lower end of the fracture C would
THE GEOLOGY OF THE PURBECK HILLS. 155
have resumed the horizontal somewhere further north than
in Fig. 2, Plate II., continuing between two of the bedding
planes for an unknown distance. When the movements
were completed the effect shown in Fig. 5 would have been
produced, the two triangular fragments (Fig. 4, B and D D)
having been forced up and over the present summit of the
downs, and subsequently denuded off as in the former case.
With them would have been carried upwards the Tertiary
Beds, as in Fig. 5, which also have since been denuded.
The structure as now displayed in the cliffs would thus have
been produced, as shown in the shaded portion of Fig. 5.
But in the unexposed strata below sea-level its condition
would be essentially different from that of the former method,
as a comparison of the two diagrams, Figs. 3 and 5, will
illustrate. Instead of the lower beds rapidly resuming the
horizontal, as in Fig. 3, they would be cut through by a
continuation of the fracture down so far as Fig. 5, C ; and
between them and the upper portion, as at E, we
should expect to find a fragment of Tertiary strata which
had been sheared off by the original fracture plane, as in
Fig. 4. The possibility of this is admitted by Dr. Strahan
(op. cit., p. 217).
Until further evidence be produced we must admit that
the two hypotheses described may either of them prove
to be correct, the balance of probabilities remaining with
the former, the chief objection to its acceptance being the
enormous thickness of the Belemnitella zone which it assumes.
The three points upon which information is required will then
be : (1) The nature of the vertical beds as to whether they
are inferior or identical with those of the curving strata above
the fracture, (2) a correct estimate of the greatest possible
thickness of the Belemnitella zone in this section, and (3)
a proof of the presence of Tertiary strata below and to the
north of the lowest exposed portion of the fault in Ballard
Cliff. More thorough and minute examination of the strata
exposed may throw further light upon the first two points ;
but as to whether the problem is of sufficient interest and
156 THE GEOLOGY OF THE PURBECK HILLS.
importance to justify the expense of borings being made,
by which alone the third question can be answered, is a
matter for geologists to consider.
THE ORIGIN OF THE CORFE MONTICLE AND THE DENUDATION
OF THE PURBECK ANTICLINE.
These two problems are so intimately connected that it
will be convenient to treat them together. How the little
conical hill on which Corfe Castle stands came to be carved
out of the Purbeck chalk ridge, and the Corfe Double Gap
produced by the two streams, the Byle and the Steeple,
has always been a puzzle to geologists. Various explanations
have been given, but at present two theories hold the field.
The first is that advocated by Dr. Strahan, who considers
that Corfe Hill was carved out by ancestors of the present
two streams, which, draining the Purbeck anticline, cut
across the chalk ridge in close proximity, and so left the hill at
the centre of the gap. The late Mr. Hudleston, however, in a
short article he contributed to the " Wareham Pictorial Guide "
on " Corfe Castle Hill," considered that these two streams,
which are really affluents of the Corfe stream, which they unite
to form on the north side of the gap, were formerly united
in a single channel on the south side of the hill. This is in
keeping with the manner in which the rivers of the Weald
of Sussex have similarly cut down their channels across the
intervening chalk ridges. For two separate streams to cut
separate channels for themselves through chalk within a few
hundred yards of each other is an improbable phenomenon,
and it is doubtful if any example of such can be produced.
We therefore accept Mr. Hudleston's view, in preference to
Dr. Strahan's, that the Corfe gap was originally carved out by
a single stream, which afterwards became divided and cut
down the double gap, the eastern opening by the Byle, and
the western by the Steeple (also called the Wicken) brook,
which subsequently became united into the little Corfe stream
THE GEOLOGY OF THE PTJRBECK HILLS. 157
as it now exists north of the hill. The question then arises as
to what caused the separation of the streams ? In a paper
entitled " Dorset during the Glacial Period," recently read
by Dr. Colley March before the Geological Section of the
Bournemouth Natural Science Society, this subject is briefly
referred to, and the suggestion is advanced that the course of
the joint river was for a time (i.e., during or at the close of the
glacial period) blocked by sedentary ice, which piled up
in the only gorge, and compelled the rising water to cut a new
channel. Two difficulties present themselves to the accept
ance of this view, one being the length of time during which
the ice block must have continued to effect so great a change
in the course of the streams, and the second that the time
usually supposed to have elapsed from the close of the glacial
period would hardly permit of the cutting out of the double
gap through the chalk to a depth of 200ft. as it now exists.
We have, therefore, ventured to seek some other explanation,
and think one may be found in a consideration of the manner
and progress of the denudation of the great Purbeck
anticline.
A reference to Plate I., Fig. 1, will show that after upheaval
of the Purbeck anticline, the trend of drainage would naturally
proceed from south to north, and as the chalk was gradually
denuded off, the stream flowing over what is now Corfe Gap
would, so soon as the chalk was removed and lower Cretaceous
strata reached, continue to cut down a channel across the
present ridge. The denudation of the softer Greensand and
Wealden strata would then begin to form the east and west
valley which now exists, and the two streams, the Byle
from the east and the Steeple from the west, would carry
the debris of this vast mass of strata through the gap in a
single stream to form the Corfe river, which flowed (as it does
now) into the Frome. In all probability this gap was greatly
widened for a time by estuarine or marine denudation, during a
subsequent submergence of the land when the Higher Tertiary
beds and some of the Oligocene strata were deposited some
of which are of estuarine and others of marine origin remains
158 THE GEOLOGY OF THE PURBECK HILLS.
now/f Jill] Nine Bamnv Down.
vr.
\
\ / Corft Hill \
R Steeple K Siyle
Diagram to Illustrate formation, of G>r/e
of which are still found at Creech Barrow.* When the level
of the land became higher again, and denudation had pro-
ceeded so far as the level of the summit of Corfe Hill, the
present wide gap between Nine Barrow Down on the east and
Flowers Hill on the \vest, would exist as indicated in the
diagram above. This is now 170ft. below the summit of
the chalk ridge. The channel of the then river is shown at
AB just level with the top of the monticle. At this stage
the stream became divided, and the cause was probably a
sudden diminution in the water supply, which Avould have been
produced by a change in the drainage area south of the chalk
ridge. It must be remembered that at this period, land ex-
tended far to the east of SAvanage Bay, and far to the west
of Worbarrow Bay, and that the sea had not yet reached the
chalk hills which then were continuous between Ballard Head
and the Needles. Both the Byle and the Steeple were then
moderately sized rivers, and each brought down perhaps
50 or 100 per cent, more water than at present from this
drainage area, most of which has since been destroyed by the
sea. But up to this time another and rival drainage had been
maintained by the ancestor of the present little Swanage river.
This, originally commencing in a small stream immediately
* A comparison with the Tertiary and Oligocene strata tilted up against
the chalk in Alum Bay makes it probable that vast beds formerly existed
north of the Purbeck range.
THE GEOLOGY OF THE PURBECK HILLS. 159
south of the then existing chalk ridge somewhere east
of Handfast Point, had also cut down a channel for itself
through the chalk hills which were then continuous to
the Isle of Wight and emptied into the Frome river
in what is now Bournemouth Bay. As it cut its channel
more deeply it would have drained a larger area, and it
or a westerly tributary, as the present Swanage stream may
perhaps have been would have gradually robbed the Byle
of a good portion of its water supply. It is possible that the
Swanage stream is really a portion of the upper eastern
waters of the Byle, and that at about the period named a
reversal took place, the head of the Byle being captured
(far out in Swanage Bay) by the Swanage river, and thus the
Byle was left a truncated and vastly diminished stream.
In all probability at about the same time a similar process
occurred as denudation proceeded at the head waters of the
Steeple river in the land area which then occupied Worbarrow
Bay, and was then continuous towards Weymouth Bay, before
the sea had encroached to its present coast line.
The little stream which now flows west into Worbarrow Bay
is probably the head of the ancient Steeple, and that now van-
ished land having been drained by the Steeple it flowed east-
ward as now, and joining the Byle proceeded through Corfe
Gap. If this view be accepted, we see that at about the
same time the flow through the combined streams at Corfe
was diminished to an amount of perhaps a fifth to a twentieth
of its former volume, and that this occurred when denudation
had proceeded to the point shown in the diagram on p. 158.
From this we should find the passage A B, formerly well-
filled with water, converted into a swampy morass with a few
broken-up remains of the previous river trickling through
several irregular channels. As, however, the Byle stream
tended from its direction to hug the eastern bank of the former
river channel, and the Steeple similarly its western bank,
the centre of the channel would tend to dry up and form an
island which presently was to form the summit of the Corfe
monticle. This may have been assisted by some special
160 THE GEOLOGY OF THE PURBECK HILLS.
hardness* and resistance to denuding action of the chalk
at this spot, similar to that which led to the formation of the
Old Harry Rock and other chalk pinnacles. We should
thus have the former single river which had carved out its
one channel A B, dividing into two much smaller streams,
each tending to cut down and widen a channel for itself,
and leaving between them, as they gradually descended, the
Corfe monticle. Its conical shape would be accounted for by
the usual aids of aerial and frost denudation on each bank
of the two streams as the chalk was cut away and eroded.
Doubtless when the division of the streams was first
effected, the amount of water was greater than now ; it has
continuously decreased until the present time, since the sea
commenced encroaching upon the land area and carved out
Swanage and Worbarrow Bays. It seems probable that
the first step in the formation of Bournemouth Bay was the
breaking of the sea through the gap in the chalk hills
formed where the ancient Swanage river had cut its channel
southward to join the Fro me, somewhere east of Handfast
Point.
* This hardness has been observed at Corfe Castle and recorded (v.
Strahan, cp. cit. p. 168).
BOULDER, PARKSTONE.
on a
fotm6 at
"ifar&sfone
By the Rev. H. SHAEN SOLLY, M.A.
17 ABLY in June, 1909, while a sewer was being
constructed in Ashley-road, Upper Park-
stone, a large boulder was discovered 8 or
10ft. below the surface. It was noticed
at the side of the road by Mr. Le Jeune,
close to Scott's woodyard, near the bottom
of the dip not far from the top of Constitu-
tion Hill. It was subsequently presented by
Mr. Budden, the contractor, to the Museum
of the Branksome Free Library, and now
reposes safely in the grounds of that Institution. Its present
length is 3ft. 4in., and its greatest girth 4ft. 6in., with a
weight of at least half a ton. Originally, its size and weight
must have been somewhat more, especially as some portion
of it was broken off before it was raised to the surface. The
interest attaching to it concerns the question How came it
to be deposited where it was found ? It lay in the bed of
Plateau gravel which here overlies the Bagshot Sands. The
162 LARGE BOULDER FOUND AT BRANKSOME.
running water which deposited this gravel was not capable
of transporting this block, weighing half a ton. Is there
any agent other than ice capable of having done this work,
and is the presence of the boulder evidence of a glaciation
of Dorset ? We may at once dismiss an explanation some-
what recklessly advanced, namely, that the stone was buried
by human agency. The soil above it was evidently undis-
turbed and has never been cultivated, and to suppose that
anyone would dig a hole 8ft. deep to bury a stone beneath
Ashley Road is absurd. But we may ask, is it not possible
that the stone lay on the top of the Bagshot sands, and was
there buried beneath the Plateau gravel ? I have not been
able to ascertain the depth of the gravel at this point, or
whether any exists under as well as over where the boulder
lay. This question could easily have been answered at the
time of the excavation ; but inquiries made of the workmen
later elicited no trustworthy information. All we can now
do is to ascertain the nature of the stone itself. Is it a
sarsen, or greywether, similar to the other sarsens derived
from Tertiary rocks and widely scattered over the Downs of
Wilts and Dorset, or is there no source in the neighbourhood
from which it can have been derived, so that it must have
been brought from further afield, and may fairly claim the
title of an erratic ? These questions are not easy to answer.
Sections of the stone have been prepared for microscopic
examination by Dr. H. Colley March, who has also had
slides made, for purposes of comparison, from a typical
sarsen lying in the Valley of Stones, near Bridehead.* They
* Photographs of these slides, enlarged 22 diameters, have been kindly
made by Dr. Flett, and are here reproduced. An interesting feature in the
Branksome slide is that the rock contains many small grains of brown
tourmaline, some of which are large enough to be seen with a pocket lens.
1. Bridehead sarsen, photo with crossed Nicols.
2. Same, in ordinary light.
3. Branksome boulder, photo with crossed Nicols.
4. Same, in ordinary light.
NO. l.-BRIDEHEAD SARSEN.
(Photo with crossed Nichols.)
No. 2. BRIDEHEAD SARSEN.
(Photo with onlimiri; light.)
NO. 3. BRANKSOME BOULDER.
(1'hoto with crossed Nichols.)
NO. 4.-BRANKSOME BOULDER.
(Photo with ordinary light.)
LARGE BOULDER FOUND AT BRANKSOME. 163
have been examined by Mr. William Whitaker, Dr. Hinde, and
the authorities at Jermyn Street. Mr. Whitaker writes : "I
took specimen and slide to Jermyn Street and got Dr. Teall to
look at them. He was struck with the great variety of the
quartz grains in size and shape (under microscope), and that
is not a sarsen character, the grains of these stones being fine.
I then went up to the petrologic department, and Mr.
Rhodes turned out a specimen which, under microscope,
was rather like yours, though differing to the eye. Curiously
enough, this was labelled ' Quartzite, Parkstone, 200ft.
gravel."
After sending Mr. Whitaker the sarsen slide from Bridehead,
I heard from him as follows : " To-day I took them to Jermyn
Street, and showed them to Dr. Flett, petrologist to the
Geological Survey, and we compared them with some others.
Dr. Flett detected some differences between your rock and
grey wether-slides. In the latter the cementing material
is less in quantity and is largely secondary quartz ; that is,
quartz crystallised in the rock. In the former it is not so.
He would, therefore, class your boulder as approximating to
quartzite, and he concludes that it is not a greywether.
Both quartzite and greywethers vary very
much."
Dr. March is not satisfied with this conclusion. He had
occasion, some years ago, to go into the subject of quartzites,
granitoids, and grits, and possesses micro-sections of Hasling-
den grit, Gannister grit, Gritstone from Lower Coal Measures,
Gritstone from Devon, and Silurian quartzite from Ireland,
Normandy, and Norway. All these show resemblances to,
but are easily distinguished from, our stone ; but on comparing
this with the Bridehead sarsen he writes : " These, I main-
tain, are fundamentally indistinguishable, though it is true
that one has more cement than the other ; but that is
unimportant. I think it is true that there is more secondary
quartz in the Branksome stone than in the Bridehead one,
but this must certainly vary in different specimens. It is
silicified Tertiary sand, and this sand is sometimes silicified
164 LARGE BOULDER FOUND AT BRANKSOME.
into a true quartzite, sometimes imperfectly silicified, and
sometimes the sand and the gravel are not silicified at all,
but quite loose, and these three stages occur almost in juxta-
position."
Apart from microscopic examination, the only kind of
investigation possible was minute examination of the surface
of the stone. This surface was clearly water- worn, which
is not the case with ordinary sarsens. Then some of the
convex curves strongly suggest glaciation. There are other
marks which may represent groovings due to ice-action and
deserve further investigation ; but, unfortunately, no in-
considerable portion of the surface has been broken by the
chipping of too curious investigators. Among the marks
on the surface are two cup-shaped depressions resembling,
on a small scale, the " glacier-mills " bored in hard rock
by the whirling round of stones in an eddy under ice. In
this connection we may compare a stone lately found at
Pokesdown, and in the possession of Mr. Chambers. This
has several similar depressions from one to four inches deep,
and one hole 15in. long, bored right through the stone.
This stone weighs about 1201b., and is 18in. long, with a
width of 12in. and a depth of 9in. It was discovered
near the present surface of the ground. A fine-grained,
light-coloured boulder, probably a sarsen, weighing 4 or 5 cwt.,
was dug out some few years ago from the nursery-garden of
Mr. White, on the southern slope of Constitution Hill, Park-
stone. It may be seen now near a gate-post.
Another very large stone, weighing, I believe, about
five tons, was discovered some years ago near Winchester.
Another large stone, weighing about half a ton, may be seen
by the side of the road in Burgess Street, at the top of
Southampton Common.
As isolated facts, these tell us little. But if a complete
record can be made of similar stones found in the South of
England, and especially of the strata in which they occur, a
good deal may be learned therefrom. It is as a contribution
to such a record that the present note is offered.
of
By the Rev. A. C. ALMACK, M.A.
far as I have been able to discover, the
connection of the Pitt family with the
parish of Blandford S. Mary begins with
the purchase of the advowson of the Rectory
by Thomas Pitt, of Blandford Forum, in
1644 or '45. The previous owner was Robt.
Ryves, who purchased it from Thos. Arundell,
who was the original purchaser from the
King after the Dissolution of S. Mary's Nunnery in Clerken-
well, to which house the manor and advowson previously
belonged. This Thomas Pitt lived at Blandford, and was
a brother of Sir W. Pitt, of Stratfieldsaye, in Berks, who
was also owner of Steepleton, and from whom the Pitt-Rivers
family are descended. Thomas Pitt bought the living of
St. Mary's for the benefit of his son John in July, 1645.
The Induction is duly entered in the register, and followed
by the statement that he read and assented to the Articles
of the Convocation of 1562. Of course this was in the troublous
time of the Civil Wars ; but John Pitt does not seem to have
166 THE PITT FAMILY OF BLANDFORD ST. MARY.
been molested in his living. The entries in the register go
on continuously, and in the same handwriting ; but between
the years 1655 and 1662 the book has been reversed, and the
entries made at the other end. These were the years when the
use of the Prayer Book was forbidden by law. The Act of
Uniformity came into force on August 24th, 1662, and our
entries are resumed on the old pages in the following Septem-
ber. John Pitt continued as rector at St. Mary's till his
death in 1672, but must have lived in an older house than the
present Rectory, which was only built in 1732 the year
after the Blandford fire. He is chiefly known to us by the
inscription on the tablet in the church which was placed there
40 years after his father's death by his second son Thomas,
of whom we shall have a good deal to say further on. He is
there described as " Hujus Ecclesise per Viginti Octo annos
Pastor Fidelis," and the words seem to imply that he did
not relinquish his post during the troubled years of the
Commonwealth. From the same source we learn that he had
a family of nine children, of whom five John, Thomas, Sarah,
George, and Dorothea survived him.
Before we pass on from this generation it may be well to
mention that Thomas Pitt, of Blandford, had another son,
Robert, who lived in the town and practised as a doctor,
while his brother John and family lived at our Rectory.
Robert Pitt had two sons Thomas, who became a Master in
Chancery, and Robert, M.D., who lived in Blandford, and
was grandfather of Christopher Pitt, the poet, and translator of
Virgil, who was rector of Pimperne.
To return to John Pitt at the Rectory. Judging from dates
on the tablet, he was born in 1610, and became rector at the
age of 35. He was probably married after he became rector
in 1645. It is interesting to note that his Induction on July 31st
must have nearly coincided with the gathering of Clergy and
Clubmen on Hambledon Hill. The letter of Cromwell to
Lord Fairfax, reporting the encounter with them, is dated
August 4th. We recollect that just six weeks previously,
on June 14th, the fatal Battle of Naseby was fought, and in the
\
THE PITT FAMILY OF BLAND FORD ST. MARY. 167
July and August following, the younger Fairfax and Cromwell
were marching to and fro in these parts, and had invested
the Castle of Sherborne, and succeeded in capturing Bridgwater
on July 23rd.
Nine children, as we have seen, were born to John and Sarah
Pitt, the eldest being John, who was baptised on Septem-
ber 13th, 1649, the year of the King's execution. The eldest
daughter was Sarah, who married the Rev. Henry Willis ;
and after her father's death the patronage of the living was
settled upon her, at the time of her marriage, by her two
uncles, William, of Dorchester, and Robert, of Blandford,
who had received it in trust from their brother John, the
Rector. In 1674 two years after her father's death she
appears to have presented to the living her husband, and
on his death their son Robert became rector and eventually
patron. By him the Rev. Robert Willis the present
Rectory was built in 1732. On his death the patronage
passed to his sister, who had married John Burrough, and
with that family it remained till 1850. It then passed by
purchase into other hands.
We come now to speak of the Rector's second son, Thomas
Pitt, who is the person on whom the chief interest of this
paper rests. He is generally known to history as Governor
Pitt. He was born at St. Mary's in June, 1653, and lived to
the age of 73 years. He would, therefore, have been seven
years old when the King was restored in 1660, and nearly
33 when Monmouth lost his cause on Sedgemoor, and
wandered a fugitive and outlaw over the Dorset hills. But
it would seem that some years before that date young Thomas
Pitt had begun to seek his fortune in the far East, and to find
occupation, profit, and excitement in the career of an un-
licensed trader in the Indian seas. In those days the right
to trade with India was the exclusive privilege of the East
India Company, which had obtained its first charter in 1600.
When we first hear of him in those seas, he apparently pos-
sessed several ships of his own, and was engaged in a system of
trade which the company considered to be in distinct violation
168 THE PITT FAMILY OF BLAND FORD ST. MARY.
of their own rights. Their officials strongly resented his
intrusion, and under the name of an " interloper " he is
frequently spoken of with severe complaint in the despatches
sent home. Madras, or Fort St. George, as it was then
known, was the chief " factory " of the Company on the
Eastern coast, and the governor of that place was Sir Strenshani
Master. A gentleman, who is directly descended from Sir
Strensham, lent to me a book published by the Hakluyt
Society, which contains various letters and documents
bearing directly on this early part of the history of Thomas
Pitt. This book is the Diary of Sir W. Hedges, an Indian
official who collected materials for the history of Madras,
which in the end he never wrote. From this diary many of
my facts are drawn.
For nine years Pitt seems to have been a thorn in the side
of Sir Strensham. At one time he ordered him peremptorily
to leave the country ; but Pitt seems to have disregarded
all such warning, and to have come and gone pretty well as
he pleased. He is spoken of by the Governor as " that
roughly and immoral man," and his trade is termed
" pyrottical." No doubt it was difficult in the early days for
the Company to enforce all the authority which the English
Government had intended to bestow, and the jealous rivalry
of the Dutch afforded encouragement and shelter to any
enemies ; but on the extension of the Charter in 1661, and
the cession of Bombay to them in 1668, the power and prestige
of the Company was no doubt greatly increased.
Taking up again the records of Pitt's adventurous life,
we find him in England in 1681 the year of Lord Shaftes-
bury's trial and back in India and making money fast in
1682 ; again returning in 1683 to the old country. We then
seem to lose sight of him for five years, and in 1688 find that
he has purchased the estate of Old Sarum, and is returned as
one of the members for that borough in the Convention
Parliament. He and Mr. J. Young, his fellow member, were
soon unseated, presumably for corruption, but in the follow-
ing year he was duly elected for New Sarum, and entered
THE PITT FAMILY OF BLANDFORD ST. MARY. 169
Parliament. Business calls soon necessitated a return to
India, though he does not appear to have vacated his seat.
At this point comes the curious and sudden change in his
career when the Company at last gave up the contest with
him and others, whom they had regarded as " interlopers,"
and after negotiating a purchase of all their interests, enrolled
them as members ; and then finding the value of Pitt's
experience and talents, gave him, in 1689, the commanding
position of Governor of Madras. The appointment was made
while he was in England, and he landed as Governor Pitt in
1698, which is the date at which the Dropmore Papers begin.
These are the papers collected by Lord Grenville, whose
wife was the last of this branch of the family. They are now
in the possession of J. B. Fortescue, Esq., and were lately
published by Historical MSS. Commission.
During all these years Pitt seems to have prospered greatly
in money matters, and from 1688 onward we find him eager
to invest money in land in the West Country, and mentioning
Dorset, Wilts, and Berks with particular favour. We have
already mentioned his purchase of Old Sarum, where a
memorial of him still exists in the restored church tower,
which bears his name in large capitals, and the Manor House
now the Vicarage where he often resided and his son
after him, which bears an inscription over the door, as placed
by him, Parva sed apta domino. His agent in all these
purchases was Sir Stephen Evance, and in one of his letters
to this gentleman in 1704 we find the first mention of land
purchased in " the place where I was born," Blandford St.
Mary, but what land this was I have been unable so far to
ascertain. He says that he wishes his wife " to receive
income from his land at Old Sarum and Blandford S. Mary,
and that he will not allow her or her children one penny
more, and that he may tell her that if she cannot live on that
she may starve, and all her children with her." But it is
quite clear that at this time he had not secured the old Manor
of the parish, which had been possessed by the family of
Chettle since the time of the Dissolution of the Clerkenwell
170 THE PITT FAMILY OF BLANDFORD ST. MARY.
Nuns. The negotiations for this purchase went on for a
long time, and are repeatedly mentioned up to 1710, when
he at last acquired the estate. After this purchase the
demolition of a house is spoken of, which was presumably the
old Chettle Manor House, standing at the end of the avenue
on the right of the hill coming up from the Brewery, where
the traces of the foundation are still visible.
In the letters we hear frequently of " my house at Bland-
ford S. Mary," but nothing more definite as to its position or
name is stated. There seems good reason, however, to suppose
that the older part of the present " Down House " is what he
refers to, and that it was erected by him about this time.
Subsequently he also purchased lands on the other side of
the Stour, Keynston, Preston, &c., which were sold to him by
his cousin George Morton Pitt, and are still part of the Down
House Estate.
Other estates acquired by Governor Pitt were at
Okehampton, in Devon, and Swallowfield, in Berks ; but
his greatest purchase of all, and one that gave him subse-
quently much trouble, was that of Boconnoc, in Cornwall.
He bought it from the executors of Lord Mohun, who fell
in one of the most notorious duels of those days, when he
and his opponent, the Duke of Hamilton, both were killed,
in the year 1712. In after years Boconnoc became the chief
family residence, and it is there that the portrait of this
remarkable man is still preserved, in which he is drawn with
the famous diamond in his hat. And here we may perhaps
well add the tale of this historic gem, which is so often men-
tioned in the correspondence and usually called " my grand
concern." The care of it and the seeking of a purchaser
was a source of endless anxiety to him, and he was latterly
so annoyed with the various stories reported in social circles
about his original acquisition of the treasure, that he wrote
a careful account for the perusal and use of his executors.
The whole document is in the Dropmore papers. The gem
was found in a mine near the Kistna river by a coolie, who hid
it in a wound in his leg, round which I suppose a bandage
THE PITT FAMILY OF BLANDFORD ST. MAKY. 171
was tied. The man made off with his prize to the coast
and took passage in a small trading vessel. Suffering from
nervous fears, he confided his secret to the skipper, and the
skipper without scruple, according to the account, secured
the gem and put the poor fellow overboard. He soon sold
it to a dealer who was known to Governor Pitt, and who had
instructions from him to look out for profitable treasures
of any sort. A long haggle went on between Pitt and the
dealer, and Pitt confesses to have beaten him down again
and again, but at last agreed to pay a sum equal to about
20,000 of English money. The gem was taken home by
his son Robert with the most minute orders about the way
in which he was to take care of it. It is again and again
mentioned in the letters, and at one time he names 800,000
as its supposed value. He offered it for sale to all the Sovereigns
and rich men of Europe. In the end it was bought in 1713
for 135,000 by the Duke of Orleans, who in 1715 became
Regent of France during the minority of Louis XV. It
has, therefore, often been called the Regent Diamond. On
the death of the Duke it became one of the Crown jewels,
and in the time of the Revolution (1793) it was seized as
national property. Then comes a curious story of its being
stolen and recovered with other jewels from a ditch on the
outskirts of Paris. Napoleon, when First Consul, pawned
it for a time to a firm of Dutch bankers, and afterwards
redeemed it, and it figured in his Coronation as Emperor
on December 2nd, 1804, by the Pope ; but whether it shone
in the diadem, or whether it adorned the hilt of the Emperor's
sword, is a question about which the records vary. Since
then the only mention of it seems to be its inclusion in the
inventory of jewels made by the Minister of Finance in 1881,
and it appears that it now rests in a strong box in the cellars
of his office in Paris.
So much for the diamond. We return to Governor Pitt.
He left India finally in 1710, and afterwards resided in turn
at the various houses on his estates. We have already
mentioned his restoration of the church at Old Sarum in
172 THE PITT FAMILY OF BLANDFORD ST. MARY.
1713, and he appears to have done the same just previously
at Blandford St. Mary, where the memorial tablet, which
mentions the virtues of his parents and the facts of his own
wandering life and pious restorations, bears the date 1712.
His death took place at Swallowfield, near Reading, on
April 28th, 1726, and he was buried at Blandford St. Mary
on May 21st.
The wife of this strange character a man of fortune and
wide travel was a woman of good position and connection.
She was a daughter of Sir James Innis, of Reidhall, in the
county of Moray, and her mother was Lady Grizel Stuart,
daughter of the Earl of Moray. She and her husband can
hardly be said to have lived in great harmony together,
and she outlived him only nine months, dying in January,
1727. Robert, the eldest son, after his father's death,
resided chiefly at Boconnoc, and died there in 1736. He
had married Harriet Villiers, sister of Earl Grandison, and
two sons were born to them Thomas, the eldest, who inher-
ited Boconnoc and most of the landed estates, and William,
who became the great orator and Statesman so well known
as Earl of Chatham. There is a tradition that the Great
Commoner was born at the Manor House at Stratford-under-
Castle, but I can find no trace of his ever being at Blandford
St. Mary, though it is not unlikely that he attended the funeral
of his father, who certainly lies buried in the church.
The second son of Governor Pitt was Thomas, who married
a daughter of Robt. Ridgway, Earl of Londonderry, a descend-
ant of one of the first colonists planted by Elizabeth in N.
Ireland. On the decease of the Earl, Thos. Pitt was created
a Baron, and later in 1726 was advanced to a viscounty and
earldom of the same title as his father-in-law. He was
M.P. at various times for Wilton and Old Sarum, and in 1727
was appointed Governor of the Leeward Islands, and after
not quite two years of office died at St Kits on September
12th, 1727. So great was the regard paid to the old Dorset
home that the body was brought over the ocean and laid
beside his father in St. Mary's Church, where the coffin \vas
THE PITT FAMILY OF BLANDFOBD ST. MARY. 173
seen and identified, with others, during the restoration in
1863. He left two sons, Thomas and Bidgway, who each
in turn became earls, and are also buried at St. Mary's.
Neither left issue, and the earldom in that family became
extinct.
The family property at Blandford St. Mary and on the
other side of the Stour descended with the Cornish and other
estates to the head of the family. On the death of Robert
Pitt, who held office in the household of the Prince of Wales,
all passed to his eldest son, Thomas the brother of Lord
Chatham. He died in 1761 shortly after the accession of
George III. and before the first resignation of his great States-
man brother. He was succeeded by his eldest son, also
Thomas Pitt, who took an important part in the business of
the House of Commons, and is mentioned on various occasions
in the public life of his most distinguished cousin, William
the great Prime Minister. In 1782 we find him opposing
a motion for Parliamentary reform, introduced by the Prime
Minister, on the ground that the motion was inadequate
and too vague and not from any opposition on principle,
though the existence of the pocket-boroughs, of which he
was one of the largest owners, was notoriously at stake. In
the following year a similar motion was brought forward,
and he gave it strong support, referring pointedly to his own
position and adding that he was willing to surrender Old
Sarum into the hands of the Parliament " as a free sacrifice,
and a victim to be offered up at the shrine of the British
Constitution." He suggested further that the right to send
two members might well be transferred to the Bank of Eng-
land surely an odd suggestion. The resolution was defeated
by 293 votes to 149, but the part taken by the Pitt family
in the question of Reform is of special interest. Within
two years after this debate the King consented to the creation
of some new peerages at the request of his Minister, and two
of them went to Cornish gentlemen. Thomas Pitt was
created Lord Camelford, and Edward Eliot became Lord
St. Germans.
174 THE PITT FAMILY OF BLANDFORD ST. MARY.
Towards the end of his life Lord Camelford went to live at
Florence, and shortly before his death in 1793 he wrote a
letter to his cousin the Prime Minister on a subject which has a
peculiar interest. It was a very cautious but kindly applica-
tion for help in money for the widow of the young Pretender,
Charles Edward, who was then at Florence in a condition of
absolute penury. The letter did not reach till after Lord
Camelford's death. Nothing apparently was done then,
but later in 1800 on the proposal of W. Pitt, a yearly
pension was granted to Cardinal York, the Pretender's
brother.
Now we come to the last members of the family who held
the Blandford St. Mary property the second Lord Camelford
and his sister, who married Lord Grenville. Lord Camelford
was born in 1779, and therefore succeeded his father at the
age of 14. He seems to have been a somewhat hot-headed
and eccentric young man, who separated himself from the
politics of his family, and has left the character of a notorious
duellist. In January, 1800, when he had only just reached
his majority and taken his seat, we find him, in company
of five other lords, voting against an address moved by his
brother-in-law, Lord Grenville. The object of the address
was to agree with the Cabinet of Mr. Pitt, in declining to treat
for peace with France in an irregular fashion, and without
the support of England's great Continental Allies. Lord
Camelford, in company with the Duke of Bedford and Lord
Holland, was in a minority of 6 to 92.
There is also a story of his taking part in a debate on Reform,
which he advocated, as his father had done, when he
threatened to send his negro footman into Parliament as
Member for one of his rotten boroughs, in order to bring
the whole system into contempt. A tradition, too, of a duel
lingers about a certain pond in the Down House grounds,
and he ended his life at the early age of 25 in a duel fought in
Hyde Park. The estates then all passed to his sister, Lady
Grenville, and her husband seems for a time to have ad-
ministered them for her, but very shortly the whole of the
THE PITT FAMILY OF BLANDFORD ST. MARY. 175
land in these parts was sold to Sir John Smith, Bart., of
St. Nicholas Sydling, and is now in the possession of his
descendant, Sir William Smith-Marriott. It may, perhaps,
be of some interest to add that the house now known as the
Manor House had a small estate attached to it, which
descended through Hussys or Browns to a Sir John Forster,
whose arms are still to be seen on the ceiling of the hall, and
by him it was sold to Mr. Pitt in 1755, and has since then
been part and parcel of the Down House property.
By J. S. UDAL, F.S.A.
(Read March 2nd, 1910.)
PART I.
BETTISCOMBE : THE LEGEND OF THE SKULL
quiet and unobtrusive was the introduction
to public notice of the story of this old
skull that in the reference which heralded
its first appearance in " Notes and Queries "
[Circa 1872] (4th Series X., 183) no mention
at all was made of its local habitat. I sent
it simply as the record of a matter of pure
Dorset folk-lore, a subject in which I was as
keen then as I am now, and I have been
collecting ever since ; so that my readers may imagine what
a mass of more or less undigested material those intervening
years must have brought me.
* See "Notes and Queries" (4th Series, X., 183); and "Somerset and
Dorset Notes and Queries," Vol. II., p. 249 ; VIII., pp. 308, 343 ; IX., pp.
315, 350, 352.
BETT1SCOMBE HOUSE.
THE STORY OF THE BETTISCOMBE SKULL. 177
My first note was in this wise :
At a farmhouse in Dorsetshire at the present time, is carefully preserved a
human skull, which has been there for a period long antecedent to the present
tenancy. The peculiar superstition attaching to it is that if it be brought
out of the house the house itself would rock to its foundations, whilst the person
by whom such an act of desecration was committed would certainly die
within the year. It is strangely suggestive of the power of this superstition
that through many changes of tenancy and furniture the skull still holds its
accustomed place " unmoved and unremoved ! "
Upon this the late Dr. Goodford, Provost of Eton, wrote
to " Notes and Queries " (p. 436) inquiring whether I had not
made a mistake as to the county, and stating that there
was a similar superstition attaching to a house at Chilton
Cantelo, in the adjoining county of Somerset.
I may say here that the superstition, or variants of it,
attaching to this skull is not by any means peculiar to Dorset,
or even the West of England.
I accordingly replied to Dr. Goodford (p. 509) giving him
further particulars, both as to the locality and what I had
heard of and about the skull. I there stated :
The farmhouse (formerly, I believe, an old Manor house), now called Bettis-
combe House, in which the skull remained or still remains for aught I know
to the contrary, lies in the parish of Bettiscombe, about six miles from Bridport,
in Dorsetshire. I cannot ascertain tne time when this " ghostly tenant " took
up its abode in the place, but it is tolerably certain it was some considerable
time ago. It has, I understand, been pronounced to be that of a negro ;
and the legend runs that it belonged to a faithful black servant of an early
possessor of the property a Pinney who, having resided abroad some
years, brought home this memento of his humble follower. It is reported
that a member of the above family in recent years has visited the house, but
was unable to give any clue that might assist in clearing up the identity of the
skull.
In 1883, some ten or a dozen years afterwards, I ascertained
from the Bridport News that a correspondent in a paper
called The Oracle had alluded to the superstition existing
with respect to the skull at Chilton Cantelo, and the Editor
178 THE STORY OF THE BETTISCOMBE SKULL.
had also referred to the similar one attaching to Bettiscombe
in terms no doubt taken from my earlier contributions to
" Notes and Queries." In the same year also the subject
was mentioned in the Daily News, for a correspondent of
the Dorset County Chronicle in February of that year made
enquiries relating to the skull at Chilton Cantelo, which drew
a reply from Mr. A. J. Goodford (a son, I believe, of my
former fellow-correspondent), who gave certain particulars as
to the Somerset skull.
I will now take up the story with regard to its Dorset rival.
In the second series of " Haunted Homes," issued in 1884,
Dr. F. A. Ingram quotes an account of the Bettiscombe Skull
from an essay written by Mr. William Andrews on " Skull
Superstitions," in the course of which the story is related of a
visit paid to Bettiscombe Farm by Dr. Richard Garnett, his
daughter, and a friend. The particulars reported as having
been gathered by this party contained some new details,
namely, the skull was that of a negro servant who had lived in
the service of a Roman Catholic priest, and there were dark
hints of a murder. The negro had declared before his death
that his spirit would not rest unless his body were taken to
his native land and buried there. On his burial in the Bettis-
combe churchyard, the haunting began ; fearful screams
proceeded from the grave ; strange sounds were heard all
over the house, and the inmates had no rest until the body
was dug up. Subsequent attempts to dispose of it were
followed by similar results.
This was the first time I had ever heard anything of the
kind, or that the owner of the skull had been the servant of a
Roman Catholic priest, and that there had been any idea of
foul play in the matter, or that there had ever been any
skeleton other than the head in the house. My information
had been mainly derived from an old lady in Dorset (still
living), who in her younger days had often visited and stayed
at the old manor-house at Bettiscombe, and who had learnt
and treasured up the legend as she had first heard it before time
and publicity had lent a somewhat heightened and conjectural
THE STORY OF THE BETTISCOMBE SKULL. 179
aspect to the tradition. From her I subsequently received an
indignant protest against these innovations. I have also
myself several times endeavoured to refute in periodicals
and otherwise this attribute of " screaming," but, apparently,
to little purpose ; for only a year or two ago this same old
lady sent me a copy of a periodical called The World and His
Wife, in which appeared an illustrated article of " Old Haunted
Houses," by Mr. C. G. Harper, whom we know in connection
with our own county as the author of " The Hardy Country,"
published in the " Pilgrimage Series " in 1904.
The account given in this work agrees with that quoted
from Dr. Ingram's " Haunted Houses," excepting the mention
of a Roman Catholic priest as having been the negro's master.
About the same time " Pearson's Magazine " contained a
graphic description of the Screaming Skull of Burton Agnes
Hall, Yorkshire ; to which was appended a note to the
effect that " another ' Screaming Skull ' is preserved at
Bettiscombe in Dorsetshire," and giving the same details
referred to by Dr. Ingram.
So much for this sensational and, I believe, thoroughly
unearned attribute to the very quiet-looking emblem of
mortality known as the " Bettiscombe Skull," and I will now
give you an account of a visit I paid to it myself a little
later in point of time than the visit of Dr. Garnett's party,
and the account of which appeared in the " Somerset and
Dorset Notes and Queries " (p. 252 to 255).
I happened to be in the neighbourhood, and not having at that time seen the
abiding -place of the " famous skull," about which I had written some years pre-
viously, I determined to make an effort to do so ; and lest I should, by my
visit, invoke the spell of any " malign influence," I took with me the rector
of tho parish and a neighbouring clergyman who happened to be with him at
the time. Thus accompanied and protected, I arrived at the manor-houso
(situated in the Vale of Marshwood that vale as to which Hutchins quaintly
observed, upwards of a century ago, " few gentry ever resided in this tract "
and nestling at the foot of a picturesque combe not far from Dorset's highest
point the famous Pilsdon Pen) evidently an early Georgian restoration
of a much earlier building, aa the oak beams in the hall of considerable
age abundantly testified. The house boasted of a handsome oak staircase ;
180 THE STORY OF THE BETTISCOMBE SKULL.
but, if I remember rightly, the painted panelling was apparently of 110 older
date than such restoration. Up this stair-case we were courteously conducted,
and on arriving at a small door on the top landing opening on to the attic
stairs a candle was lighted, and we prepared to make the ascent to the darker
regions above, where the skull was supposed to dwell. To my surprise I
found, on the door being opened, from one of the steps " the skull sat grinning
at us," as related by Miss Garnett. On inquiry, I learnt that the skull had been
placed there in order to save going up to the attic where it formerly rested,
which, owing to the ruinous condition of the timbers, was a journey of no
inconsiderable danger. However, the present situation not being at all in
character with the genius loci, and the good " woman of the house " being
besides somewhat fearful of its being carried off by one of the dogs from where
it stood, I had little difficulty in obtaining her permission to reinstate the skull
in its former place. So, taking it in my hands, I carefully picked my way by
the aid of the lighted candle, followed by my companions, over the crazy and
broken floor to where, on a niche by the side of the huge chimney -breast, lay a
brick the old shrine of the skull upon which I reverently placed it ; and there
I had the satisfaction of seeing it on more than one visit in later years. Upon
one of these subsequent visits I, with others, made a careful examination of the
skull ; and we were inclined to doubt whether it was that of a negro at all,
but as the generally received opinion is that it is I will say no more upon that
point. The skull was by no means a large one ; the forehead certainly was low
but not receding. The upper half of the cranium only was preserved, the lower
jaw being missing ; its length was 7Jins., and in depth to roof of mouth Sins,
(full). From a phrenological point of view the " bumps " at the base were
highly developed. If I remember rightly, there were no teeth left in the jaw
when I saw it.
So much for the skull itself. Its surroundings were certainly of a character
to add to the mystery of its existence there. The dark attic extended over the
entire area of the house ; the floor was in a very unsound and unsafe condition,
and evidently, from its appearance, had long been the home of bats, owls, and
other " fearful fowl," for which easy access was afforded by the many openings
in the ancient, massive, and dilapidated stone-tiled roof ; to say nothing of a
nest of young birds I myself discovered close to the skull's resting-place.
Close to the chimney-breast above-mentioned is a rectangular hole or shaft in
the floor, of about 3ft. by 4ft. 6in., and of considerable depth, extending
to the bottom of the floor below, where the back of a bed -room cupboard
touches. At first I thought that this cupboard was an old-fashioned " powder-
closet," but after careful examination I was inclined to think that it might
have had some connection with the aforesaid shaft, which may well have been
intended for and used as a " priest's hole " or hiding-place in the earlier and
more troublous times that might have fallen upon Bettiscombe, as upon so
many other places in the West of England. This conjecture is borne out
by the fact that one end of the vast attic is divided off by a lath-and-plaster
THE STORY OP THE BETTISCOMBE SKULL. 181
partition in which was inserted a small doorway, constituting a chamber of
about 15ft. by 12ft. immediately under the tiles, and containing a small,
round, brick fire-place with two window apertures at the end, which were
stopped up. This would have formed a secure retreat from any sudden
surprise, when, if danger became more imminent by a threatened search of
the house, it might be averted by a timely resort to the " hole ! " Of course
it may have had other uses, but a better place of concealment or confinement
can hardly have been imagined.
From time to time I have heard other rumours as to the ownership of the
skull, one amongst them that it belonged to a young lady who had died, or
had been made away with, after a long period of confinement in the house. To
this story, if the skull be that of a woman, the existence of this partitioned-off
chamber lends a certain amount of corroboration ; but of the negro variant, as
related by Miss Garnett, I do not remember ever to have heard.
Whatever may be its origin, the superstition is still, I will not say believed in,
but sufficiently established to afford protection to the skull around which it
clings ; an amusing instance of which I can relate. A former tenant of
the farm once, in incredulity or in anger, threw the skull into a duck-pond
opposite the house. A few mornings afterwards he was observed stealthily
raking out the pond until he had fished up the skull, when it was returned
to its old place in the house. It was said that Farmer G. had had a bad time
of it during the interval and had been much disturbed by all kinds of noises !
Whether these noises were caused by any other agency than that of the bats,
owls, &c., before mentioned, operating upon a conscience rendered unusually
susceptible by such a terrible " act of desecration," this deponent knoweth
not. Suffice it to say that there the skull rests in its accustomed place, there
in the words of Macaulay
" To witness if I lie."
And there may it long remain to attract and awe those visitors and
lovers of folk-lore whose reverent feelings may lead them to make a pious
pilgrimage to its shrine, but not, let us hope, to the annoyance of the " good
woman of the house," who must find it hard sometimes to retain her good
nature under the many inquisitive and often irreverent remarks of her visitors.
I have recently endeavoured to turn these pilgrimages to some practical
account ; and on my last visit to Bettiscombe before leaving Dorset I pro-
cured a " Visitors' Book," on the fly-leaf of which I wrote the account of the
history of the skull and its superstition as I had first heard it, and as it appeared
in " Notes and Queries " some twenty years ago.
I further suggested to the good wife of the occupant of the farm (who was
the churchwarden of the parish, which had little but the offerings of a very
limited agricultural class to support its church) that a box should be kept in
the hall for the purpose of obtaining contributions for the much-needed repairs
on the church from such visitors as might be willing to make some slight return
182 THE STORY OF THE BETT1SCOMBE SKULL.
for the kindness with which they are invariably received und shown over the
house. After laying the " foundation coin " of this now charity I turned my
back on the old house, feeling assured that its " ghostly tenant " would no
longer pine for burial when by staying above ground it might afford the means
of benofitting that church in whose soil it ought now to he resting.
I there added that in the Bridport News of September,
1890, appeared some verses on " The Skull at Bettisconibe,"
from a Lyme Regis correspondent, which afforded evidence
that the writer was aware of the suggested negro origin of the
skull and of the story that it had at one time been thrown
into the water. These lines, though not devoid of literary
merit, were written in rather too jocular and flippant a vein
for me to include them in my more serious collection of matters
bearing on the subject.*
During a short holiday which I spent in England in 1906 I
paid another visit to Bettiscombe, and found matters in much
the same condition as when I was there last. The property,
which had for some time parted from the possession of the
Pinney family, had again recently changed hands, and another
tenant acted as the custodian of the skull. This good lady,
apparently for the convenience of her visitors, kept the skull
safe from injury in a band-box, but the whole was kindly
produced for my inspection ; whilst I found that the old
attics to which I had on my earlier visit reverently returned
it were as ruinous and dangerous to traverse as ever Perhaps
this was the reason for the change in the skull's resting-place,
but it had a depressing effect upon me though at this time I
was aware, of course, of the greater interest that might
justly be attributed to the skull in connection with my recent
discoveries in the Island of Nevis, which will form the subject
of the second part of this paper. I felt that the charm of the
old associations had, for me, in great measure departed.
* Conf : an interesting parallel to this superstition amongst the natives
of British New Guinea which I gathered from a Blue-Book on the affairs
of that dependency (1899) and an account of which I sent to "Notes and
Queries " (7th Series X., 461).
THE STORY OF THE BETTISCOMBE SKULL. 183
Matters, too, were not improved by finding that the object for
which I had instituted the " Visitors' Book " had evidently
not been achieved. There were but few names in it, and I
could only imagine that it must have been servants and not
the village charities who had meanwhile beiiefitted by the
largesse of the benevolent. May I hope that the oppor-
tunity of the skull doing some good whilst it does remain
above ground may presently be recovered ?
PART II.
NEVIS : THE STORY OF THE SKULL AND ITS OWNERS.
It must be seen from what has been said that considerable
interest has always been attached to the person to whom the
skull belonged, and that it has been generally accepted that it
had " belonged to a faithful black servant of an early possessor
of the property a Pinney who, having resided abroad
some years, brought home this memento of his humble fol-
lower."
In my paper in the " Somerset and Dorset Notes and
Queries," it will be remembered that I had thrown some doubt
as to the skull being of a negroid character at all ; but the other
is the more generally received opinion, and it is upon that being
the correct one that the interest of this part of my story
attaches.
In my capacity of Chief Justice of the Colony it is my duty
to go on Circuit from time to time to the principal Presidencies
constituting the Leeward Islands, and in February, 1903, I
was on duty in Nevis. One day on passing through a sugar
plantation there I by chance inquired its name, and was
informed that it was called " Pinney 's " ; and further inquiry
elicited the fact that until about a century ago it had belonged
to a family of that name. The story of the Bettiscombe
184 THE STORY OF THE BETTISCOMBE SKULL.
skull at once flashed across my memory, and I thought how
strange and withal interesting it would be if I had come
across the actual home or source of the legend !
A day or two later I was paying a visit to Fig Tree church
in the same island to inspect the marriage register of the great
Nelson and his widow-bride Mrs. Nisbet when, on entering
the edifice, which had been restored a few decades ago, my
attention was arrested by a handsome marble armorial slab
inserted in the floor of the centre aisle, bearing a long Latin
inscription in memory of John Pinney, only son and heir of
Azariah Pinney. Both father and son were styled " Armiger."
The latter is stated to have been born on May 3rd, 1686 ;
to have served several high offices in the island, including
that of Capitalis Judiciarius (Chief Justice) (all of which
offices were, of course, abolished since, if not before, the
federation of the Leeward Islands in 1871) ; to have married in
1708 one Mary Helme ;* and to have died on December llth,
1720, leaving him surviving " duos puerulos, filiolam unam,"
which, genealogically speaking, means two sons and a daughter.
The old-fashioned name of " Azariah " Pinney at once struck
me as familiar, and as peculiarly applicable to the many
Puritans in West Dorset ; and a reference to my Hutchins'
" Dorset " on my return to Antigua told me that it was
one of the family names borne by the old owners of Bettis-
combe and Blackdown. The arms, too, engraved on the
stone are the same as those mentioned by Hutchins as be-
longing to the Dorset Pinneys, namely, Gules : three crescents
or, from each a cross-crosslet fitchee argent.
Here was indeed a find and a great help towards the
theory that I was beginning to form as to how a negro skull
if negro it was could have got to Bettiscombe !
* These Holmes must have been connected with persons of that name in
Gillingham, Co. Dorset, for in the Nevis " Common Records," Vol. II. (1740).
is registered a Power of Attorney from Thomas Helme, of Gillingham, in the
County of Dorset, Butcher, to John Frederick Pinney, Esq., and others in
America (sic).
THE STORY OF THE BETTISCOMBE SKULL. 185
Hutchins (3rd Ed., Vol. II., p. 276 s.v. " Bettescombe ")
states as follows :
'' A farm here of about 150 per annum was leased to the
Pinneys. Azariah Penney, Esq., built a handsome house here,
and on his death was succeeded by his cousin, John Frederick
Pinney, Esq., M.P. for Bridport. He died 1762, without issue,
and his estate descended to his nephew, John Pretor, who
assumed the name of Pinney and was Sheriff of this county,
1764."
Further, a brass plate on the wall of Bettiscombe church
gives (amongst others) the name of " Azariah Pynney of
Nevis, Esq. (youngest son of John Pynney, of Bettiscombe,
Clerk, sometime Vicar of Broad Windsor), Ob. 1719, age 58,
buried in London."
But how did Azariah Pinney come to be described as
of Nevis ? It is true that the result of the troubles which ensued
between King and Parliament, and later, when religious
factions became so intolerant and bitter, was that many estates
in these new Colonies were granted out to English settlers,
and that many emigrants came out to commence life anew
in what was then a new world. But there was still another
way. Before the great negro expatriation began, so as to
afford labour for the American and West Indian plantations,
we hear of numbers of convicts being sent out from England
to cultivate those plantations, the victims of harsh laws and
harsher judges, the common respite from or alternative to
execution. The Puritan name " Azariah " might almost
have prepared one for the sequel, for no doubt could be felt
upon which side he would be found in any conflict of creeds.
Accordingly one is not surprised to find the name of
" Azarias Pinney, of Axminster," occurring amongst those
251 persons who were convicted of high treason at Dorchester
on September 16th, 1685, at the conclusion of the Monmouth
rebellion, and who was sentenced by Judge Jeffreys to be
executed at Bridport with twelve others, " the sheriff to see
execution done according to his orders." It is interesting to
note that amongst those who were sentenced as above, but
186 THE STORY OF THE BETTISCOMBE SKULL.
as to whom neither place nor time of execution had been
ordered " all which were carried back to be kept in safe
Custody till further Orders are taken for their disposal "
appears the name of " John Pinney."*
Whatever might have become of John Pinney it would
seem from the above extract that the fate of Azarias Pinney
was sealed and the death sentence carried out.
Shortly afterwards I mentioned the result of my discoveries
to Miss Julia Huggins, an old lady who lives at " Montravers,"
the mansion or big house of the sugar plantation of " Pinneys "
and who is the sole surviving grand-daughter of Edward
Huggins, who had purchased the estate, as already men-
tioned, about a century ago, from the Pinney family, who
evinced great interest in the inquiry which I was making, and
sent me later the following extract from a book entitled
'' Under the Blue Flag, or the Monmouth Rebellion," by Mary
E. Palgrave :
" 1688, James II.
" Azariah Pinney, to Mr. Jerome Nipho, who shipped him
to Nevis to work on his plantation on board the ' Rose Pink.'
" A. Pinney was from Bettiscombe, nr. Lyme Regis."
It would seem, therefore, as if the death sentence on Azariah
Pinney had been commuted, for it was no uncommon thing.
I believe, for judges in those days and for Judge Jeffreys in
particular to make large sums of money by disposing of
their convicts to persons who would send them to work on
their plantations abroad. If this story from Miss Palgrave's
book be true it would account for the fact that an Azariah
Pinney was living in Nevis at the end of the seventeenth
century. But he must soon have emerged from the condition
of a " white slave " in Nevis to that of a landowner and a
landowner of some means to have been able to purchase a
* See " A further account of the Proceedings against the Rebels in the West
of England," September llth, 1685. (Reprinted from a contemporary
broad-sheet in the possession of Mr. A. M. Broadley in " S. and D. N. and Q.,"
Vol. VIII., p. 226 (1903).
THE STORY OF THE BETTISCOMBE SKULL. 187
sugar estate containing a large number of acres, and to which
he had, apparently, given his name.*
Hutchins states, as we have seen, that Azariah Pimiey left
his estate in Bettiscombe (he does not allude to the exodus to
the West Indies, the story being apparently unknown to him)
on his death to his cousin, John Frederick Pinney, M.P. for
Bridport, who, dying in 1762, left it again to his nephew
(it should be cousin), John Pretor, who assumed the name of
Pinney and was sheriff of Dorset in 1764.
But the identification of this Azariah Penney of Hutchins
with Azariah Pinney of Nevis is very convincing to my mind.
I am in possession of evidence obtained in Nevis that estates
there became the property of this John Frederick Pinney,
which, on his death in 1762, passed to a John Pinney, who came
out to Nevis in 1764, the date Hutchins gives as that of his
shrievalty of Dorset, and whose son, John Frederick (the
second), parted with the Nevis estates to Edward Huggins, of
Nevis, in 1810 or 1811.
In an old " Plantation Book," kindly lent to me whilst I was
in Nevis by Miss Huggins, appears an inventory of slaves and
other chattels taken from time to time belonging to the Pinney
Estates in the parish of St. Thomas, Lowlands, in the Island of
Nevis. He gives a list of those slaves born since the death
of John Frederick Pinney, Esq., who died November 2nd, 1762,
and who were living on the 23rd of June, 1793, consisting of
about 40 boys and girls. At the same date (1783) occurs a
list of negroes " and other slaves " (!) purchased by John
Pinney, and now living, since his first arrival iri Nevis,
December the 23rd, 1764. Then follow the names of these
new purchases in 1765-7, amongst which occur the names of
" Weymouth," '' Bridport," and if anything further was
necessary to show where their owner John Pinney came
from " Bettiscombe " !
* Many estates in the West Indiett are to this day called after the names of
their former owners.
188 THE STORY OF THE BETTISCOMBE SKULL.
This John Pinney could be, of course, no other than John
Pretor,* who assumed the name of Pinney, as stated by
Hutchins, on succeeding to the estates of his cousin, John
Frederick Pinney, M.P. for Bridport, in 1762. That he was
living in 1795 is evident from the fact that the " Plantation
Book " records a list of slaves who in that year were conveyed
by him to his son, John Frederick Pinney, whilst there also
occurs a list of those retained. This second John Frederick
Pinney would seem, however, to have presently parted with
the Nevis estates, for I find in the same book " a list of slaves
on the estate of the late John Pinney, Esq., purchased by
and now belonging to Edward Huggins, taken on the 1st of
January, 1811," the period at which, no doubt, the estates
also passed into the hands of Mr. Huggins, whose sole sur-
viving grand-daughter, whom I have already mentioned,
still occupies the old and roomy house at Montravers (where
some of the old mahogany furniture may still be foundf),
picturesquely terraced by lichen-covered and moss-grown
steps flanked by old iron railings, with the solidly-built stone
* This is corroborated by a copy of a letter (110 date) which appears at the
end of the above-mentioned " Plantation Book," evidently written from one
member of the Pinney family to another, in which mention is made of " our
uncle Pretor," and invoking the assistance of " Mr. Nelson " towards obtaining
some appointment which the writer desired.
t Miss Huggins has kindly sent me a couple of old leaves from the " Planta-
tion Book " upon which an inventory of the furniture, taken in the year 1794,
has been made. It is surprising to see what a quantity of handsome furniture
the well-to-do sugar planters of the West Indies must have had out there in
those days, though there is very little of it to be found out there now. Miss
Huggins tells me that it appears that it was intended to take the inventory in
1783, but it was not done ; and she alludes to the fact that a picture of Azariah
Pinney mentioned therein had been taken away by a Miss Weekes, and says
what I endorse " a pity she did not leave it ! " No doubt this lady was a
relation of the family, as John Pinney (Pretor) had in 1742 married Jane,
a daughter of W. B. Weekes, of Nevis. Probably this was done when the
Pinneys left Nevis for good and settled in England. Is nothing known of
this portrait amongst the Pinneys of Somerton Erleigh, in Somerset ?
THE STORY OF THE BETTISCOMBE SKULL. 189
" slave-dungeon " long disused, a little to one side below the
house ; whilst the old-fashioned entrance-hall has many
features of the " Chippendale period " in it, as shown by its
old mahogany cupboards on the walls. From here, through
the arch-way, may be seen the quaint old garden, now some-
what over-grown, perhaps, but restful and charming, in
which many rare and beautiful tropical trees and shrubs
are still growing in profusion, notably the " King " and
" Queen " of flowers, the blossoms of the former being pink,
and the latter a bluish-mauve colour, slightly darker, perhaps,
than our Dorset " corn-cockle." The all-spice trees, too,
with their dark green leaves, are beautiful to look upon,
so tall and straight ; whilst the kind-hearted old lady does
not forget to provide food in her garden for her and my
dear friends, the monkeys (the pretty West African " green
monkeys," Cercopithecus calletrichus, which must have
come there with the slaves in the old days, who make many
audacious trespasses from the neighbouring and wooded
" Peak " mountain* to feed upon the luscious plums which
grow there the "Trinidad" or "Governor" plum, and
the " Java " plum, which latter, I am told, disappeared
after the last hurricane to say nothing of the oranges, which
are here of a particularly sweet and delicious flavour. Near
the centre of the garden stands an old drip-stone, an obelisk
in shape, which formed and in many places does so still
the sole West Indian filter.
Pleasanter quarters these than Dorchester gaol for an ex-
convict of the Monmouth rebellion, well may we exclaim !
But was the Azariah Pinney mentioned by Hutchins and who
* The " Peak " is the highest mountain in Nevis some 3,000ft. to 4,000ft.
in height, and on the top extends a huge extinct crater which looks quite
capable of repeating the disaster which its fellow, Mont Pele, brought upon
St. Pierre, in the adjacent island of Martinique, in May, 1902. The summit
is nearly always capped with light, fleecy clouds, which no doubt was the reason
for the name given to it by Columbus when he discovered these islands in
1493,
190 THE STORY OF THE BETTISCOMBE SKULL.
returned from Nevis evidently a prosperous man*, and who,
it is said, died in 1710 and was " buried in London," the
same person as the " Azarias Pinney, of Axminster," sen-
tenced to be executed at Bridport by Judge Jeffreys in
September, 1685 ? Is it a fact that after that clear
sentence and place of execution named, he was respited and
shipped to Nevis ? I should have thought that it would be
very unusual for any person sent out under such circumstances
not only to obtain his freedom so soon, but to amass money or
estates. What authority had Miss Palgrave for the statement
that Azariah Pinney (" from Bettiscomb ") was transported
to Nevis in 1688, as the above extract from her book would
infer ? Is this date not a mistake for 1685 ? At that time
these doubts appeared so serious to me that I asked the
question whether there must not have been two Azariah
Pinneys, one " of Axminster," sentenced by Jeffreys and
executed at Bridport in 1685 and the other, " from Bettis-
comb," shipped to Nevis in 1688 (1685 ?) as stated by Miss
Palgrave ? But the coincidences were almost too startling to
credit this. One thing, however, was certain that Azariah
Pinney of Nevis, who died in 1719 and whose tablet is in
Bettiscombe church, could not have been the Azariah Pinney
who, as Hutchins states, restored the old manor-house at
Bettiscombe and died in 1760. Fortunately for me, a 'ew
months later (December, 1903) in the same periodical,
* That Azariah Pinney was well-established in business in Nevis may be
gathered from the Court records in that island, amongst which may be found
a certificate of purchase to Azariah Pinney and Richard JVleriwether, of London,
merchant planters, of land formerly of Robert Lorey, containing 20 acres, in
satisfaction of a certain judgment dated 2nd May, 1710 (?). Two Powers of
Attorney from merchants in London to Mr. Azariah Pinney of Nevis, merchant,
dated 20th December, 1714, and 25th October, 1715 respectively, arc
also recorded.
I have recently (1909) been perusing some very fragile old papers, temp :
Queen Anne and George I., sent me by Miss Huggins, in which Azariah Pinney
is referred to one dated 26th May, 1719 (the year of his death), conveying an
estate in Gingerland, Nevis, to him to secure the advance of 1,000.
THE STORY OF THE BETTISCOMBE SKULL. 191
Mr. Vere Langford Oliver (recently elected a member of this
club), who is well known in my part of the West Indies as the
author of an important work " The History of Antigua "
in three volume* (1894-1899) containing the genealogies of
numerous families in the Leeward Islands, was able to
give me some most interesting and valuable information,
consisting o? extracts from wills and other documents which he
had obtained in his researches relating to the families of these
Islands. To that same number of the " S. and D. Notes and
Queries," curiously enough, Mi*. Oliver had contributed certain
particulars relating to the " Monmouth Rebels " and had re-
ferred to Hotten's " Original List of Emigrants " (1874), by
which we learn that very few of these rebels seemed to have
suffered the death penalty. They were mostly young and able-
bodied men of the agricultural class, and the King's clemency
was extended to them on condition that they were transported
to the plantations to serve for ten years. The Island of
Barbadoes, at that period the wealthiest and most important
British West Indian Colony, seemed to have procured most of
them. These white servants were not necessarily sold to the
highest bidder, but were allotted to such estates as were
deficient, and there were special Colonial Laws passed for
their proper treatment. They had to serve in the Militia,
and were generally occupied in various responsible posts
connected with the cultivation of the sugar plantations.
Such of them as were educated and had friends no doubt did
not serve their full time, and as soon as they were free obtained
grants of land and became merchants and planters.
From the foregoing it will be seen that the question to
whom the skull at Bettiscombe belonged has now become
merged in the more interesting inquiry what became of
" Azarias Pinney, of Axminster," who took part in the
Monmouth rebellion ? From the information furnished by
Mr. Oliver it is now made clear that there were two Azariah
Pinneys ; one, the Monmouth rebel, son of the non-conform-
ing minister, the Rev. John Pinney, of Bettiscombe (who was
succeeded in his living in the neighbouring parish of
192 THE STORY OF THE BETTISCOMBE SKULL.
Broad winsor by the famous Thomas Fuller), born circa 1661
probably at Bettiscombe or Broadwinsor and who was
respited and shipped to" Nevis, whence, returning to London,
he died and was buried there in 1719 ; the other, his nephew,
Azariah Pinney, of Bettiscombe (who I take to be the son of
his sole surviving and elder brother Nathaniel, who married
Naomi Gay, and who had, apparently, steered clear of the
perils and attractions of the Monmouth rising), and died, or
rather his will was proved, in 1760.
That the respite from execution which enabled this to be
effected was not unlikely, notwithstanding the explicit orders
given by Judge Jeffreys for his execution at Bridport, we
know, when we consider how, contrary to popular belief,
perhaps, comparatively very few of these convicts actually
suffered the death penalty. The remarks of Mr. Oliver on
this subject are very interesting ; and the West Indies,
and especially Barbados, would seem to have benefitted
largely by these respites.
Mr. Jerome Nipho, or Nepho, would appear to be one of the
largest consignees of these unfortunates, and must have done
very well for himself out of their disposal. This Nipho, as we
learn f;om a note on page 393 of Mr. Allan Fea's "King
Monmouth " (1902), was Secretary to Mary of Modena, Queen
Consort of James II. ; and it was through him, as we now
learn, that Azariah Pinney escaped with his life. Mr. Oliver,
therefore, confirms Miss Palgrave's statement, so far at all
events as that he was respited from execution and disposed
of to Nipho. But, apparently, one George Penn, or Penne,
seems to have secured the ransom for Azariah Pinney from
Nipho for the sum of 65, and Mr. Oliver gives interesting
particulars as to this taken from the Gentleman's Magazine
of 1851. The entry showing this, taken from some old
Pinney accounts, is very curious and will bear reproducing :
Bristoll, Sep. 1685.
" Mr. John Pinney is debitor to money pd Geo. Penne,
'' Esq. for the ransome of my Bror Aza ; August 1685, 65."
THE STORY OF THE BETTISCOMBE SKULL. 193
So far as I know Azariah had no brother named John then
living, though Mr. Oliver tells me that there was a John
Pinney, possibly an elder half-brother, living at Bristol
in 1685, and surely it was only in September that he was
tried and convicted in Dorchester. As Mr. Oliver observes,
this John Pinney can hardly be identical with the John
Pinney, or Penny, in Dorchester gaol in Sept. 1685. This
latter, possibly a relation of Azariah and already alluded
to by me (pp. 310-313), was, we learn from Mr. Oliver (p.
344), also respited, put on board the " Happy Returne "
at Weymouth, and was sold on arrival at Barbados to Capt.
George Perwight before the 8th of the following January. I
wonder if there are any records of his future life or descendants
in Barbados ; but I imagine that he had not the same
opportunities allowed him of doing so well for himself as
Azariah had in Nevis.
This matter of the respite of Azariah Pinney is further
alluded to in H. B. Irvings' recent " Life of Judge Jeffreys "
(1898), p. 307, where he mentions that " Mr. Prideaux was
given to Jeffreys, as Azariah Primly (Pinney) was given to
Mr. Nepho, and the Taunton maid to the Queen's maids of
honour, that is to say as a prisoner, whose friends could
ransom him by paying the money to the person to whom
he had been ' given.' '
Azariah Pinney, of Nevis, we may take it then, was the
founder of the family fortunes in the West Indies, and having
attained to some influence in Nevis probably purchased the
estates which afterwards bore his name,* and which were
sold by the representative of the family and then owner
of those estates to the Huggins family about a century ago,
as I have already mentioned.
Mr. Oliver's extracts from the will made in 1718 by Azariah
Pinney, of Nevis, described therein as a merchant, show that
* What is now known as " Pinncy's Estate," was, I am informed, formerly
known as " Sharlows " or " Charloe's " the name, probably, of a former
possessor of the property.
104 THE STORY OF THE BETTISCOMBE SKULL.
he left a widow, Mary, and an only son, who was appointed sole
executor. Substantial legacies were given to his grandson,
George William Pinney, at 21, and to his grand-daughter
Sophia at 18, and a smaller one to his nephew, Azariah Pinney,
of Bettiscombe. These two grand-children were, of course,
two of the three surviving children left by the testator's
only son, John Pinney, whose monumental slab exists in
Fig Tree Church, Nevis, already mentioned by me (in my
former paper), and who is there described (in Latin) as having
been born on May 3rd, 1686, and as having died on December
llth, 1720. The date of John's birth as here recorded gives
rise to rather interesting considerations. Did Mary, the wife
of Azariah Pinney, accompany her husband to Nevis on his
restoration to comparative freedom ? Who was she ?
According to the monumental inscription in Fig Tree
Church there appears to have been another son of this John
surviving him ; and from the will of John Pinney's widow
Mary (nee Helme), we learn that this son w r as John Frederick
Pinnej 7 , then described as her only son, to whom she left
everything ; her other children (the two legatees under their
grandfather Azariah's will) being evidently then dead. This
will was proved in London by John Frederick Pinney, only
son and executor, in 1735. John Pinney, the father, seems
to have died before proving his father Azariah's will, or having
made one himself, and eventually administration to both
estates was taken out by John Frederick Pinney, the grandson,
in 1742.
This John Frederick Pinney was then the sole lineal des-
cendant of Azariah Pinney, of Bettiscombe, nephew of
the Azariah Pinney, of Nevis, and heir to all the West
Indian properties. But he was also to become the heir to
the English family property as well under the will (made in
1758) of his cousin Azariah Pinney, of Bettiscombe,
nephew of Azariah Pinney, of Nevis, who, although he does
not seem to have possessed any West Indian estates himself,
was evidently a man of means, and rebuilt the old house at
Bettiscombe. He appears to have been married, for he
THE STORY OF THE BETTISCOMBE SKULL. 195
expresses a desire in his will to be buried with his late wife in
Wayford ; but he does not appear to have left any issue.
He left all his estates in strict entail to the above-mentioned
John Frederick Pinney, his cousin ; with remainder to John
Pinney, of Herwood, Thorncombe ; remainder to John Pretor,
son of Michael Pretor, deceased, on his taking the name and
arms of Pinney. The will was proved by John Frederick
Pinney in June, 1760, then M.P. for Bridport. And so it was,
as Mr. Oliver observes, that the younger branch of the family
settled in Nevis, and eventually inherited the Bettiscombe
property on the extinction of the heirs in the elder line.
But this branch now, too, fails in direct issue, for according
to Hutchins, John Frederick Pinney died without issue in
1762 and his estates descended to his second-cousin, the
above-mentioned Pretor, afterwards high sheriff of Dorset
(1764), who took the name and arms of Pinney. This state-
ment as to the failure of issue is borne out by the extract
furnished by Mr. Oliver from the will of John Frederick
Pinney (made in 1761), who is described as of Bettiscombe,
and was apparently unmarried. He left all his estates in
Nevis and in England to John Pretor, following the devise in
his cousin Azariah's will, with additional remainders over.
This will is proved in 1762 by John Pretor (Pinney). So that
this John Pretor may be said to have succeeded to the family
property under both wills. And here the Nevis blood also,
notwithstanding the seven children of John Pinney (who
died aged only 34), expired with his last surviving son, John
Frederick Pinney, for I take it that the Pretors (a Dorset
name) were not connected through any Nevis member of
the family.
And so the history of the family as unfolded by the " Planta-
tion Books " on the estate in Nevis appears drawing to a close
as the period connected with the history of the Bettiscombe
skull begins to dawn.
John Pinney (Pretor) who pays a visit to Nevis in 1764
settles in 1765 certain of his estates and a portion of his slaves
on his son John Frederick (the second), and the two of them
196 THE STORY OF THE BETTISCOMBE SKULL.
disposed of the estates in Nevis bearing their name, as I have
already stated, to Edward Huggins in 1811.
Apparently it was not long after the disposal of these
estates to the Huggins family that the last of the Pinneys
removed from Nevis, for I find, in looking over an old abstract
of title which comprises these later dealings, traces of a desire to
dispose of their remaining property and business in the Island
and to retire to the old country. This they eventually did.
John Pinney, who had married Jane Weekes, of Nevis, died
on January 23rd, 1818, and from the recital of a marriage
settlement executed in 1801, we learn that the name of John
Frederick's wife was Frances. Under the will of John Pinney,
John Frederick Pinney, Charles Pinney, and the widow Jane
were appointed executors, and John Frederick Pinney also
residuary legatee. This Charles would appear to be a younger
son of John Pinney (Pretor), and to be engaged in business
with his elder brother, John Frederick. It is believed that
having left the West Indies they retired to Bristol, and set up
as merchants there. Miss Huggins indeed tells me that both
John Frederick and Charles did so first one and then the
other both in her father's life-time. At all events the last
document I can find in Nevis with which they are connected
was in 1830, and which, apparently, disposed of the remaining
Pinney lands to the Huggins family. In this document John
Frederick is described as the eldest son and heir of John
Pinney, deceased.
But it may interest my readers to learn that this Charles
Pinney, who about this time was Mayor of Bristol, was the
hero of a very interesting law case Rex v. Charles Pinney,
Esquire an account of which is to be found in the third
volume of " Barnewall and Adolphus's Reports " (1832), p.
947, and which I came across quite accidentally. In this
case, Charles Pinney was charged, on an information filed by
H.M.'s Attorney General, with neglect of duty in not having, as
Mayor of Bristol, taken proper steps to suppress a riot in that
city in October, 1831, during which the mob attacked and
burnt the Bridewell, partly destroyed the Bishop's Palace,
THE STORY OF THE BETTISCOMBE SKULL. 197
demolished the Customs House, and burnt several other
institutions and houses. The case was tried at bar in the
King's Bench at Westminster by a special jury of the county of
Berks. The trial began on October 25th, 1832, and lasted
seven days, and ended, after an elaborate summing-up by
Littledale, J., in the acquittal of the defendant. Eminent
counsel were engaged on both sides. The case was further
interesting from the fact that after a day or two Lord
Tenterden, C.J., was obliged to discontinue his attendance
through i Iness, under which he had for some time been
labouring, and which in a few days terminated fatally.
This brings me down to modern history, and to a time not
long after, I should say, the skull must have taken up its
abode at Bettiscombe, so that I will not attempt to trespass
further upon private family history. But I should be glad if
any later member of the Pinney family could say when the
occupation of the old home at Bettiscombe was given up (I
have said that for many years it had been let as a farm-
house),* or when the skull is first known to have made its
appearance there.
It will have been noticed that two members of the family
were concerned in the Monmouth Rebellion, Azariah and
John. This circumstance, and the transportation to the West
Indies, are confirmed by a letter that I recently received
from the before-mentioned old Dorset lady to whom I had
written, telling her of the result of my visit to Nevis. She
writes to me : "It confirms a lot of the old legend, and
* Colonel Reginald Pinney, a direct descendant of John (Pretor) Pinney,
and now re.siding at Broadwindsor, Dorset, has recently informed me that
the Pinneys lost Bettiscombe by not renewing the lease with the Brownes of
Frampton, Dorset. John Frederick Pinney had quarrelled with the owner
of Frampton at that time, and neither would nominate a life (the tenure
being lifehold), so, on the death of John Frederick Pinney, the manor reverted
to the survivor Browne. In the meantime, Azariah and his cousin, John
Frederick Pinney, had built Racedown Lodge, in the parish of Thorncombe
(the future home of Wordsworth, the poet), so their successor John (Pretor)
Pinney removed to this place.
198 THE STORY OF THE BETTISOOMBE SKULL.
that the son who did return brought his own black servant
and the skull of the servant of his dead brother. It used to be
said that these brothers were sent to Jamaica for work instead
of being butchered after the Monmouth Rebellion." But this
is a variant of the legend of which I was not previously aware.
Nevertheless, how the terrible results of the great tragedy
seemed to linger in the memory of the people of the West !
Before I finish I should like to be allowed to give one
more small yet pathetic incident which may fittingly close all
reference to Azariah Pinney " the Monmouth Rebel."
Considerable alterations had been made, as was only to be
expected, in the old house at Montravers since Azariah's time,
in particular, the addition by Mr. Huggins of a spacious
stone wing, which bears the marks of an incomplete finish,
the result, probably, of that depression in the sugar-cane
industry which has caused so many of the old estates (Pinney's
amongst the number) to pass into the hands of English West
Indian merchants and " advancers." On one occasion
the old dining-room the building being mostly of wood
was being pulled down, and Miss Huggins told me that she
remembered as a child this being done, and that as the work-
men were ripping a board from the ceiled partition under
one of the windows out fell a soldier's coat, with all the buttons
scattered on the floor ! Wonder and amazement were ex-
pressed by all that the coat had been built up in that way,
but the matter has always remained a mystery. An inquiry
from me could elicit nothing more than that ' ' it was certainly
a soldier's red coat," and that Miss Huggins believed that the
buttons were of silver or brass, but much blackened or
tarnished ; nothing of either had been retained. The question
naturally arises, whose coat could this have been ? The
answer as naturally suggests that it was Azariah Pinney's
uniform which he wore at Sedgmoor it is very unlikely that
he was actually captured in the fight and which was either
taken out with him to Nevis then to some extent a free
man or, more probably perhaps, had been sent out to him
there when times had become less troublous. Otherwise,
THE STORY OP THE BETTISCOMBE SKULL. 190
what was the occasion for hiding it ? This would hardly
have been the case had it formed the uniform of a local
Defence Force, raised to meet the Frenchman when he came
prowling round those coasts, what time Nelson came courting
his widow-bride in Nevis in H.M.S. Boreas* It is a pity that
not even one of the buttons has been preserved so as to show
whether there remained upon it aught of the Duke's cypher,
or other badge by which its identity could have been estab-
lished. Yet it is not a very wide conjecture to imagine
that this faded old coat with tarnished buttons was all that
was left as a memorial of the youthful ardour and zealous
faith of this follower of the " Protestant Duke," put away
when Azariah Pinney came home to die, and forgotten
during that century and a half until it came upon the aston-
ished gaze of those from whom all knowledge of the history of
the exile had long since passed away.
So far, then, no additional light has been thrown on the
history of the skull, or as to which member of the Pinney
family brought the skull to Bettiscombe. Was it John
Pinney (Pretor) and what time he, in conjunction with his son,
John Frederick (the second), disposed of the estates a century
ago, and returned, we may presume, to end his days in England ?
If so, may not one's imagination easily lead one to believe
that it was the skull of old " Bettiscombe," the slave pur-
chased by him in 1765 (who at that time, after many years
of faithful service, was undoubtedly dead, for his name no
longer appeared in the last list of slaves entered in the " Plan-
tation Book "), taken by his old master with him to the
very place, indeed, from which his trusty servant had taken
his name, as "a memento of his humble follower ! " If
this be so, one can understand the history of the legend
better, and the motive that prompted the home-bringing of
* Mr. Oliver refers iu an extract from the " Minutes of Council of Nevia
for 1693," to " Lieut." Azariah Pinney being chosen one of the two Com-
missioners to assess Charles Town.
200 THE STOEY OF THE BETTISCOMBE SKULL.
the now famous skull. The rest is easy for the simple country
folk to weave, and is, at the best, a form of superstition, as I
have said, by no means confined to West Dorset.
In conclusion, let me say that though I may be wrong in
many of my surmises and deductions I do not think that it is
often given to one, in trying to penetrate the uncertainty and
myth that surround the investigation of so many of our
local superstitions and pieces of folk-lore, to come across, as I
have, so many minor items of interest connected with an event
that appeals so strongly to West of England folk as the Mon-
mouth Rebellion. Whether I have been as successful in tracing
the history of the Bettiscombe skull as I have been lengthy in
suggesting its connection with that period of English history,
I must leave my readers to judge, but I am very much afraid
that their patience, as well as my subject, has at length been
exhausted.
P.S. I append a rough pedigree of the Pinney family
connected with Nevis, constructed from such materials as I had
before me, which may be of some service to my readers.
ADDENDUM.
Since writing the above, I have been referred to George
Roberts's " Life of the Duke of Monmouth " (1844), from
the second volume of which I have made the following
ext acts relative to the subject matter of my paper
Mr. Roberts says (p. 237) :
" The desire to procure white labour for the plantations in the West
India Islands, instead of the negro slaves, was very great in this country.
The sugar trade flourished at the close of this reign in a remarkable degree.
Extreme cupidity was displayed in order to get hold of parties to send out.
At a time when courtiers, favourites, and soldiers were rewarded
by having condemned prisoners given to them as a present, the value of a
man for working in the plantations was soon ascertained, and great was the
scramble for the booty. This was the case with respect to the Monmouth
THE STORY OF THE BETTISCOMBE SKULL. 201
men who it was intended should be executed. Let it not be supposed that
transportation to the West India Islands for ten years was a punishment of
absence alone from their homes a very severe punishment of itself. Those
who had purchased or laid out money to procure convicts did so for the sake
and with the expectation of profit ; they became the absolute masters
of the recent slaves, and could only be repaid by the sale of individuals or
from the result of their labour "
" These persons became either in reality slaves or banished persons, accord-
ing to their circumstances. Of so great a number my researches have only
slightly developed the history of four individuals."
One of these fortunately happened to be Azariah Pinney,
of whom Mr. Roberts gives (p. 243) the following account,
the materials for which, he states in a foot-note, were derived
from letters supplied to him by a member of the family then
living at Somerton House, Somerset :
" Mr. Azariah Pinney having been sentenced to death for high treason,
was pardoned and given to Jerome Nipho, Esq. Rich and poor were alike
given to some individual for his benefit, as shown in the preceding list of
prisoners to be transported, and were conveyed to Bristol. Mr. A. Pinney's
destination was the Island of Nevis. His father clearly refers to this as a
matter of choice, and would, had he been consulted, have advised about it.
He parted with a wife and child, and proceeded at the age of 24 years to his
place of banishment. Mr. A. Pinney soon ceased to be a slave
Mr. Azariah Pinney sailed in the " Rose Pink " Captain Wogan ^and
soon experienced the evils of shipwreck and fever. In one of his father's
account books 117 3s. is entered for expenses to send him away to Nevis.
The banished gentleman had to pay ten days' expenses at Bristol. He
visited London and York before sailing. Mr. Azariah Pinney kept a diary,
now lost, for his son's information and improvement. He became a nourish-
ing man, and his son was eventually Chief Justice of Nevis. Still his letters
have complaints of storms, hurricanes, earthquakes, and a ruinous invasion
of the French."
From the kindness of Colonel Reginald Pinney I am able to
give an extract from the will of the Rev. John Pinney, of
Bettiscombe, dated April 10th, 1702, which refers to the
Monmouth Rebel and his son John :
" I give to my son Azariah fifty pounds sterl., one feather bed one bedstead
and furniture for it, if he shall live to return unto England. I also do acquit
202 THE STORY OF THE BETTISCOMBE SKULL.
him of all debts owing to me, and to his son John. I do give all my books
and manuscripts p'vidod he be consecrated and employed in the ministry."
From what I have said we know that Azariah's son pre-
ferred the law as a profession and eventually became Chief
Justice of Nevis, and here he died and was buried in 1720.
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By W. BOWLES BARRETT.
(Read March 5lh, 1910.)
flOY Paper deals with the part which Wey mouth
and Melcombe Regis, the twin-towns by
the Wey, played in the Great Civil War,
and with some local incidents of the
interregnum. No connected and detailed
account of these stirring events has ever
appeared. I shall, therefore, endeavour to
fill up this gap in the town records. It
is true that we have been promised for
some time past a work on the Civil War in Dorset, but it
has not yet been published.*
The feelings of bitter antagonism which sprang up between
Charles I., on the one hand, and the House of Commons
* Since this Paper was read, " The Great Civil War in Dorset, 1642 1660 "
by A. B. Bayley, B.A., Oxon., F.R.H.S., has appeared a truly admirable
work (Barnicott and Pearce, The Wessex Press, Taunton).
WEYMOUTH AND THE GREAT CIVIL WAR. 205
and a large part of the nation behind it, on the other hand, and
which, ultimately, led to the Great Civil War and the Puritan
Revolution, are so well known, that I need not touch upon
that part of the subject.
The war broke out in August, 1642, and continued until the
battle of Worcester, in 1651, that is to say, for a period of
nine years. The towns of Weymouth and Melcombe Regis,
and the Island and Castle of Portland, were of great
importance, owing to their geographical position, especially
their nearness to the French coast.*
THE FORTS.
A fine Fourteenth century church, was, at the commence-
ment of the war, standing on the Chapelhaye, Weymouth,
and was reached by 70 steps from the street below. By its
commanding position, on the top of a precipitous cliff,
it was admirably adapted for a stronghold, and was speedily
converted by the Parliamentary troops into a fort called
" the Chapel Fort." As this fort commanded Melcombe
(which lay on low ground to the front), as also a part of the
harbour, it was, throughout the war, the key to the local
situation. Another fort was erected at the Nothe to command
the harbour and the bay. Platforms for artillery were set
up at both these forts. Earthworks were thrown up, some
at the then northern entrance to Melcombe Regis, and others
just a little north of the junction of St. Thomas Street with
Lower Bond Street, extending thence westwards probably
to the Backwater. Several drawbridges were built and
town gates erected, the positions of which are long since
forgotten.
* Weymouth proper lies on the south side, and Melcombe Regis (the more
modern part of the Borough) on the North side of the harbour.
206 WEYMOUTH AND THE GREAT CIVIL WAR.
WEYMOUTH AND MELCOMBE FOR THE PARLIAMENT.
We naturally enquire whether the Weymouth and Mel-
combe people were mainly on the side of the Royalists or on
that of the Parliament. Like the neighbouring towns of
Poole, Dorchester, and Lyme Regis, they were for the most
part decidedly in favour of the Parliament. In fact, the towns-
folk throughout the South and East of England were to a great
extent disaffected. As regards Weymouth and Melcombe,
it is suggestive that, almost immediately on the outbreak of
the war, and apparently without fighting, the towns fell into
the hands of the Parliamentary forces, commanded by Sir
Walter Erie and Sir Thomas Trenchard, who garrisoned and
fortified them.* The Parliament also took possession, about
the <.'ame time, of the coast towns of Lyme Regis and Poole,
also of Portland and Dorchester. This was in August and
September, 1642. Colonel William Sydenham, son-in-law
of John Trenchard, of Warmwell, was appointed Governor of
I the towns of Weymouth and Melcombe. He was a leading
figure in the subsequent contests. f
Both Weymouth and Melcombe were (as I am about to
relate), subsequently taken and retaken several times by the
opposing forces, the fate of the towns generally depending on
that of Portland, the " Gibraltar of Wessex."
BOTH TOWNS SEIZED BY THE ROYALISTS, AUGUST, 1643.
Weymouth and Melcombe having remained in the hands
of the Parliament for about a year, the Earl of Carnarvon
(who had taken Bristol on behalf of the King, and was making
* 2 Hut. Hist. Dors., Ed. 3, 423.
f The Governor's residence was on or near the site of Steward's Court, in
Melcombe Regis. The lane in which the Court is situate is still known as
" Governor's Lane."
WEYMOUTH AND THE GREAT CIVIL WAR. 207
a successful progress through Dorset with nearly 2,000 Horse
and Dragoons), obtained the surrender of Dorchester, Wey-
mouth, Melcombe, and Portland, and handed them over to
Prince Maurice, the King's Nephew, who had arrived with the
Foot and cannon. This occurred early in August, 1643.
The sight of these Ironsides in their heavy breastplates and
steel morions, armed with musketoons, pistols and swords,
must have been a striking one for the townsfolk, who, as yet,
had seen but little of war. We may suppose that Carnarvon's
cavalry paraded in front of the bay, and that part of his horses
were stabled in the late Priory in Maiden Street, then in
ruins.
The conditions on which the towns had capitulated, with
their arms, ordnance and ammunition, were that the inhabit-
ants should not be plundered, nor suffer for any ill they had
done ; but, unfortunately for the townsmen, Prince Maurice's
troops got quite out of hand and committed great ravages.
They plundered the houses of the townsmen and, laden
with booty, shouted and howled with joy. In fact,
the articles agreed on at the surrender of the towns
were so ill observed, that Carnarvon, who was a man of
high honour, resented this conduct so much that he indig-
nantly threw up his command and returned to the King at the
siege of Gloucester. Matters were not improved for the
townsmen by the landing at Weymouth in the following
November of a body of 300 Irish soldiers under Lord
Inchiquin, in support of the Royal forces.*
As to Portland, it was a Royal manor, and one of the King's
strongholds. It was of great importance as a base, not only
on account of its inherent strength, but also of its proximity
to Weymouth bay and harbour. The treasure and rich
furniture which the rebels had but lately taken from Wardour
Castle and elsewhere, had been lodged by them in Portland
Castle, a prize which now fell to the Royalists.
Whitelock, p. 76.
208 WEYMOUTH AND THE GREAT CIVIL WAR.
On 20th February, 1643-4, a local misfortune befel some
of the King's cavalry which Prince Rupert had sent as a
convoy with 3,000 en route for Wey mouth. Some of the
Parliament garrison of Poole and Wareham fell upon them
near Dorchester (probably at Yellowham Wood), seized the
money, with 100 horse, arms and ammunition, and carried
all to Poole.*
RETAKEN BY THE EARL OF ESSEX FOR THE PARLIAMENT,
JUNE, 1644.
But the towns were shortly to be re-captured by the
Parliament. The Earl of Essex, an honourable, steady
man, but with little genius, had been appointed Commander-
in-Chief by the Parliament. He had arrived at Blandford
in June, 1644, with an army of 13,000, Horse and Foot, and,
in that month, took Dorchester. It was felt that Weymouth
and Melcombe were of much importance for the trade of
the county. The towns, however, were of no great strength ;
Colonel William Ashburnham, the Royalist Governor there,
and Captain-General of the county, had been negligent in
completing the fortifications. Besides this, a change of
government was facilitated by the fact that some of the
townsmen (probably incensed by the exactions of the Cavaliers)
had mutinied. Lyme was gallantly resisting a siege by the
Royalists, commenced some two months previously under
Prince Maurice, and Essex, proceeding on his march to
relieve that town, sent to Weymouth, in advance, a party of
Horse, under Sir Wm. Balfour. Four of the Weymouth
burgesses went to Essex, who was then at Dorchester, to
treat as to the surrender of the two towns. Favourable
terms having been ultimately arranged, the Royalists, to
the number of about 400, marched out of Weymouth on
* Coins were struck at Weymouth whilst garrisoned by Charles, half-
crowns and, probably, shillings and sixpences were issued, the mint marks
comprising part of the arms of the place.
WEYMOUTH AND THE GREAT CIVIL WAE. 209
the following day (17th June), and proclamation was made
that, upon pain of death, everyone should bring in all arms
and ammunition to the Court of Guard and Town Hall before
sunset. Essex followed Balfour to Weymouth and remained
there some days. Having possessed himself of the town,
he rode to Sandsfoot Castle, which, being summoned, sur-
rendered after three hours' parley. The Earl of Warwick,
the Parliamentary Lord High Admiral, had been engaged in
relieving Lyme, and now appeared in Weymouth Roads with
a fleet of nine ships to assist the operations of Essex in Mel-
combe. At this juncture Ashburnham retired with the
remainder of his forces to Portland Castle, still held by the
Royalists. Once more, then, the Parliament flag was floating
over the forts of the two towns, and, without any fighting, a
rich prize fell to the Parliament, including, it is said, 60 ships
in the Harbour. Ashburnham's conduct in retiring from
Weymouth on the mere approach of Essex's army was the
subject of an enquiry by the King and Council, by whom he
had the good fortune to be absolved from the charge of
cowardice or neglect.
The memorable siege of Lyme Regis by the Royalists
having been raised at about the same date as the surrender
of Weymouth, Prince Maurice retired from Lyme to Exeter,
and the surrendered Royalist garrison of Weymouth received
orders to join him there. Favourable terms were granted
them, as mentioned above, and the officers were allowed
to march on horse-back, retaining their swords and pistols,
the common soldiers to carry staves only.
Colonel William Sydenham was now re-appointed Governor
of Weymouth for the Parliament, and the fortifications of
the towns were vigorously proceeded with.
CHARLES I. AT MAIDEN NEWTON.
In September and October of this year, the King was
making a progress with his army from Chard through Dorset,
210 WEYMOUTH AND THE GREAT CIVIL WAR.
in the course of which he came near Weymouth ; in fact,
on the 1st October he quartered at Maiden Newton, staying
at the Rectory House, and had " dinner in the field."*
A ROYALIST CONSPIRACY, 1644.
Another change was about to take place, and the shadows
of war were again shortly to hang over the towns. Sir Lewis
Dyve,| who had been appointed Commander-in-Chief of the
Dorsetshire Royalist forces, had received orders from the
King, then at Sherborne, for the re-capture of Weymouth
and Melcombe. The Roundheads did not expect this.
Peter Ince (appointed by the Dorset Standing Committee to
be officiating Minister of he Weymouth Garrison), wrote
" In the beginning of February " (1644) " we were in as sweet
a quiet and security as any Garrison in the Kingdom : no
enemy near us but one at Portland, and that not very con-
siderable, being but about three or four hundred men."
But a conspiracy by some of the townsmen (in conjunction
with some in Portland) to betray the towns to the Royalists
had by this time been formed, and materially helped Sir
Lewis Dyve in his project. This conspiracy and its results
formed some of the most interesting and important incidents
of the war here.
I am unaware of any Royalist records containing other
than very brief accounts of the siege of Melcombe, and of
the events which immediately led up to it. I am therefore
mainly indebted for information to Parliamentary sources ;
* Life of Bertie, Lord Lindsey.
t Sir Lewis Dyve, of Bromham, Bedford, was connected with some of the
principal Royalist families in Dorset. He was taken in August, 1645, with
immense booty, at the capture of Sherborne Castle. Being brought to the bar
of the House and refusing to kneel, he was compelled by force. He was
M.P. for Weymouth 3 Chas I..
WEYMOUTH AND THE GREAT CIVIL WAR. 211
many of these being official, I see no reason to doubt their
general accuracy. Of the sources referred to, I would
particularly specify two rare Commonwealth pamphlets of
which I possess copies, one being a relation of the siege, &c.,*
by Peter Ince (before referred to), and the other a report of
certain examinations taken before a Council of War at
Weymouth, in March, 1645. f
It appears that, as early as Christmas, 1644, Fabian Hodder,
a merchant and staunch Melcombe Royalist, was in secret
communication with Sir Lewis Dyve, then stationed at
Sherborne, and afterwards with Sir William Hastings, the
Royalist Governor of Portland Castle. This was a risky
business, and so the correspondence was carried on by
Weymouth women, they being less likely to be suspected. J
John Cade, an Alderman of Melcombe, who had served
as a Captain in the Royalist forces, and John Mills, one of
the Town Constables, were two other chief plotters. In
consequence of Hodder's appeals, Sir Lewis Dyve promised
that he would come with 1,500 Horse and Foot, about mid-
night on Sunday, the 9th February, 1644-5, to surprise
Melcombe, and that he would give the plotters (according
to the confession of one of them at the Council of War
* " A Brief Relation of the Surprise of the Forts of Weymouth, the Siege
of Melcombe, the Recovery of the Forts and Raising of the Siege." By P. I.,
Minister to the Garrison, 1644 [March 20]. King's Pamphlets, Vol. 198, No. 7.
f " The last Speeches and Confession of Captain John Cade and John Mils,
Constable ; who were hanged at Waymouth for endeavouring to betray that
Garrison to the enemy with all the severall examinations of the Plotters and
the sentences denounced against them and others of the said Conspiracie.
By W. Sydenham, Col. ; Governor of Waymouth and Captain William Batten,
Vice-Admirall of the Navie and the rest of the Counsell of War at Waymouth
1645 " [March 27]. King's Pamphlets, Vol. 198, No. 28.
J The bearers of Royalist messages from persons of high rank and import-
ance were sometimes given " tongue tokens," as a proof of the genuineness of
the bearers, when no written word could be risked. These tokens were
tiny ovals of gold, small enough to be put under the tongue in case of need,
with the head of Charles on one side and his initials on the other.
212 WEYMOUTH AND THE GREAT CIVIL WAR.
subsequently held), 500. The scheme of this cleverly-
hatched conspiracy was that Melcombe should be attacked
by Sir Lewis Dyve on that night, and that, simultaneously,
part of the King's forces in Portland, reinforced by the
Islanders there, should come out and seize the Chapel and
Nothe forts on Wey mouth side. Besides these, there
were conspirators in some of the adjoining villages, especially
Preston and Sutton Poyntz, whence about 60 men were to
be let into the town to join in the attack on
Melcombe. The conspirators were to take the following
oath, framed by Fabian Hodder : " You shall swear by the
Holy Trinity that you will conceal the intended plot."
The pass-word was " Crabchurch," and round the arm a
white handkerchief was to be worn. The town gates of
Melcombe were to be opened to let in Sir Lewis, the Main
Guard was to be seized, the Major of the Parliamentary
regiment was to be slain, and the doors of the marshalsea,
or prison, in which the prisoners of war taken by the Round-
heads were confined, were to be broken open, so that they,
being released, might join the attacking forces. Some
of the gunners in the Chapel and Nothe Forts were parties
to the conspiracy. The time, too, was opportune, for there
was no Parliament ship in the Roads.
THE NIGHT SURPRISE OF THE CHAPEL AND NOTHE FORTS
BY THE ROYALISTS, FEBRUARY 9ra, 1645.
When the eventful Sunday came round, an order was
given during Divine Service, in the picturesque old church at
Churchope, that part of the Portland garrison and the
Islanders should appear, with their arms, at the Castle at
Castletown, by five o'clock in the evening of that day. The
men having assembled, two companies were formed, under
the command of Sir William Hastings one to go by land
and the other by water to Weymouth proper. One company
accordingly proceeded along the road by the Chesil Beach to
WEYMOUTH AND THE GREAT CIVIL WAR. 213
Smallmouth. There was no bridge in those days at this narrow
inlet of the sea ; it was crossed by means of a passage-boat
kept by a ferryman on the Wyke side, and was known as
" The Passage." A Weymouth plotter, John Dry, a tanner
by trade, had arranged with the ferryman to have his boat
in readiness to bring over the Royalists. Let us picture the
scene : it is now dark, silently they effect the crossing, and are
met on the Wyke side by the tanner, who conducts them to
the Chapel Fort. We may assume that the route chosen,
in order to secure secrecy and to attack the Chapel Fort from the
rear, is by Buxton and St. Leonard's Roads, then unfrequented
lanes. Meanwhile the other company goes by water to the
ancient pier (long since demolished), under the Nothe, whence,
led by Walter Bond, a Hope fisherman, they creep along to
the Nothe Fort. The total number of the attacking
party from Portland is small and does not exceed 120.
As to Melcombe, all is excitement among the plotters there,
in the expectation that Sir Lewis Dyve is about to arrive and
co-operate in the capture of the towns. A strange gathering
of country-folk (either conspirators or, at least, Royalist
sympathisers), meet on Radipole Common to watch for the
arrival of Dyve's forces and to see the Nothe fight. Some,
we are told, are armed with pistols, one with a Welsh hook,
and others with cudgels.
The secret is remarkably well kept ; a complete surprise of
the Chapel Fort is effected about midnight, the Royalists
suddenly falling upon the sentinels, while most of the Round-
head soldiers are asleep. The Roundheads sound a be-
lated alarm with their drums, but the Royalists, with loud
shouts, we may suppose, of " For God and King Charles,"
occupy the fort, practically, without resistance. The Round-
heads, however, " finding," Ince says, " such dangerous
guests possesst of those places which above a half yeeres pain
and sweat had indeavoured to make our security," pull
themselves together and within an hour of the surprise,
make a sudden assault, but are repulsed with loss. Amongst
ths mortally wounded in this assault is Major Francis
214 WEYMOUTH AND THE GREAT CIVIL WAR.
Sydenham, the Governor's brother, an officer greatly esteemed,
who died the next day.* The attack on the Nothe Fort is
also successful, and once more the Royalist Standard is
raised. f The Parliament men, although exposed to the fire of
their enemy, and notwithstanding the loss of the forts,
manage to remain in Weymouth proper until the evening of
the following day.J
Richard Wiseman, who has been justly called " the Father
of English Surgery," was in the Chapel Fort amongst the
Royalists, at the time of the surprise, and attended some of
the wounded. His " Seven Chirurgical Treatises " show the
great advance he made in sound surgical practice. He was
appointed surgeon to Charles II. and died 1676.
ARRIVAL OF SIR LEWIS DYVE, FEBRUARY IOTH, 1645.
Sir Lewis Dyve had caused serious disappointment to the
King's allies, by not arriving so soon as he had promised.
Instead of coming on the Sunday, he kept the Royalists in
suspense until noon of the following day (Monday). He
then arrived with Horse and Foot, and, aiding Hastings, took
* Major Francis Sydenham took a prominent part in the Civil War in Dorset.
t "God appearing for the Parliament in sundry late victories, &c. March 10,
1644." King's Pamphlets, Vol. I..95, No. 22.
J Colonel Ralph Weldon, son of Sir Anthony Weldon, Baronet, of Swans-
combe, Kent, was in command of one of the Parliamentary regiments in Wey-
mouth when the Chapel Fort was surprised by the Royalists. Not long after
the raising of the siege of Melcombe, he, as Senior Colonel, commanded a brigade
sent to relieve Taunton, then besieged by the Cavaliers. Weldon entered the
town and raised the siege. He was a collateral ancestor of the Rev. Canon
Weldon, D.D., the esteemed Vicar of Holy Trinity, Weymouth. It is re-
markable that the Canon^should now have, as part of his parochial organisation,
the noble schools built on the actual site of the fort which his ancestor had
defended !
Sir Thomas Longman's ''Richard Wiseman," 1891.
WEYMOUTH AND THE GREAT CIVIL WAR. 215
possession of the remaining portion of Weyinouth proper. The
Roundheads, in the evening of that day, withdrew to Mel-
combe, raising the drawbridge which divided the two towns.
It is strange that their retreat was unopposed : Ince says
" Our enemies tamely yeelded it " (i.e., Melcombe), " as un-
tenable. We had scarce bestowed a Fortnight's work on it
since we possesst this garrison."
ROYALIST SOLDIERS AT RADIPOLE.
We get a glimpse of some of the Royalist soldiers on the
Wednesday following the surprise of the forts. They re-
freshed themselves by marching to that part of the village of
Radipole called Causeway, where, together with " Master
Wood, Clerke, Curate of Sutton Poyntz," they regaled them-
selves at an ale-house and we are told, I regret to say, that
some of them became " distempered with beare." About
80 years ago, a tradition existed in Radipole of the passage
through the village of soldiers in the Civil War. For aught I
know, the tradition may still survive.
SIEGE OF MELCOMBE BY THE ROYALISTS, FEBRUARY, 1645.
The Royalists now poured on Melcombe from the Chapel
Fort " a multitude of great Bullets and Iron Bars, hot and
cold," battering down some of the houses. " Some of their
gunners ingaged themselves to levell us with the ground."*
The long siege of that town had begun. It was resolutely
held by the Roundheads. Owing to its geographical position,
they were at a serious disadvantage, whereas the Cavaliers,
with ample ammunition, were encamped in what was, practi-
cally, a citadel on the top of a precipitous hill, and also held
* Ince.
216 WEYMOUTH AND THE GREAT CIVIL WAR.
the Nothe Fort, commanding the harbour, and a small fort
at Bincleaves. The Royalist forces, when at full strength,
numbered 4,000 or 5,000 the Parliamentary, 900 only,
and these were looked upon by the Royalists as being almost
prisoners at mercy. But those sturdy Roundheads at once
surrounded Melcombe with earthworks, and defended it with
splendid tenacity, avenging the losses they had sustained
on Dyve's arrival.
All that week cannonading and burning of houses went on,
but with little effect. The Roundheads, therefore, proposed
that there should be no more such useless burnings ; the Cava-
liers replied, " We scorn to parley with you, and will do what
we please." Sydenham then set on fire seven or eight houses
in Weymouth proper and fired some Royalists' ships on that
side. Meanwhile, two Parliament ships, aided by a favourable
wind, and other welcome reinforcements to the Parliament
forces, arrived, including 100 Horse. Captain William Batten,
Vice-Admiral of the Navy, anchoring in the roadstead with the
" James," landed some 200 seamen who " have proved
themselves very brave men in all this service " ; the ships
also relieved the forces in Melcombe of 200 Royalist prisoners.
A further detachment of 100 Cavalry, under Lieut. -Colonel
James Haynes, came by land.
On the following Sunday (the 16th), Sydenham routed a
troop of Royalist Horse near Radipole, slaying some and cap-
turing about 80 Horse and 45 prisoners. The Roundheads
" chased the little remnant that remained up to the gates of
Weymouth."
Sir Lewis Dyve's, Sir Thomas Austin's, and Cleveland's
Horse, with some Foot, blocked the Parliament forces at the
north end of Melcombe. Notwithstanding this, the latter
sallied forth from time to time, and on one occasion
succeeded in bringing in 900 sheep, and a Royalist Captain
who had mistaken the Roundheads for some of his own
party.
George, Lord Goring, the King's Lieutenant-General in
Hampshire and some other counties, leaving Salisbury, had
WEYMOUTH AND THE GREAT CIVIL WAR. 217
arrived in Mid Dorset at the head of an army of upwards of
3,000 Horse, 1,500 Foot, and a train of artillery, besides such
reinforcements as he found in these parts. On Sunday,
February 23rd, there rang through besieged Melcombe the
cry, " The Cavalry," " The Cavalry," for, in truth, Goring,
leaving his main forces at Dorchester, had sent a detachment of
Horse and Foot which, with much beating of drums and
blowing of trumpets, was now approaching the town.
There were those amongst Goring's troops who bore names
held high in honour in England, younger sons of great families
who had readily accepted commissions in the company known
in many a field of battle as " Goring's Horse." But they had
to reckon here with a resolute and sleepless foe.
Goring, being joined by Sir Thomas Austin's and Cleveland's
Horse with some Foot, drew down in a body and
faced Sydenham all that day, but strange to say, no
summons came to surrender. The next day Sydenham
captured a work which Goring's troops had thrown up
about a furlong from the town at its north end, slaying
some of his men.
PARLIAMENT REGAINS WEYMOUTH PROPER, FEBRUARY
25TH, 1645.
On the following Tuesday (the 25th) an incident occurred,
apparently trivial, but which actually proved the turning
point in the contest. A party of Royalist Horse conveying pro-
visions to the town were completely routed by the Parliament
men and some prisoners were taken. The Royalists in the
Chapel Fort, apprised of this, sent out 100 Foot to
relieve their Horse, who were flying before the Roundheads,
and to regain the stores. Sydenham (who was then in the
field with his Horse), taking advantage of this circumstance,
adroitly drew out about 150 Musketeers, who, under the
command of Major Wilson and Captain Langford, crossed the
218 WEYMOUTH AND THE GREAT CIVIL WAR.
bridge from Melcombe, and within an hour stormed and
carried, with the loss of only one man, the Chapel Fort and
Weymouth proper. The Royalists did not discover the enemy
until they were on the outworks, and, probably overestimat-
ing their number, soon cried for " quarter." The Round-
heads took 60 prisoners, also a Lieutenant-Colonel, a Major,
three Captains, three Lieutenants, and 100 inferior officers
and common soldiers, with ome " of the profidious towns-
men, who after taking the covenant with us were got into
arms against us" (*). They also took prisoner Captain
Alexander Keynes, the owner of Radipole Farm, described
by Ince as " a Papist," and as having in his " Portmantle,
a parcell of Holy Beads, a Commission for a Ship to play the
Pirat with at Sea, which lay blank at Dunkirk." They also
captured 40 loads of provisions of which they were at this
time greatly in need.
This was a disaster which was bitterly regretted by the
Royalists, who had held the fort for 17 days only. Sir Lewis
Dyve, in reporting the loss to his step-father, the Earl of
Bristol, described it as a " strange misfortune," and wrote to
Sir John Berkeley on the day of the disaster as follows :
" My Lord Goring hath set up his rest to go through with it,
being confident of your speedy assistance in a worke of that
infinite importance to his Majestie's service so that
this place being taken, which wee are confident cannot be a
worke of many dayes, the west is not only secured thereby,
but my Lord Goring will likewise have an opportunity of
advancing into the associated counties, which are now left
naked."
The Nothe Fort and the small fort at Bincleaves remained
in the hands of the Royalists, but these were of small account,
while their adversaries held the Chapel Fort. On the two
following days the two neighbour towns battered away hard
at one another " both with great and small shott."
* Ince.
WEYMOUTH AND THE GREAT CIVIL WAR. 219
LORD GORING'S UNSUCCESSFUL NIGHT ATTACK,
FEBRUARY 28TH, 1645.
Exasperated by Sydenham's recent success, Goring deter-
mined to carry Melcombe and Weymouth by assault in the
night of Thursday, February 27th. Ince, however, says that
Goring " had no great stomack to the businesse." Ill-fortune
again attended the Royalists. Ince states that Goring
" so guarded all wayes that no intelligence must come neer
us." Notwithstanding, a Roundhead, who had been taken
prisoner two or three days before, " though very strictly
watcht," managed to escape from Weymouth on the evening
of the intended assault (or on that of the preceding day) and
reaching Sydenham's Horse, then in the field, warned him of
the impending blow, with the result that the Roundheads
placed themselves in the best position of defence. Captain
Batten, too, came on shore with 100 seamen. Meanwhile,
Goring marched from Dorchester with his whole body, and
about one or two o'clock in the morning of Friday, 28th of
February, attacked, at the same time, both towns,
in several places, (the larger number attacking at
the west end of Weymouth proper), and also
attacked the Chapel Fort. It was a bright moonlight
night. Sydenham says, (*) " they furiously stormed us
at severall places of both Townes The enemy came in
great multitudes thorow the streets and backsides at both ends
of the Towne and disputed with us very hotly about three
houres." The Royalists at the north end of Melcombe lay
behind a bank and did not come to close quarters, but fired
at a distance. At the western end of Weymouth proper,
Sydenham resorted to a stratagem ; he vacated the guard
there (near the old Town Hall) and made a "-barricade " in
High-street (which lay immediately beneath the Chapel Fort),
planting a gun there. The Royalists gave a " loud hoop "
* Letter from him, to the Committee of the West, March 1st, 1644.
220 WEYMOUTH AND THE GREAT CIVIL WAR.
of joy as they entered the deserted work, but marching down
the street were repulsed by the Roundheads, leaving some
dead and carrying away others to Dorchester and elsewhere
for burial. Meanwhile, the Irish and other Royalists from
the Nothe Fort attacked and took a small fort near the bridge
in Wey mouth proper, commanded by Captain Thornhill,
forcing the Parliament men to retreat, but, Sydenham coming
on the scene rallied his men, and, after some sharp fighting,
the fort was recovered, some of the Royalists being slain.
Sydenham's horse was here shot under him. In the result
the Cavaliers were defeated in all quartets and beaten back
into their works. Sydenham's men retained all Weymouth pro-
per, except a small part towards the Nothe ; they also repulsed
the enemy in Melcombe. Many of the Royalists were drowned.
According to Ince, the latter reported their losses, in and
subsequently to Sydenham's assault on the Chapel Fort, in
killed, wounded, and prisoners, at 400 or 500 (these numbers
were probably much exaggerated), and, it was said, that 80
dead and wounded were carried to the adjoining village of
Wyke Regis. Amongst the dead and wounded there were,
Sydenham adds, " divers in Buff -coats and Velvet Jackets."
RAISING OF THE SIEGE, FEBRUARY 28TH, 1645.
It seems that the Royalists now suspected the near approach
of the Parliamentary forces under Sir William Waller, who,
had been ordered to relieve Weymouth, but had been delayed
owing to his Cavalry having broken out into open mutiny.
Consequently, about ten o'clock on the morning of Friday,
February 28th, the Royalists under Lord Goring and Sir
Lewis Dyve suddenly drew out their forces, abandoning the
Nothe and Bincleaves Forts, leaving behind them their
colours, and the guns for the most part unspiked, with much
arms and other booty, and without burning the corn or houses,
" and so," Captain Batten wrote, " are gone in a very confused
WEYMOTITH AND THE GREAT CIVIL WAR. 221
manner."* They withdrew to Wyke Regis, where they re-
mained for a short time to succour the wounded, and then
marched to Dorchester, and afterwards towards Taunton.
This ended the siege of Melcombe, which had lasted 18 days.
Thus both towns were regained by the Parliament after con-
tinuous conflicts. The loss of these two important coast
towns was a great disaster to the Royalist cause.
The losses of the Roundheads, throughout, were marvel-
lously small. They attributed their success to the inter-
position of Divine Providence. Sydenham says in reference to
Goring's assault " In all this time they wounded but one of my
men."
Considering the great inequality of the forces engaged and
the weakness of Melcombe, it is strange that the siege should
have continued so long. It seems to have been due to extra-
ordinary negligence on the part of Goring. He was a man
of distinguished presence and is said to have been every inch a
soldier, but he cut a sorry figure on this occasion.
The Parliament soldiers at the end of the fight were in sad
plight. Sydenham wrote on the day the siege was raised :
" My souldiers Horse and Foot have all had very hard service
of it day and night. I shall entreat you to write to the Parlia-
ment for something for their encouragement ; they have
neither money nor cloathes, and yet unwearied in this
business."
PARLIAMENT POSSESSES ALL DORSET.
The whole county was now possessed by Parliament,
except Portland, Sherborne, and Corfe Castle. Portland
Castle surrendered to Captain Batten about a year after the
* Letter from Captain Batten to Lenthall, Speaker of the House of
Commons, February 28th 1644. The like from Colonel William Sydenham
of even date.
222 WEYMOUTH AND THE GREAT CIVIL WAR.
rout of the Royalists in Melcombe (viz., on April 6th, 1646)*
and Sherborne and Corfe Castle having been captured, the
reduction of the County to the Parliamentary forces was
completed.
THE HANGING OF THE ROYALIST CONSPIRATORS,
' MARCH SRD, 1645.
Colonel Sydenham, the Governor of Weymouth, lost no
time in dealing summarily with the chief Royalist conspirators
in the plot for surprising the forts. Captain Batten had them,
with many other prisoners, on board his ship, " in a posture
speedily to be hanged," and wrote to the Speaker of the
House of Commons as to the prisoners : " To-morrow,
we shall shorten the number by hanging some of the towns-
men who are prisoners on board us and were the betrayers
of the town." Accordingly a council of war was held on Satur-
day, March 1st, 1645, and on several succeeding days, before
the Governor, all the field officers and captains of the
Weymouth Garrison, Captain Batten, Admiral of the Fleet
then riding in Weymouth Bay, and divers other sea Captains.
Captain Cade, the coadjutor of Fabian Hodder, made a con-
fession and was hanged ; Samways, a Melcombe tailor, was
brought to the gallows to be hanged ; but, expressing much
sorrow for his treachery, he, and Walter Bond, the Hope
fisherman, were reprieved and carried back to prison, " to
make a further discovery of their partners."! One of the
* Captain Batten, in reporting the surrender of Portland to Lenthall,
Speaker of the House of Commons, wrote April 7th, 1646, "When they march'd
away. . . they had not a colour in the island. As to the sequestration
of their estates. . . there is not a hundred pounds a year amongst them
all, the Governour excepted. . . . The island was very stronge and would
have cost much blood to have reduced it by force. . . . There is more to
be done on the island with a faire carriage than by violence."
t Mercurius Britanicus No. 75.
WEYMOUTH AND THE GREAT CIVIL WAR. 223
plotters, " an Irish rebell, a native Papist, put a rope about
his own neck and hanged himself .... without
judgement or execution, doing all upon himself." Then, as
regards Mills, the Constable, the report of the council of war
states that he died " most desperately," " without any signe
or token of sorrow or repentance," and that " when he was
upon the Ladder, he most desperately threw himself off, not
shewing any signes of humiliation, or calling upon God
for mercie on his soul, but, carelessly, in a most desperate
manner, died, not so much as praying to God to receive his
soul." The hangings took place at the Nothe point, on the
Monday morning following the first sitting of the council
of war. Peter Ince adds with some bitterness, " There be
not many of the villains left, but their sin hath found them
out." As to these, the report continues, " Divers of them are
slain, Fabian Hodder and others are in Prison at Poole and
other places, not yet tried, and some are run away." Syden-
ham threatened to make a halter for Fabian Hodder 's neck,
he being the chief conspirator, but he contrived to escape and,
returning to Melcombe, became, after the Restoration, a
member of the Corporate body.
PUBLIC THANKSGIVING, MARCH 12TH, 1645, &c.,
On the 4th March following, an Order was made by the
Lords and Commons in Parliament, for a Public Thanks-
giving to be held on the 12th inst. for the success of the
Parliament Forces in (inter alia) the regaining of Wey mouth.*
The following appears in " Mercurius Britanicus " com-
municating " the affaires of great Britaine For the better
Information of the People, From Monday the 14 of April to
Monday the 21 of April, 1645," viz. : " Divers Orders
* Minutes of Parliament.
224 WEYMOUTH AND THE GREAT CIVIL WAR.
passed for payment of monies to the Garrisons of Lyme,
Weymouth, and other places. But especially let Lyme
and Weymouth be remembred, for never in any Nation did
two places ennoble themselves by more gallant action. May
we alwayes remember the famous services of Sydenham
and Ceeley. May they be a patterne of imitation to others
in like cases of extremitie." Colonel Thomas Ceely was
Governor of Lyme Regis, under the Parliament, during the
notable siege of that town.
A month after the raising of the siege of Melcombe, the
Vice-Admiral issued a warrant for clearing the streets of the
soil and ruins which encumbered them, and for this purpose
Lighters were impressed.
The Parliament retained possession of the towns until the
termination of the war, brought about by the final overthrow
of the Royalist cause at the Battle of Worcester, September
3rd, 1651. Soon afterwards nearly all the forts here (includ-
ing the Chapel Fort) were dismantled and the materials sold.
EFFECTS OF THE SIEGE.
The townsmen had suffered ruinous loss and damage during
the war. Many of their houses had been burnt or destroyed,
others came toppling down in the streets, gardens had been
dug up for soil with which to form earthworks, the church
on the Chapelhay had been practically demolished, the
bridge and the quays were in decay, and the harbour partly
choked. The wall of the town marsh had been beaten down
(why or wherefore I cannot say, possibly a battery had been
placed there to reduce Melcombe) ; provisions had run short,
all available supplies having been taken possession of by the
military authorities, the streets had been reddened with
the blood of those who had fought for King or Parliament.
The townsfolk had, during part of the time, been at a charge
of 30 per month to maintain soldiers quartered there, and
WEYMOUTH AND THE GREAT CIVIL WAR. 225
two guards, and had been subjected to the rapine and
tyrannous conduct of the soldiery. The total loss of property
was estimated at 20,000. What this must have meant to
such small and very poor places, dependent almost entirely
on fishing, the Newfoundland trade, and the revenue from
the harbour, we can scarcely realise. Indeed for a time all
was in chaos ; trade wa? well nigh suspended ; the Town
Clerk had gone off during the wars, and such was the death-
like torpor which prevailed, that the Corporation seem to
have met twice only in about two years, and entries in the
Parochial Registers of Baptisms, Marriages, and Burials
were for long discontinued.*
* In August, 1645, an Ordinance of Parliament was made, directing the
Standing Committee of the County of Dorset to put in force a weekly assessment
for six months, for the support of Colonel Edmund Massey's forces. This
led to the presentation of a petition by the Weymouth Corporation to the
Committee. A copy of this petition is here inserted, as it throws light on the
state of the town at the time.
" The humble Peticon " &c. " sheweth that yor petr* have sustained great
losses in their estate to the value of many thousand pounds by occasion of the
warre and the late seige against this towne in which divers of their houses
were burnt and destroyed & ye Inhabitants of Waymouth plundered of
their goods, and before that, much of yor petrs lands wasted and their houses
and buildings pulled downe and their goods ymployed for ye better fortifynge
of ye Garrison ; & have expended much in free quarteringe of Souldiers &
cloansinge ye towne after the seige. And yor Petrs are hitherto at a great
charge & trouble for ye maintenance of ye Garrison by quarteringe, Lights
for ye Guard, watchinge and bearinge armes at their owne pper costs &
charges pforminge that dutie of watchinge in their turnes as often as the
souldiers, in wch yor petrs shall, with all readines & cheerefulnes continue as
long as God shall enable them. And now yor Petrs are informed by ye Con-
stables that aW arrant is granted by you for the raiseing of f ouer pounds weekly
upon them wch (by reason of ye pmisses & their extreame poverty for want of
trade as in former times) yor petrs are not only unable to pay but are put to
hard shifts for ye maintenance of their owne families & the poore amongst
them. And therefore yor petrs are necessitated to present their condicon
unto y r serious consideracon. Humbly prayinge that they may be freed from
the payment of ye said weekly assessment." * Weymouth Corporation
Records.
226 WEYMOUTH AND THE GREAT CIVIL WAR.
A GHASTLY MURDER.
We now reach a period 17 months after the raising of the
siege ; the townsfolk have pretty well settled, amongst
themselves, their political animosities, are clearing the
narrow streets of the earth and rubbish d: posited during the
war, and are making good the damage done to their houses
and gardens, when they are startled by an extraordinary
story which forms the subject of gossip at every street corner.
Personal narratives connected with sieges in the Civil War
have not frequently come down to us in any detail. I will,
therefore, relate this one. There is a well-known public
passage which leads into New Street, on the South side of
the Pawnbroker's shop in St. Mary Street, Melcombe Regis.
This passage was called, until recently, Blockhouse Lane,
because it led to a square stone-built Elizabethan fort,
facing the bay, called " the Blockhouse." On the site of
the pawnbroker's shop stood, during the Civil War, what is
described in an old record, as " a house of entertainment,"
meaning, of course, an Inn or Public House. It was kept
by a man named John Chiles. We learn that, at the time
of the siege, owing to the perturbed state of the town, the
house " was for the most part full of people day and night."
The excitement which prevails at the time I was speaking
of is in consequence of Chiles having just been arrested on
a charge preferred against him of having, a few days after
the siege, murdered a guest in his house. What stirs the
populace so much is, that this terrible charge has been made
by his own wife. Let us go to the ancient Town Hall in
St. Edmund Street probably an Elizabethan building and
hear the case which is about to be tried by the Borough
Justices. Chiles' wife gives her evidence. She says that a
Trader named William Courtney (who seems to have come
from Taunton Dean) lodged at the house on the Thursday
night after the siege ; that he was a middle-aged man, with
flaxen hair and yellow beard, and wore a short coat ; that he
was accommodated with a pallet of straw, by the bedside of
WEYMOTJTH AND THE GREAT CIVIL WAR. 227
her husband and herself ; that he had with him 300 in a
canvas bag, viz : 52 in silver and the rest in gold ; that
about midnight her husband asked her to agree to the murder
of the trader ; that she replied that she feared to do so, lest
she should be hanged, to which Chiles answered that " it
was noe matter for killinge of a man now t'was a tyme of
warre ; " that her husband then got up, took a hammer,
and struck Courtney twice on the forehead, while asleep ;
that he " thereupon spraled, but spoke not at all ; " that
having cut away his " shorte coate " and part of his other
clothes, she and her husband dragged the corpse down the
stairs (her husband going before and she after), and carried
it into an outhouse ; that her husband then looked into the
street and, not seeing anyone, they together carried the
corpse to some earthworks which had been constructed on
the north side of the Blockhouse, and thence, apparently,
along the shore, to the end of the old jetty or pier (near where
the Custom House on the Quay now stands), and there threw
it into the sea. There was, certainly, an appearance of
truth about all this, because the jetty was the easternmost
part of the quay in those days, and Chiles and his wife would
naturally think that the body would be carried out into the
bay. On their returning home the same way, they were
challenged by the sentry at the Blockhouse, but met with no
other hindrance. This gruesome business occupied an hour
and a half in that dark winter night. When Chiles reached
his home, he, to quote the words of his wife, " strooke fire
and lighted a candle, and told the money in their low room,
on ye bare table which stands by ye window next ye streete,
and laide ye gould by itselfe, and the white mony by itselfe,
and then putt it up agayne into the said bagge," and then
they both went to bed, her husband saying " that that mony
would make them both."
Apparently, Chiles' wife must have been actuated by
extraordinary malice in bringing this accusation against her
husband, so long after the event, especially as by so doing
she, as an accomplice, might have risked her own neck.
228 WEYMOUTH AND THE GREAT CIVIL WAR.
Chiles denied the charge in toto. The body was not
recovered, and, in fact, conflicting evidence was given to
show that Courtney was still alive. The wife's statement,
however, was so circumstantial, that the Justices were
greatly puzzled, and had the case under consideration for
four months. At length, the prisoner was committed to
the Dorset Assizes, for trial. Our curiosity as to the upshot
of this seventeenth century trial cannot be gratified, for no
report appears to be extant. Let us hope that justice was
ultimately done. This was a cause celebre, and the alleged
ghastly murder of the man with the " flaxen hair and yellow
beard " must have been remembered in Weymouth for many
a long year.*
THE FAT CAPTAIN OF HORSE.
We now turn for a moment to an entirely different scene.
Some time after the Civil War had ceased and the townsmen
had quieted down, George Fox, the celebrated founder of
the Quakers, visited Melcombe and held a meeting with the
Quakers, who had become fairly numerous here. He met
with a remarkable man amongst the Parliamentary troops
quartered in the town. Fox speaks of him as a Captain of
Horse. When Fox left the place, they rode together up the
old Ridgeway road to Dorchester, and a very strange pair
they were. Fox says, in his well-known " Journal," f
" This Captain was the fattest, merriest man, the most cheer-
ful and the most given to laughter that ever I met with."
Fox, the grave Quaker, therefore felt bound to admonish
him " to come to sobriety ; " but, at first, to little effect,
for Fox naively adds, " And yet, he would presently laugh
at anything he saw." What a splendid character this fat,
* Weymouth Corporation Record (formerly Sherren Papers), 245, p. 78.
t Journal of George Fox, by \V. Armstead, Vol. 1, 223,
WEYMOUTH AND THE GREAT CIVIL WAR. 229
cheery Captain of Horse would have made in Dickens' hands !
Which character, think you, would you have liked best, the
fat boy in " Pickwick," who was always sleeping, or the
fat Captain in Wey mouth, who was always laughing ? I
believe you would have preferred the merry Captain, who
;< would presently laugh at anything he saw." With this
tribute to his memory, I conclude my Paper.
*tferim "gieport on
at ^laumlmrj)
J>orcester, 1910.
Committee :
H. Colley March, M.D., F.S.A., Chairman.
John E. Aclaud, Hon. Sec., Dorset County Museum, Dorchester .
J. G. N. Clift
R. H. Forster
C. E. Keyser, F.S.A.
R. E. Leader
N. M. Richardson
H. Pentin
J. C Mansel-Pleydell
H. Pouncy
Representing the
British Archaeological
Association.
Representing the
Dorset Field Club.
W. Miles Barnes
H. B. Middlcton
Alfred Pope, F.S.A.
C. S. Prideaux
W. de C. Prideuux
C. W. Whistler
T the request of the Committee of the Maumbury
Rings Excavation Fund, we again introduce
the Report written by Mr. H. St. George
Gray, dealing with the work carried out
in the autumn of 1910, and which lasted
from August 26th to September 24th.
We are glad to say that Mr. Gray has
secured an excellent series of photographs,
and has prepared accurate plans and sections of all the
excavations. We are especially grateful to Mr. C. S.
Prideaux, who provided the camping requisites, lived on
EXCAVATIONS AT MAUMBURY RINGS. 231
the ground, and shared with Mr. Gray the supervision of
the workmen.
The Town Council of Dorchester once again showed their
interest in the proceedings by the loan of hurdles ; Messrs.
Lott and Walne supplied a shepherd's hut for use as an office ;
Mr. Foot, Mr. Slade, and Mr. Feacey assisted by lending
material and appliances, and we gratefully acknowledge
their kind help.
The total receipts for the year amounted to 53 7s. 4d.
and the expenditure to 83 6s. lid. ; but, as there was a
balance to the credit of the fund, brought on from last
year, there is a small sum remaining in hand. Expenses
connected with the preparation of this year's report and its
distribution to subscribers have, however, still to be met.
After three seasons' work, in three successive years, we
propose to make a pause in the course of the excavations, so
that we may give due consideration to the important, and, in
some respects, the unexpected features already revealed,
and have time to decide on any future action that may be
necessary in order to complete the investigations.
Signed on beJialf of the Committee,
H. COLLEY MARCH, Chairman.
JOHN E. ACLAND, Hon. Sec.
December, 1910.
232 EXCAVATIONS AT MAUMBUEY RINGS.
SHORT REPORT
ON THE EXCAVATIONS OF 1910.
By H. ST. GEORGE GRAY.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PLATES ACCOMPANYING
THIS REPORT :
PLATE I. Sketch-plan of Maumbury Rings, based on the plan made by
Mr. J. Feacey previously to the excavations. It is intended to show the
relative position of the cuttings made from 1908 to 1910, but the scale is too
small to attempt to show any of the structural details.
PLATE II. Cutting XIX., N. Entrance, September 15th, 1910. Photograph
taken from the N.N.E., showing the silting of the seventeenth century trench
in section, with its solid chalk floor rising in a southerly direction. The
levelling-rod (depth G'5ft. below the surface) rests on the floor of the Roman
entrance way, which gradually rises in a northerly direction ; the dividing-
wall, also of Roman dat?, is seen to diminish in height towards the north.
PLATE III. Cutting XII. Extension, September 19th, 1910. Photograph
taken from the slope of the terrace on the W.S.W., showing (1) a series of
the quadrangular post-holes at the base of the arena-wall ; (2) the position
of six strut -holes on the top of the wall ; (3) the slope of the terrace on the left-
hand side; (4) the "gangway" between the arena-wall and the "inner
trench " ; (5) the solid arena-floor, and its junction with (6) the prehistoric
shaft, No. IV., partly re-excavated right-hand side of the photograph ; (7)
" the inner trench," between the " gangway " and the shaft, seen in
diminishing proportions as far westwards as its outline is represented by
solid chalk. The rod is extended to a height of 9'5ft.
PLATE IV. Cutting XX., September 21st, 1910. Photograph of the cutting,
taken from the top of the highest part of the western terrace, looking S.S.E.,
giving a general view of the structural features revealed. The solid chalk
wall covers a large part of the right-hand side of the photograph, its end
representing the S.S.W. boundary of the quadrangular enclosure. In the
foreground, a part of the flat platform is recessed into the wall. Between the
wall and platform and the " gangway " the upper margins of three pre-
historic shafts, Nos. V., VI., and VII., are seen ; and beyond, the " inner
trench," the arena-floor, and the group of stones found just above the floor
level. Owing to the necessary tilt of the camera, the view is somewhat distorted.
h
O
>
EXCAVATIONS AT MAUMBURY RINGS. 233
I. INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.
The third season's work has not only strengthened our
knowledge of the details of structural interest exposed during
the excavations of 1908 and 1909, but, as so many new features,
some of minor, some of much greater importance have
been revealed, the exact purposes of which are problematical,
it has given rise to a general expression of opinion that the
work must be continued if this deeply interesting archaeological
investigation is to be of lasting value ; and it is felt that it
should be finished in a manner acceptable to earnest anti-
quaries.
The Committee fully anticipates being in a position to
continue the excavations in the summer of 1912, in which
year the Liverpool Committee for Research in Wales hopes
to renew the exploration of the amphitheatre known as ' ' King
Arthur's Round Table," at Caerleon. The two amphitheatres
differ in an interesting manner, for whereas the formation
of the structural details at Maumbury is the result of the
removal of a large amount of chalk -rock, masonry is the chief
feature prevailing at Caerleon.
Although no vestige of stone walls was in sight at the begin-
ning of the Caerleon excavations, the first cutting made re-
vealed an outer retaining- wall some 5" 5ft. thick, with heavy
external buttres'ses and smaller internal ones, apparently
placed alternately. The inner or arena wall at a lower level,
estimated to have been 7ft. high, was thinner and without
buttresses, and although it has been much plundered, there are
places in which the three courses are still standing. About
35ft. intervened between the two walls, but in this position
no seats have been found. The arena appears to have been
paved with river cobbles, covered with sand some lOin. thick.
The southern entrance, which may have been vaulted, is
about 9ft. wide between massively constructed jambs built
of freestone blocks 4ft. in length. On the east, or north-
east, there is another entrance, apparently with incurved
sides.
234 EXCAVATIONS AT MAUMBURY RINGS.
A comparison of the size of the two amphitheatres will be
interesting. The outside dimensions of the great embankment
at Maumbury are approximately 345ft. on the long axis
(N.N.E. to S.S.W.) and 333ft. transversely. The diameters,
measuring from crest to crest of the embankment, are about
296ft. and 277ft. respectively ; whereas the longer axis of the
Caerleon amphitheatre is about 274ft., and the shorter 226ft.
(measured from the outer -walls). Last year we ascertained
that the length of the oval arena at Maumbury was 196ft.,
measured from the rounding-off of the arena- wall at the
northern entrance to the most southerly point, excluding the
floor of the " den," but coming up to its northern or arena
margin. This measurement included the area covered by the
" inner trench " ; but if that trench at the N. entrance is
excluded the measurement is 192' 5ft. (As yet the inner
trench has not been traced on either side of the den.) It is
doubtful, therefore, if the length of the arena-floor within the
inner trench will reach 190ft. Judging by the excavation of
Cutting XX. this year, on the W. side of the arena, the
transverse axis of the arena-floor, within the inner trench, may
prove to be about 157ft.* The arena at Caerleon is said
to be about 204ft. by 156ft.
As director of the excavations, I had the pleasure of con-
tinuing the work at Maumbury this year from August 26th to
September 24th (the filling-in being completed on October 8th).
The sub-Committee, consisting of Dr. H. Colley March, Captain
J. E. Acland, Mr. C. S. Prideaux, the Rev. C. W. Whistler, and
Mr. W. de C. Prideaux, as last year, rendered me most valuable
support. Their friendly criticism and suggestions were always
helpful, and their assistance in the general organisation of the
investigations and supervision of the workmen was valued by
nobody more than myself. In thanking them all, I should like
* Since this report was written I am informed by Captain Acland that
"it is believed, from a trial cutting made under the eastern bank (after the
director left the excavations, and when the filling-in was in progress) that the
total width of the solid floor is 155ft."
EXCAVATIONS AT MAUMBURY RINGS. 235
to make special reference to Mr. C. S. Prideaux, and it goes
almost without saying that he threw the utmost energy and
enthusiasm into the work, and that in close investigations
requiring extreme care, his assistance was invaluable. As
before, the director has held himself responsible for the re-
cording of the work, the preparation of all the plans, sectional
diagrams and photographs,* and care of the relics. It will be
fitting here also to mention the names of Mr. F. Meade Falkner,
Mr. Clement Reid, F.R.S., Dr. W. Wright, D.SC., F.S.A., Mr.
A. J. Jukes-Browne, F.G.S., and the Rev. Q. W. H. Dicker,
all of whom have kindly rendered help in connection with the
investigations. As before, Mr. Prideaux lent his tents and
camping outfit, and Mrs. St. G. Gray restored the antlers,
human skull (Cutting XVIII.), and other objects. .
In conjunction with this report readers are recommended to
peruse the former reports to enable them to interpret the
full significance of some of the structural details. The rough
sketch-plan (Plate I.) is intended merely to show the outline
of Maumbury Rings and the relative position of the cuttings
already made. The detailed plans, sectional diagrams, and
contoured map are reserved for the full report on the excava-
tions.
During this season our knowledge of the northern or
town ward entrance, the many features in connection with
the boundary of the arena, and the now numerous prehistoric
shafts, has been greatly increased. The discovery of human
skeletons has not only been a source of popular interest, but has
proved of some anthropological importance, the remains
including two skeletons of the Romano-British period and two
of later date. The prehistoric shafts at Maumbury, the exist-
ence of seven now being known, have not only revealed numer-
ous implements of red-deer antler, but their importance has
been the more marked by the discovery of Neolithic pottery at
* Subscribers may see the full series of photographs (19081910) on applying
at the Dorset County Museum.
236 EXCAVATIONS AT MAUMBURY RINGS.
the bottom of one of them. The season's work, too, has
revealed the existence of a second quadrangular enclosure
recessed into the arena-wall on the W.S.W. of somewhat
different character from the so-called " den " on the S.S.W.
The floor at the northern entrance has been found to rise
towards the north, with boundary- walls diminishing in height,
but its limit has not yet been reached. The secondary trench,
or entrance of seventeenth century date (the existence of which
was known in 1908), bordering, and to a certain extent,
mutilating the Roman entrance, has been traced towards the
north, leaving no doubt in our minds of its direction and pur-
pose. It has become evident that, owing to the former exis-
ence of shafts in the rock-chalk, the Romans had to contend
with considerable difficulties in the construction of the arena
floor and its boundary walls in the northern, western, and
southern parts of the amphitheatre (the E. and S.E. limits of
the arena have not yet been examined) . In the N. and N.N.W.
the arena-wall of solid chalk was weak and deficient, and the
"inner trench," for the erection of an inner barrier to the arena,
instead of being hewn out of the virgin chalk, was in places
formed in chalk rubble and rammed chalk over the mouth of a
prehistoric shaft. On the W.N.W. three of these shafts were
interposed between the arena-wall and the inner trench for a
considerable distance.
From levels of the solid chalk floor taken in various places,
it was ascertained that from the W.N.W. side of the arena
(Cutting XX.) to the E.N.E. side (most easterly part of Cutting
II. Extension) the arena floor gradually fell to the extent of
l'25ft., probably for the purpose of draining the floor from W.
to E. The chalk floor in the most northerly cutting of the en-
trance (Cutting XVII.) was found to be 2'25ft. higher than the
arena-floor on the E.N.E., and 1ft. higher than the arena-floor
on the W.N.W. ; and the floor in Cutting XVI., N. entrance,
was practically at the same level as the latter.
As yet, we know nothing with any certainty of the age of the
embankment which encloses the arena, and, before the work
at Maumbury is complete, it will be necessary to make at least
EXCAVATIONS AT MAUMBURY RINGS. 237
one large cutting from the arena-floor through the modern
terrace, above the arena-wall, and through the great embank-
ment to its outer limits.
II. THE NORTHERN ENTRANCE.
(See Cuttings!., II., VII. , VIII. , and IX., Report, 1908 ; and
Cutting XII., Report, 1909.)
This, season's Cuttings XVI., XVII., XVIII., and XIX.,
were made in the area comprising the northern entrance to
the amphitheatre. As will be seen on reference to Plate I.,
they were of the following dimensions : Cutting XVI.,
8ft. by 7ft., on the western side of the entrance ; Cutting
XVIII., 10ft. by 6ft., also on the west ; Cutting XVII., 36ft.
by 6ft., across the outer margin of the structure and at
right angles to the long axis ; and Cutting XIX., 13ft. by 13ft.,
on the eastern side of the entrance and connected with the
southern face of Cutting XVII.
Cutting XVI. was made to trace the continuation of the
western boundary- wall of the entrance. The top of the wall
was reached at a depth of 1ft. from the surface, and the floor
of the Roman entrance at a depth of 5' 7ft. The width of
the entrance on the floor level in this position was 21' 5ft.
The sloping wall had been slightly recessed for the purpose
of cutting a deep hole below the level of the floor for the
erection of a post. This post-hole, No. xxxv., lOin. by 8in.,
was 2' 9ft. deep ; its outline was clearly traced in the rammed
chalk which filled the larger hole. The post-hole contained
a large iron nail, to which traces of wood adhered. Close to
the Roman floor a sharpened bone tool (No. 174) was found
(Fig. 3), similar to a large number of such implements
found in the Somerset Lake- villages.
Cutting XVIII. was also made to trace the western wall of
the entrance and to ascertain the level of the chalk floor.
Part of a Roman tegulum, No. 203, was found at a depth of
238
EXCAVATIONS AT MAUMBURY RINGS.
2'4ft., and two fragments of ornamented Romano-British
pottery, No. 204, depth 3'8ft. The most interesting dis-
covery, however, was a contracted human skeleton found
lying on its left side close against the rock-chalk wall (the
left patella actually touching the wall). The accompanying
sketch, Fig. 1, gives a good idea of its position The inter-
ment was not placed in a cut grave in the solid chalk, neither
Fio. 1. Contracted Human Skeleton, having a Romano-British Pot nonr
the right hand. Found in Cutting XVIII., N. Entrance.
(From a Sketch by the Rev. C. W. Whistler.)
did the skeleton rest upon the solid floor, which was reached at
an average depth of 6" 25ft. below the surface ; it rested on
loose silting about a foot above the Roman entrance-way.
The head, which faced W.N.W., was to the south, the feet to
the N. The skeleton was in sequence with the knees greatly
flexed ; the trunk rested on its back, inclining slightly to the
EXCAVATIONS AT MATJMBURY RINGS. 239
N.W. ; length from crown of skull to the phalanges of the left
foot, 4- 1ft.
In uncovering the bones a large number of small flint flakes
were observed, about seventy examples being preserved.
But the most interesting object found with the skeleton was
the greater part of a small Romano-British vase (No. 205)
discovered in some fifty fragments, almost touching the right
hand ; height 4|in., diameter at rim 3fin., blackish-brown
colour. It bears slight traces of the burnished lattice
pattern, and in form is precisely similar to common vessels
found in the Rotherley village.*
The skeleton is that of a male of middle age, and I am
informed by Dr. Wright, who has examined the bones, that
they " abundantly testify that they belonged to an unusually
muscular subject, this statement being based upon (1) the
rough impressions which the bones bear for muscular attach-
ments, and (2) the muscular curving and twisting of the
shafts of the bones."
My measurements of the skeleton show that the individual
was dolichocephalic, or long-headed, with a cephalic index of
73'9, and that his stature was about 5ft. 7'3in. The mean
stature of the tallest men from the three Romano-British
villages excavated by General Pitt-Rivers was 5ft. 7' Tin.
The Maumbury man had extremely short upper arms, es-
pecially the left ; the right fore-arm on the other hand was
abnormally long. The shortness of the right upper-arm
was made up for by the great length of the fore-arm. Unfor-
tunately the remains of the left fore-arm are insufficient to
decide whether its length compensated for the extreme
shortness of the upper-arm.
Cutting XVII. was made at right angles to the long axis of
Maumbury and just outside the great gap in the embankment
on the N.N.E. (See Plate I.) Its purpose was to ascertain
whether the entrance-way into the amphitheatre, cut out of
* " Excavations in Cranborne Chase," II., PI. cviii., Figs, 2, 3, 4,
240
EXCAVATIONS AT MAUMBURY RINGS.
the solid chalk, extended further towards the town, and if so
whether the same level of the chalk floor was maintained.
The limit of the entrance was not reached, and there was a
decided rise towards the N. in the level of the floor.
The excavation revealed the western chalk wall in diminished
proportions, at the base of which, cut into the chalk floor, was a
grave containing a small contracted skeleton, probably female,
in a bad state of preservation. (Fig. 2.) The grave was of an
FIG. 2 Contracted Human Skeleton, Romano-British. Found in
Cutting XVII., N. Entrance.
(From a Sketch by the Rev. C. W. Whistler.)
irregular oval form, 4' 3ft. by 2'3ft., its line being true N. and S.,
and therefore not parallel to the line of the entrance-way ;
it was quite shallow as far as the solid chalk is concerned,
0'9ft. deep at the N., and 0'35ft. at the S. The skull was
EXCAVATIONS AT MAUMBUEY RINGS. 241
0'4ft. from the S. end of the grave, the feet touching the N.
margin. The skull, which was much shattered, faced E.N.E. ;
it was 5" 5ft. deep, and this was also the average depth of the
floor beneath the surface. The bones were in sequence.
According to the measurement of long-bones made in the
ground, the estimated stature works out as 4ft. 7'65in.
Associated with the skeleton, which no doubt belongs to the
Romano-British period, were two small well-struck flint
flakes and part of the jaw of a young pig found at the back
of the human skull.
A burnt dupondius of Claudius I., A.D. 41-54 (No. 202),
was found within 2in. of the chalk floor and only 3' 5ft. from
the S. margin of the grave. It is of similar type to the coin
of Claudius found on the floor in Cutting II., 1908.* A
" third brass " coin, unidentifiable (No. 190), was uncovered
at a depth of T4ft.
At the E. end of the cutting somewhat unexpected struc-
tural details revealed themselves, and there were clear trace
of former digging no doubt indications of the excavations
made by Mr. Alfred Pope and the Dorchester Town Council
in 1879, when search was made for the large stone supposed
to have been buried in the entrance. f The 1879 digging,
which happily does not appear to have penetrated rock-
chalk, extended beyond Cutting XVII. into Cutting XIX.
The " finds " we made here consisted only of modern shards.
The solid chalk was reached at a greater depth at the E. end
of the cutting, the width of the Roman floor, on the west,
ceasing at 18'3ft. from the foot of the W. boundary wall.
Cutting XIX. .was on the E. side of the entrance and
connected with the S. margin of Cutting XVII. (See Plate I.).
No relics of importance were found here, beyond a few shards
of glazed pottery referable to the seventeenth century, a
leaden bullet, a small iron cannon-ball (No. 206), depth T3ft.,
* Report, 1908, p. 12. Proc. Dor. Field Club, XXIX.. 20(i.
t Proc. Dor. Field Club, VII., 67 ; XXI.. 107.
242 EXCAVATIONS AT MAUMBURY RINGS.
and a piece of human parietal bone (No. 208), depth 1'Dft.,
the two latter close against the E. wall, which at the N. end
stood at an angle of 85. All the silting was cleared out
down to the solid chalk, and a most interesting succession of
strata, revealing the outline and deposits of a secondary
trench, presented itself along the S. face of the cutting, as
seen in Plate II. This ditch, which is no doubt of the
Civil War period, was first met with in Cutting I., 1008,*
and traced in diminishing proportions towards the arena in
Cutting IX. But at the S. margin of Cutting XIX. it
was found to be deeper and wider, viz., 4'8ft. deep, ll'4ft.
wide at top (below surface mould), and 6ft. at bottom ; at
the N. margin of Cutting XVII. the depth increased to 7ft.
It was noticed that the eastern chalk wall was hewn to a
smoother face than elsewhere in the amphitheatre, denoting,
as proved on other grounds, a different and later date.
On reference to Plate II. it is seen that there is no great
difference in level (only T5ft.) between the bottom of the
seventeenth century trench and the floor of the Roman
entrance. The further we went northwards the more the
chalk bottom of the modern trench declined, and the more
the Roman floor rose ; but the trench ran down at a slightly
steeper pitch than the Roman floor rose.
As the Roman boundary-wall in this cutting extended
northwards, so it diminished in height, till the level of the
receding floor of the late trench and that of the rising Roman
floor were precisely the same ; and it will be obvious that on
going still further northwards, the Roman wall ceased
(although it undoubtedly existed previously to the Civil
Wars), while the bottom of the late trench was not only bounded
by a high chalk wall on the E., but also by a slight wall in-
creasing in height, on its western limits.
The rise in the Roman floor from the S. margin of this
cutting to the N. margin of Cutting XVII. was 0'8ft.
* Report, 1908, pp. 7-8. Proc, Dor. Field Club, XXIX., 201-2.
EXCAVATIONS AT MAUMBURY RINGS. 243
III. CUTTING II. EXTENSION.
This cutting was made as a southern continuation of
Cutting II., 1908,* in order to examine the arena just beyond
the N. entrance, and to follow the arena- wall and inner
trench toward the E.S.E. The area examined measured
40ft. E. and W. by 10ft. N. and S. (Plate I.).
The arena-floor in the middle and western part of the cutting
was reached at an average depth of 5'5ft. ; it was well pre-
served and even, falling in an easterly direction to the extent
of 0'25ft. in the length of the cutting. In one place it was
found to be covered to a depth of 0'25ft., with a deposit of
sandy loam.
On the arena-floor, or just above it, the following objects
were found : No. 178, fragment of red Samian pottery
(Fig. 4) ; No. 179, iron spear-head with split socket, having
a blade (bent) of narrow leaf-shaped outline (Fig. 3)f ; No.
182, temporal bone of a human skull ; No. 183, blade and part
of the tang of a single-edged iron knife, length 4'18in. (Fig.
3) ; No. 184, bronze pin with slender stem and large solid
spherical head, having in places an emerald-green coloured
patination (Fig. 5 )| ; No. 186, half an armlet of Kimmeridge
shale, lathe-turned (Fig. 4) ; No. 193, an open-work bronze
object, perhaps a belt or girdle ornament, or fastening, well
patinated, broken off at the smaller end, and bent (Fig. 5) ;
and a piece of Roman tegulum.
The rock-chalk arena- wall met with at the E. end was per-
haps the best preserved and most imposing part exposed
(height 7 1 75ft. above the bottom of the trench at its foot).
* Report, 1908, pp. 10-13. Proc. Dor. Field Club, XXIX., 204-7.
t An iron javelin-head was found at Maumbury in 1908. Report, 1908,
p. 14. Proc. Dor. Field Club, XXIX., 268.
% It is extremely top-heavy, and would therefore be unsuitable for decorating
the person.
Such objects are found commonly among Roman remains in Dorset and
elsewhere, and also in the lake villages of Somerset,
244
EXCAVATIONS AT MAUMBURY RINGS.
In the rammed chalk in its basal trench five rectangular
post-holes (Nos. xxxvi. to xl.) were clearly traced, varying
much in size (average sides 6in.) ; the spaces between them
averaged 3ft. No. xl. contained a small piece of wood,
174
183
Fro 3. Relics found at Maumbury Rings, 1910.
174. Bone Tool. 179. Iron Spear-head.
183. Iron Knife. 181, 231. Iron Cleats.
(From Drairinys by Mr, Ernest SprankJini/.)
EXCAVATIONS AT MAUMBURY RINGS. 245
which, however, cannot be identified with certainty. The
puddled and rammed chalk here was exceedingly hard and
more difficult to remove than any of the rock-chalk near by.
In it was found a fragment of red Samian pottery (No. 194).
The gangway, or passage, between this trench and the inner
trench was about 2ft. wide, and was fairly even in all but
the S.E. part, where, for a length of 6ft., the chalk was rugged,
and left at a level equal to, or even higher, than the arena-
floor.* The smooth part of the gangway was O7ft. lower
than the nearest part of the arena-floor. Over it several
fragments of Romano-British pottery (No. 185) were found,
and at a depth of 4 - 2ft. below the surface an iron cleat
(No. 181) was uncovered (Fig. 3). Its use as portion of
the iron furniture of sandals, or shoe leather, is proved by the
discovery of specimens with a quantity of hob -nails at the feet
of skeletons at Rotherley and Bokerly Dyke. A specimen was
also found on the old surface line under the rampart of the
Wansdyke in N. Wilts, f and others have been found at
Silchester, &c.
The inner trench which was previously traced for some
distance in Cutting XII., 1909, J was very clearly defined in
this cutting, extending from the large smooth-sided circular
pit containing Post-hole No. ix. to the extreme E.S.E. corner
of the digging. It varied in width at top from T7ft. to 2'2ft. ;
at bottom from O7ft. to l'5ft. It was about l'2ft. deep below
the gangway and from T8ft. to 2'4ft. below the arena-floor.
This part of the inner trench differed from other parts
(Cuttings XII. and XX.) in having no ledge, or step, on its
outer side, but the filling consisted of chalk rubble along the
outer half and mixed mould and fine chalk along the inner
side. In two places post-holes (Nos. xli. and xlii.) were
distinctly traced in the trench, the bottom of the holes
* The reason for this cannot be determined unless the cutting is extended
further southwards.
t " Excavations in Cranborne Chase " II., 190 ; III., 102, 106, 129, 270, &c.
t Report, 1909, pp. 9-10. Proc. Dor. Field Club, XXX., 221-2.
246 EXCAVATIONS AT MAUMBURY RINGS.
slightly penetrating the rock-chalk bed.* Very few objects
were found in this trench ; they consisted of a few scraps of
iron, including some nails, a piece of New Forest ware,
small fragments of Romano-British pottery, and part of the
base of a red Samian bowl (No. 189), bearing the maker's
mark OF. SEVER I. Severus was a potter of La Graufe-
senque about A.D. 50-60.
An entirely new structural feature was met with here,
which has given rise to some discussion. I refer to the rough,
shallow, flat-bottomed gutter connecting one oval and three
oblong pits, the centres of which were 5'5ft. apart. This
row of holes, which was on the curve, was on the arena side
of the inner trench, to which it did not run quite parallel.
The nearer margins of the two trenches on the east were
separated to the extent of T75ft., but they met on the west
at a distance of 16' 7ft. E. of the long axis line ; and the
westerly oblong pit was recessed into the inner wall of the
inner trench. All the pits were about T9ft. deep below the
arena-floor ; the oval pit was 2' 1ft. by T8ft. at the top
and the oblong pits averaged 2'25ft. by T25ft. Nothing
was found in any of these holes, and no traces of the former
existence of posts, as would be expected, had posts ever been
permanently fixed in this position. The holes may continue
in a S.E. direction, but the point could not be determined
this season. It is uncertain, therefore, whether this line of
holes was constructed at the same time as the inner trench,
or whether it existed previously ; in support of the latter
view it is seen that the inner trench unites with the northern
side of the most westerly of the oblong pits.f
* In one or two places in the trench traces of a buff-coloured substance were
observed, which Mr. Jukes-Browne thinks very possibly may be burnt chalk.
Over the inner trench in the E.S.E. corner of the digging traces of charcoal were
noticed.
t It has been suggested that these pits may have contained the bases of
posts or columns for the support of a velarium in this part of the
amphitheatre.
EXCAVATIONS AT MAUMBURY RINGS.
IV. CUTTING XII. EXTENSION.
247
In the first place, this cutting was pegged out on the W.
side of the long axis to correspond with Cutting II. Extension,
to the W. end of which it joined, and the excavation was begun
for the purpose of tracing the inner trench and examining
the border of the arena-floor. (See Plate I.)
214
224
FIG. 4. Relics found at Maumbury Ring*, 1910.
175. Bead formed from a Fossil Hydrozooii.
186. Part of an Armlet of Kimmeridge Shale.
214. Red Samian Ware. 224. Bone Pin.
(From Drawings by Mr. Ernest Sprankling.)
The floor (average depth 5' 5ft. below the surface) was
found to be well preserved and fairly even up to a point
20ft. along the S. margin from its junction with Cutting II.
248 EXCAVATIONS AT MAUMBURY RINGS.
Extension ; but transversely the arena-floor in this position
was found to fall from W. to E. to the extent of O'Gft. in a
length of 20ft.
The inner trench running obliquely across the western
end of the cutting had the usual ledge, or step, along its
outer margin, which supported rammed chalk, leaving a
width of 1ft. for the trench proper.
On or near the level of the arena-floor a " third brass "
coin of Tetricus L, A.D. 267-273 (No. 171), and a British
imitation coin, IV. Century (No. 172), were found ; also a
few fragments of pottery of the Roman period, including a
piece of red Samian (No. 173). At a depth of 4.8ft., a globular
bead (No. 175), formed from a fossil hydrozoon, Phosplwera
globularis, was discovered (Fig. 4). On the floor and just
over it ten iron nails were collected. The usual " shingle "
was also observed ; it contained a large proportion of small
water -w r orn fragments of quartz.
At 20ft. to the W.N.W. of the E. end of the cutting the
Roman floor was no longer formed of solid chalk ; conse-
quently we decided to extend the digging in a W.S.W.
direction, the whole cutting in a straight line attaining a
maximum length of 73ft., bringing the work practically up
to the margin of Cutting X., 1908 (through the prehistoric
shaft No. I., the terrace, and up the great embankment to its
crest).
In this large area a number of interesting features became
involved (see Plate III.), and we saw nothing more of a solid
chalk arena, as the N. margin of an immense shaft (No. IV.)
extended for a length of 49ft. to the W.S.W. end of the cutting,
where, however, it did not terminate. The solid arena-wall
also proved of interest, as it was more irregular here than
elsewhere, and gradually diminished in size towards the
W.S.W. In this excavation, too, the inner trench cut into
solid chalk gradually disappeared as we proceeded, but its
line was most clearly defined in the rammed chalk deposit
over the mouth of the great shaft. The solid chalk gangway,
or intermural space, between the arena-wall and the inner
EXCAVATIONS AT MAUMBURY RINGS. 249
trench, also diminished in size as our digging progressed, on
account of the position of the shaft.
Bearing in mind the enormous amount of labour that would
be entailed in clearing out the shaft and the limited time at our
disposal, it was decided not to attempt its complete re-
excavation, but we followed its N. margin down .to a depth
of 9'6ft. below the surface. The sides exposed were far
from steep, shelving away at an angle of only 27 (Plate III).
A large number of flint flakes, some very large, of Neolithic
type, were found below the Roman level, but no antler
tools were discovered. We were rather reluctant to leave the
mouth of this great shaft, but its re-excavation was not the
primary purpose of our researches at Maumbury.
In tracing the inner trench westwards it was found that its
inner edge and the margin of the shaft united, and still further
west the trench became more feebly represented by rock-
chalk (Plate III.). Ultimately the deepest part of the trench
no longer had a solid bottom ; and as far as solid chalk was
concerned, it ceased to exist ; but the Romans, finding this soft
place made the best of the difficulty, as we shall show later on.
The trench in this part contained seven iron nails and two
pieces of Romano-British pottery.
Returning to the N.E. end of the shaft, an interesting
structural feature was noticed close to its mouth and its
sloping side, viz., a smooth-sided hole, semi-circular in outline,
and having an even and flat bottom (Plate III.). Its N.
margin was within 0'25ft. of the outer edge of the inner trench,
the cutting of the latter by the Romans not having disturbed it,
It contained a very fine deposit of marly chalk and about
sixty well-struck flint flakes. It was quite evident (1) that
the hole was once circular (diam. 2'2ft.), with sides almost
vertical, and (2) that it had been sliced through obliquely
at the time the shaft was sunk. No doubt it belongs, like
the shaft, to the Neolithic period, but in point of years (or
months) it was certainly anterior to the shaft itself. Nothing
earlier in date than this circular flat-bottomed hole has been
revealed at Maumbury.
250 EXCAVATIONS AT MAUMBUBY KINGS.
Over the prehistoric shaft the deposits were of the same
general character as elsewhere. On the level of the Roman
floor, or just above it, a slender piece of iron, perhaps a
stylus (No. 200), and part of the blade of an iron knife (No. 201),
were found ; also part of a slender armlet of Kimmeridge
shale (No. 195), and a canine tooth of horse (No. 197), with a
natural perforation at the root, and near that end a hole
bored laterally meeting the other perforation an object
probably worn by suspension as an ornament. Two frag-
mentary human bones were also discovered on the floor level,
viz., the upper left maxillary bone (No. 196), and a piece of
parietal bone of skull (No. 226). Pottery of the Roman
period was also collected.
At an average depth of 5'7ft. below the surface on the S.
margin of the cutting, the Roman floor level was met with ;
it consisted of rammed chalk and appeared to have been
repaired from time to time, owing to the gradual but slow
subsidence of the loose chalk rubble in the mouth of the shaft.
A number of fragments of pottery (Nos. 198 and 199), much of
which was hand-made, but all apparently referable to the
Romano-British period, together with remains of ox, horse,
sheep, and dog, were found here, some scattered on the floor
level ; but the greater number of the relics were slightly
deeper both in and immediately below the rammed chalk
and they appear to have been deposited at the time the
Romans were constructing their amphitheatre.
At the W.S.W. end, just inside the margin of the shaft
but within the true width of the Roman gangway, two circular
holes, presumably for posts, were discovered 5ft. apart ;
both of them were 0'55ft. in diameter ; one extended to a
depth of T4ft. below the gangway, where its diameter was only
0'25ft. Here, then, we have evidence of round posts with
tapering bases. One circular hole was previously found over
Shaft III. in front of the " den " (1909).
We must now revert to the inner trench, the outline of
which we have already traced from the solid to the rammed
chalk over the shaft. The outer ledge of the trench ceased
EXCAVATIONS AT MAUMBURY RINGS. 251
when the mouth of the shaft was approached, and after this
the inner trench was no longer complex, but assumed a simple
outline in the rammed chalk, depth 2ft., width at top l'6ft., at
bottom 0'7ft. An interesting feature revealed itself here,
and less definitely in one or two other places near by, viz.,
the outline of a decayed barrier (O35ft. thick) in the inner
trench, the packing on either side consisting of a marly chalk
intermixed with a little mould. These deposits are well
shown in a sectional diagram which will be published hereafter.
The gangway was also defaced by the presence of the shaft,
but the deficiencies in solid chalk were made up by the usual
packing. Its level was very little lower than the adjacent
arena-floor.
Here, the arena- wall was of a less imposing character
than elsewhere, and its line was decidedly sinuous. There
appeared to be some defect in the formation of the rock-
chalk in this, the N.N.W. part of the amphitheatre, and it
should be observed that the stratification of the chalk dipped
to the S.S.E. The height of the wall, which was about 6ft.
above the gangway in Cutting XII. (1909), diminished to
about 5ft. at the N.E. end of the new cutting ; in the middle
it was little more than 4ft. high and further S.W. only 2 '7ft.
At the end of the cutting its height was still less, but the top
was somewhat raised by means of rammed chalk. The lower
face of the wall was practically straight, leaning northwards, at
an angle of 76, the upper part, to the back of the strut-
holes (described below), being at an angle of 18. From the
latter point to the virgin chalk level under the foot of the great
embankment, the arena- wall proper was capped by solid
chalk, the face of which leaned at an angle of 38 towards the
N. The natural level of the chalk was found to be 8'4ft.
higher than the gangway, and the old surface line under the
embankment, which was very clearly defined as dark brown
soil, was 10' 7ft. above the gangway at the foot of the arena-
wall.
At the top of the wall where it sloped at an angle of 18
a series of six peculiar transverse grooves, or notches, were
252 EXCAVATIONS AT MAUMBURY RINGS.
traced at an average distance of 5' 3ft. apart. All of them
could not be traced to their termination, but two at least
had oval enlargements on the N., running out in diminished
proportions towards the edge of the arena-wall. Tentatively,
we regard these slots as strut-holes, and the oval enlargements
as mortise-holes. It is probable that, as the inner trench in
this part of the amphitheatre was so weak structurally,
it was found necessary to support the inner barrier by means of
struts or strong cross-beams of timber, fixed in the dove-tailed
mortise -holes. The outer barrier following the face of the
arena-wall may also have been supported by struts, and the
same supports may have connected the inner and the outer
barriers.*
It was in examining Strut-hole iv., the most carefully formed
of the series, that two human skeletons were discovered lying
across the enlarged oval end of the notch, the shoulders and
legs resting on the solid chalk wall on its E. and W. margins
respectively, the pelves coming over the central part of the
hole. The skeletons, which were photographed from a staging
specially erected for the purpose, were fully extended on their
backs and were laid out as nearly as possible E. and W. The
smaller skeleton, No. 1, was on the inner, or S. side ; No. 2, the
larger, being on the N. Some of the cervical vertebrae of
No. 1 were found in sequence, but there was no trace of the
skull. The skull of No. 2 was much crushed, but it appeared
to be facing S. or S.S.E. Before the filling-in began search was
made for the missing skull at the feet of the skeleton, but
without success. Only half-an-inch divided the pelves of
the two bodies, and the upper arms almost touched. The
right tibia of No. 2 crossed the left tibia of No. 1. The
perfect long-bones were carefully measured, and by one of
Rollet's formulae the estimated stature of both has been
* Some double walls built of large blocks of stone, found in the Palace of
Knossos, were joined by strong cross-beams of timber fixed in mortise-holes,
the intramural space being filled with rubble. " The Palaces of Crete and their
Builders," by Angelo Mosso, 1907, p. 127.
EXCAVATIONS AT MAUMBTJRY RINGS. 253
obtained, No. 1 being approximately 5ft. 9in., and No. 2,
6ft. Sin.
In relation to the old turf line under the terrace, which
gradually rises towards the great embankment, the vertebral
column of skeleton No. 1 was only 2in. below the surface, and
the legs of both skeletons were Gin. deep ; the top of the
remaining skull practically reached the surface of the old
turf. Above the skeletons, chiefly over the legs and feet,
and within 2in. of the old surface, a number of fragments of
slate were found (which Mr. Clement Reid says is not
Delabole, but thinks it could be matched exactly in some
"of the quarries near the River Camel, a few miles above
Padstow) ; also the stem and ward of an iron key, presum-
ably of fifteenth-sixteenth century date, and what appear to
be part of the beam of a small iron steelyard. A small iron
clasp-knife (apparently sixteenth-seventeenth century) was
found over the right tibia of skeleton No. 1, and about
l|in. below the surface of the old turf.
It is evident, therefore, that although these skeletons are
of comparatively late date, judging from their position and
the associated relics, they were deposited in this position
before the terrace was thrown up, i.e., before the middle of
the seventeenth century.*
We have yet to mention the line of rectangular post-holes at
the foot of the arena-wall, which, for the most part, was left
undisturbed ; but a few of them were dug out to reveal the
outline of the trench cut into the solid rock-chalk to receive
them ; it was about T2ft. wide at top and I 1 5ft. deep. The
* Slate was used in the locality of its origin before Christ, British graves
having been found lined with irregular slabs of slate. It is not known, however,
when slates were first exported from Cornwall, but no doubt before the seven-
teenth century. Richard Carew in "The Survey of Cornwall." 1002 (p. 6),
says : " This slate is in substance thinne, in colour faire, in waight light,
in lasting strong, and generally carrieth so good regard, as (besides the supplie
for home provision ) great store is yeerely conveied by shipping both to other
parts of the Realme, and also beyond tho Seas, into Britajne and Netherland."
254 EXCAVATIONS AT MAUMBURY RINGS.
posts (Nos. xliii. to lix.) were extremely irregular in position
and size, varying from Gin. by 7in. to 12in. by 12in. Those
at the ends were about 3' 15ft. apart. Those in the middle
area were in close order, no less than eight being included in a
length of 10' 8ft., and they were opposite the position where
the inner trench was gradually changing from a trench having
a solid chalk profile to one formed in rammed chalk. The only
relics gathered from these holes were two pieces of Romano-
British pottery and three iron nails (two bearing traces of
wood adhering to the stems).
In the material forming the seventeenth century terrace
and on the old surface below it, a number of glazed shards
of the period were collected. But of much more importance
was the finding of a coin (No. 192) in the old turf under the
slope of the terrace, a discovery which greatly strengthened
our former evidence of the late date of the internal terraces at
Maumbury. This coin was a well-preserved specimen of a
hammered threepence of Queen Elizabeth, struck at the
Tower Mint, London, and bearing the rather rare date 1564
(Fig. 5). A photograph was specially taken to show its
position ; it must have been in the turf when the terrace was
thrown up.
V. CUTTING XX.
ROMAN AND LATER.
This cutting was made on the western margin of the arena
through the highest part of the modern terrace (Plate I.).
The area was not rectangular, but its four sides all measured
30ft. in length. The N. margin was on the transverse (W.N.W.
E.S.E.) axis of the amphitheatre, the E.N.E. corner of the
cutting being 75'5ft. from the central picket of the arena.
The slope of the terrace was steep here (angle 30), and a large
amount of labour was expended in clearing away the many
tons of material from the old surface on which the terrace had
been raised. This old turf line (0-65ft. thick) was very
EXCAVATIONS AT MAUMBTJRY RINGS. 255
clearly defined, and is well seen in the photograph (Plate IV.).
In the terrace material no relics were found except glazed
pottery and a leaden bullet.
The first thing of structural interest to reveal itself was the
solid arena-wall, which was reached at a vertical depth of 7ft.
in the W.S.W. corner of the cutting. In following the wall
downwards, it was found to be very irregular in outline and of
large proportions, its height proving to be about 8'25ft.
above the arena-floor. Near its top, two shallow semi-circular
recesses were cleared, which bore some resemblance to the
strut-holes in Cutting XII. Extension. At a lower level,
on a prominent angle of the wall, a puddled white patch was
noticed, which Mr. Jukes-Browne thinks is a natural deposit,
probably tufa, i.e., carbonate of lime formed by the evapora-
tion of hard water.
At a greater depth the face of the wall was covered to a great
thickness by large chalk rubble silting, and as no solid chalk was
reached at the level at which the arena-floor would be expected,
it soon appeared obvious that we had to deal with one or more
shafts sunk in the rock-chalk, indeed a dividing-ridge between
two shafts was subsequently found.
Proceeding to clear the N. quarter of the cutting we dis
covered a large area deeply recessed into the solid chalk wall.
Having removed a large amount of mixed silting, followed by
chalk rubble, a solid platform was exposed, bounded on the
W.N.W. by a clean-cut chalk wall practically vertical in the
lower 4ft., and on the S.S.W. by a leaning return wall diminsh-
ing in height from W. to E. in conformity with the contour of
the arena- wall (already described), its face being broken
by a deep recess into the solid chalk (Plate IV.). The E.S.E.
of the enclosure was open towards the arena, its border
being very irregular, owing to the presence, as we afterwards
found, of the mouths of one or two shafts, and the consequent
disturbance of the rock-chalk in this position. With regard to
the N.N.E. extent of the cutting it was found that it did not
represent the N. limit of the platform by probably many feet,
and it is to be regretted that it was impossible to extend the
256 EXCAVATIONS AT MAUMBURY RINGS.
digging this season in the direction required. The level
area uncovered was 12ft. long by 10-Sft. at the widest
part.
It is an interesting fact that this enclosure was l'15ft.
higher than the nearest part of the arena-floor and T85ft.
higher than the so-called gangway in this cutting. Its surface
was smooth and well worn, as if by constant treading. The
only relics found in clearing the silt here were part of a globular
bowl of Romano-British pottery (No. 225), an iron ring
(No. 220), 2|in. in diameter, and a " third brass " coin of
Tacitus, A. D. 275-6 (No. 217), tinned and finely preserved, with
mint mark CA struck probably at Arelatum (Fig. 5).
In a line from S.S.W. to N.N.E., towards the front of the
platform and about 6'5ft. from the W.N.W. wall, three holes
were found in the floor about 3ft. apart. They varied very
much in size and shape, the most southerly (that seen in Plate
IV.) being the largest, T75ft. by l'4ft. at top, and l'25ft. deep ;
in it a tail-bone of fox was found.
Along the base of the S.S.W. return wall a trench was cut in
the solid chalk extending from the W.N.W. wall for a distance
of 6'6ft., i.e., up to the line of the three holes above mentioned.
At both ends it was deepened (max. depth 2ft.), presumably to
form socket holes for two posts ; all these features are well
shown in the drawings of details. The object of these posts
is not clear, unless they were intended to carry a hoarding,
which hardly seems likely, as it would obscure the deep
recess penetrating the end wall (Plate IV.). The flat base of
the recess, irregular in plan, did not extend to the level of the
platform by about 2ft. The sides (max. height 3- 7ft.) were
smooth, and in one place in particular, long vertical tool-
marks were observed, of which a cast was taken. Half-way
down the recess a large iron nail and a fragment of Romano-
British pottery with bead rim (No. 218) were found ; and in
the mixed silting in front of the recess and over the trench
a bronze brooch (No. 216), in a good state of preservation,
was discovered (Fig. 5). It is of the La Tene III. type, of
a form found at Winterborne Kingston (Dorset County
EXCAVATIONS AT MAUMBURY RINGS.
257
Museum, No. 156), and in the Romano-British villages
excavated by General Pitt-Rivers.
FIG. 5. Relics found at Maumbury Rings, 1910.
184. Bronze Pin.
192. Hammered Threepence of Elizabeth, 1564 (reverse aide).
103. Bronze Ornament (shown bent as found, and also in its original
condition).
216. Bronze Fibula, of La Tene III. type.
217. Bronze Coin (tinned) of Tacitus, A.D. 275-6.
(From Drawings by Mr. Ernest Sprankling.)
The walling on either side of the recess, owing to the line of
stratification of the chalk, presented a very rough surface.
258 EXCAVATIONS AT MATJMBURY RINGS.
Close inspection revealed some artificial scoring of the E. side
of the recess ; and on the W. side, close to the top, a star, thus
* , the rays about fin. across, was distinctly scored ; near it
again a number of meaningless vertical and oblique lines,
and also XI in characters fin. high. Casts of each of these
features were taken. These signs appear to have been
scratched with a knife or sharp flint, much in the way that a
boy will cut marks in any long exposed face of chalk at
the present day.
In front of the S.S.W. part of the platform a circular
post-hole pierced the solid sloping side of what appeared to be
the top of a shaft, to the extent of l'2ft., and it was 0'4ft.
in diameter on the face of the rock. In removing the silting
across the cutting, N.E. to S.W., the outline of nine other
circular post-holes was clearly traced, but nothing of archaeo-
logical value was found in either of them ; they varied
from Sin. to Gin. in diameter. In clearing the top of one of
them against the base of the wall, another iron cleat (No. 231)
was discovered (Fig. 3).
Very few relics were found in clearing out the rubble, but
pottery of the Romano-British period, including fragments of
British type and three pieces of red Samian ware, were col-
lected ; also eleven iron nails. Just above the chalk rubble,
in mixed silting, a bone pin (No. 224, Fig. 4), and part of a
human thigh-bone (No. 228) were found.
In one large patch in the E.N.E. part of the cutting, in chalk
rubble and apparently just below the Roman deposits, a
quantity of wood was found, upon which Mr. Reid reports as
follows : " This wood is oak, blackened as fossil oak usually is,
but I do not think charred ; at any rate, it is not well
burnt charcoal."
Having removed the Roman deposits across the middle of
the cutting, we proceeded to ascertain the nature and extent
of the arena-floor and inner trench at the foot of the
seventeenth century terrace.
The gangway, a ridge of chalk with flat top, but of irregular
outline on the W., owing to the existence of the shafts,
EXCAVATIONS AT MATJMBURY RINGS. 259
extended across the cutting from N.N.E. to S.S.W., and
suddenly terminated at its junction with Shaft V. From
the latter point towards the S.S.W. a clearly defined trench
was observed in the chalk rubble, filled with mould ; it was
2'2ft. deep below the level of the gangway, and 1'Sft. wide
at the top. It is seen in section in the end face of the
cutting, Plate IV. In it, Romano-British pottery and a
small piece of bronze bordering (No. 230) were found.
Along the E. edge of the digging the solid arena-floor was
reached, at a depth of 3'2ft. below the surface, bounded by the
inner trench which proved to be even more complicated in
design than elsewhere. It had a ledge, or step, on either side,
the outer one being at a lower level than the inner. The bottom
of the trench, which was not straight, was at an average depth
of 2 1 75ft. below the arena-floor ; its width at top varied
from 3*2ft. to 4'5ft., and at the edge of the steps from 1ft. to
I'Oft. Along its bottom was a series of oval holes, the centres
averaging 5ft. apart. The two N. ones were very shallow,
but the two at the S. were deeper, while the middle hole, 2' 7ft.
by 1'Sft., was much larger than any of the others, and en-
croached considerably upon the outer step. The former
existence of posts in these depressions was not proved.
Another peculiar feature was a couple of holes, 6ft. apart,
recessed into the inner step of the trench, somewhat similar
in character to the three oblong holes in Cutting II. Extension,
although there is no proof that they served a similar purpose.
Two square post-holes were also found here, one of which
penetrated the solid chalk of the inner step (seen in Plate IV.).
In the filling of the inner trench a piece of pointed iron (No.
237) was found ; a large flint hammer-stone (No. 240), bearing
traces of prolonged use, resting on the bottom ; and over the
outer step fragments of a Romano-British pottery vessel
with a handle and traces of the plug for attachment.
Just above the arena-floor on the E. a group of four stones
was discovered ; one was large, having sides measuring from
14|in. to 16in. ; its top was l'4ft. above the floor. Two
other stones, one above the other, were at a short distance to
260 EXCAVATIONS AT MAUMBURY RINGS.
the W.S.W., resting on loose material just over the inner step
of the trench (Plate IV.). Round the largest stone were
found numbers of small shells (see chap, vii.) and tiny frag-
ments of red pottery ; also a few larger pieces of Romano-
British pottery, and a large piece of bronze bordering (No.
222). As the largest stone hardly touched the arena-floor
and the others were at least 7in. above it, it seems probable
that they came into that position soon after the abandon-
ment of Maumbury as an amphitheatre.
VI. CUTTING XX.
PREHISTORIC SHAFTS.
Having fully exposed all the Roman features presented
by this great cutting, we turned our attention to an examina-
tion of the mouths of the three prehistoric shafts (Nos. V.,
VI., and VII.), situated between the walling on the W. and
the arena on the E. (Plate IV.).
We decided not to go to a great depth with Shaft V., as only
a part of its mouth came within the bounds of the cutting at
the S.W. end ; chalk rubble to a depth of 8'5ft. below the
old turf line under the terrace was removed, and large
numbers of white flint flakes of Neolithic type were found.
At from 6ft. to 6 - 5ft. deep, a red-deer tine (No. 227), a much
weathered antler pick (No. 229), and remains of pig and ox
were uncovered ; and on the W., within an area measuring
2ft. by TTSft., no less than five implements of red-deer antler
were discovered. Nos. 232 to 235 are all picks, but No. 236
is a tool too fragmentary to determine its precise use, but it
was charred. No. 235 is a very massive pick formed from
a shed antler, its present length being 23in. ; another had
a circumference of 224mm. just above the burr.
We then proceeded to clear the mouths of Shafts VI. and
VII., but the latter produced no relics, and was not re-
excavated beyond a depth of 4'5ft. below the platform and
3'5ft. below the arena-floor.
EXCAVATIONS AT MAUMBURY RINGS. 261
Shaft VI. was the second pit completely examined, the
other being in Cutting X., 1908.* At the mouth it was of
oval outline, measuring lO'Sft. E. and W., and 6'7ft. N. and
S. It was divided from Shaft V. by a ridge of solid chalk,
about 3ft. wide. Its W. margin was against the rock-wall,
the E. end against the gangway (Plate IV.).
At 1ft. below the mouth, an antler implement, perhaps a
combined rake and lever (No. 239) was found ; and at a depth
of 15ft. a pick (No. 241), the charred grip of the handle being
clearly denned. The other relics were found at and near the
bottom, which was reached at a max. depth of 19' 7ft. below
the surface of the gangway and 20' 7ft. below the arena-floor.
At l-7ft. above the lowest point a ledge occupied three-
quarters of the circumference of the shaft, and this might be
regarded as the true bottom an oval hole, l'7ft. by l'2ft.
on the W. side, continuing down to the above-mentioned
depth of 19- 7ft.
In plan the bottom of the shaft was D-shaped, the straight
part of the D to the E., the curved part to the N., S., and W.
Here the dimensions of the shaft were 2- 75ft. (N. to S.), and
2 '2ft. (E. to W.). At 4ft. deep the narrowest diameter was
4 - 8ft. from N. to S. The N. face was very steep, the upper
12ft. having an inclination of 80, the lower portion being
almost vertical. The E. face was very different, the upper 10ft.
being remarkable for its ledges only one affording a secure
foothold ; the upper 6ft. had an inclination of 74, the next
4ft. about 54 ; below that, nearly vertical.
Very little flint in its natural position was exposed on the
faces of the shaft, and that collected from the pure chalk
rubble filling, which was scarce, consisted only of badly-
shaped nodules, all fractured, and apparently discarded as
useless material.
The credit of the actual re-excavation of this shaft is due
to the energy of Mr. C. S. Prideaux, who, with the foreman,
J. Lush, and another man, cleared out the whole of the filling.
* Report, 1908, pp. 15-18. Proc. Dor. Field Club, XXIX., 269-272.
EXCAVATIONS AT MAUMBURY RINGS.
On the ledge or true bottom of the shaft, a small but well-
preserved pick (No. 244), the brow-tine bearing indications
of prolonged use, was found. Just above the ledge two more
picks (Nos. 242 and 243) were discovered. Another pick
(No. 245), having indications of a grip at the handle-end, was
found resting on the bottom of the oval hole, together with
bones of ox, young pig, and sheep, and a large molar tooth of
At a depth of 18ft., at the top of the little oval hole, and
on a level with the ledge and close to the picks (Nos. 242-244),
the most interesting ceramic remains yet found at Maumbury
were discovered, affording valuable evidence of the date of the
shafts, although their Neolithic origin had never previously
been doubted. The pottery (No. 247) consisted of fragments of
a rude vessel, the largest piece measuring about 4in. by 3 Jin.,
the thickness 7- 16th in. ; colour, black, but the largest and
some of the much smaller fragments are a dull brick-red
colour on the exterior only. This slight discolouration of
the black paste proves that the vessel was fired, although
imperfectly, at a dull-red heat, i.e., " slack-baked," and not
sun-dried only. The largest piece is ornamented and strength-
ened by three parallel cordons, or raised bands, the inter-
spaces being quite plain. Mr. Clement Reid has written
a little report on the pottery, the result of a microscopical
examination of some of the smallest fragments, in which he
says : " The firing was barely sufficient to burn out the carbon
and oxidise the clay. . . . The black part of the pot is
full of minute pieces of charcoal. . . . Several small
splinters of flint are sufficiently calcined to have become white,
but not to become ' starred,' like a flint that has been red-hot.
A small piece of bone has been thoroughly calcined and
' starred.' . . . There are also a few large unaltered
quartz-grains. Neither chalk, calcite, nor any form of lime-
stone is included in the pottery. . . . After drying, the
pot was fired by piling up brushwood ; but probably it was
sun-dried first otherwise the twigs would have left im-
pressions on the smooth surface of the pot."
EXCAVATIONS AT MAUMBURY RINGS. 263
Rude pottery containing grains of calcite was found in
old workings at Furfooz, Namur, Belgium, in association
with picks and other implements of antler.* A fragment
of rude pottery, also of Neolithic date, was found under the
primary interments in Wor Barrow, Handley Down, N.
Dorset. |
VII. SHELLS.
Messrs. W. Denison Roebuck, F.L.S., and John W. Taylor,
of Leeds, have kindly examined the shells found at Maumbury
this season. They report as follows :
" The shells submitted to us were from Cuttings XII. and
XX. In Roman silt in Cutting XX. were several Helix
aspersa, chiefly the obliquely convoluted British form, and
from the earth round the group of four stones (with Roman
deposits) were two Ccecilioides acicula, one Zua lubrica, along
with Helicella itala and a dwarf depressed form of Hygromia
hispida. In Cutting XII., just under the floor of the Roman
arena of the amphitheatre were the two forms last mentioned
in quantity, also Helix nemoralis var. major. A number of
specimens of which the positions were not kept also included
two examples of Helix hortensis and fragments of a species of
Cardium a marine cockle."
* Archcelogia, LXII, 118.
f " Excavations in Craiiborne Chase," IV., Plate 257, Fig. 19.
264
EXCAVATIONS AT MAUMBURY RINGS.
LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS
FOR THE THREE YEARS, 1908, 1909, 1910.
The Hon. John Abercromby,
Mr. J. Amphlet,
Mrs. Ashburnham,
Mr. T. H. M. Bailward,
Mr. Albert Baiikes,
Mr. Eustace Bankes,
Mr. E. Barkworth,
Mr. F. J. Barnes,
Mr. R. Barrow,
Rev. R. G. Bartelot,
Rev. C. R. Baskett,
Mr. W. Howard Bell,
Mr. H. P. Bond,
Mrs. Bosworth-Smith,
Mrs. Brook,
Mr. F. A. Bruton,
Rev. O. P. Cambridge,
Mr. J. B. Carrington,
Mr. C. D. Chambers,
Mr. A. Champ,
Mr. A. G. Chater,
Mr. H. K. Colville,
Mr. J. C. Cornish-Browne,
Mr. G. Dammers,
Rev. C. W. H. Dicker,
Captain Elwes,
Mr. J. M. Falkner,
Rev. S. E. V. Filleul,
Rev. W. D. Filliter,
Rev. O. Fisher,
Mr. G. W. Floyer,
Mr. Henry Forde.
Mr. R. H. Forster,
Sir R. G. Glyn, Bart.,
Rev. N. Gresley (the late).
Mr. Thos. Hardy, O.M.,
02, Palmerston Place, Edinburgh.
Clent Cottage, Stourbridge.
Melcombe Biiigham, Dorchester.
Horsington Manor, Templecombe.
Wolfeton House, Dorchester.
Norden, Corfe Castle.
Pydeltrenthide, Dorchester.
Rodwell, Weymouth.
Sorrento House, Parkstone.
Dorchester.
Monkton Rectory, Dorchester.
Seend, Melksham.
Owermoigne, Dorchester.
Bingham's Melcombe, Dorchester.
Ogwen, Upwey.
Clyde Road, W. Didsbury, Manchester.
Bloxworth, Wareham.
14, Netherhall Gardens, Hampsteud.
The University, Birmiiigliam.
St. Katherine's, Bridport.
41, Porchester Square, W.
Loders Court, Bridport.
Came House, Dorchester.
Wyke Court, Bridport.
Pydeltrenthide Vicarage.
Bossington, Bournemouth.
Divinity House, Durham.
Dorchester.
E. Lulworth, Wareham.
Gravelly, Huntingdon.
Stafford House, Dorchester.
Luscombe, Parkstone.
Brooklyn Lodge, Mill Hill, Barnes.
Gaunts, Wimborne.
Max Gate, Dorchester.
EXCAVATIONS AT MAUMBURY RINGS.
265
Mr. W. H. Hudlestoii (the late).
Mr. Julius Jacob,
Mr. H. Le Jeune,
Mr. A. J. Jukes Browne,
Rev. R. M. L. Lee,
Miss Lock,
Mr. A. F. Major,
Dr. H. Colley March,
Mrs. Smith Marriott (the late).
Canon Mayo,
Miss Mayo,
Mr. Theo. Micholl,
Mr. H. B. Middletoii,
Lieut. -Colonel Morgan,
Mr. H. S. Newnham,
Captain H. B. Nicholson,
Miss V. F. Oliver,
Mrs. Paine,
Mr. H. H. Pleydell-Bouverie,
Mr. Alfred Pope,
Mr. A. Rolph Pope,
Mr. W. de C. Prideaux,
Canon H. E. Ravenhill,
Mr. James Rawlins.
Mr. N. M. Richardson,
Mrs. Robinson,
Mr. Horace Sandars,
Miss B. V. Saunt,
Rev. W. P. Schuster,
Mrs. Sim,
Mr. F. Or. Smart,
Mrs. Penny Snook,
Rev. H. S. Solly,
Mr. H. Stilwell,
Mr. H. Symonds,
Mr. J. T. Stephens,
Dr. W. M. Tapp,
Rev. G. Thompson,
Sir Fred. Treves, Bart.,
Mrs. Tubbs,
Rev. F. W. Weaver,
Colonel R. Williams, M.P.,
Rev. C. W. Whistler,
Mr. Whitby,
10, St. John's Wood Park, N.W.
Upper Parkstone.
Floriston, Torquay.
Yetmiiister.
Dorchester.
30, The Waldroiis, Croydoii.
Portesham, Dorchester.
Lon^ Burton, Sherbornc.
Friar Waddon, Dorchester.
Wellington Road, Bournemouth.
Bradford Peverell, Dorchester.
Brynbriallu, Swansea.
Dorchester.
Mappercombe, Melplash.
Greenhill, Weymouth.
Lyme Regis.
Brymore, Bridgwater.
Dorchester.
Dorchester.
12, Frederick Place, Weymouth.
Dorchester.
Stolford, Bridgwater.
Montevideo, Weymouth.
Weymouth Avenue, Dorchester.
10n, Queen Anne's Mansions, S.W.
Buxton, Weymouth.
West Lulworth.
21, Wellington Court, S.W.
Bredbury, Tunbridge Wells.
Netherton House, Rodwell.
Alexandra Road, Parkstone.
Steepleton, Dorchester.
Roundham, Bridport.
Wanderwell House, Bridport.
57, St. James' Street, S.W.
Highbury, Bournemouth.
Richmond Park, Kingston-on-Thames.
Caple-in-Ferne, St. Leonards.
Milton Clevedon, Evercreech.
Bridehead, Dorchester.
Chesilbourne, Dorchester.
Preston, Yeovil.
266 EXCAVATIONS AT MAUMBtJRY RINGS.
Major Willcock, Dorchester.
Mr. A. B. VVoodd, Milford-on-Sea, Hants.
Lady Wynford, Warm well, Dorchester.
Mr. H. O. Yeatinau 43, Queen's Gate Gardens, S.W,
The Society of Antiquaries, London.
The British Archiuological Association.
The Dorset Field Club.
The Dorset County Museum.
Amount of subscriptions (three years), 177 15s. lOd.
"Report on gtirst
of 56ir6s, gnsecfs, &c., an6
gftrst gffowertng of
IN DORSET DURING 1909.
BY NELSON M. RICHARDSON, B.A.
(E. S. R.)
(W. H. D.)
(J. R.)
HE names of those who have this year sent in
returns are as follows ; they are denoted in
the report by initials :
(N. M. R.) Nelson M. Richardson, Monte-
video, near Weymouth.
(E. R. B.) Eustace R. Bankes, Norden,
Corfe Castle.
E. S. Rodd, Chardstock House, Chard.
Rev. W. Hughes D'Aeth, Buckhorn Weston
Rectory, Wincaiiton.
Rev. J. Ridley, Pulham Rectory.
268 FIRST APPEARANCES OF BIRDS, INSECTS, ETC.
(G. R. P.) Gerald R. Peck, Darenth, Parkstone. (Re-
moved to Muston Manor, Puddletown,
Dorchester.)
(S. E. V. F.) Rev. S. E. V. Filleul, All Saints' Rectory,
Dorchester.
(E. F. L.) Rev. E. F. Lintoii, Edmondsham Rectory,
Salisbury.
(J. M. J. F.) Rev. J. M. J. Fletcher, The Vicarage, Wini-
borne Minster.
(E. E. W.) Miss Ellen E. Woodhouse, Chilmore, Ansty,
Dorchester.
Single notes from other observers will be acknowledged
under their records.
NOTES ON RARE AND OTHER BIRDS IN K)09.
HAWK (KESTREL Falco tinnunculus, L.?)- A remarkable
proof of the keenness of the hawk's vision happened on
March 28th. I had placed a cocoanut quite close to my
dining room window among wistaria branches, and filled it
with fat for tits. On that day a hawk dashed on a tit, whose
head was hidden in the nut, so that it could not see the danger.
Only a part of the bird was visible, and that in shade, yet the
hawk saw it from a distance and unerringly went for it. (J. R.)
(PULHAM.)
PIED FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa atricapilla, L.). I observed
a pied flycatcher here on May 1st, 1909, which seems to be
unusually early. It was hawking for flies from a tree close to
the school and frequently alighted in the road ; it also clung
to the school wall and extracted insects from the crevices.
I was soon joined by some passers-by, and we were able to
watch the motions of this beautiful little bird for half-an-hour
with great pleasure. I have only once previously observed
FIRST APPEARANCES OF BIRDS, INSECTS, ETC. 269
this bird in this locality. (Rev. R. C. Maunsell, Symondsbury
Rectory, Bridport.)
THRUSH (Turdus musicus, L.). An old nest in a pear tree
was used for the third time by a thrush.. (J. R.) (PULHAM.)
SNOW BUNTING (Plectrophanes nivalis, L.). In " British
Birds," iii., 262 (January 1st, 1910), Captain M. W. Portman
records the fact that a specimen was secured on the edge of
Poole Harbour in October, 1908. The precise spot is near
Arne, in the Isle of Purbeck. Captain Portman concludes
his note with the remark " I cannot find any record of a snow-
bunting in Dorset since 1846 (Mansel-Pleydell)," but, in a
note subsequently sent to the same magazine, I pointed out
that, in his "Birds of Dorsetshire," p. 41 "(1888), the only
years specified by the late Mr. J. C. Mansel-Pleydell are 1844,
1868, and 1869, and that in Proc. Dors. N. H. and A. F. Club,
XVII., 199 (1896), he put on record the additional fact that a
snow bunting was shot at Kimmeridge, which is in the Isle of
Purbeck, on November 29th, 1895. (E. R. B.)
A snow bunting was killed on the Chesil Beach on
October 23rd, 1910, and brought to me. I have also a note of
one killed in the same place on November 2nd, 1891,. and
brought also for my inspection. I do not think this has yet
been recorded. (N. M. R.)
BRAMBLING (Fringilla montifringilla, L.). Four specimens
came to feed on some crumbs in the town of Corfe Castle
during the very severe frost, accompanied by heavy snow,
at the beginning of January. I fortunately had the oppor-
tunity of identifying them. (E. R. B.)
SISKIN (Carduelis spinus, L.). One seen at Pulham on
August 26th. (J. R.)
CUCKOO (Cuculus canorus, L.). In the Dorset County
Chronicle of December 9th, 1909, Mr. James Day, in a note
270 FfRST APPEARANCES OF BIRDS, INSECTS, ETC.
headed " Cuckoo in December," stated that he distinctly
heard a cuckoo calling about twenty times, in a tree near
Swanage, on December 2nd. This was followed, in the issue of
December 16th, by a further note wherein Mr. Day reproduced
a communication received from a Mr. E. A. Cobden, of
Martock, in Somerset, who, writing on December 9th, said
that he had heard the cuckoo there about a fortnight before,
and also in the preceding week. In the same column a corres-
pondent using " Fact " as his nom de plume while giving
instances of wonderfully clever imitations, by boys, of the
cuckoo's note, asserted that Mr. Day's original statement
about the cuckoo at Swanage could be substantiated by several
reliable individuals living in Swanage, and that one of these
had stated that he had not only heard the cuckoo near there
some three weeks previously, but had driven it out of a
withy bed, and, after seeing it on the wing, had heard it call
again on alighting. A contribution from myself, dated
December 13th, was published immediately below the one
just referred to, and since our local edition of the County
Chronicle can have only a very limited circulation among
naturalists, I venture to reproduce it here. It ran as follows :
" With reference to Mr. James Day's note under the above
heading in your issue of December 9th, it is, of course, an
extremely rare occurrence for a cuckoo to be either seen or
heard in Britain at any time during the winter, although it is
not altogether unprecedented. In January, 1901, the late
Mr. Frederick 0. P. Cambridge shot, at Redhorn Quay,
Poole Harbour, a bird whose identity had puzzled him,
and he and other ornithologists who examined it were aston-
ished to find that it was a veritable, though immature, cuckoo.
Last winter further surprises were in store for us. for it was
recorded in the pages of this journal that a cuckoo was seen
by Mr. John Green in his garden at Wareham on New Year's
Day, and was subsequently heard by his son in Bestwall
Woods, and, further, that in this latter locality, which is
near Wareham, Mr. A. G. Orchard saw, on February 6th, a
cuckoo following a titlark, and, on searching, discovered the
FIRST APPEARANCES OF BIRDS, INSECTS, ETC. 271
titlark's nest with two cuckoo's eggs inside it. Again, the
Rev. H. L. Wright, Rector of Church Knowle, informed me,
at the time, that he was assured by two neighbours that they
heard the note of a cuckoo between Corfe Castle and Church
Knowle on January 28th last, and, in view of the evidence
given above and below, there seems no reason for
doubting their statements. These January observations
were not brought to the notice of the editor of " The Country-
side," but, on pp. 324-325 of the issue of that magazine for
May 8th last, he wrote as follows : ' Glancing over these
(i.e., the records received from readers concerning spring
migrants. E. R. B.) for the months of February and March,
for instance, I see that the cuckoo was reported from Dorset as
early as February 6th ; but in referring to the Nature map
for February, 1908, readers will find a still earlier record,
namely, at Winchester, Hants, on February 4th. During
February and March, 1909, it was reported by trustworthy
correspondents from the counties of Dorset, Wilts, Sussex,
Cornwall, and Surrey. All these, it will be noted, are southern
counties.' It is particularly interesting to learn from Mr.
James Day's note that the cuckoo is again trying the experi-
ment of spending the winter in this district." (E. R. B.)
WOOD PIGEON (Columba palumbus, L.). The scarcity of
wood pigeons in the neighbourhood of Corfe Castle during the
winter of 1909-1910 has been most remarkable, and, in my
experience, quite unparalleled. These birds breed annually
in considerable numbers in the many fir woods scattered over
the heath district, and in some winters we also suffer from the
depredations of large flocks of immigrants. During the past
autumn a certain number of wood pigeons probably just the
residents were to be met with, but these disappeared in
November, and during the months of December, 1909, and
January, 1910, 1 do not think I caught sight of two individiuals,
although constantly on the look out for them. The fir- woods,
in which they usually roost, were entirely deserted, and the
swedes were quite untouched by them. This exceptional
272 FIRST APPEARANCES OF BIRDS, INSECTS, ETC.
state of affairs lasted until February 2nd, 1910, when I saw, at
Norden, a flock of about ten wood pigeons, and since then
these birds have been frequenting their favourite haunts in
small numbers. (E. R. B., March 21st, 1910.)
MOORHEN (Gallinula chloropus, L.). A moorhen had eggs
in a nest over a pond at Pulham on April 6th. They dis-
appeared on April 12th. Two other settings were taken. On
June 8th a fourth batch was in the nest and young ones
appeared on July 3rd. The marauders, I believe, were rats ;
but the persistency of the mother struck me as very remark-
able. (J. R.)
WHIMBREL (Numenius phceopus, L.). One seen in Poole
Harbour, April 27th. (G. R. P.) Mr. W. Parkinson Curtis
says the Whimbrel swarms in Poole Harbour on migration.
The local men call it the " May bird " and also the " Chikkoo,"
the latter being the favourite with the old stagers, the former
with the present generation. He says that the name
" Chikkoo " is a purely phonetic rendering of the alarm note,
and is derived entirely from this, and it is therefore improbable
that it has any connection with the name of the village
of Chickerell (Proc., D.F.C., XXX., 241). He also states
that, pronounced as the local men pronounce it, that is,
hanging on with the tongue to the last syllable, " Chikkoo "
has a pronounced likeness to the unaccustomed ear to
" Chickerell," which accounts for the local name given in
Mansel-Pleydell's "Birds of Dorsetshire," (p. 101). Mr.
Curtis adds " Confer Curlew and their alarm note which
our men render as, " Here they do come, here they do come."
It is really Coo-cococo, but as pronounced by the Curlew
sounds exactly like " Here they do come." The curlew note
from which the name is derived might be taken as " Attention,
danger is near ;" the " Here they come " note as " Take wing
at once," and the last fearful scream of a captured cripple
or very badly startled bird as sheer terror. This last note is
untranslatable and cannot be imitated. It is wonderfully
FIRST APPEARANCES OF BIRDS, INSECTS, ETC. 273
powerful, and is made entirely by the throat with the mouth
wide open. A wounded bird has given forth this note when in
my hand, and it is fairly deafening and must be heard by
every bird for a mile at least." (N. M. R.)
BITTERN (Botaurus stdlaris, L.). A bittern was shot at
Chard Reservoir (70 acres) this winter. (E. S. R.)
BOTANICAL AND GENERAL NOTES.
CORFE CASTLE, FLOWERING TREES, &c. Apple, pear, and
plum trees showed a great wealth of blossom, and blackthorn
bloom was everywhere in extraordinary profusion, the bushes
being quite smothered in flowers and forming a striking
and beautiful feature in the landscape. The gorse bloom,
however, was disappointing, the flower buds not being nearly
so numerous as in some seasons and the bushes having suffered
more or less seriously from the prolonged and very severe
frosts of the previous winter. (E. R. B.).
BUCKHORN WESTON. Abnormally wet season and very
little growth on any flowers, and what there was very stunted.
The worst hay season I have known since 1870 ; a heavy
crop, but shocking ingathering. (W. H. D.).
SYMONDSBURY, BRIDPORT. Things are naturally rather
early down here, so near the sea. The vale of Marshwood,
like some of the lanes near Axminster and Lyme Regis,
enables many plants to linger far on into the new year from
the previous season, which inland frosts would cut down
But I was surprised, on the 15th inst., to find on a bank facing
S.E. at Symondsbury, Mercurialis perennis, newly sprung
up, in flower several plants of it. (Rev. Alfred E. Eaton.)
PULHAM. 16 of frost on March 4th. June began very
cold. From September 14th to October 29th, only three days
274 FIRST APPEARANCES OF BIRDS, INSECTS, ETC.
without rain. The first half of August very hot and fine.
Thunder : May 25th, heavy, brief, very vivid lightning ;
June 16th, slight ; 29th, heavy ; July 7th, distant ; July
10th and 13th, thunder and very heavy rain ; December 6th,
lightning. An extraordinary meteor on February 22nd, seen
by some in the village. I saw its track, lasting two hours.
(J. R.)
CHARD. A remarkably dry, fine, cold, February. Hard
frosts at night, sunny days, and a want and shortness of water
in many districts. February 22nd, a remarkably large
bright meteor was observed from Chardstock about 7.30 p.m.
course N.W. to S.W. Heavy fall of snow, which lay deep,
the beginning of March. Hard frosts till the middle of March,
15 and 20 of frost. Lovely bright warm weather at Easter for
some days. The season is very late this year, the dry
weather and hard frosts checking all vegetation. May 1st,
snow storms early morning, very cold wind. August 5th
One of the coldest, wettest, windiest, and most backward
summers I have experienced since living for 37 years on
these cold, dry, backward chalk hills, 500ft. above the sea,
and on the summit level between the English Channel and
the Atlantic Ocean, or the Bristol Channel. The ash trees
here at Chardstock were not fully out till the second week in
June. Corn harvest a month late. September and October,
in fact, all the summer and autumn, have been very wet ;
rain every other day or so, retarding hay and corn harvest.
Roots have done well and grass extraordinary in bulk after
hay harvest. It is a great berry year. Blackberries, nuts,
walnuts, hips and haws, elder, and all wild berry-bearing trees
are full of fruit. I never knew the country in Dorset and
Somerset wetter than this October ; I have been cub-hunting
four mornings a week and can judge pretty well after 50
seasons' foxhunting ! November, 1909 Remarkably hard
frosts and some snow, the middle of November. At Tre-
bartha Hall, near Launceston, Cornwall, 13 twice during
the beginning of November. Beautiful bright frosty weather
FIRST APPEARANCES OF BIRDS, INSECTS, ETC. 275
from November 16th. October was a wet month, and Novem-
ber was fine. December was a month of very varied weather,
snow, frost, rain, flood, and gales. Indeed, the weather
of 1909 may be summed up as being very varied
and changeable throughout the year. The year closed
in mild, fine weather. (E. S. R.)
Lists of the dates of first appearances and first flowerings
are appended, and also particulars of prize exhibits of barley
and wheat :
276 FIRST APPEARANCES OF BIRDS, INSECTS. ETC.
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S1H( J3d
.S
SOME RECENT BOOKS, &c.
OLD ENGLISH HOUSES OF ALMS. A pictorial record with architec-
tural and historical notes by Sidney Heath. (Francis Griffiths, 24, Maiden
Lane, London 21s. net.) 1910. Plates of the following Dorset examples
are given : Beaminster Ahnshouses ; Nnpper's Mite, Dorchester ;
Milton Abbas Ahnshouses ; Hospital of SS. John, Sherlorne ;
S. Margaret's Hospital, Wimborne.
FEET OF FINES FOR DORSET. Edward III. to Richard 111.
(1327 1485). With an index names and places, for the period
(E. A. Fry, "Dorset Records," 227, Strand, London. 21s.) 1910.
THE DYNASTS. An Epic-Drama of the War with Napoleon, in three
parts, nineteen acts, and 130 scenes. By Thomas Hardy (Messrs.
Macmillan, London. 7s. 6d.) 1910.
TURBERVILE'S BOOKE OF HUNTING. 1576. The Noble Arte of Venerie
or Hunting, wherein is handled and set out the Vertues, Nature, and
Properties of fiveteen sundrie Chaces, togither with the order and nianer
how to Hunte and kill every one of them. Translated and collected for the
pleasure of all Noblemen and Gentlemen, out of the best approved
Authors, which have written anything concerning the same ; and re-
duced into such order and proper termes as are used here, in this noble
Realme of England. (Reprinted page for page and line by line from the
Bodleian copy of the black-letter edition of 157(5 Clarendon Press,
Oxford. 7s. 6d. net.) George Turbervile was a native of Winterbourne
Whitechurch.
THE SOUTH DEVON AND DORSET COAST. By Sidney Heath. Vol. II.
of the County Coast series. With a coloured frontispiece, maps, and 32
other illustrations. (T. Fisher Unwin, Adelphi Terrace, London. 6s. net.)
1910. Eleven of the twenty -three chapters deal with Dorset.
BOURNEMOUTH. 1810 1910. The History of a Modern Health and
Pleasure Resort. By C. H. Mate and C. Riddle. With preface by
the Duke of Argyll. 32 illustrations. (W. Mate and Sons, Bourne-
mouth, os.). 1910.
POEMS IN THE DORSET DIALECT. By Robert Young ( " Rabin Hill " ), of
Sturmiiister Newton, " an olde Dorset songster," 1811 1908. Edited
and revised by the Rev. J. C. M. Mansel-Pleydell, M.A. (Dorset County
Chronicle Office, Dorchester. 2s.). 1910.
THE PLAYS OF THOMAS LOVE PEACOCK. Published for the first
time. Edited by A. B. Young, Ph.D. Contents : The Dilettanti ;
The Circl of Loda ; The Three Doctors. (David Nutt, Long Acre,
London. 2s. net.) 1910. Peacock was a native of Weymouth.
282 SOME RECENT BOOKS, ETC.
THE HEART OF WESSEX. Described by Sidney Heath. Pictured by
E. W. Haslehust. Contents : Dorchester and the neighbourhood ;
Weymouth to Poole. 12 coloured illustrations. (Blackie and yon,
London. 2s. net.) 1910.
DORSET. By Arthur L. Salmon. With maps, diagrams, and illustrations.
Cambridge County Geographies series. (Cambridge University Press.
Is. Gd.) 1910.
DORSET DURING THE GLACIAL PERIOD. An address by H. Colley
March, M.D., F.S.A. (Richmond Hill Printing Works, Bournemouth.)
1910.
THOMAS FULLER. 1008 1661. The writer of "The Worthies of
England " as one of Dorset's famous men. An address by A. M. Broadley.
(W. Frost, Bridport.) 1910.
YEAR BOOK OF THE SCIENTIFIC AND LEARNED SOCIETIES of
Great Britain and Ireland. A record of the work done in Science,
Literature, and Art during the Session 1908-9 by numerous Societies,
Field Clubs, &c. (C. Griffin and Co., Exeter Street, London. 7s. 6d.)
1910.
NOTES AND QUERIES FOR SOMERSET AND DORSET. Edited by the
Rev. F. W. Weaver, Milton Vicarage, Evercreech, and Canon Mayo,
Long Burton Vicarage, Sherborne. Issued quarterly to subscribers only :
the subscription, 5s. per annum, payable in advance, may be sent to
either of the editors.
THE ANTIQUARY. An illustrated Magazine devoted to the study of the
Past. (62, Paternoster Row, London. 6d. monthly.)
INDEX TO VOL. XXXI.
By E. W. YOUNG.
Abbotsbury Castle, liii.
Acland, Capt., xxix., xxxi., xxxiv.,
24, 231
.Minack, Rev. A. C., xxxii., Hi., 165
Aimer, xl.
Arachnida, British (1909), xxxii., 47
List of, 65
New and Rare, 49
Archaeological Societies, Congress of,
XXX., XXXV.
Architecture, Norman, in Dorset, 125
Arne Church, xliii.
Barley, Malting, &c. (Tables), 280
Barnes, F. J., xxix., Iviii.
Rev. W. Miles (Vice-Presi-
dent), xxxi., xxxiii., Ixii.
Barrett, W. Bowles, xxxii., 204
Bassett, Rev. H. T., xxxviii.
Bartelot, Rev. R. G., xxxvi., xxxvii.,
xli., xliii., lii,, 27
Baskett, Rev. C. R., xxix., xxx..
xxxvi., xxxvii., xli.
Berwick, Ivi.
Bettiscombe Skull, The, xxxii., 176
Birds, &c. (1909), First Appearances
of (Tables), 278
Bittern, 273
Brambling, 269
Cuckoo, 269
Hawk, 268
Moorhen, 272
Pied Flycatcher, 268
Siskin, 269
Snow Bunting, 269
Whimbrel, 272
Wood Pigeon, 273
Botanical and General Notes, 237
Blackett, Rev. S., xliii.
Blackmore, Dr., xlix., li., lii.
Museum, xlix.
Blandford St. Mary, Pitt family of,
xxxii., 164
Bond, Nigel, xxx., xxxv.
Books, Recent, 281
Bourne, Canon, xlviii.
Bowdage, H. C., xxix.
Branksome, Boulder found at, 161
Free Library and
Museum, 160
Bridport, Privateers, 39
British Association, xxxv.
Browne, Cornish, xxxi., xxxiii., xxxv.,
Ixi.
Bruce, Rev. A. R. Tuning, xxviii.
Budden, Mr. 161
Burt, Miss Emma, 2
Burton Bradstock, Ivi.
Cade, Captain John, 211, 222
Cambridge, Rev. O. P. (Vice-Presi-
dent), xxxii., 47
Cecil, Lord E. (Vice-Presideiit), xxx.,
xliii.
Medals, xxx.
Chantries, Dorset. 85
Kine and Sheep.
Bridport Deanery, 87
Dorchester 86
Pimperne ,, 86
Shaston ,, 86
Whitchurch 87
Alton Pancras, 87
Blandford, 88
Chardstock, 87
Dorchester (Leper's
House), 88
Wareham, 88
Bere, 89
Halstock, 89
Loders, 91
Shaftesbury, Margaret St.
John, 92
Wimborne Minster, St.
Catherine, 93
Wyke Regis, 92
Foreign.
Axminster, 102
Bridgwater, 104
Christchurch, Hinton
Martel, 103
Compton Pauncefoot, 105
284
Chantries continued.
Mere, Forward's, 105
Bartley's, 106
Salisbury Cathedral,
Hungerford's, 105
Westminster, Coll. of St.
Stephen's, 94
School Foundations.
Sherborne, 106
Milton, 88
Netjierbury, 112
Wimbornc, 112
Clarke, Stanley, xxxiv.
Coney, Major, xxxiv.
Corresponding Societies, xxvii.
Cross, Rev. J., xli.
Crosses, Old Stone, xxxi.
Curtis, W. P., xliv.
Dicker, Rev.C.W. H. (Hon. Editor),
xxix., xxx,, xxxii., xxxiii., xxxv.,
xxxvi., xxxviii., Ivi., 115
Dorset Chantries, 85
Geology of, Ivi.
Normans in, xxxii., 115
Privateers, 30
Eaton, Rev. W. E., xxxiv.
Electricity and Aviation, xxxiv.
Elwes, Capt. (Vice-President), xxx.,
xxxiii., xxxv.
Ferguson, Colonel, 2
Filleul, Rev. S. E. V., xxx.
Financial Statement, xxxiii., lix., lx.,
Ixiii., Ixiv.
Fletcher, Rev. J. M. J., xxix., 71
Floyer, G. W., xxxv.
Fox, George, at Weymouth, 228
Freame, R. S., 2
Fry, E. A., 85
Fyler, Capt. J. W. T., 2
Gash, Rev. R. H., Iv.
Genge, W. E., xxxix.
Geology of Dorset Coast, Ivi.
Gratrix, Mrs., xxxix.
Gray, H. St. George, 232
Gresley, Rev. Nigel W., 2
Hall, C. L., 26
Hansford, C. (the late), 24
Harrison, Rev. T., Ivi.
Hawley, Colonel, 1.,
Hichens, Rev. Baron, xl.
Hodder, Fabian, 211, 223
Hudleston, W. H. (the late), 27
Insects (1909), First Appearance of
(Tables), 279
Le Jeune, H., xxxii., 161
Lobsters, xxix, Iviii.
Lyme Regis, Privateers, 30
Siege of, 200
Maiden Newton, Charles I. at, 209
Mansel-Pleydell, J. C. (the late),
xxxvii, 1.
Rev. J. C. M., xxx.,
xxxiii., xxxiv.,
xxxv., liv., Iv.
Colonel W. L., liv.
March, Dr. H. Colley (Vice-Presidcnt),
xxix., liii., 26, 231
Marston, Captain, xlv.
Matthews, Rev. G. H., xxxvi.
Mate, C. H., xlii.
Maumbury, Excavations at, 230
Medals Competition, xxx., xxxiv.
Meetings, Annual, xxxiii.
Summer, xxxvi., xlii., xlvi.,
liii.
Winter, xxviii., xxx.
Members of the Club
Honorary, xi.
List of, xii.
New, xxiv.
Middletoii, H. B., xxxiii.
Moray, Earl of (the late), 2
Moule, Henry (the late), 24
Museum, Dorset County, condition of,
xxxiv., 24
Nicholson. G., xxxiv.
Normans in Dorset, xxxii, 105
.Nuremberg Liber Cronicarum (1423),
xxxi.
Officers of the Club, xi., xxxiii.
Oliver, Vere, xxxiv.
Ord, Dr. Theophilus, xxxiv., Ivi., 141
Ower Quay, xliv.
Page-Roberts, Dean, xlviii.
Parkstone, Boulder found at, xxix.
Pentin, Rev. H. (Hon. Secretary and
Vice-President), xxxiii., xxxiv.,
xxxviii., Ivi.
Pitt Family, The, xxxii., 165
Photographic Survey of Dorset, xxxi.,
Ixi.
Plants, Flowering (1909), First Ap-
pearance of (Tables), 277
Poole Harbour, xlii., xliv.
Birds of, xlivi.
Pope, A., xxxi., xxxv., xxxvi.
Presidential Address, xxxiii., 1
Archaeology and Anthro-
pology, "19
. Astronomy, 10
Botany, 7
Chemistry, 15
Edward VII., Death of, 1
Electricity, 14
Presidential Address continued,
Engineering, 16
Geography, 18
General, 21
Geology, 8
Meteorology, 12
Obituary, 1
Zoology, 3
Prideaux, C. S., 235
W. de C., xxxii., xli.
Prior, Matthew, Birthplace of, xxix.,
71
Privateers, Dorset, 30
Publications of the Club, xxvii.
Puddletown Church, xxx.
Puncknowle, liv.
Purbeck Hills, Geology of, xxxiv., 141
Ballard Down Cliffs,
145
Corfe Monticle, Origin
of, 156
Geological Structure of,
144
Relationships
of, 147
Physical features of
district, 143
Thrust Fault, The, 149
Radipole, Royalists at, 215
Rainfall, &c., in Dorset (1909), 129
Observers' Notes, 131
Steepleton Manor, Tem-
perature, &c., 140
Tables, 136
Ravenhill, Rev. Canon, xxviii., xxxiv.
Reed, Dr. C. H., 27
Reports, Director Photo. Survey,
xxxiii., Ixi.
Hon. Editor's, xxxiii., Ix.
Hon. Secretary's, xxxiii.,
Iviii.
Richardson, N. M. (President),
xxviii., xxx., xxxi., xxxiii., xxxv.,
xli., xliii, li.. lii., 1
Roberts, Rev. T. H., liv.
Robinson, Sir C., xxxiv., 27
Rogers, Mrs., xli.
Rules of the Club, vi.
Salisbury, xlvi.
Amesbury Priory Church, li.
Blackmore Museum, xlix.
Cathedral, xlviii.
George Hotel, xlvi.
Old Sarum, 1.
St. Edmund's Church, xlvii.
Salisbury continued.
St. Martin's Church, xlvii : .
St. Thomas Church, xlvi.
Stonehenge, li
Trinity Hospital, xlvii.
Sanctuary, Canon, xlvi.
Skinner, Family of, xxxvi.
Stephens, A. N., Ivii.
Stilwell, H., 129
Solly, Rev. H. Shaen, xxix., Uil
Stratford Church, lii.
Sturdy, P., Ivii.
Sturminster Marshall, xli.
Sykes, E. R. (Vice -President), xxxiii.
Symonds, Henry, xxix., 30
Swanage Privateers, 38
Sea Works, 112, 114
Swyre, Church, liv.
Sydenham, Colonel W., 209, 222
Thompson, Rev. G., xxxiii.
Tolpuddle, Coffin lid at, xxxii.
Tory, Rupert, xxxvii.
Udal, J. S., xxix., xxxii., 176
.Webb, Doran, xlvi., xlvii., 1., li., lii.
Weymouth and Melcombe Regis
in the time of the Civil
War, xxxii., 204
Assaults on Forts, 205,
212, 224
Attacks by Lord Goring,
212, 219
Murder, Ghastly, 226
Retaken by Parliamen-
tarians, 208, 217
Royalists' Conspiracy ( 1644),
210
Hanging of, 222
Seized by, 206, 214
Siege of Melcombe, 215, 220,
224
Thanksgiving, 224
Privateers, 30, 41
Whistler, Rev. C. W., xxxii
Wimborne, Birthplace of Matthew
Prior, 71
Winterbourne, Anderson, xxxix.
Clenston, xxxvii.
Kingston, xxxviii.
Stickland, xxxvi.
Tomson, xxxix.
Whitechurch, xxxviii.
Woodward, Smith, 27
Wyke Regis, Roman Villa at, xxix.
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