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THE  ROYAL  CANADIAN  INSTITUTE 


Somersetshire 

^Archaeological  §P   Natural  History 
Society. 


PROCEEDINGS 

DURING   THE   YEAR    1910. 


VOL.    LVI. 


The  Council  of  the  Somersetshire  Archaeological  and  Natural 
History  Society  desire  that  it  should  be  distinctly  understood  that 
although  the  volume  of  PROCEEDINGS  is  published  under  their 
direction,  they  do  not  hold  themselves  in  any  way  responsible  for 
any  statements  or  opinions  expressed  therein ;  the  authors  of  the 
several  papers  and  communications  being  alone  responsible. 


PROCEEDINGS 


OF    THE 


omersetsfnre 

y/i 
&rcf)aeolocjtcal  $  jfratural 

Jsoctetp 

FOR  THE  YEAR  1910. 


VOL.  LVI. 


• 


Caunton: 

BARNICOTT   AND   PEARCE,   THE   WESSEX   PRESS 

MCMXI. 


DA 


617277 


BARNICOTT   AND   PEARCE 
PRINTERS 


PREFACE. 


THE  thanks  of  the  Society  are  due  to  Dr.  R.  Hensleigh 
Walter  for  bearing  part  of  the  cost  of  the  illustrations  in  Mr. 
Gray's  paper  on  Ham  Hill ;  to  the  Rev.  E.  H.  Bates  Harbin 
for  the  block  of  Newton  Surmaville  ;  to  Sir  E.  H.  Elton,  Bart., 
for  the  block  and  printing  of  the  plate  accompanying  his  paper 
on  Elton  Ware ;  to  Mr.  H.  Symonds  for  the  block  and  print- 
ing of  the  "  Taunton  Castle"  Privateer  ;  to  Mr.  A.  F.  Luttrell 
for  the  block  and  printing  of  the  portrait  of  the  late  Mr.  G.  F. 
Luttrell ;  to  Mr.  E.  W.  Swanton  for  the  loan  of  three  blocks 
to  illustrate  the  "  Mollusca  of  Somerset ; "  to  the  Editors  of 
Somerset  and  Dorset  Notes  and  Queries  for  the  loan  of  two 
blocks ;  to  Mr.  F.  Bligh  Bond  for  the  plan  of  his  Excavations 
at  Glastonbury  Abbey ;  and  to  Mr.  J.  H.  Spencer  for  the 
drawings  accompanying  his  paper  on  Taunton  Castle. 

F.  W.  W. 
February,  1911. 


CONTENTS. 


PART  I.— PROCEEDINGS. 

TUESDAY,  JULY  19,  1910. 

PAGE 

SIXTY-SECOND  Annual  Meeting  (Yeovil)         ...         ...  1 

Report  of  the  Council    ...          ...         ...         ...          ...  3 

Treasurer's  Report         ...         ...         ...         ...  13 

Election  of  Members  and  Officers        ...          ...         ...  14 

Somerset  Record  Society           ...          ...         ...         ...  15 

The  Presidential  Address          ...          ...          ...          ...  16 

Church  of  St.  John  Baptist,  Yeovil 27 

Nash         33 

Barwick  Church              ...          ...          ...          ...          ...  35 

Newton  Surmaville         ...         ...         ...         ...         ...  37 

Evening  Meeting — 

"Meare  Lake-Village,"  by   Arthur  Bulleid  and   H. 

St.  George  Gray         38 

"  Elton  Ware,"  by  Sir  E.  H.  Elton,  Bart 43 

"  Excavations  at  Glastonbury  Abbey,"  by  F.  Bligh 

Bond 44 

WEDNESDAY,  JULY  20,  1910. 

Excursion — 

Preston  Plucknett          ...          ...          ...          ...          ...  45 

Ham  Hill  Camp  and  Quarries  ...          ...          ...          ...  46 

Chantry  House,  Stoke-under- Ham       ...          ...          ...  53 


Vlll 

Excursion — continued.  PAGE 

Stoke  Church  54 

Montacute  House            ...          ...  ...          ...          ...       57 

St.  Catherine's  Church,  Montacute  ...          ...          ...       59 

Montacute  Prior j  ...  ...  ...  ...  ...  61 

Conversazione  and  Local  Museum  63 


THURSDAY,  JULY  21,   1910. 

Excursion — 

Brympton            ...         ...         ...         ...         ...         ...  07 

Brympton  Church           ...          ...          ...          ...          ...  69 

Tintinhull  Church           71 

Ilchester— Votes  of  Thanks      73 

Do.         Town  Hall                75 

Do.          Church          76 

Do.         Gaol              78 

Limington  Church          ...          ...          ...          ...          ...  79 

Ashington  Church  and  Manor  House...          ...          ...  81 


Natural  History  Sections- 
Entomological     ...          ...          ...          ...          ...          ...  83 

Ornithological     ...          ...          ...          ...          ...          ...  84 

Botanical              ...          ...          ...          ...          ...          ...  86 

Curator's  Report,  Taunton  Castle  Museum        ...          ...  88 

Additions  to  the  Museum,  1910 92 

Additions  to  the  Library,  1910 Ill 

Donations,  Diamond  Jubilee  Fund  (1908)          120 


PART  II.— PAPERS,  ETC. 

History  of  the  Manor  of   Newton   Surmaville — by  the 

Rev.  E.  H.  Bates  Harbin,  M.A.  1 

Elton  Ware— by  Sir  Edmund  H.  Elton,  Bart 31 


IX 

PAGE 

Structural  Notes  on  Taunton  Castle — by  J.  Houghton 

Spencer    ...          ...          ...          ...          ...  ..          ...       38 

Notes  on  Archaeological  Remains  found  on  Ham  Hill, 

Somerset — by  H.  St.  George  Gray      ...          ...          ...       50 

Glastonbury  Abbey  :  Third  Report  on  the  discoveries 

made  during  the  Excavations,  1909-10 — by  F.  Bligh 

Bond,  F.K.I.B.A.  ...         ...         ...         ...          ...         ...       62 

The  "Cantoche"  of  Domesday  (1086)— by  the  Rev. 

W.  H.  P.  Greswell,  M.A 79 

The  Court  Rolls  of  the  Manor  of  Curry  Rivel  in  the 

years  of  the  Black  Death,  1348-9— by  the  Rev.  J.  F. 

Chanter,  M.A —  85 

The  "  Taunton  Castle  "  Privateer — by  Henry  Symonds, 

F.S.A 136 

George  Fownes  Luttrell — by  Sir  Henry  C.  Maxwell 

Lyte,  K.C.B.,  v.-p.  S.A 143 

Hugh  Norris— by  C.  T 146 

Notice  of  Book  ("  A  Quantock  Family,"  by  Colonel  G. 

D.  Stawell)  148 

Officers,  Members,  and  List  of  Proceedings  ...  ...  150 

PART  III. 

The  Mollusca  of  Somerset,  pt.  1 — by  E.  W.  Swanton 

ix-xlii — 1-14 

ILLUSTRATIONS. 

Newton  Surmaville,  from  the  N.E.  ...          ...   frontispiece 

The  Old  "  George  Inn,"  Yeovil,  July,  1910       ...   Part  i  27 

Lectern,  St.  John  Baptist  Church,  Yeovil          ...        „  30 

Bench-Ends,  Barwick  Church      „  37 

Sir  Edmund  H.  Elton,  Bart.,  at  work  in  his  model- 
ling-room at  Clevedon  Court    ...          ,..          ...   Part  ii  31 
Serpent  Vase  of  Elton  Ware,  1883          „  36 


PAGE 

Taunton  Castle — 

Ground  Floor  Plan  of  the  buildings    ...          ...    Part  ii     38 

Plan,   inner   and   outer   elevations,    of   arched 

entrance  to  Norman  Keep  (Figs.  1,  2  and  3)        „          40 
Sections  of  base  courses  of  wall  on  east  side  of 

Courtyard        „          41 

Plan  and  elevation  of  window  in  east  wall  of 

Norman  Keep  ...          ...          ...          ...        „          42 

Plan  and  elevation  of  window  inserted  in  1874 

in  the  E.  part  of  the  s.  wall  of  the  Coin  Room        „          43 
Plan  and  elevation  of  window  inserted  in  the 

N.  wall  of  Castle  House         ...         ...         ...        „          44 

Side  elevation  of  buttress,  in  N.  wall  of  Castle 

House „          45 

Half -sectional  elevation  of  XV  Century  roof 

over  new  Library,  and  section  of  rib  ...        „          46 

Half-sectional  elevation  of  roof,  and  section  of 

chamfered  rib,  over  a  bedroom  in  Castle  House        „          46 
Half-elevation  of  head  and  one  jamb  of  a  XVI 

Century  doorway  to  the  Great  Hall  ...        „          48 

First  Floor  Plan  of  the  buildings         „          49 

Ham  Hill,  S.  Somerset — 

Brooches  and  gems         ...          ...          ...          ...        „  55 

Part  of  a  Roman  Lorica  ...          ...          ...        „  56 

Large    Scales   of    Armour   and    an    embossed 

Bronze  Disc     ...          ...          ...          ...          ...        „  57 

Bronze  Head  of  an  Ox,  Late- Celtic     ...         ...        „          58 

Roman  Steelyard  and  Scale-pan  ...          ...        „          59 

Needles,  Piercer  and  Bone  Implement  ...        „          59 

Weaving-comb  of  antler  ...          ...          ...        „  60 

Glastonbury  Abbey. — Plan  of  Excavations  of  the 
Monastic  Buildings  (first  section),  including 
E.  part  of  Cloister,  and  foundations  of  Chapter 
House  65 


XI 

PAGE 

The  "Tauntoii  Castle"  Privateer,  built  1790    ...    Part  ii  136 
Portrait  of  Mr.  Gr.  F.  Luttrell  143 


The  Mollusca  of  Somerset — 

Diagram  of  a  Raised  Beach,  Birnbeck  Cove ; 
and  Coast  between  Berrow  and  Burnham ;  and 
Shifting  Dunes  near  Berrow  capped  with 
Marram  Grass  (Plate  I)  ...  ...  ...  Partiiixxv 

Ash  Copse  and  Limestone  Cliff  ( Plate  II)     ...        „  xxxvii 


CORRIGENDA  AND  ADDENDUM. 

PROCEEDINGS,  SOMERSETSHIRE  ARCHAEOLOGICAL  &  NATURAL  HISTORY  SOCIETY. 


VOL.  L. 

Pt.  ii,  p.  105,  line  24,  insert  and  before  averaging. 

VOL.  LV. 

Pt.  i,  p.  95,  line  16,  for  BlocMey,   Worcestershire,  read  Himley,  near  Dudley, 
Staffs. 

VOL.  LVI. 

Pt.  ii,  pp.  38-49.    ADDITIONAL  NOTE  TO  Mr.  J.  H.  SPENCER'S  PAPER  ON 
"Structural  Notes  on  Taunton  Castle." 

While  excavating  for  a  new  floor  in  the  dining-room  of  Castle  House,  in  January, 
1911,  (and  after  the  above  paper  was  printed),  wide  stone  foundations  were  found, 
which  appeared  to  show  that  the  south  and  east  walls  of  that  room  were  originally 
from  6  to  7  feet  thick,  like  the  main  portion  of  the  south  wall  of  the  Castle,  and 
had  been  reduced  to  their  present  thickness  in  order  to  give  more  space  when  the 
eastern  wing  of  the  Castle  was  converted  into  a  dwelling-house. 

The  lines  of  the  foundations  of  these  thicker  walls  are  not  shown  on  the  ground 
plan,  which  was  drawn  before  they  were  discovered. 


PROCEEDINGS 

OF   THE 

SOMERSETSHIRE  ARCHAEOLOGICAL  AND 
NATURAL   HISTORY  SOCIETY 

DURING    THE    YEAR 


Sixty-Second  Annual  Meeting  of  the  Somersetshire 
-*-  Archaeological  and  Natural  History  Society  was  held 
at  Yeovil,  from  Tuesday,  July  19th  till  Thursday,  July  21st. 

Following  a  meeting  of  the  Committee  on  Tuesday  morn- 
ing the  Annual  General  Meeting  was  held  in  the  Town  Hall. 
Sir  Edward  Fry  took  the  chair,  being  supported  by  the 
Mayor  of  Yeovil,  the  Rev.  E.  H.  Bates  Harbin  ( President- 
Elect),  Mr.  A.  F.  Somerville,  Mr.  F.  J.  Fry,  the  Rev.  F.  W. 
Weaver  (Hon.  Secretary),  Mr.  R.  C.  Boyle  (Joint  Treasurer), 
and  Mr.  H.  St.  George  Gray  (Assistant-Secretary  and 
Curator). 

The  Rt.  Hon.  Sir  EDWARD  FRY,  G.C.B.,  P.C.,  in  opening 
the  proceedings,  said  that  owing  to  his  being  the  senior  Vice- 
President  of  the  Society,  he  was  called  upon  to  preside. 

The  MAYOR  OF  YEOVIL  (Councillor  Edmund  Damon)  said 
that  it  afforded  him  considerable  pleasure  to  welcome  the 
Society  to  the  town.  He  sincerely  trusted  that  whilst  they 
were  there  they  would  have  a  pleasant  time,  and  that  the 
weather  would  be  propitious.  He  expressed  the  wish  of  the 
town  he  represented  in  three  words,  "  Welcome  to  Yeovil." 

Vol.  L  VI  (Third  Series,  Vol.  X  VI),  Part  I.  A 


2  Sixty-second  Annual  Meeting. 

Sir  EDWAKD  FKY  begged  on  behalf  of  the  Society  to 
tender  thanks  for  the  Mayor's  welcome  that  day  and  for  his 
courtesy  in  placing  the  Town  Hall  at  the  service  of  the 
Society  during  the  time  of  the  meeting.  He  believed  it  was 
twenty-four  years  since  the  Society  last  met  at  Yeovil.  It 
was  now  his  duty  to  propose  the  election  of  the  Rev.  E.  H. 
Bates  Harbin  as  President  of  the  Society  for  the  ensuing 
year.  He  was  too  well-known  in  Yeovil  to  require  any  intro- 
duction, and  without  further  prelude  he  begged  to  move  his 
election. 

Mr.  A.  F.  SOMERVILLE  said  he  thought  it  was  hardly  neces- 
sary to  second  that  proposal,  as  Mr.  Bates  Harbin  was  so  well 
fitted  for  the  position  and  would  be  well  able  to  give  a  good 
account  of  his  stewardship. 

The  resolution  was  then  carried  unanimously  and  with 
applause. 

The  PRESIDENT,  on  taking  the  chair,  said  he  begged  to 
thank  them  for  the  unanimity  with  which  they  had  confirmed 
the  choice  of  the  Committee  in  asking  him  to  be  their  Presi- 
dent. If  he  was  to  be  president  at  any  time  and  place,  it  was 
appropriate  that  he  should  be  president  at  Yeovil.  It  was 
the  twenty-fifth  year  of  his  membership,  and  the  twenty -first 
meeting  he  had  attended  :  and  it  was  in  that  room  that  he  was 
elected  a  member  of  the  Society.  Before  calling  upon  Mr. 
Weaver  to  present  the  annual  report,  he  would  read  a  letter 
from  the  Bishop  of  Bath  and  Wells,  their  president  at  Wells 
last  year,  who  had  intended  to  be  there  that  day  to  hand  over 
the  office  to  his  successor.  It  was  as  follows  : — 

The  Palace,  Wells,  Somerset, 

July  llth,  1910. 
Dear  Mr.  Bates  Harbin, 

Will  you  kindly  tell  the  members  of  the  Somerset  Archaeological  Society 
how  greatly  I  regret  that  the  doctors'  peremptory  orders  preclude  my  coming 
to  lay  down  my  office  as  President  and  introducing,  as  I  suppose  might  have 
been  my  privilege,  the  much  more  capable  President  who  is  now  to  succeed 
me.  I  shall  always  think  it  a  great  honour  to  have  been  chosen  by  the  Society 
to  occupy  the  chair  in  a  year  that  was  marked  by  such  great  events.  The 


Report  of  the   Council.  3 

celebration  of  the  Millenary  at  Wells,  at  which  T.  R.  H.  the  Prince  and 
Princess  of  Wales,  now  our  most  gracious  King  and  Queen,  did  us  the  great 
honour  to  be  present,  will  of  course  never  fade  from  our  memory,  and  those  of 
our  members  who  were  present  at  the  Glastonbury  Service,  as  well  as  I  trust 
many  others,  will  rejoice  that  the  Abbey  is  now  again  a  possession  of  the 
Church.  I  heartily  wish  for  yourself  and  those  who  will  gather  round  you 
every  possible  happiness  during  your  Meeting.  You  will  have  much  to  in- 
terest you  in  the  part  of  the  County  you  are  to  visit,  and  it  is  a  deep  regret  to 
me  that  I  cannot  share  in  any  of  your  expeditions,  but  I  venture  to  hope  that 
filled  as  your  mind  will  be  with  the  historical  and  charming  surroundings  of 
Yeovil,  some  little  thought  may  be  extended  to  a  poor  little  Church  for  which 
last  year  I  bespoke  the  attention  of  the  Society— 1  mean  the  ancient  Chapel  at 
Swell,  near  Langport. 

With  kind  regards,  believe  me  to  be 

Yours  very  truly, 

G.  W.  BATH  :  &  WELL : 


annual  Report. 

The  Annual  Report  was  then  read  by  the  Rev.  F.  W. 
WEAVER,  F.S.A.,  as  follows  : — 

"  Your  Committee  present  their  sixty-second  annual  report. 
Since  their  last  report  85  new  names  have  been  added  to  the 
list  of  members.  Losses  by  death  and  resignation  have  been 
36.  Altogether  the  net  gain  has  been  49.  The  total  member- 
ship of  your  Society  at  date  is  846,  against  797  at  the  time  of 
the  Annual  Meeting  last  year. 

"  The  balance  of  your  Society's  account  at  the  end  of  1908 
was  £216  9s.  8d.  against  the  Society.  At  the  close  of  1909 
there  was  a  balance  of  £143  18s.  7d.  in  favour  of  the  Society, 
all  of  which,  however,  belonged  to  the  Museum  and  Library 
Extension  Fund.  In  neither  case  was  the  liability  for  the 
cost  of  the  Volume  for  the  year  then  expired  taken  into 
account.  The  total  expense  attending  the  issue  of  Vol.  LV 
(for  1909),  including  printing,  illustrations,  and  delivery,  has 
been  £152  Us.  5d.  The  Illustration  Fund  was  kindly  con- 
tributed to  by  the  Rev.  Canon  Church,  the  Rev.  F.  W. 
Weaver,  Mr.  J.  R.  H.  Weaver,  Mr.  A.  G.  Chater,  and  Mr. 
A.  F.  Major.  Thanks  are  also  due  to  the  Editors  of  Somerset 
and  Dorset  Notes  and  Queries  for  the  loan  of  the  block  of  St. 


4  Sixty-second  Annual  Meeting. 

Cuthbert's  Pulpit,  Wells.  Various  photographs  and  drawings 
for  the  Volume  were  provided  by  the  Rev!  Canon  Church  and 
Messrs.  F.  Bligh  Bond,  H.  St.  George  Gray,  A.  G.  Chater, 
J.  R.  H.  Weaver  and  Henry  Laver. 

"  As  recorded  in  the  two  previous  Annual  Reports,  your 
Committee  proposed  a  scheme  for  the  extension  of  the  Museum 
and  Library  at  Taunton  Castle  in  commemoration  of  the 
Diamond  Jubilee  of  your  Society  in  1908.  Owing  to  the 
rapid  growth  of  your  varied  and  valuable  collections  during 
the  last  ten  years,  the  acquisition  of  additional  space  became 
necessary.  The  first  steps  taken  were  to  annex  the  apart- 
ments in  the  Castle,  then  occupied  by  the  Curator,  to  acquire 
possession  of  Castle  House  (owned  by  your  Society  but 
previously  let),  and  to  improve  and  repair  it  as  a  residence 
for  the  Curator,  at  a  cost  of  £210.  This  was  carried  out 
during  the  winter  of  1907-8,  the  house  being  ready  for  occu- 
pation in  April  1908. 

"  A  plan  was  then  devised  by  your  Committee  whereby  the 
vacant  rooms  in  the  Castle  could  be  rendered  available  for 
Museum  and  Library  purposes  at  a  minimum  cost  of  £670 
(not  including  the  £210  for  Castle  House),  and  after  the 
matter  had  been  brought  before  your  Society  at  the  Annual 
Meeting  at  Taunton,  an  appeal  for  funds  was  issued  early 
in  1909,  the  sum  of  £350  being  raised  in  the  course  of  a 
year  (see  List  in  Proc.,  LV,  i,  pp.  113-14).  The  appeal  was 
fairly  well  responded  to  and  your  Committee  felt  justified  in 
January  last  in  proceeding  with  the  more  pressing  work. 
Owing  to  the  fact  that  the  Castle  was  insufficiently  and  only 
partly  lighted  by  gas,  with  many  obsolete  fittings, — some  of 
which  caused  leakages, — your  Committee  felt  it  necessary 
either  to  put  in  new  gas  fittings  or  to  instal  electric  light 
throughout  the  Castle.  The  latter  alternative  was  chosen,  and 
all  the  wires  have  been  encased  in  steel  tubing  for  the  purposes 
of  safety.  It  was  also  found  necessary  to  re-slate  the  gable  of 
Castle  House  and  to  put  other  parts  of  the  roof  into  good 


Report  of  the   Council.  5 

repair.  The  total  cost  of  the  alterations  will  therefore  slightly 
exceed  £1,000. 

"  It  should  be  recorded  that  the  work  included  in  the  £670 
above-mentioned  covered  the  cost  of  the  following  : — Strong 
Room  (in  the  position  of  the  old  kitchen),  Heating  by  low 
pressure  system  of  the  newly-acquired  rooms — the  new 
Library,  ante-room,  and  Coin  Room, — alteration  of  part  of 
the  high-pressure  heating  apparatus,  abolition  of  the  internal 
heating-chamber  and  the  building  of  a  new  stoke-hole  outside, 
overhauling  of  drainage,  iron  girders  and  columns  in  the  Coin 
Room  for  supporting  the  Library  above,  two  new  stone 
windows  on  the  south  side  of  the  Coin  Room  and  re-glazing 
and  altering  the  northern  windows,  dry  air  chamber  for  keeping 
the  north  wall  of  the  same  room  dry,  setting  back  the  western 
wall  of  the  Coin  Room,  fixing  patent  ventilator  in  new 
Library  and  renewing  windows,  and  building  a  new  stone 
staircase,  with  several  structural  alterations  in  connection 
therewith. 

"  Your  Committee  arranged  for  a  special  General  Meeting 
of  your  Society  (which  was  held  at  Taunton  Castle  on  March 
18th  last)  to  authorize  your  Trustees  to  obtain  either  a  tempo- 
rary loan  from  the  bank  or  a  mortgage  on  the  security  of  your 
property  ;  but  just  before  the  meeting  took  place,  the  Rt.  Hon. 
Henry  Hobhouse  made  a  generous  offer  of  £100  towards  the 
fund,  provided  the  whole  amount  was  raised  by  voluntary 
subscriptions  within  the  year.  The  response  to  this  offer  has 
been  of  a  gratifying  nature  and  your  Committee  has  the 
pleasure  to  announce  that  £750  in  all  has  been  subscribed  or 
promised  towards  the  amount  required  ;  and  they  trust  that 
the  balance  of  £300  will  shortly  be  raised,  largely  by  the 
efforts  of  those  members  who  have  not  yet  contributed,  so  as 
to  claim  the  generous  offers  made  by  Mr.  Hobhouse  and  other 
members  of  your  Society. 

"  The  sub-Committee  for  the  Museum  and  Library  Ex- 
tension, who  are  taking  considerable  interest  in  this  work, 


6  Sixty-second  Annual  Meeting. 

consist  of  Messrs.  H.  J.  Badcock,  A.  E.  Eastwood  and  C. 
Tite,  and  the  Revs.  C.  H.  Heale  and  E.  H.  Bates  Harbin, 
together  with  the  Assistant-Secretary. 

"  Although  no  large  collections  have  been  presented  or 
bequeathed  during  the  past  year,  many  interesting  additions 
have  been  made  to  your  Museum.  Both  Mr.  Hensleigh 
Walter  and  Mr.  A.  V.  Cornish  have  added  a  number  of 
specimens  to  the  large  series  of  Roman  and  Late-Celtic 
antiquities  found  on  Ham  Hill.  Through  the  instrumentality 
of  the  Postmaster-General  your  Museum  has  acquired  a  Tudor 
doorway  of  carved  oak  removed  from  the  entrance  to  a  court 
in  North  Street,  Taunton.  The  Taunton  Market  Trustees 
have  deposited  on  loan  their  fine  set  of  standard  weights  and 
measures  inscribed  '  Liberty  of  Gillingham,  County  of  Dorset, 
1826.'  A  few  new  varieties  of  the  brass  emblems  of  the 
Somerset  village  clubs  have  been  added  to  the  collection, 
including  gifts  from  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Hopkins.  Among  the 
donations  from  Mr.  C.  Tite  is  a  large  water-colour  painting  of 
Castle  Green,  Taunton,  and  the  amusements  which  took  place 
there  during  the  Assizes  about  1840.  Your  Society  is  in- 
debted to  Mr.  H.  Symonds  for  a  silver  penny  of  Henry  III 
struck  at  Ilchester  and  some  Somerset  trade  tokens.  A  large 
silver  medal  commemorating  the  unsuccessful  invasion  of 
Monmouth  and  Argyll  in  1685  has  been  purchased.  Your 
Society  now  possesses  two  Monmouth  medals  out  of  the  six 
types  known  to  exist.  From  excavations  conducted  by  Mr. 
St.  George  Gray,  remains  from  Charterhouse-on-Mendip  have 
been  presented  by  Lord  Annaly,  and  others  from  the  Roman 
Amphitheatre  at  Dorchester  by  the  Duchy  of  Cornwall.  Mr. 
Bates  Harbin  has  deposited  in  your  Museum  one  of  the  six 
drinking-vessels  of  the  early  Bronze  Age  recorded  from 
Somerset,  namely  that  found  at  Stoford,  in  the  parish  of 
Barwick,  in  1826.  The  other  five,  also  in  your  Museum, 
are  from  Wick  Barrow,  Culbone  and  Wincanton.  A  well- 
preserved  cinerary  urn  of  the  Bronze  Age,  found  in  1827  in 


Report  of  the   Council.  7 

one  of  the  barrows  in  Small  Down  Camp,  near  Evercreech, 
has  been  presented  through  the  instrumentality  of  the  Rev. 
E.  H.  Goddard.  A  mediaeval  pot  recently  found  at  Barwick 
has  been  given  by  Mr.  G.  W.  Pavitt.  Other  donors  in  the 
Museum  department  are : — Mrs.  C.  Tite,  Mrs.  Ewing  and 
Mrs.  E.  M.  May,  and  Messrs.  F.  G.  Sage,  W.  de  C.  Prideaux, 
C.  E.  Turle,  F.  S.  Dodson,  H.  P.  Olivey  and  T.  Charbonnier. 

"  Among  the  most  valuable  additions  to  your  Library  during 
the  year  are  : — Vols.  3  to  8  of  '  Archa3ologia,'  obtained  by 
purchase  and  now  rendering  your  set  complete  ;  a  handsome 
series  of  British  Museum  catalogues  and  guide  books  presented 
by  the  Trustees  of  that  Institution ;  '  Survey  of  the  Lands  of 
William,  Earl  of  Pembroke,'  2  vols.,  relating  to  the  parishes 
of  Stoke  Trister,  Donyatt,  Chedzoy  and  South  Brent,  pre- 
sented by  Lord  Pembroke  ;  the  '  National  Antarctic  Expedi- 
tion, 1901-4,'  4  vols.,  presented  by  the  Royal  Society  ;  and 
21  Somerset  deeds  of  the  XVII  and  XVIII  Centuries 
presented  by  Mr.  H.  Symonds.  Other  donors  to  the  Library 
during  the  year  include  : — the  Revs.  D.  P.  Alford,  E.  H. 
Bates  Harbin,  F.  W.  Weaver  and  C.  H.  Heale,  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Price,  Mr.  W.  B.  Broadmead,  Lady  Theodora  Guest  and 
Mrs.  Patton.  Books  for  the  Entomological  Section  have  been 
presented  by  Messrs.  A.  E.  Hudd,  W.  Macmillan  and  C. 
Tite. 

"  It  was  reported  at  the  last  annual  meeting  that  Mr.  C.  Tite 
had  made  arrangements  with  Mr.  A.  J.  Monday  to  compile  a 
catalogue  of  the  manuscripts  contained  in  the  Serel  collection 
at  Taunton  Castle.  This  has  been  nearly  completed  and  your 
Society  is  further  indebted  to  Mr.  Tite  for  presenting  a  large 
book-case  to  contain  some  of  the  Somerset  books  belonging  to 
his  own  collection.  Mr.  E.  A.  Fry  has  been  kind  enough  to 
continue  an  index  of  the  unpublished  wills  brought  together 
by  the  Rev.  Fredk.  Brown,  a  work  now  about  half  completed. 

"  The  provision  of  a  fire-and-burglar-proof  strong-room  and 
safe  enables  your  Society  to  repeat  with  greater  confidence 


8  Sixty-second  Annual  Meeting. 

the  appeal  made  at  the  last  annual  meeting  at  Yeovil  in  1886 
to  owners  and  custodians  of  valuable  antiquities  and  records 
to  deposit  them  in  the  Museum  at  Taunton  Castle.  Two 
parishes,  one  in  Somersetshire  the  other  in  Devonshire,  have 
already  sent  in  their  ancient  Communion  plate  ;  and  there  are 
probably  many  local  authorities  who  would  be  glad  to  place 
early  churchwardens'  accounts,  register  books,  court  rolls,  and 
similar  documents  in  a  building  that  is  at  once  safe  and 
accessible. 

"  Since  the  last  annual  meeting  a  second  and  enlarged 
edition  of  the  Kev.  D.  P.  Alford's  <  Short  History  of  Taunton 
Castle '  has  been  produced  as  a  hand-book  for  visitors  to  the 
Castle. 

f6  The  most  important  object  added  to  your  Museum  during 
the  year  is  the  famous  Tore  of  gold,  accidentally  discovered 
at  Hendford,  Yeovil,  last  year, — the  acquisition  of  which  by 
your  Society  has  only  recently  been  settled.  The  purchase- 
money  for  this  relic  of  the  Bronze  Age  was  generously  con- 
tributed by  about  fifty  members  of  your  Society.  It  is  now 
preserved  at  Taunton  Castle.  It  is  very  certain  that  whenever 
such  discoveries  are  made,  under  similar  circumstances, 
reference  will  be  made  to  the  important  enquiry  which  was 
held  by  Mr.  E.  Q.  Louch,  coroner  of  the  district,  at  Yeovil, 
on  August  18th,  1909.  The  Coroners'  Society  have  regarded 
the  case  as  of  such  importance  that  they  have  reproduced  the 
Report  of  the  Coroner's  Inquest  and  copy  of  the  Inquisition 
in  their  Annual  Eeport,  Vol.  IV,  1909-10  ;  and,  with  per- 
mission, have  reprinted  Mr.  St.  George  Gray's  paper  on  the 
Tore  in  extenso. 

:<  Two  series  of  important  archaeological  excavations  have 
recently  been  in  progress  in  Somerset,  both  under  the  auspices 
of  the  Parent  Society. 

"  During  1909  Glastonbury  Abbey  was  the  scene  of  much 
activity.  Mr.  Bligh  Bond  continued  his  excavations  at  the 
east  end  of  the  newly-discovered  Edgar  Chapel,  and  also> 


Report  of  the   Council.  9 

laid  bare  an  immense  mass  of  foundations  belonging  to  the 
buildings  formerly  standing  south  of  the  Cloisters.  Valuable 
papers  in  the  last  two  volumes  of  the  Proceedings  record  the 
results  of  the  first  part  of  this  work.  At  Mr.  Bond's  request 
a  small  sub-Committee  visited  the  Abbey  on  March  23rd,  and 
examined  the  remains.  Their  report  was  entirely  favourable 
to  Mr.  Bond's  explanation  of  the  different  portions  of  masonry 
laid  bare,  and  to  the  care  taken  to  record  the  discoveries  in  a 
permanent  form  on  the  ground.  The  same  sub-Committee 
joined  by  invitation  a  Committee  of  the  Society  of  Anti- 
quaries to  inspect  the  work  already  carried  out  in  the  Choir, 
Lady  Chapel  and  Galilee.  Their  joint  report  is  about  to  be 
presented  to  the  sub-Committee  charged  by  the  Trustees  of 
the  Abbey  with  the  preservation  of  the  ruins. 

"The  first  season's  excavations  at  the  Meare  Lake  Village 
were  in  progress  from  May  23  till  June  18,  for  four  weeks 
(including  a  week  for  filling-in)  ;  and  the  directors  of  the 
work,  Mr.  Arthur  Bulleid  and  Mr.  H.  St.  George  Gray,  are 
to  be  congratulated  on  the  number  and  variety  of  their  dis- 
coveries. The  chief  '  finds  '  are  at  present  exhibited  in  the 
Great  Hall  of  the  Castle.  Of  the  large  area  to  be  examined 
only  a  quarter-of-an-acre  was  completely  excavated  this  year. 
Owing  to  the  munificence  of  Lord  Winterstoke  it  has  been 
possible  to  begin  the  work  without  making  a  general  appeal 
for  contributions,  but  before  the  work  is  begun  next  year  it 
will  be  necessary  to  solicit  donations.  Messrs.  Bulleid  and 
Gray  are  Joint  Secretaries  of  the  Excavation  Fund,  and  Mr. 
John  Morland,  of  Glastonbury,  Treasurer.  The  excavations 
were  visited  by  local  societies  and  by  one  from  the  Severn 
Valley. 

"  It  is  a  source  of  gratification  to  your  Committee  that,  as 
recently  advertised,  a  very  full  description  of  the  Glastonbury 
Lake  Village,  by  the  two  above-mentioned  antiquaries,  will 
be  published  within  the  next  year  or  two.  The  monograph, 
which  will  be  in  two  handsome  volumes,  will  be  copiously 


10  Sixty-second  Annual  Meeting. 

illustrated,  and  it  is  fully  expected  that  Vol.  I  will  be  in  the 
hands  of  subscribers  before  your  Society's  next  annual  meet- 
ing. The  cost  of  production  will  be  great,  and  it  is  hoped 
that  the  work  will  receive  the  support  it  deserves. 

"  The  Bath  Branch  of  your  Society  has  also  been  actively 
engaged  in  explorations  at  Lansdown,  near  Bath,  during  the 
past  year.  A  barrow,  completely  excavated,  produced  a  large 
number  of  cremations  ;  another  mound  revealed  an  interesting 
coin  of  Athelstan,  and  more  recently,  some  trenches,  producing 
Roman  remains,  were  cut  near  the  Rectory  at  Langridge. 

"As  recorded  in  the  Proceedings,  LV,  i,  pp.  83-4,  the 
inaugural  meeting  of  the  Entomological  Section  of  the  Society 
was  held  at  Taunton  Castle  on  Oct.  20,  1 909.  The  members 
of  the  Section  have  already  had  one  field-day,  and  Mr. 
Doidge,  of  Taunton,  has  done  some  useful  work  in  connection 
with  your  Society's  collections  of  Lepidoptera.  Mr.  W. 
Macmillan,  of  Castle  Cary,  was  elected  President  of  the 
Section,  and  Mr.  H.  H.  Slater,  Hon.  Sec. 

"  On  July  4th  last  a  preliminary  meeting  of  the  proposed 
Ornithological  Section  of  the  Society  was  held  at  Taunton 
Castle,  Mr.  James  Turner,  of  Porlock,  being  appointed  Hon. 
Sec.  pro.  temp.,  since  which  the  Rev.  F.  L.  Blathwayt  has 
presented  an  interleaved  copy  of  his  Birds  of  Somerset  from 
the  Victoria  County  History,  with  recent  and  additional  notes. 

"  In  due  course  Botanical  and  Geological  Sections  will  also 
be  formed  ;  and  it  is  now  highly  probable  that  the  Natural 
History  of  Somerset  will  receive  the  attention  it  deserves. 

"  Next  year  the  MycologicaljSociety  hopes  to  hold  its  annual 
gathering  at  Taunton. 

"Your  Society  was  represented  at  the  Congress  of  Arch- 
aeological Societies  on  July  6th  by  the  Editorial  Secretary  and 
the  Assistant-Secretary. 

"  Your  Committee  has  appointed  a  sub-Committee  to  con- 
sider the  revision  of  the  rules  of  the  Society. 

"  The  Bridgwater  Field  Club  has  become  affiliated  to  your 


Report  of  the   Council.  1 1 

Society,  bringing  the  number  of  Branch  and  Affiliated 
Societies  up  to  nine. 

"  Your  Museum  was  visited  by  8,058  persons  during  1909, 
including  1,264  visits  from  members,  an  increase  of  70  per  cent, 
during  the  last  nine  years. 

"  Your  Society  records  with  regret  the  loss  by  death  of  the 
following  members  (in  each  case  the  date  in  brackets  is  the 
date  of  the  member's  election)  :  — 

"  George  Fownes  Luttrell,  of  Dunster  Castle  (1868),  one  of 
the  Trustees  of  your  Society,  and  a  Vice-President  from  1890 
till  the  time  of  his  death  on  May  24th  last ;  he  was  President 
at  your  Minehead  meetings  in  1889  and  1906. 

«  Wyndham  Slade,  of  Monty s  Court,  Taunton  (1849),  one 
of  the  two  original  members  of  your  Society  ;  Mr.  Slade 
attended  the  Diamond  Jubilee  Meeting  at  Taunton  in  1908,  in 
company  with  the  surviving  original  member,  Mr.  Alfred 
Clarke  of  Wells. 

"  Miss  J.  L.  Woodward  (1899),  of  Clevedou,  who  died  on 
June  21st  last,  a  good  friend  of  the  Society  ;  Miss  Woodward 
bought  Barrington  Court  and  transferred  it  to  the  National 
Trust  to  ensure  its  preservation. 

"  W.  J.  Tucker  (1882),  for  a  great  number  of  years  Town 
Clerk  of  Chard. 

"  The  Rev.  C.  P.  Quicke  (1891),  Rector  of  Ashbrittle  for 
51  years,  died  on  July  6th. 

«T.  F.  Inman  of  Bath  (1892);  T.  A.  Hodgkinson  of 
Wells  and  Wookey  (1909)  ;  and  C.  V.  H.  Helyar  of  Pound- 
isford  Lodge,  who  died  after  a  few  months'  membership." 

The  Rev.  Preb.  J.  HAMLET,  in  proposing  the  adoption  of 
the  report,  said,  a  more  excellent  report  had  never  been  set 
before  them.  It  showed  that  the  Society  was  in  a  very  sound 
state  of  health.  They  were  the  largest  provincial  Arch- 
aeological Society  in  the  laud,  and  those  who  knew  the  diffi- 
culty of  extending  the  margin  of  cultivation,  would  recognize 
that  it  was  to  the  credit  of  Mr.  St.  George  Gray  and  others 


12  Sixty-second  Annual  Meeting. 

who  had  so  successfully  recruited  for  the  Society,  to  raise  the 
membership  from  797  to  846  during  the  past  year.  Then 
again,  with  regard  to  the  last  volume  of  the  Society's  Pro- 
ceedings. Having  had  nothing  whatever  to  do  with  the 
volume,  and  yet  being  a  close  bystander  to  the  preparation,  he 
ventured  to  say  that  it  was  an  excellent  volume.  It  was  well 
illustrated  and  well  produced,  and  contained  an  amount  of 
matter  which  contrasted  very  sharply  with  those  volumes 
published  by  the  Society  about  1875  and  thereabouts.  He 
should  like  to  draw  attention  to  the  fact  that  the  Society  pos- 
sessed what  was  called  an  extra-illustrated  copy  of  Collinson, 
which  was  bequeathed  by  the  late  Mr.  W.  J.  Braikenridge. 
It  contained  many  scores  of  water-colour  drawings  of  Somer- 
set churches  and  interesting  houses,  executed  in  the  middle  of 
the  XIX  Century,  which  were  invaluable  to  local  historians 
and  the  incumbents  of  churches.  He  was  thankful  to  see  the 
development  of  the  Society  along  the  lines  of  natural  history. 
Even  in  the  presence  of  the  President  he  would  say  that 
mediaeval  written  documents  were  not  the  best  monuments  that 
archaeology  had  dealt  with.  They  had  heard  how  that  at 
Glastonbury  Abbey,  Mr.  Bligh  Bond,  and  at  the  Meare  Lake- 
village,  Mr.  Bulleid  and  Mr.  St.  George  Gray,  were  doing 
important  work.  The  pen  had  become  the  slave  to  the  spade, 
and  the  more  often  they  were  able  to  put  the  spade  to  work  in 
the  capable  hands  of  such  men  as  those  before  mentioned,  the 
more  would  they  be  doing  the  work  of  the  present  moment  and 
trying  to  read  that  most  interesting  and  yet  most  recondite 
page  of  Somerset  history  which  lay  under  ground.  All  this 
work  could  only  be  done  by  a  great  deal  of  personal  service, 
and  there  were  persons  who  were  giving  them  their  gifts  and 
their  service.  There  was  one  point  about  which  the  Com- 
mittee was  slightly  anxious,  and  that  was  with  regard  to  the 
£350  required  to  complete  the  payment  for  the  alterations 
which  had  been  taking  place  at  Taunton  Castle.  The  Com- 
mittee felt  sure  that  if  they  could  only  get  members  to  come  to 


Report  of  the   Council.  13 

Taimton  and  see  what  had  been  done  to  the  library  and  to  the 
library  collection  they  would  have  but  a  short  period  of 
anxiety  with  regard  to  the  money  required. 

Mr.  A.  E.  HUDD,  F.S.A.,   seconded  the   adoption   of   the 
report,  which  was  carried  unanimously. 


finances* 

Mr.  REGINALD  C.  BOYLE,  .Joint  Treasurer,  in  presenting 
the  Annual  Statement  of  Accounts,  expressed  his  appreciation 
of  being  elected  treasurer  of  the  Society  with  Mr.  Badcock. 
Many  years  must  roll  by  before  he  could  approach  Mr. 
Badcock's  experience,  but  till  that  carne  he  would  give  the 
best  services  that  were  at  his  disposal. 

^t*a0uret'0  Account 

The  Treasurer  in  Account  with  the,  Somersetshire  Archaeological  and  Natural 
History  Society,  from  January  1st  to  December  31st,  1909. 


RECEIPTS. 

£ 
By  Members'  Subscriptions,  1909 

(783)        411 

,,  Members*  Entrance  Fees, 
1909(67)  

,,  Members'  Subscriptions  in 
Arrear  (4)  

,,  Members'  Subscriptions  in 
advance  (10) 

,,  Annual  Donations      

,,  Donations  to  the  Museum  and 
Library  Extension  Fund 
(Diamond  Jubilee,  1908)  ... 

,,  Balance  of  Assist. -Secretary's 
Account  (Annual  Meeting, 
Wells) 

„  Eents         

„  Inhabited  House  Duty  (re- 
funded)   

„  Museum  Admission  Fees     ... 

„  Sale  of  Publications 

„  Somerset     Church     Towers 
(Brereton  Fund)         

,,  Library  Fees      

,,  Museum  Collection  Box 


5    0 


19  1 
1  6 

1  6 

2  2 
19  11 

10  0 
8  6 
4  11 


4    7 


„  Balance  brought  down        ...£143  18     7 


EXPENDITURE. 

£    s.  d. 
To  Balance  of  former  Account  216    9    8 


Secretarial  expenses,  Annual 

Meeting,  Wells        ...... 

,,  Repairs,  Castle  and  Museum 
,,  Stationery  and  Printing       ... 
„  Fuel  and  Lighting      ...... 

„  Purchase  of  Museum  Speci- 

mens    ............ 

„  Purchase  of  Books      ...... 

„  Bookbinding  ...... 

,,  Taunton  Castle  Guide  Book 

(2nd  edition)  ...... 

„  Handbook,     "Courts  Leet" 
,,  Printing,    Binding,  Illustra- 

tions and  Postage,  Vol.  54... 
,,  Proceedings,  Vol.  55    ...... 

,,  Museum  and  Library  Exten- 

sion Fund       ......... 

„  Iron  Safe  ......... 

„  Curator's  Salary 

,,  Attendant's  Wages 

,,  Boy's  Wages 

,,  Temporary    Assistance   and 

Night  Watchman 
„  Petty  Cash 
„  Postal  Expenses 
„  Subscriptions  to  Societies 
,,  Insurance,  including  Fire 
,,  Rates  and  Taxes 
„  Watermain  Wayleave 
Balance 


7  3  10 
18  19  10 

6  13  7 
28  14  11 

5  16  11 
10  16  11 

6  17    9 

10  12    9 
520 

130  17    8 
1  13    0 

7  16  11 

10  10    0 
150    0    0 

18    9    0 
7  16    3 

4  13    9 
853 

12  18    0 

11  4    6 

13  4    9 
49    7    9 

0    I'D 


143  18    7 


4    7 


H.  J.  BADCOCK, 
REGINALD  BOYLE, 


Hon. 
Treasurers. 


Jan.  24th,  1910.    Examined  and  compared  with  the  Vouchers  and  Pass  Book,  and 
found  correct. 

HOWARD  MAYNARD, 
H.  BYARD  SHEPPARD, 


Hon.  Auditors. 


14  Sixty-second  Annual  Meeting. 

The  Rev.  C.  H.  HEALE  moved  that  the  balance  sheet  be 
received  and  adopted.  He  said  it  was  a  satisfactory  one  and 
showed  that  the  Society  carried  on  a  great  deal  of  work  at 
small  expense.  Prebendary  Hamlet  had  referred  to  the 
deficiency  of  £350.  The  Committee  acting  on  the  generous 
support  initiated  by  Mr.  Hobhouse,  and  on  the  enthusiasm  of 
their  Curator,  had  almost  completed  the  work  of  alteration  to 
the  Castle  to  make  the  Museum  and  Library  more  useful  for 
their  requirements.  They  had  a  valuable  collection  of  coins 
and  medals  which  they  hoped  to  show  in  one  of  the  new 
rooms.  Members  were  sometimes  placed  in  a  difficulty  when 
they  came  to  the  Castle  in  search  of  parochial  history,  and  it 
would  be  of  great  advantage  to  them  to  have  the  new  Library 
where  provision  would  be  made  for  quiet  study  and  reading 
without  being  disturbed  in  the  Committee  Room,  which  was 
primarily  the  Curator's  office.  They  hoped  that  members  who 
had  not  yet  given  to  the  Museum  and  Library  Extension 
Fund  would  speedily  wipe  out  the  balance  and  enable  the 
rooms  to  be  opened  to  the  great  advantage  of  the  members. 

Mr.  E.  A.  FRY  seconded  the  adoption  of  the  accounts. 

The  motion  was  put  to  the  meeting  and  carried  unani- 
mously. 

(Election  of  agjemfcers  anD  Dfficers. 

The  Assistant-Secretary,  Mr.  ST.  GEORGE  GRAY,  read  the 
list  of  eighty-five  new  members  provisionally  elected  by  the 
Committee  since  the  last  meeting,  the  largest  list  ever  brought 
before  the  annual  meeting,  except  at  the  Diamond  Jubilee, 
when  the  number  was  one  hundred  and  eight. 

Dr.  W.  A.  HUNT,  in  proposing  the  confirmation  of  the  elec- 
tion of  the  new  members,  said  that  he  was  pleased  that  Yeovil 
had  contributed  one-fifth  of  the  number. 

Mr.  J.  B.  PAYNTER  seconded,  and  the  resolution  was 
cordially  agreed  to. 


Somerset  Record  Society.  15 

Mr.  F.  J.  FKY  proposed  the  re-election  of  the  officers,  with  the 
additions  of  the  Bishop  of  Bath  and  Wells,  Sir  Henry  Max- 
well Lyte,  and  Mr.  Hugh  Norris,  as  Vice-Presidents  ;  Mr. 
H.  Byard  Sheppard  as  a  member  of  the  Committee  ;  and  the 
following  as  local  secretaries  :  Mr.  W.  Macmillan,  for  Castle 
Gary  ;  Mr.  Francis  Were,  for  Gloucestershire  ;  and  Mr.  J.  R. 
H.  Weaver,  for  Oxford.  He  was  sorry  that  they  could  not 
present  each  of  the  officers  with  a  gold  tore,  such  as  the  one 
that  had  been  discovered  at  Yeovil,  as  no  more  had  been 
found  !  If  they  could  not  find  more  tores  he  hoped  they  would 
pick  up  sovereigns  to  add  to  the  improvements  at  Taunton 
Museum  ! 

The  Rev,  Preb.  (Jr.  E.  SMITH  said  he  was  glad  that 
the  seconding  of  that  resolution  had  fallen  to  his  hands  as  he 
was  one  of  the  oldest  members  of  the  Society,  having  been 
elected  in  1868.  Not  only  the  size  and  interest  of  the  last 
volume  of  Proceedings,  and  the  increased  membership,  but  the 
general  management  of  the  Society  and  the  work  the  officers 
did  at  the  extremely  busy  monthly  Committee  meetings, 
showed  that  they  had  very  efficient  officers.  He  was  much 
interested  to  hear  of  the  recent  developments  which  had  taken 
place  in  respect  to  natural  history. 
The  motion  was  carried  unanimously. 

Somerset  Eecoro  Society 

The  PRESIDENT  said  that  the  work  of  the  Society  had  un- 
fortunately fallen  into  arrears,  but  he  hoped  to  issue  the 
volume  for  1909  in  August.  This  would  contain  the  Mynchin 
Buckland  Cartulary,  a  hitherto  unknown  record.  The  volume 
for  1910  was  a  Glastonbury  Feodary,  whose  importance 
was  recognised  by  Professor  Vinogradoff.  The  volume  for 
1911  was  now  settled.  It  wrould  contain  a  first  instalment  of 
Star  Chamber  Proceedings,  under  the  care  of  Miss  G.  Brad- 
ford, who  had  already  edited  a  similar  volume  for  the  Selden 


16  Sixty-second  Annual  Meeting. 

Society.  He  hoped  before  long  to  issue  the  Quarter  Sessions 
Papers  of  the  Commonwealth  Period,  and  a  volume  of  Epis- 
copal Registers  of  the  XV  Century.  New  subscribers  were 
much  wanted;  and  to  judge  by  the  changes  in  the  list,  it 
appeared  that  the  "  New  World  was  being  called  in  to  redress 
the  balance  of  the  Old." 

€be  presiDentiai  atmtess. 

The  Rev.  E.  H.  BATES  HARBIN,  M.A.,  then  delivered  his 
address.  He  said  : — 

This  is  the  third  time  that  the  Society  has  visited  Yeovil. 
The  first  visit  was  in  1853,  the  choice  of  a  meeting  place  being 
no  doubt  helped  by  the  fact  that  a  railway  was  under  con- 
struction from  Durston.  In  another  respect  the  town  was 
much  nearer  to  the  days  of  the  Heptarchy,  as  it  was  still 
governed  by  a  portreeve  who  did  not  give  place  to  the  Norman 
mayor  till  the  autumn  of  that  year.  The  President  was 
Colonel  W.  Pinney.  He  survived  long  enough  to  see  the 
Society  enter  on  its  Jubilee  year,  and  to  remember  it  in  his 
will.  With  his  legacy  as  a  nest-egg  the  necessary  work  of 
restoring  and  fitting  up  the  greater  part  of  Taunton  Castle, 
including  the  Great  Hall,  for  the  purpose  of  Museum  and 
Library,  was  begun,  and  is  now  after  twelve  years'  labour  being 
brought  to  a  successful  conclusion. 

The  next  meeting  was  held  in  1886  under  the  Presidency  of 
the  late  Mr.  John  Batten,  F.S.A. 

As  I  have  already  mentioned  it  was  my  first  meeting  as  a 
member  of  the  Society  and  three  incidents  in  it  made  a  lasting 
impression  on  my  memory.  Bishop  E.  Hobhouse,  "  clarum  et 
venerabile  nomen,"  supported  a  motion  brought  forward  by 
Mr.  Green  pledging  the  Society  to  use  all  lawful  means  to 
save  the  old  buildings  of  Bishop  Fox's  School,  then  in  the 
market  and  in  great  danger  of  destruction.  Our  intervention 
was  successful,  and  as  the  Taunton  Municipal  Buildings  the 


The  Presidential  Address.  17 

school-house  was  started  on  a  second  and  I  trust  an  equally 
long  period  of  use  and  ornament. 

I  need  hardly  say  that  this  latter  feature  does  not  suffer  from 
facing  the  modern  public  buildings  in  Corporation  Street. 
In  the  course  of  a  quarter  of  a  century  people  have  learned 
that  an  old  building  in  town  or  village  is  a  valuable  asset, 
inducing  even  motor-cars  with  their  occupants  to  stop  and  pay 
for  admittance.  There  are  still,  however,  plenty  of  oppor- 
tunities for  our  members  to  put  in  a  plea  for  the  preservation 
of  old  buildings.  Their  restoration  too  often  means  destruction 
of  every  ancient  feature  ;  and  it  is  difficult  to  insinuate  in  the 
present  state  of  the  law  and  public  artistic  feeling  that  the 
picturesque  appearance  of  a  whole  village  or  a  view  may  be 
absolutely  destroyed  by  the  appalling  effort  of  the  local  builder 
"  with  a  roof  of  slated  hideousuess." 

The  second  incident  was  the  announcement  that  the  Society's 
Library  was  to  be  made  more  useful  by  allowing  members  to 
take  out  the  books,  and  by  the  printing  of  a  catalogue  which 
was  very  ably  prepared  by  the  then  Curator,  Mr.  W.  Bidgood. 

Since  that  date  the  Library  has  increased  by  leaps  and 
bounds  and  in  the  re-arrangement  of  the  space  in  the  Castle  it 
has  been  found  possible  to  allot  a  room  suitable  not  only  for 
storage  of  books  but  also  for  students.  Owing,  however,  to 
lack  of  funds  the  classes  of  books  dealing  with  archaeology 
and  natural  history  are  very  deficient. 

The  third  incident  was  the  Presidential  address.  The  main 
part  of  this  was  devoted  to  an  account  of  a  very  early  deed 
bearing  upon  the  history  of  Yeovil,  and  the  general  impression 
left  on  my  mind,  and  I  hope  on  others  as  well,  was  that  the 
parochial  history  of  the  county  was  yet  to  be  written. 

Collinson  rightly  deserves  the  praise  given  to  all  who  first 
attempt  the  unknown  ;  but  the  materials  were  not  available  in 
1791,  when  the  only  public  record  printed  was  Domesday  and 
that  after  the  English  method  (or  want  of  it)  without  an 
index.  In  his  Presidential  address,  as  in  other  papers  collected 

Vol.  L  VI  (Third  Series,  XVI),  Part  I.  B 


18  Sixty-second  Annual  Meeting. 

and  issued  under  the  too  modest  title  of  "  Historical  Notes  on 
South-west  Somerset,"  Mr.  Batten  used  the  national  collection 
of  Archives  to  present  what  was  practically  a  new  history  of 
those  parishes  fortunate  enough  to  be  included. 

In  the  years  since  1886  a  perfect  Library  of  books,  big  and 
little,  dealing  with  local  history  has  issued  from  the  press,  but 
I  venture  to  think  that  they  all  may  be  divided  into  two 
classes  according  as  the  authors  have  been  content  to  take, 
often  very  literally,  their  early  history  from  Collinson,  or  to 
work  it  out  again  from  the  materials  so  amply  provided  and  in 
a  scientific  spirit — one  class  is  already  useless,  the  other  will 
be  referred  to  again. 

I  referred  to  the  materials  for  local  history.  These  of 
course  vary  according  to  the  period  of  time  dealt  with.  There 
is  the  earliest,  which,  as  it  comes  to  an  end  with  the  written 
account,  is  called  the  pre-historic  period. 

Before  the  arrival  of  Julius  Caesar  there  is  a  mass  of 
materials  recording  the  conditions  of  civilization  in  this  land 
which  has  been  barely  touched.  On  the  surface  are  camps  and 
other  earth-works,  roads  and  ditches — under  the  soil  are  lake 
villages  and  burial-places — even  a  lump  of  clay  may  turn  out 
to  be  the  jewel-case  of  an  ancient  Briton,  as  when  the 
labourer's  spade  last  summer  revealed  the  gold  tore  in  a  garden 
in  this  town,  which  is  now  one  of  the  glories  of  our  Museum 
at  Taunton. 

Somersetshire  has  indeed  been  highly  favoured  not  only  in 
the  multitude  and  variety  of  pre-historic  remains,  but  also  in 
the  knowledge  and  expert  skill  which  have  been  brought  to 
their  examination.  The  Rev.  F.  Warre,  Professor  Boyd 
Dawkins,  Dr.  Bulleid,  and  Mr.  St.  George  Gray  have  taught 
us  how  to  disinter  and  interpret  these  remains,  for  it  is  perhaps 
hardly  recognized  that  a  record  of  this  nature,  though  it  may 
have  come  down  unscathed  from  the  earliest  days  of  man  upon 
the  earth,  can  have  its  message  rendered  absolutely  valueless 
by  injudicious  handling. 


The  Presidential  Address.  19 

It  is  as  if  the  examination  of  a  manuscript  or  picture  could 
only  be  accomplished  by  the  destruction  of  the  original.  It 
may  have  to  be  done,  but  only  experts  should  be  intrusted  with 
the  task. 

After  all  what  can  we  learn  of  the  actual  condition  of  the 
people  whose  remains  we  so  diligently  examine  ?  The  cases 
full  of  instruments  of  war  and  implements  of  peace,  of  pottery 
and  ornaments,  tell  us  very  little,  and  how  can  we  rashly 
dogmatise  when  we  find  it  so  difficult  to  agree  about  the 
economic  and  social  conditions  of  a  nation,  living  and  flourish- 
ing (if  I  may  say  so)  on  the  opposing  shore  of  the  Grerman 
Ocean. 

The  millennium  from  the  arrival  of  the  Romans  covers 
the  second  period.  Written  and  pictorial  history  becomes 
the  principal  record.  Perhaps  the  fact  that  some  of  the 
chronicles  contain  a  discursive  history  of  mankind  from  the 
Creation  makes  us  forgetful  that  even  in  treating  of  their 
own  times  and  nations  they  omit  very  much  more  than  they 
record.  For  instance,  the  Conquest  of  Mercia  by  the  English 
is  a  blank.  And,  try  as  we  may,  there  is  not  sufficient 
evidence  left  and  available  to  fill  the  gaps.  The  general  out- 
line of  the  puzzle  is  visible,  but  so  many  pieces  are  missing 
that  the  remainder  will  not  form  the  picture,  and  may  be  fitted 
in  at  the  top  or  bottom  or  on  either  side  according  to  individual 
taste.  King  Arthur  and  the  rise  of  Glastonbury,  and  Alfred 
with  Athelney  are  the  two  foci  of  discussion,  but  in  proportion 
as  facts  are  weak  convictions  are  apt  to  be  strong. 

From  the  date  of  the  Domesday  survey  the  historian  finds 
himself  in  a  different  position,  and  after  the  accession  of 
Henry  II  each  reign  seems  to  contribute  an  additional  class  of 
records.  In  the  early  part  of  the  last  century  the  condition 
of  the  public  records  had  become  very  serious,  until  the  un- 
wearied exertions  of  Lord  Langdale,  Master  of  the  Rolls,  had 
provided  a  proper  home  and  custodians  in  Chancery  Lane. 
He  had  the  greatest  difficulty  in  preventing  the  ministry  of 


20  Sixty-second  Annual  Meeting. 

the  day  from  packing  the  records  up  under  the  roofs  of  the 
new  Houses  of  Parliament,  and  the  obstacles  in  the  way  of 
research  may  be  illustrated  from  the  fact  that  owing  to  a  rule 
requiring  the  copying  of  the  whole  of  a  document,  a  fee  of 
£145  has  been  demanded  for  an  extract  of  two  lines  from  the 
original.1  The  Public  Records  are  now  safely  housed  and 
accessible  to  students  in  London,  but  it  is  only  of  late  years 
that  a  determined  effort  has  been  made  to  produce  Calendars 
of  the  more  important  documents.  Since  Sir  Henry  C. 
Maxwell  Lyte  became  Deputy-Keeper  in  1887  much  has  been 
done  by  means  of  printed  Calendars  and  indexes  to  render 
their  contents  generally  available  ;  and  in  inviting  him  to  be  a 
Vice-President  of  our  Society  your  Committee  desired  to 
express  their  sense  of  the  great  obligations  which  all  anti- 
quaries and  students  owe  to  his  work  at  the  P.R.O. 

This  work  has  been  supplemented,  nay  anticipated  (after  the 
English  manner),  by  private  societies.  I  may  mention  the 
Pipe  Roll  Society,  whose  aim  is  to  print  all  public  records 
previous  to  1199;  the  Selden  Society,  of  whose  volumes  it  is 
sufficient  to  say  that  many  were  edited  by  Miss  Bateson  and 
Professor  Maitland.  There  are  also  many  local  societies, 
among  which  (though  1  may  seem  therein  to  magnify  my 
office)  the  work  of  the  Somerset  Record  Society  has  received 
praise  from  well  qualified  critics  and  students.  Its  work  ex- 
tending not  only  to  national  but  also  to  local  records  and 
documents  in  private  hands,  provides  a  link  with  a  very  im- 
portant subject.  I  refer  to  the  custody,  preservation  and 
printing  of  Local  Records  now  existing  within  the  County. 

How  important  this  subject  has  become  will  be  understood 
by  the  study  of  such  works  as  the  books  on  Local  Govern- 
ment now  being  drawn  up  by  Mr.  and  Mrs.  S.  Webb,  or  Thorold 
Rogers'  "  Six  Centuries  of  Work  and  Wages." 

The  subject  has  been  exhaustively  dealt  with  by  the  '  Local 

Records '  Committee,  who  presented  a  most  valuable  report  to 

1.     "  Memoirs  of  Lord  Langdale,"  ii,  147  ;  Quarterly  Review,  vol.  130,  p.  380. 


The  Presidential  Address.  21 

Parliament  in  1902.1  The  information  gathered  together 
showed  that  Local  Records  were  voluminous  in  quantity,  of  great 
value,  and  speaking  generally,  very  badly  housed  and  inaccessi- 
ble to  students.  One  of  the  recommendations  of  the  Committee 
was  that  each  County  and  Borough  should  singly  or  in  groups 
establish  a  Local  Records  Office  where  the  documents  could  be 
safely  housed,  repaired,  and  arranged,  and  students  encouraged 
to  make  researches.  To  this  point  Somersetshire  has  advanced 
as  far  as  any.  Thanks  to  the  enlightened  generosity  of  the 
County  Council,  the  records,  dating  back  to  1600,  have  been 
cleaned  and  arranged  in  dry  and  safe  basement  rooms  at  the 
Shire  Hall,  Taunton.  And  two  volumes  of  Quarter  Sessions 
Papers  dealing  with  the  reigns  of  the  first  James  and  Charles 
have  already  been  issued.  But,  unfortunately,  there  are  no 
proper  means  of  accommodation  or  supervision,  and  therefore 
no  students.  Further,  the  Shire  Hall  is  for  County  Records 
only. 

It  is  with  the  view  of  saving  books  and  papers  relating  to 
parish  and  manor  that  your  Committee  in  the  restoration 
of  Taunton  Castle  have  provided  a  fire-and-burglar-proof 
strong-room  as  well  as  a  safe.  They  wish  it  to  be  widely 
known  that  they  are  now  prepared  to  take  charge  of  such 
records  as  Churchwardens'  Accounts,  Parish  Registers,  Court 
Rolls,  early  Title  Deeds,  Way  wardens'  Books,  Rate  Books, 
Vestry  Minute  Books,  and  similar  documents.  The  particular 
item  of  Parish  Registers  may,  ought  to  receive  careful 
attention.  They  are  by  far  the  most  important  class  of 
parochial  records  now  in  existence  ;  and  the  strong  boxes  pro- 
vided under  the  act  of  1812  are  in  most  parishes  now  filled  to 
overflowing,  while  unfortunately  there  is  great  difficulty  in 
finding  the  funds  for  providing  proper  safes.  I  do  earnestly 
trust  that  no  undue  difficulties  will  be  placed  in  the  way  of  any 
incumbent  wishing  to  deposit  the  older  books  in  his  charge  in 
the  strong  room  at  the  Castle. 

1.     Heport  and  Appendices,  1902,  Cd.  1333,  1335. 


22  Sixty-second  Annual  Meeting. 

After  all,  these  precious  documents  are  but  the  raw  material, 
even  when  thej  have  been  printed  and  edited,  for  the  corn- 
position  of  history.  Lord  Langdale  used  to  say  that  when  he 
had  arranged  the  facts  of  the  case  in  chronological  order  his 
brief  gave  him  little  further  trouble.  It  is  certainly  true  that 
the  provision  of  so  much  material  (I  use  the  word  in  its  widest 
sense)  will  automatically  clear  away  a  good  deal  of  rubbish 
commonly  received  as  history.  At  the  time  of  the  Alfred 
millenary  a  critic  remarked  of  the  story  that  the  future  king 
had  probably  received  his  training  in  diplomacy  at  the  Roman 
Court,  that  at  the  date  given  he  was  a  little  boy  in  the  nursery 
probably  only  distinguished  (if  that  is  the  right  word)  for 
greediness  at  meal  times.  Strict  attention  to  chronology  makes 
havoc  with  pedigrees  and  generally  received  parochial  history. 
But  this  will  not  carry  us  very  far.  There  is  a  tradition  of 
the  late  J.  S.  Mill  that  he  once  defended  the  severe  tone  of  a 
critical  letter  on  the  ground  that  "  we  ought  to  correct  error 
wherever  we  find  it."  It  is  not  surprising  that  his  generation 
looked  coldly  on  the  philosopher,  who  might  have  dreaded  the 
fate  of  Socrates.  However  error  must  be  got  rid  of.  Let  us 
rather  recall  a  custom  of  the  middle  ages,  and  picture  to  our- 
selves a  wandering  archaeological  student  placing  on  the  outer 
door  of  Taunton  Castle  a  paper  of  propositions  which  he  is 
prepared  to  defend  against  all  comers.  They  would  probably 
begin  with  some  general  statements  :  e.g. — There  is  no 
evidence  to  connect  a  cross-legged  effigy  with  the  crusades  ; 
and  indeed  the  theory  is  almost  unseemly.  That  our  fore- 
fathers were  not  in  the  habit  of  making  underground  passages 
from  one  house  to  another,  but  like  true  Englishmen  met  then- 
friends  and  enemies  in  the  open.  That  to  refer  to  a  'bar 
sinister '  on  a  shield  is  not  a  mark  of  reproach  except  to  the 
person  asserting  it  as  convicting  him  of  gross  ignorance  of 
heraldry.1  That  the  existence  of  a  Tudor  doorway  or  window 
in  a  building  does  not  necessarily  imply  that  it  was  ever  an 
1.  This  blunder  will  be  found  in  the  Cambridge  Modern  History,  V.,  225. 


The  Presidential  Address.  23 

abode  of  a  religions  body,  whose  existence  should  be  tested  by 
search  in  the  records  of  the  diocese. 

The  student  may  then  like  to  come  to  closer  grips  ;  and  re- 
membering where  he  is,  assert  that  the  tower  of  St.  Mary 
Magdalene  owes  nothing  either  in  suggestion  or  design  to 
Henry  VII  or  Reginald  de  Bray,  as  there  is  plenty  of  evid- 
ence that  it  was  partly  built  before  the  West  of  England  saw 
the  royal  progress.  That  the  castle  of  Somerton  in  this  county 
was  not  the  scene  of  the  captivity  of  King  John  of  France 
after  Poitiers,  but  another  castle  bearing  the  same  name  in 
the  parish  of  Boothby  Graffoe  in  Lincolnshire.1 

And,  not  to  enumerate  a  list  which  might  extend  to  the 
number  of  Luther's  propositions  at  Wittenberg,  the  scholar 
may  conclude  by  asserting  that  there  is  not  the  smallest 
evidence  that  the  family  of  Doone  with  their  crimes  and 
enormities  ever  had  any  real  existence  on  Exmoor  or  elsewhere. 
Here  indeed  on  the  one  side  the  facts  being  simply  non- 
existent, on  the  other  the  convictions  are  very  strong,  and,  if 
one  may  say  so,  pugnacious. 

Leaving  the  student  outside  the  gate,  I  consider  that  the 
Doone  legend  does  deserve  a  stricter  historical  enquiry  than  it 
has  yet  received.2  On  the  face  of  it  the  story  is  perfectly 
probable.  Small  companies  of  marauders  have  been  known  in 
most  counties  down  to  comparatively  recent  dates.  One  such 
company  existing  on  Dartmoor  down  to  1640  is  recorded  by 
Fuller  in  his  "  Worthies  of  England "  under  the  name  of 
Gubbins,  who  were  made  good  use  of  by  Canon  Kingsley  in 
Westward  Ho  !  Collinson  in  his  account  of  Selwood  Forest 
refers  to  a  desperate  clan  of  banditti  who  within  the  memory 
of  man — he  wrote  in  1791 — made  it  their  asylum.  But  with 
regard  to  the  legend  of  the  Doones  on  Exmoor,  neither  he  nor 
any  other  writer  refers  to  such  a  tradition.  No  piece  of  his- 
torical evidence  has  ever  been  produced  to  show  that  the  band 

1.  Journ.  Brit.  Arch.  Assoc.,  Vol.  XLVI  (1890). 

2.  See  "  The  Doones  of  Exmoor,"  by  E.  J.  Rawle,  2nd  edit,  1903. 


24  Sixty-second  Annual  Meeting. 

existed ;  though  their  long  continued  misdeeds  were  of  a 
nature  to  produce  a  whole  library  of  penny  chap-books — such 
as  formed  the  reading  of  country  people  in  the  XVII  and 
XVIII  Centuries.  "  Lorna  Doone"  is  a  magnificent  story,  but 
the  efforts  to  give  it  a  basis  of  fact  provide  painful  reading  for 
those  who  desire  the  progress  of  historical  studies.  I  am  re- 
minded of  the  words  of  the  late  Bishop  Creighton  drawn 
forth  on  another  subject.  "  The  perpetual  difficulty  ....  is 
that  each  individual  Englishman  is  profoundly  convinced  that 
he  is  right  ....  having  arrived  at  this  conclusion,  he  picks 
up  any  statement  which  enables  l\im  to  express  himself 
forcibly,  and  I  believe  he  calls  this  an  argument." 

At  present,  and  for  some  years  to  come,  this  collecting  of 
materials,  the  task  of  weeding  out  the  erroneous  and  fanciful, 
the  process  of  selecting  and  piecing  together  the  many  items 
that  make  up  parochial  and  personal  history,  should  be  con- 
sidered as  preparing  the  way  for  the  issue  of  a  county  history 
worthy  of  the  name. 

Our  Society  set  this  object  before  them  from  the  very 
commencement.  However,  from  the  causes  I  have  indicated 
above,  the  principal  result  so  far  has  been  the  growth  of  a  spirit 
of  enquiry  and  the  general  spread  of  an  archaeological  interest. 

What,  however,  has  become  impossible  for  an  individual,, 
either  the  incumbent  of  a  country  parish — as  were  Collinson 
and  Hutchins — or  the  enthusiastic  Squire  of  leisure  and 
means,  the  type  of  whom  was  Surtees  of  Mainsforth,  wha 
spent  his  life  in  writing  the  u  History  of  Durham,"  has  now 
been  attempted  by  the  modern  plan  of  co-operation.  The 
scheme  of  the  Victoria  County  Histories  is  to  be  carried  out 
by  a  combination  of  workers  in  each  county  with  a  central 
staff  in  London.  This  magnificent  scheme,  after  issuing  one 
or  more  volumes  dealing  with  thirty-two  counties  in  England, 
has  been  in  serious  danger  of  collapsing  from  lack  of  sub- 
scribers and  capital.  It  has  been  suggested  that  the  govern- 
ment should  provide  some  funds  for  this  purpose,  but  you  will 


The  Presidential  Address.  25 

probably  remember  the  result  of  an  application  to  purchase 
the  Hunterian  Museum.  William  Pitt  listened  to  the  deputa- 
tion and  then  said  "  Twenty  thousand  pounds  for  anatomical 
preparations  when  I  have  not  got  enough  money  for  gun 
powder!"  Gentlemen,  the  Chancellor  of  the  Exchequer's 
answer  is  always  the  same,  "  that  he  wants  his  money  for  gun 
powder."  However  the  financial  strain  has  been  relieved  by 
the  generosity  of  some  private  individuals  who  have  guaranteed 
the  cost  of  ten  counties.  Although  Somersetshire  has  not 
been  fortunate  enough  so  far  to  obtain  a  similar  guarantee, 
Vol.  II  (Vol.  I  was  issued  in  1906)  is  so  far  advanced  that  it 
may  be  published  in  the  autumn  of  this  year.  The  whole  of 
the  general  articles  will  then  be  available  ;  but  the  issue  of  the 
four  volumes  dealing  with  the  parochial  history  must  depend 
upon  the  support  received  from  the  county.  Collinson's 
history,  issued  in  1791  in  three  volumes  at  three  guineas,  had  a 
subscription  list  of  800  copies,  and  it  now  fetches  eight 
guineas  in  the  open  market.  The  Victoria  History  will  consist 
of  six  volumes  at  nine  guineas,  and  in  every  respect  there  can 
be  no  comparison  between  the  two  works. 

I  appeal  to  all  members  of  our  Society  and  to  the  county 
generally  for  such  support  as  may  enable  this  work  to  be 
carried  on  without  further  delay.  Its  production  would  pro- 
vide a  solid  and  truthful  basis  for  everyone  who  wishes  to 
learn  something  about  his  own  village  or  town.  Let  me  con- 
clude with  a  quotation  from  one  of  the  greatest  of  our  English 
historians,  J.  R.  Green  :  "There  is  no  better  corrective  [for 
many  false  views  of  the  past]  than  to  set  a  man  frankly  in  the 
streets  of  a  simple  English  town  or  village  and  to  bid  him 
work  out  the  history  of  the  men  who  have  lived  and  died 
there.  The  mill  by  the  stream,  the  tolls  in  the  market  place, 
the  brasses  in  the  Church,  the  names  of  the  streets,  the  linger- 
ing memories  of  the  guilds,  the  mace  of  the  mayor,  tell  us 
more  of  the  past  of  England  than  even  the  spire  of  Sarum  and 
the  martyrdom  of  Canterbury." 


26  Sixty-second  Annual  Meeting. 

Sir  EDWARD  FRY  proposed  a  vote  of  thanks  to  the 
President  for  his  instructive  and  humorous  address.  He  was 
a  man  who  deserved  well  of  antiquaries  and  especially  of  the 
members  of  that  Society.  He  had  told  them  it  was  twenty- 
five  years  since  he  joined  the  Society  and  that  he  had  attended 
twenty-one  annual  meetings.  He  (Sir  Edward)  was  afraid 
that  record  would  put  many  of  them  to  the  blush.  He  had 
been  the  life  and  soul  of  the  Somerset  Record  Society  and 
had  rendered  valuable  service  from  time  to  time  to  the  Record 
Committee  of  the  County  Council.  He  (the  speaker)  had 
the  honour  to  be  the  chairman  of  that  small  committee  and 
could  testify  to  the  valuable  assistance  rendered  by  Mr.  Bates 
Harbin.  Sir  Edward  said  that  the  President  had  called 
attention  to  many  of  the  sources  from  which  English  History 
was  derived  and  he  would  call  their  attention  to  the  Historical 
MSS.  Commission,  which  received  from  time  to  time  for 
inspection,  manuscripts  in  private  care.  If  there  were  members 
of  the  Society  having  manuscripts  in  their  possession  which 
were  likely  to  be  of  use  in  elucidating  the  history  of  the 
country,  the  Commission  would  examine  them.  He  mentioned 
this  as  an  addition  to  the  sources  of  information  referred  to  by 
the  President. 

Mr.  A.  F.  SOMERVILLE  in  seconding  the  resolution  said 
that  their  President  had  selected  the  subject  he  thought  he 
would  choose,  and  had  brought  a  great  amount  of  originality 
to  bear  upon  it.  He  was  afraid  that  he  was  somewhat  of  an 
iconoclast,  and  that  a  good  many  would  sympathise  with  him 
in  having  to  look  upon  "  Lorna  Doone  "  as  a  myth  as  well  as 
"  Jack  the  Giant  Killer  "  and  other  friends  of  their  childhood. 
They  must  realise  that  there  was  a  good  deal  of  tradition,  and 
they  must  also  realise  that  there  was  something  in  tradition. 
The  work  done  with  regard  to  the  early  history  of  the  county 
by  Mr.  Gray,  Dr.  Bulleid,  Mr.  Bond  and  others,  was  a  most 
important  addition  to  the  history  of  the  country. 

The  PRESIDENT  said  he  was  much  obliged  to  Sir  Edward 


Church  of  St.  John  Baptist,   Ycovil.  27 

Fry  and  Mr.  Somerville  for  the  way  they  had  greeted  the 
Presidential  address  and  for  the  kindness  of  the  members  in 
listening. 


of  ®t.  3lof)n  IBaptist, 

After  luncheon  at  the  Three  Choughs  Hotel  the  members 
paid  a  visit  to  Yeovil  Parish  Church.  Here  the  Vicar  (the 
Rev.  Preb.  James  Phelips)  received  the  Society  and  exhibited 
the  XVI  Century  registers  and  later  account  books. 

The  PRESIDENT  gave  a  description  of  the  Church.  He 
said  that  before  he  spoke  of  the  history  of  the  Church,  he,  on 
behalf  of  the  Society,  congratulated  the  Vicar  and  church- 
wardens upon  the  successful  restoration  of  the  roof,  which  had 
been  carried  out  at  the  expense  of  several  thousands  of  pounds 
during  the  last  two  or  three  years.  About  three  years  ago 
owing  to  decay  in  the  beams  there  was  great  risk  of  the 
roof  coming  down  on  the  congregation  during  service.  Now 
it  was  finished,  and  there  was  no  better  congratulation  than  to 
say  that  they  could  not  tell  that  anything  had  been  done  at 
all.  Everything  had  been  put  back  with  no  discordant 
features. 

He  then  went  on  to  deal  with  the  history  of  the  Church, 
drawing  attention  to  the  fact  that  it  was  a  building,  as  a 
whole,  of  one  design,  and  finished  at  one  date  ;  and  it  was  a 
pleasing  thing  to  come  to  a  church  and  see  how  the  building 
was  when  it  left  the  architect's  hands.  It  gave  an  excellent 
idea  of  a  parish  church  of  the  XIV  Century,  and,  as  Mr. 
Freeman1  said,  there  was  a  sense  of  great  beauty  in  the  build- 
ing when  looked  at  as  a  harmonious  whole,  and  it  was  the  true 
work  of  a  genius,  as  Cologne  itself.  Another  point  was  the 
result  which  had  been  obtained  by  the  use  of  local  stone. 
When  the  sun  shone  out  the  colouring  was  quite  as  effective 
as  if  every  window  were  filled  with  stained  glass.  The  style 
was  that  of  the  latest  English  architecture  —  Perpendicular. 

1.     Proceedings,  III,  ii,  28. 


28  Sixty-second  Annual  Meeting. 

As  to  the  date  when  it  was  built  there  had  been  more  than 
one  theory.  At  one  time  it  was  attributed  to  the  nuns  of 
Sion,  who  became  the  patrons  of  the  Church  and  rectors 
about  1420.  Mr.  John  Batten  said  that  there  was  no  evidence 
in  their  accounts  of  their  having  contributed  a  halfpenny  to 
Yeovil  Church,  and  if  there  was  nothing  in  their  accounts 
they  might  well  suppose  they  had  nothing  to  do  with  it. 
Another  reason  was  that  the  style  was  early  and  plain.  Mr. 
Batten  brought  forward  the  view  that  it  might  have  been  built 
by  the  patron  and  then  lord  of  Hendford  manor,  Richard,  13th 
Earl  of  Arundel,  in  the  time  of  Edward  III,  a  man  of  vast 
wealth,  who  might  have  been  supposed  to  be  willing  to  con- 
tribute towards  it.  There  was  additional  proof  because  the 
will  of  Robert  de  Sambourne  in  13821  contains  a  legacy  of  the 
residue  of  his  estate  •'  towards  the  work  of  the  Church  until  it 
shall  be  finished ;  "  so  Mr.  Batten  considered  it  quite  probable 
that  the  Earl  of  Arundel  began,  and  Robert  de  Sambourne 
finished  the  Church.  Referring  to  the  original  they  found 
two  important  words  left  out  of  the  copy  supplied  to  Mr. 
Batten — "  to  the  work  of  Yeovil  Church  begun  by  me."  Then 
the  question  arose,  could  Robert  de  Sambourne  have  been  the 
builder  ?  It  might  have  seemed  a  large  order  for  the  incum- 
bent of  Yeovil  to  build  the  Church,  but  in  his  day  things  were 
different.  Robert  was  rector,  not  vicar,  and  held  the  great 
tithes  which  were  of  great  value.  He  was  also  a  canon  of 
Wells,  and  was  in  some  mysterious  manner  lord  of  Yeovil. 
There  was  a  certain  thing  called  the  "  Tenement " — very 
difficult  to  explain — by  which  the  rector  of  the  Church  had 
certain  manorial  powers  over  the  town  of  Yeovil,  and  so,  being 
a  very  rich  man  as  rector,  canon  of  Wells,  and  lord  of  the 
manor  of  Yeovil,  Robert  de  Sambourne  was  in  a  very  good 
position  to  build  the  Church.  Then  for  further  reasons, 
they  had  it  in  the  fact  that  shortly  before  Robert  de 
Sambourne  came,  the  Church  was  the  scene  of  a  dreadful 
1.  Som.  Record  Soc.,  XIX,  287. 


Church  of  St.  John  Baptist,   Yeoml  29 

outrage,  when  the  Bishop  was  subjected  to  violent  abuse  by 
the  inhabitants  of  Yeovil  and  other  places.  They  assaulted 
him  and  his  servants  and  locked  him  in  the  Church  to  the 
danger  of  his  life,  and  much  blood  was  shed.  Everyone  was 
excommunicated,  and  the  then  owner  of  Newton  was  made  to  do 
public  penance  with  other  ringleaders.  Seeing  that  the  Church 
had  been  so  desecrated  Robert  de  Sambourne  might  have 
wished  to  wipe  out  the  memory  of  it.  They  had  no  idea  what 
the  earlier  Church  was  like.  The  crypt  was  at  one  time  con- 
sidered to  be  part  of  an  older  Church,  but  .he  had  always 
felt  some  doubt  of  this  because  the  stone-work  outside  was 
exactly  similar  to  the  stone-work  of  the  rest  of  the  Church. 
He  had  taken  Mr.  Bond  down,  who  said  that  the  details, 
although  early  and  plain,  were  certainly  XIV  Century  and 
not  XIII  Century,  and  this  was  the  time  Robert  de  Sambourne 
left  money  towards  the  building  of  the  Church.  The  earlier 
Church  might  have  been  a  Norman  Church,  too  small  for  the 
population  and  in  great  decay,  and  that  was  why  de  Sambourne 
wished  to  build.  There  was  another  reason.  The  Perpen- 
dicular style  had  its  rise  at  Gloucester.  The  Abbey  had 
received  the  body  of  Edward  II  when  several  other  abbeys 
had  refused  to  have  anything  to  do  with  it.  Edward  II 
became  a  martyr,  and  people — particularly  in  the  West  of 
England — began  to  make  pilgrimages  to  his  shrine.  The 
monks  of  Gloucester  became  rich  and  being  able  to  rebuild 
their  Church  they  developed  a  new  style  of  architecture. 

As  regards  the  new  designs  in  window  tracery,  this  was  pro- 
bably due  to  the  growth  of  the  stained  glass  art  in  England.1 
Stained  glass  design  had  become  a  series  of  large  beautiful 
pictures,  and  the  Decorated  style  of  architecture  was  against 
the  growth  of  the  art.  The  windows  were  filled  with  traceries 
going  in  all  directions,  in  which  it  was  difficult  to  do  anything 
with  picture  glass.  Windows  were  wanted  to  show  it  to  the 

1.     F.  Bond,  "Gothic  Architecture  in  England,"  chap,  xxxiv ;  E.  S.  Prior, 
"  History  of  Gothic  Art  in  England,"  ch.  x. 


30 


Sixty-second  Annual  Meeting. 


best  effect ;  hence  the  rapid  spread  of  the  new  style.     The 

spaces  where  tracery  had  been  were  reduced  and  great  spaces 

left  for  the  coloured  glass.     The  style  spread  rapidly  from 

Gloucester,  and  it   seems 

likely  that  Yeovil  Church 

owed   its   genesis    to    the 

martyrdom  of  Edward  II. 

There  was  one  point  with 

regard    to   the    windows; 

they  were  very  plain,  but 

there    was     a    wonderful 

richness   in    the    windows 

at  the  end  of  the  aisles,  at 

the  east  and  west  ends  of 

the  nave,  and  in  the  tran- 
septs, they  having  more 
tracery  in  the  heads.  The 
uniformity  was  broken  just 
enough  to  introduce  in- 
terest. The  mere  fact  that 
the  architecture  of  the 
Church  was  in  one  style 
made  it  unnecessary  to 
say  more  about  it,  and  he 
would  rather  they  looked 
round  it. 

As  regarded  the  fittings 
of  the  Church  there  was 
not  much  to  be  said,  but 
what  was  there,  was  in- 
teresting. First  of  all 
there  was  the  magnificent 
lectern  which  was  of  the 
XV  Century,  and  bore  some  lines  apparently  recording  the 
praises  of  the  brother,  canon  or  monk,  who  gave  it.  Many 


LECTERN, 
CHURCH  OF  ST.  JOHN  BAPTIST,  YEOVIL. 


Church  of  St.  John  Baptist,   Yeovil.  31 

latinists  had  tried  to  read  it,  but  none  had  been  very  success- 
ful. It  was  a  most  magnificent  lectern.  (See  accompanying 
illustration). 

Preb.  Phelips  here  handed  the  President  a  free  translation 
of  the  inscription,  prepared  by  Dr.  Hunt,  as  follows  : 

''As  here  you  see  my  lectern 

May  your  prayer  ever  be  this 
That  Brother  Martin  fforestor 
May  wake  in  Heavenly  bliss."1 

Continuing,  the  President  said  the  font  was  a  very  good 
Perpendicular  specimen,  but  had  been  the  subject  of  consider- 
able restoration.  There  were  practically  no  tombs  left  of  the 
many  burgesses  of  the  town.  There  was  one  brass  to  Giles 
Penne  and  his  wife,  which  bore  the  date,  15 19.2  There  was 
a  smaller  brass  at  the  western  end  of  the  south  aisle  to 
Thomas  Hawker,  of  Vagg,  who  died  of  smallpox  in  1696. 

There  was  one  other  thing  ;  the  two  corbel-heads  at  the 
entrance  to  the  chancel — a  king's  head  on  one  side  and  a 
queen's  on  the  other,  which  were  supposed  to  have  borne  the 
beam  on  which  rested  the  Lenten  Veil.  They  were  not  very 
often  found,  but  examples  might  be  seen  at  Yeovilton  and 
Wyke,  near  Weymouth. 

Dr.  F.  J.  ALLEN,  who  had  made  such  a  close  study  of 
Somerset  Church  towers,  sent  the  following  note  : — "  This  is 
a  peculiar  tower,  and  I  have  not  found  another  of  a  similar 
type  in  the  neighbourhood.  The  tower  which  most  resembles 
this  is  in  North  Somerset  at  Chew  Magna.  I  mean  to  make  a 
further  examination  of  the  Yeovil  tower  before  I  say  definitely 
that  the  resemblance  is  accidental  or  intentional."  The  small 
iron  crucifix  on  the  top  of  the  tower  had  apparently  been 
there  many  years,  and  marked  the  Church,  the  President 
believed,  as  belonging  to  the  nuns  of  Sion. 

1.  Illustrations  of  this  lectern  with  translation  of  the  inscription  in  Som. 
and  Dor.  N.  and  Q.,  IX,  art.  46. 

2.  Illustrations  and  description  in  Som.  and  Dor.  N.  and  Q.,  IX,  art.  69  ; 
"  Historical  Notes  on  S.  Somerset,"  p.  179.    For  other  items  see  Western  Chroti. 
Hist.  Ser.,  No.  4,  "Ancient  Yeovil  Chapelries,"  by  J.  Batten. 


32  Sixty-second  Annual  Meeting. 

Mr.  F.  BLIGH  BOND  said  that  he  had  hitherto  been  un- 
familiar with  the  history  of  the  Church,  and  his  remarks  would 
deal  with  the  architecture.  On  seeing  the  crypt  he  was  at 
first  inclined  to  the  usual  view,  that  it  was  Early  English,  but 
on  looking  closely  at  the  mouldings  of  the  corbel-caps  it  was 
evident  that  they  were  of  the  XIV  Century.  The  plain 
vaulting-ribs,  with  their  broad  chamfer,  would  also  be  quite 
as  characteristic  of  the  later  period.  The  doorway  at  the  top 
of  the  crypt  stairs  was  unmistakably  of  the  Decorated  period, 
recalling  Abbot  Knowle's  work  at  Bristol  Cathedral  (c.  1330). 
But  on  coming  to  the  Church  itself  there  was  noticeable  an 
extraordinary  departure  in  style.  It  was  an  abrupt  transition 
to  the  Perpendicular  style  in  its  most  rigorous  form.  Yet 
there  were  no  grounds  for  assuming  any  substantial  difference 
in  date  between  the  two  types  of  work.  Probably  it  was  an 
instance  of  that  change  of  fashion  of  which  Gloucester  pro- 
vided the  classic  example.  The  Perpendicular  style,  which 
Professor  Willis  considered  to  have  been  invented  at  Glouces- 
ter, first  made  its  appearance  there  about  the  year  1329,  when 
the  building  of  the  south  aisle  was  begun  in  that  style.  The 
magnificent  choir  soon  followed,  and  the  work  became  a  model 
for  English  builders.  The  new  style  was  promptly  taken  up 
in  other  districts,  and  we  had  several  instances  in  the  West  of 
England.  Edington,  Wilts,  and  Wellow,  Somerset,  were 
dated  examples.  Bridport  Church,  rebuilt,  according  to  the 
records,  in  the  middle  of  the  XIV  Century,  was  also  a  Perpen- 
dicular building.  There  was  therefore  nothing  unwarrantable 
in  supposing  that  this  beautiful  example  of  Perpendicular  work 
at  Yeovil,  austere  as  it  was  and  fully  developed  with  its 
slender  piers  and  large  windows,  was  a  work  of  the  middle  of 
the  XIV  Century.  The  mouldings  presented  no  difficulty. 
They  were  mostly  of  the  later  style,  but  here  and  there,  as  in 
the  inner  doorway  of  the  porch,  members  of  a  distinctively 
Decorated  character  were  to  be  seen. 

The  corbel-heads  on  the  sanctuary  walls  were  curious,  being 


Nash.  33 

heads  of  secular  persons.  Usually  these  were  angel  figures, 
and  were  designed  to  support  a  beam  for  the  Lenten  Veil. 
Members  would  probably  recall  some  examples  they  had  seen 
in  Mendip  churches  on  their  former  expeditions. 


Later  in  the  afternoon  the  party  drove  to  Nash  where  they 
were  met  by  Mr.  G.  Troyte  Chafyn-Grove,  F.S.A.,  the  owner,  and 
Captain  and  Mrs.  A.  E.  Welby,  the  occupiers  of  the  building. 
Mr.  J.  Batten  had  investigated  the  early  history  of  the  build- 
ing, and  his  conclusion  was  that  the  student  "  wisely  rejecting 
the  many  tales  and  traditions  which  will  be  volunteered  to  him, 
and  preferring  to  judge  for  himself  ;  he  will,  with  a  little 
knowledge  of  architecture,  come  to  the  conclusion  that  the 
building  is  the  shell  of  an  old  mansion  of  the  Tudor  period, 
which  has  undergone  such  alterations  and  embellishments  that  it 
is  difficult  to  distinguish  the  original  work  from  the  restorations. 
At  present  it  is  a  long  parallelogram  of  three  compartments 
united  as  one  dwelling-house,  but  so  late  as  1853,  when  the 
Society  visited  Nash,  the  centre  section  was  a  mere  out- 
building, only  one  storey  high,  with  a  pointed  archway  in  the 
eastern  wall  on  the  ground  floor  leading  into  the  western  com- 
partment ;  but  it  has  recently  been  made  part  of  the  house, 
with  chambers  over."1  (See  illustration,  Proc.,  xvu,  89). 

Mr.  TROYTE  CHAFYN-GROVE  gave  the  following  descrip- 
tion :  —  The  western  end  of  the  building  was  of  early  XIV 
Century  date  and  contained  an  ancient  dormitory  with  an 
open-timbered  roof,  which  he  was  afraid  was  rather  inaccessible, 
and  windows  on  a  level  with  the  floor  closed  with  the  original 
oak  shutters,  similar  to  those  at  Charney  Basset,  Berks,  and  of 
the  same  date.2  On  the  floor  below  were  the  remains  of  a 
refectory.  Prominent  features  were  two  lofty  external  but- 

1.  "  Historical  Notes  on  South  Somerset,"  p.  174. 

2.  Turner's  "Domestic  Architecture  in  England"  (Parker,  Oxford,  1851), 
p.  153. 

Vol.  L  VI  (Third  Series,  Vol.  X  VI},  Part  I.  c 


34  Sixty-second  Annual  Meeting. 

tresses  supporting  the  west  end,  and  a  rich  square-headed 
window  with  corbelled  heads  and  ogee  tracery.  The  refectory 
was  spoiled  and  the  south  wall  destroyed  by  a  former  possessor 
to  widen  it  and  make  a  dining-room ;  the  windows  were 
modernised  and  replaced  in  the  positions  of  the  old  ones.  The 
eastern  portion  of  the  building  consisted  of  a  fine  gate-house 
with  a  pointed  arch,  ten  feet  wide,  with  bold  mouldings  and 
corbels,  now  defaced.  The  ancient  oak  door  remained  in  situ 
with  the  head  panelled  with  quatrefoils  and  four  escutcheons, 
and  having  four  enormous  iron  hinges  extending  across  the 
whole  width  of  the  door.  The  panelling  had  the  Beauchamp 
knot  upon  it  and  he  had  since  ascertained  that  the  knot  was 
the  crest  of  the  family  of  that  name,  who  were  allied  to  the 
Courtenays.  That  marked  the  date  of  the  door,  and  the 
corbels  on  the  hood-mould  were  of  the  same  date — Henry  IV. 
Above  the  arch  is  a  two-light  oriel  window  to  which  modern 
crocketed  pinnacles  had  been  attached.  The  lower  part  was 
fashioned  into  a  double  corbel  of  fan-shaped  tracery  termin- 
ating in  a  floriated  ornament  which  died  into  the  moulding  of 
the  arch,  showing  that  they  were  built  at  the  same  time. 
Opposite  this  entrance  in  the  south  wall  was  another  lofty 
panelled  arch  which  formed  the  passage  through  the  gate-house, 
the  west  wall  of  which  was  now  destroyed.  In  the  eastern 
wall  was  the  fine  two-light  XV  Century  window  of  the  Chapel. 
This  window  was  blocked  up  and  he  opened  it.  The  corbels 
supporting  the  hood-mould  were  interesting.  No  one  seemed 
to  know  who  they  represented,  so  he  had  casts  made  and  they 
were  sent  to  London  and  identified  by  the  Society  of  Anti- 
quaries as  Henry  IV  and  Joan  of  Navarre,  as  they  w^ere 
similar  to  the  heads  on  their  tomb  in  Canterbury  Cathedral. 
What  Henry  IV  had  to  do  with  the  building  he  did  not  know. 
On  the  apex  of  the  gable  was  a  good  octagonal  chimney  with 
panels  fitted  with  quatrefoils.  They  also  found  a  fine  stone 
altar  which  was  removed  some  few  years  ago  at  the  request  of 
the  Bishop  to  prevent  desecration  and  was  now  used  in  East 


Barwick   Church.  35 

Coker  Church  as  a  credence  table.  The  corbels  to  the  hood- 
moulds  of  the  south  windows  were  of  the  same  period  as 
those  on  the  Chapel  windows.  As  the  building  was  at  that 
time  the  property  of  Sir  Peter  Courtenay  it  was  probable  that 
he  was  the  builder  of  the  eastern  portion.  A  fragment  of  the 
rood-screen  and  the  remains  of  a  crucifix,  with  an  image  of 
the  Virgin  and  Child  on  the  reverse,  were  found  under  the 
Chapel  floor  and  were  now  in  the  Taunton  Museum,  together 
with  two  large  oak  doors  covered  with  scriptural  subjects  in 
high  relief. 

The  members  were  afterwards  taken  through  the  house  by 
Capt.  and  Mrs.  Welby,  who  were  cordially  thanked  for  their 
kindness. 

TSartoicfe  CfwrcfK 

The  Church  of  St.  Mary  Magdalene,  Barwick,  was  next 
visited,  and  in  a  description  the  PHESIDENT  said  that  this 
Church  might  be  called  a  good  specimen  of  the  "  puzzle 
churches,"  as  it  contained  a  large  number  of  architectural 
features,  several  of  which  had  not  been  explained  to  that  day. 

Of  the  Norman  period  the  font  was  the  only  existing 
memorial,  but  Mr.  Bond  and  he  were  inclined  to  think  that 
the  capitals  of  the  south  arcade  may  have  been  primitive 
Norman  shaped  to  bring  them  into  line  with  details  of  a  later 
date.  The  tower,  as  was  often  the  case  in  South  Somerset 
before  the  XV  Century,  was  not  at  the  west  end,  but  in  the 
angle  between  the  north  aisle  and  the  chancel.  When  the 
chancel  was  rebuilt  in  that  century,  the  string-course  in  the 
tower  wall  was  left  and  this  gave  the  original  height  of  the 
chancel.  In  the  drastic,  restoration  of  the  building  in  1885, 
the  chancel  was  taken  down  and  rebuilt  quite  unnecessarily  at 
a  higher  level.  One  of  the  jambs  of  the  door  leading  from 
the  tower  (now  used  as  a  vestry)  into  the  chancel  was  cut  out 
from  a  sepulchral  slab  bearing  an  incised  cross  of  the  XIII  Cen- 
tury. When  the  north  aisle  was  added  to  the  nave  in  the  XV 


36  Sixty-second  Annual  Meeting. 

Century,  the  staircase  in  the  wall  giving  access  to  the  rood- 
loft  was  partially  destroyed  to  allow  room  for  the  easternmost 
arch  of  the  arcade.  The  great  puzzle  is  to  account  for  the 
level  of  the  south  aisle.  This  is  quite  2ft.  below  the  nave,  and 
as  the  bases  of  the  piers  of  the  south  arcade  are  visible  above 
the  floor,  it  is  evident  that  the  main  level  of  the  Church  has 
not  been  altered.  On  the  south  side  the  churchyard  slopes 
downward  very  rapidly,  terminating  abruptly  on  the  edge  of  a 
cliff;  and  after  surveying  the  ground,  Mr.  Bond  thought  it 
quite  possible  that  there  might  have  been  a  landslip  which 
necessitated  the  rebuilding  of  the  south  aisle  on  a  lower  level. 

On  this  question,  Mr.  F.  BLIGH  BOND  supplemented  the 
President's  remarks,  saying  that  the  south  aisle  floor  had  been 
raised,  and  its  true  level  was  a  foot  or  more  below  the  present 
level.  A  study  of  this  aisle  gave  the  impression  of  its  being 
hastily  and  very  cheaply  built,  perhaps  to  meet  some  sudden 
emergency.  The  piers  of  the  south  arcade  looked  like  plain 
XII  Century  piers  with  their  caps  chopped  away  to  accord 
with  the  later  type.  In  this  connection  it  might  be  worth 
while  to  recall  the  fact  that  the  bailiffs  account  of  the  Abbess 
of  Syon,  4  Hen.  VII,  contains  an  item  of  40s.  "  ex  elimos,  to 
be  given  to  the  parishioners  of  Berewyk,  in  part  relief  of  the 
cost  and  expenses  of  the  sd  parish  in  building  sd  chapel."  It 
had  been  supposed  that  this  entry  referred  to  the  north  aisle, 
but  he  questioned  whether  it  might  not  with  more  probability 
be  connected  with  the  cheaply  built  south  aisle,  which  might, 
moreover,  be  described  as  a  "chapel"  seeing  that  there  were 
traces  of  an  altar  at  the  east  end,  the  piscina  still  remaining 
in  the  south  wall.  It  was  clear  that  the  nave  floor  had  been 
at  a  higher  level  than  that  of  the  south  aisle,  and  the  chapel 
would  probably  have  been  screened  off. 

In  answer  to  the  question  whether  the  south  wall  contained 
Norman  masonry,  Mr.  Bond  said  it  appeared  to  be  entirely  of 
late  date. 

The   PRESIDENT    then   continued   his   description   of    the 


Newton   Surmaville.  37 

Church,  as  follows  :  There  are  several  consecration  crosses  on 
the  walls  and  buttresses.  The  south  porch  is  at  present 
desecrated  with  the  heating  apparatus.  In  the  interior  the 
most  noticeable  feature,  besides  the  roof  of  the  north  aisle,  is 
the  quantity  of  good  bench-ends  and  backs  in  the  body  of  the 
Church  and  chancel.  On  one  is  carved  the  date  1533,  on 
another  the  initials  W.H.,  probably  those  of  William  Hoper, 
patron  in  1521.  Two  other  bench-ends,  now  used  as  choir- 
stalls,  have  shields  bearing  the  arms  of  Rogers  of  Bryanston, 
owner  of  the  Manor  of  Barwick.  One  shield  records  the 
marriage  of  Sir  John  Rogers  (ob.  1546)  and  his  first  wife 
Elizabeth  Courtenay  (ob.  1518) ;  the  other,  his  son,  also  Sir 
John  (nat.  1508,  ob.  1565),  and  his  Avife  Katherine  Weston. 
They  are  illustrated  in  the  accompanying  plate.  (See  also  Som. 
and  Dors.  N.  and  Q.,  VIII,  p.  338).  The  bench-ends  in  the 
nave  are  carved  with  arabesques  and  strange  birds  and  animals. 
On  one  is  a  man  shooting  with  a  bow  at  birds  in  a  tree  ;  on 
another  a  man  standing  on  an  hour-glass  salt-cellar  (sec  Cripps, 
O.E.P.,  5th  edit.,  284).  The  pulpit  is  Jacobean  ;  it  bears 
the  date  1619  and  E.  M.  rect.,  Eustace  Moore  incumbent, 
1605-I629.1 

A.  pleasant  drive  from  Barwick  brought  the  members  to 

iQetoton  SurmatriHe, 

the  residence  of  the  President,  who  with  Mrs.  Bates  Harbin, 
entertained  the  party  to  tea ;  afterwards  they  were  photo- 
graphed in  front  of  the  house.  The  President  said  that  he 
hoped  to  contribute  a  paper  on  the  history  of  the  house  and 
manor  to  the  Proceedings,  and  would  therefore  content  himself 
with  telling  them  that  the  date  of  the  house  was  1612,  and 
that  the  most  noticeable  feature  of  the  architectural  design  was 
the  extraordinary  symmetry  of  the  north  and  east  (or  garden) 
fronts.  Mr.  A.  J.  Gotch,  whose  books  on  the  domestic  build- 

1.     For  illustration  and  further  details  of  this  building  see  "  Historical  Notes 
on  South  Somerset,"  p.  13  seq. 


38  Sixty-second  Annual  Meeting. 

ings  of  the  Tudor  and  later  styles  were  well  known,  bad  said 
that  he  had  never  come  across  a  similar  design.  With  the 
exception  o£  an  extension  of  the  east  wing  erected  in  1875 
the  exterior  of  the  house  was  unaltered  ;  and  inside  the  only 
additions  had  been  made  with  a  view  of  bringing  the  accommo- 
dation up  to  date,  a  process  in  which  there  is  no  finality. 

The  Rt.  Hon.  H.  HOBHOUSE  said  he  had  been  asked  to 
express  their  gratitude  for  the  kind  hospitality  that  the  Pre- 
sident and  Mrs.  Bates  Harbin  had  shown  them.  It  was  a 
great  pleasure  to  those  who  remembered  him  as  an  active 
secretary  of  that  Society  to  meet  him  there  in  another 
capacity  and  in  another  home.  No  one  could  be  a  more 
worthy  President,  and  no  one  had  served  a  longer  apprentice- 
ship ;  he  was  one  who  had  done  so  much  for  the  history  and 
archaeology  of  their  county.  It  was  a  great  source  of  satis- 
faction for  them  to  be  able  to  meet  him  there  in  the  home  of 
his  forefathers,  which  formed  a  most  proper  dwelling-place  for 
an  eminent  archaeologist. 

The  President  having  thanked  Mr.  Hobhouse  for  his  kind 
words,  the  interior  of  the  house  with  its  interesting  contents 
was  then  inspected. 


(ZEtiening 

After  the  Annual  Dinner  at  the  Three  Choughs  Hotel,  the 
Rev.  E.  H.  Bates  Harbin  presiding,  a  meeting  was  held  at  the 
Town  Hall  for  the  reading  arid  discussion  of  papers. 


8g)eare 

The  proceedings  were  opened  by  Mr.  ARTHUR  BULLEID, 
F.S.A.,  and  Mr.  H.  St.  GEORGE  GRAY,  Joint  Directors  and 
Secretaries  of  the  Meare  Lake-village  Excavations.  They 
described  the  work  conducted  at  the  Lake-village  during 
the  four  weeks  beginning  on  May  23,  1910  (one  week  being 
devoted  to  filling-in),  Mr.  Bulleid  dealing  with  the  structural 
items  of  interest,  and  Mr.  Gray  with  the  antiquities  discovered. 


Meare  Lake-village.  39 

It  will  be  unnecessary  to  enter  into  any  great  detail  in  this 
place,  as  the  work  already  completed  at  Meare  has  been  des- 
cribed in  :  — 

(1.)      The  Times,  Aug.  15th,  1908,  by  Dr.  E.  Munro. 

(2.)     Proc.  Som.  Arch.  Soc.,  LIV,  i,  40-42,  by  Mr.  Bulleid. 

(3.)     British    Association    Report,    1908,    pp.    414-419,    by 

Messrs.  Bulleid  and  Gray. 
(4.)      The    Times,    May   21st  and  Sept.  7th,  1910,  by  Mr. 

Gray. 
(5.)     British  Association  Report,  1910,  by  Messrs.  Bulleid 

and  Gray. 

The  results  of  the  tentative  explorations  in  1908  of  the 
Lake-village  were  of  so  important  and  encouraging  a  nature 
that  the  matter  was  at  once  taken  up  by  the  Somersetshire 
Archaeological  and  Natural  History  Society.1 

The  north-central  part  of  Somerset  lies  between  two  nearly 
parallel  ranges  of  hills,  the  Mendips  bordering  it  along  the 
north-east,  with  the  Quantocks  to  the  south-west.  The  dis- 
trict so  enclosed  has  a  coast-line  of  some  eighteen  to  twenty 
miles,  and  extends  inland  for  the  same  distance.  It  is  chiefly 
occupied  by  low-lying  tracts  of  peat  land  drained  by  the  rivers 
Parret  and  Brue.  Some  time  during  its  geological  history 
this  locality  was  a  shallow  basin-shaped  estuary  open  to  the 
Severn  Sea.  At  a  later  date  the  southern  or  inland  portion 
was  shut  off  from  the  sea  by  the  formation  of  beds  of  mud  and 
sand,  and  converted  into  a  lagoon,  which  in  more  recent  times 
was  gradually  replaced  by  a  series  of  extensive  meres  and 
swamp.  In  A.D.  1500,  five  meres  still  existed,  the  largest  body 
of  water,  called  "Meare  Pool,"  being  at  that  time  five  miles 
in  circumference. 

The  Lake-village  at  Meare  lies  three  miles  west  of  the  now 
fully-explored  Glastonbury  Lake-village,  in  the  peat  moor 

1.  The  Society's  sub-Committee  consists  of  the  Kev.  E.  H.  Bates  Harbiu, 
Rev.  W.  T.  Reeder,  Mr.  Charles  Tite,  Mr.  John  Morland  (Treasurer,  Glaston- 
bury), and  Messrs.  Arthur  Bulleid  and  H.  St.  George  Gray  (Joint  Secretaries). 


40  Sixty-second  Annual  Meeting. 

adjoining  the  north  margin  of  a  low  ridge  of  ground,  formerly 
an  island,  on  which  the  modern  village  of  Meare  now  stands, 
and  from  400  to  600  feet  south  of  the  Kiver  Brue.  Before 
the  Brue  was  embanked,  and  the  draining  of  the  swamps  had 
been  attempted  in  monastic  times,  Meare  Pool  was  of  far 
greater  extent,  and  included  the  Lake-village  within  the  limits 
of  its  south-west  border.  The  Lake-village  now  stands  in 
fertile  pasture,  the  level  of  the  surrounding  fields  being  from 
twelve  to  fourteen  feet  above  the  mean  tide  level,  and  is 
situated  eleven  miles  south-east  from  the  present  coast-line  at 
Burnham.  The  ancient  site  consists  of  two  distinct  groups  of 
low  circular  mounds,  A  and  B,  separated  by  a  level  piece  of 
ground  from  200  to  300  feet  in  width.  So  far  as  a  superficial 
survey  permits,  the  two  settlements  appear  to  consist  of  about 
a  hundred  dwellings  covering  parts  of  seven  fields  (not  five  as 
formerly  stated),  and  occupying  a  tract  of  land  that  measures 
roughly  from  1,500  to  1,600  feet  east  and  west,  by  from  200 
to  250  feet  north  and  south.  The  highest  mound  measures 
4*4  feet  above  the  surface  of  the  surrounding  field-level. 
The  alluvium  covering  the  adjoining  fields  varies  from  twelve 
to  thirty  inches  in  depth.  From  borings  made  this  year  it  was 
ascertained  that  the  depth  of  peat  underlying  the  dwellings 
varies  from  seven  to  eleven  feet  in  thickness.  Below  the  peat 
is  a  layer  of  soft  grey-coloured  clay,  lying  on  beds  of  lias 
stone.  The  recent  excavations  included  the  examination  of 
three  dwellings,  i.e.,  Mounds  I,  II,  VI,  the  partial  exploration 
of  Mound  VII,  and  the  west  quarter  of  Mound  V,  together 
with  the  intervening  spaces  of  level  ground  situated  in  Field 
iv  ;  also  the  digging  of  several  trenches  on  the  north  and 
south  sides  of  the  marginal  mounds  in  Field  iv,  with  the 
object  of  finding  the  palisading.  Although  the  ground  was 
examined  for  some  100ft.  or  more  from  the  dwellings,  no 
border-protection  was  discovered  comparable  with  that  which 
surrounded  the  Glastonbury  Lake-village. 

The  season's  work  at  Meare  Lake-village  has  been  produc- 


Meare  Lake-village.  41 

tive  of  a  large  number  of  relics,  the  quarter  of  an  acre  ex- 
amined throwing  a  flood  of  light  on  the  industries  and  daily 
pursuits  of  the  inhabitants  of  this  ancient  habitation,  and  re- 
vealing more  specimens  of  Late-Celtic  art  than  perhaps  the 
richest  quarter  of  an  acre  of  the  neighbouring  village  at 
Glastonbury.  These  remains  have  afforded  evidence  that  the 
lake-dwellers  at  Meare  lived  under  similar  physical  conditions 
and  civilisation  to  those  of  Glastonbury ;  and  although  the 
relics  discovered  at  Meare  in  1910  are  of  the  same  general 
type  as  those  found  in  the  other  village,  several  of  the  objects 
cannot  be  matched  among  the  Late-Celtic  specimens  exhibited 
in  the  Museum  at  Glastonbury. 

The  Meare  Lake-village  is  not  what  is  sometimes  styled  an 
"  archaeological  puzzle,"  for  its  date,  or  period  at  any  rate,  was 
known  from  the  beginning  of  the  investigations.  After  a  few 
years'  work,  however,  the  date  may  be  even  more  clearly 
defined  than  in  the  case  of  the  Glastonbury  village,  which  in 
round  numbers  may  be  given  as  from  B.C.  200.  Some  anti- 
quaries are  strongly  inclined  to  narrow  the  period  of  occupa- 
tion, as  no  development  or  improvement  in  the  manufactured 
articles  is  traceable  when  comparing  objects  found  on  the 
lowest  floors  of  the  dwellings  and  in  the  substructure  below, 
with  others  from  the  upper  floors  and  from  just  below  the  allu- 
vial flood-soil,  which  has  accumulated  since  the  evacuation  of 
the  village.  At  Glastonbury  a  few  fragments  of  Roman 
pottery  were  found  on  the  surface  of  the  mounds  but  below 
the  flood-soil  ;  as  yet  nothing  attributable  to  the  Romans  has 
been  found  at  Meare. 

Numerically  the  objects  of  bronze  are  considerably  in  excess 
of  those  of  iron,  as  was  the  case  at  Glastonbury  also.  Lead 
from  the  Mendip  Hills  is  found  at  Meare  in  the  form  of  sinkers 
for  fishing-nets,  but  as  yet  tin  has  not  been  identified.  Bronze 
was  worked  on  the  spot,  judging  from  the  remains  of  four 
crucibles  found,  one  being  an  excellent  example  of  the  triangular 
variety  with  fused  bronze  still  adhering  to  the  inner  surface. 


42  Sixty-second  Annual  Meeting. 

The  peaceful  disposition  of  the  lake-dwellers  at  Glastonbury 
was  evidenced  by  the  very  small  number  of  weapons  found. 
At  Meare,  however,  the  ground  uncovered  has  so  far  pro- 
duced a  tanged  spear-head  and  a  javelin-head  with  corrugated 
blade,  neither  of  which  are  socketed. 

An  amber  bead  was  found  in  1908,  but  glass  is  revealing 
itself  more  plentifully  than  at  Grlastonbury. 

None  of  the  objects  of  Kimmeridge  shale  are  complete. 
With  the  exception  of  a  piece  of  a  shale  vessel  with  cordon, 
all  the  fragments  are  parts  of  armlets  of  various  diameters 
and  thickness. 

Little  can  be  said  of  the  earthenware  until  the  large  quan- 
tity found  has  been  restored.  All  sizes  of  vessels  are  repre- 
sented, from  a  tiny  pot  about  l^ins.  high  to  others  over  12ins. 
The  ornamental  patterns — curvilinear  designs,  cross-hatching, 
dots-and-circles  and  zigzags  predominating — are  numerous, 
and  include  many  which  cannot  be  matched  from  the  neigh- 
bouring village. 

Of  stone,  the  objects  found  are  also  numerous,  and  include 
a  large  number  of  querns,  and  a  polished  neolithic  celt  of 
igneous  stone  (probably  from  Mendip). 

Of  human  remains,  portions  of  three  skulls  and  a  molar 
tooth  were  found  in  different  places,  and  the  greater  part  of  a 
thigh-bone  [femur),  bearing  evidence  not  only  of  having  been 
gnawed  and  cut,  but  of  having  been  perforated  in  two  places 
at  one  end. 

The  most  numerous  classes  of  objects  found  were  the  worked 
animal  remains — bone,  antler,  teeth — the  latter  consisting  of 
perforated  canine  teeth  of  dog  and  boars'  tusks.  Worked 
shoulder-blades  of  ox  and  horse  are  numerous.  Sawn  and 
polished  tines  of  red-deer  antler  are  common,  and  call  for  no 
particular  comment  ;  several  are  perforated. 

The  largest  dwelling-mound  excavated  was  undoubtedly  a 
weaving  establishment,  and  produced  no  less  than  twenty-one 
weaving-combs  of  antler.  Many  of  them  bear  evidence  of 


Elton    Ware.  43 

very  hard  wear,  being  used,  no  doubt,  for  pushing  home  the 
weft  or  woof,  through  the  warp  threads.  One  is  probably 
unique,  dentated  at  both  ends  and  reversible.  No  dwelling  in 
the  neighbouring  village  produced  more  than  nine  of  these 
combs. 

It  is  hoped  that  the  excavations  will  be  continued  from  year 
to  year,  until  an  exhaustive  examination  of  the  whole  area  has 
been  completed.  The  undertaking  is  already  bearing  a  varied 
and  prolific  harvest  of  archaeological  material,  and  revealing 
remarkable  evidence  of  the  life-history  and  civilisation  of  the 
Early  Iron  Age  in  Britain. 

The  PRESIDENT  said  that  the  meeting  would  wish  him  to 
express  their  best  thanks  to  Mr.  Bulleid  and  Mr.  Gray  for  the 
first  fruits  of  the  harvest  from  these  excavations.  It  was  ex- 
traordinary how  their  knowledge  was  being  enlarged  by  arch- 
aeological excavations— whether  in  England,  or  in  Egypt,  or 
in  Crete  and  Babylonia.  How  very  little  written  history  told 
them  of  what  they  were  now  learning  by  degrees  from  excava- 
tions. Whether  the  results  of  field-archaeology  were  telling 
the  whole  truth  one  could  not  decide,  but  their  knowledge  was 
being  largely  widened  by  what  was  being  done  by  the  spade, 
trowel  and  brains. 

OBlton  fciHare. 

Sir  EDMUND  H.  ELTON,  Bart.,  V.P.,  followed  with  an 
interesting  and  amusing  address  on  his  "  Elton  Ware,"  illus- 
trated by  a  representative  series  of  his  ceramic  products.  The 
address  is  published  in  the  form  of  a  paper  in  Part  II. 

Mr.  H.  St.  GEORGE  GRAY  said  that  Sir  Edmund  had  not 
told  them  in  what  high  repute  his  pottery  was  held  all  over  the 
world,  neither  had  he  told  them  that  he  had  obtained  about 
fifteen  gold  medals  from  international  exhibitions.  He  would 
also  like  to  say  that  Sir  Edmund  was  generous  with  his 
pottery  ;  he  had  not  only  given  Bristol  a  series  of  Elton  ware, 


44  Sixty-second  Annual  Meeting. 

but  had  also  presented  to  the  Taunton  Museum  two  very  fine 
cases  of  his  pottery. 

The  Right  Hon.  HENRY  HOBHOUSE,  V.P.,  said  that  in 
thanking  Sir  Edmund  Elton  for  his  interesting  address,  he 
must  congratulate  him  on  his  patience,  perseverance  and  in- 
ventive faculty  in  producing  his  beautiful  and  almost  unique 
ware,  and  congratulate  him  also  on  the  cleverness  with  which 
he  had  interested  them  that  evening  without  informing  them 
of  any  of  his  trade  secrets.  Sir  Edmund  had  added  to  the 
treasures  of  the  world  ware  which  in  some  distant  genera tiou 
would  be  dug  up  by  some  Archaeological  Society  at  the  bottom 
of  a  village,  and  held  up  as  showing  how  artistic  and  inventive 
were  the  inhabitants  of  the  northern  part  of  Somerset  in  the 
early  part  of  the  XX  Century  ! 

(ZErcatmtions  at  ©lastontwrp  abbeg. 

Mr.  F.  BLIGH  BOND,  F.R.I. B.A.,  then  gave  an  instructive 
address  on  the  "Excavations  at  Glastonbury  Abbey,  1909- 
1910,"  a  paper  on  which  subject  is  printed  in  this  Volume, 
Part  II,  with  a  coloured  plan. 

Mr.  A.  F.  SOMERVILLE  said  that,  as  one  of  the  Diocesan 
Trustees,  and  as  a  member  of  the  small  committee  to  which 
the  charge  of  the  Abbey  had  been  entrusted,  he  begged  to 
offer  to  Mr.  Bligh  Bond  their  grateful  thanks  for  his  interest- 
ing address  and  the  work  he  had  done  at  Glastonbury  Abbey 
during  the  past  two  years  in  elucidating  its  history. 

The  proceedings  then  closed. 

@econD  Dap's  proceeDings. 

Leaving  Yeovil  at  9.30  a.m.,  the  members,  conveyed  in 
carriages  and  motor-cars,  started  for  the  day's  excursion, 
(passing  close  to  Larkhill  Quarry,  where  Mr.  E.  C.  Gardner 
recently  found  evidence  of  the  Roman  road  which  branches 


Preston  Plucknett.  45 

off  from  the  Fosse  Way  at  Ilchester,  in  a  S.E.  direction  to 
Dorchester,1)  the  first  stop  being  made  at 


Preston 

The  party  were  met  at  the  Abbey  Farm  by  Mr.  T.  Haw- 
kins, the  occupier.  In  a  description  of  the  building  the 
PRESIDENT  said  that  it  was  known  as  Preston  Abbey  under 
the  mistaken  idea  that  it  had  been  a  possession  of  Bermondsey 
Abbey,  but  this  part  of  the  village  was  always  in  lay  hands, 
and  was  at  one  time  owned  by  the  family  of  Plucknett.  After 
they  died  out  at  the  end  of  the  reign  of  Edward  II,  the  family 
of  Stourton  succeeded,  and,  to  borrow  Gerard's  description, 
"  Preston  gave  habitation  unto  John  Stourton,  who  being 
owner  of  it,  built  that  ancient  and  in  those  times  faire  house, 
which  still  remaines."2  His  will,  made  10th  Nov.,  1438,3  con- 
tains very  particular  directions  as  to  his  burial.  His  body  was 
to  be  taken  to  Stavordale  Priory  in  his  best  waggon  drawn  by 
his  best  team  of  oxen,  which  were  to  remain  as  a  bequest  to  the 
Priory.  From  this  document  they  could  get  a  good  idea  of 
the  large  number  of  outbuildings  required  when  nearly  every- 
thing had  to  be  made  at  home. 

The  house  as  they  saw  it  now  had  been  lengthened  by  an 
addition  beyond  the  chimney  which  marked  the  limit  of  the 
old  house.  The  original  entrance  was  through  the  projecting 
porch,  on  the  right  side  of  which  was  the  great  hall.  It  was 
a  curious  fact  that  in  these  old  manor  houses  the  hall  was  so 
often  found  converted  into  a  cider  cellar.  Barrington  was 
another  instance.  Of  course  they  were  inconveniently  large 
for  dwelling-rooms,  and  the  occupiers  used  to  repair  to  smaller 
chambers  for  comfort,  and  so  the  hall  was  turned  into  a  cider- 
cellar,  or  even  baser  use.  It  was  highly  probable  that  beyond 
the  hall  there  were  originally  more  rooms,  as  in  the  wall  were 

1.  Som.  &  Dor.  N.  &  Q.,  XI,  art.  197. 

2.  Gerard's  Survey,  Som.  Bee.  Soc.,  XV,  108. 

3.  Som.  Medieval  Wills,  Som.  Rec.  Soc.,  XVI,  143. 


46  Sixty-second  Annual  Meeting. 

traces  of  doorways  now  walled  up.     The  fire-place  in  the  hall 
was  hidden  behind  barrels,  but  Mr.  Hawkins  said  it  was  there. 

A  drawing  made  by  Mr.  T.  Buckler  in  1811,  given  in  the 
Gentlemen  &  Magazine,  Nov.  1841,  shows  a  chimney  at  the 
apex  of  the  south  gable.  This  may  have  been  removed  at  the 
same  time  when  the  roof  of  the  hall  was  lowered  about  six 
feet,  cutting  off  and  destroying  the  upper  portion  of  the  oriel 
window.  Mr.  Hawkins  stated  that  this  was  done  in  his  grand- 
father's time,  because  the  walls  were  unequal  to  the  strain, 
and  that  the  old  people  used  to  say  that  their  parents  could 
remember  that  there  were  buildings  below  the  hall  of  equal 
extent  to  those  remaining  between  the  porch  and  the  barn. 

By  the  kind  permission  of  Mi\  and  Mrs.  Hawkins  the  party 
were  allowed  to  pass  through  the  house,  noticing  in  one  of  the 
rooms  the  old  chimney-place,  so  large  that  a  small  closet  had 
been  fitted  into  it. 

In  the  barn  the  President  said  that  the  building  was  remark- 
able for  its  size,  rivalling  those  at  Bradford-on-Avon  and  New 
Place,  Tisbury ;  and  for  the  excellent  preservation  of  walls 
and  roof.  It  is  no  doubt  contemporary  with  the  house.  The 
long  narrow  windows  on  the  south  side  differed  from  those  in 
the  opposite  wall  by  having  a  lateral  opening  half  way  up,  a 
feature  more  commonly  found  in  military  architecture.  The 
roof  was  singularly  free  from  cobwebs,  perhaps  due  to  the 
wood  being  Spanish  chestnut.1 

^am  J£)iU  Camp  anD  duatries. 

The  members  then  proceeded  via  Odcombe  to  Bedmore  (or 
Batemore)  Barn,  where  they  left  the  conveyances  and  traversed 
the  hill  on  foot  for  the  purpose  of  inspecting  the  great  en- 
trenchments and  the  quarries. 

When  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Roman  villa  on  the  east  side  of 
the  Hill,  Mr.  R.  HENSLEIGH  WALTER,  M.B.,  addressed  the 

1.  For  a  further  account  of  Preston,  with  illustration,  see  "  Historical  Notes 
on  South  Somerset,"  pp.  88-104. 


Ham  Hill   Camp  and   Quarries.  47 

members  and  said  it  was  hoped  that  Professor  Boyd  Dawkins, 
and  Mr.  A.  H.  Allcroft,  the  author  of  "  Earthwork  of  Eng- 
land," would  have  been  with  them  that  day  to  assist  in  the 
description  of  Ham  Hill,  but  unfortunately  other  engagements 
had  prevented  them.  As  a  young  member  of  the  Society  he 
deemed  it  a  great  privilege  to  address  them,  and  for  what  he 
lacked  in  archaeological  knowledge  he  craved  their  indulgence, 
but  he  trusted  that  his  shortcomings  in  this  direction  might  be 
somewhat  atoned  for  by  the  keen  interest  he  took  in  that 
absorbing  camp  with  its  apparently  inexhaustible  store  of 
treasures.  Typical  relics  had  been  found  from  time  to  time 
of  the  later  Stone,  Bronze  and  early  Iron  Ages,  and  the 
Romano-British  Period,  yielding  Imperial  Roman  coins  from 
Marcus  Agrippa  to  Arcadius,  covering  the  whole  period  of  the 
Roman  occupation.  His  interest  in  the  Hill  was  probably 
hereditary,  as  not  only  his  father,  who  gave  his  collection  to 
their  museum,  and  his  grandfather,  Richard  Walter,  who  had 
the  privilege  of  acting  as  the  Society's  guide  on  Ham  Hill 
nearly  sixty  years  ago,  but  Henry  Norris,  his  mother's  father, 
and  her  brother,  Hugh  Norris,  who  also  gave  his  collection 
to  their  museum — and  had  recently  been  elected  a  V ice-Presi- 
dent of  the  Society — had  all  been  eager  collectors  of  relics 
from  Ham  Hill  for  nearly  a  hundred  years,  the  first  recorded 
find  of  relics  being  in  1816.  On  the  geology  of  the  Hill  they 
would  presently  hear  an  able  exponent  in  the  person  of  Mr. 
Win  wood,  whilst  Mr.  St.  George  Gray  had  consented  to  ex- 
plain the  ethnological  significance  of  the  relics  found. 

Though  many  flint  implements  had  been  found  there,  it  was 
doubtful  whether  the  entrenchments  were  earlier  than  the 
Bronze  Age.  The  earthworks  were  three  miles  in  length, 
and  enclosed  over  200  acres.  The  trenches  were  as  a  rule 
double,  and  at  the  more  exposed  points,  treble,  and  it  is  diffi- 
cult to  believe  that  such  stupendous  ramparts  could  have  been 
thrown  up  without  the  use  of  metal  implements. 

The  place-name  Hamdon  was  also  referable  to  the  Bronze 


48  Sixty-second  Annual  Meeting. 

Age,  being  in  every  probability,  as  suggested  by  Dr.  N orris, 
a  corruption  of  Af on-dun,  the  Goidelic  name — "  the  fortress  by 
the  water  " — as  doubtless  in  early  times  Ham  Hill  stood  out  as 
a  promontory  overlooking  the  inland  sea  extending  from  the 
Bristol  Channel. 

Where  they  now  stood  was  the  eastern  entrance  to  the 
Camp,  and  there  were  traces  of  an  ancient  trackway  extending 
downhill  towards  Ilchester,  which  could  be  traced  from  Bed- 
more  Barn  through  Montacute.  It  was  probably  the  track- 
way leading  to  the  ford  across  the  Ivel.  In  the  orchard  close 
by,  three  crocks,  containing  about  800  coins,  were  discovered 
nearly  thirty  years  ago.  One  of  the  pots  and  a  number  of 
the  coins  were  now  in  Taunton  Museum. 

The  recollection  of  that  find  attracted  his  attention  to  this 
part  of  the  Hill,  and  in  1906  he  obtained  permission  to  do  a 
little  digging.  A  few  minor  relics  were  found  there,  but  at  a 
spot  near  the  gate  he  came  upon  what  was  probably  a  Roman 
rubbish  pit,  containing  a  large  number  of  fragments  of 
Romano-British  pottery,  and  pieces  of  roofing-tiles  and  flue- 
tiles.  This  convinced  him  that  a  large  dwelling  must  have 
been  close  at  hand,  and  in  the  following  year  he  explored  the 
adjoining  field  which  was  then  under  the  plough.  Innumer- 
able fragments  of  roofing-tiles  lay  on  the  surface,  and  probing 
where  they  appeared  most  thickly,  he  came  upon  definite  founda- 
tions, which  were  uncovered  to  the  extent  of  160ft.  x  40ft., 
disclosing  the  existence  of  a  large  villa  containing  twelve 
rooms  as  far  as  could  be  ascertained  (Proc.,  L1II,  i,  87  ; 
ii,  179).  The  exigencies  of  cultivation  only  permitted  of  the 
foundations  being  uncovered,  but  in  the  course  of  the  work 
a  few  interesting  relics  came  to  light ;  no  opportunity,  however, 
was  afforded  to  excavate  the  rooms  of  the  villa.  In  one  small 
room  the  concrete  flooring  was  still  in  good  preservation,  but 
the  tesselated  pavement  had  been  previously  torn  up,  and  the 
tesserae — enough  to  fill  two  wheelbarrows — lay  scattered  over 
the  surface  of  the  concrete.  It  had  been  hoped  to  have  the  foun- 


Ham  Hill   Camp  and   Quarries.  49 

dations  uncovered  for  that  meeting,  but  unfortunately  terms 
could  not  be  arranged  with  the  tenant,  and  the  project  had  to 
be  abandoned. 

In  reply  to  the  President  as  to  British  burials  near  that 
spot,  Mr.  WALTER  said  that  he  knew  of  two.  The  only  one  he 
saw  in  position  had  the  bones  in  the  contracted  position,  and 
with  it  a  hammer-stone  was  found.  Some  years  ago,  Sir  K. 
Colt  Hoare  said  he  believed  there  was  a  Roman  oppidum  on 
the  other  side  of  the  road,  but  no  foundations  were  now  trace- 
able. Mr.  Walter  believed  it  was  on  the  northern  side  of  the 
road,  and  he  thought  it  was  more  than  probable  that  other 
buildings  existed  there.  Foundations  were  noted  at  some 
distance  from  the  villa  recently  discovered. 

The  members  having  crossed  over  the  Hill  to  the  north- 
west side,  the  Rev.  H.  H.  WINWOOD,  F.G.S.,  said  that  in  the 
absence  of  Prof.  Boyd  Dawkins,  which  was  much  to  be  re- 
gretted, he  had  been  asked  to  say  a  few  words  on  the  geology 
of  the  Hill.  They  were  standing  at  the  edge  of  the  quarry 
which  shows  the  finest  section  on  the  Hill.  The  last  time  the 
Society  visited  it,  in  1887,  this  quarry,  now  worked  by  a  com- 
pany, was  then  in  the  hands  of  Mr.  C.  Trask,  who  was  pre- 
sent and  gave  an  account  of  the  methods  of  raising  the  stone. 
One  need  hardly  remind  Somerset  folk  that  the  quarries  on 
these  hills  have  been  for  many  centuries  celebrated  for  the 
excellent  quality  of  their  stone.  Whether  there  is  any 
evidence  of  their  having  been  worked  in  Roman  times  he  was 
not  prepared  to  state.  We  know  that  churches  as  far  back  as 
the  eleventh  century  were  built  of  this  material.  That  they 
were  known  to  Leland  is  certain,  as  he  mentions  them  in  his 
travels.  Members  of  the  Society  during  their  progress 
through  the  county  could  not  fail  to  notice  this  warm-looking 
stone  used  for  the  piers,  porches,  mullions  and  tracery  of 
the  various  churches  they  have  visited  ;  not  to  mention  the 
numerous  houses,  such  as  Montacute  and  Brympton,  and  many 
other  fine  examples  of  domestic  architecture. 

Vol.  L  VI  (Third  Series,  XVI),  Part  I.  D 


50  Sixty-second  Annual  Meeting. 

Its  rich  warm  colour  easily  distinguishes  it  from  any  other 
material  used — formed  of  a  mass  of  broken  up  shells  held 
together  by  an  irony  solution  which  gives  it  that  delicate  shade — 
and  its  resistance  to  the  action  of  the  weather  forms  its  chief 
value  in  building. 

With  regard  to  its  geological  position,  he  might  say,  in  the 
first  place,  that  Ham  Hill  had  always  been  a  puzzle  to  geolo- 
gists, and  still  remained  so.  Briefly,  it  undoubtedly  belongs 
to  the  great  Jurassic  system,  but  the  question  was  to  what 
especial  division  of  that  system  ?  He  need  hardly  mention  that 
during  the  excursion  they  had  traversed  the  whole  of  the 
Liassic  strata  forming  the  lower  grounds  below  —  Lower, 
Middle  and  Upper  Lias — the  latter  having  been  the  happy 
hunting  grounds  of  the  late  Charles  Moore,  whence  he  obtained 
his  unique  collection  of  fossil  fish.  Those  who  crossed  the 
field  in  front  of  Montacute  Priory,  and  followed  the  lane  lead- 
ing to  the  back  of  Bedmore  Barn  passed  through  the  whole 
series  of  the  "sands,"  some  100  or  more  feet  in  thickness. 

And  now  comes  the  question  to  which  of  the  two  formations 
do  these  sands  belong?  To  the  Liassic  beds  below,  or  to  the 
Oolitic  beds  above  ?  This  has  been  a  burning  question  divid- 
ing the  east  from  the  west.  The  western  disputants,  with  the 
late  Chas.  Moore  at  their  head,  H.  B.  Woodward  and  others, 
considered  them  to  belong  to  the  upper  or  Oolitic  division. 
Buckman  and  Richardson,  on  the  other  hand,  put  them  down  as 
Liassic  !  Who  shall  settle  the  controversy  ?  The  late  Pro- 
fessor Phillips  (called  "judicial  Phillips''),  in  my  opinion 
comes  nearer  the  truth  when  he  calls  them  "  Midford  Sands," 
as  at  Midford,  near  Bath,  they  were  first  described  by  William 
Smith,  the  father  of  English  geology.  Whether  the  lower 
part  belongs  to  the  Lias,  and  the  upper  portion  to  the  Inferior 
Oolite,  as  some  suppose,  or  not,  they  are  in  any  case  acknow- 
ledged to  be  passage  beds  from  one  formation  to  another,  and 
thus  a  transition  from  deeper  water  which  deposited  the 
Liassic  beds  below,  to  shallower  indicated  by  the  laying  down 


Ham  Hill  Camp  and   Quarries.  51 

of  more  sandy  materials.  Resting  upon  or  succeeding  these 
sands  in  ascending  order  we  have  the  Ham  Hill  stone,  or  the 
"  building  Freestone "  as  it  is  sometimes  called — Freestone 
being  used  to  denote  any  stone  that  can  be  readily  cut  and 
worked.  The  position  of  these  limestones  in  the  geological 
series  is  not  open  to  much  doubt,  and  we  are  able  from  certain 
characteristic  fossils  to  assign  them  to  the  horizon  of  the 
Inferior  Oolite. 

Mr.  Hensleigh  Walter,  whose  observations  on  this  hill  are 
now  well-known,  has  kindly  forwarded  to  him  the  following 
fossils  from  the  hard  workable  beds  : — Ammonites  Damortieria 
(Moore)  and  three  forms  of  Rliynconella  cynocephala,  with 
single,  double  and  treble  plaits  on  the  mesial  fold.  These 
fossils  indicate  without  much  doubt  an  Inferior  Oolite  facies, 
and  one  belonging  to  a  low  horizon. 

In  conclusion,  Mr.  Win  wood  stated  that  the  section  mea- 
sured some  50ft.,  including  the  "  riddings,"  and  that  it  was 
very  important  that  all  fossils  from  the  workable  beds  should 
be  noted  in  helping  to  confirm  the  exact  position  of  these  beds 
in  the  Inferior  Oolite  series. 

It  may  be  mentioned  that  Mr.  Winwood's  attention  was 
called  to  the  fact  that  similar  comminuted  shell  beds  are  being 
now  deposited  off  Portland  Bill,  and  in  future  times,  should  the 
sea-bed  be  raised,  formation  similar  to  the  Ham  Hill  beds 
would  be  the  result. 

A  tour  of  the  hill  was  then  made,  the  earthworks  being 
followed  to  the  Stoke  side  of  the  Hill.  A  halt  was  made  at 
"  Ham  Turn,"  near  the  "  Prince  of  Wales  "  Inn,  where  Mr. 
H.  St.  GEORGE  GRAY  read  an  instructive  and  concise  paper 
on  the  archaeological  remains  discovered  on  the  Hill.  This  is 
printed  in  Part  II  of  this  volume,  with  illustrations. 

The  PRESIDENT  said  that  before  they  left  that  celebrated 
Hill  they  would  wish  him  to  thank  Mr.  Winwood,  Dr.  Walter 
and  Mr.  Gray,  for  the  three  most  instructive  and  interesting 
addresses  they  had  had  that  morning. 


52  Sixty-second  Annual  Meeting. 

Before  dispersing,  Mr.  K.  H.  WALTER  made  some  further 
remarks,  and  stated  that  a  few  years  ago  that  particular  spot 
greatly  interested  him  as  some  hut-circles  yielding  Late-Celtic 
remains  were  discovered.  They  were  in  the  immediate  neigh- 
bourhood of  "  Ham  Stone."  Ham  Stone  was  a  large  block  of 
stone  projecting  upwards  from  the  stone  bed,  measuring  30  by 
18ft.,  and  about  20ft.  in  height.  It  was  standing  until  1824, 
when  it  was  sold  and  cut  up  for  building  purposes.  From 
this  point  of  vantage  an  extensive  view  of  the  whole  of  the 
surrounding  country  could  be  obtained  ;  it  was  doubtless  used 
by  the  earlier  inhabitants  as  a  watch-tower  and  possibly  at 
times  as  a  beacon.  An  old  lady,  still  living  in  Stoke,  well 
remembered  being  taken  to  the  top  of  it  as  a  child,  and  she 
says  there  was  a  depression  in  the  top  which  showed  signs  of 
burning  as  by  fire.  It  had  rough  steps  cut  in  it.  In  the  early 
part  of  the  last  century  there  was  a  couplet  current  amongst 
the  village  children  which  greatly  appealed  to  the  juvenile 
mind.  It  ran  : — 

"  When  Ham  Stone  hears  the  Norton  chimes  at  midnight  clack, 
It  rolls  down-hill  to  drink  at  Jack  O'Beard's,  and  back." 

It  was  quite  possible  that  the  situation  of  the  Late-Celtic 
village  was  influenced  by  the  existence  of  "  Ham  Stone,"  and 
the  dwellings  arranged  in  close  proximity  to  so  effective  a  look- 
out. 

The  members  then  skirted  the  eastern  side  of  the  northern 
promontory  of  the  Hill,  and  when  at  the  "  Frying  Pan,"  Mr. 
Walter  stated  that  its  origin  was  very  doubtful,  and  authorities 
were  divided  in  opinion.  It  was  said  to  be  too  small  for  an 
amphitheatre,  and  although  he  had  run  a  trench  through  it, 
he  had  never  found  anything  pointing  to  its  being  Roman.  It 
was  possibly  something  more  recent — perhaps  a  medieval  cock- 
pit. It  was  customary  for  the  guild  of  stone-masons  to  hold 
their  annual  festival  on  Shrove  Tuesday  there,  and  this  might 
account  for  the  name — the  "  Frying-Pan." 

There  were  traces  of  a  large  rectangular  walled  enclosure 


Chantry  House,   Stoke-under-  Ham.  53 

near  by  —  possibly  to  hold  cattle  or  horses  —  as  there  was  no 
evidence  of  this  being  a  residential  portion  of  the  camp.  The 
large  holed  stones  which  had  now  all  been  uprooted  were  fixed 
in  the  ground  on  the  slope  close  by  —  apparently  not  arranged 
in  lines.  The  holes  in  them  were  cut  square,  possibly  to  allow 
woodwork  to  pass  through  them.  Fifteen  remained  within 
recent  years.  (One  figured  in  Proc.,  xxxii,  i,  49). 

After  luncheon  at  the  "  Fleur-de-Lis  "  Inn  and  the  school- 
room opposite,  the  members  visited  the 


Cfjantrp  J£>otise, 

The  history  of  the  foundation  of  the  collegiate  chantry 
attached  to  the  free  chapel  of  St.  Nicholas  in  his  court  (curia) 
at  Stoke  by  John  de  Beauchamp  II,  Baron  of  Hatch  (ob. 
1337),  is  given  in  full  in  a  paper  on  the  barony  of  Beauchamp 
by  Mr.  J.  Batten  in  Proceedings,  xxxvi,  ii,  20.  The  chapel 
itself  has  long  since  disappeared.  When  Leland,  about  1540, 
visited  Stoke,  he  saw  "in  the  village  the  ruins  of  a  great 
manor  place  or  castle,  and  in  this  manor  place  remaineth  a 
very  ancient  chapel  wherein  be  diverse  tombs  of  noble  men 
and  women"  (Proc.  xxxui,  ii,  87).  The  site  of  this  chapel 
was  discovered  on  the  22nd  March,  1889,  and  the  grave  of  the 
founder  opened  by  the  late  Dr.  W.  W.  Walter,  who  contributed 
a  paper  on  the  finds  to  the  Proceedings,  xxxv,  ii,  127.1 

Leland  further  observed  "  that  there  is  a  provost  belonging 
to  this  collegiate  chapel  now  in  decay,  where  sometime  was 
good  service,  and  now  but  a  mass  said  three  times  in  the  week. 
The  provost  hath  a  large  house  in  the  village  of  Stoke 
thereby."  Collinson  (in,  320)  confused  this  house  with  the 
castle,  and  says,  "  The  once  noble  mansion  of  the  Beauchamps 
and  Grournays  is  now  in  ruins,  its  small  remains  being  con- 
verted into  offices  for  a  farm-house,  and  the  chapel  into  a 
cyder-vault  (as  usual)."  By  the  kindness  of  the  occupier  and 
his  wife,  the  party  were  enabled  to  examine  this  interesting 

1.     See  also  Som.  &  Dors.  N.  &  Q.,  I,  art.  285. 


54  Sixty-second  Annual  Meeting . 

building,  after  the  Rev.  G.  G.  Monck  had  pointed  out  the 
principal  features.  The  outer  gateway  still  remains  unchanged, 
but  the  different  portions  within  have  been  so  altered  to  fit 
them  for  domestic  purposes,  that  it  is  impossible  to  designate 
any  single  portion  to  its  original  use.  The  small  building  on 
the  left  of  the  entrance  is  usually  called  the  chapel,  because  of 
the  bell  turret  still  remaining  on  the  gable  ; *  and  it  is  very 
likely  that  the  five  inhabitants  would  require  a  small  oratory 
for  the  recitation  of  services  morning  and  evening.  Its 
position,  north  and  south,  does  not  necessarily  militate  against 
this  view.  The  hall  has  been  much  knocked  about  in  the 
efforts  to  turn  it  into  a  two-floored  cottage.  It  is  now  aban- 
doned to  decay,  and  the  floor  is  dangerous  to  the  casual 
antiquary.  The  present  dwelling-house  has  little  to  attract 
beyond  a  room  with  Elizabethan  panelling.  One  piece  bears 
the  date  1585  and  the  initials  T.S. ;  also  I.C.,  R.S.,  M.S., 
W.F.  These  initials  probably  refer  to  the  family  of  Strode. 
Gerard,  writing  about  1633,  says,  "The  college  came  to  its 
period  under  Henry  the  eight,  and  is  now  become  the  dwelling 
of  Mr.  Strode  descended  from  those  Strodes  in  Dorsett."2 
Their  monuments  may  still  be  seen  in  the  church.  The  colum- 
barium was  also  examined  with  much  interest.  Before  leaving, 
Mr.  Bligh  Bond  pointed  out  that  the  ogee-headed  doorway  on 
the  left  side  of  the  entrance  was  probably  part  of  the  old 
house.3 

^tofee  Cfwrcf). 

The  party  then  proceeded  to  the  Church,  where  the  Rev. 
G.  G.  MONCK,  Vicar  of  the  parish,  read  an  elaborate  paper 

1.  Illustrated  in  C.  R.  B.  Barrett's  "  Highways  and  Byways  of  Somerset- 
shire," p.  177. 

2.  Survey  of  Somerset,  S.R.S.,  xv,  101. 

3.  The  late  Mr.  Daniel  Gurney,  under  the  mistaken  idea  that  this  was  the 
residence  of  Sir  Matthew  Gournay,  illustrated  his  great  work  on  the  "  History 
of  the  House  of  Gournay"  with  several  views  of  the  house.     The  book  itself 
was  generally  known  among  his  friends  as  the  "Apocryphal  Book  of  Dan." 
(Bibliographer,  I,  59.) 


Stoke   Church.  55 

on  the  building  and  its  history.  Professor  Freeman  con- 
tributed a  very  full  account,  with  three  illustrations,  in  the 
fourth  volume  of  our  Proceedings,  and  the  seventeenth  volume 
contains  three  more,  including  one  of  the  tympanum  over  the 
doorway.  On  account  of  the  natural  advantages  of  Stoke  as 
a  dwelling-place,  Mr.  Ivionck  was  inclined  to  postulate  pre- 
Norman  work  in  the  existing  structure,  but  there  is  no  single 
feature  referable  to  that  remote  period ;  and,  with  the  ex- 
ception of  the  south  wall  of  the  chancel  in  Milborne  Port 
Church,  this  county  is  not '  known  to  contain  any  Saxon 
masonry.  With  regard  to  the  tympanum,  Mr.  Monck  pre- 
ferred an  historical  solution.  On  26th  December,  1135,  King 
Stephen  usurped  the  throne  from  his  cousin,  the  Empress 
Maud,  then  wife  of  Geoffrey  of  Anjou,  whose  crest  was  a  lion 
rampant.  Stephen  took  the  zodiacal  sign  of  Sagittarius  for 
his  badge  ;  and  in  this  essentially  Norman  district  of  England 
the  sculptor  would  seem  to  pay  a  compliment  to  his  master  in 
representing  the  triumph  of  Sagittarius  over  the  lion.1 

Mr.  BLIGH  BOND  said  that  the  Church  possessed  features 
of  peculiar  interest.  It  had  been  thought  that  the  chancel 
had  been  widened  at  one  time,  the  reason  for  this  opinion  being 
the  appearance  of  a  broken  plinth  course  in  the  east  wall. 
The  presence  of  Early  English  windows  in  the  side  walls 
would  at  first  sight  seem  to  lend  colour  to  this  assumption,  but 
the  existence  of  Norman  features  in  these  walls  supported  a 
contrary  argument.  The  fine  chancel-arch  with  its  enrich- 
ments was  of  the  XI  Century.  The  little  windows  were  also, 
he  considered,  of  the  same  period,  and  he  saw  no  reason  to 
suppose  that  they  were  pre-Norman.  Next  in  point  of  date 
was  the  north  transept  or  chapel  under  the  base  of  the  tower, 
generally  spoken  of  as  a  work  of  the  Early  English  period. 
He  preferred  to  describe  it  as  Transitional  Norman.  The 
caps  supporting  the  vaulting  had  a  form  peculiar  to  XII  Cen- 

1.     Archceologia,  xnv,  149. 


56  Sixty-second  Annual  Meeting. 

tury  work,  derived  from  the  idea  of  the  wooden  post  formed 
from  a  tree-trunk  with  lopped  branches;  A.D.  1180  was  a 
probable  date. 

The  south  transept  might  be  termed  Early  Decorated,  as 
the  nature  of  the  architectural  detail  would  shew  it  to  be  a 
work  of  the  beginning  of  the  XIV  Century.  He  called 
attention  to  the  peculiar  position  of  the  window  in  the  wall  of 
the  nave  high  up  over  this  transept.  This  window  was  also 
Decorated. 

As  to  the  nave  roof,  it  consisted  originally  of  flat  rectangular 
panels,  but  the  longitudinal  divisions  had  been  removed,  leaving 
the  cross-beams,  and  these  had  at  some  time  had  a  plain  ceiling 
nailed  up  to  them.  The  marks  of  the  laths  still  disfigured 
their  surface.  There  was  nothing  to  suggest  a  high-pitched 
roof  in  what  remained — which  was  of  XV  Century  character 
— but  there  was  very  possibly  a  high-pitched  roof  there  in 
earlier  times. 

As  regards  the  canopy  outside  the  north  wall  of  the  Church, 
he  had  never  seen  anything  like  it,  and  there  was  nothing 
visible  which  would  give  a  clue  to  its  meaning.  But  the 
ground  seemed  to  have  risen,  and  perhaps  excavation  might 
reveal  some  feature  at  present  concealed  below. 

The  connection  of  the  carving  on  the  tympanum  of  the  north 
door  with  King  Stephen  offered  some  difficulty,  as  the  date  this 
would  imply  was  very  late  for  the  work,  which  in  design  and 
execution  looked  like  XI  Century  work. 

The  windows  in  the  north  wall  of  the  chancel  had  Perpen- 
dicular tracery-heads  on  Early  English  jambs.  Their  original 
character  was  of  the  middle  of  the  XIII  Century.  There 
was  part  of  a  XV  Century  stone  screen  in  the  north  transept, 
and  this  had  formerly  stood  in  the  archway  towards  the  nave, 
but  it  had  been  terribly  mutilated,  having  lost  both  ends,  and 
its  remains  were  now  poked  away  behind  the  organ.  The 
staircase  which  once  gave  access  to  the  rood-loft  was  also  the 
tower  stair,  and  afforded  a  curious  feature. 


Montacute  House.  57 

It  had  been  suggested,  on  the  strength  of  the  oblique 
position  of  the  piscina  in  the  chancel,  that  there  might  have 
been  a  Saxon  apse,  but  he  should  hesitate  on  so  slender  grounds 
to  assume  the  former  existence  of  an  apse,  though  such  a 
feature  was  usual  enough  in  a  Norman  church,  such  as  he 
believed  this  to  have  been.  The  apse  is  not  characteristic  of 
pre-Norman  churches,  unless  one  goes  back  to  the  Romano- 
British  period. 

A  circuit  of  the  exterior  of  the  Church  was  then  made, 
Mr.  Monck  pointing  out  the  chief  features.  The  belfry  is 
of  Early  English  masonry,  whilst  the  tower  battlements  and 
gargoyles  are  of  the  XV  Century.  An  interesting  corres- 
pondence between  two  of  the  Norman  enrichments  was  noted. 
(1)  One  of  the  shafts  of  the  Norman  south  door  of  the  nave 
is  worked  to  resemble  a  palm  stem.  (2)  A  palm  leaf  is 
incised  over  the  head  of  the  small  Norman  light  in  the 
same  wall. 

The  drive  was  then  continued  to 

sgontacute  Oouse. 

Mr.  BLIGH  BOND  gave  a  description  of  the  house,  and  said 
that  that  oft-quoted  expression  of  the  poet,  "  the  stately  homes 
of  England,"  inevitably  rose  to  the  mind  when  viewing  the 
building,  which  represented  the  flower  of  English  architecture. 
Two  causes  contributed  to  bring  about  that  wonderful  outburst 
of  architectural  glory.  Peace  and  great  prosperity  had  come 
in,  bringing  a  security  which  favoured  the  development  of  fine 
domestic  architecture ;  whilst  Gothic  architecture,  having 
reached  its  climax  under  the  first  Tudors,  was  stimulated  into 
new  life  by  the  renaissance  of  classic  styles,  architecture 
had  become  a  branch  of  polite  knowledge,  and  therefore  they 
got  that  beautiful  blend  of  the  Gothic  with  the  Italian  in  the 
houses  of  the  nobles  and  gentry.  The  house  was  of  vast  size, 
and  being  erected  between  1580  and  1601  by  Sir  Edward 


58  Sixty-second  Annual  Meeting. 

Phelips,1  it  was  just  in  the  best  period  of  Elizabethan  archi- 
tecture. The  stone  screen  of  the  west  front,  which  was  of 
large  extent,  came,  it  is  known,  from  the  great  Manor  House 
of  Clifton  May  bank,  just  south  of  Yeovil.  This  had  been  the 
home  of  the  Horseys,  and  the  arms  of  that  family  were  said  to 
appear  on  the  screen.  The  President  said  that  this  was  a 
mistake.  It  was  the  Horsey  badge  which  was  to  be  seen 
there — a  little  ornament  of  horses'  heads.  Edward  Phelips 
the  purchaser  of  the  screen  substituted  his  own  shield.2 

It  had  generally  been  supposed  that  the  architect  of 
Montacute  House  was  John  Thorpe,  whose  name  had  been 
preserved  by  Horace  Walpole,  who  was  also  responsible  for 
the  statement  that  he  built  the  great  houses  of  Longleat  and 
Burleigh.  This  was  founded  on  the  fact  that  this  John 
Thorpe  was  a  dilettante  architect,  who  left  a  portfolio  of 
sketches  in  which  there  were  designs  of  a  similar  nature. 
Horace  Walpole  apparently  had  no  real  warrant  for  saying 
that  John  Thorpe  was  the  actual  architect,3  and  the  question 
was  whether  the  great  works  of  this  date  were  done  by  pro- 
fessional architects,  or  whether  there  were  guilds  who  designed 
and  carried  out  these  works.4 

With  regard  to  the  interior,  the  great  hall  was  very  fine,  and 
had  a  curious  screen  at  one  end.  At  the  other  end  there  was  a 
representation  of  a  very  quaint  old  Somerset  custom,  in  relief, 

1.  Sir  Edward  Phelippes  (as  the  name  was  then  spelled)  was  Master  of  the 
Rolls,  Speaker  of  the  House  of  Commons,  and  Chancellor  to  Henr}',  Prince  of 
Wales.     On  14th  July,  1613,  he  was  appointed  ranger  of  all  royal  forests, 
parks,  and  chases  in  England.     But  he  does  not  appear  to  have  found  favour 
in  this  capacity,  for  when  entertaining  King  James  at  his  country  seat  at 
Wanstead,  he  congratulated  the  King  on  killing  a  fat  buck,  and  said  "I  hope 
your  Majesty  and  I  shall  live  to  kill  many  more  here  as  fat  as  this."     His 
Majesty  answered  him  in  contempt,  "  Yes,  you  and  I  "  ;  which  the  good  old 
man  took  so  much  to  heart  that  he  died  shortly  after.     (MSS.  of  John  Pyin, 
Hist.  MSS.  Commission,  Report  X,  A  pp.,  pt.  vi,  p.  84.) 

2.  See  Proceedings,  XXXII,  ii,  100. 

3.  In  the  life  of  John  Thorpe  in  the  D.N.B.,  LVI,  p.  320,  his  claims  to  be 
an  architect  in  the  modern  sense  of  the  word  are  very  carefully  dealt  with. 
' '  He  has  also  been  confused  with  that  other  ignis  fatuus  of  archaeology,  John 
of  Padua." 

4.  It  is  suggested  on  reasonable  grounds  that  the  cultured  owner  may  him- 
.self  have  been  responsible  for  much  of  it. 


St.   Catherine's    Church.,   Montacnte.  59 

which  was  known  as  "  Riding  the  Skimmington,"1  ridiculing 
a  man  who  had  been  beaten  by  his  wife.  The  performance 
was  described  in  Hudibras.  He  also  drew  their  attention  to 
the  large  handsomely-panelled  dining-room,  and  a  smaller 
room  dated  1599.  The  panelling  was  regarded  as  having 
been  brought  from  the  older  home  of  the  family,  being  some 
forty  years  anterior  to  the  date  of  the  building  of  the  house. 
The  great  gallery,  the  chief  apartment  of  the  house  at  the 
time  of  the  Civil  War,  had  its  furniture  and  books  destroyed 
at  that  time.  It  was  sixty  yards  long,  and  extended  the 
whole  length  of  the  top  floor.  The  best  room  was  considered 
to  be  the  library,  where  there  was  ancient  heraldic  glass  in  the 
windows  dated  1599,  some  being  later,  whilst  a  few  shields 
had  been  added  in  recent  years  to  complete  the  series.2 

A  tour  of  the  house  and  -gardens  was  then  made,  and  the 
party  took  tea  in  the  Constitutional  Hall,  afterwards  paying 
a  visit  to 

§>t,  Catherine's  Cfwvcf),  sgontacute, 

which  Mr.  BLIGH  BOND  described  as  being  of  various  dates. 
There  was  a  Norman  chancel-arch,  and  some  chevron  work  of 
the  same  period,  which  was  once  over  the  north  door.  The 
Norman  work  in  the  chancel-arch  was  of  the  earliest  type. 
He  called  attention  to  the  hagioscope  on  the  south  side.  The 
two  transepts  were  each  Early  English,  many  of  the  mouldings 
being  characteristic  of  the  period.  The  window-  in  the  south 
transept  was  an  early  form  of  geometrical  Decorated,  or  late 
XII]  Century,  and  possessed  tracery  which  made  it  a  most 
interesting  window  to  architects.  He  quite  well  remembered 
as  a  pupil  that  his  master  asked  him  to  drawr  that  window. 
The  rest  of  the  Church  was  Perpendicular,  the  tower  being  a 
magnificent  example,  one  of  its  best  features  being  the  quatre- 
foil  ornament.  The  lower  band  had  been  shaved  off  on  the 

1.  A  good  representation  of  the  Hall,  including  this  subject,  is  given  in 
"The  Connoisseur,"  Dec.,  1910. 

2.  See  "Armorial  Glass  at  Montacute,"  Proc.,  xxxn,  ii,  90. 


60  Sixty-second  Annual  Meeting. 

south  side  of  the  tower  to  make  a  smooth  surface  for  playing 
hand-fives.  There  were  interesting  monuments  in  the  Church 
— most  of  them  to  the  Phelips  family. 

A  curious  feature  in  the  chancel  was  a  post-Reformation 
stone  frame,  of  rectangular  form,  fixed  as  a  super-altar  enclosing 
the  modern  reredos.  This  frame  was  dated  1543.  He  did 
not  know  of  a  similar  feature  elsewhere.  Round  about  it  was 
inscribed  : 

"Worship  ye  the  Lord  in  His  Holy  Hill— written  in  the  Ps.  28." 
"  Fear  God  and  keep  His  laws."     Deut.  6. 
"Love  God  and  thy  neighbour."     Matt.  22. 

"Pray  you  for  the  good  state  of  this  whole  Parish  and  all  the 
Xtian  Church,  A.D.  1543." 

They  would  also  notice  on  each  side  of  the  altar,  occupying 
empty  Tudor  niches,  two  curious  black-letter  abridgments  of 
the  Ten  Commandments — a  specimen  of  those  on  the  north 
side  being,  "Ye  shall  make  no  graven  images  to  do  godly 
honour  to  them."  Also  on  the  north  wall  of  the  chancel, 
under  a  rough  cross,  the  black-letter  inscription:  "Everyone 
that  shall  knowledge  me  before  man,  him  will  I  knowledge  be- 
fore my  Father  which  is  in  Heaven ;  and  who  shall  deny  Me 
before  man,  him  will  I  deny  before  my  Father." 

Coming  to  the  nave  of  the  Church,  he  regretted  to  say  it 
had  been  so  heavily  restored  that  but  little  of  the  old  work 
could  be  recognised.  The  gallery  which  supported  the  organ- 
loft  was  modern,  with  the  exception  of  one  corbel,  namely, 
that  at  the  east  end  with  the  grotesque  head.  This  was  dis- 
covered in  the  Church,  and  the  others  were  made  in  order  to 
harmonise  with  it.  He  was  told  that  they  had  been  copied 
from  examples  in  South  Kensington  Museum.  The  Rev. 
C.  F.  Powys,  the  Vicar,  said  the  original  one  was  dug  up  at 
the  time  of  the  restoration  of  the  Church. 

Mr.  Bond  further  pointed  out  that  the  rood-loft  had  been 
approached  from  the  north  side.  There  was  a  recess  within 
the  north  transept,  which  it  was  evident  had  once  been  the 


Montacute  Priory.  61 

lower  door  to  the  rood-staircase.     It  was  doubtful  if  there  had 
ever  been  an  entrance  on  the  south  side  of  the  Church. 


flgonracute 

Before  the  members  left  the  Church,  the  Rev.  F.  W. 
WEAVER,  F.S.A.,  gave  some  particulars  of  the  Cluniac  Priory 
of  Montacute.  He  pointed  out  that  the  Priory  Church  had 
completely  disappeared,  while  the  Parish  Church  alone  re- 
mained. He  said  that  Volume  vin  of  the  Somerset  Record 
Society  contained  the  fullest  account  (hitherto  printed)  of  this 
interesting  foundation  ;  there  Canon  T.  Scott  Holmes  gave  a 
striking  sketch  of  Montacute  in  connection  with  the  Con- 
gregation of  Cluny  ;  he  himself  had  written  on  the  fate  of 
the  monks  ;  while  Sir  Henry  Maxwell  Lyte  had  supplied 
a  most  complete  list  of  priors,  with  particulars  concerning 
most  of  them.  In  particular  Sir  Henry  pointed  out  that 
Thomas  Chard,  the  last  prior  but  one,  whose  initials  are  over 
the  gateway,  was  a  totally  different  person  from  Thomas 
Chard,  alias  Tybbes,  the  last  abbot  of  Ford.  The  initials 
T.C.  referred  to  are  under  a  mitre,  because  this  prior  wras 
consecrated  Bishop  of  Solubria  in  Thrace,  and  acted  as 
suffragan  in  the  dioceses  of  Exeter  and  Bath  and  Wells. 
(Proceedings,  XLII,  ii,  pp.  70,  71.) 

The  Priory  of  Montacute  was  founded1  in  1102  by  William, 
Count  of  Mortain,  but,  as  Canon  Holmes  points  out,  the  Cluniac 
houses  never  took  root,  so  to  say,  in  England  ;  they  were 
looked  upon  as  foreign  bodies  (and  in  fact  until  the  time  of 
Henry  IV  all  the  priors  of  Montacute  have  foreign  names). 
The  monks  had  to  journey  all  the  way  to  Cluny  to  be  pro- 
fessed, and  so  it  happened  that  some  monks  were  forty  years 
before  they  were  professed,  and  some  were  never  professed  at 
all.  During  the  French  wars,  the  revenues  of  the  alien  Priories 
were  constantly  seized  by  the  King.  In  1339  the  advowson 

1.     For  the  earlier  foundation  of  a  college  of  priests  at  Leodgaresburgh,  in 
honour  of  the  finding  of  the  Holy  Cross  there,  see  S.R.S.,  VIII,  Ix. 


62  Sixty-second  Annual  Meeting. 

of  Montacute  was  handed  over  by  the  Crown  to  William  de 
Montacute,  earl  of  Salisbury  ;  and,  in  1407,  the  Priory  re- 
nounced its  allegiance  to  Climy,  and  from  that  date  ceased 
to  be  alien,  and  remained  till  the  Dissolution  an  English 
monastery. 

The  PRESIDENT  remarked  that  since  that  morning  they 
had  visited  two  parishes,  and  he  did  not  think  there  was  a 
single  phase  of  English  history  that  could  not  be  illustrated 
from  their  story.  On  Ham  Hill  there  was  a  British  camp, 
how  old  not  even  Mr.  Gray  ventured  to  say.  They  knew  the 
Romans  took  possession  of  the  hill  and  drove  the  people  out 
and  established  a  small  camp  of  their  own.  From  that  they 
passed  to  Anglo-Saxon  times,  for  the  hill  at  Montacute  marked 
the  site  of  the  legendary  finding  of  that  Holy  Cross,  which  was 
the  raison  d'etre  of  the  building  of  Waltham  Abbey.  Not 
only  did  Harold  pray  before  it,  but  his  soldiers  marched  to 
Hastings  with  the  cry  of  "  Holy  Cross."  They  knew  how  the 
Norman  baron  established  himself  there,  and  Domesday  Book 
recorded  that  "  Robert  de  Moretaine  owned  Montacute  and 
there  is  his  castle."  The  Norman  baron  was  succeeded  by 
that  Cluniac  Monastery,  one  of  those  buildings  which  covered 
the  whole  land,  and  must  have  been  the  most  conspicuous 
objects  before  the  Reformation.  The  Castle  and  Priory  gave 
way  to  that  magnificent  house,  which  was  one  of  the  glories  of 
their  English  architecture  and  English  sense  of  freedom,  for 
while  the  people  of  every  other  nation  had  still  to  live  in 
castles,  that  house — typical  of  English  life,  freedom,  and  re- 
sponsibility for  three  centuries-— was  built.  There  was  yet 
another  link,  for  it  was  in  the  "  Frying  Pan  "  on  Ham  Hill 
that  those  great  meetings  of  agricultural  labourers  took  place 
many  years  ago,  which  led  statesmen  to  realise  that  there  were 
many  people  without  the  vote,  and  which  resulted  in  the  en- 
franchisement of  the  English  agricultural  labourer,  and  his 
restoration  to  a  position  from  which  a  succession  of  conquerors 
had  depressed  him. 


Conversazione  and  Local  Museum.  63 

After  inspecting  the  gatehouse  of  the  old  Priory,  thrown 
open  by  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Gr.  R.  Norman,  the  party  drove  back 
to  Yeovil. 

Contiem^ionc  ano  Local  sgjuseum. 

In  the  evening  the  MAYOR  OF  YEOVIL  (Councillor  Edmund 
Damon)  and  the  MAYORESS  kindly  entertained  the  members 
of  the  Society  and  a  large  number  of  Yeovil  residents  to  a 
Conversazione  at  the  Town  Hall.  A  musical  programme, 
under  the  direction  of  Mr.  F.  E.  Bastick,  was  contributed,  and 
refreshments  served.  The  loan  collection  in  the  Justice-room 
was  the  centre  of  much  interest,  and  was  open  for  three  days. 
At  certain  hours  this  Local  Museum  was  open  to  the  general 
public,  and  hundreds  of  children  were  conducted  through  the 
room  under  proper  guidance.  The  Museum  Committee 
worked  assiduously,  and  consisted  of  the  Mayor,  Messrs.  S. 
Burt,  E.  C.  Gardner,  F.  R.  Maggs,  H.  Stiby,  and  R.  Hensleigh 
Walter,  Mr.  W.  A.  Hunt  ( Chairman),  and  Mr.  J.  B.  Paynter 
(Secretary). 

At  the  conclusion,  COLONEL  GARY  BATTEN  said  they  had 
had  a  most  successful  meeting,  and  were  greatly  indebted  to 
the  Mayor  of  Yeovil  for  lending  them  that  hall,  and  for  the 
kind  hospitality  of  the  Mayor  and  Mayoress  that  evening. 
They  were  also  indebted  to  the  musicians  for  the  entertain- 
ment they  had  given  them. 

THE  MAYOR  said  that  his  pleasure  was  ten  times  greater 
than  theirs,  in  having  the  privilege  of  entertaining  them  on 
that  auspicious  occasion.  It  was  a  great  event  for  the  town 
to  be  visited  by  the  Somersetshire  Archaeological  Society. 
He  hoped  the  visit  of  the  Society  would  have  a  beneficial 
effect  on  their  townsmen,  and  act  as  an  incentive  for  the  study 
of  archaeology  and  natural  history. 

Mr.  CHAS.  TITE  proposed  thanks  to  the  members  of  the 
Local  Committee,  and  those  who  had  been  kind  enough  to 


64  Sixty-second  Annual  Meeting. 

organize  that  excellent  loan  museum.  Those  of  them  who 
knew  anything  about  this  kind  of  work  realised  how  much 
labour  had  been  expended.  In  thanking  them  on  behalf  of 
the  Society,  he  should  especially  like  to  mention  Mr.  Paynter, 
who  had  acted  as  secretary,  and  other  members  of  the  Com- 
mittee who  had  had  a  large  share  in  the  work. 

Dr.  W,  A.  HUNT,  on  behalf  of  the  Museum  Committee, 
acknowledged  the  vote  of  thanks,  and  thanked  them  for  their 
kind  expressions.  He  wished  to  thank  all  the  ladies  and 
gentlemen  who  had  lent  objects  for  that  museum.  He  would 
like  to  see  a  town  museum  at  Yeovil.  They  could  not 
attempt  to  rival  Taunton,  but  he  thought  the  time  was  come 
when  they  could  bring  the  necessary  materials  together  and 
found  a  permanent  local  museum. 

Among  the  loan  exhibits  were  : 

Pewter  flagon,  Yeovilton  Church. — Exhibited  by  the  Rev. 
B.  T.  Bussell. 

Bronze  celt. — Exhibited  by  Mr.  T.  W.  Dampier-Bide. 

A  large  and  valuable  collection  of  antiquities  found  on  Ham 
Hill,  some  having  been  removed  from  Taunton  Museum  for 
the  purpose,  others  recently  found. — Exhibited  by  Mr.  R. 
Hensleigh  Walter,  M.B. 

A  few  archaeological  remains  from  Ham  Hill. — Exhibited 
by  the  Rev.  H.  Cornish,  Odcombe. 

Facsimile  of  the  gold  tore  found  at  Hendford,  Yeovil,  1909; 
a  silver  medal  commemorating  the  unsuccessful  invasions  of 
Monmouth  and  Argyll  in  1685  ;  a  penny  of  Henry  III  struck 
at  Ilchester ;  jailer's  keys  and  branding  instruments,  Ilchester 
Gaol ;  three  bone  pins,  Roman,  found  by  Mr.  E.  C.  Gardner 
at  Larkhill  Lane  Quarry,  Preston  Plucknett,  1909. — Ex- 
hibited by  the  Som.  Arch,  and  Nat.  Hist.  Society. 

Gold  model  of  a  bronze  fibula  found  at  the  Meare  Lake- 
village,  1910.— Exhibited  by  Messrs.  Franklin,  Hare,  and 
Goodland. 

Drinking-vessel  of  the  early  Bronze  Age,  found  at  Stoford 


Conversazione  and  Local  Museum.  65 

in  the  parish  of  Barwick  ;  picture  of  Yeovil  Church,  circa 
1760  ;  brief  for  losses  by  fire  granted  to  Yeovil,  1640  ;  grant 
by  Charles  II  of  an  annuity  to  Francis  and  Rachel  Wyndham, 
1682  ;  facsimile  of  Civil  War  pamphlet  of  Battle  of  Babylon 
Hill,  1642  ;  report  on  the  sanitary  condition  of  Yeovil  1852, 
with  map  1831;  "  Claustrum  Regale  reseratum,"  by  A. 
Wyndham;  "  Eikon  Basilike,"  1648;  "  Memorial  of  the 
Royal  Martyr,"  by  T.  L.  ;  day-cap,  night-cap,  and  knife  of 
Charles  II ;  rent-roll  of  the  borough  of  Ilchester,  circa  1535. 
-Exhibited  by  the  Rev.  E.  H.  Bates  Harbin. 

Bell  from  Ilchester  Gaol  (weight  1  cwt.),  tolled  at  execu- 
tions ;  Morden's  map  of  Somerset. — Exhibited  by  Mr.  J. 
Trevor  Davies. 

Engraving  of  the  old  George  Inn,  Yeovil ;  water-colours  of 
the  market-house,  the  stocks,  the  shambles,  and  the  old  Angel 
Inn  (painted  1810) ;  photograph  of  the  leaden  angel  (51ins. 
high),  the  sign  of  the  old  inn  where  Parr's  Bank,  Yeovil,  now 
stands  ;  lock  and  key  from  Ilchester  Gaol ;  plaster  cast  of  the 
face  of  John  ChaiFey  who  died  in  his  one-hundred-and-fifth 
year  at  "Preston  Close,"  Deo.  27th,  1875  ;  medal  commemor- 
ating the  marriage  of  the  Prince  of  Wales  with  the  Princess 
of  Teck,  given  to  all  the  school  children  of  Yeovil  by  Mr.  S. 
Watts,  July  6th,  1893  ;  box  of  bullets  made  at  Bristol  for  the 
late  Mr.  George  Harbin,  of  Newton,  when  commanding  the 
Yeomanry  at  Yeovil  during  the  Reform  Riots,  1832  ;  a  large 
series  of  coins  and  medals,  electrotypes,  and  gems,  etc.— 
Exhibited  by  Dr.  W.  A.  Hunt. 

Local  prints  and  paintings. — Exhibited  by  Mr.  J.  Nicholson 
Johnston. 

Two  locks,  Ilchester  Gaol ;  cross-bill  shot  at  Hendford ; 
and  other  specimens  (not  local). — Exhibited  by  the  Rev.  E.  A. 
May. 

Fossils  from  the  Yeovil  district. — Exhibited  by  Mr.  H. 
Monk,  Yetminster. 

Another  series. — Exhibited  by  Mr.  S.  Burt. 

Vol.  L  VI  ( Third  Series,  Vol.  X  VI),  Part  I.  E 


66  Sixty-second  Annual  Meeting. 

Another  series. — Exhibited  by  Mr.  R.  J.  Pocock. 

Iron  implements,  Jordan  Hill,  W  ey mouth ;  horse-shoe, 
Crewkerne ;  three  keys  from  Martock ;  Yeovil  trade  tokens, 
etc. — Exhibited  by  Mr.  W.  C.  Norman,  Honiton. 

Human  osteological  remains,  and  various  fossils  and  minerals. 
—Exhibited  by  Dr.  H.  M.  Page. 

Panel  painting  of  the  old  skin  market,  Yeovil ;  print  of 
Yeovil  market-place,  1839;  Yeovil,  from  Babylon  Hill,  1839  ; 
photograph  from  a  water-colour  of  the  old  market-house, 
Yeovil,  1810;  standard  weight  for  gold,  dug  up  at  Hendford 
Manor ;  two  ancient  views  of  Cadbury  House  on  panels : 
print  of  Compton  House,  Sherborne,  1794;  etc. — Exhibited 
by  Mr.  J.  B.  Paynter. 

Old  print  of  St.  John's  Church,  Yeovil;  local  tokens,  etc. 
— Exhibited  by  Mr.  Frank  Raymond. 

The  following  guns  : — XVI  Century  match-lock  ;  XVII 
Century  wheel-lock;  a  flint-lock,  circa  1630;  a  flint-lock,  by 
J.  Mantou,  1815  ;  a  first  detonating  pellet-gun,  1807  ;  another, 
improved  ;  a  detonating  tube-lock,  1818.  Pair  of  pistols,  circa 
1630;  percussion  cap  pistol;  pair  of  duelling  pistols;  needle 
rifle,  1852  ;  and  an  early  form  of  C.F.B.  loader,  elaborately 
ornamented.  Local  XVII  Century  trade  tokens  ;  old  English 
gold  watch ;  and  a  snuff-box  which  formerly  belonged  to  the 
Prince  of  Canino.— Exhibited  by  Mr.  H.  Stiby. 

Key,  West  Coker ;  models  of  leather  and  wooden  vessels 
used  in  the  Sherborne  Pageant. — Exhibited  by  Mr.  J.  B.  H. 
Goodden. 

Andrea  Ferrara  sword  ;  "hare-rabbit "  (stuffed). — Exhibited 
by  Colonel  Goodden. 

Inlaid  oak  coffer,  etc. — Exhibited  by  the  Mayor  of  Yeovil. 

Rapier,  Toledo  blade ;  local  token  and  medals ;  works  and 
sermons  of  John  Jewel,  Bishop  of  Salisbury,  1609  (in  original 
binding)  j1  carved  oak  boss  from  Yeovil  Church  ;x  XIV  Cen- 

1.     Subsequently  presented  to  Taunton  Museum  by  Mr.  Gardner. 


Brympton.  67 

tury  earthenware  vessel  found  near  North  Cadbury  Church.1 
—Exhibited  by  Mr.  E.  C.  Gardner. 

Pictures  of  ancient  buildings,  Ilchester  and  Northover ; 
plan  of  Ilchester,  1723  ;  plan  of  Ilchester  Manor,  1834. — 
Exhibited  by  Mr.  J.  W.  Goodford. 

Large  holed  stone  from  Ham  Hill  (see  p.  53),  etc. — Ex- 
hibited by  Capt.  R.  S.  C.  Chaffey. 

Puzzle-jug,  1783 — probably  Donyatt  ware;  etc. — Exhibited 
by  Mr.  Orman. 

Case  of  china,  etc. — Exhibited  by  Mr.  Geo.  Summers. 

Glazed  jug,  dated,  and  inscribed  "  Chardstock,"  middle  of 
XIX  Century ;  several  other  art  specimens  (not  local)  including 
armour,  carved  panels,  wax  plaques,  and  soapstone  figures.— 
Exhibited  by  Mr.  Edgar  Vincent. 

Brass  casket  found  over  a  hundred  years  ago  on  Mr. 
Newman's  estate,  Barwick ;  large  oak  carving  taken  from  the 
old  Angel  Inn,  Yeovil.— Exhibited  by  Mr.  H.  M.  Watts. 

Among  the  other  exhibitors  were  :  Mr.  F.  Plank,  the  Rev. 
A.  W.  Gummer  Butt,  Mr.  F.  T.  Rogers,  Mr.  E.  Pittard,  Mr. 
Fred  Raymond,  Mr.  W.  Roberts,  Mr.  W.  Marsh,  Dr.  C.  J. 
Marsh,  Mr.  A.  E.  Lovell,  Mr.  E.  H.  Fletcher,  Mr.  G.  F. 
Munford,  Mr.  J.  E.  B.  Bellamy,  and  Dr.  C.  E.  S.  Brettingham. 

€f)itt)  Dag's  ptoceeDings, 

Leaving  Yeovil  on  Thursday  in  brakes  and  motor-cars,  the 
members  proceeded  to 

TBtgmptom 

Here  they  gathered  in  the  forecourt  of  the  house,  where 
the  President  announced  that  unfortunately  (owing  to  the 
absence  of  the  owner,  Sir  Spencer  C.  B.  Ponsonby-Fane, 
G.C.B.)  they  would  not  be  able  to  go  over  the  house. 

1.  Subsequently  purchased  by  thirty-two  members  of  the  Society  for 
Taunton  Museum. 


68  Sixty-second  Annual  Meeting. 

The  Rev.  F.  W.  WEAVER  said  that  many  theories  had  been 
put  forth  as  to  the  puzzling  building  between  the  Manor 
House  and  the  Church.  Some  people  thought  it  was  the 
house  occupied  by  the  priest  who  served  the  chantry  founded 
by  Sir  Peter  d'Evercy  in  1309.  Others  thought  it  might  have 
been  the  original  manor-house  ;  while  the  late  Mr.  John 
Batten  threw  out  the  suggestion  that  possibly  it  was  used  as 
the  stables  of  the  mansion.1 

Mr.  BLIGH  BOND  said  the  building  in  question,  as  far  as 
they  could  see,  belonged  to  the  XV  Century.  Its  features 
were  not  suggestive  of  anything  more  than  domestic  work. 

The  PRESIDENT  said  perhaps  it  was  the  original  manor- 
house,  as  at  some  places  recently  they  had  seen  the  old  manor- 
house  still  standing  beside  the  later  one.2 

Mr.  BLIGH  BOND  said  that  the  west  front  of  Brympton 
House  showed  on  the  north  side  a  wing  of  Henry  VIII  period, 
the  work  of  John  Sydenham.  The  original  house  was  re- 
cessed back  in  the  centre,  and  hidden  by  later  additions.  The 
large  bay  window  in  the  Tudor  wing  bore  the  arms  showing  a 
crown,  feathers,  fleur-de-lis,  and  a  portcullis.  The  porch  in 
the  centre  was  a  modern  work  bearing  the  date  1720.  It  was 
originally  a  simple  bay  window,  and  was  converted  into  a 
porch  by  Lady  Georgiana  Fane. 

Proceeding  to  the  north  side  of  the  house,  Mr.  Bond  pointed 
out  that  a  little  of  the  Tudor  work  could  still  be  seen  behind 
the  north-west  wing.  Some  remarks  and  opinions  offered 
during  the  visit  may  be  summarized  thus  :  it  is  not  likely  that 
the  modern  portion  was  built  before  the  Rebellion,  because 
when  Sir  Philip  Sydenham  offered  the  house  and  estate  for 
sale  in  1697,  it  is  described  as  a  large  netv  built  mansion  house, 
which  cost  £16,000  (in  another  paper  £20,000).  Sir  Philip's 

1.  Chantry  House,— E.  Chisholm  Batten,  Proc.,  XXXII,  i,  34;  Original 
Manor  House,— J.  J.  Hooper,  Proc.,  XVII,  86 ;  Stables,— J.  Batten,  "His- 
torical Notes  on  South  Somerset,"  57. 

2,  Cothelstone,  Combe  Sydenham. 


Brympton    Church.  69 

grandfather  died  in  1642,  and  his  posthumous  son  (or  his 
trustees)  could  hardly  have  laid  out  such  a  sum  before  his 
coming  of  age.  This  took  place  in  1664,  and  Sir  John 
Posthumous  Sydenham  was  then  married  to  Elizabeth,  daugh- 
ter of  John  Lord  Poulett.  She  died  childless  in  1669  (Com- 
plete  Baronetage,  II,  113).  As  the  head  of  a  lead  spout  on 
this  part  of  the  building  bears  a  shield  showing  the  alliance, 
it  seems  most  probable  that  it  was  built  by  Sir  John  during 
his  short  married  life,  and  that  he  took  as  his  model  his  father- 
in-law's  house  at  Hinton.  Mr.  J.  Batten  points  out  that  "  the 
appearance  of  the  west  end  of  the  new  portion  conveys  a 
strong  impression  that  the  execution  of  the  plan  was  arrested 
for  want  of  funds,  or  some  equally  cogent  reason,  and  that 
the  building  was  abruptly  closed  as  simply  and  as  inexpensively 
as  possible."1  It  does  not  follow  that  either  building  was  de- 
signed by  Inigo  Jones,  for  "  Many  buildings,  including  the 
garden  fronts  of  Hinton  St.  George  and  Brympton,  have  been 
attributed  to  Jones  with  very  slight  authority."  (Diet.  Nat. 
Biog.,  xxx,  119.) 

At  the  garden  front  Mr.  BLIGH  BOND  said  the  work  there 
was  characteristic  of  Inigo  Jones,  and  recalled  the  style  of  the 
Banqueting  Hall  at  Westminster.  The  composition  of  this 
front  was  very  pleasing,  but  had  one  fault  in  that  it  had  no 
central  architectural  feature,  there  being  an  even  number  of 
windows  in  uniform  series.  Apart  from  this  it  was  a  fine 
piece  of  work  and  well  designed. 

TBrpmpton  Cfwrci). 

Inside  the  Church,  which  stands  close  to  the  house,  Mr. 
BLIGH  BOND  said  that  it  was  a  beautiful  little  model  of  the 
earlier  medieval  type  of  church  in  this  county.  It  never  had 
a  tower,  and  was  originally  smaller,  and  had  received  an 
addition  in  the  shape  of  a  chapel  on  the  north  side  of  the 

1.     "Historical  Notes, "35. 


70  Sixty-second  Annual  Meeting. 

chancel.  The  Church  was,  perhaps,  originally  cruciform — a 
nave,  two  transepts,  and  a  chancel.  That  transept,  which  con- 
tained the  chantry,  was  afterwards  lengthened  to  the  east  by 
the  addition  of  another  chantry-chapel.  The  style  of  the 
original  building  was  early  XIV  Century.  There  was  a 
beautiful  arch  to  the  south  transept,  and  a  very  fine  geo- 
metrical Decorated  window  in  the  south  wall.  There  was 
also  a  piscina  in  the  wall,  and  other  features  of  Decorated 
work  of  a  rather  later  date.  There  was  a  very  interesting 
stone  rood-screen  of  the  XV  Century.  The  lancet-headed 
openings  made  it  look  like  Early  English  work,  but  he  was 
satisfied  that  the  windows  had  once  contained  tracery  of  XV 
Century  character,  which  had  been  scraped  away.1  Some 
traces  of  the  cusping  could  still  be  seen.  The  stone  benches 
attached  to  both  sides  of  the  screen  were  an  unusual  feature. 
Those  on  the  choir  side  one  could  understand,  because  they 
were  part  of  the  stalls  for  the  clergy  and  choir,  but  one 
wondered  what  was  the  meaning  of  the  narrow  stone  bench 
attached  to  the  west  front.  Other  examples  were  very  rare. 
It  had  been  suggested  that  they  might  have  been  confessional 
benches.  There  was  some  warrant  for  believing  that  confessions 
were  sometimes  heard  from  the  west  side  of  the  screen — the 
priest  would  be  in  his  stall  on  the  other  side.  In  the  chantries 
were  several  effigies,  amongst  them  an  ecclesiastical  figure, 
partly  original,  but  with  a  new  head.  There  was  also  the 
figure  of  a  lady,  and  the  crucifix  near  her  head  was  said  to  be 
modern,  and  left  in  an  unfinished  state  to  give  an  idea  of 
antiquity.  The  two  effigies  now  in  the  north  chapel,  as  well 
as  the  others,  were  lying  in  the  churchyard  in  Collinson's  day, 
and  he  described  that  of  the  ecclesiastic  as  having  a  shaven 
crown. 

The  Rev.  F.  W.  WEAVER  said  that  the  late  Mr.  Batten 
made  a  life- long  study  of  Brympton  Church,  and  had  described 

1.     See  drawing  of  restoration  in  Bond  and  Camm's  "  Roodscreens,"  vol.  IT, 
p.  431,  fig.  129. 


Tintinhull  Church.  71 

its  heraldry.  On  the  screen  there  were  three  coats.  The 
first  was  that  of  the  Stourtons,  who  came  to  the  place  after 
the  D'Evercys.  Mr.  Batten  came  to  the  conclusion  that  the 
middle  coat  was  that  of  the  Wjnford  family,  who  presented 
to  the  living  in  1427,  1445,  and  1449.  The  Wynfords  seemed 
to  have  owned  the  manor  between  the  D'Evercys  and  the 
Sydenhams.  The  third  coat  was  clearly  that  of  the  Beauchin 
family  of  Beauchinhays,  in  the  parish  of  Whitchurch  Canoni- 
corum,  Dorset. 

In  reply  to  a  question,  Mr.  Weaver  said  the  arms  on  the 
screen  would  give  the  date  as  about  1440. 

Cintinftull  Cburcfe. 

The  members  then  drove  through  Thorne  Coffin  to  Tintin- 
hull. On  alighting  they  inspected  the  village  stocks,  and 
proceeded  to  the  Church,  where  they  were  met  by  the  Vicar, 
the  Rev.  A.  C.  Brown,  and  the  Kev.  Dr.  S.  J.  M.  Price. 

Mr.  BLIGH  BOND  said  the  Church  was  a  most  interesting 
one,  although  the  changes  which  had  been  made  were  not  for 
the  better.  Within  living  memory  a  good  many  alterations 
had  taken  place,  and  in  the  old  days  there  was  a  fine  stone 
screen — he  did  not  know  of  what  type,  as  there  was  little  of  it 
left.  There  had  also  been  an  interesting  western  gallery,  of 
the  Stuart  period,  like  the  pulpit.  In  the  fabric  itself  there 
was  work  of  many  dates.  The  string-course  around  the  walls, 
tower  and  windows  was  indicative  of  early  XIII  Century 
work — about  1220,  to  judge  by  the  moulding.  At  that  period 
there  was  simply  a  nave  and  chancel.  Forty  or  fifty  years 
later  the  tower  was  added  and  the  window  near  the  pulpit 
blocked,  and  on  the  other  side  they  would  see  the  remains  of 
a  corbel  course,  showing  that  that  was  an  outside  wall,  subse- 
quently included  in  the  tower.  The  tower  was  late  Early 
English.  Work  of  the  earlier  period  might  be  seen  in  the 
interior  of  the  chancel  lights,  which  apparently  dated  from 


72  Sixty-second  Annual  Meeting. 

about  1220,  but  the  lights  had  been  filled  with  Perpendicular 
tracery.  The  very  beautiful  little  double  piscina  had  been 
reconstructed,  but  seemed  to  contain  original  stone-work.  He 
thought  it  had  been  carefully  restored,  and  wished  they  could 
say  the  same  of  other  things,  and  especially  of  the  windows. 
Dr.  Price  had  told  him  that  there  had  been  until  recent  years 
an  interesting  east  window  of  the  XIV  or  XV  Century. 
This  had  been  taken  out,  but  there  were  sufficient  parts  left 
to  make  a  reconstruction  on  paper.  When  the  Church  was 
restored  some  years  ago  this  was  sacrificed  and  the  roof's 
modernised  ;  and  there  were  other  things  not  quite  as  they 
would  like  to  see  them.  The  rood-screen  had  been  removed. 
The  chancel-arch,  though  old  work,  was  not  the  original,  and 
was  evidently  of  the  Decorated  period,  judging  by  the  mould- 
ings and  carved  capitals.  Probably  the  original  would  have 
been  much  narrower.  Within  it  were  the  remains  of  a  low 
stone  screen,  the  portion  on  the  north  side  being  original. 
This  contained  a  piscina,  showing  that  there  had  been  an  altar 
on  that  side  of  the  screen.  There  must  have  been  a  rood-loft 
there,  as  there  was  in  almost  every  parish  church.  There  was 
very  slight  trace  of  it  although  he  could  see  marks  of  insertion. 
Dr.  Price  said  there  was  documentary  evidence  of  a  large 
and  magnificent  collection  of  lights  about  the  rood-loft — he 
thought  about  fifty  lights,  which  was  a  large  number.  There 
were  a  few  good  old  tiles  in  the  chancel  floor,  and  two  brasses 
dated  1416  and  1464.  In  addition  to  the  Early  English  and 
Decorated  work  there  was  other  work  representing  three 
periods.  There  were  two  kinds  of  Perpendicular  work,  the 
earlier  of  which  was  shown  in  the  little  window  with  small 
heads  carved  in  the  tracery  mullions.  Of  the  same  period 
was  the  ribbed  roof  and  the  outer  wall  of  the  porch,  which 
was  original.  The  pulpit  was  of  the  period  of  Charles  I,  and 
the  oak  back  and  tester  over  were  complete. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  PRICE  said  that  printed  records  mentioned  a 
postern  gate  erected  about  1400  on  the  eastern  side,  which 


Ilchester.  73 

had  a  Latin  inscription,  "  Let  us  rejoice  and  go  into  the 
House  of  God." 

Mr.  BLIGH  BOND  further  said  that  there  was  a  bracket  on 
the  north  wall  which  showed,  he  believed,  the  site  of  an  altar 
to  St.  Nicholas.  There  would  have  been  originally  no  less 
than  five  altars  —the  high  altar  ;  two  against  the  screen,  or  at 
the  east  end  of  the  nave ;  one  to  St.  Nicholas ;  and  one  in  the 
tower.  There  was  some  fine  Perpendicular  wood-work  at  the 
west  end  of  the  Church. 

Attention  was  called  to  a  peculiar  sundial  over  the  south 
porch.  A  similar  one  may  be  seen  at  Middle  Chinnock 
Church.  The  members  closely  inspected  the  exterior  of  the 
building  and  some  interesting  theories  were  raised  with  regard 
to  the  postern.  It  was  pointed  out  that  the  inscription  faced 
the  Church  and  would  be  seen  by  those  going  out,  and  that 
the  Tudor  rose  shown  in  the  margin  was  a  badge  of  the 
Beauchamps,  and  that  possibly  the  stone  might  have  been 
brought  from  St.  Nicholas'  Chapel  at  Stoke-under-Ham. 

Tintinhull  Court  was  then  inspected  by  the  permission  of 
the  Hallett  family,  and  a  visit  was  subsequently  paid  to  the 
house  of  Dr.  Price,  a  XVII  Century  building  roofed  with 
Ham  stone  tiles,  the  product  of  an  industry  which  has  now 
completely  died  out. 

Elcfjester, 

VOTES    OF    THANKS. 

A  drive  along  the  Fosse  Way  brought  the  party  to  Ilchester. 
Luncheon  was  served  in  the  old  Town  Hall,  after  which 

Sir  EDWARD  FRY,  G.C.B.,  said  that  as  that  was  their  last 
luncheon  together  and  they  would  not  hear  the  familiar  whistle 
many  times  more,  he  thought  he  should  on  their  behalf  propose 
a  warm  vote  of  thanks  to  the  President  for  the  interest  he 
had  taken  in  the  Yeovil  meeting  and  the  courtesy  with  which 
he  had  carried  out  his  congenial  duties.  His  knowledge  and 


74  Sixty-second  Annual  Meeting. 

assiduity  had  never  been  better  exemplified,  and  on  their 
behalf  he  begged  to  tender  their  warm  thanks  for  the  capable 
manner  in  which  the  President  had  conducted  the  proceedings. 

The  Kev.  H.  H.  WIXWOOD,  F.G.S.,  seconded,  and  cordially 
endorsed  what  Sir  Edward  Fry  had  said  as  to  the  courtesy 
and  decision  the  President  had  exhibited.  'Decision  without 
courtesy  was  not  pleasant,  but  the  way  in  which  he  had  com- 
bined the  two  was  admirable.  They  had  a  President  interested 
in  the  growth  and  interpretation  of  history  and  also  in  natural 
history,  and  he  was  pleased  to  hear  him  say  on  the  previous 
day  that  geology  was  not  a  dry  subject. 

The  PRESIDENT  thanked  Sir  Edward  Fry  for  the  judg- 
ment delivered  on  him  and  which  he  had  tempered  with  mercy. 
It  had  given  him  great  pleasure  to  conduct  that  party  on  a 
three  days'  excursion  which  had  not  been  marred  by  inclement 
weather.  They  had  had  a  pleasant  time  together,  and  the  real 
difficulty  in  the  organization  of  the  Yeovil  meeting  had  been 
to  know  what  to  leave  out.  Great  pressure  had  been  put  on 
them  to  include  things  of  equal  interest,  but  he  thought  they 
would  agree  that  they  could  not  have  done  more  without  dis- 
comfort— for  the  half  is  sometimes  better  than  the  whole. 
Sir  Edward  Fry  had  passed  sentence  and  he  (the  President) 
desired  to  include  in  that  sentence  a  large  number  of  accom- 
plices, as  he  had  been  indebted  to  a  considerable  number  of 
people.  He  had  been  dependent  upon  their  Assistant-Secre- 
tary, Mr.  St.  George  Gray,  very  much.  Presidents  came  and 
Presidents  went,  but  Mr.  Gray  went  on  for  ever,  and  better 
and  better  the  longer  he  went.  He  also  owed  a  great  deal  to 
Mr.  Bligh  Bond,  who  gave  them  the  benefit  of  his  professional 
knowledge  on  church  architecture  ;  and  to  Mr.  Weaver,  whose 
ripe  erudition  on  historical  points  of  interest  was  of  great 
service  to  the  Society.  He  also  desired  to  include  in  that 
vote  of  thanks  the  Mayor  and  Corporation  of  Yeovil,  for  their 
official  reception  and  their  willingness  to  stay  and  learn.  Also 
to  Mr.  Damon  and  Mrs.  Damon,  in  their  personal  capacity,  for 


Ilchester   Town  Hall.  75 

the  pleasant  conversazione  which  was  a  source  of  great  enjoy- 
ment. He  also  wished  to  thank  the  Local  Committee  and  Mr. 
J.  B.  Pajnter  (Local  Secretary ),  who  worked  hard  at  very 
short  notice  and  collected  together  the  very  representative 
loan  museum  they  had  had  the  pleasure  of  seeing.  They  took 
very  great  care  because  they  had  a  hope — and  he  trusted  their 
hope  would  be  realized — that  the  collection  might  form  the 
nucleus  of  a  permanent  museum.  It  was  fitting  that  a  town 
of  the  size  of  Yeovil  should  have  a  museum  and  a  library, 
and  he  hoped  that  the  spirit  which  had  now  been  stirred  would 
not  soon  die  away.  Then  there  were  all  the  incumbents  of 
the  different  Churches  visited,  who  had  thrown  open  their 
buildings,  and  had  allowed  Mr.  Bond  arid  himself  to  mon- 
opolise their  pulpits.  Unfortunately,  with  the  exception  of 
the  Vicar  of  Stoke-under-Ham,  they  did  not  give  them  the 
benefit  of  their  own  knowledge,  and  he  always  believed  that 
what  a  man  could  see  from  one  or  two  visits  was  nothing  com- 
pared with  what  a  man  who  lived  and  worked  in  the  place 
did.  They  also  had  to  thank  the  owners  of  Nash,  Montacute, 
and  Brympton.  As  they  were  aware,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Phelips 
were  away  and  they  were  indebted  to  Mr.  Hull — Mr.  Phelips" 
right-hand  man — for  the  trouble  he  took  to  show  them  over 
Montacute.  At  Brympton  circumstances  did  not  permit  of 
their  going  inside,  but  they  were  indebted  to  Sir  Spencer 
Ponsonby-Fane  for  allowing  them  to  view  the  external  glories 
of  the  house. 

Coton 

in  which  they  had  lunched,  was  managed  by  a  Town  Trust, 
and  as  they  had  no  funds,  that  accounted  for  the  condition  in 
which  they  saw  it.  Ilchester  was  a  town  of  departed  glories.1 

1.  On  the  staircase  of  the  Town  Hall,  the  Rev.  W.  D.  H.  Armstrong 
exhibited  an  ancient  map  of  Ilchester  which  he  had  enlarged,  for  the  benefit 
of  the  members,  from  the  coloured  plan  in  Buckler's  "Ilchester  Almshouse 
Deeds"  (1866). 


76  Sixty-second  Annual  Meeting. 

There  was  hardly  anything  left  of  the  ancient  Ilchester  with 
the  exception  of  the  mace,  preserved  in  the  Town  Hall,  which 
might  date  back  to  1200,  and  had  an  inscription  which  had 
not  yet  been  deciphered.  As  to  the  gaol,  which  was  some- 
times remarkable  for  the  uncomfortable  condition  of  the  un- 
fortunate prisoners,  that  had  also  almost  entirely  disappeared. 
There  was  a  field  outside  where  people  used  to  be  hanged, 
called  "  Hanging  Mead,"  and  there  were  people  in  the  Alms- 
houses  now  who  could  remember  seeing — from  the  bridge — 
public  executions.  When  an  old  man  was  asked,  "John,  you 
have  lived  here  all  your  life,  have  you  ever  seen  anyone 
hung  ?  "  he  replied,  "  W  hen  I  wur  a  bwoy  I  zaw  one  hung." 
Another  being  woke  up  out  of  a  calm  doze  and  asked  the  same 
question,  shortly  replied,  "  Yes,  lots." 

Klcf)c0tet  Cfjurcf). 

The  members  then  proceeded  to  the  Church  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin  Mary,  where  they  were  met  by  the  Rector,  the  Rev. 
W.  D.  H.  Armstrong. 

The  PRESIDENT,  proceeding  to  describe  the  Church,  said  he 
had  hoped  that  Mr.  Armstrong  would  have  addressed  them. 
Of  the  eight  churches  which  formerly  existed  there  only  that 
one  remained.  Its  most  interesting  feature  was  the  octagonal 
tower,  of  which  there  were  twelve  examples  in  the  county. 
Mr.  Freeman  had  long  since  noticed  how  peculiar  they  were 
compared  with  the  octagonal  towers  in  Northants  and  Lincoln- 
shire. In  Lincolnshire  the  octagonal  part  was  little  more  than 
a  finish  to  the  tower,  whereas  in  Somerset  the  square  was  a 
base  for  the  octagon.  In  Northants  if  they  took  away  the 
octagon  they  would  still  have  a  tower,  but  if  they  took  away 
the  octagon  from  Ilchester  they  would  have  a  stump.  That 
building  had  been  enlarged  by  the  addition  of  the  south  aisle, 
and  when  the  wall  which  extended  the  length  of  the  Church 
was  taken  down  a  pillar  was  discovered  with  the  nail-head 


Ilchester   Church.  77 

moulding  which  was  a  special  feature  of  the  Early  English 
period.  Of  the  earlier  Church  there  was  nothing  left.  The 
chancel  was  Decorated  though  not  of  a  good  type,  and  there 
was  an  interesting  window  at  the  east  end  which  might  well 
be  Norman.  The  capitals  with  their  pillars  were  Early 
English,  and  there  were  traces  of  three  periods  of  architecture 
in  the  windows  which  complicated  matters.  The  windows  at 
the  side  were  Decorated,  but  he  was  not  satisfied  as  to  which 
were  old  and  which  were  new.  The  only  addition  the  Church 
apparently  had  was  the  chantry  chapel  on  the  north  side, 
which,  he  should  judge  from  the  character  of  the  tracery  in 
the  arch,  was  very  late — not  before  1500.  It  contained  a 
flat-headed  window  with  a  little  old  coloured  glass,  also  very 
late,  and  what  was  also  very  interesting  to  see,  the  springers 
for  vaulting.  It  did  not  look  as  if  it  had  ever  been  finished, 
perhaps  from  lack  of  money.  There  was  also  a  canopy 
formerly  for  the  image  of  the  patron-saint,  whose  altar  stood 
in  the  aisle  ;  and  an  interesting  memorial  tablet  to  the  Ray- 
monds, prominent  citizens  of  Ilchester  in  the  XVI  Century. 

Before  leaving  the  Church  he  would  like  to  draw  their 
attention  to  the  proposal  to  erect  a  memorial  to  Roger  Bacon, 
who  was  an  inmate  in  the  priory  of  the  White  Friars  at 
Ilchester.  He  was  one  of  the  greatest  philosophers  and  ex- 
perimenters of  his  time,  and  anticipated  a  large  number  of 
discoveries  by  about  five  centuries,  for  which,  of  course,  he 
was  very  much  persecuted.  At  present  there  was  no  memorial 
to  him.  He  was  born  in  Ilchester  in  1214,  and  was  popularly 
known  as  the  inventor  of  gunpowder.  Subscriptions  could  be 
sent  to  Mr.  J.  B.  Paynter,  of  Yeovil. 

The  Rector  said  the  form  of  memorial  would  depend  on  the 
amount  subscribed. 

In  answer  to  a  question,  the  President  said  that  the  carved 
stones  built  into  the  walls  of  the  tower  were  the  remains  of 
an  older  church  there  or  elsewhere.  The  memorial  crosses 
were  discovered  in  the  churchyard  when  the  aisle  was  built. 


78  Sixty-second  Annual  Meeting. 

The  party  then  walked  through  the  main  street  of  Ilchester 
over  the  bridge  to  the  site  of 


©aol. 


The  PRESIDENT  said  that  the  row  of  buildings  now  used 
as  cottages  and  the  wall  which  they  saw  before  them  were 
the  only  remains  above  ground  of  the  old  County  Gaol  at 
Ilchester,  which  was  mentioned  in  almost  every  record  down 
to  1840.  There  were  some  bells  in  existence  each  said  to 
be  the  bell  rung  when  prisoners  were  going  to  be  hanged  —  he 
knew  of  two  and  there  might  be  more. 

Under  the  guidance  of  Mrs.  Tuson  the  party  then  pro- 
ceeded through  the  grounds  of  the  adjoining  house,  passing 
through  one  of  the  original  doors  of  the  prison  to  the  site  of 
the  old  exercise  yard,  and  were  shown  the  spot  where  numbers 
of  executed  felons  were  buried.  On  the  other  side  of  the  river 
the  President  pointed  out  the  site  of  Whitehall.  It  was 
originally  a  nunnery,  but  the  Bishop  had  to  intervene  so  often 
that  it  was  turned  into  a  sort  of  free  chapel. 

Lines  of  the  foundations  of  Roman  walls  could  be  traced 
in  the  field  on  the  other  side  of  the  river,  and  Mrs.  Tuson 
remarked  that  in  dry  weather  the  outlines  of  buildings  could 
be  distinctly  traced. 

The  President  said  that  Prof.  Haverfield's  article  on  Roman 
history,  in  the  Victoria  County  History  ',  was  rather  depreciatory 
about  Ilchester  as  a  Roman  stronghold.  He  did  not  know 
what  ground  he  had  for  his  opinion,  for  the  extraordinary 
number  of  remains  —  especially  coins  —  implied  that  Ilchester 
had  a  very  considerable  population  in  Roman  times.  It  was 
said  that  in  that  town  one  could  not  dig  potatoes  without 
digging  up  Roman  coins.  He  wished  to  accord  thanks  to 
Mrs.  Tuson  for  the  trouble  she  had  taken  in  conducting  the 
party  round  the  site  of  the  gaol. 


Limington    Church.  79 

Limington  Cfwrcb. 

Here,  the  members  were  met  by  the  Rector,  the  Rev.  D.  B. 
BIXNEY,  who  gave  them  a  hearty  welcome.  It  was,  he  said, 
twenty-four  years  since  they  last  visited  the  Church — the 
summer  before  he  came  into  residence  there — and  a  paper  was 
read  to  them  by  Mr.  John  Batten  on  the  former  owners  of 
Limington.  He  could  not  add  anything  to  what  was  said  on 
that  occasion.  Almost  the  earliest  person  they  knew  of  was 
the  founder  of  the  chantry  chapel,  Sir  Richard  de  Gyverney, 
and  the  figure  beside  him  was  supposed  to  be  his  widow,  but 
who  the  other  two  figures  were  supposed  to  represent  he  could 
not  say.  He  had  heard  a  theory  that  it  was  Sir  Henry  Power 
with  his  wife,  Avho  was  formerly  a  member  of  Parliament  for 
Somerset.1  The  chapel  was  in  the  same  state  as  originally 
built  and  there  had  been  no  alteration  in  the  church  since 
their  last  visit.  They  had  a  startling  mishap  about  five  years 
before,  when  a  portion  of  the  roof  on  the  east  side  of  the 
chapel — great  stone  slabs — fell  en  masse  to  the  ground.  This 
was  caused  by  a  settlement  in  the  north  wall  of  the  chapel, 
which  was  not  injured  internally.  It  had  been  put  in  repair 
by  Mr.  E.  Buckle.  On  the  outside  the  peculiar  high-pitched 
roof  appeared  to  be  unconnected  with  the  church  roof,  and 
he  used  to  think  that  the  founder  of  the  chapel  had  ambitious 
ideas  and  intended  to  build  a  church  to  match  his  chapel. 
The  arch  corresponded  with  the  chancel-arch,  though  the  priest 
would  come  in  by  another  door  to  say  mass,  and  it  was  in- 
dependent of  the  parish  church.  The  bench-ends  were  very 
interesting,  and  were,  as  far  as  they  were  composite,  brought 
together  about  forty-five  years  ago  in  the  time  of  Mr. 
Brancker,  a  former  rector.  Whether  there  was  a  top  to  the 
screen  he  could  not  say.  Mr.  Binney  called  attention  to  the 
ancient  coffin-lid — a  remarkably  fine  specimen — found  in  frag- 

1.     Illustrations  in  Proc.,  vn,  ii,  5. 


80  Sixty -second  Annual  Meeting. 

ments  under  the  floor  in  1882.  In  the  bench-ends  were  the 
arms  of  the  Marquess  of  Dorset,  Lord  of  the  Manor  at  the 
end  of  the  XV  Century.  It  was  the  Marquess  of  Dorset 
who  presented  Thomas  Wolsey,  as  he  then  was,  to  the  living 
of  Limington  in  1500,  and  he  held  it  for  nine  years.1  He  was 
succeeded  by  Walter  Cox,  whose  initials  were  at  the  end  of 
the  bench.  The  font  was  rather  interesting  though  somewhat 
the  worse  for  the  ravages  of  time,  but  the  pulpit  was  not  in 
keeping  with  the  other  parts  of  the  Church. 

The  PRESIDENT  said  that  the  oldest  part  of  the  Church 
was  probably  the  entrance  doorway,  which  really  seemed  to 
be  transitional — between  Norman  and  Early  English.  The 
chancel-arch  was  peculiar  in  that  it  had  no  capitals  and  the 
moulding  died  into  the  wall.  The  tower-arch  had  exceedingly 
peculiar  and  grotesque  corbels.  The  chancel,  he  thought,  be- 
longed to  the  early  part  of  the  XIV  Century,  and  to  the  same 
period  one  would  put  the  north  window,  which  was  an  example 
of  the  floriated  rear-arch,  and  reminded  them  that  they  were 
getting  near  East  Somerset.  As  regarded  the  north  transept 
there  was  a  beautiful  Decorated  window.  The  carved  linen- 
work  on  the  screen  was  good,  and  so  were  the  bench-ends  with 
the  coats-of-arms  and  the  initials.  There  were  various  read- 
ings of  the  initials,  one  of  which  gave  "  W.C." — "  Wolsey, 
Cardinal  ! "  The  chancel  was  Perpendicular,  without  a  sign 
of  anything  earlier ;  and  when  he  saw  Perpendicular  work  he 
always  suspected  restoration,  for  if  they  found  anything  early 
in  a  church  they  always  found  it  in  the  chancel.  The  remains 
of  the  coffin-slabs  were  quite  early — about  XIII  Century,  and 
there  were  probably  three  rather  than  one.  The  tower  was 
plain  and  well  proportioned. 

The  Rector  called  attention  to  the  socket  of  the  sanctuary 
knocker  on  the  door,  and  an  ancient  wooden  lock. 

At  Mr.  Binney's  invitation  tea  was  served  on  the  Vicarage 

1.     Wolsey  and  Sir  Arayas  Pawlet,  Som.  &  Dor.  N.  &  Q.,  x,  p.  9. 


Ashing  ton.  81 

lawn,  when  Miss  Binney  and  friends  were  assiduous  in  their 
attentions  to  the  guests.  Before  leaving,  the  President  thanked 
the  Rector  for  his  address  in  the  Church  and  his  hospitality. 

asbtngton. 

The  members  were  met  at  the  Church  of  St.  Vincent  by 
the  Rector,  the  Rev.  M.  C.  GOODFORD,  who  made  a  few 
remarks.  He  called  attention  to  an  external  niche,  and  read 
the  following  from  the  Gentleman  s  Magazine  of  Sept.,  1820  :— 
"There  is  a  small  niche  on  the  outside  of  the  Church  at  the 
eastern  end,  above  the  roof  of  the  chancel.  The  group 
consists  of  three  human  figures — a  man  standing  between  two 
females — admitting  a  conjecture  that  this  refers  to  the  history 
of  the  martyred  saint,  Vincent,  to  whom  the  Church  is  dedi- 
cated. He  is  here  represented  with  his  hands  bound  after 
sentence  has  been  passed  on  him.  On  his  right  a  woman  with 
folded  arms  is  looking  piteously  upon  him,  and  the  other 
appears  absorbed  in  greater  grief,  turning  aside  her  head 
unable  to  behold  him.  The  niche  is  only  2ft.  in  height  and 
llins.  in  breadth,  the  figures  10J  inches  high."  Mr.  Goodford 
went  on  to  say  that  before  going  into  the  Church  he  would 
like  to  point  out  that  he  was  not  responsible  for  the  false 
concord  on  the  brass.  He  found  the  inscription  on  the  brass 
when  he  came  there.  The  registers  dated  from  1567.  An 
account  of  the  incised  slab  formerly  in  the  Church  was  given 
when  the  Society  visited  it  in  1886.  There  was  one  mistake, 
as  it  was  said  that  until  the  Church  was  restored  this  was 
visible.  This  was  not  correct,  as  his  father,  who  was  a  great 
antiquary,  would  never  have  had  it  covered  up.  Mr.  Goodford 
called  attention  to  a  small  window  discovered  when  the  west 
wall  was  scraped. 

The  PRESIDENT  called  attention  to  the  bell-turret  of  which 
there  were  several  examples  in  that  neighbourhood,  including 
Brympton  and  Chilthorne  Domer.  He  also  drew  attention 

Vol.  L  VI  (Third  Series,  Vol.  XVI),  Part  I.  r 


82  Sixty -second  Annual  Meeting. 

to  the  excellent  Perpendicular  window  which  contained  a  small 
portion  of  ancient  glass.  Inside  the  Church  he  pointed  out 
some  well-carved  woodwork  which  was  dated  1637.  The  little 
window  had  the  appearance  of  an  Early  English  lancet,  and 
showed  that  there  was  an  earlier  church.  There  was  a  curious 
panel  in  the  door  and  he  had  seen  nothing  like  it.  The 
registers  were  in  good  preservation,  and  the  communion  plate 
was  Elizabethan,  with  the  early  date  of  1570. 

The  Manor  House  was  then  inspected  by  the  kindness  of 
Mr.  W.  H.  Cox,  and  later,  the  President  thanked  both  the 
Rev.  M.  C.  Goodford  and  Mr.  Cox,  remarking  that  he  hardly 
knew  which  of  them  seemed  most  interested  in  the  buildings 
they  had  charge  of. 

The  party  then  drove  back  to  Yeovil,  via  Mudford,  and 
so  concluded  a  pleasant  set  of  excursions. 


(Entomological  Section. 


President  —  Mr.  W.  MACMILLAN,  Castle  Gary. 

Recorder  —  Mr.  A.  E,  HUDD,  F.E.S.,  108,  Pembroke  Road,  Clifton. 

Secretary  —  Mr.  H.  H.  SLATER,  Stawell,  Bridgwater. 

IT  is  hoped  to  make  a  start  in  the  next  volume  of  Proceedings 
with  a  new  list  of  the  Insects  of  the  County  —  not  of 
Butterflies  and  Moths  alone,  but  of  as  many  orders  as  possible 
—  in  view  of  the  numerous  and  interesting  additions  made 
since  the  publication  of  the  Victoria  County  History,  vol.  I. 
Geographical  and  other  details  will  be  added. 

This  notice  is  intended  to  induce  all  working  entomologists 
in  the  county  to  prepare  the  necessary  material,  and  any  suit- 
able information  should  be  forwarded  to  Mr.  Alfred  E.  Hudd, 
108,  Pembroke  Road,  Clifton.  County  specimens  to  authenti- 
cate new  records  should  be  available  for  inspection  when 
required,  and  they  might  afterwards  (unless  their  return  is 
particularly  requested)  form  part  of  the  projected  County 
Type  Collection  at  Taunton  Castle. 

The  Entomological  Section  was  able  to  arrange  only  one 
field-day  in  1910,  on  the  Turf-moor,  by  kind  permission  of 
Captain  B.  A.  Warry,  on  Whit-Monday,  May  16th.  This 
was  very  successful  and  enjoyable,  and  much  that  was  interest- 
ing came  under  the  notice  of  the  party.  That  this  was  the 
only  gathering  is  due  to  the  small  number  of  ladies  and  gentle- 
men who  have  so  far  joined  the  Section,  and  also  to  the  fact 
that  many  of  the  members  can  very  seldom  get  away  for  a 
whole  week-day,  except  on  Bank-holidays.  Moreover,  the 
train  services  make  access  to  many  of  the  more  interesting 
and  least  worked  parts  of  the  county  a  matter  of  considerable 
difficulty,  leaving  very  little  time,  when  the  spot  has  been 


84  The   Ornithological  Section. 

reached,  for  work,  before  the  return  journey  has  to  be  under- 
taken. 

Workers  amongst  the  less  popular  orders  of  insects  are  very 
much  needed.  If  those  who  are  interested,  and  wish  to  help, 
but  have  no  special  knowledge,  nor  even  a  wish  to  go  so  far 
as  to  make  a  special  study  of  the  subject,  would  collect 
material  and  forward  it  to  the  Hon.  Secretary,  it  would 
certainly  be  of  use,  and  might  lead  to  important  additions  to 
our  lists,  as  the  specimens  collected  could  be  placed  with 
authorities  and  worked  out  by  them.  Seeing  what  an  im- 
mensely important  bearing  the  study  of  entomology  has  upon 
agriculture  and  horticulture,  it  is  hoped  that  this  may  induce 
some  leisured  persons  generally  interested  to  render  assistance. 


Cfte  proposcD  ©rnitfjoiogical  Section. 

Secretary  pro.  temp. — Mr.  JAMES  TURNER,  Dovery  Down,  Porlock. 

THE  object  of  this  Section,  which  was  suggested  at  a  meeting 
held  at  Taunton  Castle  on  July  4th,  1910,  is  that  an  effort 
should  be  made  to  keep  the  history  of  the  bird-life  of  the 
county  up  to  date. 

It  may  be  remembered  that  the  first  ornithologist  to  place 
these  records  on  a  permanent  footing  was  Mr.  Cecil  Smith,  of 
Lydeard  House,  near  Taunton,  who  in  1869  published  his 
work  on  "The  Birds  of  Somersetshire."  Then,  in  1893,  the 
Kev.  Murray  A.  Mathew  issued  in  the  Proceedings  of  this 
Society  a  supplemental  and  revised  list  of  the  birds  of  the 
county,  bringing  their  history  so  far  as  possible  up  to  date.* 

In  1901,  the  Rev.  F.  L.  Blathwayt,  of  Doddington  Rectory, 
near  Lincoln,  wrote  an  interesting  and  valuable  article  on  the 
physical  features  of  Somerset  as  they  affect  the  habits,  migra- 

*  An  addenda  to  Mr.  Mathew's  list  was  written  by  Mr.  H.  St.  B.  Goldsmith 
(Proceedings,  XL,  ii,  152-4). 


The    Ornithological  Section.  85 

tion  and  occasional  visits  of  various  species,  which  was  pub- 
lished in  Vol.  I  of  the  Victoria  County  History  of  Somerset. 
In  the  three  undermentioned  distinct  physical  portions  of  the 
county  various  and  very  different  species  of  birds  can  be 
relied  upon  as  residents,  or  as  migratory  visitors,  or  as  rare 
and  accidental  wanderers  : — (1)  The  seventy  miles  of  sea-board 
of  the  Bristol  Channel,  with  its  island  of  the  Steep  Holms, 
and  the  cliffs  of  Brean  Down,  Minehead,  and  Culbone;  (2)  the 
great  levels  of  mid-Somerset,  but  a  few  centuries  ago  a  huge 
morass  subjected  to  floods  and  tides;  and  (3)  the  three  high 
ranges  of  hills  within  the  county — the  Mendips  to  the  east- 
ward, the  Blackdowns  on  the  south,  and  at  the  western 
extremity  the  table-land  of  Exmoor  with  its  miles  of  solitude 
and  its  deeply-wooded  spurs. 

Mr.  Blathwayt  included  in  his  article  a  carefully-compiled 
list  of  the  Birds  of  Somerset  numbering  258  species — a  work 
of  great  research.  He  has  kindly  presented  our  Society  with 
an  interleaved  copy  of  this  list  with  recent  and  additional 
notes. 

It  is  hoped  that  a  Section  will  be  formed  representative  of 
different  portions  of  the  county,  and  that  the  members  will 
bring  together  their  own  personal  experience,  notes,  and  obser- 
vations, both  of  the  past  and  in  the  future. 

It  should  be  remembered  that  throughout  the  county  there 
are  many  private  collections,  consisting  sometimes  of  only  a 
case  or  two,  among  which  can  be  occasionally  found  rare 
specimens  that  should  be  placed  on  record.  This  is  a  detail 
which  members  of  the  Section  might  undertake  in  their 
respective  districts.  But  one  difficulty  always  arises.  It  is 
very  frequently  found  that  no  mention  of  when  and  where  the 
bird  was  killed  is  attached  to  the  case ;  so  that  the  record 
cannot  be  admitted  in  the  county  list,  unless  some  independent 
note  as  to  capture  is  available. 

The  Secretary  will  be  glad  to  hear  from  those  who  take  an 
interest  in  this  subject,  and  who  will  be  prepared  to  assist  by 


86  The  Botanical  Section. 

becoming  members  of  the  Section.  It  is  suggested  that  the 
Section  should  meet  at  least  once  a  year  at  Taunton  Castle, 
to  place  on  record  fresh  occurrences  relating  to  the  county's 
bird-life. 


Cftc  TBotanical  Section. 

President— The  Rev.  Preb.  G.  E.  SMITH,  Langford,  Bristol. 

Recorder — The  Rev.  E.  S.  MARSHALL,  F.L.S.,  West  Monkton,  Taunton. 

Secretary — Mr.  W.  D.  MILLER,  Cheddon,  Taunton. 

SINCE  the  publication  of  "  The  Flora  of  Somerset,"  by  the 
late  Rev.  K.  P.  Murray,  nothing  of  special  importance  on  the 
botany  of  the  county  has  been  recorded  in  the  Proceedings  of 
our  Society ;  and  many  of  the  members  feel  strongly  that 
time  and  opportunity  are  rapidly  passing.  Even  during  the 
last  few  years  many  alterations  have  been  made  which  have 
influenced  the  local  flora.  These  changes  should  be  recorded. 
The  increase  of  population,  the  growth  of  towns,  the  draining 
of  the  marshes,  and  the  destruction  of  plants  by  ruthless 
collectors,  all  tend  to  the  extinction  of  species,  and  have  con- 
siderably impoverished  our  county  from  a  botanical  point  of 
view. 

In  order  to  counteract  this  to  some  extent,  it  has  been  con- 
sidered advisable  to  make  an  endeavour  to  bring  Somerset 
botanists  into  closer  touch  with  each  other,  in  order  that  their 
work  and  observations  may  be  occasionally  published  and  thus 
be  made  available  for  the  general  good.  With  this  object  in 
view,  a  meeting  was  recently  held  at  the  County  Museum, 
when  there  was  a  fair  gathering  of  local  botanists,  under  the 
chairmanship  of  the  Rev.  Preb.  G.  E.  Smith,  of  Langford. 
Amongst  those  present  were  : — Dr.  H.  J.  Alford,  Taunton  ; 
Mr.  H.  Corder,  Bridgwater ;  Mr.  T.  W.  Cowan,  F.L.S.. 
Bishop's  Hull;  and  the  Rev.  E.  S.  Marshall,  F.L.S.,  West 
Monkton.  After  considerable  discussion  of  a  most  interesting 


The  Botanical  Section.  87 

description,  it  was  decided  that  those  present  should  form  a 
sub-committee  for  the  purpose  of  gathering  information,  record- 
ing progress  in  local  botanical  research,  and  bringing  the  floral 
records  of  the  county  up  to  date. 

The  Rev.  Preb.  G.  E.  Smith  was  elected  as  President,  and 
it  was  decided  to  ask  the  Rev.  E.  S.  Marshall,  of  West 
Monkton,  to  act  as  Recorder,  and  Mr.  W.  D.  Miller,  of 
Cheddon,  to  act  as  Secretary.  (This  they  have  consented  to 
do).  The  Section  must  rely  on  the  assistance  of  the  members 
of  the  Society  generally,  as  well  as  that  of  others  who  are 
interested  in  nature  study,  in  order  that,  from  time  to  time, 
local  discoveries  made  and  results  arrived  at  may  be  duly 
recorded  in  the  Proceedings. 

It  is  highly  desirable  that  any  unpublished  notes  of  import- 
ance relating  to  the  county  should  be  forwarded  to  the 
Recorder,  in  order  that  they  may  be  considered  by  the 
Section. 


Report  of  tbe  Curator  of  Caunton  Castle 
for  t&e  pear  en&ing  December  3i0t,  I9i<x 

WING  to  the  extensive  building  operations  and  improve- 
ments  which  have  been  in  progress  during  the  year, 
especially  in  the  southern  part  of  the  Castle,  little  permanent 
re-arrangement  of  the  contents  of  the  Museum  has  been 
carried  out ;  but  a  large  amount  of  ticketing  has  been  done  in 
preparation  for  the  more  systematic  and  proper  exhibition  of 
the  Society's  rapidly  increasing  possessions,  and  alterations  in 
the  position  of  some  of  them.  The  Curator's  hands  have 
been  strengthened  recently  by  the  formation  of  a  Museum 
and  Library  sub-Committee. 

A  large  proportion  of  the  Curator's  time  this  year  has  been 
expended  in  duties  connected  with  the  building  operations, 
and  especially  in  raising  the  voluntary  donations  required  for 
defraying  the  cost  of  the  extension  and  re-arrangement  of  the 
Museum  and  Library — a  task  which  has  met  with  considerable 
success.  Much  time  has  also  been  absorbed  in  the  business 
entailed  by  an  unusual  number  of  sub-Committee  meetings 
held  at  Taunton  Castle  during  the  year,  many  of  which  had 
reference  to  the  above  mentioned  alterations  carried  out  to 
commemorate  the  Society's  Diamond  Jubilee  in  1908. 

These  improvements,  which  are  still  in  progress,  are 
mentioned  in  detail  in  the  Annual  Keport  of  the  Committee, 
and  it  is  only  necessary  to  state  here  that  over  ninety  per  cent, 
of  the  required  sum,  i.e.  £1,050,  has  at  the  present  time  been 
promised  or  paid.  The  task  of  raising  the  money  was  greatly 
advanced  by  the  generous  offer  of  the  Rt.  Hon.  Henry 
Hobhouse  to  contribute  £100  towards  the  fund,  provided  the 


Curator  s  Report.  89 

balance  required  was  raised  among  the  Society's  members  and 
friends. 

The  additional  space  on  the  south  front  of  the  Castle  will 
provide  a  Reading-room  and  Library  (measuring  some  35  by 
15  feet)  for  members,  with  a  small  ante-room  adjoining,  a 
room  (measuring  34  by  14  feet)  for  Coins  and  Medals,  and  a 
Strong  Room.  The  electric  lighting  throughout  the  Castle 
has  already  proved  a  great  boon  :  and  the  building  of  a  small 
room  in  the  grounds  provides  a  much  needed  workshop. 
Eleven  years  ago  all  the  Society's  collections  Avere  suffering 
from  damp;  but  now  the  whole  of  the  Castle  and  the  two 
chambers  containing  the  records  of  the  Manor  of  Taunton 
Deane — known  as  "The  Exchequer,"— are  heated  by  systems 
entailing  the  use  of  three  furnaces. 

The  buildings  generally,  including  the  Curator's  house,  are 
now  in  a  good  state  of  repair.  Within  the  last  few  years  the 
insurance  of  the  Castle  and  contents  has  been  considerably 
increased,  and  further  precaution  has  been  taken  by  laying  a 
special  water-main  and  the  purchase  of  fire  appliances.  The 
steady  growth  of  the  Society  has  to  a  large  extent  brought 
about  this  satisfactory  condition  of  things,  and  it  is  with 
pleasure  that  we  report  that  the  Society  at  this  date  consists 
of  855  members,  viz.,  842  ordinary  members,  10  life  members, 
and  3  honorary  members,  as  against  600  members  ten  years 
ago. 

The  largest  collection  added  to  the  Museum  during  the  year 
is  the  series  of  Late-Celtic  relics  discovered  at  the  Meare 
Lake-village  in  May  and  June,  the  result  of  the  researches 
conducted  by  Mr.  Arthur  Bulleid,  F.S.A.,  and  Mr.  H.  St. 
George  Gray,  on  behalf  of  the  Society.  These  antiquities 
have  been  kindly  presented  by  three  sisters  who  owned  the 
field,  viz.,  Mrs.  Owen  Roberts  and  the  Misses  Counsell. 

Of  other  acquisitions  of  local  interest  the  Society  has  been 
enriched  by  a  large  number  of  antiquities,  of  the  Late-Celtic 
and  Roman  periods,  found  during  quarrying  operations  on 


90  Curator's  Report. 

Ham  Hill,  and  added  to  the  Museum  by  Mr.  Hensleigh 
Walter,  M.B.  ;  a  series  of  relics  from  Ham  Hill,  deposited 
by  Mr.  A.  V.  Cornish  ;  the  Imperial  Weights  and  Measures 
belonging  to  the  Taunton  Market  Trustees  (deposited  on 
loan)  ;  a  large  cinerary  urn  dug  up  at  Small  Down  Camp, 
Evercreech,  1827  ;  a  series  of  English  silver  coins,  bringing 
Dr.  N  orris's  collection  up  to  date,  presented  by  the  Rev.  E. 
H.  Bates  Harbin  ;  a  large  silver  medal  commemorating  the 
defeat  of  Monmouth  and  Argyll  (purchased)  ;  coins  and 
tokens  presented  by  Mr.  H.  Symonds,  including  a  penny  of 
Henry  III  struck  at  Ilchester  ;  and  a  large  series  of  cores 
from  the  boring  in  search  of  coal  at  Pnriton,  presented  by  the 
Bridg water  Collieries  Company. 

Negotiations  are  in  progress  for  acquiring  the  buckle  and 
button  worn  by  the  Duke  of  Monmouth  at  Sedgmoor  ;  these 
were  exhibited  for  thirty-five  years  (up  till  1902)  in  the 
Stradling  collection  in  the  Museum. 

With  regard  to  the  study  of  Natural  History  the  Society  is 
now  represented  by  three  Sections,  (1)  the  Entomological, 
inaugurated  on  Oct.  20,  1909  ;  (2)  the  Ornithological,  and 
(3)  the  Botanical,*  both  of  which  were  formed  in  1910.  To 
the  Ornithological  Section  the  Rev.  F.  L.  Blathwayt  has 
presented  an  interleaved  copy  of  his  "  Birds  of  Somerset  " 
(  Viet.  Co.  Hist.}  with  recent  and  additional  notes.  During 
the  year  Mr.  H.  Doidge,  of  Taunton,  has  completed  the  re- 
arrangement of  all  the  Lepidoptera  in  the  Society's  possession. 
Mr.  F.  Milton  has  presented  four  cases  of  Diptera  and 
Coleoptera  arranged  in  cases  provided  by  Mr.  C.  Tite,  and 
Mr.  H.  J.  Charbonnier  is  kindly  arranging  a  series  of  Diptera 
for  the  Museum  taken  from  his  own  collection. 

No  new  handbooks  have  been  published  this  year,  but  there 
are  two  in  contemplation.  A  number  of  valuable  additions 

*  The  respective  Hon.  Secretaries  of  these  Sections  are :  Mr.  H.  H.  Slater, 
Stawell,  Bridgwater  ;  Mr.  James  Turner,  Dovery  Down,  Porlock  ;  and  Mr. 
W,  D.  Miller,  Cheddon,  Tauntou.  They  will  be  glad  to  give  information 
about  the  Sections  to  those  interested. 


Cu  ra to r^s  Report . 


91 


have  been  made  to  the  Library,  besides  the  ever-increasing 
Proceedings  of  kindred  societies  received  in  exchange.  The 
eleventh  edition  of  Encychp&dia  Britonnica  has  been  ordered 
and  fourteen  of  the  volumes  are  already  on  our  shelves.  The 
Society  is  subscribing  for  The  Complete  Peerage,  edited  by  the 
Hon.  Vicary  Gibbs,  of  which  the  first  volume  has  arrived. 
We  are  glad  also  to  report  that  the  Society  now  possesses  a 
complete  set  of  Archceologia  and  also  of  the  Dorset  Field  Club 
Proceedings.  Mr.  C.  Tite  has  kindly  presented  a  large  case 
for  the  storage  of  his  recent  additions  to  the  Tite  Collection 
of  Somerset  Books. 

The  affiliation  of  the  Bridgwater  Field  Club  brings  the  total 
number  of  the  branch  and  affiliated  societies  up  to  nine. 
Lectures  and  conversaziones  of  the  Taunton  Field  Club  were 
held  in  the  Museum  on  February  3rd,  November  3rd,  and 
December  15th. 

Owing  to  the  increased  amount  of  work  resulting  from  the 
growth  of  the  Society  and  the  extension  of  the  Museum,  the 
boy,  formerly  employed  for  cleaning,  stoking,  etc.,  has  been 
replaced  by  a  man,  and  the  Curator  is  still  assisted  by  M.  S. 
Bevan,  mentioned  in  the  1909  Report. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  the  monthly  attendances  of  visitors 
to  the  Museum  and  Library  for  the  year  just  completed  : 


No.  of 

Total                                  No.  of 

Total 

Members. 

Visitors.                             Members. 

Visitors. 

Jan. 

112 

388 

1     July     ... 

107 

758 

Feb. 

150 

433 

1     Aug.    ... 

92 

1358 

Mar. 

124 

566 

Sept.    ... 

95 

912 

Apr. 

106 

705 

Oct.     .. 

95 

616 

May 

90 

673 

Nov.    ... 

111 

403 

June        ...        128 

537 

Dec.     ... 

93 

461 

7810 


H.  ST.  GEORGE  OKAY, 

Assist.-Uecreiary,  Som.  Arch.  &  Nat.  Hist.  Society, 
Curator  of  Taunton  Castle  Museum. 


atJDifions  to  tbc  agjuseuni. 

From  January  1st  to  December  31st,  1910. 


I.     ARCHAEOLOGY. 
(1).     STONE  IMPLEMENTS. 

~  Ifl  LI  NT  core  picked  up  on  the  surface  by  the  donor  be- 
tween Combe  Florey  and  Ash  Priors,  1910. — Presented 
by  Mr.  F.  H.  KNIGHT. 

Several  flint  flakes,  sea-shells,  etc.,  from  a  Neolithic  settle- 
ment found  by  the  donor  on  Shapwick  Heath,  Somerset, 
J  mile  s.  of  Shapwick  railway  station,  April  27th,  1910.  (See 
Proc.  Sum.  Arch.  Soc.,  LI,  i,  71).  -Presented  by  Mr.  ARTHUR 

BULLEID,  E.S.A. 

Stone  adze-hammer  bevelled  at  both  ends,  being  more  pointed 
at  the  butt-end  than  at  the  cutting-edge  ;  the  latter  was  some- 
what chipped  at  the  time  of  its  use,  but  since  being  found,  in 
September,  1909,  a*  fragment,  fin.  long,  has  been  chipped  off 
by  school-boys.  The  implement  is  S^ins.  in  length ;  width 
4|ins.  ;  max.  thickness  Iff  ins.  ;  weight  3lbs.  14^ozs.  The 
socket-hole,  which  is  bored  centrally  and  from  both  sides,  has 
a  diam.  of  l|ins.  on  both  faces,  tapering  inwards  to  a  min. 
diam.  of  Jin.,  where  the  stone  is  much  polished,  the  result  of 
considerable  use. 

The  implement  was  found  by  the  owner's  son  in  digging  a 
hole  against  the  wall  of  an  outbuilding  adjoining  the  stable  of 
Manor  Cottage,  West  Lydford,  about  100  paces  to  the  w.  of 
the  milestone  (6  m.  to  llchesterj  on  the  Fosse  Way.  Here 


Additions  to  the  Museum.  9% 

the  roads  branch  to  Shepton  Mallet  on  the  N.,  Ilchester  on 
the  S.,  Castle  Cary  on  the  E.,  aud  Langport  on  the  w.  The 
implement  was  found  at  a  depth  of  about  2ft.,  in  association 
with  a  number  of  shards  of  XVIII  and  XIX  Century  glazed 
earthenware,  with  which  the  adze  must  have  been  deposited 
as  rubbish.  Similar  implements  have  been  found  in  Somerset 
at  Binder.  Clevedon,  and  Winscombe.  (See  Proc.  Som.  Arch. 
Soc.,  LIU,  ii,  79-81). 

Deposited  by  Mr.  H.  WILLIAMS,  Stationmaster,  Keinton 
Mandeville. 

(2).     OTHER  ARCHAEOLOGICAL  KEMAIXS. 

All  the  Late-Celtic  antiquities  found  during  the  first  sea- 
son's excavations,  1910,  May- June,  conducted  by  Mr.  Arthur 
Bulleid  and  Mr.  H.  St.  George  Gray,  on  behalf  of  the  Som. 
Arch.  &  N.  H.  Society,  at  the  Meare  Lake  Village ;  reported 
upon  at  the  Sheffield  Meeting  of  the  British  Association 
(1910),  and  at  the  Yeovil  Meeting  of  the  Som.  Arch.  Soc., 
July  19th,  1910.  (See  Proc.  Som.  Arch.  Soc.,  LVI,  i,  38-43). 
—Presented  by  the  owners  of  the  field,  Mrs.  OWEN  ROBERTS 
and  the  MISSES  COUNSELL. 

Three  ornamented  pieces  of  Bronze  A  ge  pottery  of  cinerary 
urn  type  ;  found  in  one  of  the  barrows  in  Small  Down  Camp, 
near  Evercreech. 

Cinerary  urn  of  the  Bronze  Age  dug  up  on  July  17th,  1827, 
in  the  interior  space  of  Small  Down  Camp,  near  Evercreech. 
The  earthworks  enclose  a  series  of  barrows,  in  the  most  easterly 
of  which  this  urn  was  found,  at  a  depth  of  22ins.  below  the 
surface. 

The  urn  has  an  overhanging  rim  and  belongs  to  Type  i  of  the  Hon.  J. 
Abercromby's  classification  (See  Proc.  Soc.  Antiq.  Scot.,  XLI,  185).  It  is  9$ine. 
high,  ext.  diam.  of  rim  Sfins.,  diam.  of  base  Sfins.  The  upper  half  of  the 
vessel  is  considerably  ornamented  (including  the  inner  surface  of  the  rim),  and 
in  form  it  is  very  similar  to  the  urn  found  in  Barrow  29,  Handley,  N.  Dorset 
(See  Pitt-Rivers's  "Excavations,"  iv,  PI.  305,  fig.  3;  and  Proc.  Soc.  Antiq. 
Scot.,  XLI,  226,  fig.  7). 


94  Addition*  to  the  Museum. 

When  the  Som.  Arch.  &  N.  H.  Society  visited  Doulting  in  1865,  the  Vicar, 
the  Rev.  J.  Fussell,  exhibited  this  urn,  but  when  Mr.  St.  George  Gray  wrote 
his  paper  on  the  "  Excavations  at  Small  Down  Camp,  1904,"  he  was  unable  to 
trace  this  urn  (See  Proc.  Som.  Arch.  Soc.,  L,  ii,  31).  Some  of  the  barrows  in 
the  camp  were  opened  by  the  Rev.  John  Skinner,  of  Camerton,  at  the  begin- 
ning of  the  XIX  Century. 

Presented  per  the  Rev.  E.  H.  GODDARD,  Clyffe,  Swindon. 


Bronze  palstave,  or  celt,  of  a  common  type  ;  length 
width  at  cutting-edge  2^ins.  Found  in  quarrying  at  Birch- 
wood,  in  the  parish  of  Buckland  St.  Mary,  Somerset,  October, 
1910.—  Purchased. 

The  blade  of  the  palstave  has  flat  faces,  the  edge  having  a  slight  bevel  on 
either  side  ;  the  flanges  are  somewhat  damaged,  and  the  specimen  is  corroded. 
The  implement  was  furnished  with  a  single  loop.  Below  the  stop-ridge  on 
either  face  is  a  vertical  depression  tapering  to  a  point  at  the  bottom.  Unfor- 
tunately the  palstave  was  filed  in  places  by  the  finder. 

Tiny  silver  crucifix,  height  l^ins.,  inscribed  IIM-RI  ;  found 
in  the  remains  of  an  old  coffin  at  Stavordale  Priory,  when 
the  alterations  were  being  made,  1905-6.  —  Presented  by  Mr. 
F.  G.  SAGE. 

Large  earthenware  spindle-whorl,  of  bi-convex  cross-section  ; 
diam.  52mm.,  thickness  33mm.,  the  hole  8*5mm.  in  diam  ;  the 
edge  is  ornamented  with  transverse  notches,  indented  by  nail 
and  finger  ;  Romano-British,  or  Late-Celtic.  Found  in  Cad- 
bury  Castle  Camp,  South  Cadbury,  1910.  —  Presented  by  the 
Rev.  TREVOR  GRIFFITHS. 

Carved  oak  boss,  painted  in  red  and  gold  ;  taken  from  the 
roof  of  St.  John's  Church,  Yeovil,  when  undergoing  restora- 
tion in  1909.  —  Presented  by  Mr.  E.  C.  GARDNER. 

Partly  glazed  earthenware  vessel,  with  handle  from  rim  to 
rim  at  the  top,  and  rude  spout  pinched  in  the  rim  ;  height 
lO^ins.  Found  when  altering  the  road  near  North  Cadbury 
Church,  Somerset,  at  a  depth  of  lift,  below  the  surface. 
Probably  XIV  Century.  —  Subscribed  for  by  thirty-two  mem- 
bers of  the  Som.  Arch.  &  N.  H.  Society  at  the  Yeovil  Meet- 
ing, July,  1910. 

Four  beads,  averaging  14mm.  in  diam.,  with  irregular  holes  ; 


Additions  to  the  Museum.  95 

formed  from  a  fossil  hydrozoon,  Porosphara  cjlobnlaris  (?). 
Found  with  a  skeleton  (Romano-British)  in  1894  in  Elton 
Ballast  Pit,  Hunts  (L.  &  N.  W.R.)  (See  Proc.  Som.  Arch.  Soc., 
LII,  i,  69).— Presented  by  the  Kev.  C.  W.  WHISTLER,  M.R.C.S. 

Half  an  encaustic  tile,  XV  Century  (?).  Found  on  the 
site  of  the  Church  of  St.  Peter  and  St.  Paul,  Taunton  Priory 
estate. 

Pottery  vessel,  damaged  at  the  rim  ;  present  height  6£ins.  ; 
yellow  surface  glaze  scratched  with  zigzag  ornamentation 
round  the  bulge  of  the  vessel.  Found  built  into  a  cob- wall 
in  the  Great  Court  (thatched)  Cottages,  East  Reach,  Taunton, 
about  1900.— XVII-XVIII  Century. 

Presented  by  Mr.  GEORGE  HANDFORD. 

(3).     HAM  HILL  ANTIQUITIES, 
DEPOSITED  ON  LOAN  BY  MR.  A.  V.  CORNISH. 

Roman  Coins. — Silver  denarius,  unidentifiable. 

Six  "third  brass"  coins,  (1)  Constantino  I,  A.D.  306-337, 
(2)  Gordianus  Pius,  A.D.  238-244,  (3).  Constans,  A.D.  333-350, 
(4  and  5)  Constantine  period,  and  (6)  unidentifiable. 

Bronze  Objects. — Flat  object,  length  46mm.,  broken  across 
a  rivet-hole  at  one  end;  ring,  ext.  diam.  15'omrn.,  formed  of  a 
flat  band,  and  bearing  evidence  of  having  been  tinned  ;  circular 
disc,  diam.  19'5mm.,  curved  but  rather  flat;  pin  of  fibula; 
cylindrical  object  with  encircling  grooves,  length  16'5mm.,  ext. 
diam.  ll*5mm.,  perhaps  a  bead. 

Iron  Objects. — Dagger  with  guard  and  part  of  the  tang, 
length  6ins.  ;  dart-  or  arrow-head  (spiculum)  used  with  the 
Roman  catapulta  ;  ring-headed  pin,  having  a  shoulder  near 
the  head  to  prevent  the  pin  falling  out  of  the  cloth. 

Bone  Objects. — Pin,  length  77'5mm.,  with  flat  head;  pin, 
with  head  of  oval  section,  length  54*5mm. ;  pin,  with  orna- 
mented head,  length  62*5mm. ;  smooth  piece  of  the  shaft  of  a 


96  Additions  to  the  Museum. 

metatarsus  of  sheep  or  goat,  length  69mm:  (through  the  bone, 
lengthwise,  a  long  slit,  tapering  almost  to  a  point  in  hoth 
directions). 

Kimmeridgc  Shale. — Part  of  a  plain  armlet,  smooth  and 
lathe-turned  ;  part  of  a  lathe-turned  armlet,  ornamented  with 
grooves. 

Pottery. — Two  pieces  of  rim  of  ornamented  ware,  Bronze 
Age  type,  with  thumb-marks  and  finger-nail  marks  ;  fragment 
of  rim  of  a  large  heavy  cream-coloured  vessel,  Roman  ;  frag- 
ment of  a  Late-Celtic  pot,  ornamented  with  incised  herring- 
bone pattern. 

Flint. — Neolithic  axe-head,  or  celt,  of  bi-convex  cross- 
section  ;  length  5f  ins.  It  was  chipped  firstly  and  then  pol- 
ished, the  deeper  facets  not  being  entirely  obliterated  in  the 
latter  process.  With  the  exception  of  part  of  the  bevelled 
cutting-edge  the  specimen  is  nearly  perfect. 
.  Greater  part  of  a  leaf-shaped  arrow-head  ;  discoidal  scraper  ; 
two  small  flint  knives  ;  two  other  scrapers. 

Other  Stone  Objects. — Butt-end  of  a  polished  stone  celt 
(probably  of  igneous  rock)  ;  flat  holed  stone  (Ham  Hill 
stone),  roughly  circular  and  about  82mm;  in  diam.,  the  hole 
countersunk  on  both  faces ;  spindle-whorl,  ornamented  round 
the  hole  with  a  collar  of  slightly  incised  Vandykes  ;  globular 
polishing-stone,  bearing  traces  of  fire  ;  discoidal  sharpening- 
stone  ;  sling-stone  pebble,  with  pointed  ends  ;  whetstone. 

Flint  tool,  length  29mm.,  resembling  an  arrow-head  with 
single  barb.  Found  in  a  field  off  Landshire  Lane,  between 
Odcombe  and  Chisel  borough. 

II.  ETHNOGRAPHY. 

Imperial  (or  Standard)  Weights  and  Measures  belonging  to 
the  Taunton  Market  Trustees,  and  consisting  of  the  following  : 

(1)  Beam  and  Scales  ;  the  beam  which  is  3ft.  l^ins.  long,  is  painted  in  red, 
"  Class  2,  to  weigh  Icwt." 


Additions  to  the  Museum.  97 

(2)  Four  brass,  or  bell-metal,  Weights,  marked  on  the  tops,  "  561bs.  Avoir.," 
"281bs.  Avoir.,"  "  141bs.  Avoir.,"  and  "  71bs.  Avoir.,"  respectively;    all  in- 
scribed   on    the    top    of    the    basal    part,     LIBERTY    OF    GILLINGHAM, 
COUNTY    OF    DORSET,    1826. 

(3)  Four  small  brass  Weights,  8,  4,  2  and  loz.    The  largest  is  inscribed  round 
/*he  rim,  "Liberty  of  Gillingham,  County  of  Dorset,  8oz."     All  are  stamped 

SOMERSET   DISTRICT,  No.  7,  and  GR'v.  1824.     On  the  bottom  of  all  of 
them  K  is  indented. . 

(4)  Four  large  Imperial  Measures,  each  provided  with  two  handles,  and  in- 
scribed,   LIBERTY     OF    GILLINGHAM,    COUNTY     OF     DORSET,    1826. 
They  are,  One  Bushel,  Half  Bushel,  One  Peck,  and  One  Gallon. 

(5)  Six  small  Imperial  Measures,  without  handles  ;  inscribed  as  those  above. 
They  are,  Half  Gallon,  One  Quart,  One  Pint,  Half  Pint,  One  Gill,  and  Half  Gill. 

(6)  Imperial  Yard  Measure,  of  bell-metal,  inscribed,  LIBERTY    OF    GIL- 
LINGHAM,   COUNTY    OF    DORSET,   1826.    (In  a  long  wooden  case). 

Framework  of  an  old  oak  table,  with  bottom  rail ;  probably 
XVII  Century.  It  has  a  modern  top,  measuring  10ft.  lOJins. 
by  3ft.  7f  ins. 

Deposited  on  loan  by  the  TAUNTON  MARKET  TRUSTEES. 

The  old  sign  (in  oils,  SOins.  by  25ins.)  of  the  "Bell  Inn," 
High  Street,  Taunton,  on  which  a  large  bell  is  depicted,  in- 
scribed G.  OSMOND,  1852. — Presented  by  Mrs.  EWING. 

Iron  stand,  length  1 2ins.,  height  14jins.,  with  rack  for  church- 
warden pipes,  and  on  either  side  receptacles  for  "  lighters " 
(strips  of  thin  wood  for  getting  a  light  at  the  open  fire).  Used 
up  to  about  1880  at  the  Crown  Inn,  High  Street,  Taunton.— 
Presented  by  Mr.  S.  LAWRENCE. 

"  Bone-shaker "  bicycle,  total  length  6ft.  4ins.,  constructed 
in  1866,  and  used  by  Mr.  Frampton  May. — Presented  by  Mrs. 
FRAMPTON  MAY. 

Three  "  club-brasses "  from  Warwickshire ;  all  "  on  the 
round  ; "  height  4J-,  4f ,  and  4Jins.  respectively. — Presented 
by  Sir  SPENCER  PONSONBY-FANE,  G.C.B. 

Infantry  officer's  sword,  circa  1750  ;  in  addition  to  the  sword 
the  infantry  officers  carried  a  spontoon  or  half-pike. 

Infantry  officer's  sword,  straight,  with  silver  wire  grip,  circa 
1800 ;  this  pattern  was  carried  by  all  officers  except  those 
belonging  to  the  light  companies. 

Vol.  LVI  (Third  Series,  Vol.  X  VI)  Part  I.  G 


98  Additions  to  the  Museum. 

Infantry  officer's  sword,  curved,  the  original  sword-knot  still 
remaining,  circa  1800  ;  this  pattern  was  carried  by  the  officers 
belonging  to  the  light  companies. 

Presented  by  Mr.  F.  SPRAWSON,  Bath. 

Iron  horse-shoe,  found  at  Chilton  Polden. — Presented  by 
Mr.  W.  C.  FRENCH. 

Two  black  horn  spoons  (lengths  G^ins.  and  6|ins.),  the 
handles  carved  with  totemistic  designs.  North  American 
Indian. — Presented  by  Mr.  CHAS.  E.  EVANS. 

Tobacco-pipe  of  ebony,  in  form  of  a  man's  head,  length 
4T^-ins.,  with  inner  bowl  of  wood  ;  XIX  Century. — Purchased. 

Sample  of  the  Kara  Para  crepe  rubber,  sent  by  the  donor's 
son,  Capt.  S.  G.  Sinclair,  and  made  by  him  on  Seafield  Estate, 
Selangor,  Federated  Malay  States. — Presented  by  Mr.  A.  W. 
SINCLAIR,  F.R.C.S. 

III.     CHINA,  POTTERY,  AND  GLASS. 

Delft  plate,  with  scalloped  edge,  diam.  Sfins. ;  ornamented 
with  dark  blue  landscape  on  a  very  pale  blue  ground  ;  on  the 
rim  a  foliated  design  in  white  on  a  very  pale  blue  ground. 
Bristol ;  third  quarter  of  the  XV III  Century. — Presented  by 
Mrs.  C.  TITE. 

Yellow  glazed  puzzle-jug,  with  splashes  of  green  ;  height 
Tins. ;  ornamented  with  a  rudely  scratched  design  and  in- 
scribed S.  G.  Woods,  1833.  Probably  made  at  Crock  Street, 
or  Donyatt,  near  llminster. — Presented  by  Mr.  T.  CHAR- 
BONNIER. 

White  earthenware  fruit-plate,  diam.  9ins.,  with  leaf  decora- 
tion in  slight  relief,  the  veins  being  painted  green;  XIX 
Century. 

Blue  and  white  earthenware  plate,  diam.  9fins.,  the  design 
in  commemoration  of  Nelson. 

Presented  by  the  Rev.  C.  H.  HEALE. 


Additions  to  the  Museum.  99 

White  soup  plate,  diam.  9ins.  with  floral  decoration  in  blue ; 
marked  in  blue  on  bottom  B.  W.  M.  &  Co.,  Meissen,  and  im- 
pressed Brown,  Whethead,  Moore  &  Co. 

White  saucer,  diam.  5fins.,  with  somewhat  blurred  decora- 
tion in  blue  ;  marked  in  blue  on  bottom  B.  M.  W.  &  Co., 
Meissen. 

Presented  by  Mrs.  C.  H.  HEALE. 

Large  lump  of  un worked  glass,  sea-green  colour,  from  the 
old  Nailsea  Glass  Factory. — Presented  by  Mrs.  CHALLICOM. 

Piece  of  Nailsea  glass  in  the  form  of  a  top-hat ;  of  the 
ordinary  dark  bottle-glass  ;  height  Sfins.  About  A.D.  1840- 
1850.— Purchased. 

IV.  NUMISMATICS. 

Penny  of  Henry  III,  1216-1272,  struck  at  the  Ilchester 
mint.  Obv. — *HENRICVS  REX  Ml'  ;  full  faced  head,  bearded 
and  crowned,  with  dotted  circle.  Rev. — IERVEIS  ON  IVE; 
large  cross  with  pellet  in  the  centre,  dividing  an  inner  circle  of 
dots,  with  three  pellets  in  each  angle. 

Four  XVII  Century  trade  tokens,  Somerset,  as  follows  : — 
(1)   William  Browne,  Shepton  Mallet;  (2)  Ben  Lewes,  Win- 
canton  ;   (3)  John  Sanders,  Frome  ;  (4)  Samuel  Whitchurch, 
Frome. 
Presented  by  Mr.  HENRY  SYMONDS,  F.S.A. 

The  following  English  silver  coins  (bringing  the  Norris 
series  up  to  date)  : — (a)  Victoria,  first  issue,  crown,  1847  ; 
(b)  Jubilee  issue, — crown  1891,  half-crown  1887,  four-shilling 
piece  1887,  florin  1887,  one  shilling  1890,  sixpence  1887,  three- 
pence 1893  ;  (c)  Diamond  Jubilee  issue, — crown  1900,  half- 
crown  1899,  florin  1901,  one  shilling  1900,  sixpence  1900, 
threepence  1901  ;  (d)  Edward  VII,— crown  1902  ;  half-crown 
1902,  florin  1902,  one  shilling  1906,  sixpence  1902,  threepence 
1902.— Presented  by  the  Rev.  E.  H.  BATES  HARBIN. 


100  Additions  to  the  Museum. 

Silver  medal  commemorating*  the  unsuccessful  invasions  of 
the  Dukes  of  Monmouth  and  Argyll,  both  of  whom  were 
defeated,  captured,  and  beheaded,  Monmouth  in  London,  1 5 
July,  1685,  and  Argyll  in  Edinburgh,  30  July,  1685. — Pur- 
chased. 

Obv. — Bust  of  James  II,  laureated,  on  pedestal,  and  resting  on  the  four 
sceptres  of  England,  Scotland,  Ireland,  and  France  ;  pedestal  ornamented  with 
royal  shield  in  Garter,  crowned,  and  inscribed  ARAS  ET  SCEPTRA 
TUEMUR.  1685-  R.A.  Fee.  ;  in  the  distance,  sea  with  ships  and  Neptune  in 
sea-chariot.  IACOBVS  II.  D.G.  MAG.  BRI.  FRAN.  ET  HIB.  REX. 

Rev. — On  pedestal  inscribed  AMBITIO  MALESUADA  RUIT,  Justice 
holding  sword  and  weighing  three  crowns  against  sword,  torch  and  serpent ;  at 
her  feet,  bodies  of  Monmouth  and  Argyll,  their  heads  on  blocks  inscribed 
IACOBVS  DE  MONTMOUT  ARCHIBALD  D'ARGYL,  respectively;  dis- 
tant view  of  troops  destroyed  by  lightning,  and  tower  of  London  with  heads  on 
spears. 

Size  2'35  ins.  Struck  by  R.  Arondeaux  (French  medallist  of  the  second 
half  of  the  XVII  Century,  worked  in  the  Netherlands,  and  was  afterwards 
much  employed  hy  William  III). 

Five  Pound  note,  cancelled,  Somersetshire  Bank  (Stuckey's 
Banking  Company,  No.  |7606, dated  6  Sept.  1909).— Presented 
by  STUCKEY'S  BANKING  COMPANY. 

Second  brass  coin  ( dupondius )  of  Faustina  junior ;  "  Mcmeta" 
type. 

Annia  Faustina  was  daughter  of  Antoninus  Pius  and  Galeria  Faustina  ;  s-he 
married  Marcus  Aurelius  about  A.D.  140,  and  died  A.D.  175. 

French  counter,  XV  Century,  found  in  the  donor's  garden  at 
Evercreech;  inscription  AVE  MANIA  (sic)  GRACIA  PLENA. 
—Presented  by  Mr.  WM.  CORRY,  junr. 

XVII  Century  trade  token  of  Edward  Russe,  Castle  Gary  ; 
found  on  Lodge  Hill,  Castle  Gary,  1 908.— Presented  by  Mr. 
W.  MACMILLAN. 

Pence  of  (a)  Victoria,  1900  (2),  1901  (2);  (b)  Edward  VII, 
1904  (2),  1905  (2),  1907  (1),  1908  (2).  Half-pence  of  (a) 
Victoria,  1900  (2),  1901  (2)  ;  (b)  Edward  VII,  1902  (2) 
1909  (1),  1910  (1).  Farthings  of  Edward  VII,  1902  (2), 
1903  (2).— Presented  by  the  Rev.  C.  H.  HE  ALE. 


Additions  to  the  Museum.  101 

Penny  of  Edward  III  (poor  specimen),  found  in  digging  at 
Osborne  House,  Taunton,  1910.  Obv.  —  EDWARDVS.  REX. 
ANGL.  Rev.—G\  VITAS  DVREME  (Durham).—  Purchased. 

One  end  of  the  cross  on  the  reverse  is  formed  into  a  crozier  head,  which  was 
the  symbol  of  Bishop  Hatfield's  ecclesiastical  mint  ;  the  coin  must  therefore 
have  been  struck  between  1345  and  1381.  The  bishop's  monument  is  in  Dur- 
ham Cathedral. 

Copper  piece,  size  of  a  Georgian  halfpenny.  Obv.  —  Head 
of  George  III  to  r.,  GREGORY  III.  PON.;  under  head  I.e. 
Rev.  —  Figure  of  Britannia,  BRITAIN  RULES,  1771.  —  Pur- 
chased. 

X\TII  Century  trade  token  of  Giles  King  of   Milverton.  — 
Purchased. 

Two  Egyptian  medals,  1884,  —  that  issued  by  the  British 
Government  and  that  by  the  Khedive  ;  awarded  to  F.  Thos. 
Pote,  able-seaman,  H.M.S.  "  Hecla."  —  Presented  by  Mrs.  F. 
T.  POTE. 


Medal  of  Admiral  Vernon,  diam. 

Public-house  check,  3d.,  Phoenix  Hotel,  Taunton. 

Cast  of  the  Common  Seal  of  Taunton  ;  a  building  surrounded 
by  the  inscription,  SIGILLVM.  COMMVNE.  BURGI.  TAN- 
TON  IE.  (The  die  of  the  original  seal  is  preserved  by  the 
Town  Clerk  at  the  Municipal  Buildings). 

Presented  by  Mr.  CHARLES  TITE. 

Red  wax  impressions  of  five  seals  as  follows:  (1)  Bishop 
Berkeley,  of  Bath  and  Wells  ;  (2)  Ancient  borough  of  Stoke 
Courci  ;  (3)  Abbot  Whiting  ;  (4}  seal  dug  up  near  Chedzoy 
Church  ;  (5)  a  seal  of  Henry  VIII,  1542.—  Presented  by 
Miss  Fox,  Linden,  Wellington. 

V.  MANUSCRIPTS,  DRAWINGS,  PHOTOGRAPHS,  ENGRAV- 
INGS, PRINTED  MATTER,  ETC. 

Enlarged  photograph,  12ins.  by  lOins.,  of  the  picture  of  the 
Duke  of  Monmouth  as  he  appeared  after  his  execution  ; 
attributed  to  Sir  Godfrey  Kneller.  The  original  is  now  in  the 


102  Additions  to  the  Museum. 

National  Portrait  Gallery,  and  was  formerly  in  the  possession 
of  Sir  Francis  Seymour  Haden. — Purchased. 

Water-colour,  by  Harry  Frier,  1909,  of  Castle  Green, 
Taunton,  and  the  amusements  which  took  place  there  during 
the  Assizes,  circa  1840;  scene,  early  afternoon.  (In  frame 
measuring  3ft.  S^ins.  by  2ft.  1  lins). 

Enlarged  photograph  of  Charles  Moore,  geologist ;  born  at 
Ilminster,8  June  1815  ;  died  at  Bath  8  Dec.  1881.  (In  frame, 
°2Q^ins.  by  25^i?is.) 

In  1864  Chas.  Moore  announced  at  the  meeting  of  the  British  Association  at 
Bath  his  important  discovery  of  the  existence  in  England  of  the  Rhsetic  Beds, 
which  had  previously  been  overlooked. 

Indenture  for  apprentice,  Taunton,  1861  (for  comparison  with 
those  of  the  XVIII  Century), 

Presented  by  Mr.  CHAS.  TITE,  Hon.  Sec. 

Photograph  of  the  group  of  the  Somersetshire  Archaeologi- 
cal and  Natural  History  Society,  taken  by  Montague  Cooper, 
at  Newton  Surmaville,  Yeovil,  on  July  19th,  1910  (Size  of 
frame,  25^ins.  by  21Jms.) — Purchased. 

Two  large  plans  of  Taunton  Castle  and  Castle  House,  1910, 
scale  8ft.  to  lin.,  (a)  Ground  Floor,  (b)  First  floor  ;  and 
ground  floor  plan,  showing  the  position  of  the  drains,  water- 
main,  gas-main,  and  electric  cables  ;  executed  by  Mr.  J. 
Houghton  Spencer,  architect. — Purchased. 

Photograph  of  Mr.  G.  F.  Luttrell,  of  Dunster  Castle.  (In 
frame  measuring  I3^ms.  by  lOJms.) 

George  Fownes  Luttrell,  D.L.,  J.P.,  was  born  in  1826,  and  died  24  May,  1910. 
He  was  president  of  the  Somersetshire  Archaeological  Society  in  1889  and 
1906, — both  Minehead  Meetings  ;  a  Trustee  of  the  Society  ;  and  Vice-President 
from  1890  to  1910. 

Presented  by  Mr.  A.  F.  LUTTRELL. 

Photographic  portrait,  burnt  on  tile,  of  James  Turle, 
organist  of  Westminster  Abbey,  1831-1882  ;  born  at  Taunton, 
5  March,  1802 ;  died  at  the  Cloisters,  Westminster,  28  June, 


Additions  to  the  Museum.  103 


82.  (In  ebonized  frame  measuring  llf-f/is.  by  9Jms.) — 'Pre- 
sented by  Mr.  C.  E.  TURLE  (son  of  James  Turle). 

Lithograph  of  Diana  Swan,  aged  80,  upwards  of  50  years 
resident  in  Brockley  Combe,  on  the  estate  of  Mr.  J.  H.  Smyth 
Pigott.  (On  stone  by  H.  Worsley,  from  a  sketch  by  C.  E. 
Tayler;  1  If  ins.  by  SJins.) — Presented  by  Mr.  JOHN  E. 
PRITCHARD,  F.S.A. 

Printed  leaflet,  "The  Sentences  of  all  the  Prisoners  for 
Lammas  Assizes  held  at  Bridgwater,  Saturday,  August 
12th,  1809,  before  Sir  S.  Lawrence  and  Sir  R.  Graham, 
Knights,  John  Nurton,  Esq.,  Sheriff.  (Cass,  Printer,  next 
the  Church  Yard,  Bridgwater)."— Presented  by  Mr.  H.  P. 
OLIVET,  M.R.C.S. 

Indenture  for  apprentice,  Yeovil,  1741  ;  signed  by  Thos. 
Proctor  and  Saml.  Goodford,  Justices  of  the  Peace. — Pre- 
sented by  Mr.  E.  C.  GARDNER. 

The  Morning  Chronicle,  Friday,  June  29,  1838,  price  od., 
containing  an  account  of  the  Coronation  of  Queen  Victoria. — 
Presented  by  Mrs.  MEADE-KING,  Walford. 

Reproduction  of  a  photograph  of  the  "  Rosetta  Stone,"  in 
frame,  7Jins,  by  9Jins. — (Presented  anonymously). 

The  original  stone  is  in  the  British  Museum  ;  it  measures  3ft.  9ins.  by  2ft. 
4^ins. ;  found,  in  1798,  among  the  ruins  of  Fort  St.  Julien,  near  Rosetta, 
Mouth  of  the  Nile.  From  this  stone,  Thomas  Young  (born  at  Milverton)  was 
the  first  to  grasp  the  idea  of  "phonetic  principle"  in  the  reading  of  the 
Egyptian  hieroglyphics,  and  the  first  to  apply  it  to  their  decipherment  (1816- 
1818). 

VI.     NATURAL  HISTORY. 
(1).     ANIMALS,  BIRDS,  ETC. 

Four  glazed  mahogany  cases  (drawers  for  cabinet),  loins, 
by  I7ins.,  containing  representations  of  the  orders  Diptera 
(from  the  Tipulida  to  the  end — Braulidce,  or  Ticks)  and 
Coleoptera  (from  the  Cicindelidce,  or  Tiger-beetles,  to  the 
Silphida,  or  Sexton-beetles). — Presented  by  Mr.  F.  MILTON 
(the  cases  given  by  Mr.  C.  Tite). 


104  Additions  to  the  Museum. 

Sparrow  Hawk  (Accipter  nisus},  female,  fine  specimen ; 
taken  from  a  trap  in  Staverton  Park,  Butley,  Suffolk,  by  the 
donor.  (Stuffed  by  the  Society). — Presented  by  Mrs.  ST. 
GEOKGE  GRAY. 

Newly-hatched  chicken,  having  four  legs. — Presented  by 
Mrs.  L.  BENOKE. 

(2).     ROCKS,  MINERALS,  FOSSILS,  ETC. 

Cores  and  other  specimens  from  the  boring  in  search  of  coal 
at  Puriton,  in  Somerset ;  taken  at  about  every  25ft. 

The  boring  was  stopped  on  November  24,  1910,  after  passing  through  2,070 
feet  of  overlying  formations  without  reaching  the  older  rocks.  The  boring 
operations  had  been  in  progress  a  year. 

Presented  by  the  BRIDGWATER  COLLIERIES  COMPANY, 
Ltd.  (Mr. Ernest  Jardine,  M.P., Chairman ;  Mr.  Jas.  McMurtrie, 
Consulting  Engineer). 

Femur  of  plesiosaurus,  found  in  rock  (forest  marble),  by 
Mr.  R.  R.  Hutchings,  excavated  at  Horsington  in  April,  1900. 
—Presented  by  Mr.  GEO.  SWEETMAN. 

Smooth  quartzite  pebble,  length  2f  ins.,  split  in  two,  and  ex- 
posing to  view  the  interior  deposit  of  calcite  ;  found  in  the 
grounds  of  Bulland  Lodge,  Chipstable. — Presented  by  Mrs. 
A.  CAPEL. 

Four  glass  shade  cases  containing  coral,  etc. — Presented  by 
Miss  PRANKERD. 

VII.     WALTER  COLLECTION. 
RELICS  FROM  HAM  HILL. 

The  following  deposited  on  loan  by  Mr.  R.  HENSLEIGH 
WALTER,  M.B.  : — 

(a)  Found  on  Site  B  '07,  East  Valley,  Ham  Hill  (see  Proc. 

Som.  Arch.  Soc.,  LIII,  pt.  i,  89). 

Roman  Coin. — Dupondius  of  Augustus,  struck  between  A.D. 
1-14. 


Additions  to  the  Museum.  105 

Iron. — Fibula,  length  66mm.,  of  La  Tene  in  type,  with 
solid  catch-plate. 

Fibula,  of  La  Tone  in  type,  the  nose  and  catch-plate 
missing. 

Leaf-shaped  javelin-head,  socketed,  length  4£ins. ;  another, 
of  very  slender  form,  point  broken  off,  length  3|ins. 

Penannular  brooch,  without  pin,  of  oval  outline ;  the 
terminals  are  formed  by  bending  back  the  wire  Hat  against 
the  ring.  ( See  illustration  of  a  similar  brooch  of  bronze  found 
at  "  Ham  Turn/'  Proc.,  LVI,  ii,  p.  56,  fig.  11). 

(b)  Found  on  Site  C  '07,  N.  spur  of  Ham  Hill  (see  Proc. 
Som.  Arch.  Soc.,  LIII,  pt.  i,  89). 

Eoman  Coins. — Nine  "  third  brass  "  coins,  found  in  May 
and  June,  1910,  as  follows  : — One  of  Gallienus,  A.D.  254-268  ; 
one  of  Postumus  (tinned),  A.D.  259-267  ;  one  of  Tetricus, 
A.D.  267-273;  one  of  Constantine  I  (Constantinopolis),  A.D. 
306-337  ;  one  of  Constans,  A.D.  333-350 ;  one  of  Magnentius, 
A.D.  350 ;  and  three  of  Valentinian  I,  A.D.  364-375. 

Bronze  Objects. — Two  large  scales  of  armour,  Roman  ;  * 
bronze,  tinned  ;  in  fine  state  of  preservation  ;  the  ovoid  scales, 
which  have  holes  for  attachment,  measure  39  by  35mm. 
Found  together  in  black  earth  about  4ft.  below  the  surface, 
with  a  fragment  of  a  large  Samian  bowl.  (Proc.,  LVI,  ii, 
p.  57,  fig.  13). 

Fibula,  length  69mm.,  of  the  Early  Iron  Age  and  bearing 
Bronze  Age  characteristics  ;  the  bow,  of  circular  section,  is 
ornamented  by  ribbing  ;  the  end  of  the  catch-plate  is  broken ; 
the  coiled  spring  appears  to  have  snapped  in  ancient  times, 
and  was  apparently  repaired  by  means  of  an  internal  cylinder 
of  bronze.  Found  with  thumb-marked  pottery,  about  6ft. 
below  the  surface.  (Proc.,  LVI,  ii,  p.  55,  fig.  8). 

*Two  scales  of  armour  approaching  these  Ham  Hill  specimens  in  size  were 
found  on  Hod  Hill,  Dorset.  (See  Collectanea  Antiqua,  vi,  Plate  3,  figs.  2-4 ; 
Proc.  Soc.  Antiq.  Lond.,  xxi,  136 ;  and  Proc.  Som.  Arch.  Soc.,  xlviii,  ii,  32). 


106  Additions  to  the  Museum. 

Fibula,  length  58mm.,  with  broad,  thin,  slightly  curved 
bow,  ornamented  on  the  top  ;  Roman.  (Proc.,  LVI,  ii,  p.  55, 
fig.  9). 

Pin  with  head,  part  of  another/  fragment — perhaps  part  of 
another  pin,  and  a  piece  of  wire  bent  triangularly  ;  also  frag- 
ments of  leather,  of  which  a  sample  is  preserved  on  the  card ; 
probably  of  the  Early  Iron  Age.  Found  with  thumb-marked 
pottery,  about  6ft.  below  the  surface,  June,  1910. 

Ornament — part  of  a  clasp  or  strap-fastening ;  it  is  en- 
graved, inlaid,  and  tinned. 

Iron  Objects. — Small  knife  with  bone  handle,  length  4fins., 
Roman  ;  it  has  slight  indications  of  having  had  a  loop  for 
suspension.  It  is  exceptionally  well  preserved.  Found  with 
Romano-British  pottery,  4ft.  deep,  June,  1910. 

Antler. — Implement  of  red-deer  antler,  consisting  of  a 
smooth-pointed  tine ;  at  the  butt-end  a  groove  was  sawn  round 
the  tine  and  the  antler  snapped  off;  also  a  cut  piece  of  antler, 
length  2f  ins.,  with  hole  at  one  end — perhaps  a  handle. 

Bone. — Smooth  piece  of  a  metatarsal  bone  of  large  animal. 

Flint. — A  number  of  worked  flakes  and  chips,  including 
three  scrapers  and  a  partly-completed  arrow-head  ;  arid  the 
cutting-edge  of  a  highly-polished  celt,  calcined. 

Other  Stone  Objects. — Axe-head  of  granite  (?),  length  4 fins., 
the  butt-end  broken  off;  polished  and  bevelled  at  the  cutting- 
edge. 

Rough  whorl  of  Ham  stone,  partly  perforated  from  both 
faces  ;  and  a  fossil  sea-urchin. 

Baked  Clay  and  Pottery. — Spindle-whorl  of  brown  pottery, 
diam.  42mrn. ;  and  a  small  ball  of  baked  clay  with  hole 
penetrating  the  object  about  12mm. ;  diam.  23 '5mm.  (Similar 
objects  were  found  in  the  Grlastonbury  Lake-village). 

The  following  pieces  of  pottery:— (1)  Loop,  or  eyelet; 
(2)  piece  of  a  grooved  handle  of  a  vessel ;  (3)  four  fragments 
with  nail  and  finger-marks  ;  (4)  one  fragment  of  rim  with 
perforation  ;  (5)  fragment  ornamented  with  incised  herring- 


Additions  to  the  Museum.  107 

bone  pattern  ;  (6)  two  pieces  ornamented  in  typical  Late- 
Celtic  style,  and  comparable  with  the  Glastonbury  Lake- 
village  ware. 

(c)  Found  on  Site  D  '10,  Ham  Hill,  about  50  yards  S.E.  of 
Site  C  '07,  on  the  central  plateau  of  the  N.  spur  of  the 
Hill,  overlooking  the  East  Yalley. 

Roman  Coins. — Three  of  Constans,  mounted ;  three  of 
Valens,  mounted  ;  thirty,  including  some  barbarous  imitations. 
(All  « third  brass.") 

Eleven  British  imitations  of  "third  brass"  coins,  IV  Cen- 
tury (A.D.  360-385). 

The  following  "  third  brass  "  coins  (mounted  under  glass)  : 
—Theodora  (1),  Crispus  (1),  Valens  (2),  Gratian  (3),  Maxi- 
mus  II  (1),  and  Arcadius  (1) — the  latest  Roman  coin  found 
hitherto  on  the  Hill. 

The  following,  unmounted  : — Constantine  II  (2),  Valens 
(2),  and  Gratian  (1). 

Twenty-one  "third  brass"  coins  (some  fragmentary). 

Gem. — Roman  gem,  carnelian  intaglio,  perhaps  representing 
Christian  symbol,  "The  Agnus  Dei";  IV  Century,  A.D. 
Found  with  coins  of  Constans  and  Valens,  July,  1910. 
(Proc.,  LVI,  ii,  p.  60,  fig.  22). 

Bronze  Objects. — Gilt-bronze  brooch,  circular  (diam.  32mm.), 
with  dark  conical  glass  projection  in  the  centre  (not  gilt). 
Although  sometimes  found  in  Anglo-Saxon  graves,  this  type 
is  always  of  Romano-British  manufacture.  Found  near  a  gilt 
bronze  disc,  scale-armour,  gem,  IV  Century  coins,  etc.,  Sept., 
1910.  (Proc.,  LVI,  ii,  p.  55,  fig.  4). 

Mr.  Reginald  A.  Smith  writes  :—  "There  can  be  little  doubt  that  the  setting 
is  glass ;  sometimes  they  imitated  the  carbuncle,  and  there  is  one  in  the 
British  Museum  which  looks  like  niccolo."  There  is  a  similar  brooch  with 
glass  cone  in  the  Museum  at  Colchester.  A  similar  gilt-bronze  brooch,  but 
oval,  and  having  a  conical  projection  supposed  to  be  amethyst,  was  found  in 
the  Martyr's  Field,  Canterbury.  (Journ.  Brit.  Arch.  Assoc.,  xvi,  pi.  23,  fig.  4, 
and  p.  324,  where  two  others  found  in  East  Anglia  are  mentioned). 


108  Additions  to  the  Museum. 

Fragments  of  a  gilt-bronze  disc.  Found  with  Romano- 
British  pottery,  etc.,  July,  1910. 

Three  conjoined  scales  of  a  lorica,  the  alternate  scales 
tinned  ;  size  of  scales  25  by  ]  5mm.  Found  with  a  "  third 
brass"  coin  of  Valentinian,  June,  1910. 

Finger-ring  and  two  ear-rings. 

Fragments  of  a  spiral  finger-ring,  composed  of  fine  wire. 

Awl,  the  u  business-end  "  being  of  circular  section,  the  tang 
square,  length  2Jins. ;  precisely  similar  to  awls  found  in  the 
Somerset  Lake-villages. 

Spoon,  length  5 Jins.,  of  typical  Roman  form,  and  fragments 
of  handles  of  two  others. 

Small  hinge,  possibly  of  a  writing-tablet  or  diptych  (rare)  ; 
length  when  folded  30'5mm.  Found  with  "third  brass" 
Roman  coins,  June,  1910. 

Three  circular  sheet-bronze  discs,  possibly  caps  to  the  butt- 
ends  of  the  haftings  of  knives  or  other  handled  implements. 

Two  thin  pieces, — one  of  diamond  shape  with  hole  through 
the  middle. 

Pin,  with  crook-shaped  head,  apparently  complete ;  unor- 
namented. 

Part  of  a  penannular  armlet,  with  a  ball  terminal,  and  orna- 
mented with  transverse  ribbing. 

Ornamented  band,  perhaps  from  a  scabbard ;  a  rivet ;  and 
several  other  fragmentary  pieces. 

Glass. — Several  glass  beads,  Romano-British.  Found  with 
IV  Century  Roman  coins. 

Six  discs  of  opaque  glass,  with  plano-convex  cross-section  ; 
three  black  and  three  white. 

Fragments  of  blue  and  sea-green  glass ;  and  part  of  a  per- 
fume bottle. 

Iron. — Spud,  with  socket  partly  open,  and  narrow  crescentic 
cutting-edge,  the  middle  of  which  has  been  blunted. 

Arrow-  or  dart-head  (spiculum\  used  as  a  projectile  from  a 
Roman  catapulta. 


Additions  to  the  Museum.  109 

Heavy  piece  of  iron,  S^ins.  long  and  of  circular  section ; 
hammered  over  at  the  edges  at  the  larger  end ;  possibly  a 
small  "  earth-anvil." 

Small  axe-adze,  length  4ins.,  with  hole  for  insertion  of  the 
handle  ;  point  of  a  spear-head,  with  midrib  ;  large  ring,  with 
broken  pin  attached  ;  three  nails,  including  one  with  circular 
head  (diam.  1  Jins.) ;  and  several  fragmentary  objects,  including 
seventeen  small  nails — some  of  them  hob-nails. 

Bone. — Plain  tapering  pin,  length  2Jins.,  without  expand- 
ed head  ;  two  small  flat  discs  ;  several  fragmentary  pins,  etc. 

Spindle-whorls. — Small  perforated  whorl  of  earthenware; 
pottery  disc,  with  incipient  holes  on  both  faces ;  half  a 
globular  whorl  of  flint,  broken  on  the  line  of  the  hole  ;  and 
three  other  spindle-whorls,  two  of  pottery,  one  of  stone. 

Miscellaneous.  —  Small  fragment  of  an  earthenware  lamp  ; 
saddle  quern,  length  12|ins. ;  and  a  stone  rubber. 

Pottery. — A  large  quantity  of  pieces  of  Roman  and  Romano- 
British  pottery,  including  red  Samian,  imitation  Samian,  and 
New  Forest  wares,  etc.,  and  including  the  round  bottom  of  a 
small  amphora,  portion  of  the  rim  of  a  very  large  vessel, 
pieces  of  mortaria  (including  one  piece  painted  white),  frag- 
ment of  a  colander,  fragment  of  pot  with  heavy  leaden  rivet 
attached,  and  fragments  of  a  very  thin  Roman  vessel,  of  a 
cream-coloured  ware,  painted,  and  ornamented  by  the  applica- 
tion of  circular  discs  of  the  same  ware  bearing  concentric 
rings  of  small  raised  dots. 

The  following  deposited  on  loan  by  Master  ERIC  HENS- 
LEIGH  WALTER  : — 

Found  on  Site  C  '07,  Ham  Hill. 

Bronze. — Fragment  of  a  spear-head,  length  2ins.  ;  Bronze 
Age.  Found  with  thumb-marked  pottery,  about  6ft.  below  the 
surface,  May,  1910. 

Fragment  of  an  awl,  length  If  ins., — probably  of  the  Bronze 
Age,  and  found  with  thumb-marked  pottery,  May,  1910. 


110  Additions  to  the   Museum. 

Fragment  of  a  wire  bracelet — probably  of  the  Bronze  Age. 
Found  with  thumb-marked  pottery,  May,  1910. 

Nail  with  rounded  hollow  head  and  long  stem,  length  l^ins. 

Bone,  Antler,  and  Shale. — Portions  of  five  worked  bone 
pins,  the  heads  of  three  being  complete. 

Polished  pointed  end  of  a  tine  of  red-deer,  with  transverse 
perforation  through  opposite  faces  ;  length  2Jins. 

Fragments  of  three  Kimmeridge  shale  bracelets. 


Small  bronze  penannular  brooch,  max.  diam.  19'omm.,  with 
bulbous  terminals.  Found  at  Dalton  Parlours,  Yorks ; 
Romano-British.  (Deposited  by  Mr.  R.  H.  Walter,  and  fjiven 
to  him  by  Mr.  C.  J.  Harrison,  Martock). 

Three  agate  beads,  said  to  have  been  found  with  others 
between  Stoke  and  Montacute  some  years  ago.  (Deposited  by 
Mr.  R.  H.  Walter,  and  given  to  him  by  Mr.  G.  F.  Lawrence, 
Wands  worth). 


to  tfce 

From  January  1st,  1910,  to  December  31st,  1910. 


DONATIONS. 

A  large  number  of  volumes  by  Somersetshire  authors  to  be 
added  to  the  donor's  collection  of  books  in  Taunton  Castle. — 
Presented  by  Mr.  CHARLES  TITE,  Hon.  Sec. 

Arch&ologia,  vol.  LXI,  pt.  2  ;  vol.  LXII,  pt.  1. — Presented  by 
the  Society  of  Antiquaries  of  London. 

Trans-Himalaya  :  Discoveries  and  Adventures  in  Tibet,  by 
Sven  Hedin,  2  vols.— Presented  by  Mr.  W.  B.  BROADMEAD. 

A  Quantock  Family :  The  Stawells  of  Cothelstone,  etc. — 
Presented  by  the  Compiler,  Colonel  G.  D.  STAWELL. 

Proceedings,  Dorset  Field  Club,  vols.  xin  and  XV. — Pre- 
sented by  the  Club. 

The  Index  Library  (British  Record  Society),  pis.  118-121, 
including  portions  of  the  following:  (1)  Worcester  Wills,  vol. 
II  ;  (2)  Lincoln  Wills,  vol.  II  ;  (3)  Devon  Wills,  vol.  II  ;  (4) 
Leicester  Marriage  Licenses  ;  (5)  Glos.  Inquis.  P.M.,  vol.  v  ; 
(6)  Wilts  Inquis.  P.M.,  vol.  in.— Presented  by  the  Rev. 
F.  W.  WEAVER,  F.S.A.,  Hon.  Sec. 

The  Entomologist,  vols.  vi-xvin,  1872-1885;  The  Ento- 
mologists' Monthly  Magazine,  vols.  i-xxvn,  1864-1890  (part 
272  missing). — Presented  by  Mr.  A.  E.  HUDD,  F.S.A.,  F.E.S. 

Hunting  Journal  of  the  Blackmore  Vale  Hounds;  A  Round 
Trip  in  North  America. — Presented  by  the  Authoress,  the 
Lady  THEODORA  GUEST. 


112  Additions  to  the  Library. 

Index  to  Collinson's  History  of  Somerset  (large  paper  copy). 
—Presented  by  Messrs.  BARNICOTT  &  PEARCE. 

Romances  and  Drolls  of  the  West  of  England,  2  vols.  ;  Eng- 
lish Plant  Names,  by  John  Earle. — Presented  by  the  Rev. 
F.  M.  T.  PALGRAVE. 

Report  and  Transactions  of  the  Devonshire  Association,  vol. 
XLII,  1910. — Presented  by  the  Eev.  D.  P.  ALFORD. 

Proceedings,  Bath  and  District  Branch,  Som.  Arch.  §•  N.  H. 
Society,  vols.  for  1909  and  1910. — Presented  by  the  Branch. 

Devonshire  (Camb.  Co.  Geographies). — Presented  by  the 
Authors,  Mr.  F.  A.  KNIGHT  and  Mrs.  L.  M.  DUTTOX. 

Seventy-first  Annual  Report  of  the  Deputy-Keeper  of  the 
Public  Records ;  Notes  about  East  Coker,  by  the  Rev.  C. 
Powell. — Presented  by  the  Rev.  E.  H.  BATES  HARBIN. 

Suffolk  in  1524,  Subsidy  Return;  Great  and  Little  Whel- 
netham  Parish  Registers,  1557-1850. — Presented  by  the  Editor, 
the  Rev.  S.  H.  A.  HERVEY. 

The  Gold  Tore  found  at  Yeovil,  1909— Report  of  Coroners 
Inquest,  Copy  of  the  Inquisition,  and  H.  St.  G.  Gray's  paper 
on  the  subject  (Coroners'  Society  Annual  Report,  iv,  1909- 
1910);  Notes  on  the  Allington  Gold  Tore  (Wilts);  Report  on 
the  Meare  Lake  Village  Excavations,  Brit.  Assoc.,  1910  ;  Second 
Interim  Report  on  the  Excavations  at  Maumbury  Rings,  Dor- 
chester, 1909.— Presented  by  Mr.  H.  ST.  GEORGE  GRAY. 

Jarman's  History  of  Bridgwatcr. — Presented  by  the  Rev. 
Preb.  J.  HAMLET. 

Jeboult's  History  of  West  Somerset,  with  cuttings  and  notes  ; 
The  Queens  Christmas  Carol. —  Presented  by  Mrs.  PATTON. 

Le  Second  Part  de  les  Reports  du  Thos.  Sidcrfin  ;  four  Com- 
mon  Prayer-Books  showing  the  changes  in  the  Royal  names  in 
the  State  prayers,  1901-1910.— Presented  by  the  Rev.  C.  H. 
HEALE. 

Report  of  Mines  and  Quarries. — Presented  by  Mr.  H.  R. 
GODDARD. 


Additions  to  the  Library.  113 

A  bundle  of  local  deeds. — Presented  by  Mr.  H.  BYARD 
SHEPPARD. 

A  Customary  containing  the  cheif  Points  of  ye  Customs  of  the 
Mannor  of  Taunton  and  Taunton  Deane,  etc.,  1647  (MS.)  ; 
bundle  of  papers,  Taunton  Election,  1865. — Presented  by  Mr. 
F.  S.  DODSON. 

Castle   Cary    Visitor,   1910. — Presented  by   Mr.  W.  MAC- 

MILLAN. 

Eighth  and  Ninth  Annual  Reports,  Somerset  Men  in  Lon- 
don.— Presented  by  the  Somerset  Men. 

The  Wilts  and  Dorset  Bank  Journal,  1909,  containing  an 
article  on  "  The  Parrett." — Presented  by  the  Author  of  the 
article,  Mr.  F.  BE  ALE. 

Several  old  8vo.  pamphlets  sewn  together,  including  Joseph 
of  Arimathea,  1770,  and  others  printed  at  Taunton  and  Crew- 
kerne.— Presented  by  Mr.  H.  P.  OLIVET,  M.R.C.S. 

Twelve  Somerset  deeds,  1640-1753,  relating  to  parishes  of 
Ashbrittle,  Babcary,  Batcombe,  Old  Cleeve,  Spaxton,  Stony 
Stratton,  Wanstrow,  Westori  Bampfylde,  Winsford,  and  Yeo- 
vil ;  The  Monogram  BR.  and  RB.  on  certain  coins  of  Charles  I. 
— Presented  by  Mr.  H.  SYMONDS,  F.S.A.  i 

Interleaved  copy,  with  additional  notes,  of  the  Birds  of 
Somerset  (Viet.  Co.  Hist.,  vol.  i)  ;  Notes  on  the  Kite  in  Somer- 
set.— Presented  by  the  Author,  the  Rev.  F.  L.  BLATHWAYT. 

The  Cult  of  the  Circle-Builders,  1909.— Presented  by  the 
Author,  Mr.  E.  M.  NELSON. 

Pigmy  Flint  Implements  in  N.  Devon;  Human  Remains  of 
Neolithic  Age  found  near  Croyde. — Presented  by  the  Author, 
Mr.  THOMAS  YOUNG,  M.R.C.S. 

Traces  of  the  British  Church  in  Somerset. — Presented  by  the 
Author,  the  Rev.  D.  J.  PRING. 

Somerset  Club-Brasses  (Journ.  Archaeol.  Assoc.) — Presented 
by  the  Author,  Mr.  EMANUEL  GREEN,  F.S.A. 

Mammals  of  the  Bristol  District,  by  C.  K.  Rudge  and  H.  J. 
Charbonnier. — Presented  by  Mr.  CHARBONNIER. 

Vol.  LVI  (Third  Series,  Vol.  X  VI),  Part  I.  H 


114  Additions  to  the  Library. 

The  Men  of  the  Barma-Grande  (Baousse-Rousse),  by  Dr. 
R.  Verneau. — Presented  by  Mr.  A.  F.  SOMERVILLE. 

Works  and  old  Sermons,  by  John  Jewel,  Bishop  of  Salis- 
bury (in  original  binding,  with  ring)  ;  Roman  Road,  Lark/till 
Quarry,  Preston  Plucknett. — Presented  by  Mr.E.  C.  GARDNER. 

An  Act  re  new  Church  and  Workhouse,  Bathwick,  1847  ; 
Full  Account  of  the  anonymous  Libel  on  the  Rev.  P.  M.  Cum- 
minq  founded  against  Wm.  Gooddcn  (Bath,  1826). — Presented 
by  the  Rev.  E.  H.  GODDARD. 

Catalogue  of  Old  English  Glass,  including  Nailsea  and  Bris- 
tol, Puttick  and  Simpson,  Dec.  10,  1909. 

Notes  on  a  White  Lias  Section  at  Saltford. — Presented  by 
the  Author,  the  Rev.  H.  H.  WIISIWOOD,  F.G.S. 

Church  Towers  of  Cambridgeshire. — Presented  by  the  Author, 
Dr.  F.  J.  ALLEN. 

Downside  Rcviciv,  nos.  85-87. — Presented  by  St.  Gregory's 
Society. 

Third  Report  of  the  Local  Govt.  Board  on  Flies  as  Carriers 
of  Infection. 

Transactions,  Leicester  Lit.  and  Phil.  Society,  vol.  XI v. 

Proceedings,  Nova  Scotia  Inst.  of  Science,  vol.  XII,  pt.  2. 

Journal,  Torquay  Nat.  Hist.  Society,  vol.  I,  no.  2,  1910. 

Note  on  Zaunichcllia  gibberosa  as  a  British  Plant  (Somerset 
reference). — Presented  by  the  Author,  Mr.  H.  S.  THOMPSON. 

Building  News,  March  18,  1910,  containing  illustrations  of 
the  Charbonnier  Collection  of  Pewter  in  Taunton  Castle 
Museum  (which  however  is  not  acknowledged). 

The  Builder,  January  1,  1910,  containing  Churches  on  the 
Somerset  Coastline,  by  R.  W.  Paul,  F.S.A.,  and  presented  by  him. 

Directory  of  the  Royal  Society  of  Arts,  by  Sir  H.  T.  Wood. 

The  following  Museum  and  Library  Reports  : — 4th  Report, 
Taunton  Free  Library,  and  3rd  Supplement  of  Catalogue, 
1910;  Colchester  Museum,  1909-10;  Horniman's  Museum, 
1909;  Yarmouth  Library  and  Museum,  1909-10;  Welsh 
Museum,  Cardiff,  1909-10;  Whitby  Museum,  1909. 


Additions  to  the  Library.  115 

The  Times,  1910. — Presented  by  the  Somerset  County  Club. 
Som.  County  Gazette,  1910. — Presented  by  the  Proprietors. 
Som.  County  Herald  and  Taunton  Courier,  1910. — Presented 
by  the  Proprietors. 

West  Som.  Free  Press. — Presented  by  the  Proprietors. 


RECEIVED  FROM  SOCIETIES  IN  CORRESPONDENCE  FOR 
THE  EXCHANGE  OF  PUBLICATIONS. 

British  Association — Report,  1909  ;  Report  of  the  Correspond- 
ing Societies'*  Committee,  1909. 

British  Museum  (Natural  History) — The  Cretaceous  Bryozoa, 
vol.  n,  by  J.  W.  Gregory,  F.R.S.  ;  Catalogue  of  the 
Marine  Reptiles  of  the  Oxford  Clay  in  the  Brit.  Mus.,  by 
C.  W.  Andrews,  F.R.S. 

Society  of  Antiquaries  of  London — Proceedings,  vol.  xxii, 
pt.  2  ;  vol.  xxin,  pt.  1. 

Royal  Archreological  Institute  of  Great  Britain  and  Ireland — 
Journal,  vol.  LXVI,  pt.  4  ;  vol.  LXVII,  pts.  1,  2,  3. 

British  Archa3ological  Association — Journal,  vol.  XV,  n.s., 
pts.  2,  3  ;  vol.  xvi,  pt.  1. 

Anthropological  Institute  of  Great  Britain  and  Ireland  (Part 
exchange) — Journal,  vol.  xxxix,  pt.  2  ;  vol.  XL,  pt.  1  ; 
Man,  1910. 

Society  of  Antiquaries  of  Scotland-  -Proceedings,  vol.  XLIII. 

Royal  Society  of  Antiquaries  of  Ireland — Journal,  vol.  xxxix, 
pt.  4 ;  vol.  XL,  pts.  1-3. 

Royal  Irish  Academy — Proceedings,  vol.  xxviii,  Sect.  B., 
pts.  1-8;  vol.  xxviii,  Sect.  C.,  pts.  1-12. 

Royal  Dublin  Society — Scientific  Proceedings,  vol.  XII,  nos. 
24-36  ;  Economic  Proceedings,  vol.  II,  pts.  1,  2. 

The  British  School  at  Rome — Papers,  vol.  v. 

Associated  Architectural  Societies  of  Counties  in  the  Mid- 
lands— Reports  and  Papers,  vol.  xxix,  pts.  1,  2. 


116  Additions  to  the  Library. 

Bristol  and  Gloucestershire  Archaeological  Society —  Transac- 
tions, vol.  xxxn,  pts.  1,  2. 

Cambridge  Antiquarian  Society — Proceedings,  vol.  xiv,  pts. 
1,  2,  3.  List  of  Members,  1910. 

Clifton  Antiquarian  Club — Proceedings,  vol.  vn,  pt.  1. 

Cornwall,  Koyal  Institution  of — Journal,  vol.  xvm,  pt.  1. 

Cumberland  and  Westmorland  Antiquarian  and  Archaeological 
Society — Transactions,  n.s.,  vol.  x. 

Derbyshire  Archaeological  and  Natural  History  Society— 
Journal,  vol.  xxxii. 

Dorset  Natural  History  and  Antiquarian  Field  Club — Pro- 
ceedings, vol.  xxx. 

Essex  Archaeological  Society —  Transactions,  vol.  xi,  n.s.,  pts. 
3,  4  ;  Feet  of  Fines,  Index. 

Essex  Field  Club — Essex  Naturalist,  vol.  xv,  pts.  7,  8. 

Lancashire  and  Cheshire  Historic  Society — Transactions, 
vols.  LX,  LXI. 

Liverpool  Literary  and  Philosophical  Society — Proceedings, 
vol.  LXI. 

London  and  Middlesex  Archaeological  Society — Transactions, 
vol.  I,  pt.  5  ;  vol.  II,  pt.  1. 

Manchester  Literary  and  Philosophical  Society — Proceedings, 
vol.  LIV,  pts.  1,  2,  3. 

Newcastle-on-Tyne,  Society  of  Antiquaries  of — Archaologia 
^Eliana,  vol.  VI,  3rd  ser. ;  Proceedings,  vol.  IV,  3rd  ser., 
pp.  125-284. 

Northamptonshire  Natural  History  Society — Journal,  nos. 
117-120. 

Plymouth  Institution  and  Devon  and  Cornwall  Natural  His- 
tory Society — Report,  vol.  xiv,  pt.  6. 

Powys-Land  Club — Montgomeryshire  Collections,  vol.  xxxv, 
pt.  3. 

Shropshire  Archaeological  and  Natural  History  Society— 
Transactions,  vol.  x,  3rd  ser,,  pts.  1,  2,  3. 


Additions  to  the  Library.  117 

Suffolk  Institute  of  Archaeology  and  Natural  History — Pro- 
ceedings, vol.  xiu,  pt.  3. 

Surrey  Archaeological  Society — Collections,  vol.  xxni. 

Sussex  Archaeological  Society — Collections,  vol.  LIII. 

Wiltshire  Archaeological  and  Natural  History  Society — Maga- 
zine, vol.  xxxvi,  nos.  112,  113  ;  Abstracts  of  the  Inquisi- 
tiones  P.M.  relating  to  Wilts  from  Edward  III,  pt.  I, 
Dec.,  1909. 

Yorkshire  Archaeological  Society — Journal,  pts.  80,  81  ;  Cata- 
logue of  Library,  pt.  3. 

Geologists'  Association — Proceedings,  vol.  xxi,  pts.  5-10. 

The  Scottish  Historical  Review,  vol.  vn,  pts.  2-4  ;  vol.  vin, 
pt.  1. 

The  Antiquary,  vol.  VI,  new  ser.,  1910. 

New  England  Historical  Genealogical  Society,  vol.  LXIV,  nos. 
253-256  ;  Report,  Annual  Meeting,  1910. 

Smithsonian  Institution,  Washington,  U.S.A. — The  following 
reprints  : — Angler  Fishes:  Their  Kinds  and  Ways;  The 
Birds  of  India  ;  The  Evolution  of  the  Elephant  ;  Excava- 
tions at  Boghaz-Keni,  1 907  ;  Malaria,  in  Greece. 

Bureau  of  American  Ethnology,  Washington — Bulletin,  nos. 
37,  38,  39,  45,  49. 

United  States  National  Museum,  U.S.A. — Proceedings,  vol. 
xxxvii  ;  Bulletins,  nos.  66,  68,  69,  71,  72  ;  Annual 
Report,  1909  ;  Contributions  from  the  U.S.  National  Her- 
barium, vol.  xiu,  pts.  2-6  ;  vol.  xiv,  pt.  1  ;  vol.  xv. 

PURCHASED. 

Harleian  Society — vol.  LX,  The  Visitation  of  the  County  of 
Surrey,  1662-8  ;  The  Visitation  of  the  County  of  Suffolk, 
1664-8  ;  The  Registers  of  St.  Benet  and  St.  Peter,  Paul's 
Wharf,  London,  vol.  n,  Marriages. 

Early  English  Text  Society— no.  137,  Twelfth  Century  Homi- 
lies-, no.  138,  The  Coventry  Leet  Book  ;  no.  139,  Treatises 


118  Additions  to  the  Library. 

on  Fistula  in  Ano  ;  no.  139,  extra  issue,  The  Piers  Plow- 
man Controversy,  and  the  Authorship  of  Piers  the  Plowman  ; 
no.  140,  John  Capgrave  s  Lives  of  two  Saints  and  a  Sermon. 

Palaeontographical  Society— vol.  LIX. 

Raj  Society —  The\British  Annelids,  vol.  II,  pt.  2  ;  The  British 
Freshwater  Rhizopoda,  and  Heliozoa,  vol.  II,  Rhizopoda, 
pt.  2  ;  Monograph  of  the  British  Nudibranchiate  Mollusca, 
pt.  8  (supplementary). 

Pipe  Roll  Society— vol.  xxx,  1909. 

Somerset  Record  Society — vol.  xxiv,  1908,  Quarter  Sessions 
Records,  Charles  I;  vol.  XXV,  1909,  Cartulary  of  Buck- 
land  Priory. 

The  Encyclopaedia  Britannica,  llth  edition  (14  vols.  received). 

Notes  and  Queries,  llth  ser.,  vols.  I,  II  (1910). 

Somerset  and  Dorset  Notes  and  Queries,  nos.  89-92. 

The  Complete  Peerage  of  England,  Scotland,  Ireland,  Great 
Britain,  and  the  United  Kingdom,  extant,  extinct  or  dor- 
mant, by  Gr.  E.  Cokayne  ;  vol.  i,  AB-ADAM  to  BASING, 
edited  by  the  Hon.  Vicary  Gibbs. 

Marriage  Allegation  Bonds  of  the  Bishops  of  Bath  and  Wells, 
to  1755,  edited  by  Arthur  J.  Jewers. 

Commonwealth  Probates,  vol.  I,  pts.  1  and  2  (1650-1). 

The  Civil  War  in  Dorset,  1642-1660,  by  A.  R.  Bayley. 

Calendar  of  Wills  and  Administrations  at  Taunton,  pt.  4. 

Somerset  Parish  Registers,  Marriages,  vol.  xii. 

Arch&ologia,  vols.  in-viii  (making  the  Society's  set  complete). 

Wiltshire  Archaological  Magazine,  vol.  Ill,  no.  8. 

Archeology  and  False  Antiquities,  by  Robert  Munro,  M.D. 

Materials  for  the  History  of  the  Town  and  Parish  of  Welling- 
ton, pt.  2,  Manorial  Court  Rolls,  1277-1908,  by  A.  L. 
Humphreys. 

Langport  and  its  Church,  pts.  4-7,  by  the  Rev.  D.  M.  Ross. 

The  Connoisseur,  1910. 

The  Story  of  the  Battle  of  Edington,  by  the  Rev.  W.  H.  P, 
Greswell, 


Additions  to  the  Library. 

History  of  Anthropology,  by  A.  C.  Haddon,  F.R.S. 

The  Bardon  Papers — documents  relating  to  Mary  Queen  of 
Scots,  by  Conyers  Kead  and  Charles  Cotton. 

Dorset  Field  Club  Proceedings.,  vols.  I  and  IV  (completing  the 
series). 

Biographical  Dictionary  of  English  Literature,  by  J.  W. 
Cousin. 

Atlas  of  Ancient  and  Classical  Geography. 

Parish  Churches  on  the  Sites  of  Romano-British  Chapels,  by 
Montagu  Sharp. 

Report  of  Old  Sarum  Excavation  Fund,  \  909. 

Homeland  Handbook,  no.  51,  Yeovil,  by  F.  R.  Heath. 

Homeland  Handy  Guides  for  Clevedon,  Cheddar,  Glastonbury, 
and  Watchet  and  district. 

The  Builder,  Aug.  20th,  1892,  containing  R.  W.  Paul's  illus- 
trations of  Taunton  and  neighbourhood. 

Country  Life,  (1)  Jan.  1st,  1910,  article  on  Somerset  club- 
brasses,  by  Jas.  Kelway;  (2)  Feb.  22nd,  1908,  Nettle- 
combe  Church  plate;  (3)  May  21st,  1910,  article  on 
Chelvey  Court. 

Country  Home,  July,  1910,  Montacute  House,  by  F.  W.  G. 
Blyth. 

The  Bazaar,  Aug.  29th,  1910,  Wincanton  Pottery,  by  G. 
Sweetman. 

Hull  Museum  Publications,  nos.  68-73,  75. 

From  East  to  West  vid  Glastonbury,  by  J.  H.  Spencer,  "Banner 
of  Israel,"  June  30th  and  Aug.  25th,  1910. 

Correspondence  on  the  Golden  Torque  as  a  Hebrew  Ornament, 
"Banner  of  Israel,"  Apr.  13th,  1910;  British  Torques, 
do.,  June  15th  and  July  20th,  1910. 

First  Report  of  the  Royal  Commission  for  Ancient  Monuments 
of  Wales. 

Bath  and  Wells  Diocesan  Directory  and  Almanack,  1910. 

Whitaker's  Almanack,  1911. 


DONATIONS  TOWARDS  THE 

DiamonD  3|utnlee  (J908)  jFunli 

FOE  THE  EXTENSION  AND  RE-ARRANGEMENT  OF  THE  MUSEUM 

AND  LIBRARY  AT  TAUNTON  CASTLE,  UP  TO 

FEBRUARY  IST,  1911. 


Amount  previously  acknow- 
ledged in  Proc.,  LV,  1909, 
pt.  i,  p.  113  

Sir  C.  T.  D.  Acland,  Bart.   10 

E.  Cay  Adams,  Esq. 
Rev.  D.  P.  Alford... 
Robert  Alford,  Esq. 

F.  J.  Allen,  Esq.,  M.D.     ... 
Miss  H.   M.   Alleyne  (2nd 

donation) 

Rev.  E.  G.  Austen 
T.    H.   M.   Bail  ward,    Esq. 

(2nd  don. £10;  3rd  don. £5)  15 

Rev.  S.  0.  Baker 

Messrs.  Barnicott  &  Pearce 

(2nd  donation)    ... 
Major  Wm.  Barrett 
J.  J.  J.  Barstow,  Esq.      ... 
Col.  J.  Mount  Batten,  C.B. 

Col.  Cary  Batten 

Mrs.  Bennett 

L.  C.  H.  Birkbeck,  Esq.  ... 

The  Bishop  of  Bath  &  Wells  10 

W.  F.  Blake,  Esq. 

Rev.  R.  S.  Bond  (2nd  don.) 

Percy  Boord,  Esq 

Rev.  Preb.   H.   Bothamley 

(2nd  donation)     ... 
H.  H.  P.  Bouverie,  Esq.  (2nd 

don.  £30 ;  3rd  don.  £13)  43 
R.  C.  Boyle,  Esq.  ... 
Miss  E.  M.  Bramble 
W.  B.  Broadmead,  Esq.  (2nd 

don.  £50;   3rd  don.  £5)  55 
Edmund  Broderip,  Esq. 
David  Brown,  Esq. 
Robert  Brown,  Esq. 
C.  E.  Burnell,  Esq. 
T.  S.  Bush,  Esq.     ... 


£  s. 

d. 

54  2 

0 

10  0 

0 

1  1 

0 

0  10 

0 

0  10 

6 

0  10 

6 

1  1 

0 

0  10 

6 

15  0 

0 

1  1 

0 

1  1 

0 

5  0 

0 

2  2 

0 

5  0 

0 

2  2 

0 

3  3 

0 

0  10 

0 

10  0 

0 

5  5 

0 

0  10 

6 

1  1 

0 

2  2 

0 

13  0 

0 

1  0 

0 

0  10 

6 

55  0 

0 

5  0 

0 

0  10 

6 

0  5 

0 

1  1 

0 

0  10 

6 

Thos.  Carr,  Esq 

Jonathan  Carr,  Esq. 

Rev.  H.  A.  Cartwright    ... 

J.  0.  Cash,  Esq 

G.  P.  Chamberlain,  Esq. ... 
T.  Charbonnier,  Esq.  (2nd 

donation) 

W.  S.  Clark,  Esq.  (2nd  don.) 

Roger  Clark,  Esq 

C.  P.  Clarke,  Esq 

E.  Clatworthy,  Esq. 
Prof.  John  Cleland,  F.B.S. 
Rev.  Preb.  J.  Coleman 
Rev.  J.  A.  W.  Collins       ... 
J.  E.  Commans,  Esq. 
Gerald  B.  Coney,  Esq. 
T.  W.  Cowan,  Esq.,  F.L.S. 
Mrs.  Dinham 

Miss  Duberly          

Rev.  W.  T.  Dyne 

John  Dyson,  Esq.  (2nd  don. 

£3  3s. ;  3rd  don.  £2  7s.) 
Sir  E.  H.  Elton,  Bart.  (2nd 

donation)... 

Maj.-Genl.  A.  L.  Emerson 
C.  E.  J.  Esdaile,  Esq.  (2nd 

donation)  ... 

Mrs.  Ewing  (2nd  donation) 
Lord  Justice  Farwell  (2nd 

don.  £10;   3rd  don.  £5) 
W.  H.  Fisher,  Esq. 

E.  A.  Foster,  Esq.  (2nd  don.) 
Gerald  Fowler,  Esq. 

F.  F.  Fox,  Esq.  (2nd  don.) 
Rev.  J.  C.  Fox 

Mrs.  C.  H.  Fox      

J.  Howard  Fox,  Esq. 
F.  Hugh  Fox,  Esq. 
Joseph  H.  Fox,  Esq. 


£  s.  d. 

1  1  0 

1  1  0 

1  1  0 

1  1  0 

0  10  6 


1  0 


500 
200 
1  1  0 
1  1  0 
1  1  0 

0  10  0 

1  1  0 
1  1  0 
1  0  0 
200 
1  1  0 
1  0  0 
0  10  0 

5  10  0 

330 
0  10  6 

500 
200 

15  0  0 
220 

0  10  6 

1  1  0 
500 
110 
220 


1  1 
1  1 


220 


DIAMOND  JUBILEE  (1908)  FUND— continued. 


E.  T.  D.  Foxcroft,  Esq.  (2nd 

donation) ...          ..         ...     5 

Francis  J.   Fry,    Esq.   (2nd 

don.  £20;    3rd  don.  £5)  25 
Sir  Edward  Fry,  G.C.B.  (2nd 

donation)  ... 

E.  A.  Fry,  Esq 

Mrs.  E.  A.  Fry       ...         _ 

Rev.  Preb.  I.  S.  Gale 

H.  Gervis,  Esq.,  M.D.,  F.S.A. 

Rev.  H.  Gibbon     

H.  Martin  Gibbs,  Esq.  (2nd 

donation)  ...         

Geo.  Gibbs,  Esq.    ... 

J.   W.    Gilford,    Esq.    (2nd 

donation) ... 

A.  H.  Giles,  Esq. 

C.  J.  Goodland,  Esq. 
Messrs.  E.  Goodman  &  Son 
A.   R.  Graham,   Esq.   (2nd 

don.  £1;  3rd  don.  £1  Is.) 
John  Grubb,  Esq.  ... 
Lady  Theodora  Guest 
H.  H.  Hallett,  Esq. 
Rev.  Preb.  J.  Hamlet 
Mrs.  A.  Hammett  .. 
Rev.  Preb.F.  Hancock,  F.S.A. 

(2nd  donation)  ... 
Rev.  E.  H.  Bates  Harbin 

(2nd  donation)  ... 
Sholto  H.  Hare,  Esq. 
Miss  Elisabeth  Harrold  ... 

Col.  C.  H.  Henley 

The  Rt.  Hon.  H.  Hobhouse 

(3rd  donation) 
W.  S.  Hodgkinson,  Esq.  ... 
Mrs.  Hook  (2nd  donation) 
E.  J.   Hoskins,    Esq.   (2nd 

don.  £2  ;  3rd  don.  £1  Is.) 
H.W.  P.  Hoskyns,  Esq.  ... 
Rev.  C.  H.  B.  Hudson  ... 

W.  A.  Hunt,  Esq 

Mrs.  W.  A.  Hunt 

J.  Cooke  Hurle,  Esq.  (2nd 

donation)  ... 
Lord  Hylton,  F.S.A. 
J.  W.  J.  (2nd  donation)    ... 
Lord  James  of  Hereford   ... 
Sir  Walter  Jenner,  Bart.  ... 


0     0 
0     0 


1    1 

0 

1    1 

0 

1   1 

0 

0  10 

6 

1    1 

0 

1    1 

0 

5    0 

0 

0  10 

0 

5    5 

0 

2    0 

0 

1     1 

0 

0  10 

6 

2 

0 

1 

0 

10 

0 

1 

0 

1 

0 

1 

0 

220 


10    0 

0 

0  10 

6 

2    2 

0 

1     0 

0 

00    0 

0 

1    1 

0 

1     0 

0 

3     1 

0 

1    0 

0 

1     1 

0 

0  10 

6 

0  10 

6 

1   1 

0 

5    0 

0 

0  10 

6 

3    3 

0 

1     1 

0 

H.  W.  B.  Joseph,  Esq.     ... 
Wm.  K  el  way,  Esq. 
James  Kelway,  Esq. 
St.D.M.Kemeys-Tynte,Esq. 
J.  E.  Kingsbury,  Esq. 

Col.  H.  Kirk  wood 

F.   H.    Knight,   Esq.    (2nd 

donation) 

Rev.  G.  M.  Lambrick 

F.  W.  Lawrence,  Esq.  (2nd 
donation)  ... 

Rev.  G.  H.  Lewis 

E.  Liddon,  Esq.,  M.D.  (2nd 
donation)  ... 

W.  H.  Lloyd,  Esq. 

Col.  W.  Long,  C.M.G.  (2nd 

donation) 
A.  F.  Luttrell,  Esq. 

G.  S.  Lysaght,  Esq. 

Sir  Henry  Maxwell-Lyte  . . . 
W.  H.  Maidlow,  Esq.,  M.D. 
Rev.  C.  D.  E.  Malet 
Heber  Mardon,  Esq. 
Major  Wm.  Marwood-Elton 
Mrs.  Hartley  Maud 
H.  Maynard,  Esq. ... 
Miss  May  Meade-King     ... 
Dr.  R.  L.  Meade-King  (2nd 

donation) 

The  Rt.  Hon.  J.  W.  Mellor, 

P.O.,  K.C.    ... 

J.  Meredith,  Esq.,  M.D.    ... 
W.  D.  Miller,  Esq. 

F.  S.  Moore,  Esq 

John  Morland,  Esq. 

C.  F.  Moysey,  Esq. 
Museum  Box 
E.  Milles  Nelson,  Esq. 
George  Norman,  Esq. 

H.  P.  Olivey,  Esq 

H.  M.  Page,  Esq.,  M.D.    ... 
H.  P.  Palmer,  Esq. 
Pamphlets   ... 
J.    B.    Paynter,   Esq.   (2nd 

donation)... 
Alfred  Peace,  Esq. 
The  Hon.  Wm.  Peel,  M.P.... 
T.  S.  Penny,  Esq.  (2nd  don.) 
W.  R.  Phelips,  Esq. 


121 

£  s.  d. 
1  1  0 
0  10  6 
050 
0  10  6 

0  10    6 
220 

1  1     0 

0  10    6 

550 

1  1     0 

550 
220 


100 
110 
500 
220 
0  10  6 

0  10    6 
220 

1  1     0 


1  1  0 
0  10  6 
0  10  6 


0  10  6 

220 

0  10  6 

1  1  0 

0  10  6 

1  1  0 
0  10  6 

0  10  6 
220 

1  1  0 

0  10  6 

1  1  0 
0  10  0 
0    1  6 


1     1  0 

1     1  0 

10  10  0 

1     1  0 

1     1  0 


Vol.  L  VI  (Third  Series,  Vol.  X  VI),  Part  I. 


122 


DIAMOND  JUBILEE  (1908)  FUND— continued. 


£  s.  d. 

Alfred  Pope,  Esq.,  F.S.A.  ...  1  1  0 
The  Viscount  Portman  (2nd 

donation) 50  0  0 

Wm.  Ransom,  Esq.,  F.S.A.  10  0  0 

F.  W.  Roberts,  Esq.  ...  1  1  0 

Rev.  D.  M.  Ross 0  10  0 

W.  C.  Rowcliffe,  Esq.  ...  1  0  0 

Capt.  G.  A.  Ruck 0  10  0 

F,  G.  Sage,  Esq 110 

J.  E.  Schunck,  Esq.  ...  10  10  0 

H.  B.  Sheppard,  Esq.  ...  1  1  0 

Comdr.  the  Hon.  H.N. Shore  0  10  0 

The  Misses  Smith 1  0  0 

A.  F.  Somerville,  Esq.  (2nd 

donation) 500 

Rev.  J.  A.  Sorby 110 

Col.  G.  D.  Stawell 0  10  6 

Rev.  F.  Sterry  100 

Wm.  Stoate,  Esq 1  1  0 

TheHon.H.B.T.Strangways  1  1  0 

T.  N.  Sully,  Esq 1  1  0 

Ernest  Swan  wick,  Esq.  (2nd 

donation)...          ..         ...110 

H.  Symonds,  Esq.,  F.S.A. 

(2nd  donation) 3  3  0 

Taunton  Field  Club  ...  5  0  0 

Theo.  Taylor,  Esq.  ...  1  1  0 
Rev.  C.  S.  Taylor,  F.S.A. 

(2nd  donation)  0  10  6 

Ed.  J.  Thatcher,  Esq.  ...  2  2  0 
Miss  Archer  Thompson  (2nd 

donation)  ...         ...         ...  200 

Admiral  P.  F.  Tillard  (2nd 

donation) 220 

Mrs.  C.  Tite  500 

Rev.  H.  Toft  0  10  6 

E.  C.  Trepplin,  Esq.,  F.S.A.  220 

Ed.  Trevelyan,  Esq.  ...  1  1  0 
Sir  Walter  Trevelyan,  Bart. 

(2nd  donation)  220 

E.  B.  Cely  Trevilian,  Esq.  10  0  0 

Capt.  Troy te-Bullock  ...  1  0  0 


£  *.  d. 
F.  Fox  Tuckett,  Esq.  (2nd 

donation) ...         ...         ...     200 

H.  G.  Turner,  Esq.  ...     2    2    0 

Mrs.  E.  B.  Tylor    ...         ...     1     1     0 

Maj.-Gen.  Utterson,  C.B. 

(2nd  donation)  1  17  0 

Henry  Vassall,  Esq.  ...  2  2  0 

Mrs.  Vawdrey  0  10  0 

C.  R,  Wainwright,  Esq.  ...  1  1  0 
J.  E.  W.  Wakefield,  Esq. ...  10  10  0 
The  Rt.  Hon.  Earl  Walde- 

grave  1  10 

Rev.  F.  W.  Weaver,  F.S.A. 

(2nd  donation)  2  2  0 

Chas.  Weaver,  Esq.  (2nd 

donation)...  110 

Francis  Were,  Esq.  (2nd 

donation) 0  10  6 

Mrs.  E.  M.  Whitting  (2nd 

donation) 0  10  0 

Lt.-Col.  C.  E.  Whitting  (2nd 

donation)  ...         ...         ...     110 

Miss  Wigram  (2nd  don.)  ..110 
Geo.  A.  Wills,  Esq.  (1st  and 

2nd  donations  £5  each)  ...  10  0  0 
H.  H.  W.  Wills,  Esq.  (2nd 

donation) ...  500 

W.  B.  Winckworth,  Esq. ...  1  1  0 
Lord  Winterstoke  of  Blag- 
don  (2nd  donation)  ...  10  0  0 
T.  H.  R.  Win  wood,  Esq. 

(2nd  donation)  1  10 

Rev.  H.  H.  Winwood  (2nd 

donation) 220 

Lt.-Col.  S.  H.  Woodhouse  220 
Miss  J.  L.  Woodward  (the 

late)  (2nd  donation)  ...  1  0  0 
Rev.  J.  Worthington  (2nd 

donation) 0  10    6 

Total    £1,052  16    0 


PROCEEDINGS 

OF    THE 

SOMERSETSHIRE  ARCHAEOLOGICAL  AND 
NATURAL  HISTORY  SOCIETY 

DURING    THE    YEAR 
1910. 


PART  II.— PAPERS,  ETC. 


JJnstorp  of  t&e  egjanor  of  jQetoton 

BY    THE    REV.    E.    H.    BATES    HARBIN,    M.A. 


THE  manor  of  Newton  is  not  mentioned  separately  in  the 
Domesday  Survey,  and  must  have  been  contained  in  one 
of  the  two  estates  which  included  Yeovil.  From  its  position 
it  was  probably  part  of  the  estate  of  William  de  Eu,  who  had 
for  his  under-tenant  Hugh  Maltravers.  Although  de  Eu's 
attainder  for  rebellion  against  William  Ruf  us  did  not  disturb 
the  tenure  of  the  under-tenant,  whose  name  still  survives  in 
Hendford  Maltravers,  some  portion  certainly  fell  to  the  Crown. 
A  member  of  the  royal  family,  whom  a  jury  in  1219  could  not 
identify  nearer  than  "the  daughter  of  a  certain  king"  (filia 
cvjusdam  regis),  bestowed  a  part  called  the  free  tenement  of 
Yeovil  on  the  parish  church  of  St.  John  in  free  and  perpetual 
alms.  There  is  good  reason  for  believing  that  the  Empress 
Maud  Avas  intended  under  this  obscure  designation.1  By  a 
grant  from  the  Crown  Newton  was  created  a  separate  manor, 
rated  at  one  hide,  to  be  held  in  petit  serjeanty  by  the  annual 
1.  Proc.  Som.  Arch.  Soc.,  xxxii,  i,  19  ;  xliv,  ii,  203. 
Vol.  L  VI  (Third  Series,  XVI),  Part  II.  a 


2  History  of  the  Manor  of  Newton   tfttrmaville. 

service  of  rendering  a  tablecloth  of  ten  ells  measure  and  a 
towel  of  five  ells  to  the  Exchequer  at  the  feast  of  St.  Michael.1 

The  earliest  reference  to  Newton  that  I  have  been  able  to 
find  is  given  in  a  Final  Concord  made  at  Guildford,  28th  Jan., 
1208  (9  John).  The  parties  to  this  were  Robert  de  Monasterio 
and  Matilda  his  wife,  by  Robert  himself  in  his  wife's  place, 
plaintiffs,  and  William  Walensis  and  Emma  his  wife,  tenents, 
by  William  himself  in  his  wife's  place,  for  one  third  part  of 
the  villes  of  Waie  and  Newenton  and  Sideliz,  which  Robert 
and  Matilda  claimed  as  her  dower  by  gift  from  Ralph  son  of 
Ruand,  formerly  her  husband.  This  gift  having  been  acknow- 
ledged by  the  tenents,  Robert  and  Matilda  surrendered  it  in 
consideration  of  an  annuity  of  thirty  shillings  during  Matilda's 
life.2 

Waie  and  Sideliz  are  in  Dorsetshire.  The  former  is  one  of 
several  manors  of  that  name  recorded  in  Domesday,  mostly 
small,  which  compose  the  modern  parishes  of  Upway  and 
Broadway ;  the  latter  is  perhaps  part  of  Upsydling  in  the 
parish  of  Sydling  St.  Nicholas.  As  Alured  de  Lincoln 
obtained  the  custody  of  these  lands  in  1232,  we  must  probably 
in  Domesday  look  for  these  manors  which  were  then  held  by 
Alured's  ancestress,  Hawisia  widow  of  Hugh  Fitzgrip  of 
Wareham,  and  afterwards  wife  of  Alured  of  Lincoln.3  But  in 
Domesday  one  of  the  manors  called  Waie,  which  had  belonged 
to  Hugh  Fitzgrip,  was  then  in  the  king's  hands,  and  it  is 
highly  probable  that  there  it  remained.  In  the  return  of 
knights'  fees,  made  in  1166,  under  the  heading  "  De  dono 
Domini  Regis  de  purchasiis  Episcopi  Sarisbiriensis  "  appears 
the  name  of  Rualent  (Lib.  Niger)  or  Rualet  de  Waie  (Lib. 
Ruler ,  i,  218)  as  holding  one-and-a-half  knight's  fees.  Either 
Rualent  (or  Ruand)  or  his  son  Ralph  must  have  been  the 

1.  Liber  Ruber,  ii,  547. 

2.  Dorset  Records,  pt.  ixr  p.  18.     Fed.  Fin.,  9  John,  divers  cos. 

3.  Eyton,  Dorset  Survey,  78.     Som.  and  Dors.  N.  and  0.,  iv,  art.  35 :  vi, 
art.  27. 


History  of  the  Manor  of  Newton  Surmaville.  3 

donee  of  Newton,  as  the  wording  of  the  Final  Concord  shows 
that  Emma  Walensis  was  her  father's  heir. 

Her  stepfather,  Robert  de  Monasterio,  may  have  been 
descended  from  William  de  M.  who  in  1086  held  part  of 
Blandford  St.  Mary.  In  1166  among  the  knights  of  Alured 
de  Lincoln  were  William  de  M.  holding  three  fees  and  Robert 
de  M.  with  half  a  fee.  William  also  held  one  fee  of  Cerne 
Abbey  and  two  hides  of  Milton  Abbey.  Matilda  de 
Monasterio  may  have  married  for  the  third  time  William  de 
Wytefeud,  but  the  evidence  is  not  quite  clear.1 

We  will  therefore  return  to  Emma  Walensis,  or  de  Waie, 
the  most  important  individual  in  the  concord  of  1208.  On  her 
death  in  1221  a  jury,  composed  of  Milode  Hundeston,  John  de 
Marisco,  Richard  de  Happelby,  Richard  de  Cantilupe,  John 
Viel,  John  de  Cokeford,  and  many  others,  found  that  Emma 
de  Waie  held  one  hide  of  land  in  Niweton  of  the  king  by  the 
service  mentioned  above,  and  that  Philip  de  Salmunvill  her 
son  was  her  nearest  heir.2 

As  several  of  the  jurors,  and  William  Walensis,  served  on 
the  jury  which  enquired  into  the  liberties  of  Yeovil  church 
in  1219,  it  is  probable  that  the  jury  of  1221  met  at  Yeovil  or 
Ilchester.  The  first  husband  of  Emma  belonged  to  the 
Norman  family  of  Sarmonville,  or  Salmonville  as  it  is  in- 
differently written.  This  is  a  small  village  about  nine  miles 
north-east  of  Rouen.  The  family  was  resident  in  Dorsetshire 
at  an  early  date,  as  in  1166  Philip  de  Sarmunville  held  half  a 
knight's  fee  of  Alured  de  Lincoln  ;  and  his  holding  was  no 
doubt  Langton  Sarmavile  (but  now  Herring),  which  in 
Domesday  was  held  by  the  king  and  the  widow  of  Hugh 
Fitzgrip.  As  it  is  hardly  likely  that  Philip  was  the  husband 
of  a  lady  who  was  living  in  1221,  we  must  suppose  that  his 
son  (whose  Christian  name  is  not  on  record)  was  the  first 

1.  Dorset  Eecords,  pt.  ix,  p.  45,     Fed.  Fin.  12  Hen.  Ill,  no.  91. 

2.  Inq.  p.  ra.  Henry  III,  anno  incerto,  but  the  sheriff  named  therein  held 
that  office  1221-2. 


4  History  of  the  Manor  of  Newton  Surmaville. 

husband  of  Emma  de  Waie,  and  after  being  the  father  of 
Philip  de  Salmtmvill  died  before  1208.  In  1227  Jordan  de 
Sarmunville  quitclaimed  to  Philip  de  Sarmunville,  after  an 
assize  of  Mort  Dancester,  all  his  rights  to  two  hides  of  land  in 
Langeton  and  Waie,  receiving  in  return  a  moiety  of  the 
manor  of  Stertes  (Sterthill  in  Burton  Bradstock)  with  the 
capital  messuage  and  garden,  saving  to  Philip  and  his  heirs 
the  advowson  of  the  said  ville.  This  looks  like  an  arrange- 
ment between  two  brothers. 

After  the  death  of  Emma  de  Waie  in  1221,  who  according 
to  the  custom  of  the  period  was  known  by  the  name  of  her 
estate  in  preference  to  that  of  her  father  or  her  husband, 
Philip  de  Sarmunville  recovered  Newton  from  William  le 
Waleis  in  exchange  for  one  hundred  shillings  as  the  result  of 
an  action  tried  at  the  Assizes,  1225.  The  wording  of  the 
record  seems  to  imply  that  William  had  tried  to  back  out  of 
his  bargain  by  a  denial  of  the  facts,  for  which  he  was  left  in 
the  king's  mercy.1  A  note  in  the  Pipe  Roll  for  1228  records 
that  Philip  had  accounted  at  the  Exchequer  for  his  annual 
service. 

Philip  married  Beatrix,  daughter  of  William,  son  of  Roger, 
and  widow  of  Gerard  de  Clist,  and  endowed  her  with  an  hide 
of  land  at  Newton.2  During  their  lifetime  they  gave  to  the 
Abbey  of  Torre  in  Devonshire  the  church  of  Hennock  which 
was  the  inheritance  of  the  said  Beatrix. 

Philip  died  in  1232,  as  in  that  year  the  king  granted  to 
Alured  de  Lincoln  for  ten  marks  the  custody  of  the  lands 
which  he  had  held,  notwithstanding  that  the  said  Philip  held 
of  the  king  in  capite  a  carucate  of  land  in  Newton  by  the  afore- 
said service.  In  1236  Beatrix  de  Sarmonvill  accounted  at  the 
Exchequer  for  one  mark  for  not  prosecuting  a  suit,  and  1241 
she  accounted  for  another  mark  for  withdrawing  her  suit.3 

1.  S.JR.S.,  xi,  p.  70  ;  Assize  Roll,  9  Hen.  Ill,  314. 

2.  Close  Rolls,  12  March,  1232. 

3.  Rot.  Pip.,  quoted  in  Hutchins'    "Dorset,"  ii,  744;  from  which  work 
most  of  the  Dorsetshire  references  are  taken. 


History  of  the  Manor  of  Newton   Surmaville.  5 

Philip's  family  consisted  of  three  daughters  who  were  all 
married  bj  1243.  At  the  Assizes  held  at  Ilchester  that  year 
the  jurors  for  Stone  Hundred  returned  that  Geoffrey  de 
Warmill  and  Margaret  his  wife,  Thomas  de  Crukert  and  Joan 
his  wife,  and  Henry  de  Milleburn  and  Cecily  his  wife,  hold  one 
hide  of  laud  in  Newton  of  the  king  in  serjeanty  by  the  afore- 
said service.  In  spite  of  the  order  given  to  the  daughters 
there  is  plenty  of  evidence  that  Johanna  (Joan),  generally 
known  as  de  Sormaville,  was  the  eldest,  in  confirmation  of  the 
editor's  note  on  the  above  return  that  though  the  ladies  were 
apparently  co-heiresses,  lands  held  in  serjeanty  had  been 
treated  as  incapable  of  partition,  and  the  eldest  daughter  could 
claim  the  whole.1 

Cecily  de  Milleburn  does  not  appear  again  as  interested  in 
the  manor,  and  was  either  bought  out,  or  died  childless. 

Thomas  de  Crukert  was  the  owner  of  Cricket  St.  Thomas 
in  South  Petherton  hundred,  most  probably  descended  from 
William  de  Cruket  who  held  two  knight's  fees  in  1166  of 
Henry  Lovell.  Ralph  de  Cruket  was  a  juror  at  the  Taunton 
Assizes  in  1201  ;  and  was  a  royal  verderer  for  the  county  in 
1232.  Thomas  de  Cricket  died  before  the  close  of  the  reign 
of  Henry  III.  In  the  Patent  Eoll,  1  Edw.  I,  1272,  is  the 
appointment  of  Henry  de  Wollavington  to  take  the  assize  of 
novel  disseisin  arraigned  by  Mabel  Gidye  against  John  de 
Cricket  and  others  touching  a  tenement  in  Newton.  In 
Kirkby's  "Quest,"  1284-5,  Johannes  de  Cryket  and  William 
de  Sarneville  held  a  moiety  of  Nyweton  et  Samaville  by  the 
serjeanty  aforesaid,  and  the  other  moiety  of  William  de 
Gowys.2  On  the  death  of  William  Gouiz  in  1299  it  was  found 
that  Johanna  de  Cruket  held  of  him  half  a  knight's  fee  in 
Nyweton  to  her  and  her  heirs,  of  the  annual  value  of  twenty 
shillings.  She  pays  nothing  but  renders  royal  service.3 

1.  S.  R.S.i  xi,  no.  867,  and  note. 

2.  "  Feudal  Aids,  "  iv,  274. 

3.  Hutchins'  "Dorset,"  iii,  695. 


6  History  of  the  Manor  of  Newton   Surmaville. 

This  evidence  would  imply  that  the  Patent  Rolls  and 
Kirkby's  "  Quest "  have  erred  in  entering  John  instead  of 
Johanna  (de  Sormaville  or  Cricket),  who  certainly  held  Newton 
at  her  death  in  1307.  There  was,  however,  a  John  de  Cricket 
living  at  this  period,  who  in  1296  granted  lands  and  the 
advowson  of  the  chapel  in  Estham  (in  Crewkerne),  the 
property  of  his  wife  Joan,  to  Geoffrey  de  Ashlond,1  and 
Michael,  grandson  of  Johanna  owned  a  moiety  of  Estham  as 
will  appear  later.  It  is  possible  that  John  de  Cricket  was  the 
eldest  son  of  Johanna  and  died  before  his  mother  without  an 
heir ;  or  that  William  was  his  son. 

The  exact  date  of  the  death  of  Johanna  de  Sormaville  is 
illegible  in  the  Inquisition  post  mortem,  but  this  was  held  at 
Somerton  the  6th  July,  35  Ed.  I,  1307.  The  jury  found  that 
she  held  in  Nyweton  Sormavile  one  messuage  with  a  garden, 
66  acres  of  land,  1  acre  of  wood  and  another  of  pasture,  and  2 
acres  of  alder  grove,  in  petty  serjeanty  by  the  abovenamed 
service.  Also  that  there  were  five  free  tenants,  of  whom 
William  de  Warmewelle  held  a  messuage,  22  acres  of  land, 
and  3sh.  4d.  rent,  paid  on  the  festival  of  the  exaltation  of  the 
Holy  Cross  (14th  September)  ;  John  Godwyn  held  12  acres  of 
land  and  paid  1  Ib.  of  cumin  seed  at  Michaelmas  ;  William  de 
Wontesleigh  held  10  acres  of  land  and  paid  6d.  at  the  festival 
of  the  Purification  ;  Henry  de  Rixchyvel  held  5  acres  of  land 
and  paid  I2d.  at  Michaelmas,  and  Ralph  Sallman  held  10 
acres  of  land  and  paid  18  pence.  There  was  also  one  villein 
who  held  a  messuage  and  10  acres  of  land  and  paid  18  pence 
by  half-yearly  payments,  and  two  cottagers  who  paid  12  pence 
and  9  pence  respectively.  The  jury  then  delivered  a  second 
finding  that  the  property  was  held  of  William  de  Gouiz,  who 
was  nephew  and  co-heir  of  the  late  Alured  de  Lincoln,  and  left 
two  daughters,  Johanna  the  wife  of  John  Latimer,  and  Alice 
wife  of  Robert  le  Musteres.  Finally,  that  William  de 
Crucket  was  her  son  and  heir,  aged  thirty  years  and  more.2 

1.  Fed.  Fin.  24  Ed.  I,  25 ;  S.B.S.,  vi,  295. 

2.  Inq.  p.  m.,  35  Ed.  I,  no.  36. 


History  of  the  Manor  of  Newton   Surmaville.  7 

William  de  Crucket  (or  de  Sarmaville)  as  heir  of  his  father 
held  Cryket  (St.  Thomas)  of  Richard  Lovel  for  one  quarter 
of  a  knight's  fee  in  1303.1  In  1296  Geoffrey  de  Wermwell 
and  William  de  Cruket  held  one  quarter  of  a  knight'  s  fee  in 
Southwaje  in  Culford  Hundred.  William  was  dead  in  1313, 
and  the  jury  on  the  Inquisition  post  mortem  found  that  he  held 
divers  lands  in  Nyweton  Sormanville  in  petit  serjeanty  by  the 
service  as  above,  also  the  ville  of  Cricket  held  of  Richard 
Lovel ;  and  in  Dorsetshire  a  water  mill  at  Waye  Ry wand2  and 
divers  lands  in  Bradeway  ;  and  that  Michael  his  son  and  heir 
was  forty  years  old  and  more.3 

In  1303  Michael  de  Cricket  held,  with  Galfrid  de  Aslond, 
Estham,  Langebrigg,  and  the  tenure  of  Henry  de  Legh,  of 
William  de  Cryket  for  one  quarter  of  a  knight's  fee4  :  and  he 
presented  to  the  chapel  of  Estham  in  1313.  But  before  long 
he  had  to  part  with  all  the  lands  in  Somerset  and  Dorset.  In 
1315  he  conveyed  to  Richard  de  Cruket  (his  son)  and  Cristina 
his  wife  and  the  heirs  of  their  body  a  messuage,  mill,  and 
other  property  in  Brodewaye  and  Wayerwant  with  reversion 
to  Michael.5  He  also  conveyed  to  his  son  at  a  date  not  yet 
known,  Cricket  St.  Thomas  ;  and  in  1327  Richard  and  Cristina 
sold  the  manor  and  advowson  to  Walter  de  Rodneye.6  In 
1318  the  Patent  Rolls  record  a  pardon  to  John  Musket  for 
acquiring  in  fee  without  licence  a  messuage,  a  carucate  of 
land,  and  20sh.  rent  in  Newenton  Sameville  from  Michael  de 
Cruket  tenant  in  chief,  for  a  fine  of  one  mark.  In  1317 
Michael  and  Isabella  his  wife  granted  five  acres  of  land  in 
Hewenebar  (parish  of  Hardington  Mandeville)  to  Walter  and 
Nicholas  de  Helmendone  with  reversion  to  Michael  and  Isabella 

1.  "Feudal  Aids,"  iv,  315. 

2.  Grant  of  a  mill  called  Criketsmull  in  Waye  Ruwant,  15  Ric.  II ;  Cal. 
Anc.  Deeds,  c.  985. 

3.  Inq.  p.  m.  2  Edw.  II,  no.  35. 

4.  "  Feudal  Aids,"  Somerset,  iv,  317- 

5.  Fed.  Fin.,  9  Ed.  II,  95  ;  "Dorset  Records,"  pt.  xii,  283. 

6.  Fed.  Fin.  2  Ed.  III.  24  ;  S.K.S.,  xii,  133. 


8  History  of  the  Manor  of  Newton   Surmaville. 

and  her  heirs.1  In  1321  they  granted  divers  lands  with  a 
moiety  of  the  advowson  of  the  chapel  of  Estham  to  Ivo  and 
Alice  de  Ashlond  and  their  children  Thomas  and  Alice  for 
their  lives,  with  reversion  to  Richard  and  Cristina.2  The 
connection  of  the  family  with  Somersetshire  was  now  practi- 
cally severed,  and  the  only  trace  of  them  at  Newton  is  the 
field-name  of  Cricketsham  still  applied  to  a  portion  of  the 
meadow  near  the  South- Western  railway  bridge. 

The  Musket  family  were  originally  settled  at  Hescombe 
within  the  Hundred  of  Tintinhull  and  apparently  in  the  parish 
of  Brympton,  but  now  unknown.  In  1316  John  Musket  held 
Hetecombe  in  Tintinhull  Hundred;  and  in  the  Taxation  Roll 
of  1327  where  Hescombe  and  Draycote  (in  Limington  parish 
and  Stone  Hundred)  are  conjoined,  John  Musket  heads  the 
list  of  taxpayers  with  a  payment  of  four  shillings.3  In  1309 
Richard  Abbod  conveyed  to  John  Musket  for  one  hundred 
marks  of  silver  a  messuage  and  land  in  Esthestecombe  and 
Westhestecombe4 ;  and  in  1316  Richard  Hervey  conveyed  to 
John  Musket  for  one  hundred  shillings  lands  in  Kyngeston, 
Mershe,  and  Sok  Denys.5  In  1318,  as  stated  above,  John 
Musket  acquired  the  land  of  Michael  de  Cruket  in  Newenton 
Samaville. 

John  Musket  died  4  Jan.,  1351.  The  return  of  the  Inquisi- 
tion post  mortem  taken  at  Yeovil  12th  March,  1351,  shows 
that  he  held  of  the  King  in  capite  by  the  service  of  6sh.  8d.,  a 
messuage  with  a  carucate  of  land  and  20sh.  rent  in  Newenton 
Sarmevill,  worth  40  shillings,  a  messuage  with  a  carucate  of 
land  at  Leghe  of  Richard  de  Chyseldon,  lord  of  Penne 
(Selwood),  and  30  acres  at  Elleneston,  held  of  the  Prior  of 

1.  Fed.  Fin.,  11  Ed.  II,  31,  and  19  Ed.  II,  106. 

2.  Fed.  Fin.  14  Ed.  II,  17. 

3.  S.B.S.,  iii,  224. 

4.  Fed.  Fin.  2  Ed.  II,  18. 

5.  Fed.  Fin.  9  Ed.  II,  62. 


History  of  the  Manor  of  Newton   Surmaville.  9 

Montacute.  His  brother  William,  aged  40  and  more,  was  his 
heir.1 

William  seems  to  have  borrowed  money  from  Robert  de 
Samborne,  Rector  of  Yeovil,  as  in  1358  it  was  found  not  to  the 
King's  damage  to  allow  John  Botor  to  have  again  four  marks 
issuing  from  two-thirds  of  the  manor  of  Newton  Sarmavill, 
acquired  from  Robert  de  Samborne  for  the  life  of  the  said 
Robert,  held  of  William  Musket.2  In  1360  William  Musket 
settled  Newton  (and  probably  Elleneston)  on  his  son  John  and 
his  wife  Alianora.3  John  died  in  1373  ;  the  inquisition  though 
still  in  existence,  is  quite  illegible.4  Alianora  Musket  died 
23rd  Nov.,  1385;  the  inquisition  taken  at  Yeovil  20th  Jan., 
1386,  returned  that  she  held  the  lands  in  Newton  mentioned 
above  by  the  service  of  40  pence,  and  40  acres  of  land  in  the 
same  ville  of  Robert  Latymer  as  of  his  manor  of  Duntish,  and 
30  acres  in  Elneston  within  the  manor  of  Hendford  of 
Reginald  Cobham  ;  and  further  that  Agnes  daughter  of  John 
and  Alianora  and  now  wife  of  John  Holine,  aged  25  and  more 
was  her  daughter  and  heir.5  After  this  date  the  Holine  (or 
Holme)  connection  with  Newton  and  Hescombe  disappears  ; 
so  we  will  return  to  the  fortunes  of  the  remaining  daughter  of 
Philip  de  Sormaville,  Margaret  wife  of  Geoffrey  de  Warmwell. 

This  family  took  their  name  from  a  village  in  South  Dorset, 
where  they  settled  from  very  early  times.  In  the  return  of 
1166  (Liber  Ruber,  I,  215)  Geoffrey  de  Warmewelle  held  one 
knight's  fee  of  Alured  de  Lincoln.  By  a  fine  levied  in  1205 

Idonia,  who  was  the  wife  of  Theodore  de  Warmewelle,  received 

i 

a  life  interest  in  property  in  that  ville.6  In  1235  Geoffrey  de 
Wermwell  and  Adam  Scherard  made  an  arrangement  con- 

1.  Inq.  p.m.  25  Ed.  iii,  17. 

2.  Inq.  p.  TO.  31  Ed.  Ill,  2nd  nos.  13. 

3.  Inq.  p.  m.  33  Ed.  Ill,  2nd  nos.  40. 

4.  Inq.  p.  m.  47  Ed.  Ill,  23. 

5.  Inq.  p.  m.  9  ft.  ii,  36. 

6.  Fed.  Fin.  6  John,  36. 


10  History  of  the  Manor  of  Newton   Surmaville. 

cerning  common  of  pasture  in  Meurrige  with  Eudo  Martel.1 
By  1243  Geoffrey  was  married  to  Margaret  Sormaville,  so 
apparently  he  cannot  be  the  Geoffrey  who  with  Joan  his  wife 
held  half  an  acre  of  land  in  Broadway  in  1240  (Hutchins,  i, 
426),  Geoffrey  de  W.  was  dead  before  the  end  of  Henry 
Til's  reign.  By  a  charter  earlier  than  1269  John  atte 
Bridport  granted  to  Geoffrey  de  W.,  Knt.,  for  10  marcs  of 
silver  all  his  land  in  the  ville  of  Walditch  (co.  Dorset)  to 
which  Sir  Thomas  de  Cricket  was  witness ;  and  by  a  later 
deed,  temp.  Henry  III,  Margaret  late  wife  of  G.  de  W.  in  her 
legal  widowhood  granted  to  Henry  Sherard  with  Eve  her 
daughter  in  frank  marriage  the  whole  of  her  land  in  Wauditch 
by  rent  of  1  Ib.  of  cumrnin  for  all  services  save  royal.  By 
another  charter  dated  at  Wermewelle  the  Thursday  after 
Epiphany,  53  Hen.  Ill  (10  Jan.,  1269),  Margaret  late  wife  of 
Geoffrey  de  W.  granted  to  Adam  son  of  Henry  Sherard  for 
his  homage  and  service  the  rent  of  1  Ib.  of  cummin  which  she 
had  been  accustomed  to  receive  of  Henry  S.  and  Eve  his  wife 
for  the  land  at  Wauditch  which  the  said  Margaret  had  given 
in  frank  marriage  with  Henry  and  Eve  her  daughter. 
(Hutchins,  ii,  208).  The  two  branches  of  the  family  remained 
on  good  terms.  By  a  deed  dated  at  West  Marsh  the  Thurs- 
day after  the  Epiphany,  6  Kic.  II  (8  Jan.,  1383),  Richard  de 
W.  by  his  faithful  in  Christ,  William,  Rector  of  Warmwell 
and  John  Bardolph,  of  Yeovile,  thereby  constituted  his  attornies, 
gives  full  and  peaceful  seizin  of  all  his  lands  in  Warmwell  and 
elsewhere  in  Dorset  to  John  Fauconer  and  Matilda  his  wife 
(sister  of  said  Richard).  In  witness  thereof  he  appended  his 
seal,  but  because  his  seal  was  unknown  to  many  the  seal  of 
Roger  de  Warmwell  was  appended.  Gerard  gives  as  the  arms 
of  Warmwell  "  Three  mulletts,  out  of  a  seale."2 

Another  branch  of  the  family  settled  at   Salisbury,  where 

1.  Fed.  Fin.  Dorset,  20  Hen.  Ill,  119. 

2.  Gerard,  Survey  of  Somerset ;  S.R.S.,  xv,  170. 


History  of  the  Manor  of  Newton   Surmaville.  1 1 

William  Warmwell  was  mayor  in  1380,  and  Robert  Warmwell 
filled  that  office  in  1419  and  1429. 

Geoffrey  and  Margaret  Warmwell  were  succeeded  at  Newton 
by  their  son  William,  born  in  or  about  1247.  He  gave 
evidence  at  an  enquiry  held  in  1297  concerning  the  age  of 
John  de  Meryet,  who  was  born  2nd  April,  1276  ;  and  testified 
that  in  the  same  year  on  the  festival  of  St.  Barnabas  (llth 
June)  he  bought  his  land  at  Newton,  in  the  county  of 
Somerset,  which  he  yet  holds.1  There  is  now  no  record  of 
any  purchase,  and  I  am  inclined  to  think  that  it  may  refer  to 
the  delivery  of  his  free  tenement  in  Newton  after  his  parents' 
death.  He  married  late  in  life,  and  died  in  1307.  The 
Inquisition  held  at  Somerton  4th  July,  1307,  returned  that  he 
held  divers  lands  in  Newton  Sormavyle  of  the  heir  of  Johanna 
de  Sormavyle,  and  with  Alianora  his  wife  held  a  moiety  of 
Pen  Mill  (in  Yeovil) ;  and  that  Richard  de  Warmwell  his  son 
and  heir  is  seven  years  old.2 

In  the  Tax  roll  for  1327  Richard  de  Warmwell  paid  one 
shilling  in  Kingston  (part  of  Yeovil),  but  after  this  date  he 
disappears,  and  was  succeeded  by  Roger  de  Warmwell,  who 
may  have  been  his  son  and  heir.  In  the  great  riot  at  the 
parish  church  of  Yeovil,  on  8th  November,  1349,  when  the 
Bishop  of  the  Diocese  was  treated  with  great  rudeness  and 
violence,  Roger,  being  presumably  young  and  foolish,  was  a 
ringleader,  to  judge  by  the  severity  of  the  punishment  imposed 
upon  him.  He  was  to  perform  public  penance  in  the  churches 
of  Yeovil,  Wells,  Bath,  Glaston,  Bristol,  and  Somerton  ;  make 
a  pilgrimage  in  penitential  manner  to  Christ  Church,  Canter- 
bury, and  pay  20li.  to  the  Bishop.3  He  married  Felicia 
daughter  of  Alice  (husband's  name  not  given),  who  was  niece 
and  co-heir  of  John  de  Preston.  The  uncle  had  died  in  the 
late  autumn  of  1361,  and  his  married  daughter  Elizabeth  de 

1.  Proc.  Som.  Arch.  Soc.,  xviii,  ii,  145. 

2.  Inq.  p.  m.  35  Ed.  I,  17- 

3.  Reg.  Ralph  de  Salopia,  S.R.S.,  x,  599. 


12  History  of  the  Manor  of  Newton   Surmaville. 

Pappeworth  only  survived  him  ten  days,  her  only  child  John 
being  already  dead.1  It  was  the  year  of  the  pestis  secunda9 
which  was  remarkably  fatal  to  the  well-to-do  and  the  young.2 

Roger  died  on  the  8th  April,  1387,  and  his  wife  on  the  25th 
May  in  the  same  year.  The  two  inquisitions  return  that 
Roger  held  one  third  of  the  manor  of  Niweton  Sarmaville  by 
the  service  of  40  pence,  and,  jointly  with  his  wife,  lands,  rents, 
and  reversions  in  Preston  Plucknett,  Sock  Dennis,  West 
Marsh,  Kingston  juxta  Yeovil,  Chilthorne  Domer,  East  Coker 
and  West  Coker.  Their  son  and  heir  was  John  Warmwell 
aged  28  and  more.3 

Like  his  predecessors  John's  name  seldom  occurs  in  the 
records  of  the  time.  The  Episcopal  register  of  10  October, 
1411,  records  a  licence  to  Robert  Langbroke  and  Christiana 
his  wife  to  have  masses  and  other  divine  services  in  a  chapel  or 
simple  oratory  within  the  manor  of  John  Warwelle  at  Newton 
Sarnaville. 

John  died  on  the  8th  September,  1435,  aged  76  or  more. 
The  inquisition  held  at  Yeovil  on  12th  October  was  for  some 
reasons  not  considered  satisfactory,  and  another  was  held  at 
Milborne  Port,  9th  June,  1436.  This  found  that  he  had 
settled  a  messuage  with  a  garden,  one  toft,  half  a  carucate  of 
land,  and  48  acres  of  pasture  in  Nyweton  Sarmavyle  by  a  deed 
dated  llth  October,  1420  (without  the  royal  licence)  upon 
himself  and  his  wife  Margery  for  their  lives,  with  remainder 
to  Ralph  Brett,  of  Caundle  Marsh,  co.  Dorset,  now  dead,  and 
Agnes  his  wife,  in  fee,  and  the  heirs  of  Agnes,  and  in  default 
to  Richard  Peny  and  Alice  his  wife  in  fee,  and  her  heirs,  with 
remainder  to  the  right  heirs  of  the  said  John.  Also  that  by  a 
later  deed,  dated  6th  September,  1425,  he  settled  two  ferlings 
of  land  at  Newton  on  Jane  his  then  wife,  with  remainder  as 
above.  Finally  that  his  heirs  were  his  daughters,  Alice  aged 

1.  Inq.  p.  m.,  35  Ed.  Ill,  ii,  40. 

2.  Creighton,  C.,  "  Epidemics  in  Britain,"  I,  203. 

3.  Inq.  p.  m.,  10  E.  II,  51. 


History  of  the  Manor  of  Newton   Snrmaville.  13 

36,  and  Agnes  aged  32  ;  which  names  the  clerk  has  apparently 
transposed.  Another  inquisition  taken  at  the  same  time  and 
place  gave  the  additional  information  that  Alice  was  now  the 
wife  of  Simon  Blyke.1 

Agnes  Brett  remarried  for  her  second  husband  Tristram 
Burnell,  of  Poyntington.  The  Patent  Rolls  for  20  Hen.  VI 
record  a  licence,  20  June,  1442,  to  Tristram  Burnell  and  Agnes 
his  wife  to  enfeoff  certain  trustees  of  lands  in  Newton 
Surmaville,  to  settle  the  same  on  Tristram  and  Agnes  and  the 
heirs  of  her  body  by  Ralph  Brett,  late  her  husband,  remainder 
to  the  heirs  of  her  body  by  Tristram,  remainder  to  right  heirs 
of  Agnes.2  Her  husband  may  have  been  descended  from  a 
son  or  nephew  of  Robert  Burnell,  Bishop  of  Bath  and  Wells, 
who  left  large  estates  in  .this  county.  Tristram  was  alive  in 
1464  when  he  was  party  to  a  fine  for  settling  lands  in  Yeovil3 ; 
but  predeceased  Agnes  who  died  27th  Dec.,  1478.  The 
Inquisition  taken  at  Ilchester  29th  March,  1479,  returned  that 
Agnes  late  wife  of  Tristram  Burnell  was  seised  of  3  messuages, 
9  tofts,  one  dovecot,  one  garden,  140  acres  of  land,  4  acres  of 
meadow,  254  acres  of  pasture  in  Newton  Sarmaville,  and  of  2 
tofts,  one  curtilage  with  garden  annexed,  and  20  acres  of  land 
in  the  same  ville,  which  were  all  held  by  the  service  of  rendering 
a  towel  and  tablecloth  of  the  value  of  I3sh.  4d.,  and  were 
worth  5  marks ;  and  were  lately  the  property  of  John 
Warmhill ;  also  of  lands  in  Chilthorne  Domer,  Kingston  juxta 
Yeovil,  East  Coker,  and  West  Marsh.  Finally  that  Henry 
her  son  and  heir  was  30  years  old  and  more. 

The  enumeration  of  lands  in  Newton  shows  that  the  whole 
manor  was  now  concentrated  in  one  family,  while  the  dis- 
appearance of  the  free  tenants  and  cottagers  points  to  the  fact 
that  the  land  was  being  laid  down  to  grass.  This  is  amply 
confirmed  by  the  will  of  Henry  Burnell  referred  to  below.  In 

1.  Inq.  p.  m.,  14  Hen.  VI,  31  (3  in  all)  ;  16  Hen.  VI,  22. 

2.  See  also  Fed.  Fin.,  20  Hen.  VI,  12. 

3.  Fed,  Fin.,  3  Ed.  IV,  5. 


14  History  of  the  Manor  of  Newton   Surmavillc. 

1485  John  Lisle,  Esq.,  and  Amicia  his  wife  conveyed  a  con- 
siderable amount  o£  property  in  Crewkerne  to  Henry  Burnell 
and  Isabella  his  wife  and  her  heirs.1  She  also  possessed  other 
property  in  her  own  right  as  will  be  shown  in  the  Inquisition 
p.  m.  Henry's  will  composed  in  English,  5th  Jan.,  1490,  is  a 
long  and  interesting  document.  It  begins  with  a  singular 
disposition  of  his  body,  which  was  to  be  buried  under  the 
High  Altar  of  Sherborne  Abbey,  and  then  after  several 
charitable  bequests,  left  to  his  good  and  loving  wife  all  his 
farm  stock  and  produce  at  Charlton  and  elsewhere.  Also  to 
his  daughter  Jane  20  sheep  and  a  good  weight  of  wool ;  to 
Margaret  200  marks,  if  so  that  she  marry  with  John  Mychell, 
Esq.,  of  Cannington  ;  to  Isabel  100  marks  for  her  marriage  ; 
to  Alice  to  make  her  a  "  nonne  "  in  the  priory  of  Cannington  ; 
100  shillings  to  his  son  Peter  now  being  in  the  college  of 
Winchester  ;  a  legacy  to  his  son  William  ;  and  to  John,  his 
eldest  son,  certain  plate  and  gold  chains.  To  Sir  Henry,  his 
godson,  a  weight  of  good  wool  to  make  him  therewith  a  good 
gown  and  a  hood  ;  and  18  weights  of  wool  not  specifically  dis- 
posed of  to  be  sold  to  the  utmost  value  for  the  legacies  named 
in  the  will.2  The  Inquisition  p.  m.  was  taken  at  Ilchester 
10th  April,  1491. 3  It  returned  that  he  held  the  lands 
enumerated  in  his  mother's  inquisition  and  had  settled  them  by 
a  deed  dated  20  May,  1480.  He  also  held,  apparently  of  his 
wife's  inheritance,  the  manors  of  Byre  Burnell  and  Otehull4 
worth  £17  annually,  held  of  James  Daubeneye.  In  Dorset- 
shire he  held  land  in  Caundel  Marsh,  Fivehead  Nevile,  and 
Lydlinche,  held  of  the  Bishop  of  Salisbury,  settled  on  him  by 
his  parents  by  a  deed  dated  14  Oct.,  1468.5  In  Devonshire  he 
held  the  manor  of  Croke  Burnell,  and  lands  in  Croke  Burnell, 

1.  Fed.  Fin.,  1  Rich.  Ill,  1. 

2.  S.R.S.,  xvi.  290. 

3.  Inq.  p.  m.,  6  H.  VII,  18. 

4.  Bere  and  Oathill  in  Wayford  parish,  formerly  Crewkerne. 

5.  Inq.  p.m.,  C.  ser.  n,  vol.  6  (19). 


History  of  the  Manor  of  Newton   Surmaville.  15 

Croke  Sampforde,  Stone,  and  Holy  Croke,  all  in  the  parish  of 
North  Tawtou.1  Finally  John  is  his  son  and  heir  aged  20  and 
more. 

Isabel,  the  widow,  survived  her  husband  33  years,  and  died 
17th  Feb.,  1524.  The  Inquisition/?,  m.  was  held  at  Yeovil  in 
June  of  that  year.  It  returned  that  she  held  property  in 
Crewkerne,  Cresham  and  Holestowey  in  the  parish  of  Cut- 
combe,  and  in  Harpefford2  of  the  Abbess  of  Caneley,  i.e., 
Canonleigh  in  Devon  ;  and  that  by  a  deed  executed  at  Poynt- 
ington  on  1st  Jan.,  1516,  she  enfeoffed  certain  trustees  of  her 
lands  to  fulfil  her  last  will.  The  recital  of  the  necessary  clauses 
follows,  which  is  very  fortunate  as  the  will  has  disappeared. 
By  it  she  bequeathed  certain  lands  to  her  son  Peter  for  twelve 
years  to  provide  for  an  honest  priest,  secular  and  English,  to 
sing  for  the  souls  of  his  parents,  and  for  a  solemn  dirge  to  be 
sung  in  the  Abbey  Church  of  Sherborne.  If  her  son  John 
should  disinherit  his  heirs,  then  the  lands  should  remain  to 
Peter  for  his  life,  and  afterwards  to  his  sisters.3 

John  had  already  disposed  of  part  of  his  inheritance,  for  by 
a  deed  dated  15th  March,  1510,4he  for  300  marks  sold  to  John 
Compton  4  messuages,  8  tofts,  a  columbarie  called  a  dovehouse, 
a  mill,  231  acres  of  land,  4  acres  of  meadow,  88  acres  of 
pasture  in  Newton  Sermaville  and  elsewhere,  saving  the  life 
interest  of  himself,  his  wife  Dorothy  (daughter  of  William 
Knoul,  of  Sandford  Orcas),  and  his  mother  Isabel  Burnell. 
This  was  a  good  bargain  for  John  Burnell  as  he  lived  till 
1544,  and  then  left  Dorothy  surviving.  His  will  (proved  20th 
November,  1544),  contains  elaborate  directions  for  his  burial 
in  the  chancel  of  Poyntington  church,  with  a  provision  for  a 
priest  to  sing  for  his  soul  for  three  years  in  the  aisle  of  our 

1.  Inq.  p.  m.,  C,  ser.  n,  6  (20). 

2.  Perhaps  Harpford  in  Langford  Budville. 

3.  Inq.  p,  m.,  16  Hen.  VIII,  17. 

4.  Newton  deeds. 


16  History  of  the  Manor  of  Newton   Surmaville. 

Lady.  No  mention  is  made  of  any  relatives  besides  his  wife 
Dorothy  and  his  cousin  William  Portman.1 

John  Compton  was  of  Beckington.  His  grandfather,  also 
John,  in  his  will  made  3rd  May,  1494,  describes  himself  as  a 
clothman,  and  the  legacies  include  pieces  of  woollen  cloth 
valued  at  30  shillings.2  He  was  succeeded  by  another  John, 
whose  will  was  proved  27th  Oct.,  1505.  The  document  shows 
that  the  family  were  prospering.  Two  silver-gilt  candelabra 
were  bequeathed  to  Beckington  church  ;  portions  given  to 
penniless  maidens,  and  legacies  to  the  building  of  Bath  Abbey 
and  the  reparation  of  roads.3  To  him  succeeded  John,  the 
purchaser  of  Newton,  who  died  13th  Oct.,  1510,  and  was 
buried  at  Beckington,  where  his  brass  (given  in  Collinson,  II, 
201)  still  remains  in  the  chancel.  The  family  pedigree, 
recorded  at  the  Heralds'  Visitation  of  159 1,4  places  him  at  the 
beginning.  From  his  elder  brother  Richard  were  descended 
the  families  formerly  resident  at  South  Petherton  and  Sutton 
Bingham.  Thomas,  son  and  heir  of  John,  was  the  first  actual 
owner  of  Newton.  He  died  4th  August,  1551,  and  the 
Inquisition  taken  at  Langport,  5th  November  the  same  year, 
records  that  he  held  the  manor  of  Newton  Surmaville,  which 
he  had  settled  on  himself  and  his  wife  Mary  (daughter  of 
Robert  Hussye,  of  Burley,  Hants),  by  a  deed  dated  20th 
April,  1546,  without  acknowledging  the  life  interest  of 
Dorothy  Burnell,  widow.  He  also  owned  the  manor  of 
Beckington,  and  a  wood  there  formerly  the  property  of 
Mayden  Bradley.  His  son  and  heir,  Joseph,  was  nine  years 
of  age.5 

Joseph  Compton  resided  at  Newton.  The  registers  of 
Yeovil  church  record  the  marriage  of  his  daughter  Mary  with 

1.  Brown  "  Somerset  Wills,"  v,  51-2. 

2.  S.  E.  S.,  xvi.  248. 

3.  S.  R.S.,  xix,  47. 

4.  Weaver,  "Visitations  of  Somersetshire,"  103. 

5.  Inq.  p.  m.,  6  Ed.  VI,  2,  80. 


History  of  the  Manor  of  Netoton   Surmaville.  17 

John  Drake,  in  1599,  and  the  baptism  of  his  grand-child 
Henry,  son  of  Henry,  in  1593.  He  purchased  in  1587  from 
Leonard  Carent,  of  Toomer,  in  Henstridge,  part  of  the  manor 
of  Kingston,  in  Yeovil.  But  from  some  unknown  cause  in  the 
course  of  a  few  years  Joseph  Compton  became  heavily  in- 
volved in  debt  both  to  the  Crown  and  to  private  individuals, 
and  was  obliged  to  sell  Newton  to  Robert  Harbyne,  of  Wyke, 
in  the  parish  of  Gillingham,  Dorset.  The  conveyance  is  dated 
18th  Nov.,  1608  ;  it  included  the  manor  of  Newton  Surma- 
ville, and  all  that  capital  messuage,  mansion  house,  and 
demesne  lands  thereto  belonging  ;  and  also  gives  a  list  of  the 
encumbrances,  including  a  statute  staple  due  to  Sir  Walter 
Raleigh  for  £600,  dated  28th  Jan.,  1603.  The  seal  on  the 
deed  bears  three  helmets  in  a  shield,  the  usual  arms  of  the 
Compton  family.  By  another  deed,  dated  19th  November, 
Joseph  Starr  and  John  Phelpes,  of  Yeovil,  were  appointed 
attornies  of  Mr.  Compton  to  deliver  seisin,  which  an  endorse- 
ment states  was  duly  given  on  the  30th  November  to  John 
Harbyne  in  a  field  called  "  four  acres."1  It  is  probable  that 
Beckington  was  sold  about  the  same  time,  as  Collinson  states 
that  it  was  purchased  in  the  early  part  of  the  seventeenth 
century  by  John  Ashe,  Esq.,  who  died  in  1658.  The  later 
history  of  Joseph  is  not  known,  but  his  eldest  son  Henry  is 
described  in  a  deed  of  this  period  as  of  Poole. 

Although  the  surname  of  Harbin  is  now  seldom  met  with, 
it  was  far  from  uncommon  in  the  sixteenth  and  following 
centuries.  The  earlier  spelling  is  Harbyn,  sometimes  with  a 
final  "  e,"  but  this  was  soon  dropped  and  "  i "  substituted  for 
"  y."  Harben  is  also  found.  The  derivation  is  uncertain, 
and  it  does  not  appear  to  fall  into  any  of  the  four  main 
divisions  of  classification,  according  as  the  name  comes  from  a 
patronymic,  place  of  birth  or  origin,  business  or  profession,  or 
personal  characteristic.  It  was  very  common  in  Dorsetshire, 

1.     Newton  deeds. 
Vol.  L  VI  (Third  Series,  Vol.  X  VI),  Part  II.  b 


18  History  of  the  Manor  of  Newton   Snrmaville. 

Sussex,  and  in  London  that  colluvies  gentium  ;  unknown  in  the 
Midlands  it  appears  again  in  the  northern  counties,  some- 
times as  Harbinson.  From  thence  it  passed  over  into  North 
Ireland.  It  is  also  found  in  France  and  South  Germany.  It 
is  riot  unknown  in  the  West  Indies,  and  is  common  in  the 
United  States,  principally  in  South  Carolina,  Georgia,  and 
Texas.1  It  is  the  name  of  an  important  junction  on  the 
Siberian  railway,  but  from  the  scarcity  of  books  dealing  with 
the  topography  of  Manchuria,  I  cannot  be  positive  whether  it 
is  of  native  origin,  or  given  in  honour  of  an  American  engineer. 

But  to  return  to  Dorsetshire.  Since  Robert  Harbin  began 
life  as  a  merchant  at  Blandford,  it  is  very  probable  that  he 
came  from  Milton  Abbas,  a  small  village  some  eight  miles  west 
of  that  town.  In  the  assessment  for  a  second  payment2  of 
the  subsidy  granted  37  Hen.  VIII  (1546),  William  Harbyn, 
senior,  of  Milton,  was  assessed  on  his  goods  valued  at  xiii/z., 
John  Harbyn  at  vi/z.,  and  William  Harbyn,  junior,  at  vli. 
From  the  date  painted  on  his  portrait  it  appears  that  Robert 
was  born  in  1526.  During  his  residence  at  Blandford  he 
married  Margaret,  daughter  of  Peter  Maunsell  (or  Monsell), 
who,  though  a  native  of  Launceston,3  was  settled  then  in  1546, 
when  his  goods  were  assessed  at  xvii/z.,  and  those  of  John 
Swayne,  another  merchant,  at  xvii/z.  However,  there  is  no 
family  tradition  that  Robert  had  been  apprenticed  to  her 
father. 

Mr.  Harbin,  "mercer,"  prospered  well,  and  in  1576  he 
demised  to  his  brother  William,  "  mercer/'  his  dwelling-house 
with  all  the  goods  and  implements  therein  for  five  years, 
reserving  to  himself  and  his  wife  the  right  to  occupy  the  great 
chamber  next  to  the  "Bell"  (Inn),  with  stable  room  for  their 
horses  whenever  they  should  come  to  Blandford.4  Robert 

1.  Information  from  W.  N.  Harben,  of  New  York. 

2.  Exchequer  Lay  Subsidies,  Dorset,  104/177,  104/180. 

3.  Will  of  John  Maunsell,  Brown,  v,  63. 

4.  Newton  deeds. 


History  of  the  Manor  of  Newton   Surmaville.  19 

moved  to  Stalbridge,  and  in  the  list  of  subscribers  to  the 
National  Loan,  in  1588,  Robert  Harbin,  gentleman,  is  down  for 
j£lOO,  which  was  apparently  the  limit,  as  nobody  gave  more.1 

Continuing  to  add  to  his  possessions,  he  soon  after  pur- 
chased Wyke  Hall,  in  the  parish  of  Gillingham.  The  oldest 
registers  of  Milton  Abbas  and  Stalbridge  have  disappeared, 
and  the  Blandford  books  were  burnt  in  the  great  fire  ;  but  those 
of  Gillingham  are  still  in  existence.  They  record  the  burial  of 
Margaret,  wife  of  Robert  Harbyn,  gent.,  6th  Oct.,  1597. 
This  entry  refers  almost  certainly  to  his  second  wife, 
Margaret,  daughter  of  Sir  Edward  Mervyn,  and  widow  of 
William  Drewry,  of  Savernake,  whose  daughter,  Bridget,  was 
married  to  John,  eldest  son  of  Robert  Harbin.  The  register 
also  contains  the  record  of  the  baptisms  of  divers  grand- 
children and  great-grandchildren.  In  the  autumn  of  1608, 
when  he  was  82  years  old,  Robert  purchased  Newton  ;  and  at 
once  pulled  down  the  old  house  of  the  Compton  family,  and 
built  the  present  mansion  which  was  finished  in  1612. 

The  frontispiece  shows  the  north  and  east  (or  garden)  faces 
of  the  house  which  is  built  to  form  three  sides  of  a  square,  but 
instead  of  the  wings  enclosing  a  court  before  the  front 
entrance,  as  is  usually  the  plan  adopted,  the  front  looks  due 
north  and  is  backed  by  a  wing  on  either  side  so  as  to  form 
an  apparently  solid  mass  of  building.  The  western  face  is 
quite  plain  without  any  projection  except  a  small  porch  to  the 
side  door.  The  most  noticeable  feature  in  the  design  is  its 
perfect  symmetry,  by  which  each  feature  is  balanced  by  a 
correspondence  on  the  opposite  side.  Moyns  Park,  in  Essex, 
built  in  the  latter  part  of  the  sixteenth  century,  has  three  pro- 
jections in  front,  the  porch  occupying  the  middle  bay,  while 
the  wall-spaces  between  terminate  as  at  Newton  in  high- 
pitched  gables.  In  both  houses  the  different  stories  are 
marked  off  by  projecting  string-courses,  but  the  details  are 

1.     Sow.  &  Dors.  N.  db  Q.,  i,  p.  39. 


20  History  of  the  Manor  of  Newton   Surmaville. 

entirely  different.  The  length  of  the  front  at  Newton  is  85 
feet.  The  east  face  shows  three  projecting  chimney-stacks,  a 
reminiscence  of  an  older  style,  which  divide  the  face  into  four 
panels  containing  windows  and  finished  off  with  balustrades. 
This  side  is  56  feet  long.  The  south  side  of  the  square  was 
left  open  to  admit  sunshine  and  is  now  outlined  by  domestic 
offices.  The  material  is  Hamstone,  coarse  for  the  walling,  and 
finely  worked  in  the  well-known  yellow  stone  for  the  frames 
of  the  doors  and  windows.  The  outer  walls  are  three  feet 
thick  on  the  ground  floor. 

Entering  by  the  front  door,  on  the  left  is  the  oak-panelled 
hall,  32  feet  by  19,  and  11  feet  high,  with  a  bay  window  at  the 
further  end  corresponding  to  the  porch.  Beyond  this  is  the 
drawing-room,  22  feet  by  18,  which  is  lined  with  Brussels 
tapestry  representing  scenes  from  the  Old  Testament. 
Opposite  to  the  bay  window  is  a  door  leading  to  the  dining- 
room,  31  feet  by  17.  It  is  panelled  in  an  eighteenth  century 
design,  and  contains  a  number  of  family  portraits.  The 
principal  staircase,  built  round  a  solid  pillar  of  Hamstone, 
formerly  came  down  opposite  to  the  dining-room  door. 
Originally  the  hall  occupied  the  whole  width  of  the  building, 
and  formed  a  passage  from  either  side  of  the  house,  but  in 
1837  Mr.  George  Harbin  added  a  lobby  on  both  floors,  and 
altered  the  staircase  to  fit  in  with  this  great  improvement, 
which  was  the  first  alteration  made  in  the  house.  The  fine 
oriel  window  seen  at  the  south-east  corner  in  the  illustration 
lights  the  library,  a  large  room  added  in  1875.  The  first  floor 
contains  a  considerable  number  of  bedrooms ;  one  of  them 
is  lined  with  tapestry,  which  is  probably  Flemish  of  the  latter 
part  of  the  seventeenth  century.  The  rooms  still  contain  a 
quantity  of  furniture  and  needlework  of  the  seventeenth  and 
eighteenth  centuries.  There  is  no  trace  of  any  enclosed  court 
before  the  house,  and  the  old  stables  which  stood  between  the 
house  and  the  river  were  demolished  in  1870,  and  rebuilt 
beyond  the  garden. 


History  of  the  Manor  of  Newton   Surmaville.  21 

The  date  1612,  with  the  initials  R.H.  and  a  shield  on  the 
leaden  rain-water  pipe-heads  witness  the  completion  of  the 
work,  and  the  family  were  probably  in  residence  that  year  as 
the  Yeovil  church  register  records  the  baptism  of  a  great- 
grandchild, Bridget  Harbin,  on  the  19th  July  of  that  year. 
The  considerable  property  now  accumulated  by  Robert  and  his 
eldest  son,  John,  entitled  them  to  a  further  advance ;  and  in 
May,  1612,  William  Camden,  Clarencieux  King-at-Arms, 
granted  to  Robert  Harbin,  esquire,  a  coat  of  arms  :  Azure  a 
saltier  voided  between  four  spear-heads  erect  or ;  and  for  a  crest 
a  cubit  arm  in  armour  holding  a  spur.  These  heraldic  insignia 
were,  after  the  fashion  of  the  day,  immediately  carved,  en- 
graved, and  painted  in  every  possible  position. 

Robert  Harbin  had  conveyed  Newton  to  his  eldest  son  in 
1609,  without  obtaining  the  necessary  licence,  for  which  a 
pardon  was  issued  to  him  16th  Nov.,  1615.1  This  was  prob- 
ably arranged  to  shift  the  burden  of  superintendence  to 
younger  shoulders,  but  Robert  was  far  from  arriving  at  the 
last  stage.  His  half-length  portrait,  painted  in  1619,  when  he 
was  93,  shows  a  shrewd  face  with  no  sign  of  dotage.  One 
hand  holds  a  small  book,  and  the  other  a  pair  of  reading 
glasses,  but  his  eyes  are  clear.  He  wears  a  coif  on  his  head, 
and  the  neck  is  encircled  with  a  close-fitting  ruff.  He  died  the 
24th  Dec.,  1621,  and  was  buried  in  Yeovil  church  10th  Jan., 
1621-2,  aged  95.  His  will  had  been  made  22nd  Aug.,  1615, 
w7hen  he  considered  himself  to  be  "  sicke  of  body,  but  of 
perfect  remembrance  (praysed  be  God),"  and  was  proved  10th 
July,  1622.  It  contains  many  legacies  to  different  members 
of  his  family,  including  his  brother  William.2  His  children 
consisted  of  three  sons  and  six  daughters.  His  youngest  son, 
Robert,  was  a  merchant  and  alderman  of  London.  In  his  old 
age  he  returned  to  Yeovil,  and  in  the  register  is  the  record  of 

1.  Newton  deeds. 

2.  Brown,  u,  38. 


22  History  of  the  Manor  of  Newton   Surmaville. 

his  burial:  21st  Aug.,  1654,  Robert  Harbin,  ye  elder  gentil- 
man.  It  is  very  probable  that  from  him  descended  John 
Harbin,  merchant,  of  St.  Helen's,  Bishopgate,  who  was  there 
buried  18th  Jan.,  1672-3,  leaving,  with  other  children,  George, 
D.D.,  a  non-juror  and  an  industrious  collector  and  transcriber 
of  English  Records  (D.N.B.,  xxiv,  316)  ;  Margaret,  wife  of 
Sir  Francis  Warre,  of  Hestercombe,  and  Anne,  wife  of 
Baldwin  Malet,  of  St.  Audries. 

The  Inquisitions  held  after  the  deaths  of  Robert  and  his 
son  and  heir,  John,  show  that  the  family  property  consisted  of 
the  manors  of  Newton,  Up-Mudford,  East  Pennard,  and 
Swyre,  and  of  lands  in  Clapton  within  Cucklington,  East 
and  West  Lydford,  Horsington,  Trent,  Charlton  Horethorne, 
Marsh  in  Wincanton,  Kingston-juxta-Yeovil,  Iwerne  Minster, 
Stour  Provost,  Shaftesbury,  Blandford  Forum,  Kimmeridge, 
and  Wyke  in  Gillingham,  all  of  which  had  been  acquired  in 
the  lifetime  of  Robert,  and  apparently  by  his  own  exertions. 

John  Harbin  must  have  been  an  elderly  man  at  the  date  of 
his  father's  death.  His  portrait,  three-quarter  length,  at 
Newton,  depicts  a  gentleman  in  full  dress  of  the  reign  of 
James  1.  The  face  is  of  a  type  still  met  with  in  the  south- 
western counties,  and  though  not  corpulent  he  certainly 
resembles  "  the  justice  with  eyes  severe  and  beard  of  formal 
cut."  He  was  a  member  of  the  Middle  Temple,  and  his 
signature  is  of  the  complicated  pattern  common  among  legal 
professional  people  at  that  time.  He  was  high  sheriff  of 
Dorset  in  1623 ;  and  sat  on  the  bench  at  the  Ilchester  quarter 
sessions  the  same  year.  From  this  date  he  was  an  active 
justice  of  the  peace  as  the  index  to  the  Q.S.  records  will  show.1 
In  1631  he  was  fined  £35  because  he  did  not  attend  at  the 
King's  coronation  to  receive  the  degree  of  knighthood.2 

John  Harbin  married  Bridget  daughter  and  eventually  co- 

1.  S.K.S.,  xxiv,  326. 

2.  Som.  and  Dor.  N.  <k  Q.,  iv,  pp.  14, 107. 


History  of  the  Manor  of  Newton   Surmaville.  23 

heiress  of  William  Drewry,  of  Savernake,  co.  Wilts,  by 
Margaret,  daughter  of  Sir  Edward  Mervyn.  In  the  Heralds' 
Visitation  of  Somerset,  1623,1  the  entry  is  John  instead  of 
Edward  ;  but  that  this  is  an  error  on  their  part  is  shown  by 
the  will  of  Alexander  Rosewell,  of  Soley,  co.  Wilts,  proved  9 
May,  1584.  It  mentions  "my  very  loving  friend  Will. 
Drewrye  dec.  His  son  Edward  (not  William  as  given  by 
Brown).  The  two  daughters  of  the  said  William  by 
Margaret,  his  wife,  daughter  of  Sir  Edward  Mervyn,  knt."2 
He  died  on  4th  March,  and  was  buried  at  Yeovil  14th  March, 
1638-9,  where  his  widow  was  also  buried  2nd  Feb.,  1640-1. 
Neither  of  them  made  a  will. 

Robert  Harbin,  the  eldest  son  and  heir,  matriculated  at 
Oxford  from  Hart  Hall,  6th  Feb.,  1606-7,  aged  18,  and  was 
entered  a  student  of  the  Inner  Temple  the  same  year.3  This 
gives  the  date  of  his  birth  as  1588.  At  the  age  of  22  he  was 
married  to  Gertrude,  daughter  of  John  Stocker,  of  Chil- 
compton,  Esq.,  and  widow  of  Christopher  Morgan,  who  had 
died  childless  in  1609.4  The  marriage  settlement  included 
Kimmeridge  and  Wyke,  where  after  the  death  of  his  grand- 
father Robert  seems  to  have  lived,  as  the  Gillingham  registers 
record  the  baptism  of  three  children,  1621-2-3.  In  1625 
Wyke  was  sold  to  William  Pile,  gent.,  and  apparently  Robert 
came  to  live  at  Yeovil  where  his  youngest  children  were 
baptized  1630-2. 

Following  the  example  of  his  neighbour,  Sir  Robert  Phelippes, 
Robert  Harbin  was  a  strong  opponent  of  the  King's  policy ; 
and  when  hostilities  began,  he  was  a  Deputy-Lieutenant  of 
Militia,  and  Colonel  in  the  Parliamentary  forces.5  In  1636 

1.  Harl.  Soc.,  XT,  46. 

2.  Brown,  i,  62. 

3.  Foster,  Alumni  Oxon,  1500-1714. 

4.  He  was  the  eldest  son  of  Christopher  M.,  and  grandson  of  Robert  M., 
of  South  Mapperton,  Dorset.     "Visit.  Som.  "  1623;  Brown,  IT,  28,  29. 

5.  Bayley,  "  Great  Civil  War  in  Dorset,"  pp.  8,  67.     Proc.  Som.  Arch.  Soc., 
xiv,  ii,  48  (on  page  64  his  name  is  wrongly  given  as  Richard). 


24  History  of  the  Manor  of  Newton  Surmaville. 

his  eldest  son,  John,  was  a  captain  in  John  Paulett's 
regiment  of  trained  bands,  and  had  his  younger  brother, 
Robert,  for  an  ensign.1  Robert  Harbin,  senior,  signed  the 
letter  sent  to  the  Parliament  from  Shepton  Mallet  1st  Aug., 
1642,  concerning  the  rival  efforts  to  publish  the  Commission  of 
Array.2  He  was  also  present  at  the  siege  of  Wells,  and 
signed  the  terms  of  peace  agreed  to  by  the  Marquess  of  Hert- 
ford on  the  6th  August.3  In  April,  1643,  Robert  Harbin  was 
present  at  the  sack  of  Sherborne,  when  the  Parliamentarian 
forces  "  plundered  one  Martin,  an  innkeeper,  with  two  or  three 
others,  who  had  sent  a  lewd  fellow  to  Yeovil  to  stab  Colonel 
Harbin  and  the  rest  of  the  Commanders."4 

But  as  time  went  on,  when  to  the  weariness  of  a  struggle 
which  seemed  unending,  while  the  losses  on  both  sides  were 
continually  growing,  was  added  the  conscientious  scruples 
which  nearly  all  felt  in  fighting  against  the  Sovereign,  Robert 
Harbin  made  his  peace  with  the  King  and  obtained  a  pardon, 
dated  at  Oxford  15  Jan.,  19  Charles  (1643-4),  for  all  offences 
he  might  have  committed  between  1st  Nov.,  1640,  and  the  9th 
Nov.,  1643.5  As  long  as  the  royal  cause  flourished  in  the  West 
Mr.  Harbin  was  at  peace  ;  in  April,  1645,  after  he  had 
surprised  and  nearly  captured  Cromwell  outside  Dorchester, 
Lord  Goring  dates  a  letter  from  Newton,  which  would  be  a 
convenient  position  for  his  headquarters.6  But  the  battle  of 
Naseby,  in  June,  and  the  triumph  of  Fairfax  and  Cromwell 
over  Goring,  at  Langport,  in  July,  left  the  royalist  party  at 
the  mercy  of  their  enemies.  For  some  time  nothing  was  done. 
At  the  Quarter  Sessions,  held  at  Ilchester,  1647,  John 
Whitby,  J.P.,  was  desired  and  ordered  to  receive  of  Colonel 
Harbine,  late  treasurer  of  the  "meighmed"  soldiers  of  thia 

1.  Commissions  at  Newton. 

2.  Proc.  xiv,  ii,  61. 

3.  Ditto,  p.  69. 

4.  Bayley,  67. 

5.  Newton  deeds. 

6.  Bayley,  251. 


History  of  the  Manor  of  Newton   Surmaville.  25 

County,  fifty  pounds  of  the  surplusage  money  accruing  in  his 
year.  On  the  27th  Aug.,  in  the  same  year,  the  Committee  for 
Somerset  ordered  his  estate  to  be  seized  to  the  use  of  the 
State  upon  a  charge  of  delinquency,  and  on  17th  December  he 
was  ordered  to  give  security  for  his  appraised  goods  in  case  he 
should  be  judged  sequestrated.  Nothing  further  was  done 
until  oth  May,  1652,  when  Robert  Harbin  requested  the 
Committee  at  Taunton  to  certify  these  particulars  to  the 
Committee  for  compounding  with  delinquents  at  Goldsmiths 
Hall.  On  the  3rd  November  the  House  of  Commons  resolved 
that  the  appeal  of  Robert  Harbin  might  be  heard.  On  the 
1st  December  the  Committee  heard  the  petition  of  Robert 
Harbin,  of  Mudford,  that  as  his  estate  had  never  been  actually 
sequestrated,  he  might  be  allowed  the  benefit  of  the  Act.  The 
Committee  was  evenly  divided,  two  and  two.1 

Robert  Harbin  spent  the  remainder  of  his  life  on  his 
property  at  Mudford,  handing  over  Newton  to  his  eldest  son, 
John.  The  preamble  to  a  Private  Act  of  Parliament, 
obtained  by  the  latter  at  the  Restoration,  recites  that  Robert 
had  committed  great  waste  by  cutting  down  trees,  and  had 
granted  leases  in  his  settled  estates,  and  intended  to  marry 
again,  yet  was  unable  to  make  any  provision  for  his  wife  or  his 
younger  children ;  so  by  the  mediation  and  persuasion  of 
friends  it  was  agreed  that  Robert  should  relinquish  all  his. 
powers  over  his  life  estate,  and  that  his  son  John  should  pay 
£2,500  to  his  younger  brothers  and  sisters  as  his  father  should 
dispose  of  by  his  will.  Robert  did  not  remarry,  and  made  his 
will  7th  March,  1658-9  (proved  21st  May,  1659).  He  left 
directions  to  be  buried  at  Yeovil,  in  the  Newton  aisle,  and  gave 
his  coach,  horses  and  furniture  to  the  overseers  of  the  will,  R. 
Hunt  and  F.  Wyndham.  The  sum  mentioned  above  was 
divided  between  his  younger  children,  including  £300  to  his. 
son  Edward  if  still  alive.2 

1.  Copies  of  Royalist  Composition  Papers  at  Newton. 

2.  Brown,  n,  38. 


26  History  of  the  Manor  of  Newton   Surmaville. 

John  Harbin,  the  eldest  son,  was  born  in  1614.  He  had 
been  a  captain  in  the  trained  bands,  and  as  a  determined 
Loyalist  suffered  sequestration,  from  which  he  was  discharged 
6th  March,  1646-7,  "at  which  time  he  was  not  possessed  o£ 
any  estate."  The  same  year  he  married  Isabella,  daughter  of 
William  Pert,  Esq.,  of  Arnolds,  in  the  parish  of  Mountnessing, 
co.  Essex1 ;  but  how,  except  in  the  course  of  a  campaign,  he 
could  have  met  the  young  lady  it  is  difficult  to  say.  The 
marriage  settlement  gave  him  Newton  and  land  in  West  Lyd- 
ford  ;  and  the  immediate  result  was  a  fresh  sequestration  from 
which  he  was  not  released  until  he  had  taken  the  negative  oath 
and  handed  over  £30  to  the  use  of  the  Commonwealth.  He 
was  again  sequestrated  by  instructions  from  London,  8th  Oct., 
1651  (after  Worcester),  when  his  real  estate  consisted  of  the 
lands  as  above,  and  his  personalty  was  valued  at  £50  including 
three  cloth  suits.  He  was  allowed  the  benefit  of  the  Act  13th 
April,  1652. 

The  death  of  Robert  Harbin  put  John  in  possession  of  the 
family  estates,  burdened  with  debts  and  legacies.  After  the 
Restoration  he  was  obliged  to  obtain  a  private  Act  of  Parlia- 
ment to  bar  the  entail  and  enable  him  to  sell  the  greater  part 
of  the  property  left  by  his  ancestors.2  The  King  obtained  his 
own  again,  but  many  a  Cavalier,  ruined  by  the  severity  of  the 
Commonwealth  procedure,  must  have  wondered  in  the  bitter- 
ness of  his  heart  how  his  loyalty  had  advantaged  himself 
when  the  strife  was  over. 

John  Harbin's  second  wife  was  Elizabeth,  daughter  of  Sir 
Richard  Strode,  Knt.,  of  Chalmington,  in  the  parish  of  Catti- 
stock,  the  marriage  settlement  being  dated  6th  May,  1665. 
The  licence  issued  from  the  Faculty  Office  gives  Clifton  May- 
bank  as  one  of  the  churches  where  the  ceremony  could  be  per- 
formed, so  apparently  the  building  was  still  standing.  His 

1.  The  arms  of  this  marriage  are  carved  on  a  shield  over  the  porch  at  Newton, 
And  are  also  engraved  on  a  signet  ring  still  in  existence. 

2.  Contemporary  copy  at  Newton. 


History  of  the  Manor  of  Newton   Surmaville.  27 

widow  remarried  21st  May,  1684,  Richard  Mallock,  Esq.,  and, 
as  her  stepson  parenthetically  remarks  in  his  account  book, 
drew  an  annuity  from  the  estate  for  many  years.  John 
Harbin  died  29th  May,  1672,  his  eldest  son,  Robert,  having 
died  the  22nd  April  the  same  year. 

William,  his  eldest  surviving  son,  succeeded.  The  date  of 
his  baptism  in  the  Yeovil  register  is  the  9th  Aug.,  1654,  and 
his  Christian  name  was  probably  due  to  his  grandfather, 
William  Pert.  As  a  younger  son  he  was  apprenticed  to 
Thomas  Williams,  mercer,  and  Sara,  his  wife,  of  Bristol,  on 
the  16th  May,  1670.1  It  may  have  been  his  mercantile 
training  that  led  him  to  make  notes  and  copies  of  letters  and 
other  documents  in  his  account  book  or  on  the  fly-leaves  of  his 
favourite  authors.  He  thus  recorded  his  first  action  as  head 
of  the  family,  which  is  worth  giving  in  full  :— 

"In  the  year  1672  one  Sir  Edward  Bish,  Clarencieux  King- 
at-Arms,  visited  this  Countie,  and  by  the  bailiffs  of  every 
hundred  and  I  met  at  Ilchester  in  ye  same  year,  and  carry ed 
my  parchment  in  which  my  coat  of  arms  were  granted  to  my 
family  many  years  ago  ;  at  which  time,  72  aforesaid,  one  of 
Sir  Edward  Bish,  his  servants  took  my  coat  of  arms,  and 
enquired  how  many  brothers  my  father  had,  who  he  marryed, 
how  many  brothers  I  have,  and  on  paying  39  shillings  and  6 
pence  for  a  confirmation  came  home  again.  I  observed  at  the 
meeting  aforesaid  I  saw  no  justice  of  peace  neither  could  I 
learn  of  anyone  yt  went  the  same  time,  but  in  Dorsetshire 
some  years  after  most  of  the  county  went,  and  Sir  Edward 
Bish  aforesaid  petitioned  the  Parliament  about  82  against 
these  gentlemen  in  everie  countie  he  has  visited  to  produce 
their  title  to  their  coat  of  arms,  but  they  threw  it  out ;  after 
which  he  made  a  book  of  what  he  had  seen  and  taken  in  everie 
county  and  printed  it,  in  which  book  is  my  coat  of  arms 
engrossed  ;  and  if  ever  they  come  again  there  is  no  need  of 

1.     Appi'entice  Book  of  Bristol. 


28  History  of  the  Manor  of  Newton   Surmaville. 

going  near  them  on  their  summons,  neither  can  there  come  any 
damage  from  it,  for  their  coming  is  more  to  grant  new  coats  of 
arms  to  new  upstart  families  than  to  review  the  ancient  gentle- 
men's coats  ;  neither  any  of  the  ancients  appeared  at  all  in  our 
county,  for  1  was  the  best  that  appeared  at  Ilchester,  of  thirty 
at  least,  and  if  1  had  not  been  a  very  young  man,  not  above  18 
I  believe,  I  should  not  have  been  there,  and  parted  with  my 
money  for  nothing." 

William  Harbin  might  have  congratulated  himself  on 
getting  off  so  inexpensively.  The  pedigree  entered  in  the 
books  of  the  College  of  Arms  is  of  the  most  meagre  descrip- 
tion. The  year  after  he  married  Elizabeth,  daughter  of  Sir 
Francis  Wyndham,  Bart.,  of  Trent.  The  youthful  couple 
(their  united  ages  being  36)  lived  at  first  with  her  parents,  and 
it  was  there  that  William  received  news  of  his  uncle  Edward, 
which  he  duly  set  down.  "  A  seaman  came  to  me  at  Trent  in 
January,  1674-5,  and  told  me  that  he  came  from  Barbadoes, 
and  that  there  is  one  Mr.  Edward  Harbin  lives  in  Bridgtown, 
he  tables  at  one  Coll.  Bates  his  house,  as  he  told  me  he  be 
clarke  to  his  majesty's  navy  storehouse  for  vittling  ships  in 
Bridgtown  ;  whether  it  be  my  uncle  I  cannot  tell,  and  believe 
not  because  he  was  gone  out  of  England  twenty  yeares  before, 
and  never  after  heard  of,  and  his  possessions  were  distributed 
between  the  brethren  that  were  alive." 

There  were  persons  of  this  name  in  Barbadoes  at  the  end  of 
the  century,  who  had  plenty  of  property  both  white  and 
black  ;  but  their  ancestry  is  as  much  a  matter  of  doubt  to  me 
as  it  was  to  William  Harbin. 

On  the  death  of  Sir  Francis  Wyndham  in  1676,  it  was 
found  impossible  to  pay  over  his  daughter's  portion,  and  Lady 
Wyndham  made  over  all  the  moveable  goods  at  Trent  instead. 
The  schedule  is  long  and  very  interesting.  Although  it  is 
difficult  now  to  say  whether  any  of  the  furniture  and  tapestry 
could  have  come  from  Trent,  there  can  be  no  doubt  as  to  the 
origin  of  a  number  of  large  pewter  dishes,  bearing  the  arms  of 


History  of  the  Manor  of  Newton   Surmaville.  29 

Wyndham  impaling  Gerard.  Lady  Wyndham's  last  illness 
seems  to  have  taken  place  during  a  visit  to  her  daughter,  as 
she  was  buried  at  Yeovil,  25th  July,  1698.  The  much  valued 
relics  of  the  visit  of  King  Charles  II  to  Trent  in  his  flight 
after  Worcester,  a  day  and  night  cap  and  a  small  knife  in  a 
wooden  sheath,  were  probably  bequeathed  by  the  loyal  hostess, 
who  never  forgot  the  warning  of  her  father-in-law,  Sir  Thomas 
Wyndham,  on  his  death-bed  to  her  husband  :  "  In  all  times  to 
adhere  to  the  Crown  ;  and  though  the  Crown  should  hang 
upon  a  bush,  I  charge  you  forsake  it  not."1  In  the  dining- 
room  at  Newton  still  hang  the  portraits  of  Sir  Francis 
Wyndham,  a  three-quarter  length,  and  of  his  four  sons,  Sir 
Thomas,  Sir  Francis,  Brigadier  Hugh,  and  Edmund.  The 
portrait  of  Sir  Francis  includes  a  view  of  the  siege  of  Dunster 
Castle,  which  he  held,  much  against  the  will  of  its  owner,  for 
one  hundred  and  sixty  days,  only  capitulating  on  19th  April, 
1646,  when  the  King's  cause  was  hopeless.2 

William  Harbin's  memoranda  extended  to  the  fates  of  his 
children.  On  a  fly  leaf  of  Downame's  Divinity  he  entered  the 
death  of  his  "  son  John,  on  19th  March  (1704-5),  being  Satur- 
day, about  four  of  the  clock  in  the  afternoon,  after  half  a 
year's  illness  in  a  consumption.  He  was  28  years  of  age  the 
12  instant."  (Born  12  March,  1676-7).  His  "youngest  son, 
William,  died  on  Wednesday,  16th  May,  1705,  between  5  and 
6  of  the  clock  in  the  morning,  after  10  days'  illness  and  one 
week  speechless  ;3  interred  in  my  vault  with  all  my  ancestors 
in  Yeovil  church,  he  being  my  second  son  of  ye  name." 

The  family  vault  opened  in  the  autumn  of  this  year  to 
receive  the  father  who  was  buried  28th  Nov.,  1705.  His 
widow  only  survived  a  short  time,  and  died  30th  June,  1708. 

1.  "Claustrum  Regale  reseratum,"  by  A(nne)  W(yndham).     The  perusal  of 
this  work  suggests  that  Lady  Wyndhara  might  have  been  the  prototype  of 
Lady  Margaret  Bellenden,  of  Tillietudlem  Tower. 

2.  "  History  of  Dunster,"  by  Sir  H.  C.  Maxwell  Lyte,  I,  182. 

3.  A  common  type  of  infantile  fever  about  1700;  Creighton,  "History  of 
Epidemics,"  u,  56. 


30  History  of  the  Manor  of  Newton   Surmaville. 

The  monument  placed  on  a  wall  of  the  family  pew  in  Yeovil 
church  by  their  only  surviving  son,  Wyndham,  records  that 
"  They  lived  together  many  years,  being  as  great  patterns  of 
piety  and  virtue  as  they  were  remarkable  for  their  hospitality 
and  extensive  charity." 

The  loyalty  of  the  English  people  had  been  so  ill-requited 
by  the  policy  of  the  Restoration  Period  that  there  was  a 
general  acquiescence  (if  nothing  stronger)  in  the  changes  of 
dynasty  after  1688  ;  and  as  estates  were  no  longer  risked  in 
party  warfare,  it  does  not  seem  necessary  at  present  to  follow 
the  fortunes  of  the  descendants  of  William  Harbin  beyond  this 
period.  One  may  be  allowed  to  express  a  hope  that  the 
ownership  of  Newton,  which  has  hitherto  been  a  pleasure  and 
a  pride,  may  not  in  the  future  be  made  a  penalty  too  grievous 
to  be  borne. 


SIR  EDMUND  H.  ELTON,    Bart., 

AT   WORK   IN    HIS   MODELLING-ROOM   AT   CLEVEDON    COURT. 

Photograph,  Hazell,  Clevedon. 


OEIfon  2Bare. 


BY    SIR    EDMUND    H.    ELTOX,    BART. 


r  I  iHE  beginnings  of  "Elton  Ware"  date  from  about  the 
year  1880,  and  were  on  this  wise.  At  the  date  men- 
tioned I  was  blankly  ignorant  of  ceramics,  though  more  or 
less  interested  in  arts  and  manufacture.  This  led  rne  one  day 
to  the  brick-fields  were  tile-making  was  in  progress,  and  as  I 
watched,  an  idea  came  into  my  mind,  why  not  make  a  sort 
of  mosaic  in  large  pieces  to  be  coloured,  glazed,  and  fixed  to 
walls  with  cement.  This  method  suggested  itself  as  being 
capable  of  supplying  an  effective  and  inexpensive  form  of 
decoration  [I  had  not  then  seen  it  done,  though  it  has  been 
made  use  of  with  good  effect  since  that  time].  No  sooner  was 
the  idea  conceived  in  my  mind  than  I  determined  to  embark 
on  practical  experiment,  and  with  this  object  in  view,  some  tiles 
in  the  green  state  were  sent  up  to  my  house  at  Fir  wood, 
Clevedon,  where  I  executed  a  half-length  figure  of  Sir  Philip 
Sidney,  taken  from  some  painted  glass  at  Clevedon  Court. 
The  work  was  done  in  coloured  clay  of  three  shades :  then 
with  the  courage  born  of  ignorance  I  proceeded  to  the  burning, 
with  no  better  appliance  than  a  disused  greenhouse  furnace, 
altered  for  the  purpose  according  to  my  crude  ideas.  The 
result,  as  may  be  expected,  was  a  total  failure. 

I  will  not  weary  the  reader  with  details  of  puerile  attempts 
at  kiln-building ;  suffice  it  to  say  that  failure  only  seemed  to 
stimulate  the  desire  to  carry  out  the  inspiration  which  had 
come  upon  me  in  the  brick-fields. 


32  Elton   Ware. 

By  the  courtesy  of  the  then  manager  of  Messrs.  Pountney's, 
Victoria  Pottery,  Bristol,  I  was  allowed  to  see  and  measure  a 
small  experimental  enamelling  kiln,  and  I  also  got  from  the 
same  source  raw  colours,  and  some  glaze  to  practise  with.  On 
my  return  home,  with  the  aid  of  the  local  bricklayer,  I  built  a 
little  kiln  something  like  the  one  in  Bristol,  and  in  a  compara- 
tively short  time  I  succeeded  in  obtaining  some  fairly  good 
results.  It  was  about  this  time,  late  in  1880,  that  a  lad  named 
George  Masters  came  into  my  employ  straight  from  school, 
who  was  destined  to  play  a  large  part  in  the  subsequent  de- 
velopment of  "  Elton  Ware."  He  began  by  occasionally 
helping  me,  and  I  found  him  such  an  interested  and  efficient 
helper,  that  he  soon  became  a  permanent  worker  with  me.  As 
time  passed  on,  others  came  and  went,  doing  more  or  less 
useful  work,  but  George  Masters  still  works,  with  enthusiasm 
hard  to  beat,  in  the  production  of  "Elton  Ware"  in  1910  as 
he  did  in  1880,  and  is  my  valued  friend  and  fellow-worker. 

The  next  ceramic  attempt  was  a  three-quarter  mosaic  panel 
in  drab,  black  and  yellow,  on  a  bluish-green  dispersed  ground, 
representing  St.  Stephen.  This  figure  was  subsequently 
exhibited  :  but  the  making  of  mosaic  was  for  various  reasons 
not  long  continued. 

Modern  pottery,  with  few  exceptions,  was  rather  unsatis- 
factory. Why  riot  go  back  to  the  earliest  beginnings  of  the 
potter's  art  ?  In  this  way  it  seemed  probable  that  something 
with  peculiar  characteristics  would  develop.  However,  it  was 
all  very  well  to  dream  of  a  new  pottery,  but  how  were  suitable 
forms  to  be  obtained  ?  There  was  the  primitive  thumb  and 
finger  work  with  incised  decoration,  such  as  are  found  in  pre- 
historic burial-places ;  there  were  the  various  methods  of 
casting,  and  there  was  the  potter's  wheel.  A  first  start  was 
made  by  the  aid  of  a  thrower  of  flower-pots,  and  rough  shapes 
were  produced.  I  used  to  stand  by  as  the  piece  grew  under 
•the  thrower's  hand,  and  say,  "  Stop  now,  bulge  out  there, 
draw  in  here,"  and  so  on,  till  something  satisfactory  appeared. 


Elton   Ware.  33 

Then  as  to  decoration,  coloured  clay  slips  and  lead  glazes  of 
various  kinds  were  tried,  and  other  methods  were  attempted, 
but  finally  coloured  slip-work  was  decided  upon  as  the  line 
upon  which  the  infant  pottery  should  proceed. 

As  time  went  on,  it  became  evident  that  if  I  wished  to  do 
anything  worth  doing  I  must  make  myself  proficient  on  the 
wheel,  and  throw  the  shapes  myself.  Even  the  wheel  would 
have  to  be  of  primitive  construction,  and  I  decided  to  use  one 
where  the  thrower  sits  on  a  cross-bar  and  kicks  a  lever,  which 
gives  the  required  rotation.  The  next  thing  was  to  procure  a 
wheel — this  had  to  be  home-made ;  so  with  the  aid  of  the 
estate  carpenter  and  the  local  blacksmith  one  was  set  up,  and 
every  morning  I  practised  on  it,  till,  in  a  comparatively  short 
time,  my  desire  was  attained,  and  I  could  myself  produce  the 
shapes  required.  I  may  add  that  George  Masters  soon 
acquired  a  like  proficiency,  more  and  more  faithfully  translated 
my  ideas,  till  practically  he  took  my  place  at  the  wheel,  and 
that  his  work  as  a  thrower  is  now  of  the  best. 

To  give  some  idea  of  the  difficulties  which  had  to  be  over- 
come, perhaps  a  few  quotations  from  my  diary  may  not  be  out 
of  place. 

July  15,  1880. — "Built  new  kiln  and  prepared  248  experi- 
ments ;  kiln  gave  way  ;  shelves  were  broken ;  all  experiments 
spoilt." 

"  Pulled  down  and  rebuilt  kiln ;  fired  58  experiments ; 
sulphur  came  in  and  experiments  were  damaged,  but  results 
were  a  trifle  better." 

"  About  August  25  fired  86  experiments  with  wood  fuel ; 
everything  spoilt  but  two  pieces." 

August  2. — "  Tried  salt  glazing  ;  result  a  failure." 

This  sort  of  thing  went  on  with  aggravating  sameness,  but 
the  advance  was  steady.  In  the  early  part  of  1881  a  batch 
was  spoilt  through  minute  particles  of  lime.  This  necessitated 
the  construction  of  a  slip-kiln  for  the  preparation  of  the  body. 
The  kiln  was  a  success,  but  it  was  far  from  being  straight 

Vol.  L  VI  (Third  Series,  Vol.  X  VI},  Part  II.  c 


34  Elton    Ware. 

sailing ;  mishaps  followed  at  intervals,  but  before  the  end  of 
the  year  the  production  of  a  sound  and  marketable  ware  was 
an  accomplished  fact. 

The  general  lines  of  the  process  in  those  early  days  for  the 
coloured  ware  was  as  follows — though  many  changes  in  detail 
have  been  made,  and  disasters  from  various  causes  have  not 
been  unfrequent.  The  body  of  "  Elton  Ware  "  was  then,  as 
now,  principally  formed  of  the  ordinary  red  brick-clay  of  the 
district,  mixed  with  white,  or  with  Rockinham.  The  method 
of  manufacture  differs  little  from  that  used  by  our  Somerset 
forefathers  in  forming  their  pitchers  and  posset-cups,  which 
are  found  in  the  neighbourhood  to-day.  First  the  clays  are 
mixed  with  water  to  about  the  consistency  of  cream,  and  then 
passed  through  fine  sieves  of  wire-lawn,  after  which  the 
moisture  is  driven  off  by  heat,  dug  out,  and  beaten  together 
till  the  mass  is  homogeneous.  It  is  now7  ready  for  the  thrower. 
The  piece  to  be  decorated  is  formed  entirely  on  the  wheel,  and 
subsequently  handled  or  spouted  and  finished  by  hand,  no 
turning  being  resorted  to.  After  a  period  of  drying,  the 
pattern  is  cut  with  a  suitable  wooden  tool,  and  is  coated  en- 
tirely with  coloured  clays  about  as  thick  as  an  egg-shell,  when 
a  further  period  of  drying  has  to  be  undergone.  The  spaces 
between  the  cut  lines  is  then  filled  with  clay-slips  which  have 
been  coloured  by  the  admixture  of  various  oxides.  These  are 
applied  rather  thick,  leaving  the  pattern  in  slight  relief. 

Then  comes  the  finishing,  which  may  be  very  simple  or 
very  elaborate,  and  consists  of  further  raising  with  thick  clay 
paste.  Further  effects  may  be  produced  by  modelling  or  by 
incised  lines.  Nothing  is  now  required  but  drying  and  firing, 
but  this  final  operation  is  no  easy  task.  First  it  is  burnt  at  a  low 
heat,  say  850  centigrade,  and  when  cool  taken  from  the  kiln 
and  coated  with  a  clear  uncoloured  plumbic  glaze.  It  is  then 
returned  to  the  kiln  and  fired  to  the  highest  possible  heat,  say 
1050  or  1 100  centigrade.  Success  now  depends  on  many 
things,  and  I  can  only  say  that  I  have  found  that  small  kilns 


EUon    Ware.  35 

cannot  as  a  rule  be  depended  upon.  If  the  temperature  has 
not  been  too  high  or  too  low — if  the  fumes  of  combustion  have 
not  entered  the  saggers — if  no  sand  has  fallen  on  the  glaze — 
if  no  bubbling  of  the  glaze  has  occurred — if  the  atmosphere 
has  neither  been  too  reducing  nor  too  oxidising — well,  then  the 
best  quality  of  "  Elton  Ware  "  may  be  expected. 

An  enamelling  kiln  was  first  used,  now  a  sagger-kiln  has 
taken  its  place ;  that  is  the  only  difference  between  now  and 
then;  and  early  specimens  of  "Elton  Ware"  may  be  found 
which  do  not  compare  unfavourably  with  those  of  1910.  In 
fact  there  are  fine  colours  with  effects  which  we  have  lost  the 
art  of  producing,  and  as  an  example  of  the  sort  of  thing,  I 
may  say  that  about  eight  years  ago  there  was  a  very  uncommon 
crimson  red,  which  we  are  now  unable  to  produce  with  any 
certainty.  I  myself  have  only  one  perfect  specimen  of  this 
red. 

In  1902,  a  new  departure  was  made,  when  I  began  to  intro- 
duce gold  and  platinum  in  decoration.  Gilding  was  easy 
enough,  but  the  crux  in  my  mind  was  how  to  avoid  the 
vulgarity  so  easily  introduced  with  gold.  To  avoid  this,  a 
series  of  experiments  with  precious  metals  were  embarked 
upon,  but  some  time  elapsed  before  anything  with  promise  of 
originality  rewarded  our  efforts.  One  day  I  noticed  a  curious 
appearance,  where  some  gold  overlapped  the  platinum,  which 
seemed  likely  to  give  unique  and  beautiful  results  if  they  could 
be  obtained  with  certainty.  This  at  first  looked  easy,  and 
several  other  effects  were  also  evolved.  Four  in  particular 
struck  me  as  worth  working  out  on  a  larger  scale,  namely, 
"blue  platinum  crackle,"  "gold  crackle,"  "bright  platinum 
crackle,"  and  "  fiery  platinum,"  so  called  because  of  the  frosted 
gold  crackle  super-imposed  on  the  "  platinum  crackle." 

But,  as  if  to  rebuke  presumption,  troubles  now  began  which 
took  years  to  overcome.  At  first  the  body  was  very  low-fired, 
and  glazed  with  a  very  soft  glaze,  also  very  low-fired.  This 
caused  the  ware  not  to  be  watertight ;  also  white  specks  to 


36  Elton   Ware. 

appear  on  the  glaze  through  under-firing.  Only  two  speci- 
mens of  "blue  platinum  crackle"  survived  out  of  the  many 
pieces  made,  and  the  process  was  discontinued  owing  to  the 


SERPENT  VASE  or  ELTON  WARE,  1883. 

accurate  temperature  required  involving  too  much  uncertainty. 
"  Gold  crackle  "  shared  the  same  fate  owing  to  the  same  reason. 
"  Bright  platinum  crackle  "  and  "  fiery  platinum  "  were  good 


Elton    Ware.  37 

from  an  artistic  point  of  view,  but  I  deemed  it  essential  to 
produce  it  with  a  high-fired  watertight  body.  This,  however, 
started  a  fresh  crop  of  difficulties ;  the  high  heat  destroyed 
the  regularity  of  the  crackle.  The  platinum  began  to  take  on 
a  blackish  hue,  and  the  "  fiery  platinum  "  became  inferior  and 
lost  its  brilliancy,  though  several  new  effects  were  accidently 
produced,  the  most  curious  of  them  being  two  or  three  pieces 
of  "gold  crackle,"  which,  when  removed  from  the  kiln,  re- 
sembled copper^  but  gold  was  deposited  on  the  edge  of  the 
crackles.  The  effect  was  curious  and  beautiful,  but  its  repro- 
duction has  hitherto  been  found  impossible,  though  attempted 
again  and  again.  I  have  taken  expert  opinion,  but  can  find 
no  explanation  of  the  mystery.  It  is  only  within  the  last  few 
months  that  the  metallic  work  has  once  more  been  produced 
with  fairly  certain  results. 

Time  and  labour  have  been  ungrudgingly  spent,  and  the 
development  of  "  Elton  Ware "  has  been  a  very  interesting 
experience,  but  its  position  in  the  world  of  ceramic  art,  and 
the  question  whether  its  production  has  been  worth  all  the 
trouble  that  has  been  expended  on  it  must,  however,  be  left  to 
others  than  myself  to  decide. 


Structural  I3ote0  on  Caunton  Castle. 


BY    J.    HOUGHTON    SPENCEK. 

WHEN  the  Somersetshire  Archaeological  and  Natural 
History  Society  agreed  to  purchase  Taunton  Castle 
in  the  year  1873,  that  portion  of  the  building  to  the  west  of 
and  adjoining  the  inner  gate-house  was  occupied  as  a  private 
dwelling-house,  and  the  eastern  portion  as  a  private  school  for 
boys  ;  while  the  Great  Hall  was  let  from  time  to  time  for 
various  public  purposes. 

The  first  act  of  the  Society,  upon  the  completion  of  the 
purchase,  and  taking  possession  of  the  Castle  in  1874,  was  to 
make  the  interior  of  the  western  part,  by  the  removal  of 
modern  partitions,  etc.,  suitable  for  a  Museum ;  leaving  a 
sufficient  number  of  the  rooms  of  the  dwelling-house  for  the 
occupation  of  the  Curator. 

The  entrance  to  the  Norman  Keep  was  at  that  time  restored, 
and  a  Ham  stone  window  substituted  for  a  modern  one,  and 
two  more  windows  were  inserted  in  other  parts  of  the  building 
as  hereafter  more  particularly  described.  The  arched  entrance 
to  the  Geological  Room,  now  the  Somerset  Room,  was  also 
formed.  The  staircase  turret  of  the  Inner  Gate  House  was 
rebuilt  at  the  cost  of  Col.  Wm.  Pinney  in  1883  ;  a  new  roof 
was  added  to  the  Geological  Room  in  1884,  when  the  attics 
in  the  old  roof,  which  had  been  occupied  by  the  Curator,  were 
removed,  and  bedrooms  provided  for  him  by  sub-dividing  the 
drawing-room,  now  the  Library,  over  the  Coin  Room. 

Two  Early  English  windows  in  the  north  wall  of  the 
Geological  Room,  which  had  been  blocked  by  modern  work, 


QDaunton     Cattle 


Western 
•   To">ver 

•  Cotnmlft««  Room 


Grovnd 


or    Plan 


Structural  Notes  on    Taunton    Castle.  39 

were  opened  out  and  restored ;  one  of  which  in  the  head  and 
sill  showed  indications  of  a  previous  widening  of  the  external 
opening. 

About  the  same  time  the  eastern  entrance  of  Ham  stone- 
work, with  oak  door,  was  substituted  for  the  modern  wood- 
work at  the  cost  of  Mr.  W.  E.  Surtees. 

A  new  roof  was  placed  upon  the  Exchequer  in  1895;  and 
the  Great  Hall  repaired,  heated,  and  brought  to  its  present 
condition  in  1899-1900;  Col.  Pinney  having,  in  1898,  left  a 
legacy  of  £300  to  be  applied  for  the  repairs  of  the  Castle. 

In  1908  the  eastern  part  of  the  Castle,  now  known  as  Castle 
House,  formerly  the  Boys'  School,  and  latterly  let  as  a  private 
dwelling,  was  repaired,  improved,  and  occupied  by  the  Curator, 
thus  leaving  his  rooms  in  the  western  wing  available  for  the 
purposes  of  the  Museum. 

In  1910  these  rooms  were  improved  by  the  insertion  of  two 
additional  windows,  corresponding  with  one  inserted  in  1874, 
and  the  removal  of  partitions ;  some  others  dividing  the  upper 
room  into  bedrooms  and  the  lower  into  sitting-room,  etc., 
having  previously  been  taken  down. 

A  stone  staircase  was  substituted  for  the  wooden  one,  and  a 
Strong  Room  formed  ;  while  an  external  chamber  was  built  to 
receive  the  high  pressure  boiler  (which  warmed  the  western 
wing,  and  was  removed  from  a  position  in  the  interior  of  the 
building),  as  well  as  a  new  low  pressure  boiler  which  was  pro- 
vided, together  with  the  necessary  circulating  pipes  to  warm 
the  Library  and  Coin  Room. 

In  preparing  for  the  erection  of  the  stone  staircase  against 
the  inner  wall  of  the  Western  Tower,  it  was  found  that  this 
wall  had  a  very  wide  foundation,  and  suggested  the  idea  that 
the  inner  wall  had  been  reduced  in  thickness,  and  that  origin- 
ally it  may  have  been  as  thick  as  the  outer  wall. 

Having  thus  briefly  sketched  the  changes  made  in  the 
buildings  since  1873,  in  addition  to  clearing  the  courtyard  of 
several  sheds  and  other  modern  structures  which  disfigured 


40 


Structural  Notes  on    Taunton    Castle. 


the  original  buildings,  it  is  now  proposed  to  consider  more  in 
detail  some  of  the  architectural  features  of  the  work. 

When,  in  1874,  the  modern  doors  and  partitions  were  removed 
from  the  Norman  Keep,  an  old  archway,  between  it  and  the 
Entrance  Hall,  was  laid  open.  The  original  springing  stones 
of  the  arch  were  found  in  situ,  so  that  it  was  an  easy  matter 


FIC.Z 


FIG.  3 


3 

_.„„„ 

j 

FIG.! 

£&£ 

Figs.  1,  2,  and  3.     Plan,  inner  and  outer  elevations  of  arched  entrance  to 

Norman  Keep,  which  is  probably  one  of  the  oldest  features  in 

the  masonry  of  the  Castle. 

to  restore  the  arch  to  its  original  condition.  Fig.  1  shows  a 
plan  of  this  archway  ;  Fig.  2  the  elevation  towards  the  Keep ; 
and  Fig.  3  the  elevation  towards  the  Entrance  Hall.  These 
diagrams  are  taken  from  the  working  drawings  prepared  at 
that  time  for  the  purpose  of  the  restoration. 

This  segmental  archway,  with  plain  chamfer  on  the  side 


Structural  Notes  on    Taunton   Castle. 


41 


towards  the  Entrance  Hall,  is  of  the  same  form  as  the  present 
outer  doorway  of  the  Coin  Room,  as  well  as  the  gateway  at 
the  north-east  angle  of  the  Great  Hall,  which  gate,  from  its 
proximity  to  the  mill-stream,  with  which  it  may  have  been 


FIG.4 


FIC.S 


Figs.  4  and  5.     Sections  of  base  courses  of  wall  on  east  side  of  Court 
Yard,  which  were  formerly  concealed  by  modern  buildings. 

connected  by  a  short  channel,  was,  it  is  suggested,  a  Water 
Gate. 

These  three  archways  are  regarded  as  some  of  the  earliest 
features  in  the  masonry  of  the  Castle. 

Running  up  from  a  point  near  the  Water  Gate,  towards 
Castle  House  (now  occupied  by  the  Curator),  is  an  old  wall 


42 


Structural  Notes  on    Taunton    Castle. 


\ 


with  a  series  of  plainly  chamfered  base  courses.     These  are 

shown  by  Figs.  4  and  5. 

The  wall  is  built  of  sandstone,  grey  in  colour,  different  to 

the  stone  used  in  other  parts  of  the  Castle,  but  similar  to  that 

used  in  the  old  towers  of  Taunton  St.  Mary  Magdalene  and 

St.  James,  and  in  por- 
tions of  several  other 
churches  in  the  neigh- 
bourhood. 

As  the  two  series  of 
chamfered  courses  are 
at  different  levels,  and 
not  precisely  similar  to 
each  other,  they  may 
have  belonged  to  the 
west  wall  of  tivo  build- 
ings of  some  importance, 
possibly  the  Chapel, 
which  is  said  to  have 
been  dedicated  to  St. 
Peter,  and  the  Granary. 
This  central  site  would 
be  suitable  for  both, 
while  the  latter  being 
near  the  Water  Gate 
would  be  conveniently 


FIG.  6 


Figs.  6  and  7.     Plan  and  elevation  of  window 

inserted  in  existing  opening  in  east  wall  of 

Norman  Keep. 


placed  with  regard  to 
the  Mill.  If  a  line  is 
drawn  eastward  at  right 
angles  to  this  wall  to 

represent  the  axis  of  the  supposed  chapel,  it  is  found  to  agree 
very  closely  in  direction,  viz.,  to  the  north  of  east,  with  the 
orientation  of  St.  James'  Church  ;  and  it  may  be  noted  that 
the  three  ancient  churches  within  the  borough  are  all  oriented 
to  the  north  of  east,  the  axis  of  St.  Mary  Magdalene  pointing 


Structural  Notes  on    Taunton   Castle. 


43 


II-  
"I-    \ 



f  —  A 

B 

—  -         / 

/              \ 

V 

/ 

?     \ 

\  k 

'-i.l 

1- 

— 

b 

"-I 

-M 

\ 

E 

*--.' 

i.        i      : 

j  i 

a  little  more  to  the  north,  and  that  of  St.  George,  Wilton,  a 

little  less,  than  that  of  St.  James.     Adjoining  this  wall  is  a 

square  block  of  masonry,  which  may  have  been  the  foundation 

of  a  staircase  leading  from  the  Courtyard  to  the  higher  level 

of  the  chapel ;  near  the 

wall    is    a    well    5ft.    in  —^'.=5.  '/•.  — i—  t-^-.-i   ««"=" 

diameter,  and  15ft.  deep 

to    the    deposit    on    the 

bottom.      It    is    domed 

over  with  modern  bricks, 

and    lined    with    bricks, 

apparently,  of  the  same 

character.      There  were 

4Jft.    of   water   when   it 

was   measured    in   July, 

1910. 

To  return  to  the  des- 
cription of  the  work 
carried  out  when  the 
Society  took  possession 
of  the  Castle,  it  was  at 
that  time  decided  to  in- 
sert three  windows ;  two 
in  existing  openings,  and 
the  third  in  a  recess  where 
at  one  time  there  was 
probably  a  window,  to 


FIG.  9 


F1C.8 


mark  the  three  chief 
periods,  viz.,  Norman, 
Early  English  merging 
into  Early  Decorated, 
and  Perpendicular,  dur- 
ing which  the  Castle  was  built  and  materially  altered.  These 
windows  are  shown  in  Figs.  6  to  11,  and  are  taken  from  the 
working  drawings  which  were  prepared  for  that  purpose. 


Figs.  8  and  9.  Plan  and  elevation  of  window 
inserted  in  1874  in  an  existing  recess  in  the 
south  wall  of  Curator's  sitting-room,  now 
the  eastern  part  of  Coin  Room.  (Two  similar 
windows  in  corresponding  recesses  have  now 
been  added.) 


44 


Structural  Notes  on    Taunton    Castle. 


Fig.  6  is  a  plan  and  Fig.  7  an  elevation  of  the  window 
inserted  on  the  east  side  of  the  Norman  Keep.  Fig.  8  is  a 
plan  and  Fig.  9  an  elevation  of  the  window  inserted  in  the 
south  wall  of  the  sitting-room,  now  the  eastern  part  of  the 
Coin  Room. 

Fig.  10  is  a  plan  and  Fig.  11  an  elevation  of  the  window 

inserted  in  the  north  wall  of  the  drawing-room  of  Castle  House. 

The  inner  Gate-house,  with  the  arms  of  Bishop  Langton, 

and  date  1496  on  both  north  and  south  fronts,  was  partly  built 

by  that  prelate,  and  it 
is  quite  evident  that 
he  did  more  on  the 
north  than  on  the 
south  side,  for  the 
former  is  rebuilt  from 
the  ground,  while  the 

t        j    „         ,  (     ..  latter  has  the  earlier 

jf /  |  I  arches  remaining. 

•"  •  **    • '  It  seems  clear  that 

he  built  the  north  wall 
from  the  junction  of 
the  passage  wall,  out- 
side the  Strong  Room, 

FIG.  10  with  the  wall  of  the 

a       3      [4     tf      6  Coin    Room,    to    the 

point  where  a  buttress 
is  in  great  part  con- 
cealed by  the  more 
modern  wing  of  Castle 
House.  The  base  mouldings  can  be  traced  throughout  this 
length  of  wall,  and  the  blue  lias  masonry  is  of  the  same  char- 
acter from  point  to  point.  Fig.  12  shows  the  buttress  referred 
to,  if  restored,  and  there  are  traces  in  the  front  of  Castle 
House  of  two  other  buttresses,  of  similar  height,  having  been 
removed. 


FIG.II 


Figs.  10  and  1 1 .   Plan  and  elevation  of  window, 

corresponding  with  adjacent  older  windows, 

inserted  in  north  wall  of  Castle  House  in  place 

of  modern  cupboard. 


Structural  Notes  on   Taunton   Castle. 


45 


The  mouldings  of  this  buttress  are  similar  in  character  to 
those  of  the  buttresses  in  the  towers  of  St.  Mary  Magdalene's 
and  St.  James'  Churches,  and  of  many  other  churches  in  this 
neighbourhood  of  the 
same  period,  and  there- 
fore mark  this  north 
front  as  being  built  in 
the  time  of  Bishop 
Langton.  And  his 
work  appears  to  have 
extended  westward, 
even  further  than  is  in- 
dicated by  the  blue  lias 
masonry,  for  upon  re- 
moving some  tiles  from 
the  roof  of  the  Library, 
it  was  found  that  above 
the  panelled  barrel  ceil- 
ing of  plaster,  which  is 
considered  to  be  the 
work  of  Sir  Benjamin 
Hammet,  circa  1790, 
there  exists  a  moulded 
oak  roof. 

Fig.  13  shows  a  half 
section  of  this  roof  as 
it  probably  appeared 
in  Bishop  Langton's 
time,  and  Fig.  14  is  a 
section  of  the  moulded 
ribs  and  principal 
rafters,  which  latter 
seem  to  be  placed  about 

5ft.  apart  from  centre  to  centre,  with  three  curved  but  plain 
intermediate  rafters. 


Fig.  12.   Side  elevation  of  buttress,  in  north 

wall  of  Castle  House,  almost  concealed  by 

later  additions  to  that  building. 


46 


Structural  Notes  on    Taunton   Castle. 


Figs.  13  and  14.     Half-sectional  elevation  of  XV  Century  roof  over  Library, 

and  section  of  rib,  now  entirely  concealed  by  late  XVIII  Century 

plastered  ceiling. 

There  are  also  two  arched  oak  couples,  from  6  to  7ft.  apart, 
of  an  earlier  roof  remaining  in  Castle  House,  as  shown  approxi- 
mately by  the  half-section,  Fig.  15  ;  the  ribs  in  this  case  are 
not  moulded  but  chamfered,  as  shown  by  Fig.  16. 


FIG.  16 


Figs.  15  and  16.     Half -sectional  elevation  of  roof,  and  section  of  chamfered  rib 

over  a  bedroom  of  Castle  House,  almost  entirely  concealed  by 

later  plastered  ceiling. 


Structural  Notes  on    Taunton    Castle.  47 

The  feet  of  these  couples,  in  an  imperfect  condition,  can  be 
seen  below  the  ceiling  of  the  bedroom  over  the  drawing-room, 
adjoining  massive  horizontal  beams  forming  part  of  a  later 
reconstruction.  The  Exchequer,  which  can  only  be  approached 
by  the  door  at  the  foot  of  the  staircase  turret,  was  formerly 
accessible  by  means  of  a  staircase  now  blocked  from  the  ante- 
room of  the  Library  on  the  first  floor,  on  the  west  side,  and 
on  the  east  by  means  of  a  doorway,  since  built  up,  which  con- 
nected a  room  over  the  drawing-room  of  Castle  House  with 
the  staircase  turret. 

The  roof  of  the  Great  Hall  is  apparently  the  work  of  Sir 
Benjamin  Hammet ;  under  it  can  be  seen  at  its  west  end  the 
remains  of  the  drip-mould  of  an  earlier  sharp-pitched  roof 
which  sprang  from  lower  walls  than  at  present. 

Above  this  drip-mould  is  a  small  doorway,  which  was  no 
doubt  blocked  when  the  walls  were  raised  to  receive  a  flatter 
roof.  This  doorway  apparently  led  from  the  chamber  above 
the  Norman  Keep,  now  the  Somerset  Room,  to  the  gutter 
behind  the  parapet  on  the  south  side  of  the  Great  Hall. 

There  are  only  two  old  windows  remaining  in  the  Great 
Hall :  one  of  five  lights  the  other  of  four  lights,  and  these  are 
in  the  north  wall  towards  its  west  end. 

There  is  a  small  chamber  or  chambers  in  the  thickness  of  the 
north  wall,  now  built  up,  which  were  formerly  lighted  by  two 
small  semicircular-headed  windows,  as  illustrated  in  Vol.  IV 
of  the  Society's  Proceedings,  part  ii,  p.  29. 

In  a  north-east  view  of  the  Castle  in  Mr.  H.  Franklin's 
possession, — being  one  of  a  series  of  six  aquatints,1  signed  C.C., 
which  were  probably  executed  at  the  end  of  the  XVIII  or 
beginning  of  the  XIX  Century, — two  small  two-light  square- 
headed  windows  are  shown,  near  the  position  where  subse- 
quently a  large  four-light  window  was  inserted.  Very  slight 
traces  of  either  of  these  small  windows  remain,  and  there  is 

1.  Photographs  of  these  aquatints  were  presented  to  the  Society  in  1902  by 
Mr.  Franklin. 


48 


Structural  Notes  on    Taunton   Castle. 


now  no  entrance  to  the  chambers,  which  probably  were  two  in 
number,  visible. 

A  little  to  the  west  of  the  entrance  to  the  Great  Hall,  under 
the  portico,  are  the  remains  of  an  earlier  doorway,  consisting 
of  one  jamb  and  half  the  head,  as  shown  in  Fig.  17.  The  head 
seems  to  have  been  formed  of  two  stones  with  a  central  joint. 
It  is,  constructionally  speaking,  a  lintel,  not  an  arch,  but  is 
shaped  to  represent  a  flat  arch  of  late  character. 

It  is  difficult  to  distinguish  between  the  work  of  Bishop 
Langton  and  that  of  Bishop  Home ;  both  are  said  to  have  been 
engaged  in  partially  rebuilding  and  repairing  the  Great  Hall. 
Its  north  wall  was  largely  repaired  with  blue  lias  stone,  and 

that  is  the  material 
used  in  Bishop 
Langton's  work, 
which  was  dated 
1496.  By  comparing 
the  remains  of  the 
doorway  (Fig.  17) 
with  the  work  of 
1496,  it  seems  more 
probable  that  it  was 
erected  by  Bishop 
Home,  some  of 
whose  work  is  dated 
1577,  than  by  the 
former  Bishop. 

It  is  not  unlikely 
that  this  entrance 
was  protected  by  a 
porch,  and  this  sug- 
gestion is  supported 
by  the  fact  that,  in 


FIC.I7 


Fig.  17.     Half-elevation  of  head  and  one  jamb 

of  a  XVI  Century  entrance-doorway  to  the 

Great  Hall  (now  built  up). ' 


digging  recently  to  lay  a  drain,  some  masonry  was  uncovered 
which  might  have  been  the  foundation  of  the  west  wall  of  a 


Haunton     Cattle 


-First     Floor 


—  Rooms   over  Autt  Room  of 


Structural  Notes  on    Taunton   Castle.  49 

porch.  A  further  suggestion  is  that  Sir  Benjamin  Hammet 
pulled  down  the  porch  in  order  to  make  room  for  the  present 
larger  portico  with  rooms  over  it,  and  in  rebuilding  made  use 
of  the  old  materials  from  the  porch  and  elsewhere,  placing  the 
arms  of  Bishop  Home  and  three  Ham  stone  windows  in  the 
positions  which  they  now  occupy. 

Although  it  may  be  regretted  that  so  much  of  the  original 
Castle  has  disappeared,  still  there  is  an  historic  interest 
attached  to  the  variety  of  the  work  which  from  time  to  time, 
either  in  partial  rebuilding  or  repairing,  has  been  substi- 
tuted for  it ;  for  in  addition  to  the  principal  portions  which 
are  Norman,  Early  English  merging  into  Early  Decorated, 
and  Perpendicular  work,  as  before  referred  to,  there  are  ex- 
amples of  Elizabethan,  Queen  Anne,  and  Georgian  con- 
struction ;  the  latter  including  specimens,  e.g.  the  chimney 
pieces  of  the  Library  and  Tite  Room,  of  the  style  known  as 
Adams',  from  the  brothers  Adam  who  introduced  it. 


Vol.  LVI  (Third  Series,  XVI],  Part  IT. 


H3otes  on  archaeological  Remains  founD  on 


(Head  on  the  occasion  of  the  Society's  visit  to  Ham  Hill,  July  20th,  1910.) 
BY    H.    ST.    GEORGE    GRAY. 

THE  large  collections  of  antiquities  found  on  Ham  Hill, 
filling  several  cases  in  the  Museum  at  Tatmton  Castle, 
were  for  the  most  part  collected  by  two  brothers-in-law,  the 
late  Mr.  W.  W.  Walter,  M.R.C.S.,  of  Stoke-under-Ham,  and 
Mr.  Hugh  Norris,  L.R.C.P.,  of  South  Petherton,  by  their 
fathers,  —  Mr.  Richard  Walter  and  Mr.  Henry  Norris,  F.R.C.S., 
—and  later  by  Mr.  W.  W.  Walter's  son,  Mr.  R.  Hensleigh 
Walter,  M.B.  A  small  series  of  remains  from  the  Hill  has 
been  gathered  together  by  Mr.  Arthur  V.  Cornish,  of  Odcombe 
—  a  collection  which  has  also  been  deposited  in  Taunton 
Museum.  Nearly  all  the  archaeological  remains,  as  is  generally 
known,  have  been  found  by  workmen  engaged  in  quarrying 
operations,  almost  everything  being  obtained  from  near  the 
surface,  and  seldom  at  a  greater  depth  than  2ft.,  during  the 
process  known  as  "  rubbling,"  or  the  removal  of  the  surface 
deposits  above  the  stone  to  be  quarried  :  and  so  no  proper 
record  has  been  kept  until  recently  of  the  circumstances  under 
which  the  different  objects  of  antiquity  were  found.1 

Although  the  operations  produce  such  a  large  number  of 
antiquarian  remains,  it  is  much  to  be  deplored  that  commercial 
enterprise  has  been  gradually  playing  great  havoc  with  the 

1.  Mr.  Hensleigh  Walter  did  a  little  digging  on  the  east  side  of  the  northern 
spur  of  the  Hill  in  addition  to  his  excavations  in  the  S,E.  part  of  the  Hill 
which  led  to  the  discovery  of  the  foundations  of  a  Roman  villa,  in  1907,  and 
made  some  interesting  "finds."  (Proc.  Som.  Arch.  Soc.,  LIII,  i,  87  et  seq.  ; 
ii,  181). 


Archceological  Remains  found  on  Ham  Hill.  51 

earthworks  of  this,  one  of  the  largest  and  most  important 
strongholds  of  early  man  in  the  kingdom.1  Quarrying  opera- 
tions, some  three  decades  ago,  obliterated  the  camp  of  Hunsbury 
in  Northamptonshire,  but  at  the  same  time  revealed  a  large 
number  of  Late-Celtic  relics,  having  the  same  chronological 
range  and  position  in  the  evolution  of  British  civilization  as 
the  remains  so  plentifully  found  in  the  world-renowned  Lake- 
villages  of  Somerset,  and  bearing  characteristics  clearly  re- 
vealing the  life-history  of  the  Briton  inhabiting  our  land  at 
the  time  of  the  coming  of  the  Romans. 

Having  written  the  descriptive  catalogues  of  the  Walter  and 
N orris  collections  in  our  Proceedings?  and  read  a  paper  to  the 
Society  of  Antiquaries  on  some  of  the  relics  from  Ham  Hill3 
(extracts  from  which  were  reprinted  in  the  Homeland  Hand- 
book to  Yeovil),4  the  writer  may  claim  to  have  some  know- 
ledge of  the  deeply-interesting  and  varied  objects  of  antiquity 
which  the  upper  deposits  of  this  Hill  have  revealed. 

The  remains  found  here  cover  a  considerable  period,  from 
the  Neolithic,  or  late  Stone  Age,  down  to  and  including 
medieval  times.  A  large  number  of  the  relics  are  of  similar 
form  and  character  to  the  Late-Celtic  and  Roman  antiquities 
found  on  the  site  of  the  important  entrenchment  of  Hod  Hill 
in  Dorset  (remains  now  to  be  seen  in  the  Durden  Collection 
in  the  British  Museum).  The  relics  of  the  Romano-British 
period  from  Ham  Hill  are  also  comparable  with  the  large 
collection  brought  together  by  General  Pitt-Rivers  in  his 
Museum  at  Farnham,  Dorset, — the  results  of  his  excavations 
in  the  Romano-British  Villages  near  Rushmore  and  Woodyates. 
Again,  many  of  the  Late-Celtic  remains  discovered  on  the 
Hill  compare  favourably  with  the  more  numerous  relics  found 

1.  I  am  glad  to  hear  that  recently  the  Duchy  of  Cornwall  and  other  land- 
owners have  exercised  more  care  in  preserving  the  contour  of  the  earthworks 
at  the  points  where  quarrying  operations  are  in  progress. 

2.  Vols.  XLVIII,  ii,  24-78  ;  LI,  ii,  136-159. 

3.  Proc.  Soc.  Antiq.  Lond.,  XXI,  128-139. 

4.  No.  51,  pp.  24-27. 


52  ArchcBological  Remains  found  on  Ham  Hill. 

in  the  Somerset  Lake-villages.  And  so,  long  lists  of  compari- 
sons could  be  made,  with  which,  however,  we  cannot  deal  here. 

The  Neolithic  period  at  Ham  Hill  is  represented  by  a  large 
number  of  flint  implements,  flint  celts  (some  bearing  evidence 
of  having  been  burnt),  worked  flakes  and  knives,  and  arrow- 
heads, chiefly,  if  not  exclusively,  of  the  leaf-shaped  form. 
It  is  not  inferred,  however,  that  the  whole  of  the  many  flint 
objects  from  the  Hill  belong  to  that  very  early  period,  for  it 
is  now  a  well  established  fact  that  flint  scrapers,  arrow-heads, 
knives,  and  even  axes,  survived  into  much  later  times,  scrapers 
and  knives  being  frequently  found  in  association  with  Roman 
remains.  The  Lake-villages  of  Somerset,  too,  of  a  date  ex- 
tending approximately  from  B.C.  200  to  A.D.  70,  have  revealed 
an  arrowhead,  knives,  a  saw  (all  of  flint),  and  one  or  two  stone 
celts  or  axes. 

But  it  is  not  such  a  difficult  matter  to  date  the  comparatively 
few  objects  of  the  Bronze  Age  which  have  been  discovered  on 
Ham  Hill.  These  consist  of  a  palstave  or  flanged  celt,  one  or 
two  awls,  an  axe  or  celt,  a  gouge,  and  a  spear-head,  all  of 
bronze,  the  last  three  socketed.1  Also  another  palstave  (in 
the  Norris  Collection)  found  near  the  Hill.2  These  stray 
finds  are  not  in  themselves  sufficient  evidence  of  a  continuous 
occupation  of  the  Hill  by  the  Goidels  of  the  Bronze  Age. 
On  the  other  hand  some  fragments  of  ancient  British  pottery 
have  been  found,  but  apparently  in  no  great  quantity. 

It  is  probabje  that  the  Brythonic  Celts  introduced  the 
knowledge  of  iron-working  into  Britain  about  B.C.  300,  or 
possibly  a  little  later.  The  number  of  burials  of  the  Early 
Iron  Age  that  have  been  discovered  in  Britain  is  extremely 
small  as  compared  with  those  of  the  Ages  of  Stone  and  Bronze, 
and  this  fact  would  seem  to  indicate  that  the  period  between 
the  introduction  of  iron  into  this  country  and  the  beginning  of 
the  Roman  occupation  cannot  have  been  very  long. 

1.  Some  of  these  are  figured  in  Proc.  XXXII,  i,  Plate  I. 

2.  Proc.  Som.  Arch.  Soc.,  LI,  ii,  plate  facing  p.  144,  fig.  3. 


Archaeological  Remains  found  on  Ham  Hill.  53 

From  the  Prehistoric  Iron  Age,  wheii  the  Brythonic  tribes 
inhabited  almost  the  whole  of  England,  and  down  through  the 
Koman  period,  the  occupation  of  Ham  Hill,  judging  from  the 
objects  found,  must  have  been  more  or  less  continuous, 
although  there  is  nothing  to  show  that  the  place  was  a  per- 
manent Koman  post.1  Out  of  several  hundredweights  of 
pottery  of  the  Roman  period,  mostly  of  the  coarser  qualities, 
a  very  small  proportion  of  true  Roman  pottery  and  of  the  best 
red  Samian  ware  has  been  uncovered  on  the  Hill.  This,  con- 
sidered alone,  would  seem  to  imply  that  the  inhabitants,  during 
the  Roman  occupation,  were  not  a  very  rich  community. 

It  is  not  certain  that  all  the  antiquities  from  Ham  Hill  dis- 
playing marked  Late-Celtic  characteristics  belong  to  late 
prehistoric  times.  The  greater  number  of  them  more  probably 
belong  to  the  first  century  of  our  era,  although  there  is  no 
reason  why  many  of  them,  showing  no  mixture  of  true  British 
and  Roman  art,  should  not  date  back  to  100  or  200  B.C. 

In  the  case  of  some  Celtic  remains  it  is  very  difficult  to 
determine  whether  particular  finds  are  pre-Roman,  of  the 
Roman  period,  or  even  post-Roman,  as  the  Late-Celtic  style 
of  decoration  was  in  vogue  throughout  the  whole  of  the  Pagan 
Iron  Age  in  Britain,  and  survived  in  remote  districts  after  the 
introduction  of  Christianity. 

In  the  solution  of  this  problem  the  uninscribed  British  coins 
of  silver  and  bronze2  found  on  the  Hill  do  not  help  to  any 
extent,  as  it  is  a  fact  proved  in  more  than  one  instance  that 
these  types  were  in  circulation  at  the  time  of  Claudius  I  (A.D. 
41-54).3  Of  far  greater  dateable  importance,  however,  are  the 
currency-bars,  or  iron  money,  found  on  the  Hill,4  which  were 

1.  In  this  connection,  the  following  extract  relating  to  Stoke-under-Ham 
from  "The  Universal  British  Directory,"  (London,  1792),  which  Mr.  Hensleigh 
Walter  has  sent  me,  may  be  recorded,  but  it  does  not  state  on  what  authority 
the  statement  was  made.     "  On  the  Hill,  which  is  called  Ham,  is  a  Roman  in- 
trenchment  partly  entire,  which  was  thrown  up  in  the  year  49,  by  Flavius 
Vespasian,  then  the  second  Eoman  officer  in  command  in  England." 

2.  One  figured  in  Proc.  Som.  Arch.  Soc.,  XXXII,  i,  PL  I. 

3.  "  Excavations  in  Cranborne  Chase,"  IV,  240. 

4.  One  figured  in  Proc.  Som.  Arch.  Soc.,  XXXII,  i,  PL  III,  fig.  4. 


54  Archaological  Remains  found  on  Ham   Hill. 

in  use  as  mediums  of  exchange  at  the  time  of  Caesar's  invasion, 
and  called  by  him  talea  ferrea  (Bello.  Gall.,  V,  12).  Our 
knowledge  of  this  subject  is  due  in  the  first  place  to  Mr. 
Reginald  A.  Smith,  F.S.A.,  of  the  British  Museum.1  In 
Taunton  Museum  there  are  nine  of  these  bars  from  Ham  Hill, 
all  of  which  appear  to  be  specimens  of  double  weight  (the 
presumed  standard  being  9540  grains),  but  most  of  them  are 
in  a  bad  state  of  preservation.  They  take  the  general  form 
of  unfinished  swords  with  blunt  edges,  and  measure  about 
32  inches  long.  It  is  recorded  that  nearly  a  hundred  of  them 
were  ploughed  up  on  the  Hill.  The  Somerset  and  other 
specimens  of  British  currency  will  be  referred  to  in  the  mono- 
graph on  the  Glastonbury  Lake-village. 

Roman  coins  are  commonly  found  sporadically  on  Ham  Hill, 
covering  nearly  the  whole  period  of  the  Roman  occupation,  and 
extending  from  Augustus  (B.C.  43-14),  and  Marcus  Agrippa 
(B.C.  39-27),  to  Arcadius  (A.D.  394-408).  Several  British 
imitations  of  Roman  coins  of  the  third  and  fourth  (date  of 
issue  between  A.D.  360-385)  centuries  have  also  been  discovered. 
But  the  most  notable  finds  of  coins  are  the  two  large  hoards. 
One  was  discovered  in  1882  at  Bedmore  Barn,  and  consisted 
of  three  good-sized  amphora?  containing,  it  is  said,  over  2,000 
"  first  brass "  coins.  One  of  the  pots,  about  1 1  inches  high 
and  having  two  small  handles,  is  preserved  in  Taunton 
Museum.  Judging  by  the  emperors  represented  in  this  hoard, 
the  crocks  appear  to  have  been  buried  about  the  middle  of  the 
third  century ;  most  of  the  coins  are  in  a  much  worn  con- 
dition. A  second  hoard  was  dug  up  about  1816,  at  some  little 
distance  south  of  the  Hill ;  the  coins,  which  were  deposited  in 
a  large  earthen  vase,  were  of  copper  and  white  metal,  extending 
from  Volusian  to  Constantine  (A.D.  251-337),  according  to  one 
account.2 

1.  Proc.  Soc.  Antiq.  Lond.,  XX,  179-195  ;  XXII,  337-343. 

2.  V.C.H.  Somerset,  I,  297,  where  the  authorities  are  given. 


BROOCHES  AND  GEMS  FOUND  ON  HAM  HILL,  S.  SOMERSET. 


Archaeological  Remains  found  on  Ham  Hill.  55 

Fibulae,1  or  brooches,  are  found  occasionally  in  iron  (like 
Fig.  1, — of  La  Tene  III  type),  but  far  more  plentifully  in 
bronze — the  latter  as  a  rule  being  in  a  fine  state  of  preservation, 
and  sometimes  tinned  (as  the  depression  in  Fig.  2).2  For  the 
most  part  they  are  of  a  very  usual  unornamented  type  ;  on  the 
other  hand,  one  or  two  of  the  Roman  brooches  are  orna- 
mented with  finely  engraved  designs  (like  Fig.  3,  and  the 
circular  Roman  brooch  of  gilt  bronze  with  a  dark  glass  conical 
projection  in  the  centre,  Fig.  4);  and  an  enamelled  brooch 
(Fig.  5)  of  a  not  uncommon  type  has  also  been  found.  Others 
clearly  show  the  blending  of  true  British  with  Roman  art 
(Figs.  6  arid  7)  ;  and  a  few  of  La  Tene  type  are  of  pre-Roman 
date  (see  Fig.  8,  a  rare  Early  Iron  Age  fibula  bearing  Bronze 
Age  characteristics);3  some  of  these  compare  with  brooches 
found  in  the  Glastonbury  Lake-village,  and  will  be  mentioned 
in  the  monograph  on  that  site. 

Another  type  of  bronze  brooch  found  on  the  Hill  (Fig.  9) 
has  a  thin  wide  bow  very  slightly  curved, — a  type  rarely 
found  elsewhere,  except  in  the  Romano-British  Villages  near 
Rushmore.4 

One  of  the  most  interesting  fibulas  from  Ham  Hill  is  that 
having  a  deep  semi-circular  bow  (Fig.  10«),  at  the  back  of 
which  is  the  inscription  AVCISSA.  This  is  one  of  seven  or 
eight  known  from  Britain  bearing  this  inscription,  and  of 
about  thirty  examples  recorded  from  the  whole  of  Europe.5 
Of  these,  two  others  come  from  Somerset,  and  are  now  in  the 

1.  The  fibulae  mentioned  in  this  paper  and  figured,  are  described  in  more 
detail  in  Proc.  Som.  Arch.  Soc.,  LI,  i,  87  ;  LIU,  i,  87,  89,  90 ;  LIV,  i,  121  ; 
LV,  i,  101-2;  LVI,  i,  Additions  to  the  Museum,  1910. 

2.  Some  of  the  bronze  fibulae  are  figured  in    V.C.H.  Somerset,   I,  plate 
facing  p.  296 ;  and  Proc.  Som.  Arch.  Soc.,  XXXII,  i,  PL  II,  5,  6. 

3.  This  specimen  is  not  in  one  piece  as  it  should  be,  but  the  bow  ends  in  a 
coil,  and  the  spring  of  the  pin  is  attached  to  it  by  an  internal  cylinder.     It 
was  probably  broken  in  ancient  times  and  repaired. 

4.  "Excavations  in  Cranborne  Chase,"  PL  XI,  3  ;  XIII,  4;  XIV,  7,  11 ; 
C,  3,  10,  12  ;  CLXXXII,  18.     Three  from  Ham  Hill  figured  in  V.C.H.  Somer- 
set, I,  plate  facing  p.  296,  figs.  7,  10,  11. 

5.  Arckceol.  Journ.,  LX,  236;  LXII,  265. 


56  Archaeological  Remains  found  on  Ham  Hill. 

Bristol  Museum,  being  found  about  1875  in  the  Roman  lead- 
workings  at  Charterhouse-on-Mendip.1  Two  other  British 
examples  come  from  Cirencester,  and  two  from  Lincolnshire.2 
The  Ham  Hill  specimen  differs  from  all  the  others  in  having 
the  two  S's  of  AVCISSA  reversed3  (Fig.  Wb). 

Penannular  brooches  (Fig.  II),4  of  a  character  belonging  to 
the  Late-Celtic  period  and  to  early  Roman  times,  are  also 
found.  Bronze  finger-rings  and  bracelets,  both  of  British  and 
Roman  type,  have  been  discovered  on  the  Hill. 

Speaking  still  of  personal  ornament,  it  may  be  mentioned 
that  glass  beads5  are  occasionally  found,  but  no  amber  beads 
appear  to  have  been  unearthed  in  the  locality.  Kimmeridge 
shale  is  found  in  the  form  of  broken  lathe-turned  bracelets ; 
cores  and  waste  pieces  from  the  lathe  are  also  represented,  and 
part  of  what  may  be  a  trencher. 

One  of  the  most  remarkable  specimens  from  the  Hill  is  the 
portion  of  a  Roman  lorica,  consisting  of  thirty-nine  plates  of 
scale-armour  joined  together  by  means  of  small  rings  of  bronze 
wire  (Fig.  12).6  These  scales  originally  formed  part  of  a 
tight-fitting  and  flexible  cuirass,  and  are  of  burnished  bronze, 
tinned  alternately.  The  holes  at  the  top  of  each  scale  were  for 
attachment  to  the  leather  or  linen  tunic  or  lining  which  held 
the  whole  together.  Three  scales  of  the  same  piece  are  still  in 
private  hands  in  this  neighbourhood,  and  five  in  the  British 

1.  Figured  in  Archceol.  Journ.,   LX,   plate  facing  p.   240 ;   and    V.C.H. 
Somerset,  I.  343. 

2.  Proc.  Soc.  Antiq.  Lond.,  XXI,  131  ;  Archceol.  Joum.,  LXII,  265-6. 

3.  Fibulae  of  the  Aucissa  type,  but  without  inscription,  have  been  found  on 
Ham  Hill  (1)— figured  in  Proc.  Som.  Arch.  Soc.,  LI,  ii,  plate  facing  p.  144, 
fig.  6 ;  Combe  Down,  Bath  (1) — Cruickshank  Loan  Collection,  Bath  Museum ; 
and  Stoke  Abbot,  W.  Dorset  (2)— James  Halls  Collection,  Bridport  Literary 
Institution. 

4.  One  figured  in  V.C.H.  Somerset,  I,  plate  facing  p.  296,  fig.  6 ;  another  in 
Proc.  Som.  Arch.  Soc.,  XXXII,  i,  PI.  II. 

5.  Some  of  the  beads  are  compound  pearls,  such  as  occur  frequently  in 
Anglo-Saxon  graves  of  the  VI  Century,  and  it  is  interesting  to  find  the  type 
associated  with  IV  Century  coins  on  Ham  Hill. 

6.  Figured  in  V.C.H.  Somerset,  I,  plate  facing  p.  296;  Proc.  Soc.  Antiq. 
Lond.,  XXI,  plate  facing  p.  135.     See  also  Proc.  Som.  Arch.  Soc.,  XXXII,  i, 
PI.  II ;  Homeland  Handbook,  Taunton,  No.  29  (1903),  p.  20,— Yeovil,  No.  51 
(1906),  p.  27. 


00 


c/3 

c* 
W 
§ 

o 
c/D 

X 

EH 

D 

O 


J 

J 

X 

s 

a: 

o 

Q 

D 

O 

O 

5 

3 


CM 


Archceological  Remains  found  on  Ham  Hill. 


57 


13 


15 


Fig.  13.     Scales  of  Armour,  bronze  tinned,  Roman.     Found  with  a  fragment 

of  a  red  Samian  bowl,  Site  C  '07,  Ham  Hill,  1910. 

Fig.  15.     Embossed  bronze  disc,  perhaps  connected  with  Sun-worship. 

Found  on  Site  A  '07,  Ham  Hill,  1908. 

Museum ;  they  were  found  in  1885.  Three  similar  scales, 
conjoined,  also  measuring  25  x  15mm.,  were  found  in  another 
place  on  the  Hill  this  year  ;  and  six  scales  of  another  lorica, 
having  scales  measuring  22  x  llmm.,  were  discovered  in  1909. 
Quite  recently  two  much  larger  scales  (39  x  35mm.)  of  the 
same  general  character  have  been  revealed  (Fig.  13).  A 
remarkable  find  of  350  similar  scales  of  the  small  variety,  of 
Roman  brass,  not  bronze,  mostly  if  not  all  detached,  were  dis- 
covered at  the  Roman  station  of  Newstead,  near  Melrose,  but 
beyond  that  a  very  few  examples  have  been  found  in  the 
kingdom.1  The  Romans  evidently  derived  scale-armour  from 
the  East,  where  it  is  still  in  use  over  the  whole  of  Northern 
Asia,  in  Japan,  etc.  The  recent  mission  to  Tibet  found  a 
type  of  scale-armour  in  use  among  the  natives. 

Typical  of  Late-Celtic  art  is  the  finely  patinated  bronze 
head  of  an  ox  which  probably  formed  part  of  a  complete 
animal  (Fig.  14).2  It  is  undoubtedly  one  of  the  rarest 
specimens  from  the  Hill,  the  ox  being  rarely  represented 
among  the  art  products  of  the  period. 

1.  Proc.  Soc.  Antiq.  Lond.,  XXI,  135-136 ;  Proc.  Som.  Arch.  Soc.,  XLVIII, 
ii,  31. 

2.  Proc.  Soc.  Antiq.  Lond.,  XXI,  figured  on  p.  133;   V.C.H.  Somerset,  I, 
plate  facing  p.  296,  fig.  12. 


58 


Arch&ological  Remains  found  on   Ham  Hill. 


Fig.  14.     Bronze  Head  of  an  Ox,  Late-Celtic,  Ham  Hill. 

The  thin  embossed  bronze  disc  (well  patinated),  having  three 
perforations,  apparently  for  suspension,  is  probably  Late- 
Celtic  (Fig.  15)  ;  it  is  regarded  by  Mr.  Eeginald  A.  Smith  as 
a  pendant  connected  with  the  worship  of  a  Gaulish  sun-god, 
who  is  frequently  represented  holding  a  wheel.1 

The  small  Roman  lamp  of  bronze  is  also  a  rarity,  the  lamps 
of  the  period  found  in  Britain  being  mostly  of  earthenware. 
In  bronze  less  then  a  dozen  are  recorded  to  have  been  found  in 
England.2 

The  Roman  steelyard  (statera)  is  one  of  the  largest  and  best 
preserved  on  record  ;3  near  it  a  bronze  scale-pan  (lancula)  was 
found4  (Figs.  16  and  17).  Rare,  too,  are  the  two  bronze 

1.  "  Le  Dieu  Gauloise  du  Soleil  et  le  Symbolisme  de  la  Roue,"  by  Henri 
Gaidoz,  1886. 

2.  Proc.  Soc.  Antiq.  Lond.,  XXI,  135  ;  Proc.  Som.  Arch.  Soc.,  LI,  ii,  146 ; 
figured  in  ditto,  XXXII,  i,  PI.  II,  fig.  2. 

3.  Proc.  Som  Arch.  Soc.,  LIII,  ii,  181. 

4.  The  pans  and  beam  of  a  pair  of  Late-Celtic  scales  have  recently  been 
found  in  Dog  Holes  Cave,  Warton  Crag,  Carnforth,  Lanes.  ;  the  pans  are  each 
ornamented  with  twenty-nine  dots-and-circles,  five  being  grouped  in  the  centre 
and  six  arranged  triangularly  at  the  edge  of  each  of  the  four  quarters  (the 
apices  of  the  triangles  pointing  inwards). 


ArchcBological  Remains  found  on  Ham  Hill. 

ft 


59 


Fig.  16,  Roman  Steelyard  (statera),  of  exceptional  length — the  beam  of  iron, 
the  weight  of  lead,  the  loop  and  rings  of  bronze ;  and  Fig.  17,  bronze  Scale- 
pan  (lancula).  Found  within  a  few  feet  of  each  other,  about  140  yards  to  the 
8.  of  the  "Frying  Pan,"  on  the  E.  side  of  the  N.  Spur,  Ham  Hill,  1907. 

objects  of  the  Early  Iron  Age  which  have  usually  been 
described  as  probably  caps  or  bosses  that  were  fitted  to  axles 
of  chariot-wheels  ;  they  were  found  here  in  1823,  and  compare 
with  about  three  specimens  found  in  the  Thames  and  one  in  the 
fens  of  Cambridgeshire.1 


RELICS  FROM  HAM  HILL. 

Fig.  18.     Bronze  Needle,  found  at  "Ham  Turn,"  1905. 

Fig.  19.     Bone  Needle,  found  at  "Ham  Turn,"  1907. 

Fig.  20.  Bronze  Awl,  or  Piercer,  perhaps  used  in  leather-working.  Found 
on  the  N.  Spur  of  the  Hill,  Site  A  '07. 

Fig.  24.  Bone  Implement  which  may  have  been  used  for  selecting  certain 
of  the  warp-threads  for  pattern- weaving,  say,  in  two  colours  (see  sketch). 
Found  at  "Ham  Turn,"  1907. 

1.  Figured  in  Archfsologia,  XXI,  Plate  VI,  and  Proc.  Som.  Arch.  Soc., 
XXXII,  i,  Plate  I.  See  Proc.  Som.  Arch  Soc.,  LI,  ii,  145,  and  Proc.  Soc. 
Antiq.  Lond.,  XXI,  132,  for  references. 


60 


Archaeological  Remains  found  on  Ham  Hill. 


Among  the  many  other  objects  of  Roman  and  Late-Celtic 
times  found  on  the  Hill  are  bronze  and  bone  pins,1  bronze,  bone 
and  iron  needles  (Figs.  18  and  19),  bronze  awls  (Fig.  20), 
bronze  tweezers,  parts  of  spoons,  parts  of  chains,  thin  bronze 
repousse  work,2  carnelian  gems  (Figs.  21 
and  22),  objects  of  antler — many  of  them 
comparable  with  the  large  series  from  the 
Somerset  Lake-villages,  and  including  a 
comb  (Fig.  23),3  and  other  objects  used  in 
weaving  (Fig.  24),  knife-handles,  and  the 
so-called  cheek-pieces  of  horses'  bits — 
spindle-whorls  and  other  larger  whorls  of 
stone  and  clay,  clay  loom-weights,  massive 
querns  and  other  grinding  stones,  sling- 
bullets  of  clay  and  stone,  whetstones,  and 
many  other  objects  too  numerous  to 
describe  in  detail  here. 

In  iron,  a  quantity  of  remains  of  the 
same  periods  have  been  discovered  from 
time  to  time,  including  arrow-heads  and 
iavelin-heads,  numerous  spear-heads,  dag- 
gers,4 scabbards,  bill-hooks,  sickles,4  small 

.  pick-axes,    shears,   knives,   chisels,   nails, 
Fig.  23.   Weaving-comb  of  f 
antler,  from  the  "Central  horse-bits,4     adzes,      hammers,    haruess- 

HamHillfsitbee(?b7)PUr'  rings>  and  otner  horse-trappings,  ox-goads, 
chains,4  styli  (for  writing  on  wax),  and  a 
plain  iron  torque  found  round  the  neck  of  a  skeleton.4 

The  Anglo-Saxon  period  is  represented  by  an  iron  umbo, 
or  boss  of  shield. 

Mediaeval  remains  are  occasionally  met  with  and  include 

1.  One  figured  in  Proc.  Som.  Arch.  Soc.,  XXXII,  i,  PL  II,  fig.  3. 

2.  V.C.H.  Somerset,  I,  plate  facing  p.  296,  fig.  4. 

3.  Figured  also  in  Proc.  Som.  Arch.  Soc.,  LIII,  ii,  121. 

4.  Examples  of  these  are  figured  in  Proc.  Som.  Arch.  Soc.,  XXXII,   i, 
Plates  II,  III. 


Archfeological  Remains  found  on  Ham  Hill.  61 

some  seals,  a  bronze  spout  of  a  jug,1  and  a  handsomely  worked 
bronze  stirrup.2 

It  is  seen,  then,  that  the  yield  of  archaeological  material  on 
Ham  Hill  has  been  great,  and  there  is  every  reason  to  believe 
that  the  area  will  produce  many  more  ancient  remains  than  it 
has  already  revealed.  Although  other  ages  are  represented, 
the  chief  archaeological  interest  in  Ham  Hill  undoubtedly 
centres  in  the  antiquities  dating  from  the  transition  period 
connecting  the  Briton  of  Brythonic  blood  with  that  deter- 
mined invader,  the  Roman. 


Parenthetically,  it  may  here  be  noted  that  Late-Celtic 
remains,  of  the  same  general  character  as  those  from  the 
Somerset  Lake-villages,  have  been  found, — sometimes  singly, 
sometimes  in  considerable  number, — in  the  following  localities 
in  the  county  : — Ham  Hill,  Worlebury  Camp,  South  Cadbury 
Camp,  Cannington  Park  Camp,  the  Polden  Hills,  Wraxall, 
Bawdrip,  Moorlinch,  Melbury  (near  Somerton),  Weston  (near 
Bath),  Lansdown,  Gough's  Cavern  (Cheddar),  and  Wookey 
Hole  Cavern. 

A  full  description  of  the  relics  has  not  been  attempted  in  this  paper.  It 
merely  represents  the  Address  read  at  the  Society's  Meeting  on  Ham  Hill,  on 
July  20th,  1910. 

The  antiquities  found  on  Ham  Hill  during  the  last  few  years  are  described  in 
greater  detail  in  the  Proceedings  :— Vol.  L,  i,  73-4  ;  LI,  i,  86-90  ;  LII,  i,  82-3  ; 
LIII,  i,  85-90 ;  LIV,  i,  120-1  ;  LV,  i,  100-102 ;  LVI,  i,  Additions  to  the 
Museum,  1910. 

With  the  exception  of  Figs.  12  and  14,  all  the  antiquities  illustrated  have 
been  found  on  Ham  Hill  since  the  death  of  Mr.  W.  W.  Walter  in  1904,  and 
have  been  added  to  the  collections  at  Taunton  Castle  Museum  by  Mr.  R. 
Hensleigh  Walter,  M.B. 

The  drawings  to  illustrate  this  paper  were  made  by  Mr.  Ernest  Sprankling, 
of  Messrs.  Sprankling  &  Price,  Architects,  Taunton. 

The  cost  of  the  illustrations  and  their  reproduction  has,  to  a  large  extent, 
been  most  kindly  defrayed  by  Mr.  R.  H.  Walter. 

1.  Figured  in  Proc.  Som.  Arch.  Soc.,  XXXII,  i,  Plate  II,  tig.  7. 

2.  Proc.  Som.  Arch.  Soc.,  XXXII,  i,  Plate  III,  9  ;  Archceologia,  XXVIII, 
450. 


®lastonburp 


THIRD  REPORT  ON  THE  DISCOVERIES  MADE  DURING  THE 
EXCAVATIONS,  1909-10. 


THE  MONASTIC  BUILDINGS  :  FIRST  EXCAVATION. 


BY    F.    BLIGH    BOND,    F.E.I.B.A. 

fTHHE  work  of  excavation,  which  had  been  suspended  during 
J-  the  period  of  the  royal  visit  (May  22nd,  1909),  was  re- 
sumed shortly  afterwards,  and  an  attempt  was  made  to  locate 
the  foundation  of  the  destroyed  eastern  part  of  the  south  aisle 
wall  of  the  nave  at  its  junction  with  the  south  transept. 

The  first  trench  revealed  (at  A  on  plan)  a  small  remnant  of 
the  south  face  of  the  nave  wall  consisting  of  Doulting  ashlar 
from  which  the  core  had  been  removed,  leaving  it  in  a  weak 
state  and  falling  forward.  The  masonry  was  precisely  similar 
to  that  of  the  existing  wall,  and  was  found  to  extend  to  a  depth 
of  four  feet  below  the  level  of  the  nave  floor,  below  which 
no  facings  appeared. 

The  discovery  of  some  slabs  of  paving-stone  adjoining  marked 
this  as  being  the  level  of  the  cloister  floor,  and  further  proof 
was  provided  as  a  result  of  the  sinking  of  several  pits  alongside 
the  nave  wall,  at  the  points  corresponding  to  the  general 
divisions. 

These  shewed  the  same  continuance  of  ashlar  facing,  and 
the  bases  of  the  moulded  piers  of  Abbot  Chinnock's  early 
XV  Century  cloister  were  some  of  them  discovered  in  position. 
At  the  foot  of  one  of  these  piers  a  sufficiency  of  the  original 


Glastonbury  Abbey.  63 

paving  of  the  cloister  floor  remained  to  enable  the  level  to  be 
obtained  with  accuracy. 

The  paving  in  question  is  not,  however,  the  actual  flooring 
surface,  which  was  undoubtedly  of  figured  encaustic  tiles,  but 
represents  the  flat  stone  underlay,  or  support,  for  the  tile  floor. 

The  next  point  to  be  ascertained  was  the  true  position  of 
the  west  wall  of  the  transept,  which  would  determine  the  point 
of  junction  with  the  nave.  This  was  located  without  difficulty 
by  the  discovery  of  a  similar  remnant  of  its  masonry  at  the 
same  level,  with  the  ashlar  face  perfect  for  a  few  feet  in  height 
and  breadth  (B  on  plan). 

From  this  point  a  trench  was  driven  eastward  in  order  to 
test  the  thickness  of  the  transept  wall.  It  was  found  that  the 
whole  of  the  back  or  inner  thickness  of  the  wall  had  been  re- 
moved, but  the  nature  of  the  filling  encountered  shewed  that 
this  wall  must  have  had  a  thickness  of  about  thirteen  feet  from 
the  level  of  the  cloister  floor  upwards  and  probably  about 
another  two  feet  on  the  foundations. 

Pursuing  the  line  of  the  transept  wall  southwards  a  further 
fragment  of  the  freestone  facing  was  encountered  at  about  24 
feet  south  of  the  hypothetical  point  of  junction  of  nave  and 
transept  walls. 

This  piece  was  about  five  feet  long,  and  lying  in  front,  and 
parallel  to  it,  was  a  stone  water  channel  with  some  flat  cover 
stones  remaining  over  it.  This  channel  was  at  a  level  immedi- 
ately under  that  of  the  cloister  pavement.  A  third  trench  (c) 
was  carried  in  eastward  from  this  point  to  ascertain  the  thick- 
ness of  the  wall,  and  although  the  full  depth  could  not  be 
obtained  without  the  removal  of  a  tree,  a  thickness  of  more 
than  twelve  feet  was  established. 

Going  still  southward,  after  a  gap  from  which  all  walling 
had  been  rooted  out,  had  been  passed,  a  further  section  of 
walling  bearing  ashlar  facing  was  met  with  at  about  40  feet 
from  the  angle  of  nave  and  transept,  and  this  presented  marks 
of  special  interest  (D  on  plan). 


64  Glastonbury  Abbey. 

Upon  its  west  side  was  a  small  chamfered  projection,  shewing 
that  this  was  the  situation  of  one  of  the  general  divisions  of 
the  cloister,  since  the  detail  corresponded  precisely  with  the 
nosings  of  the  piers  attached  to  the  face  of  the  aisle  wall. 

But  whereas  the  latter  had  a  projection  of  ITJins,,  and  a 
width  of  20ins.,  this  one  shewed  only  2Jins.  in  advance  of  the 
face,  and  was  proportionately  narrower.  The  difference  is 
explained  by  the  fact  since  revealed  that  the  ashlar  facing  of 
these  portions  of  the  transept  wall  is  in  reality  only  the  face  of 
the  stone  bench-table  of  loin,  projection,  which  ran  along  the 
east  alley  of  the  cloisters.  Now  there  appears  no  trace  of  an}^ 
such  bench  against  the  north  wall :  consequently  the  bases  of 
the  piers  on  this  side  are  seen  to  their  full  depth ;  but  on  the 
east  they  are  of  course  buried  in  the  thickness  of  the  bench  at 
their  base,  and  emerge  only  above  it. 

On  sinking  the  ground  behind  D  it  was  found  that  a  thin 
layer  of  the  old  foundation  stones  of  the  transept  wall  remained, 
over  the  whole  south-western  extremity  of  the  transept  wall, 
from  c  to  D.  But  just  beyond  D  they  had  been  entirely  re- 
moved, and  the  southern  face  of  the  transept  wall  could  not, 
for  this  reason,  be  seen.  Evidence  of  its  position  was  never- 
theless forthcoming,  for  the  clay  face  of  the  original  building 
trench  was  met  with  at  this  point.  This  was  encountered  at 
just  over  48  feet  south  of  the  datum  (point  of  junction). 

This  clay  facing  proved  to  be  quite  a  narrow  film  of  clay 
interposed  between  the  south  face  of  the  transept  wall  and  the 
north  end  of  a  continuation  wall  which  from  this  point  runs 
southward  in  line  with  t\e  other  and  forms  the  east  wall  of 
the  cloisters. 

The  exact  position  of  the  south  face  of  the  transept  wall 
has  been  made  additionally  clear  by  the  excavation  of  trenches 
at  two  other  points  (E  and  r)  eastward  of  D.  At  both  these 
points  the  same  clay  face  was  revealed,  in  a  true  line,  east 
and  west.  {, 

The  trench  at  F  was  carried  across  the  whole  width  of  the 


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Glastonbury  Abbey.  65 

footing  until  the  claj  was  again  in  evidence  at  its  northern 
extremity,  and  it  shewed  that  the  south  wall  of  the  transept 
possessed  the  same  or  nearly  the  same  thickness  as  did  that  on 
the  west.  This  thickness  was  abnormal,  as  compared  with 
that  of  the  rest  of  the  main  walls  of  the  Abbey.  These  are 
not  more  than  8ft.,  whereas  the  thickness  indicated  for  the  tran- 
sept walls  by  these  excavations  was  13ft.  on  a  15ft.  foundation. 

A  good  deal  of  stone  was  found  in  the  trench  at  r.  The 
15ft.  foundation  was  fairly  complete,  and  above  it  the  13ft. 
width  was  visible,  the  clay  being  packed  against  it,  thus  over- 
lapping the  foundation  course  by  a  foot  on  each  side. 

The  reason  for  the  increased  thickness  of  these  walls  has 
yet  to  be  determined.  It  will  perhaps  not  become  clear  until 
the  whole  area  has  been  excavated.  A  suggestion  first  made 
to  me  by  the  Rev.  K.  A.  Cayley  seems  very  worthy  of  con- 
sideration, namely,  that  the  foundations  were  widened  to  include 
the  breadth  of  the  monks'  night  stairs  from  the  dormitory. 

The  position  of  the  dormitory  at  Glastonbury  is  not  certainly 
known,1  but  there  would  be  abundant  precedent  for  a  situation 
over  against  the  east  wall  of  the  cloister,  as  at  Westminster, 
in  which  case  this  would  be  the  natural  place  for  the  night 
stairs  to  the  church.  They  would  have  been  entered  some- 
where about  the  middle  of  the  south  transept  wall,  thence 
descending  westward  alongside  it,  turning  north  at  the  angle 
of  the  wall,  and  running  down  to  the  floor  somewhere  in  the 
neighbourhood  of  the  arch  which  opened  to  the  south  aisle  of 
the  nave. 

But  we  may  also  bear  in  mind  that,  following  the  example 
of  Wells,  there  may  have  been  a  stair  turret  with  a  newel  stair 
at  this  angle  (s.w.)  of  the  transept,  and  it  may  even  have 
assumed  the  dimensions  of  a  tower.  This  would  be  a  Cltmiac 
model.  There  was,  we  know,  a  bell-tower  at  Glastonbury,  in 
addition  to  the  big  central  tower.  The  great  clock  of  Peter 

1.  It  is  traditionally  on  this  side.  (See  note  on  map  in  Colonel  Long's 
library,  p.  77). 

Vol.  L  VI  (Third  Series,  Vol.  X  VI),  Part  II.  e 


66  Glastonbury  Abbey. 

Lightfoot  stood  against  the  wall  of  the  south  transept.  The 
wall  of  a  bell-tower  might  appear  a  suitable  location  for  the 
clock. 

Right  in  the  angle  of  the  cloister,  at  the  junction  of  aisle 
and  transept  walls,  a  rough  stone  footing  was  found  lying 
against  the  ashlar  face  (B).  Westward  of  this,  a  bed  of  clay 
was  met  with,  rising  a  good  deal  above  the  level  of  the  cloister 
floor,  and  further  west  again,  more  rough  foundation  work, 
alongside  the  footing  of  the  aisle  wall,  and  encroaching  for 
some  feet  upon  the  cloister  alley.  At  14ft.  2ins.  from  the 
angle  of  the  cloister  (face  of  wall  B)  westward,  there  was  a 
square  reveal,  or  straight  joint,  formed  perpendicularly  in  the 
freestone  face  of  walling  (A). 

These  were  all  the  traces  left  of  the  foundation  and  support- 
ing walls  of  the  former  steps  from  nave  to  cloister,  but  they 
sufficed  to  shew  that  the  door  was  in  the  angle  of  the  cloister 
and  opened  from  the  nave  and  not  from  the  transept,  i.e.,  from 
the  north  and  not  from  the  west. 

THE  CLOISTER  :  EAST  ALLEY. 

The  work  of  excavation  was  now  carried  on  southward  along 
the  face  of  the  east  or  rear  wall  of  the  cloister  alley.  The 
freestone  facing  was  found  remaining  for  the  greater  part  of 
the  distance.  Behind  it  the  core  of  the  wall  had  been  removed, 
but  the  clay  face  of  the  original  trench  proved  a  clear  indica- 
tion of  its  thickness,  which  is  9ft.  Sins,  below  the  bench-table, 
indicating  a  thickness  of  8ft.  for  the  wall  above.  The  nosings 
of  the  piers  remaining  were  sufficient  in  number  to  shew  that 
the  divisions  of  this  alley  of  the  cloister  were  generally  the 
same  as  those  of  the  north  side  (i.e.,  10ft.  2ins.  in  length),  with 
one  notable  exception. 

This  was  the  seventh  bay  south,  which  proved  to  have  a 
length  of  13ft.  3ins.  Centrally  placed  in  this  bay  was  a  step 
9ft.  6ins.  long  and  about  a  foot  in  projection,  with  angular  ends, 


Glastonbury  Abbey.  67 

giving  access  to  a  doorway  of  which  the  foot  of  the  splayed 
jamb  stones  still  remained.  From  its  position  this  seemed 
undoubtedly  the  entrance  to  the  chapter-house.  Its  actual 
width  inside  the  splays  is  6ft.  6ins. 

The  centre  of  the  door  is  81ft.  9ins.  south  of  nave  aisle  wall 
face,  or  33ft.  Sins,  south  of  the  transept  wall  face  as  computed. 

In  the  next  bay  south  a  substantial  piece  of  the  stone  seat 
of  the  benching  was  found  in  position,  and  in  the  bay  beyond 
(the  ninth),  indications  of  another  large  opening  were  found. 

The  moulded  and  stopped  base  of  the  pier  remains  perfect  at 
the  division  of  the  eighth  and  ninth  bays  (which  forms  the  north 
side  of  this  opening).  A  rounded  step  with  a  projection  of 
nearly  2ft.  remains  before  the  aperture  adjoining,  for  a  distance 
of  about  7ft.,  where  it  breaks  off  square,  and  the  foundation 
also  disappears,  to  be  renewed  a  little  further  on  beneath  the 
position  proper  for  the  next  divisional  pier,  which  is  not  in  situ. 

In  the  trench  at  this  point,  however,  a  massive  base  stone, 
of  the  same  architectural  character  as  the  last-mentioned  jamb, 
but  having  its  mouldings  returned  on  both  sides,  was  found 
lying  over  on  its  face  in  the  trench.  Its  character  proved  it 
to  be  one  of  the  series  of  divisional  piers,  but  with  this  differ- 
ence :  that  was  worked  to  occupy  the  centre  of  a  double  door- 
way. The  existence  of  the  step  shewed  that  a  wide  aperture 
had  occupied  the  ninth  bay,  and  it  was  also  apparent  that  this 
aperture  had  not  been  subdivided  in  its  width  by  the  pier  in 
question,  since  the  foundation  in  the  centre  of  the  ninth  bay 
was  at  too  high  a  level  to  take  it. 

But  the  roughly  circular  patch  of  masonry  under  the  next 
division  seemed  to  have  been  expressly  provided  for  a  feature 
of  this  kind,  whence  it  may  be  concluded  that  the  pier  in 
question  occupied  the  point  of  division  between  the  ninth  and 
tenth  bays,  and  had  an  archway  on  each  side  of  it,  that  on  the 
left  leading  up  a  stair,  perhaps  to  the  dormitory  of  the  monks. 
That  on  the  right  probably  gave  access  to  rooms  on  the  ground 
floor — the  calefactory  or  the  parlour.  The  tenth  division  is 


68  Glastonbury  Abbey. 

the  last  on  this  side,  except  the  balance  of  wall-space  fronting 
down  the  south  alley. 

The  whole  width  of  the  east  cloister  has  now  been  laid  open 
for  almost  its  entire  length.  The  outer  wall  foundations  are 
practically  perfect,  on  plan,  and  thus  give  the  form  and  dimen- 
sions quite  definitely.  The  width  of  the  east  alley  from  the 
face  of  the  bench  to  that  of  the  stone  footings  opposite,  is 
lift.  9ins.  Allowing  an  additional  15ins.  for  the  width  of  the 
bench-table  itself,  we  get  13ft.  as  the  actual  width.  It  yet  re- 
mains to  be  seen  whether  the  north  alley  had  a  similar  width, 
but  the  spacing  of  the  bays  of  the  east  alley  would  appear  to 
make  that  on  the  north  rather  wider,  and  the  south  alley  cer- 
tainly narrower. 

The  total  length  of  the  east  cloister  from  wall  to  wall  works 
out  at  a  little  over  131ft.,  as  follows  :  — 

Width  of  north  cloister,  say  -         -     13ft.  Sins. 

Half  width  of  outer  wall  :  north    -       1ft. 

Nine  bays  at  10ft.  2ins.  -     91ft.  6ins. 

One  ditto  at  13ft.  Sins.  -     13ft.  Sins. 

Half  thickness  of  outer  wall :  south       1ft. 

Width  of  south  cloister  alley          -     lift.  Sins. 
This  corresponds  very  nearly  with  the  measurement  (by  scale) 
of  the  cloister  as  shewn  in  the  plan  given  by  Warner  (PI.  xx), 
but  he  makes  his   cloister  too    long   in   the    other   direction 
(east  and  west). 

Of  the  other  old  plans  extant,  that  of  Dr.  Stukeley  is  the 
earliest,  but  it  is  quite  too  indefinite  and  sketchy  to  be  worthy  of 
attention.  Then  there  is  the  plan  published  by  Collinson  in 
1789,  largely  on  the  lines  of  Stukeley's  and  in  many  respects 
hopelessly  inaccurate,  but  still  a  little  more  definite.  This 
makes  the  cloisters  about  122ft.  by  118ft.  (by  scale),  but  shews 
only  seven  divisions  to  the  enclosure  on  N.  and  s.  sides,  and 
six  on  E.  and  w. 

Lastly,  there  is  the  more  careful  plan  compiled  by  John 
Britton,  and  given  in  his  "Architectural  Antiquities.*'  But 


Glastimbury  Abbey.  69 

his  lack  of  genuine  data  is  betrayed  in  his  diagram  of  the 
cloister,  which  scales  only  116ft.  by  112ft. 

We  have  therefore  nothing  reliable  as  a  test,  except  the 
results  of  excavations. 


FLOOR   OF   CLOISTER. 
Architectural  Detail. 

The  platform  of  the  cloister  alley  was  marked  by  a  hard 
level  deposit  of  rather  dusty  light  brown  mortar.  In  two 
places  a  thin  layer  of  stone  took  its  place  at  the  same  level. 
Alongside  the  bench  wall  there  was  a  rubble  stone  footing  of 
about  18ins.  width  closely  underlying  the  floor  level.  Remains 
of  square  stone  water  channels  were  found  in  the  positions 
marked  on  plan.  The  cover-stones  of  these  were  at  the  same 
level.  No  encaustic  tiles  were  found  in  position,  but  the  debris 
from  the  excavation  were  full  of  fragments  of  them.  It  would 
appear  that  they  must  have  been  taken  up  before  the  final 
destruction  of  the  buildings. 

On  the  floor  level  as  indicated  by  the  mortar  bed,  was  a 
narrow  layer  of  dirt,  such  as  might  have  accumulated  through 
neglect,  and  over  this  came  the  final  tale  of  ruin  in  the  shape 
of  broken  remnants  of  window  glass,  once  richly  painted,  but 
now  disintegrated,  and  for  the  most  part  too  far  decomposed 
to  transmit  light. 

Above  and  around  these  fragments,  a  little  more  earth,  and 
then  the  dust  and  chaos  of  the  last  collapse,  from  which  a 
wealth  of  architectural  fragments  has  been  recovered. 

Many  of  these  throw  light  upon  the  design  of  the  XV 
Century  cloisters,  and  with  the  data  now  recovered  of  the  plan 
and  of  the  internal  elevation  (which  latter  is  preserved  on  the 
aisle  wall),  it  may  yet  be  within  the  bounds  of  possibility  to 
recall  the  general  aspect  of  these  fine  buildings.  For  handsome 
they  were  without  doubt.  In  character  not  unlike  those  of 


70  Glastonlury  Abbey. 

Wells,  yet  vaulted  with  greater  richness  and  profusion  of 
panel-work :  their  windows  finely  traceried  and  filled  with 
glass  of  great  magnificence,  the  w^alls  opposite  decorated  with 
a  sunk  panel-work  agreeing  in  character  with  the  vaulted  roof. 

Special  Features. 

I.  The  Slype. — Just  beyond  the  south-western  angle  of  the 
transept,  and  in  the  fourth  bay  south  of  the  east  alley,  was  a 
gap  in  the  masonry  of  the  bench-table.     This  corresponded  in 
position  with  that  usually  occupied  by  the  slype  or  passage 
east  lying  between  cloister  and  Chapter  House.     It  is  worthy 
of  note  that  Warner,  whose  plan  is  in  many  respects  a  good 
one,  shews  in  this  place  a  passage  about  12ft.  wide  (by  his 
scale)  which  he  labels  N. — A  Cloister. 

South  of  this  comes  the  wall  of  the  Chapter  House.  Now 
the  foundation  of  the  wall  in  question  has  been  opened  up, 
and  it  is  8ft.  wide  or  thereabouts  (measured  by  the  width 
of  its  trench),  and  its  northern  face  lies  9ft.  south  of  the 
foundation  of  the  transept  wall.  Allowing  a  foot  more  on 
both  sides  for  the  set-back  of  the  walls  on  their  footings,  we 
get  a  width  of  lift,  for  the  slype,  and  I  think  this  may  be 
taken  as  the  minimum  width. 

II.  Between  the  buttresses  of  the  sixth  bay  of  the  cloister 
there  was  revealed  the  foundation  of  an  additional  building 
projecting  6ft.  beyond  the  external  face  of  the  enclosing  wall, 
and  2ft.  beyond  the  line  of  the  buttress  footings.     This  was  of 
freestone  a  little  over  a  foot  in  thickness,  whereas  at  the  same 
level  the  rest  of  the  walling  was  of  lias  stone  and  2ft.  thick. 

A  number  of  freestone  fragments  were  found  at  this  point, 
among  them  being  parts  of  a  traceried  screen,  with  XV  Cen- 
tury detail  rather  similar  to  the  window  tracery,  but  of  less 
thickness  and  without  any  mark  of  glass  plane.  Parts  of  a 
heavily  moulded  arch  were  also  found.  Eight  behind  this 
projection,  and  under  the  cloister  floor,  the  ground  was  found 


Glastonbury  Abbey.  71 

to  be  very  soft.  An  excavation  made  alongside  the  bench- 
table  of  opposite  wall  revealed  a  deep  pit  like  a  well  full  of 
soft  black  clay.  On  removal  of  this  the  pit  rapidly  filled  with 
water,  and  I  could  not  pump  it  dry.  But  the  level  was  re- 
duced sufficiently  to  shew  that  a  rough  arch  or  cavity  had 
been  left  in  the  masonry  of  the  back  wall  through  which  the 
water  found  its  way.  The  well  is  partly  enclosed  by  rough 
walling  under  the  floor. 

Close  to  the  north  corner  of  the  projecting  building  a  stone 
water-channel  runs  out  into  the  cloister  garth.  The  presence 
of  this  feature  and  the  proximity  of  the  well  seemed  to  suggest 
a  lavatory,  but  the  position  in  the  cloister  is  not  the  most 
likely  one  for  this,  the  probability  being  that  it  would  be 
situated  near  the  south-west  angle  o£  the  cloister,  at  present 
unexcavated. 

I  would  suggest  that  this  projection  may  have  been  the  site 
either  of  a  porch,1  or  of  a  small  office — perhaps  for  the  Chap- 
ter clerk. 

III.  At  the  point  at  which  the  south  alley  returned,  there 
remain  the  footings  of  a  heavy  stone  wall  dividing  off  the  east 
from  the  south  cloister.  The  excavation  has  now  been 
carried  a  short  distance  further  west,  and  has  also  been  extended 
southward,  where  the  southern  boundary  of  the  cloister  has 
been  clearly  located. 

The  footings  of  the  massive  wall  dividing  the  cloister  from 
the  buildings  to  the  south  have  been  exposed,  and  the  wall 
drops  on  the  south  side  to  a  greater  depth,  enclosing  a  range 
of  cellars. 

These  have  been  to  a  great  extent  opened  up  and  will  be 
dealt  with  in  my  next  year's  report,  as  they  are  too  large  a 
subject  for  treatment  this  year.  It  may,  however,  be  said 
that  the  first  or  east  section  of  the  cellar  measures  about  14ft. 
6ins.  by  33ft.  6ins.  within  the  walls,  its  east  wall  being  in  line 

1.     Compare  with  a  similar  feature  in  this  position  in  the  Wells  cloisters. 


72  Glastonbury  Abbey. 

with  the  east  wall  of  the  cloister,  with  which  it  makes  a  very 
obtuse  angle.  The  remainder  is  the  sub-vault  of  the  Fratry, 
and  would  measure  about  110ft.  by  33ft.  Gins. 

It  appears  most  probable  that  over  this  first  section  of  the 
cellar  lay  the  passage  to  the  further  parts  of  the  monastery,  and 
that  as  the  cellar  was  vaulted  at  a  level  some  feet  higher  than 
the  cloister  floor,  there  would  have  been  a  flight  of  steps  at  the 
point  of  entry.  There  is  some  slight  evidence  of  a  deeply  re- 
cessed arch  at  this  point  in  the  presence  of  two  prominences  of 
rough  semi-elliptical  form  on  the  underground  footing  of  the 
south  wall  of  the  cloister  at  its  south-east  angle. 

THE  CHAPTER  HOUSE. 

It  has  always  been  supposed  that  the  Chapter  House  was  a 
building  of  rectangular  form.  Its  dimensions  are  given  by 
William  Wyrcestre  as  follows  :  — 

"  Longitudo  de  le  Chapiter  hous  continet  25  virgas 
"  Latitude  ejus  continet  xj  virgas." 
This  makes  it  75ft.  by  33ft. 

Warner,  Collinson  and  Britton  all  shew  it  as  a  rectangular 
building  opening  direct  from  the  cloister  without  any  lobby 
or  ante-chamber,  and  the  dimensions  they  give  according  to 
scale  on  their  plans  are  all  inconsistent  with  Wyrcestre's  state- 
ment, which  is  the  only  definite  one  we  have  to  appeal  to. 
Thus  Warner  makes  it  about  64ft.  by  28ft. ;  Collinson,  60ft. 
by  30ft. ;  and  Britton,  66ft.  by  33ft. 

These  authors  could  scarcely  have  had  any  visible  data  to 
go  by,  as  the  building  is  last  heard  of  as  standing  in  the  days 
of  Queen  Elizabeth,  and  was  gone  before  Hollar's  day,  since 
his  view  and  little  plan  of  the  ruins  shew  no  trace  of  it,  and 
he  does  not  mention  it  in  his  accompanying  list. 

Now  the  evidence  of  the  excavations  is  interesting.  In  the 
first  place  they  establish  William  Wyrcestre's  statement  of  the 
width.  The  clear  width  between  the  trenches  north  and  south 


Glistonbury   Abbey.  73 

is  32ft.,  and  allowing  for  an  increase  of  one  foot  in  width  in 
set-offs  above  the  footings,  we  have  the  exact  dimension  he 
gives. 

But  the  verification  of  length  is  by  no  means  so  simple  a 
matter.  In  a  trench  centrally  situated,  cut  longitudinally  east 
and  west,  the  clay  face  of  an  old  footing  wall  was  met  with  at  a 
distance  of  66ft.  6ins.  from  the  face  of  the  cloister  wall.  De- 
ducting the  presumed  thickness  of  the  latter  and  with  a  reason- 
able allowance  for  set-off  at  the  other  end,  there  would  remain 
about  59ft.  for  the  internal  length.  A  trench  dug  along  the 
line  of  the  north  wall  of  the  Chapter  House  shewed  a  roughly 
continuous  line  for  the  interior  face  to  a  distance  of  68ft.  3ins. 
east  of  cloister  wall  (face  of  stone  bench).  Here  a  footing 
jutted  forward  with  a  2ft.  projection,  and  upon  it  were  the 
remains  of  ashlar  work,  as  it  were  the  base  of  a  square  pier, 
3ft.  Tins.  wide. 

Beyond  this  were  ragged  remnants  of  stone  foundation 
covering  a  wide  and  at  present  indefinite  area,  and  at  77ft. 
8ins.  appeared  some  slight  indication  of  a  cross  wall,  8ft.  thick, 
the  clay  face  reappearing  behind  this  at  approximately  85ft. 
8ins.  from  the  cloister. 

Again  deducting  from  the  77ft.  Sins,  the  thickness  of  the 
cloister  wall,  we  should  have  between  69  and  70ft.  as  the  in- 
ternal length  of  the  building,  supposing  this  cross  wall  to  have 
been  the  eastern  end  of  the  Chapter  House.  But  this  does 
not  satisfy  William  Wyrcestre's  measurement.  Moreover,  the 
north  wall  of  the  building  appears  to  run  on  still  further,  as 
the  clay  face  has  been  found  to  turn  to  the  eastward.  So  it 
may  be  that  we  have  still  some  distance  to  go  before  arriving 
at  the  real  east  wall  of  the  Chapter  House. 

And  as  to  the  evidences  of  cross  walls  encountered,  there 
are  various  possible  explanations.  We  know,  for  example, 
that  the  Chapter  House  was  built  in  the  XIV  Century,  or 
rather  that  it  was  rebuilt,  since  it  is  inconceivable  that  the 
abbey  could  have  existed  till  then  without  one.  We  have 


74  Glastonbury  Abbey. 

then  the  following  works  of  which  we  may  expect  to  find 
traces  :— 

(z)  The  first  Chapter  House1  (XII  or  XIII  Century). 

(ii)  The  western  half  of  a  XIV  Century  Chapter  House, 
built  by  Abbot  Monington  (1342-74). 

(Hi)  The  eastern  half  of  the  same,  built  by  Abbot  Chinnock 
(1374-1420).  This  abbot  also  built  the  cloisters. 

(io)  A  lobby  or  antechamber.  No  account  of  such  a  build- 
ing has  come  down  to  us,  but  this  is  no  proof  whatever  that  it 
did  not  exist.  On  the  contrary,  the  fact  that  the  rebuilding 
was  shared  between  two  abbots  may  be  held  to  imply  an  actual 
structural  division.  It  is  quite  clear  also  that  if,  as  seems 
probable,  the  dormitory  overran  the  eastern  side  of  the  cloister 
there  must  have  been  such  an  approach,  because  no  Chapter 
House  of  properly  dignified  proportions  could  be  constructed 
beneath  a  dormitory. 

It  is  far  more  likely  that  following  the  precedent  of  other 
large  Benedictine  and  Cistercian  houses,  there  was  an  ante- 
chamber here  of  the  full  depth  of  the  buildings  over,  and  the 
actual  Chapter  House  will  be  found  to  the  eastward  of  this. 

For  the  present,  therefore,  I  incline  to  the  belief  that  the 
remains  of  cross  walls  discovered  are  those  of 

(a)  The  partition  wall  between  the  vestibule  and  the  later 
Chapter  House. 

(b)  The  end  wall  of  the  earlier  Chapter  House. 

The  position  of  the  side  walls  of  an  older  and  smaller  build- 
ing was  also  revealed  by  the  excavations.  They  lie  parallel 
with  the  others  and  contiguous,  being  just  within  them.  There 
is  also  some  trace  of  another,  and  I  should  say  earlier,  vestibule 
of  smaller  dimensions,  the  foundation  of  which  lies  18ft.  east 
of  the  cloister  wall  (clear  measurement).  But  no  stone  remains 
in  any  of  the  older  trenches,  so  far  as  they  have  yet  been  un- 

1.  That  is,  after  the  great  fire  of  A.D.  1184.  There  may,  of  course,  be  yet 
earlier  foundations,  but  these  are  not  likely  to  be  on  the  same  ground. 


Glastonbury   Abbey.  75 

covered,  and  the  ground  has  been  subjected  to  so  much  dis- 
turbance that  only  the  slightest  traces  are  left  of  the  wall 
last  mentioned. 


Scarcely  any  architectural  fragments  were  found  in  these 
trenches.  The  most  remarkable  have  been  the  remains  of  a 
gloved  hand  of  a  life-sized  figure.  The  glove,  or  gauntlet,  is 
studded  on  the  back  with  lozenge-shaped  bosses  or  plates,  and 
the  hand  is  perforated  for  a  staff  or  spear-shaft.  The  whole 
was  gilded  over. 

There  were  a  few  fragments  of  flooring  tile,  but  nothing  to 
be  compared  in  number  with  those  yielded  by  the  cloister 
which  were  remarkable  both  for  number  and  variety. 

These  must  form  the  subject  of  a  special  communication. 

To  conclude  this  year's  report  I  would  mention  that  a  trial 
shaft  was  sunk  into  the  ground  of  the  cloister  garth  just  out- 
side the  fourth  bay,  and  opposite  the  slype.  This  was  taken 
to  a  depth  of  8ft.  below  the  general  grass  level,  at  which  point 
the  virgin  clay  was  encountered.  .Just  at  the  bottom  of  the 
shaft  a  red  terra-cotta  paving  slab,  lljins.  by  lOJins.  by  IJins. 
thick,  was  found  imbedded  in  the  thick  black  clay,  and  close 
by  it  two  small  fragments  of  ware,  having  a  crystalline  glaze 
of  brilliant  blue-green  tint,  and  perfect  surface  and  trans- 
lucency  were  found. 

These  articles  were  submitted  to  the  British  Museum  author- 
ities, who  pronounced  the  tile  to  be  of  undoubtedly  Roman 
date,  and  the  glazed  pottery  they  thought  to  be  Egyptian  or 
Syrian  in  origin. 

The  fact  that  a  single  small  shaft  brought  to  light  such 
antiquities  as  these  certainly  suggests  that  a  general  excava- 
tion of  this  area  might  be  of  great  archaeological  interest  and 
importance.  But  until  funds  are  forthcoming  for  the  purpose 
it  will  be  impossible  to  give  the  matter  attention. 


76  Glastonbury  Abbey. 

GLASTONBURY  ABBEY. 
FURTHER  NOTE  ON  THE  EDGAR  CHAPEL. 

In  the  communication  made  last  year  upon  this  subject  in 
the  Society's  Proceedings,  certain  facts  were  stated  in  favour 
of  the  theory  of  an  apsidal  termination  to  the  chapel,  of  a 
symmetric  three-sided  form  (presumably  the  work  of  the  last 
Abbot). 

This  form,  though  somewhat  unusual  in  England,  is  occas- 
sionally  met  with  in  work  of  the  period.  A  notable  example 
is  that  of  the  similarly  placed  chapel  at  the  east  end  of  St. 
George's  Chapel,  Windsor. 

The  theory  put  forward  as  to  the  apse  of  the  Edgar  Chapel 
has  not  as  yet  been  traversed  by  any  contrary  argument,  but 
there  has  been  a  certain  hesitation  in  accepting  it  on  the  part 
of  individual  antiquaries.  The  subject  of  the  chapel  has  not 
yet  been  officially  noticed  by  the  Society  of  Antiquaries,  but 
in  due  time,  no  doubt,  it  will  command  their  attention.  At 
present,  owing  to  the  unwillingness  of  some  antiquaries  to 
endorse  the  '  apse '  theory,  the  repair  of  the  original  footing 
exposed  on  the  south  side  has  been  left  in  abeyance  by  the 
desire  of  the  Trustees. 

During  the  past  year,  -however,  certain  evidence  of  a  highly 
important  nature  has  come  to  light,  and  when  this  has  received 
public  attention,  it  will  probably  be  found  to  lift  the  whole 
matter  entirely  out  of  the  region  of  controversy,  by  proving 
that  there  must  have  been  an  original  eastward  termination  of 
precisely  the  dimensions  arrived  at  on  already  existing  data. 

Having  been  afforded  by  Colonel  William  Long,  of  Cleve- 
don,  an  opportunity  of  examining  his  collection  of  old  prints 
and  manuscript  papers  referring  to  the  county  of  Somerset,  I 
discovered  amongst  them  an  old  MS.  map  of  Glastonbury 
and  its  environs,  evidently  prepared  for  a  sale  of  moor  lands 
recently  enclosed,  and  dating  presumably  from  the  latter  part 


Glastonbury  Abbey.  77 

of  the  XVIII  Century,  since  the  'Pump  Room'  is  marked 
upon  it  :  but  there  is  no  statement  of  the  actual  date.  The 
following  enclosures  are  coloured,  viz.  :  Heath  Moor,  Hulk 
Moor,  Martins  Moor,  Kennard  Moor  :  and  the  record  of  these 
sales  should  fix  it  approximately. 

The  plan  of  the  town  is  well  detailed  for  the  size — about 
400ft.  to  the  inch — and  it  includes  a  plan  in  outline  of  the 
Abbey  Church,  shewing  the  lines  of  the  missing  transepts, 
and  also  the  plan  of  the  Edgar  Chapel,  with  what,  allowing 
for  a  slight  roughness  of  draughtsmanship,  can  only  be  re- 
garded as  a  broken  apsidal  end,  since  it  shews  two  slightly 
converging  lines  with  a  gap  in  the  centre  at  the  extreme  east. 
Beneath  the  map  is  a  schedule  of  the  different  parts  of  the 
Abbey,  as  follows  :  — 

( 1 ).     The  Chaple  of  King,  87  foot  by  49  foot  Edgar's  Chapel.1 

(2).     The  Choir  147  foot  by  76^  foot. 

(3).     Chapels  (i.e.  Transepts). 

(4).     Body  of  the  Church,  225  foot  by  34  foot. 

(5).     Chaple   dedicated    to    Our    Saviour   and   ye   Virgin, 

59£  foot  by  23}  foot. 
(6).     The  Cloisters. 
(7).     Dormitories. 

etc.,  etc. 

The  total  length  given  for  the  Edgar  Chapel  may  be  assumed 
to  be  an  external  measurement,  since  the  width  given  (49ft.) 
is  certainly  such.  The  latter  is  inclusive  also  of  the  small 
additional  building,  perhaps  a  sacristy,  whose  footing  trenches 
were  revealed  by  excavation  on  the  south  side,  and  have  now 
had  their  position  permanently  recorded  by  a  concrete  filling. 

1 .  Readers  will  note  that  this  is  the  first  independent  record  which  has  been 
found,  giving  the  precise  location,  with  the  name  of  this  chapel. .,  Leland  gave 
the  name,  but  only  a  vague  general  location  ;  Elizabeth's  commissioner  gave 
the  dimension,  and  implicitly  the  location,  but  miscalled  it  "The  Chapter 
House  ;  "  whilst  Warner  gave  the  true  location,  and  shewed  a  plan  with  an 
apse,  but  gave  no  dedication  to  King  Edgar. 


78  Glastonbury  Abbey. 

Assuming  then  that  the  length  of  87ft.  here  given  for  the 
Edgar  Chapel  is  an  exterior  measurement,  I  find  that  this  is 
absolutely  in  accord  with  the  figures  I  have  already  given,  and 
tallies  precisely  with  the  general  computation  of  length  of  the 
Abbey  given  by  Hearne,  namely,  580ft. 

For  a  detailed  calculation  of  the  real  length,  and  that  of  its 
principal  parts,  I  may  refer  my  readers  to  the  table  given  on 
page  49  of  my  Architectural  Handbook  of  Glastonbury  Abbey  ^ 
(1910  edition).  It  will  there  be  seen  that  I  had  already  com- 
puted that  the  interior  length  of  the  Edgar  Chapel  was  83ft. 
6ins.  With  87ft.  as  the  external  dimension,  we  have  a 
residuum  of  3ft*  6ins.  for  the  thickness  of  the  missing  east  wall 
of  the  apse,  and  this  is  exactly  what  would  be  expected,  seeing 
that  the  footings  already  discovered  of  the  side  walls  are 
approximately  of  the  same  dimension. 

I  should  like  to  express  my  great  sense  of  indebtedness  to 
Colonel  Long,  for  having  given  me  the  means  of  proving  the 
truth  of  the  contention  I  made  last  year,  by  affording  evidence 
which  cannot  fail  to  be  convincing  to  any  antiquary  of  un- 
prejudiced mind.  At  least  it  may  now  be  felt  that  any 
objection  hereafter  expressed  to  the  hypothesis  of  a  three-sided 
apse  can  have  no  weight  unless  fortified  by  positive  arguments 
to  the  contrary. 


€i)e  "Cantocfje"  of  SDomesDap  (1086). 


BY  THE  REV.  W.  H.  P.  GRESWELL,  F.R.G.S. 

THE  question  is  often  asked,  Where  was  the  original 
settlement  known  in  Domesday  (1086)  as  "  Cantoche  " 
or  Quantock.  It  is  easy  enough  to  place  the  Domesday 
Cantocheheved  or  Quantockshead,  whether  East  or  West,  as 
the  name  explains  itself.  Northwards,  where  the  ridge  of  the 
Quantock  hills  slowly  subsides  into  the  waters  of  the  Severn 
sea  lie  East  Quantockshead  and  West  Quantockshead,  the 
latter  place  being  better  known  as  "  St.  Audries,"  from  the 
name  of  the  patron  saint  of  the  church,  St.  Ethelreda. 

Nor  is  it  difficult  to  say  where  the  Cantuctune  of  King 
Alfred's  will  (878)  and  the  Cantoctune  (Canteton  or  Cande- 
tone)  of  Domesday  lay.  The  Exon.  Domesday  preserve  the 
form  Cantoctune  or  Cantocton,  and,  undoubtedly,  the  only 
place  it  can  be  in  the  "  Terra  Regis "  of  Domesday  is 
Canninyton,  the  well-known  "  ton  "  down  by  the  banks  of  the 
river  Parret,  and  close  to  Comwich  landing-place. 

Clearly  "  Cantoche  "  or  "  Cantok  "  must  be  somewhere  else 
in  the  picturesque  region  known  as  the  "  land  of  Quantock." 
Let  us  see  where  it  is  catalogued  in  Domesday.  It  lay  among 
the  possessions  of  Alured  de  Hispania,  who  held,  amongst 
other  Quantock  manors,  Stowey,  Spaxton,  Merridge,  Radlet, 
Plainsfield,  and  Marsh  Mills,  etc.,  and  it  is  enumerated  just 
after  Merridge.  In  Domesday,  coterminous  manors  naturally 
follow  one  another  in  order,  and  so  we  might  look  for  Cantoche 
somewhere  near  Merridge. 


80  The  "  Cantoche"  of  Domesday  (1086). 

Collinson  is  uncertain  about  its  position,  and  hazards  a  guess 
that  this  "  Cantoche "  was  in  Crowcombe  parish  (vol.  iii, 
p.  513),  somewhere  on  the  south-east.  For  a  long  time  I 
thought  it  might  have  been  a  farm  now  known  as  "  Little 
Quantock  "  in  Crowcombe  parish.  But  from  the  Domesday 
account  it  was  out  of  its  place  here  altogether.  Crowcombe 
parish  was  given  at  Domesday  to  a  certain  "  Robert,''  and 
formed  part  of  the  great  "  Fee  of  Mortain  "  held  by  Robert 
de  Mortain,  the  Conqueror's  half-brother,  who  held  the  castle 
of  Montacute. 

Moreover,  the  "  Cantoche  "  of  Domesday  was  found  after- 
wards to  follow  the  descendants  of  Alured  de  Hispania,  who 
had  Spaxton  and  Merridge. 

There  is  sufficient  proof  to  show  that  an  old  "Cantoche" 
was  really  in  Spaxton  parish,  the  property  of  this  Alured  de 
Hispania.  In  the  Spaxton  tithe  map  there  is  a  Quantock 
Farm  of  92a.  2r.  13p.,  the  property  of  Nicholas  Broadmead, 
with  the  following  suggestive  place-names :  Part  of  Quantock 
Close  (860),  23a,  3r.  18p. ;  Quantock  Barn  and  Barton  (863), 
Oa.  3r.  12p. ;  Part  of  Quantock  Wood  (861),  lla.  Or.  21p.  ; 
Park  Wood  (865),  2a.  Or.  14p. ;  Part  of  (Quantock)  Park, 
33a.  3r.  16p.,  etc. 

In  Spaxton  Church  itself  on  the  north  side  of  the  middle 
row  of  seats  there  is  an  allotment  of  seats  for  Quantock  Farm, 
which  would  prove  the  ancient  character  of  this  claim. 

The  north  side  of  the  middle  row — the  women's  seats. 
Mr.  Bowyer.  The    Chamber    of    Bristol    for 

George  Grow.  Wrexmore. 

Nicholas  Mills.  Wm.  Powell  for  Bonston  Wood. 

Quantock  Farm.  Wm.  Yorke. 

Quantock  Farm.  Part  of  Domain 
of  Enmore. 

In  1390  (Richard  II)  a  certain  William  Tailleur  has  pro- 
perty in  Stoke  Gomer,  Dunster,  and  Carhampton,  also  "  Lytel 
Cantoc  in  Parocliia  de  Enmcre  quinque  rn areas  redditus." 


The  "  Cantoche"  of  Domesday  (1086).  81 

At  present  there  is  no  distinguishable  boundary  between 
Quantock  Barn  and  Enmore,  but  the  line  between  Spaxton 
and  Enmore  used  to  run  across  the  park  to  the  Broomfield 
border,  marked  out  by  the  old  pack  road  just  by  Quantock 
Barn  and  to  the  S.E.  of  it. 


DOMESDAY  ACCOUNT  OF  CANTOCHE. 
Terra  Aluredi  de  Ispania. 

"  Robertus  tenet  de  Aluredo  Cantoche.  Alwi  tenebat 
tempore  Edwardi  Regis  et  geldabat  pro  una  virgata  terrae. 
Terra  est  1  caruca  et  dimidium.  Has  habent  ibi  3  villani  et 
8  acra3  silva?  minutae  Quando  recepit  valebat  20  solidos. 
Modo  25  solidos." 

Translated.  "  Robert  holds  Cantoche  of  Alfred  of  Spain. 
Alwi  used  to  hold  it  in  the  time  of  King  Edward  the  Con- 
fessor, and  paid  danegeld  for  one  virgate  (40  acres)  of  land. 
The  land  is  one  ploughland  and  a  half.  Three  villani  hold 
these,  and  there  are  eight  acres  of  small  wood  (coppice  and  fire- 
wood). When  Robert  received  Cantoche  (at  the  Conquest, 
1066)  it  was  worth  20  shillings,  now  (in  1086,  time  of  Survey, 
20  years  after  the  Conquest)  it  is  worth  25  shillings." 

Unlike  some  of  the  manors  in  the  neighbourhood  which 
were  wasted  by  Harold's  sons,  who  attacked  this  part  of 
Somerset  from  Ireland,  Cantoche  had  prospered  since  the  Con- 
quest. 

N.B. — According  to  the  Glastonbury  standard  a  virgate 
was  40  acres.  A  furlong  10  acres  ;  a  virgate  40  acres  ;  a  hide 
160  acres  ;  a  knight's  fee  840  acres. — From  Longleat  Cartu- 
lary :  Canon  Jackson. 

In  another  place  there  is  an  allusion  to  Brumfeld  (Broom- 
field)  juxta  Cantok.  Things  are  altered  now,  for  no  one  would 
think  of  defining  Broomfield  as  near  Quantock  Farm  in 
Spaxton  parish. 

Vol.  L  VI  (Third  Series,  XVI],  Part  II.  f 


82  The  "  Cantoche"  of  Domesday  (1086). 

Broomfield  was  conspicuous  in  old  days  as  being  king's 
property.  There  was  the  well-known  Castellum  of  Roborough 
in  it  which,  according  to  the  Hundred  Rolls,  owed  suit  and 
service  to  Somerton  as  part  of  "  Somerton  Forinsecus  (i.e. 
Somerton  outside)  ;  there  was  a  Porcheria  there  ;  there  was 
also  Oggeshale  or  Ogsolse,  which,  according  to  the  Hundred 
Rolls,  was  in  Andredsfield  Hundred,  and  was  part  of  outside 
Somerton.  Here,  therefore,  was  a  small  outstanding  nucleus 
of  royal  Saxon  habitations  attached  to  Somerton — perhaps  for 
sporting  or  forest  purposes — and  all  of  them  close  to  the 
original  Domesday  Cantoche. 

It  may  be  mentioned  that  the  earliest  Saxon  mention  of  the 
place-name  Cantoc  or  Quantock  (as  at  present  known),  occurs 
in  Ken  twine's  well-known  charter  (c.  682),  by  which  he  gave 
what  is  known  as  West  Monkton  to  Glastonbury  Abbey. 
It  is  stated  that  the  mansioncs  or  places  of  abode  then  given 
were  "juxtafamosam  siham  Cantuc  udn"  i.e.  near  the  famous 
wood  of  Quantock. 

The  Quantock  Wood  of  Quantock  Farm,  in  Spaxton  parish, 
may  be  a  survival  of  this  ancient  "  Cantuc  udu  "  in  name  if 
not  in  reality.  For  the  "szVwa"  is  gone.  I  know  of  no  other 
wood  on  the  Quantocks  called  "  Quantock  Wood." 

Quantock  Farm,  now  known  as  the  meeting-place  occasion- 
ally of  the  Devon  and  Somerset  staghounds,  and  within  recent 
times  a  cultivated  farm,  is  a  completely  modern  farm.  It 
really  lies  within  the  "  Tything  of  Wick"  (Stoke  Courcy 
parish),  and  was  part  of  a  Domesday  additamentum  given  in 
1086  to  the  Barony  of  Stoke  Courcy.  There  is  no  old  associ- 
ation here  ;  no  ancient  tenement ;  no  old  world  barton  or  farm 
site  ;  no  chapel  or  old  ruin. 

In  West  Monkton  there  is  a  farm  called  Quantock  Farm 
still,  but  this  place  does  not  fall  in  with  the  manorial  succession 
of  the  old  Cantoche  of  Domesday,  part  of  the  land  of  Alured 
de  Hispania.  The  site  of  this,  most  undoubtedly,  is  where  I 
have  placed  it,  i.e.  on  the  borders  of  Enmore  and  Spaxton 


The  "  Cantoche"  of  Domesday  (1086).  83 

parishes,  not  far  from  the  ancient  British  trackway  leading  up 
the  hill  to  Travellers'  Rest.  A  close  examination  of  the  site 
of  this  place  will  show  that  it  has  been  occupied  and  used  for 
centuries. 

The  Quantock  place-names  may  thus  be  located  :  Cantocton 
(also  Canteton  and  Candetone),  i.e.  Cannington  ;  Cantocheheved 
(two  manors  catalogued),  East  and  West  Quantockshead ; 
Cantoche,  Quantock  Farm  in  Spaxton  ;  Cantucudu,  Quantock 
Wood,  mostly  gone,  but  the  nucleus  of  the  "  Famosa  Silva" 
of  Kent  wine's  charter,  to  be  looked  for  along  slopes  of 
Halswell,  in  Broomfield  parish,  and  not  far  from  Roborough 
Camp,  and  the  old  parts  of  "  Somerton  Forinsecus,"  which 
were  still  connected  with  Somerton  in  the  reign  of  Edward  I. 

We  know  that  in  the  reign  of  King  John  the  hill  and  waste 
of  Quantock  were  in  the  Royal  possession.  There  was  a 
notable  hill  in  Broomfield  called  Kingshill — still  so  known 
and  so  called.  King  John,  in  a  charter  dated  17  July,  1204, 
gave  to  the  Priory  of  Taunton  and  to  the  Augustinian  Canons 
there  serving  God,  the  pasture  and  the  waste  of  Kingeshull, 
"  from  Wulfeldesont  as  far  as  Hunteneswell "  (Hunting  well), 
which  "customarily  paid  to  our  Farm  of  Sumerton  sixteen 
pence  p.a.,  to  be  held  by  the  same  canons  of  us  and  our  heirs 
in  free  and  perpetual  alms." 

The  names  of  "Kingshill"  and  "Prior's  Down"  still 
exist.  (Proceedings,  Som.  Arch.  Soc.,  Vol.  IX,  p.  9.) 

This  passage  points  out  the  old  connection  of  Broomfield 
and  the  neighbourhood  with  Somerton,  the  former  capital  of 
Somerset  and  favoured  residence  of  the  Saxon  kings. 

Under  "Somerton  Forinsecus"  (Hundred  Rolls)  we  have 
seen  that  Canntok  was  once  regarded  as  a  forest,  and  this 
may  explain  its  connection  with  Somerton. 

In  the  "Testa  de  Neville"  the  above  gift  of  King  John  is 
said  to  be  "  Pastura  super  Cantok " — perhaps  above  the 
Domesday  Cantoche,  as  the  description  suits  it  nearly  enough. 

The    Prior   of   Taunton   had   also   common   of   pasture  in 


84  The  "  Cantoche"  of  Domesday  (1086). 

Oggesole  (Proceedings,  Som.  Arch.  Soc.,  Vol.  IX,  p.  10), 
which  also  was  a  member  of  "  Somerton  Forinsecus,"  as 
hinted  above. 

All  the  above  facts,  and  especially  the  fact  that  in  Saxon 
times  so  many  membra  of  "  Somerton  Forinsecus  "  were  found 
in  Broomfield  and  the  neighbourhood  of  the  ancient  Roborough, 
help  to  confirm  the  theory  that  here  also  was  the  original 
Cantoche  or  Quantock  hill  settlement  of  Domesday. 


Cfte  Court  Eoll0  of  t&e  a@anor  of  Currp  Kitiel 
in  t&e  pears  of  tfje  IBlack  Deatfc,  1348=9, 

WITH  A  TRANSLATION  OF  THE  ROLLS  OF  THE  COURTS  FOR  THOSE  YEARS. 


BY    REV.    J.    F.    CHANTER,    M.A. 

THE  Manor  of  Curry  Eivel  was  probably  from  its  earliest 
days  part  of  the  domain  of  the  West  Saxon  kings. 
Domesday  tells  us  that  it  was  ancient  demesne,  and  not  liable 
to  geld  nor  assessed  in  hides,  and  formed,  with  North  and 
South  Petherton,  a  ferm  of  one  night,  Curry  being  a  fifth  of 
the  whole ;  also  that  a  virgate  of  land  which  Britel  held  of 
the  Count  of  Mortain  had  been  taken  away  from  the  manor, 
and  that  in  the  Church  of  Curry  there  was  half  a  hide,  and 
there  a  priest  had  one  plough. 

It  is  noticeable  that  Curry  Rivel  being  in  the  Hundred  of 
Abdick  is  the  one  exception  to  the  rule,  that  the  Hundred 
takes  its  name  from  the  Royal  Manor  which  is  the  head  of  it, 
in  this  case  probably  to  prevent  confusion  with  the  Hundred 
of  North  Curry. 

The  manor  continued  in  the  Crown  till  the  reign  of  Richard  I, 
when  it  was  granted  to  Richard  Revel,  or  Rivel,  Sheriff  of 
Devon  (8  to  10  Richard  I),  from  whom  it  received  its  distin- 
guishing affix  ;  his  daughter,  Sabina,  carried  the  manor  to  the 
family  of  L'Orti  or  De  Urtiaco,  of  which  family  there  is  an 
account  in  the  Somerset  Arch.  Proc.  for  1896,  by  the  Rev. 
E.  H.  Bates. 


86  Court  Rolls  of  the  Manor  of  Curry  Rivel. 

The  last  of  this  family,  John,  sold  the  interests  he  had  in 
the  Manors  of  Curry  Rivel,  Hambridge,  Broadway  and  Earns- 
hill,  to  William  de  Montacute ;  later  it  came  to  Beauforts, 
and  in  temp.  Henry  VII  to  the  Bishop  of  Bath  and  Wells  and 
the  Bishop  of  London,  as  trustees  of  the  Countess  of  Rich- 
mond ;  in  30  Henry  VIII  it  was  granted  to  the  Duke  of 
Norfolk,  and  in  5  Elizabeth  to  Henry  Lord  Strange  and  the 
Lady  Margaret,  his  wife,  with  remainder  to  the  heirs  of 
Charles,  late  Duke  of  Suffolk ;  and  in  42  Elizabeth  it  came 
into  the  possession  of  Roger  Forte,  formerly  steward  of  the 
manor.  In  1678  Forte's  representatives  conveyed  the  manor 
to  John  Lovering  of  Wear  Gifford,  whose  descendants  retained 
possession  of  it  down  to  the  nineteenth  century. 

As  the  lord  of  this  manor  possessed  a  right  of  driving,  or 
preying  as  it  was  anciently  called,  West  Sedgemoor,  West 
Moor,  Week  Moor,  and  the  forest  of  Roche  als.  Neroche,  also 
of  taking  in  strangers'  cattle  for  agistment,  which  was  called 
the  right  of  letting  lease  fees,  the  Court  Rolls  of  this  manor 
seem  to  have  been  carefully  handed  down  from  one  possessor 
to  another.  This  right  gave  rise  to  frequent  disputes  between 
the  lord  and  the  tenants.  I  find  that  in  1602  no  less  than  890 
of  these  lease  fees  were  sold,  as  the  tenants  said,  to  their  great 
detriment. 

These  Manorial  Rolls  have  scarcely  hitherto  received  the 
attention  they  deserve,  for  they  are  the  oldest  of  our  parochial 
records  and  take  back  parish  History  far  further  than  any 
other  documents,  and  entering  in,  as  they  do,  to  the  minutest 
details,  they  not  only  illustrate  the  gradual  development  of 
land  laws  and  customs,  but  are  also  rich  in  items  of  local  and 
family  history.  They  exist  still  in  thousands  stowed  away  un- 
heeded in  the  muniment  rooms  of  country  mansions,  or  slowly 
decaying  in  the  cupboards  and  boxes  of  lawyers'  offices.  Some, 
alas,  find  their  way  into  the  shops  of  dealers  in  old  deeds  and 
documents,  who  periodically  issue  catalogues  in  which  they 
are  priced  at  a  few  shillings  each.  They  are  written  in  Court 


Court  Rolls  of  the  Manor  of  Curry  Rivel.  87 

hand  in  abbreviated  Latin,  with  here  and  there  an  English 
word,  when  the  scribe  was  at  a  loss  for  its  Latin  equivalent, 
on  strips  of  parchment  about  nine  inches  in  width  and  two  or 
three  feet,  sometimes  more,  in  length. 

The  proceedings  of  the  Manor  Courts  were  in  this  way  re- 
corded by  the  presiding  steward  till  the  seventeenth  century, 
when  the  entries  were  usually  made  in  the  more  convenient 
form  of  paper  books  and  English  was  substituted  for  Latin. 

With  regard  to  Curry  Rivel,  the  oldest  existing  Court  Roll 
I  know  of,  is  the  record  of  the  Courts  legal  held  on  the 
morrow  of  St.  Gregory  in  the  16th  year  of  King  Edward  III 
from  the  Conquest,  the  Saturday  after  the  feast  of  St.  John 
atte  Latin  gate,  the  Friday  on  the  Yigil  of  St.  Lawrence,  and 
the  Tuesday  after  the  feast  of  All  Saints,  and  consists  of  four 
membranes,  each  about  nine  inches  wide  and  two  feet  long, 
closely  written  on  both  the  front  and  back  of  each  membrane. 
The  earliest  existing  Court  Baron,  or  Halimote,  as  it  is  called, 
is  in  the  reign  of  Henry  V,  and  from  these  dates  there  is  a 
fairly  continuous  series  down  to  modern  times. 

To  enter  into  the  whole  of  these  would  be  far  beyond  the 
limits  of  a  paper,  and  I  propose  to  deal  only  with  those  that 
take  in  the  period  of  the  Black  Death. 

The  great  pestilence,  commonly  known  as  the  Black  Death, 
came  between  the  great  English  victories  of  Crecy  (1346) 
and  Poictier  (1356)  ;  it  swept  away  probably  half  the  popula- 
tion of  England,  and  produced  nothing  less  than  a  revolution 
in  the  religious,  social,  and  agricultural  history  of  England, 
for  the  sudden  sweeping  away  of  the  population  brought  to  an 
abrupt  termination  the  old  feudal  system  of  lords,  villeins, 
cottars,  and  serfs  ;  the  scarcity  of  labour  made  that  system 
utterly  impossible,  and  it  marks  the  beginning  of  English 
parochial  history  and  the  rise  of  the  middle  classes. 

The  first  rumour  of  it  that  reached  the  parish  of  Curry 
Rivel  was  a  pastoral  letter  of  Ralph  of  Shrewsbury,  Bishop  of 
Bath  and  Wells,  sent  out  on  17th  August,  1348,  ordering  pro- 


88  Court  Rolls  of  the  Manor  of  Curry  Rivcl. 

cessions  and  stations  in  every  parish  church  to  beg  God  to 
protect  the  people  from  the  pestilence  that  had  come  from  the 
East  into  the  neighbouring  kingdom  (Harl.  MSS.  6965).  The 
bishop  wrote  a  neighbouring  kingdom,  but  it  had  already  arrived 
in  the  neighbouring  county  of  Dorset  and  in  a  few  weeks  it 
had  spread  all  over  Somerset,  and  so  terrible  was  the  effect"  of 
the  scourge  on  the  clergy  of  Somerset  that  on  the  17th  of  the 
following  January  the  bishop  in  another  pastoral  tells  us  that 
many  of  the  Somersetshire  parishes  were  left  destitute  of 
clergy,  with  no  one  to  visit  the  sick  or  administer  the  Sacra- 
ments, and  bids  his  flock  that  if  they  should  be  taken  ill  and 
could  find  no  clergy,  to  make  confession  of  their  sins  according 
to  the  teaching  of  the  Apostles  even  to  a  layman,  and  if  a 
man  was  not  at  hand  even  to  a  woman,  for  such  confession 
could  be  most  salutary  and  profitable  to  them  for  the  remission 
of  their  sins  according  to  the  teaching  and  sacred  canons  of 
the  Church,  and  if  they  could  obtain  no  priest  to  administer 
the  Sacrament,  faith  must  as  in  other  matters  suffice  (Wilkins' 
Concilia,  II,  p.  735), 

Some  idea  of  the  extent  of  the  mortality  of  the  Somerset 
clergy  may  be  gathered  from  the  .fact  that  with  297  ancient 
benefices  in  the  county  there  were  219  presentations  in  the  six 
months  of  December,  1348,  to  May,  1349  (Weaver's  Somerset 
Incumbents}. 

Before  the  Black  Death  reached  Curry  Bivel  the  district 
would  seem  to  have  been  somewhat  thickly  populated  for  that 
period.  At  the  Court  legal  held  on  Tuesday  next  after  the 
feast  of  the  Purification  of  the  B.V.M.,  the  22nd  year  of 
King  Edward  III,  there  are  thirty-five  names  of  tenants  at 
Cory,  nine  names  at  Bradewaye,  who  had  broken  assize  of  ale, 
and  twenty-three  names  at  Capelond,  two  of  whom  are  also  in 
first  list  of  tenants — this  would  make  a  total  of  sixty-five  heads 
of  houses  named.  At  the  Court,  Monday  after  Christmas, 
21  Edward  III,  there  are  most  of  the  former  names  and 
twenty-four  others.  At  the  Court  legal  and  view  of  Frank- 


Court  Rolls  of  the  Manor  of  Curry  RiveL  89 

pledge,  the  Saturday  before  St.  Luke,  21  Edward  III,  besides 
many  of  the  names  in  the  former  roll  there  is  a  long  list  of  those 
presented  for  trespass  in  the  lord's  preserves  :  sixteen  at  Curry, 
one  at  Broadwaye,  and  forty-four  at  Capelond  ;  among  these, 
however,  are  included  Richard  Twynch,  Rector  of  Alre,  John, 
the  Chaplain  of  Bradwey,  Roger,  Vicar  of  Kingsbury,  and 
the  Abbot  of  Muchelney  ;  indeed,  all  records  of  olden  days 
seem  to  shew  that  the  clergy  were  pretty  ardent  sportsmen 
in  those  times.  This  makes  a  total  of  about  150  tenants,  .of 
whom  we  may  estimate  140  as  residents  on  the  manor,  which 
would  give  a  population  of  700,  taking  five  to  the  house  as  a 
basis.  The  names  that  occur  in  the  list  of  tenants,  as  the 
earliest  list  of  names  of  residents  in  the  parish,  will  doubtless 
be  of  some  local  interest,  and  I  therefore  give  them  in  full. 
The  names  of  the  clergy  given  may  also  possibly  supply  some 
gaps  in  the  lists  of  incumbents :  with  regard  to  the  parson  of 
Curry  an  entry  concerning  him  is  interesting  as  shewing  a 
peculiar  tenure. 

Walter  de  Goppeheye  hath  entry  into  a  virgate  of  land 
and  meadow  at  Bynedych,  called  Lovehull,  which  John  de 
Midelney,  late  parson  of  Cory,  held,  doing  suit  to  the  lord  one 
rose  yearly  (Court  legal  and  view  of  Frankpledge,  Michaelmas 
Term,  Saturday  next  before  the  feast  of  St.  Luke,  Evangelist, 
21  Edward  III). 


LIST  OF  TENANTS  BEFORE  THE  BLACK  DEATH, 
21  AND  22  EDWARD  III. 

Nicholas  Gurdemure.  ffelicia  Tapperes. 

William  de  Pillonde.  Roger  Hamond. 

William  del  Urcie,  Kt.  John  Shakesers. 

Thos.  de  Goundenham.  John  Selke  of  Putteneye. 

Simon  de  ffurneaux.  Isabel  Brewestere. 

Robert  Sentclere.  Christine  le  Hyne. 


90 


Court  Rolls  of  the  Manor  of  Curry  RiveL 


William  Quyntrel. 

Richard  Upehull. 

Thomas  Countenill. 

John  Budde. 

John  Ripon. 

Walter  de  Totyete. 

John  Honte. 

Petronella  de  Burton. 

John  atte  A  she  als.  Nasshe. 

Thomas  de  Middleneye,  Exor.  of 

John  de  Middleneye,  Parson  of 

the  Church  of  Cory  Rivell. 
Kobert  atte  Welle. 
Richard  Clavett. 
Adam  Taillor. 
William  Knap. 
Robert  de  Hertecombe. 
Richard  atte  Hele. 
Edward  servant  of  Gilot  atte 

Hele. 

Robert  atte  Hele. 
Nicholas  atte  Broke  and  Agnes 

his  wife. 

John  de  Hertcumbe. 
John  le  Neel. 
Ralph  Jurdan. 
Roger  Spril. 
Thomas  Gardiner. 
John  Pramard. 
John  Silueyn. 
John  Gainard  clerk. 
Richard  Coppe. 
Nicholas  ffichet. 
John  Sherston. 
John  le  Heliere. 


Robert  Tappere. 
Walter  Godefre. 
Thomas  Balls. 
Laurence  Brok. 
Edith  Gardiner. 
John  Walters. 
Alexander  Chepman. 
Nicholas  Dalewude. 
Thos.  Crosse,  Parson  of 

Cory  Rivel. 
Walter  fforester. 
John  Prest. 
Joan  Thornden. 
William  Phelip. 
Thomas  ffairwhit. 
William  Baldwyn. 
Robert  de  Wyke. 
William  Morward. 
John  Woderous. 
John  atte  Slo. 
William  Patecombe. 
John  de  Arderne. 
Richard  atte  Spense. 
John  Paveli. 
John  Craft. 
John  Edinesone. 
Alice  la  Haward. 
Richard  Purs. 
William  le  Webbe. 
William  Beautel. 
Martin  Goudred. 
Richard  Twynch. 
John  Langley. 


Court  Rolls  of  the  Manor  of  Curry  Rivcl. 
BRADEWAYE. 


91 


Nicholas  Baker. 
Thomas  Hastyngs. 
W alter  Kenges  (?). 
Thomas  Tamde  (?). 
John  atte  Water. 


Adam  Swifot. 
Ralph  Rugge. 
Kichard  Woodward, 
John  Dunsterre. 
Roger  Lorjmer. 


John  Spyne 
William  de  Pillaunde 
John  Roul 
Thos.  Roul 
David  Launcy 
Nicholas  Gardemare 
Thomas  Hastyngs 
John  Randolph 
John  Silvestre 
Ralph  de  Middelney 
Ivo  de  Chilecombe 
Hugh  Midewynter 
Hugh  atte  Well 


CAPELOND. 

Adam  White. 
Christine  Tappestre. 
Joan  Buttes. 
....  Michell. 
Joan  Damet. 
John  Wakteres. 
^  Freemen.  Adam  Cartere. 
John  Nel. 
William  Bile. 
Thomas  Maleward. 
William  Patecombe. 


CAPELOND. 


Richard  Joye,  Freeman. 
William  Poulet. 
Thos.  le  ffrenshe. 
Joan  Budeport. 
William  ffoxditch. 
Garsgoine  de  Hampnes*. 
John  Somer. 
Matilda  Axhulle. 
John  Wilteshire. 
William  Rom ved  (?) 


Richard  Woderove. 
William  Beaudoutz. 
Adam  Parker. 
Richard  atte  Bakhouse. 
Margery  atte  Brouke. 
Christine  ffarel. 
Gilot  atte  Hele. 
William  Golde. 
John  the  Chaplain  of 
Bradweye. 


92  Court  Rolls  of  the  Manor  of  Curry  RiveL 

Alice  servant  of  William  Knap,  Roger,   Vicar  of  Kynges- 

reeve.  bury. 

Lucy  Scule.  John  Southeye. 

William  Pecok.  Richard  Brian. 

John  le  Theccher.  Adam  Durman. 

John  le  Hert.  Henry  Smert. 

The  Abbot  of  Muchelney.  John  Molyn. 

Richard  Twynch  Rector  of  Robert  Masson  de  Long- 

Alre.  brok. 

John  Gilberd.  John  Northovere. 

John  Nottovere.  John  Cantok, 

Margery  Skonke,  shepherd.  William  Haukyn. 

John  Pippyng.  William  Wildgos. 

John  Glyde,  Henry  le  Vele. 

John  Tappyn. 

All  the  above  were  presented  for  trespass  in  the  lord's 
preserve.  In  these  lists  the  only  duplicate  names  are  Nicholas 
Gardemere  who  appears  under  both  Curry  and  Capelond,  and 
Thomas  Hastyngs  who  appears  under  Bradweye  and  Capelond, 
there  are  also  two  names  given  of  parsons  of  Curry  Rivell, 
Middleneye,  who  had  died,  and  Crosse  his  successor. 

The  Black  Death  would  appear  to  have  reached  Curry 
Rivel  sometime  after  the  middle  of  October  and  the  beginning 
of  December,  1348.  At  the  Court  Legal  and  view  of  Frank- 
pledge  held  on  Thursday  next  after  the  octave  of  St.  Michael, 
there  are  no  deaths  whatever  among  the  tenants  of  the  Manor, 
but  a  foretoken  of  it  can  be  seen  in  the  murrain  that  had 
broken  out  among  the  cattle  after  the  very  wet  summer,  and 
there  was  one  case  of  common  essoin  from  sickness.  The  entries 
in  this  roll  are  only  ordinary  ones  of  essoins,  pleas  of  debts  and 
distraints,  though  it  is  perhaps  of  interest  to  note  that  Reginald 
Prentent  was  in  mercy  for  appropriating  to  himself  the  soil  of 
the  Lord  of  Westmoor,  and  also  of  the  King's  Way  between 
Hambrigge  and  Gosebradene  whereon  he  makes  default  of  his 


Court  Rolls  of  the  Manor  of  Curry  RiveL  93 

law,  and  the  Abbot  of  Muchelney  who  is  often  in  evidence  in 
Curry  records,  has  to  answer  for  that  he  and  his  servants  have 
unjustly  appropriated  the  lord's  soil  by  the  lord's  park,  by 
ploughing,  etc.,  and  trespass  at  the  Sandeputtes.  There  is  also 
a  curious  revenue  this  year  of  14s.  6d.,  and  six  capons  from 
"  Capitagium  garconum,"  which  I  suppose  must  be  translated 
as  "chevage  of  the  servants  ;  "  chases  of  the  moors  also  brought 
in  67s.,  a  somewhat  large  sum.  But  at  the  next  Court  held 
on  Thursday  next  after  the  feast  of  St.  Lucy  the  Virgin 
(Dec.  13th)  22  Edward  III,  there  are  no  less  than  18  deaths 
of  tenants  recorded.  We  have  no  means  of  ascertaining  how 
many  died,  as  it  is  only  the  deaths  of  occupiers  of  land  that  are 
noted,  but  all  contemporary  authorities  agree  in  stating  that 
the  disease  was  always  most  virulent  and  spread  rapidly  where 
any  number  were  gathered  together,  and  that  when  once  it 
seized  upon  any  house  it  usually  claimed  many  victims,  if  there 
was  a  wife  of  the  tenant  we  generally  have  some  information, 
as  according  to  the  custom  of  the  manor,  she  had  a  right  to 
remain  in  the  tenement  and  did  fealty  for  it  before  the  homage, 
so  in  ten  of  these  cases,  a  wife  is  mentioned  by  name  ;  but  in 
three  of  them  the  wife  had  also  died  after  her  husband,  and  so 
a  double  heriot  was  payable,  and  in  another  case  Lucy,  the 
wife  of  Thomas  Knap  who  held  of  the  lord  a  messuage  and 
ferdell  of  land  and  was  dead,  comes  and  surrenders  the  said 
tenement  into  the  hands  of  the  lord  by  reason  of  poverty  and 
it  remains  vacant,  probably  all  else  in  the  household  had  died 
and  there  was  no  one  to  help  her.  In  eight  cases  it  is  recorded 
that  the  tenement  remained  vacant  in  the  lord's  hand.  Two 
new  tenants  only  are  admitted.  The  land  generally  was  held 
in  villenage,  the  holdings  consisting  of  a  messuage,  with  either 
a  virgate,  a  half  virgate,  or  a  ferdell,  the  heriots  being  two 
oxen,  one  ox,  a  heifer,  etc.,  and  in  case  of  cottages  with 
curtilages  one  hen. 

There  is  one  curious  entry  in  this  Roll :  it  was  presented  that 
a  certain  unknown  thief  came,   and   in   this  liberty,  waived 


94  Court  Rolls  of  the  Manor  of  Curry  Rivel 

chattels  price  13d.,  and  so  sold  here  in  Court  by  the  steward, 
was  it  that  the  thief  died  of  the  plague  in  the  very  act  of 
plunder  from  a  plague  stricken  house. 

During  the  next  three  months  the  plague  increased  at  Curry 
Rivel,  and  reached  its  highest  point  at  the  Court  of  the  term 
of  St.  Hilary,  held  on  the  Wednesday  next  after  the  feast  of 
St.  Matthias,  Apostle,  (Feb.  24,  1348-9).  Thirty-five  deaths 
of  tenants  are  reported,  of  whom  fourteen  were  in  Bradeweye, 
this  would  represent  that  about  one-fourth  of  the  occupiers  in 
the  manor  had  died  in  the  preceding  ten  weeks,  and  of  these 
sixteen  tenements  are  presented  as  being  vacant,  and  in  the 
lord's  hands,  there  being  no  successor,  or  no  one  to  come 
forward  and  take  them,  the  double  heriots  presented  at  the  last 
Court  had  evidently  made  a  deep  impression,  and  the  successors 
of  some  of  the  holders  made  provision  that  full  fines  should  not 
be  payable  in  case  they  should  also  die  of  the  plague. 
Accordingly  we  find  the  following  entries  :  — 

Walter  atte  Wood,  who  hath  a  messuage  and  virgate  of  land, 
hath  closed  his  last  day,  whereupon  there  falls  to  the  lord  of 
heriot  one  ox,  price  4s.,  and  upon  this,  Richard  atte  Wood,  son 
of  the  said  Walter,  gives  to  the  lord  of  fine  33s.  4d.,  to  have 
entry  into  the  said  tenement  rendering  and  doing  the  service, 
etc.,  paying  the  fine  at  Easter,  13s.  4d.,  at  feast  of  St.  John 
Baptist,  6s.  8d.,  and  at  the  feast  of  St.  Michael,  13s.  4d.,  by 
pledge  of  Robert  Harecomb  and  John  Harecomb.  And  it  was 
granted  the  said  Richard  that  if  he  happened  to  die  after  the 
feast  of  Easter,  after  any  term  of  the  terms  aforesaid  payment 
of  the  fine  for  the  aforesaid  subsequent  terms  shall  altogether 
cease.  So  John  Strode,  who  gives  a  fine  of  20s.  to  hold  in 
villenage  a  tenement,  rendering  and  doing  the  services,  etc., 
and  paying  a  fine  at  the  feasts  of  Easter  and  St.  Michael  by 
pledge  of  Robert  Hertcombe  and  Philip  Parcar,  and  it  was 
granted  the  said  John  that  if  he  happened  to  die  after  Easter, 
the  payment  of  fine  at  Michaelmas  should  altogether  cease. 
These  precedents  might  be  brought  before  the  present 


Court  Rolls  of  the  Manor  of  Curry  Rwcl.  95 

Chancellor  of  the  Exchequer  in  cases  of  lands  which  are 
called  on  to  pay  double  death  duties  in  one  year.  In  this  Boll 
there  are  ten  cases  of  wives  who  survived  their  husbands  and 
succeeded  to  their  tenements  according  to  the  customs  of  the 
Manor,  but 'here  again  we  find  the  widow  surrendering  the 
estate  even  when  the  arable  ground  had  been  planted. 

Robert  Hamond  who  held  a  messuage  and  ferdell  of  land  in 
villenage  is  dead,  by  whose  death  there  falls  of  heriot  \  an  ox, 
price  4s.,  and  Matilda,  wife  of  the  said  Roger,  surrenders  here 
in  Court  the  whole  estate  she  may  have  in  the  aforesaid 
tenement,  according  to  the  custom,  and  there  remains  two 
acres  sown  with  corn  upon  the  said  tenement  to  the  use  of  the 
lord.  So  also,  Agnes  atte  Hele,  who  held  a  messuage  and 
ferdell  of  land  after  the  death  of  John  Virly,  late  her  husband, 
comes  and  surrenders  the  said  tenement  into  the  lord's  hands 
together  with  the  crop  of  four  acres  of  corn  growing  upon  the 
said  tenement  which  remains  to  the  use  of  the  lord. 

There  are,  however,  three  cases  in  which  a  son  or  daughter 
succeeds,  and  one  in  which  a  sister  does  so,  and  in  this  Roll 
there  are  seven  entries  of  fines  paid  by  new  tenants  for  entering 
into  holdings  that  had  come  into  the  lord's  hands.  The  grist 
mill  however  at  Bradeway,  a  class  of  holding  generally  con- 
sidered most  desirable,  remained  vacant  by  the  death  of  David 
Taillor  on  the  feast  of  the  Purification. 

Tho  tenements  that  became  vacant  by  deaths  in  this  Roll 
are  most  variable  in  size.  Three  are  described  as  being  one 
virgate,  ten  as  half  a  virgate,  seven  as  a  ferdell,  one  as  a 
carucate,  one  as  two  parts  of  half  a  virgate,  two  as  ten  acres, 
one  seven  acres,  one  six  acres,  one  five  acres,  three  two  acres, 
one  two-and-a-half  acres,  three  one  acre,  and  one  half-an-acre. 
Most  of  the  holdings  that  were  in  acres  were  in  Bradewaye. 
With  regard  to  the  heriots,  they  were  generally  an  ox,  though 
we  find  TT  an  ox,  3  parts  of  a  cow,  the  explanation  of  these  half- 
beasts  which  is  somewhat  peculiar,  is  probably  that  the  tene- 
ment had  been  divided,  and  consequently  the  heriot.  There 


96  Court  Rolls  of  the  Manor  of  Curry  Rivcl 

are  also  heriots  of  one  acre  of  corn,  -J  an  acre  of  corn,  as  well 
as  one  horse,  price  20d.,  and  a  porker. 

Other  entries  of  interest  in  this  Roll  are,  William  de 
Pillande,  who  held  a  virgate.at  Burton  in  fee,  the  heriot  being 
an  ox,  price  J  a  mark  that  had  been  taken  away,  also  the  said 
William  held  four  ferdells  of  land  at  Westend  in  Poterfield, 
nothing  fell  of  heriot  because  it  was  without  a  messuage,  also 
the  said  William  held  in  Bradeway  at  le  Apse,  a  messuage  and 
one  carucate  of  land  with  appurtenances  by  royal  services,  and 
the  said  tenements  were  devised  to  the  parson  of  Doneate, 
rendering  therefrom  yearly,  four  pounds  at  four  terms,  and 
whether  for  term  of  life  or  years,  they  know  not.  The  afore- 
said parson  was  to  be  distrained  to  show  what  he  has,  and  why 
he  should  hold  the  said  tenements. 

Robert  de  Hertecombe  and  William  Phelpes,  keepers  of  the 
goods  of  the  Church  of  Cory  Rivel  (evidently  the  Church- 
wardens), complainants,  offer  themselves  against  John  Nasshe 
and  Richard  atte  Wode,  exors.  of  the  will  of  Walter  atte 
Wode  of  a  plea  of  debt,  who  are  summoned  and  do  not  come, 
therefore  it  is  commanded  to  attach  them  thereupon.  Evi- 
dently something  had  been  left  by  the  will  of  Walter  atte 
Wode  to  the  Church,  which  was  not  forthcoming  from  the 
executors. 

In  spite  of  the  plague,  trespass  in  the  Lord's  preserves  went 
on  pretty  extensively,  20  tenants  being  fined,  the  attachments 
of  the  parker  being  5s.  4d. 

The  next  Roll  is  that  of  the  Court  held  the  Monday  after 
the  feast  of  the  Annunciation  of  the  Blessed  Mary,  the 
23rd  Edward  III.  This  Roll  shews  that  the  pestilence  was 
fast  abating,  only  ten  deaths  of  tenants  are  presented,  and 
seventeen  tenements  are  presented  as  being  still  in  the  Lord's 
hands,  but  the  life  of  the  Manor  was  again  beginning  to  pursue 
its  normal  course,  and  new  tenants  were  coming  forth  more 
readily  to  pay  the  fine  of  land,  and  have  entry  into  the  tene- 
ments, but  as  I  propose  to  give  in  the  appendix  to  this  paper 


Court  Rolls  of  the  Manor  of  Curry  Rivel.  97 

a  full  translation  of  this  Roll,  I  shall  not  comment  on  it,  though 
it  contains  several  points  of  interest. 

The  next  Court  was  held  at  the  term  of  Hockday,  the 
Monday  after  the  feast  of  St.  John  atte  Latin  Gate,  (May  6), 
23  Edward  III,  in  this  only  one  death  is  presented,  though 
many  of  the  tenements  were  still  in  the  lord's  hand,  and  it  may 
be  considered  that  at  this  date  the  pestilence  had  come  to  an 
end  as  far  as  Curry  Rivel  was  concerned. 

The  total  deaths  from  October,  1348,  to  the  end  of  March, 

1349,  is  therefore  63,  and  taking  the  number  of  tenants  at  150, 
and  assuming  that  a  proportional  number  of  the  other  inhabi- 
tants died — the  deaths  would  have  been  about  two-fifths  of  the 
total  population  in  six  months.     If  this  is  compared  with  other 
Somerset  Manors  of  which  the  records  have  been  preserved 
during  this  period,  for  instance,  Chedzoy  ( Br.  Mus.  Add.  Mss. 
Roll,  15961-6),  it  would  seem  that  the  Black  Death  passed  over 
Curry  Rivel  with  a  much  lighter  toll,  and  disappeared  more 
quickly  than  it  did  in  other  parishes.     All  effects  of  it  seem  to 
have  passed  away  by  the  early  summer  of  1 349,  while  in  other 
parts  of  England  it  was  still  at  its  worst.     At  Curry,  the  worst 
period  was  December,  1348,  to  February,  1348-9,  in  this  it  will 
correspond  fairly  with  the  high  water  mark  of  institutions  to 
benefices,  though  at  Chedzoy,  the  worst  period  was  some  weeks 
after  Curry.     Again  we  find  at  Curry,  little  interference  with 
the  ancient  method  of  tenure  and  cultivation,  the  land  con- 
tinued to  be  held  in  villenage,  and  a  fair  supply  of  new  tenants 
under  the  old  conditions  was  forthcoming,  although  down  to 

1350,  which  is  as  far  as  I  have  examined  the  Rolls,  many  of 
the  smaller  tenements  are  still  in  the  lord's  hands,  which  would 
point  to  a  larger  mortality  among  the  cottars  than  the  villani. 
Life  indeed  in  the  village  during  this  period  seems  to  have  run 
very  much  its  normal  course,  except  for  its  excessive  mortality, 
there  is  no  reference  whatever  to  the  plague  by   name,  nor 
were  men  deterred  by  it  from  poaching,  trespass  in  the  lord's 
preserves  or  other  lawless  pursuits,     Indeed,  what  strikes  us 

Vol.  L  VI  (Third  Series,   Vol.  X  VI),  Part  II.  g 


98  Court  Rolls  of  the  Manor  of  Curry  Rivel. 

most  in  examining  the  records  of  Curry  at  this  period  is  how 
much  less  difference  it  made  there  from  what  the  writings  of 
contemporaries  and  the  works  of  Dr.  Jessop  and  Abbot 
Gasquet  had  led  us  to  expect.  Is  it  that  Curry  Rivel  was  a 
favoured  spot,  or  have  other  writers  overdrawn  the  picture  ? 

I  have  not  attempted  therefore  to  tell  the  tale  of  the  Black 
Death  at  Curry,  in  the  vivid  pictures  in  which  the  desolation 
of  the  Plague  in  East  Anglia  has  been  described  by  Dr.  Jessop, 
nor  to  draw  upon  my  imagination  to  fill  in  gaps  on  which  the 
Court  Rolls  are  silent  as  Abbot  Gasquet  has  done  in  his  Black 
Death,  but  have  tried  to  let  the  Manor  Rolls  tell  their  own 
story  in  their  own  way — only  translating  into  English,  entries 
that  in  their  fearful  contracted  Latin  and  difficult  Court  hand 
are  a  closed  book  to  the  majority — this  may  be  less  interesting 
to  the  hearer  or  reader,  but  it  is  more  accurate,  and  therefore 
more  useful  to  the  enquirer  and  historian. 

In  conclusion,  I  would  add  a  translation  of  a  quaint  and 
touching  petition,  which  written  on  a  scrap  of  parchment  in  old 
Norman  French,  is  attached  to  the  series  of  Rolls  I  have 
described  :— 

"  To  the  honorable  lord  if  it  may  please  him,  beseecheth 
his  poor  nurse,  Agnes  de  Harecombe,  that  whereas  Peter 
Potage,  who  held  of  you  a  messuage  and  five  acres  of 
land  at  Bradewaye,  in  your  Manor  of  Curry  Ryvel, 
rendering  6d.  per  annum,  has  been  summoned  to  God. 
May  it  please  you  sire,  to  grant  to  your  said  nurse  in  lieu 
of  lodging,  the  said  tenement  freely  for  term  of  her  life, 
rendering  per  annum  the  rent  which  the  said  Peter  paid." 

At  the  foot  of  the  petition  is  written  :  — 

"Petition  granted  and  livery  of  the  tenement  by  the 
lord." 

Alas  poor  Agnes,  she  did  not  live  long  to  enjoy  her  little 
tenement,  for  ere  a  year,  Herddesheye  in  Bradewaye,  was 
again  vacant  in  the  lord's  hand. 


Court  Rolls  of  the  Manor  of  Curry   Rivcl. 


99 


[  Translation .] 

ROLLS  OF  COURTS  HELD  AT  THE  MANOR  OF 
CVRRY  RIVELL,  Co.  SOMT., 

in  the  years  of  the  Great  Plague,  23  Edward  III,  1348-60. 


COURT  ROLL  OF  CORY  REVELL,  DEC.,  1348,  AND  COURT 
AND  VIEW  OF  FRANKPLEDGE,  MICH.,  1348. 

(memb.  6). 

Cory  Ryvell.  Court  held  there  on  Thursday  next  after 
the  feast  of  St.  Lucy  virgin,  the  22nd  year  of  the  reign  of 
King  Edward  the  3rd  from  the  Conquest. 

[The  usual  distraints  and  amercements.] 
[Breaches  of  assize  of  ale.     Fines  10s.  9d.~\ 

CORY. 

The  tithing  man  presents  that  Robt.  atte  Hele  who 
held  a  virgate  of  land  in  villenage  is  dead,  by  whose 
death  there  falls  to  the  lord  of  heriot  one  ox  price  J  mark  Heriot  1  ox. 
And  Isabella  who  was  wife  of  said  Robert  remains  in 
said  tenement  according  to  the  custom  of  the  manor 
And  let  it  be  remembered  by  the  whole  homage  And 
she  does  fealty. 

John  Virly  who  held  a  messuage  and  J  a  virgate  of 
land  at  le  hele  and  one  messuage  and  a  ferdell  of  land  at 
Cory  is  dead  and  there  falls  of  heriot  2  oxen  And  Agnes    Heriot 2 oxen. 
his  wife  remains  in  the  said  tenement  according  &c. 

William  Geffrey  who  held  a  messuage  and  ferdell  of 
land  and  a  cottage  with  curtilage  in  villenage  is  dead 
and  there  falls  of  heriot  one  ox  And  Christina  his  wife    Heriot  l  ox. 
remains  in  said  tenement  &c. 

Christina  atte  Hele  who  held  a  messuage  and  half  a 
virgate  of  land  in  villenage  is  dead  And  said  tenement    Remains, 
remains  vacant. 


100 


Court  Rolls  of  the  Manor  of  Curry   Rive?. 


Heriot  1  hen. 
Remains  &c. 


Heriot  a 
heifer. 
Remains  &c. 


Heriot  1  hen. 


Remains  in 
lord's  hand. 


Heriot  1  ox. 
Remains  &c. 


Heriot  1  hen. 
Fine  of  lands. 

Heriot  1  cow. 


Heriot  1 
heifer. 
Remains  &c. 


Heriot  1 
heifer. 


Heriot  1  ox. 


[7*.]  Heriot 
1  ox. 


Robert  TClys  who  held  a  cottage  with  curtilage  is  dead 
and  there  falls  of  heriot  one  hen  And  said  cottage  and 
curtilage  remain  in  the  hand  of  the  lord. 

John  Honte  who  held  a  messuage  and  ferdell  of  land 
in  villenage  and  there  falls  of  heriot  one  heifer  price  5s. 
And  said  tenement  remains  vacant  in  the  lord's  hand. 

Thomas  Knap  who  held  of  the  lord  a  messuage  and 
ferdell  of  land  is  dead  And  there  falls  of  heriot  one  hen 
and  no  animal  And  Lucy  his  wife  comes  and  said  tene- 
ment was  surrendered  into  the  hands  of  the  lord  by 
reason  of  poverty  And  it  remains  vacant. 

Adam  Cartere  who  held  a  messuage  and  J  a  virgate  of 
land  is  dead  and  there  falls  of  heriot  one  ox  price  viijs. 
And  said  tenement  remains  vacant. 

William  Wyldgous  who  held  a  mess,  and  ferdell  of 
land  is  dead  and  there  falls  of  heriot  one  hen  and  upon 
this 

John  Somersete  gives  to  the  lord  of  fine  for  entry  10s. 
Rendering  and  doing  the  services  &c. 

John  le  Smith  who  held  a  mess,  and  ferdell  of  land 
in  villenage  is  dead  and  there  falls  of  heriot  one  cow 
price  5s.  and  Joan  his  wife  survived  him  and  remained 
in  the  tenement  aforesaid  And  afterwards  she  died  and 
there  falls  of  heriot  one  heifer  price  2s.  And  said  tene- 
ment remains  vacant  in  the  lord's  hands. 

Nicholas  ffychet  who  held  a  mess,  and  ferdell  of  land 
is  dead  and  there  falls  of  heriot  one  heifer  And  Christina 
his  wife  remains  in  the  said  tenement  according  to  the 
custom  and  does  fealty. 

Richard  Cotyn  who  held  a  mess,  and  half  a  virgate  of 
land  is  dead  and  there  falls  of  heriot  one  ox  price  10s. 
And  Joan  his  wife  remains  in  said  tenement  &c.  And 
now  she  is  dead  and  there  falls  of  heriot  one  ox  price  7s. 
And  the  tenement  remains  vacant  in  the  lord's  hand. 

Matilda  atte  Tounesend  who  held  a  cottage  with  cur- 


Court  Rolh  of  the  Manor  of  Curry   Rivel. 


101 


young  ox. 


tilage  is  dead  and  there  falls  of  heriot  one  hen  And  the    Heriot  1  hen. 
tenement  remains  vacant  in  the  lord's  hand. 

Richard  Honte  who  held  a  mess,  and  half  a  virgate  of 
land  in  villenage  is  dead  and  there  falls  of  heriot  one 
young  ox  (bovefctus)  price  vs.  And  Agnes  his  wife  re-  Heriot  l 
mains  in  the  tenement  aforesaid  according  to  custom  &c. 

And  Joan  Huchens  has  made  a  rescue  upon  John 
Contock  collector  of  the  King's  wool  of  one  pig  There- 
fore let  her  be  attached  to  answer  thereon. 


BKADEWEYE.  (memb.  6  dorse). 

Nicholas  Spred  who  held  a  mess,  and  5  acres  of  land  in 
villenage  is  dead  and  there  falls  of  heriot  one  hogget  pig 
price  &d.  And  Matilda  his  wife  remains  in  said  tenement. 

Matilda  Sopere  who  held  a  mess,  with  curtilage  con- 
taining one  acre  of  land  is  dead  And  nothing  falls  of 
heriot  because  there  was  nothing  And  upon  this 

Thomas  Roules  and  John  his  son  give  ISd.  for  entry 
into  said  tenement  To  hold  in  villenage  &c. 

Richard  Wodeward  who  held  freely  for  term  of  life  a 
mess,  with  curtilage  and  one  acre  of  land  and  6  acres  of 
meadow  is  dead  And  Lettice  his  wife  claims  to  hold  the 
said  tenement  for  life  as  conjointly  £c.  with  said  Richard 
So  it  is  commanded  to  distrain  her  to  show  £c. 

[Breaches  of  Assize  of  Ale.  13  persons  fined  from 
6d.  to  Is.  6^.— total  11s.  6d.~] 

It  has  been  given  to  understand  that  David  Launty 
who  held  a  water-mill  at  Bradeweye  had  allowed  it  to  fall 
into  decay  So  it  is  commanded  to  distrain  him  to  answer. 


Heriot  1 
hoggett. 


Heriot  nil. 


Fine  of  land 
18& 


Conjointly 
[enfeoffed. 

[Show  deeds. 


[Water  mill. 
Distraint. 


CAPELOND. 

The  tithing  man  with  four  others  (se  quinto)  comes 
and  presents  nothing. 

It  is  commanded  to  distrain  William  le  Eyr  de  Sowy    Distraints. 
Baldwyn  de  Wyke  and  all  others  the  tenants  of  Reginald 


102 


Court  Rolls  of  the  Manor  of  Curry   Rivel. 


Attachments 
of  the  Reaper 
and  Warrener 

Chattels 
waived  13d. 
[abandoned] . 


Fine  of  land 


Hussee  to  be  at  the  next  court  to  do  fealty  and  other 
services. 

Some  40  persons  attached  for  trespasses  on  the  lord's 
preserves. 

It  was  presented  that  a  certain  unknown  thief  came 
and  in  this  liberty  waived  chattels  price  13d.  And  so  sold 
here  in  Court  by  the  steward. 

John  Lymternere  Heliere  gives  of  fine  I2d.  for  entry 
into  a  cottage  with  curtilage  which  Matilda  atte  Toune- 
sende  formerly  held.  To  hold  in  villenage  &c.  And  dis- 
trained to  do  fealty. 

Sum  [of  perquisites]  29s.  8d. 
Fines  of  land  12s.  6d. 

Heriots  3  heifers  8  oxen  1  cow  1  young  ox  (bovettus) 

1  hogget  and  4  hens. 
Chattels  waived  13d. 
Murrain  8  porkers. 
Expenses  2s.  4|d. 


Essoins. 


[Taylor] 
[i.e.  sickness] 


CORY  RYVEL.  (memb.  7). 

Court  legal  and  view  of  frankpledgc  held  there  at 
Michaelmas  term,  Thursday  next  after  the  octave  of  St. 
Michael,  the  22nd  year  of  the  reign  of  King  Edward  the 
3rd  from  the  Conquest. 

Richard  Jakes  de  Oth  (?)  defends  against  Robert  atte 
Wille  de  Cory  Riuell  of  a  plea  of  debt — by  Robert  Cat. 

Adam  Swift  against  Roger  Spril  of  a  plea  of  trespass 
— by  Adam  Prat. 

William  de  Alyngton  defends  that  he  is  in  the  service 
of  the  lord  King  against  Edward  Hastings  of  a  plea  of 
trespass — by  Tho.  Hackeley. 

John  Sartor  of  common  essoin. 

[Pleas  of  debts,  etc.,  and  distraints,  extracts  of  the 
most  interesting  entries  below.] 


Court  Rolls  of  the  Manor  of  Curry  Rivel.  103 

As  often  before  it  is  commanded  to  distrain  Thos.  de 
Middelnye  executor  of  the  will  of  John  de  Middelnye 
late  parson  of  the  church  of  Cory  Rivel  to  answer  John 
Ripon  of  a  plea  of  debt. 

It  is  commanded  to  attach  William  le  Smith  of  He 
Abbots  to  answer  John  Honte  of  a  plea  of  debt. 

Reginald  Prentent  in  mercy  for  appropriating  to  him- 
self the  soil  of  the  lord  of  Wastmore  and  also  of  the 
King's  way  between  Hambrigge  and  Gosebradene  where- 
on he  makes  default  of  his  law. 

The  Abbot  of  Michelney  to  answer  for  that  he  and  his 
servants  have  unjustly  appropriated  the  lord's  soil  by  the 
lord's  park  by  ploughing  &c. 

[Trespass  at  the  "  Sandpattes."] 

BRADEWAY.  (memb.  7  dors). 

The  tithing  man  presents  that  Joan  Dunsterre  has 
justly  raised  the  hue  upon  Matilda  atte  Okes  therefore 
said  Matilda  in  mercy  pledge  Peter  Potage. 

Matilda  atte  Okes  in  mercy  for  a  trespass  made  on 
Joan  Dunsterre  in  that  she  has  beaten  her  unjustly  to 
the  damage  of  2d.  Let  execution  be  done  thereon. 

The  whole  tithing  in  mercy  because  they  have  not  all 
their  measures  And  for  other  sundry  concealments. 

CAPELOND. 

The  tithing  man  comes  and  says  that  all  is  well  and 
presents  nothing. 

***** 

John  Selueyn  gives  to  the  lord  I2d.  for  his  suit  until 
the  feast  of  St.  Michael. 


Trespasses    on    the    lord's    preserves    very  numerous. 
Fines  amount  to  12*.  4d. 


104 

[Capitagium 
garconum.] 

Murrain. 


Chases. 


Court  Rolls  of  the  Manor  of  Curry  Rivel. 
Chevage  of  the  servants  this  year  145.  6d.  and  6  capons. 

The  carcase  inspectors  present  of  murrain  2  oxen  and 
2  porkers  dead  by  misadventure  and  not  by  default  of 
keepers. 

The  Reaper  presents  of  the  chases  of  Seggmor  and 
Wykmor  Ixiiijs.  Also  of  Westmor  iijs. 
Sum  of  Court  41,?.  \%d. 
Chevage  of  the  servants  14s.  3d.  6  capons. 
Chases  of  moors  67s. 
Murrain  as  appears  above. 

Expenses  of  the  Steward  for  this  Court  and  hun- 
dred of  expenses  of  John  de  Alyngton 
and  John  de  Chedesey  vs.  vijd.  ob.  9. 


Distraints. 


Distraints. 


COURT  ROLL  OF  THE  MANOR  OF  CURY  RYVEL, 
23  EDWARD  III. 

CURY  RYVEL.  (memb.  1). 

Court  held  there  on  the  Wednesday  in  the  feast  of  St. 
Mary  Magdalen,  the  xxiij  year  of  the  reign  of  King  Edward 
the  Third  after  the  Conquest. 

As  often  before  it  was  commanded  to  distrain  Thomas 
son  and  heir  of  John  de  Langeforde  to  do  his  fealty  to 
the  lord  and  to  answer  of  pleas  of  default  of  common 
suit.  And  to  answer  why  he  hath  withdrawn  a  yearly 
rent  of  one  mother  sheep,  one  hogster,1  one  lamb  for 
lands  and  tenements  which  he  held  of  the  lord  in  ffyfhide. 

As  often  before  it  was  commanded  to  distrain  Thomas 
of  Goudeham,  Symon  of  ffurneaux,  the  Abbot  of  Much- 
elney,  Margery  Mynstokes,  William  de  Poulet,  to  do 
homage  and  fealty  to  the  lord  and  other  services.  And 
to  answer  of  pleas  of  default. 


1.     A  sheep  in  its  second  year. 


Court  Rolls  of  the  Manor  of  Curry  Rivel. 


105 


As  often  before  it  was  commanded  to  distrain  Robert 
Seincler  to  show  by  what  service  he  claims  to  hold  his 
tenements  in  Andrews. 

There  still  remains  one  heifer  forthcoming  of  estrays 
which  has  remained  here  from  the  feast  of  the  A  postles 
Peter  and  Paul  the  xxij  year  of  the  King  that  now  is 
And  the  bailiff  answers  that  he  hath  made  proclamation 
thereof  in  the  market  &c.  And  it  hath  remained  here  for 
a  year  and  a  day  or  more,  not  claimed  &c.  Therefore 
in  the  hands  of  the  lord  Whereupon  the  reeve  shall  be 
charged  &c. 

As  often  before  it  was  commanded  to  distrain  the  heir 
of  William  le  Eir  de  Sowy,  Osmond  Gouwer,  John  Trote 
and  William  Groyer  sometime  tenant  of  Reginald  Hasee 
to  do  their  fealty  to  the  lord. 

As  often  before  it  was  commanded  John  son  and  heir 
of  Thomas  Hastyngs  to  do  homage  to  the  lord. 

As  often  before  it  was  commanded  to  attach  all  the 
goods  and  chattels  being  upon  the  tenement  which  William 
Polland  held  in  Burton  until  there  shall  be  satisfied  of  a 
heriot  of  the  said  William  to  wit  of  one  ox  price  half  a 
mark. 

It  was  commanded  to  distrain  the  tenant  of  the  lands 
and  tenements  which  were  of  William  Polland  at  Apse 
to  show  what  he  hath  for  himself  and  why  he  claims  to 
hold  the  tenements  aforesaid. 

It  was  further  as  at  other  times  commanded  to  distrain 
John  de  Beauchamp,  Ralph  de  Middelun  [luo  de  Childe- 
comb]  because  a  tenant  of  John  Selueyn  to  the  lord  king 
(?  he  answers)  to  answer  of  pleas  of  default  of  common 
suit  &c. 

Still  one  messuage  and  1  virgate  of  land  which  Robert 
atte  Hole  held,  one  mess,  and  J  virgate  of  land  which 
Roger  le  Bakere  held,  one  mess,  and  one  ferdell  of  land 
which  David  le  Taillor  held,  one  mess,  and  one  ferdell 


Distraints. 


Estrays  one 
heifer. 


Distraints. 

Distraint. 
Attachment. 


Distraint. 

[Evidences.] 

Distraint. 


[Erasure  and 
interlinea- 
tion.] 


Tenements  in 
the  lord's 
hands. 


106 


Court   Rolls  of  the  Manor  of  Curry   Rivel. 


[v.  petition.] 


Distraint. 


Amercement 
Id.  execution. 


Attachment. 


Attachment. 


which  Agnes  atte  Hole  held,  one  mess,  and  one  ferdell  of 
land  which  Robert  Uppehulle  held,  one  cottage  with  cur- 
tilage and  two  acres  of  land  which  Hugh  atte  Walle 
held;  four  ferdells  which  William  Polland  held  at  Lang- 
port,  Westover,  and  Portfelde  ;  one  mess,  and  one  virg. 
of  land  which  the  said  William  held  at  Burton  ;  a  cottage 
with  curtilage  which  Alice  Mareschal  held  ;  certain  plots 
called  Herddesheye  which  Peter  Potage  held,  demised 
to  Agnes  Harecomb  the  lord's  nurse  by  precept  of  the 
same ;  a  mess,  which  Lucy  Hastyngs  and  Sybill  who 
was  the  wife  of  Ralph  Jurdan  held  ;  a  water  mill  which 
David  Taillor  held  ;  a  tenement  which  Walter  Hamond 
held ;  a  tenement  which  Roger  Hamond  held ;  a  tene- 
ment which  Roger  Knap  held ;  a  tenement  which  John 
Virli  held  ;  a  cottage  late  Pages  remain  in  the  hands  of 
the  lord  and  the  reeve  to  answer  of  the  issues  thereof  &c. 

Still  as  before  it  was  commanded  to  distrain  Robert  de 
Thorndon  to  do  fealty  to  the  lord.  And  afterwards  he 
does  fealty. 

John  Rypon  in  mercy  for  unjust  detention  of  1  bushel 
of  corn  against  Nicholas  atte  Brokes  whereupon  let  there 
be  made  execution. 

by  false  plaint. 

Edith  atte  Hole  complainant,  by  pledge  of  Nicholas 
atte  Brokes,  offers  herself  against  Richard  Roggeres  of  a 
plea  that  he  hath  not  acquitted  his  pledge  who  was  sum- 
moned and  did  not  come  Therefore  let  him  be  attached. 

Laurence  Brokes  complt.,  by  pledge  of  John  Pyenye, 
offers  himself  against  Thomas  Wynar  of  a  plea  of  debt 
who  was  summoned  and  did  not  come  Therefore  let  him 
be  attached. 

Robert  Ball  of  Swelle  complt.,  by  Nicholas  Gurdemure 
his  attorney  and  pledge  Nicholas  Uppehulle,  offers  him- 
self against  William  Radewill  of  a  plea  of  debt  who  was 
summoned  and  did  not  come  Therefore  let  him  be  attached. 


107 

Amercement 
2d. 

Attachment. 


Amercement 
3d. 


Court  Rolls  of  the  Manor  of  Curry   Rivcl. 

William  Radewill  in  mercy  agreed  by  licence  with  John 
Spyne  of  a  plea  of  trespass,  pledge  Robert  Herecombe. 

Agnes  Dogel  complt.,  by  pledge  of  Richard  Uppehulle, 
offers  herself  against  Matilda  Niweman  of  a  plea  of  debt 
who  was  summoned  and  did  not  come  Therefore  let  her 
be  attached. 

John  le  Hunt  in  mercy  because  he  has  not  prosecuted 
John  Serle  of  a  plea  of  covenant. 

Christina  ffichet  complt.,  offers  herself  against  John 
de  Burton  of  a  plea  of  trespass  who  is  not  yet  attached 
Therefore  it  is  commanded  that  he  be  attached  to  answer 
thereupon  &c. 

CORY. 

The  tithingman  presents  that  John  Walters  who  held 
of  the  lord  a  cottage  with  curtilage  is  dead,  by  whose 
death  there  falls  to  the  lord  of  heriot  1  heifer  price  I2d. 
And  the  said  cottage  remains  vacant  in  the  lord's  hands. 

Also  he  presents  that  Walter  Godefrai  who  held  of  the  Heriot  1  ox. 
lord  a  mess,  and  \  virg.  of  land  in  villenage  is  dead  And 
there  falls  to  the  lord  of  heriot  1  ox  price  5s.  And  Alice 
who  was  the  wife  of  aforesaid  Walter  remains  in  the 
tenement  aforesaid  according  to  the  custom  £c.  And  be 
it  remembered  by  the  whole  homage  And  she  does  fealty. 

The  same  presents  that  William  Pocokes  who  held  a 
cottage  is  dead  And  there  falls  to  the  lord  of  heriot  1 
hogget  pig1  and  so  sold  price  \2d.  And  Joan  who  was 
the  wife  of  aforesaid  William  remains  in  the  cottage 
aforesaid  according  to  the  custom  &c.  And  be  it  remem- 
bered by  the  whole  homage  And  because  she  has  not 
done  fealty  Therefore  let  her  be  distrained  to  do  her 
fealty  And  afterwards  she  does  her  fealty. 

Also  it  is  presented  that  Christina  Randolf  who  held 
of  the  lord  a  mess,  and  one  virgate  of  land  to  her  and 


Heriot  1 
heifer. 

Cottage  in  the 
lord's  hands. 


Heriot  1  hog- 
get pig. 


1.     A  pig  in  its  second  year. 


108 


Court  Rolls  of  the  Manor  of  Curry   Rivcl. 


Amercement 
Qd. 


Amercement 
Qd. 


To  bring 
'compurgators 


Assize  of  ale. 


her  heirs  is  dead  And  nothing  thereupon  falls  of  heriot 
&c.  And  the  tenement  aforesaid  ought  to  descend  to  one 
Alice  dau.  of  John  de  Wolf  ton  clerk  and  Agnes  his  wife 
dau.  and  heir  of  the  aforesaid  Christina  and  she  is  one 
year  old.  Therefore  the  aforesaid  tenement  is  seized  into 
the  hand  of  the  lord  by  reason  of  the  minority  of  afore- 
said heir  &c. 

Also  he  presents  that  Nicholas  le  Shephurd  unjustly 
raised  the  hue  upon  Nicholas  le  H  award  Therefore  the 
said  Nicholas  le  Shephurd  in  mercy,  pledge  the  tithing 
man. 

Nicholas  le  Hayward  in  mercy  for  a  trespass  made  on 
Nicholas  le  Shephurd  for  that  he  beat  and  ill-treated 
him  to  his  damage  20s.  And  aforesaid  Nicholas  le  H  award 
does  not  contradict,  but  not  at  so  great  damage  and  he 
prays  that  it  may  be  amended  by  view  &c.  Therefore  it 
is  considered  that  he  shall  recover  the  damages  there- 
upon by  view  &c. 

Nicholas  le  Haward  complt.,  by  pledge  of  the  tithing 
man,  offers  himself  against  Nicholas  le  Shephurd  of  a 
plea  of  trespass  saying  that  he  depastured  his  sheep  on 
his  corn  to  his  damage  105.  by  reason  of  which  trespass 
the  said  Nicholas  le  Haward  would  impound  the  said 
sheep  according  to  law  and  custom  &c.  And  the  said 
Nicholas  le  Shephurd  upon  this  came  and  with  violence 
rescued  the  aforesaid  sheep  to  his  damage  20s.  And 
thereupon  he  produces  suit  &c.  And  the  said  Nicholas  le 
Shephurd  says  that  he  is  not  guilty  thereupon  and  prays 
to  be  verified  by  his  law  &c.  which  law  he  cannot  affirm 
but  retires  in  contempt  of  the  court.  Therefore  the  said 
Nicholas  le  Haward  recovers  his  damages  And  the  said 
Nicholas  le  Shephurd  in  mercy  &c.  However  he  shall 
recover  his  damages  by  view  &c. 

Also  he  presents  that  Christina  la  Hyne  6d.  Christina 
Tarpestre  6d.  Julian  Dalewode  6d.  Philip  Waryner,  par- 


Court   Rolls  of  the  Manor  of  Curry   Rivel  109 

doned,  William  Raste  6d.  Richard  Dalewode  6d.  Henry 
le  Smyth  Qd.  John  le  Neal  I2d.  Agnes  atte  Pile  6d. 
tf'elicia  Tarpestere  6d.  Thomas  Kirketon  I2d.  have  brewed 
and  sold  ale  contrary  to  the  assize  Therefore  they  are  in 
mercy. 

The  carcase1    inspectors   (?)    present   that   1   horse   1     [Cadawna- 
heifer  6  sheep  6  cows  1  calf  and  1  hogget  pig  have  died 
of  murrain  by  misadventure  and  not  by  default  of  any    Murrain, 
keeper. 

Capelond. —  The  tithingman  there  comes  and  presents 
that  all  is  well. 

Bradeweye. — The  bailiff  there  presents  that  Peter 
Godynch  I2d.  Agnes  Roulis  I2d.  Richard  Joie  18^. 
Thomas  Motilburi  I2d.  have  brewed  and  sold  ale  con- 
trary to  the  assize  Therefore  they  are  in  mercy  Also 
Adam  le  Forester  6d.  Therefore  &c. 

John  Lernewittes  2d.  John  atte  Puree  2d.  Robert 
(?)  Jouet  Id.  John  le  Hunte  2d.  N.  Godefrai  Id.  Claricia 
Mareis  1^7.  Agnes  Dogel  \d.  John  de  Burton,  John  atte 
Asshe  2d.  J.  Spyne  Id.  John  .  .  .  .  Id.  Robert  Here- 
comb  \d.  Hugh  Knape  4c?.  A  stranger  from  ....  2d. 
J.  ffarwhitts  6d.  T.  ffarwhitts  3d.  N.  atte  Brokes  2d. 
Richard  atte  ....  2d.  Richard  Hole  4d.  Robert  atte 
Asshe  6d.  N.  atte  Brokes  Id.  J.  Herecomb  Id.  Richard 
Clawets  2d.  A  fugitive  of  R.  de  Middelun  6d.  N.  Gur- 
demure  3d.  .  .  .  Knap  2d.  R.  Herecomb  Id.  R.  Clawettes 
2d.  R.  atte  Wode  Id.  R.  atte  Welle  2d.  R.  Uppehulle  2d. 
A  fugitive  of  the  lord,  pardoned,  William  Philips  2d. 
J.  Ripon  Id.  Agnes  Dogel  2d.  William  Hankyn  2d. 
William  Cartere  2d.  John  Pienye  2d.  Edith  Gardyner 
3d.  T.  Ball,  pardoned,  R.  atte  Hole  3d.  Edith  Gardyner 

2d.  N.  atte  Brokes  Id.  Robt 2d.  William  Rade- 

will  3d.  R.  Herecomb  3d.  Edith  Gardyner  3d.  N.  le 
Haward  2d.  T.  Geffrai  Id.  Agnes  .  .  .  .  J.  atte  Purie 

1.     Not  in  Ducange. 


110 


Court  Rolls  of  the  Manor  of  Curry  Rivel. 


Fine  of  land 


Fine  of  land 
I2d. 


Fine  of  land 


Increase  of 
rent  5s.  Sd. 


Fine  of  land 
I2d. 

Increase  of 
rent  2«. 


Id.  William  Soghere  2d.  A  fugitive  of  R.  dc  Middelun 
2d.  R.  atte  Wode  2d.  John  Ripon  Id.  N.  atte  Brokes  }d. 
Richard  Saghere  Id.  Richard  Clawettes  2d.  William 
Haukyn  '2d.  and  Julian  .  .  .  2d.  ...  in  mercj  for  divers 
trespasses  in  the  lord's  preserves, 

(memb.  1  dorse). 

Robert  atte  Welle  gives  to  the  lord  of  fine  40^.  to  have 
entry  into  the  tenement  which  John  le  Hyne  sometime 
held  and  to  take  to  wife  Christina  who  was  the  wife  of 
said  John  To  hold  in  villenage  according  to  the  custom  &c. 
by  rents  and  services  therefrom  before  due  and  accus- 
tomed, to  be  paid  by  pledge  of  Nicholas  le  Ha  ward  and 
John  Somers  And  thereupon  he  hath  seisin  And  does 
fealty. 

Thomas  Nichol  gives  to  the  lord  of  fine  I2d.  to  have 
entry  into  the  cottage  which  John  le  Cartere  sometime 
held  and  to  take  to  wife  Cecilia  who  was  the  wife  of  said 
John  To  hold  in  villenage  according  to  the  custom  &c. 
by  rents  and  services  therefrom  due  and  accustomed ;  to 
be  paid  by  pledge  of  the  reeve  And  thereupon  he  hath 
seisin  And  does  fealty. 

Walter  Iverai  gives  to  the  lord  of  fine  40c?.  to  have 
entry  into  the  tenement  which  Hugh  Buloign  sometime 
held  from  which  he  was  wont  to  pay  yearly  \2d.  To 'have 
and  to  hold  according  to  the  custom  &c.  Rendering  there- 
from in  future  yearly  6s.  Sd.  and  all  other  services  there- 
from due  and  accustomed  And  so  there  is  an  increase  of 
rent  5s.  Sd.  And  thereupon  he  hath  seisin  and  does  fealty. 

Edward  Hasty nges  gives  to  the  lord  of  fine  I2d.  to  have 
entry  into  the  tenement  which  Ralph  Jurdan  sometime 
held  from  which  he  was  wont  to  pay  yearly  2s.  To  have 
in  villenage  according  to  custom  &c.  Rendering  therefrom 
in  future  yearly  4*.  and  other  services  &c.  And  so  there  is 
an  increase  of  rent  2s.  fine  to  be  paid  by  pledge  of  the 


Court  Rolls  of  the  Manor  of  Curry  Rivel. 


Ill 


Fine  of  land 
I2d. 

Increase  of 
rent  22d. 


Increase  of 
rent  3s. 


whole  homage    And  thereupon   he    hath  seisin  and  does 
fealty. 

Peter  Gordynch  gives  to  the  lord  of  fine  I2d.  to  have 
entry  into  the  two  tenements  which  Roger  Spril  sometime 
held  from  which  he  was  wont  to  pay  yearly  3s.  6d.  To 
hold  in  villenage  according  to  custom  £c.  Rendering 
therefrom  in  future  yearly  5s.  4d.  And  all  other  services 
therefrom  accustomed  And  so  increase  of  rent  22d.  And 
thereupon  he  hath  seisin  and  does  fealty. 

Thomas  Haward  hath  entry  into  the  tenement  which  Fine  of  fealty. 
Robert  Mery  sometime  held  from  which  he  was  wont  to 
pay  yearly  I2d.  To  hold  in  villenage  according  to  the 
custom  &c.  Rendering  therefrom  in  future  yearly  4s.  and 
other  services  &c.  and  so  there  is  increase  of  rent  3s.  To 
be  paid  by  pledge  of  the  whole  homage  And  thereupon 
he  hath  seisin  And  does  fealty. 

John  Dunsterre  gives  to  the  lord  of  fine  20d.  to  have  Fine  of  land 
entry  into  an  acre  of  meadow  which  Richard  Wodeward 
sometime  held  in  Stantonesmede  to  hold  according  to 
custom  &c.  by  rent  and  services  therefrom  formerly  due 
and  accustomed  Fine  to  be  paid  by  pledge  of  the  whole 
homage  And  thereupon  he  hath  seisin  and  does  fealty 
And  the  aforesaid  acre  shall  in  future  be  appurtenant  to 
his  tenement. 

Walter  Iverai  gives  to  the  lord  of  fine  2Qd.  to  have  Fine  of  land 
entry  into  an  acre  of  meadow  which  Richard  Wodeward 
sometime  held  To  hold  according  to  the  custom  &c. 
Rendering  and  doing  all  the  rents  and  services  therefrom 
formerly  due  and  accustomed  And  in  future  the  said 
acre  shall  be  appurtenant  to  his  tenement  And  thereupon 
he  hath  seisin  and  does  fealty  &c. 

Thomas  Motilburi  gives  to  the  lord  of  fine  20d.  to  have    Fine  of  land 
entry  into  an  acre  of  meadow  which  Richard   Wodeward 
sometimes  held  To  hold  according  to  custom  &c.  by  rent 
and  service  therefrom  formerly  due  and  accustomed  And 


112 


Court   Rolls  of  the  Manor  of  Curry   Rivel. 


Fine  of  laud 

20d. 


Fine  of  land 


Fine  of  land 


[Morina. 


Demise  of 
wardship. 


in  future  the  said  acre  shall  be  appurtenant  to  his  tene- 
ment And  thereupon  he  hath  seisin  And  does  fealty. 

John  Hastyngs  gives  to  the  lord  of  fine  20d.  to  have 
entry  into  an  acre  of  meadow  which  Richard  Wodeward 
sometime  held.  To  hold  according  to  custom  &c.  by 
rent  and  services  therefrom  formerly  due  and  accustomed 
And  in  future  the  said  acre  shall  be  appurtenant  to  his 
tenement.  And  thereupon  he  hath  seisin  And  does  fealty. 
Ralph  Rogge  gives  to  the  lord  of  fine  20d.  to  have 
entry  into  an  acre  of  meadow  which  Richard  Wodeward 
sometime  held.  To  hold  in  villenage  according  to  custom 
&c.  by  rent  and  services  therefrom  due  and  accustomed. 
And  in  future  the  said  acre  shall  be  appurtenant  to  his 
tenement.  And  thereupon  he  hath  seisin  and  does  fealty. 
Richard  Joie  gives  to  the  lord  of  fine  20d.  to  have 
entry  into  an  acre  of  meadow  which  Richard  Wodeward 
sometime  held.  To  hold  according  to  custom  &c.  by 
rent  and  services  therefrom  due  and  accustomed  And  in 
future  the  said  acre  shall  be  appurtenant  to  his  tenement. 
And  thereupon  he  hath  seisin  and  does  fealty. 

Sum  of  perquisites     23s.  2d. 

Fines  of  lands  20s.  Sd. 

Heriots  1  heifer  1  ox  1  hogget  pig. 

Increase  of  rent          12s.  6d. 

Murrain  as  appears  within. 

Estrays  one  heifer. 

Expenses  2s.  O^d. ;  2^  bushels  of  oats. 

John  de  Wolston  clerk  hath  entry  into  a  mess,  and 
half  virgate  of  land  which  Christina  Randolf  sometime 
held  to  her  and  her  heirs  who  within  was  presented  as 
dead  from  which  tenement  she  was  accustomed  to  pay 
yearly  5s.  which  said  tenement  came  into  the  hands  of 
the  lord  by  reason  of  the  minority  of  one  Alice  cousin 
and  heir  of  aforesaid  Christina.  To  have  until  the  law- 


Court  Rolls  of  the  Manor  oj   Curry   Rivcl.  113 

ful  age  of  said  heir  and  to  competently  sustain  the  said 
heir  and  such  heir  to  the  lord  or  his  men  at  his  will  to 
render  and  deliver  un-married  Rendering  therefrom  yearly 
10s.  in  ....  at  four  terms  £c.  And  so  there  is  an  in- 
crease of  rent  moveable  5.s\  yearly  for  the  time  being 
And  he  shall  begin  to  pay  the  increase  aforesaid  at  the 
feast  of  the  Nativity  of  our  Lord  next  ensuing. 

(memb.  2). 

Cory  RyveL      Court  legal  held  at  the  term  of  Hockday     [?  Cur  legalis. 
the  Monday  next   after  the  feast  of  St.  John  atte  Latin 
Gate,  the  23rd  year  of  the  reign  of  King  Edward  the  3rd 
from  the  Conquest. 

As  often  before  it  was  commanded  to  distrain  Thomas  Distraints. 
son  and  heir  of  John  de  Langeford  to  do  fealty  to  the 
lord  and  to  answer  of  pleas  of  default  of  common  suit 
And  to  answer  why  he  hath  withdrawn  a  yearly  rent  of 
one  mother  sheep  one  hoggaster  and  one  lamb  for  lands 
and  tenements  which  he  held  of  the  lord  in  ffifhide. 

As  often  before  it  was  commanded  to  distrain  Thomas    Distraints. 
de    Goundenham,    Symon    de    ffurneaux,  the    Abbot  of 
Muchelny,  Margery  Mynstokes  and  William  Poulet  to 
do  homage   and  fealty   to   the  lord   and   other  services. 
And  to  answer  of  pleas  of  ^default  of  common  suit. 

As  often  before  it  was  commanded  to  distrain  Robert    Distraint. 
Seincler  to  show  by  what  services  he  claims  to  hold  his 
tenement  in  Andrewsy. 

There   yet   remains    a  heifer  forthcoming  of   estrays    Remaining, 
which  has  remained  here  from  the  feast  of  the  Apostles 
Peter  and   Paul.     And  the  bailiff  answers  that  he  has 
made  proclamation  thereof  in  the  market  and  elsewhere 
as  is  becoming  &c. 

As  often  before  it  is  commanded  to  distrain  William    Distraint, 
le  Eir  of  Sowy,  Osmond  Gower,  John  Trote  and  William 

Vol.  L  VI  (  Third  Serles^  x  VI), 


114 


Court  Rolls  of  the   Manor  of  Curry   Rind. 


Distraint. 


It  was  com- 
manded. 


[i.e. evidences 


Distraint. 


Amercement 
3d. 


Amercement 
9dL 


Cottage  in  the 
lord's  hands. 


Assize  of  ale. 


Grower  sometime  tenants  of  Reginald  Husee  to  do  fealty 
to  the  lord  and  other  services. 

As  often  before  it  was  commanded  to  distrain  John 
son  and  heir  of  Thomas  Hastyngs  to  do  homage  to  the 
lord. 

As  often  before  it  was  commanded  to  attach  all  the 
goods  and  chattels  being  on  the  tenement  which  William 
Polland  held  in  Burton  until  there  shall  be  satisfied  of  a 
heriot  of  the  said  William  to  wit  of  one  ox  price  half  a 
mark. 

As  often  before  it  was  commanded  to  distrain  the  par- 
son of  Donyate  to  show  what  he  has  for  himself  and  why 
he  should  hold  a  messuage  and  a  carucate  of  land  with 
appurts.  which  William  Pillond  held  in  Bradeweye  &c. 

Cory. — The  tithing  man  there  comes  and  presents  that 
John  Beauchamp,  Ralph  de  Middelun,  John  Sylveyn, 
John  de  Burton  pardoned,  Tvo  de  Cheldecomb  have 
made  default  Therefore  let  them  be  distrained  to  answer. 

Also  that  John  Lymbun  justly  raised  the  hue  on  Ed- 
ward Dogettes.  Therefore  the  said  Edward  is  in  mercy  2d. 
And  they  have  agreed  by  licence  And  the  said  Edward 
puts  himself  in  mercy  Id.  pledge  the  tithing  man. 

Also  he  presents  that  John  Molyri  unjustly  raised  the 
hue  on  John  Sylueyn  Therefore  he  is  in  mercy  6d.  And 
afterwards  they  agreed  by  licence  So  that  the  said  John 
Molyn  puts  himself  in  mercy  3d.  pledge  Robert  Herte- 
combe. 

Also  he  presents  that  John  Pyppyng  who  held  of  the 
lord  a  cottage  with  curtilage  in  villenage  is  dead,  by 
whose  death  there  falls  to  the  lord  nothing  of  heriot  be- 
cause no  live  beast.  And  the  said  cottage  remains  empty 
in  the  lord's  hands. 

Also  he  presents  that  Christina  la  Hyne  6d.  Edith 
Gardiner  6d.  [Joan]  Julian  Dalewode  6d.  Christina  Tar- 
pestere  6d.  Agnes  atte  Pile  6d.  Richard  Clauwet  6d. 


Court  Rolls  of  the  Manor  of  Curry  Rive  I.  115 


Laurence  Brokes  6d.  Alice  Shereston  6d.  have  brewed 
and  sold  ale  contrary  to  the  assize  Therefore  they  are  in 
mercy. 

The  tithing  man  and  the  whole  tithing  in  mercy  be- 
cause they  have  not  produced  all  their  measures. 

Capelond. — The  tithing  man  there  comes  and  presents 
that  all  is  well. 

Bradeweye. — The  tithing  man  there  cornes  and  presents 
that  Symon  atte  Watere  a  freeman  makes  default  There- 
fore let  him  be  attached  to  answer  thereupon. 

Also  he  presents  that  Walter  fforester  6d.  Agnes  Roulis 
I2d.  Ralph  Rugges  6d.  Richard  Joie  6d.  Thomas  Mottil- 
bury  6d.  Alice  Roulis  6d.  have  brewed  and  sold  ale  con- 
trary to  the  assize.  Therefore  they  are  in  mercy. 

And  because  the  tithing  man  has  produced  no  measures 
Therefore  he  and  the  whole  tithing  in  mercy. 

Twelve  freemen  being  sworn  present  that  the  tenant 
of  the  tenement  late  Richard  atte  Spene  3^7.  Adam  Stil 
3d.  William  Radewill  3d.  and  the  tenant  of  the  tenement 
late  Hugh  Vele's  have  permitted  their  ditches  to  be  filled 
up  without  the  reeve's  license  to  the  damage  of  the  lord's 
tenants  Therefore  they  are  in  mercy. 

Robert  son  of  William  Cokes  puts  himself  in  mercy 
for  a  trespass.  So  against  the  peace. 

Still  one  mess,  and  one  virgate  of  land  which  Robert 
atte  Hole  held ;  one  mess,  and  half  a  virgate  of  land 
which  Roger  le  Bakere  held  ;  one  mess,  and  one  ferdell 
of  land  which  David  le  Taillor  held ;  one  mess,  and  one 
ferdell  of  land  which  Agnes  atte  Hole  held  ;  one  mess, 
arid  one  ferdell  of  land  which  Robert  Uppehulle  held ; 
one  cottage  with  curtilage  and  2  acres  of  land  which 
Hugh  atte  Welle  held ;  four  ferdells  of  land  which 
William  Polland  held  at  Langport  Westovere  and  Port- 
f eld,  and  one  mess,  and  one  virgate  of  land  which  the 
said  William  held  at  Burton ;  one  mess,  and  one  caru- 


Amercement 
3d. 


Attachment. 


Assize. 

Amercement 
3s.  Qd. 


Amercement 
3d. 

Presentment 
of  12. 


Amercement 
I2d. 

Tenements  in 
the  lord's 
hands. 


Portfeld. 


116 


Court  Rolls  of  the  Manor  of  Curry  Rivel. 


cate  of  land  svhich  aforesaid  William  held  in  Bradeweye 
now  by  reason  of  the  minority  of  the  heir  of  the  afore- 
said William  ;  one  messuage  and  7  acres  of  land  demised 
to  one  Thomas  Lewyn  which  Robert  More  held ;  one 
cottage  with  curtilage  which  Alice  Mareschal  held  ;  one 
mess,  and  10  acres  of  land  demised  to  Walter  Iverai 
which  Hugh  Buloign  held  ;  one  cottage  with  curtilage 
which  John  atte  Watre  held;  certain  plots  called  Haber- 
uylesheye  which  Peter  Notage  held  ;  one  mess,  and  2 
acres  of  land  demised  to  John  Dunster  which  John 
Dunster  held.  And  certain  plots  containing  2J  acres  of 
land  which  John  Roulis  held  and  a  water  mill  which 
David  Taillor  held  remain  in  the  lord's  hand. 


In  the  lord's 
hands. 


Distraint. 


Attachment 
of  the  Reaper. 


(memb.  2  dorse). 

Yet  one  mess.  &  7  acres  of  land,  demised  to  John 
Godendi  which  Joan  who  was  the  wife  of  Roger  Spril 
held;  one  mess,  half  an  acre  &  one  rood  of  land  which 
aforesaid  Joan  held ;  one  mess.  6^  acres  1  rood  of  land 
demised  to  Edward  Hasty nges  which  Lucy  Hasty nges 
and  Matilda  who  was  the  wife  of  Ralph  Jnrdan  held  for 
term  of  their  lives  ;  one  mess,  which  aforesaid  Lucy  and 
Matilda  held  for  term  of  their  lives  remain  in  the  lord's 
hands. 

As  often  before  it  was  commanded  [Joan  daur.  of] 
she  hath  done  fealty  Thomas  Roules,  Ralph  Rugge  and 
Alice  his  wife  Richard  Joie  John  Trote  to  do  fealty  to 
the  lord. 

The  Abbot  of  Muchelny  2d.  The  bailiff  of  Ralph  de 
Middehm  2d.  John  Rypon  2d.  Agnes  Dogel  Id.  Christina 
ffychet  2d.  John  Honte  2d.  Christina  ffychet  Id.  Nicholas 
Hay  ward  1^.  Richard  Curtenaye  3d.  Nicholas  atte 
Bronkes  2/7.  The  said  Nicholas  2d.  John  atte  Nasche  2d. 


Court  Rolls  of  the   Manor  of  Curry   Rivel.  117 

Thomas  Clerk  de  Burton  4.d.  Matilda  Knap  3d.  Nicholas 
Body  4d.  John  atte  Purie  2d.  Nicholas  Gurdemure  3d. 
Edith  atte  Hole  2d.  Richard  atte  Wode  2d.  John  Honte 
Id.  A  certain  stranger  8d.  A  certain  stranger  4d.  The  son 
of  Walter  Baron  2d.  Sibil  Woderone  \d.  Thomas  Roo  de 
Stach  6d.  Gilbert  Leruewittes  3d.  Richard  Clawettes  \d. 
in  mercy  for  divers  trespesses  on  the  lord's  preserves. 

William  son  of  Thomas  Peris  gives  to  the  lord  of  fine    Fine  of  land 
135.  4d.  to  have  entry  into   the  tenement    which    John 
Trote  sometime  held  of  the  lord  and  to  take  to  wife  Joan 
who  was  the  wife  of  aforesaid  John  To  have  and  to  hold 
in  villenage   according   to    custom    &c.    Rendering   and 
doing  all  rents  and  services   therefrom  due   and  accus- 
tomed Paying  the  fine  at  the  feast  of  the  Nativity  of  St. 
John  Baptist  and  St.  Michael  by  equal  portions  by  pledge 
of  William  Burrich  and  William  Ray  And  thereupon  he    To  do  fealty. 
hath  seisin  and  does  fealty  to  the  lord. 

Thomas  Motilburi  and  Joan  his  wife  give  to  the  lord  Fine  of  land 
of  fine  4:0d.  to  have  entry  into  a  messuage  with  curtilage 
and  all  the  lands  which  Richard  Prise  held  of  the  lord 
To  have  and  to  hold  in  villenage  according  to  the 
custom  &c.  Rendering  and  doing  the  rents  and  services 
therefrom  due  and  accustomed.  Paying  the  fine  at  the 
feasts  of  St.  John  Baptist  and  St.  Michael  by  equal 
portions  by  pledge  of  Peter  Pril  and  Ralph  Rogges  And 
he  hath  &c. 

John  Dunsterre  and  Margery  his  wife  give  to  the  lord  Fine  of  land 
of  fine  8*1.  to  have  entry  into  a  tenement  which  Alice 
Dunsterre  sometime  held  To  have  and  to  hold  in  villenage 
according  to  custom  &c.  Rendering  and  doing  all  the 
rents  and  services  therefrom  due  and  accustomed  Paying 
the  fine  at  the  feasts  of  St.  John  Baptist  and  St.  Michael 
by  equal  portions  by  pledge  of  Ralph  Rugges  and 
Richard  Joye.  And  he  does  fealty  And  it  was  granted 


118 


To  do  fealty. 


Fine  of  land 


Fine  of  land 

2s. 


Court  Rolls  of  the  Manor  of  Curry   Rivel. 

the  said  John  and  Margery  to  make  a  moor1  there  when- 
ever they  wished  So  that  well  and  competently  they  sus- 
tained and  maintained  the  tenement  aforesaid. 

Agnes  Herecomb2  hath  entry  by  grant  of  the  lord  into 
all  that  tenement  of  land  meadow  and  pasture  with  all 
their  appurts.  which  Peter  Potage  formerly  held  To  have 
and  to  hold  all  the  aforesaid  for  term  of  her  life  freely 
Rendering  therefrom  yearly  6d.  at  the  four  principal 
terms  of  the  year  by  equal  portions  for  all  secular  services 
and  demands  And  thereupon  she  hath  seisin.  And  does 
fealty  to  the  lord. 

William  Bole  and  Christina  his  wife  give  to  the  lord 
of  fine  \2d.  to  have  entry  into  a  cottage  with  curtilage 
which  John  atte  Watre  formerly  held  To  have  and  to 
hold  in  villenage  according  to  the  custom  of  the  manor 
Rendering  and  doing  all  the  rents  and  services  therefrom 
due  and  accustomed  Paying  the  fine  ....  by  pledge  of 
Ralph  Rugge  and  Richard  Joye  And  thereupon  he  hath 
seisin  And  does  fealty. 

Robert  de  Thorndon  gives  to  the  lord  of  fine  2s.  to  have 
entry  into  a  cottage  with  curtilage  which  John  Pippyng 
formerly  held  To  have  and  to  hold  in  villenage  according 
to  the  custom  of  the  manor  Rendering  and  doing  all  the 
rents  and  services  thereupon  due  and  accustomed  Paying 
the  fine  at  the  feasts  of  the  Nativity  of  St.  John  Baptist 
by  pledge  of  Robert  Harecomb.  And  thereupon  he  hath 
seisin  And  because  he  hath  not  done  his  fealty  Therefore 
it  is  commanded  to  distrain  him  to  do  his  fealty. 

Sum  of  perquisites     1 7s.  Sd. 
Fines  of  lands  27$.  8d. 

Expenses  of  the    Stewards    T.    Waryn  and    J.   de 
Chedesie  2s.  6d.  &  2^  bush,  of  oats. 

1.  Facere  niorum. 

2.  Vide  petition. 


Court  Rolls  of  the  Manor  of  Curry   RiveL 


119 


(memb.  3). 

Cury  Ryvel.  Court  held  there  the  Monday  next  after  the 
feast  of  the  Annunciation  of  Blessed  Mary,  the  23rd  year 
of  the  reign  of  King  Edward  the  3rd  after  the  Conquest. 

It  Avas  commanded  to  distrain  Emma  who  was  the  wife 
of  Henry  de  Urtiaco  of  Swelle  to  do  fealty  to  the  lord 
who  comes  and  does  fealty  to  the  lord  at  Shir  burn  And 
acknowledges  that  she  holds  of  the  lord  the  manors  of 
Fret  and  Swell  by  a  service  of  4d.  yearly. 

As  often  before  it  was  commanded  to  distrain  Thomas 
son  and  heir  of  John  de  Langeford  to  do  homage  and 
fealty  to  the  lord  and  to  answer  of  pleas  of  default  of 
common  suit  And  to  answer  why  he  hath  withdrawn  a 
yearly  rent  of  one  mother  sheep,  one  hoggaster  and  one 
lamb  for  lands  and  tenements  which  he  held  of  the  lord 
in  Vifhude1  &c. 

As  often  before  it  was  commanded  to  distrain  Thomas 
de  Groundenham,  Symon  de  ffurneaux,  the  Abbot  of 
Muchelny,  Margery  Myristokes  and  William  Poulet  to 
do  homage  and  fealty  to  the  lord  and  other  services. 
And  to  answer  of  pleas  of  default  of  common  suit. 

As  often  before  it  was  commanded  to  distrain  Robert 
Sender  to  show  by  what  services  he  claims  to  hold  his 
tenement  in  Androwsie. 

There  still  remains  one  heifer  forthcoming  of  estrays 
which  hath  remained  here  from  the  feast  of  the  Apostles 
Peter  and  Paul.  And  the  bailiff  thereupon  answers  that 
he  hath  made  proclamation  thereof  in  the  market  and 
elsewhere  as  is  meet  &c. 

Edward  Hastynges  in  mercy  because  he  has  not  prose- 
cuted against  William  Aluyneton  of  a  plea  of  trespass. 

Richard  Puro  in  mercy  because  he  has  not  prosecuted 
against  William  Knap  atte  Welle  in  a  plea  of  debt. 


To  do  fealty 
and  acknow- 
ledge service. 


Distraint. 


Distraint. 


Distraints. 


Remaining. 


Amercement 
2d. 


Amercement 
3d. 


1.     Fifhide. 


120 


Court   Rolls   of  the   Manor  of  Curry    Rivel. 


Distraint. 


Amercement 


Amercement 
Id. 


Amercement 
Id. 


Amercement 
Id 

Attachment. 


Amercement 

Id. 


Amercement 
Id. 

Tenements  in 
the  lord's 
hands. 


As  before  it  was  commanded  to  distrain  William  le 
Eir  of  Sowy,  Baldewynn  of  Wyk,  Osmond  Gower,  John 
Trote  and  William  Gower  sometime  tenants  of  Reginald 
Huse  to  do  fealty  to  the  lord  and  other  services. 

John  Lymbune  in  mercy  because  he  has  not  prosecuted 
against  Matilda  Knap  in  a  plea  of  debt. 

Matilda  Knap  in  mercy  agrees  by  license  with  John  le 
Honte  in  a  plea  of  debt. 

Matilda  Knap  in  mercy  agrees  by  license  with  Chris- 
tine Tarper  in  a  plea  of  debt. 

Matilda  Knap  in  mercy  agrees  by  licence  with  William 
.  .  .  in  a  plea  of  debt. 

Still  as  before  it  is  commanded  to  attach  William 
Knap  atte  Welle  to  answer  William  atte  Brokes  of  a 
plea  of  debt. 

Henry  le  Smyth  in  mercy  agrees  by  license  with 
Richard  atte  Hole  in  a  plea  of  surety — pledge  John 
Herecomb. 

Matilda  Knap  in  mercy  agrees  by  license  with  Chris- 
tina Tarper  in  a  plea  of  debt. 

Still  one  mess,  and  one  virgate  of  land  which  Robert 
atte  Hole  held  :  one  mess,  and  half-a-virgate  of  land 
which  Roger  le  Baker  held  ;  one  mess,  and  one  ferdell 
of  land  which  David  le  Taillour  held  ;  one  mess,  and 
one  ferdell  of  land  which  Agnes  atte  Hole  held  ;  one 
mess,  and  one  ferdell  of  land  which  Robert  Uppehulle 
held ;  one  cottage  with  curtilage  and  2  acres  of  land 
which  Hugh  atte  Welle  held  ;  four  ferdells  of  land  which 
William  Pilland  held  at  Langeport  Westovere  and  Port- 
felde  ;  and  one  mess,  and  virgate  of  land  which  the  said 
William  held  at  Burton  ;  one  mess,  and  one  carucate 
of  land  with  appurt.  which  aforesaid  William  held  in 
Bradeweye  by  reason  of  the  minority  of  the  heir  of  the 
aforesaid  William ;  one  mess.  7  acres  of  land  which 
Robert  More  held  ;  one  cottage  with  curtilage  which 


Distraint. 


Distraint. 


Court  Rolls  of  the  Manor  of  Curry   Rivcl.  121 

Alice  Mareschal  held;  one  mess,  and  10  acres  of  land 
which  Hugh  Buloign  held  ;  one  cottage  with  curtilage 
which  John  atte  Watre  held  ;  certain  plots  called 
Haberngleshay  which  Peter  Potage  held  ;  one  messuage 
and  2  acres  of  land  which  John  Duusterre  held  ;  and 
certain  plots  containing  2J  acres  of  land  which  John 
Roules  held  and  a  water  mill  which  David  Taillor  held 
remain  in  the  lord's  hand. 

Still  as  before  it  was  commanded  to  distrain  John  son 
of  John  Ripon,  Agnes  who  was  the  wife  of  John 
Contokes  Richard  Cotyn  and  John  Pyppyng  to  do  fealty 
to  the  lord. 

Still  as  before  it  was  commanded  to  distrain  John  son 
and  heir  of  Thomas  Hasty nges  to  do  homage  to  the  lord. 

Still  as  before  it  was  commanded  to  attach  all  the 
goods  and  chattels  being  on  the  tenement  which  William 
Pilland  held  in  Burton,  until  there  shall  be  satisfied  of  a 
heriot  of  the  same  William  to  wit  of  one  ox,  price  J  a 
mark. 

Still  as  before  it  was  commanded  to  distrain  the  parson    Distraint, 
of  Donyate  to  show   what  he  has  for  himself  why  he 
should  hold  a  mess,  and  carucate  of  land  with  appurts 
which  William  Pilland  held  in  Bradeweye  &c. 

Cory. — The  tithing  man  there  comes  and  presents  that  Heriot  1  ox 
Thomas  Roggeres  who  held  of  the  lord  a  mess,  and  1 
ferdell  of  land  in  villenage  is  dead  by  whose  death  there 
falls  to  the  lord  of  heriot  one  ox,  price  5s.  And  the  said 
tenement  remains  empty  in  the  lord's  hands.  And  after- 
wards the  said  tenement  is  demised  as  below  to  one 
Nicholas  Godefrai  as  appears. 

And  that  Agnes  atte  Hole  who  held  of  the  lord  a  mess, 
and  ^  virgate  of  land  in  villenage  is  dead  by  whose 
death  there  falls  to  the  lord  of  heriot  1  young  ox  price 
4*.  And  the  said  tenement  remains  empty  in  the  lord's 
hand. 


Heriot  1  young 
ox.  Tenement 
in  the  lord's 
hands. 


122  Court   Rolls  of  the   Manor  of  Curry   Rivel. 


Amercement 
Sd. 


Heriot  1 
mother  sheep. 


Assize — 

Amercement 

3*. 


Fine  of  land 
20s. 


Attachments 
of  the  Pindar. 


Also  it  is  presented  that  Richard  Roggeres  unjustly 
raised  the  hue  upon  Richard  Dodde.  Therefore  the  said 
Richard  Roggeres  in  mercy  6d.  And  they  have  agreed 
by  license  So  that  the  said  Richard  Roggeres  puts  him- 
self in  mercy  2d. 

Also  it  is  presented  that  John  le  Cartere  who  held  a 
mess,  and  J  virgate  of  land  in  villenage  is  dead  by  whose 
death  there  falls  to  the  lord  of  heriot  one  mother  sheep 
And  said  tenement  is  demised  to  Richard  Cartere  his 
brother  as  appears  in  the  next  court  to  hold  in  the  place 
of  him  John  because  no  profit  is  taken  therefrom. 

And  that  Agnes  atte  Bankes  (?)  6d.  Laurence  le 
Brokes  6d.  Agnes  atte  Pile  6d.  William  Ross  6d.  Henry 
Smyth  6d.  John  Prestes  6d.  have  brewed  and  sold  ale 
contrary  to  the  assize.  Therefore  they  are  in  mercy. 

Nicholas  Grodefrai  gives  to  the  lord  of  fine  20s.  to  have 
entry  into  a  tenement  which  Thomas  Roggeres  sometime 
held  To  have  and  to  hold  in  villenage  according  to  the 
custom  of  the  manor  &c.  Rendering  and  doing  all  the 
works  rents  customs  and  services  therefrom  due  and 
accustomed  Paying  the  said  fine  at  Hokeday,  Nativity 
of  St.  John  Baptist  and  St.  Michael  by  equal  portions 
pledge  William  Godef rai  and  John  Strode.  And  because 
he  has  not  done  fealty,  Therefore  it  is  commanded  to 
destrain  him  to  do  fealty. 

John  Rogers  makes  another  fine  with  the  steward  that 
there  be  no  enrolment  of  a  certain  tenement  which  was 
of  Thomas  Rogers,  pledge  Richard  Jones.  And  there- 
upon comes  the  said  Richard  Jones  and  of  his  own 
accord  gives  to  the  lord  10s.  that  in  future  he  shall  not 
be  compelled  to  pay  till  the  feast  of  Easter. 

•John  Daniels  (?j  2d.  Robert  Herecomb  Id.  John 
Walters  '3d.  Richard  Courtenai  2d.  The  same  Richard 
Id.  Thos.  Clarke  4d.  Nicholas  atte  Brokes  2d.  Thomas 
Quynterel  I2d.  Thomas  Sopere  2d.  Ralph  le  Moreward 


Court  Rolls  of  the  Manor  of  Curry   Rivcl.  123 

3d.  Thomasine  who  was  the  wife  of  Robert  le  Roo  6d. 
Richard  le  Bole  6d.  William  Osegod  Sd.  William  le 
Moreward  4d.  and  a  pig.  John  Datton  3d.  in  mercy  for 
divers  trespasses  made  in  the  free  pastures  and  other 
preserves  of  the  lords.  Also  Baldwin  de  Wykes  in 
mercy  for  a  trespass  in  the  lord's  preserve. 

Adam  Cartere  Id.  in  mercy  for  a  trespass  made  in  the 
pinfold  pledge  Richard  Uppehull.  A  certain  stranger  in 
mercy  3d.  for  a  trespass  made  there  pledge  John  Spyne. 
Also  another  stranger  3d.  for  a  trespass  made  there 
pledge  John  Uppehull. 

It  was  commanded  to  distrain  John  Silueyn  to  do 
homage  to  the  lord  who  comes  on  Thursday  next  after 
the  least  of  the  Annunciation  of  Blessed  Mary  at  Shir- 
burn  this  year  And  did  homage  to  the  lord  in  presence 
of  John  de  Mountagu  Richard  Datton  William  de 
....  Richard  Tonaer1  Peter  Chubbeworth  and  others. 
And  so  the  marshal  ceases  to  destrain. 

(memb.  3  dorse). 

Capclond.  —  The  tithing  man  there  and  all  the  tithing    Distraint, 
make  default  therefore  it  is  commanded  to  destrain  them 
to  answer  thereupon. 

Bradeweye. — The  tithing  man  there  comes  and  presents    Ass.  Amerce- 
that  John    Godynch    6d.    William    fforester    Qd.    Ralph 
Roggere  pardoned,  Richard  Joye  l'2d.  Alice  Roules  6d. 
John  Laryner  6d.  have  brewed  and  sold  ale  contrary  to 
the  assize  therefore  they  are  in  mercy. 

Also    he   presents    that   Joan    who    was    the    wife    of    Tenement  in 
Richard  Spril  who  held  of  the  lord  a  mess,  and  7  acres    hands, 
of  land  in  villenage  is  dead  by  whose  death  there  falls  to 
the  lord  of  heriot  one  hogget  pig,  price   \2d.  And  said 
tenement  remains  empty  in  the  lord's  hands. 

1.     ?  Tomar. 


124 


Court  Rolls  of  the  Manor  of  Curry  RiveL 


Tenement  in 
the  lord's 
hand. 


Tenement  in 
the  lord's 
hand. 


Pureo.] 


Fine  of  land 


Distraint. 


Also  he  presents  that  the  said  Joan  held  of  the  lord  a 
mess.  1J  acres  and  1  rood  of  land  freely  according  to 
the  custom  £c.  And  nothing  falls  of  heriot  And  the 
tenement  remains  in  the  lord's  hand. 

Also  he  presents  that  Lucy  Hastynges  and  Matilda 
who  was  the  wife  of  Ralph  Jurdan  who  held  of  the  lord 
a  messuage  6J  acres  and  1  rood  of  land  by  deed  for  term 
of  their  lives  are  dead  And  nothing  falls  of  heriot  because 
they  are  free  tenants  there,  no  heriot  should  be  given 
And  aforesaid  tenement  remains  empty  in  the  lord's  hand. 

Also  he  presents  that  aforesaid  Lucy  and  Matilda  held 
a  messuage  for  term  of  their  lives  and  reversion  thereof 
belongs  to  a  certain  child  of  William  Jurdan  deceased 
being  in  his  mother's  womb  if  it  happen  he  be  born. 
Therefore  it  is  commanded  the  said  messuage  be  seized 
into  the  lord's  hand  until  &c.  And  of  the  issues  &c. 

Also  he  presents  that  Robert  son  of  William  Cokes  of 
Mereokes  has  broken  an  attachment  made  by  the  bailiff 
Therefore  it  is  commanded  he  be  attached  to  answer 
thereupon. 

Also  it  is  presented  that  Lucy  Hastynges  who  held  a 
mess,  and  3  acres  of  land  in  Stilcroft  freely  by  deed  for 
terms  of  life  is  dead  And  upon  this  comes 

Joan  daughter  of  Thomas  Roulis  gives  to  the  lord  of 
fine  4Qd.  to  have  entry  into  aforesaid  mess,  and  3  acres 
of  land  To  hold  according  to  custom  £c.  Rendering  and 
doing  all  the  rents  and  services  therefrom  due  and 
accustomed,  paying  the  fine  at  the  feasts  of  the  Nativity 
of  St.  John  Baptist  and  St.  Michael  by  equal  portions 
by  pledge  of  Ralph  Rogge  And  because  she  has  not  done 
fealty  Therefore  it  is  commanded  she  be  distrained  to  do 
her  fealty. 

Also  he  presents  that  Joan  daur.  of  Thomas  Roules 
who  held  a  messuage  and  one  acre  of  land  freely  of  the 
lord  is  dead.  And  nothing  falls  of  heriot  And  upon  this 


Court  Rolls  of  the  Manor  of  Curry  Rivel.  125 

Ralph  Rogge  and  Alice  bis  wife  give  to  the  lord  of    Fine  of  land 
fine  18r/.  to  have  entry  into  aforesaid  tenement.     To  hold 
according  to  custom  &c.     Doing  the  rents  and  services 
therefrom  due  and  accustomed  fine  to  be  paid  by  pledge 
of    Richard    Joie.     And    because    they    have    not   done 
fealty  Therefore  it  is  commanded  to  distrain  them  to  do    Distraint, 
fealty. 

Richard  Joie  the  elder  gives  to  the  lord  of  fine  2s.  to    Fine  of  land 
have  entry  into  the  tenement  which  Edith  who  was  the 
wife  of  Nicholas  le  Baker  now  holds  and  to  take  to  wife 
the  aforesaid  Edith  To  hold   together  for  term  of  their 
lives  according  to  custom  &c.     Rendering  therefrom  the 
services  due  and  accustomed  :  pledge  of  fine,  Ralph  Rogg 
And  because  he  has  not  done  fealty.     Therefore    it   is    Distraint, 
commanded  to  distrain  him  to  do  his  fealty  And  after- 
wards he  does  fealty. 

Othery. — John  Burrich  who  held  of  the  lord  a  mess, 
and  ten  acres  of  land  in  villenage  is  dead  by  whose  death 
there  falls  to  the  lord  of  heriot  one  ox  price  4s.  And 
Asselina  who  was  the  wife  of  said  John  remained  in  the 
tenement  aforesaid  according  to  the  custom  &c.  And  now 
the  said  Asselina  hath  closed  her  last  day  And  there  falls 
to  the  lord  of  heriot  1  ox  price  4s.  And  the  tenement  Heriot 2 oxen, 
aforesaid  remains  empty  in  the  lord's  hands  And  upon 
this 

William  Burrich  son  of  said  John  gives  to  the  lord  of    Fine  of  land 

40-s 
fine  40s.  to  have  entry  into  the   tenement   which  John 

Burrich  formerly  held  To  have  and  to  hold  in  villenage 
according  to  custom  &c.  Rendering  and  doing  the  rents 
and  services  therefrom  due  and  accustomed  Paying  the 
fine  at  the  feasts  of  Easter.  Nativity  of  St.  John 
[Baptist]  and  St.  Michael  by  equal  portions,  by  pledge 
of  William  Ray  John  son  of  Godefrai  of  Stachwere  and 
Thomas  Burrich  And  he  doth  fealty  to  the  lord  And 
thereupon  hath  seisin. 


126 


Court  Rolls  of  the  Manor  of  Curry   Rivel. 


Heriot2oxen. 


Fine  of  land 
40s. 


Fine  of  land 
20s. 


Heriot  3  parts 
of  a  cow. 


Distraint. 


Godefrai  Parson  of  Stathwer  who  held  of  the  lord  a 
messuage  and  10  acres  of  land  and  similarly  a  mess,  and 
and  5  acres  of  land  in  villenage  is  dead  by  whose  death 
there  fall  to  the  lord  of  heriot  2  oxen  price  16.?.  And  the 
said  tenement  remains  empty  in  the  hands  of  the  lord 
And  upon  this 

John  son  of  Godefrai  Parson  of  Stathwere  gives  to 
the  lord  of  fine  40s.  to  have  entry  into  a  mess,  and  10 
acres  of  land  with  appurts.  which  Godefrai  de  Stathewere 
formerly  held  To  hold  in  villenage  according  to  custom 
&c.  Rendering  and  doing  the  rents  and  services  therefrom 
due  and  accustomed  Paying  the  fine  at  the  feasts  of 
Easter,  Nativity  of  John  Baptist  and  St.  Michael  by 
equal  portions  by  pledge  of  William  Burrich,  William 
Ray  and  Thomas  Burrich  And  he  does  fealty  And  there- 
upon hath  seisin. 

William  Ray  gives  to  the  lord  of  fine  20s.  to  have 
entry  into  a  mess,  and  5  acres  of  land  with  appurts.  which 
Godefrai  Parson  of  Stathewer  formerly  held  To  have 
and  to  hold  according  to  the  custom  &c.  Rendering  and 
doing  the  rents  and  services  therefrom  due  and  accus- 
tomed Paying  the  fine  at  the  feasts  of  Easter,  St.  John 
the  Baptist  and  St.  Michael  b.y  pledge  of  William 
Burrich  John  son  of  Godefrai  Parson  of  Stathewer  and 
Thomas  Burrich  And  he  does  fealty  and  thereupon  hath 
seisin. 

John  Trote  who  held  of  the  lord  a  mess,  and  ten  acres 
of  land  with  appurts.  in  villenage  is  dead  And  there  falls 
to  the  lord  of  heriot  three  parts  of  a  cow  price  3s.  And 
Joan  wife  of  the  said  John  remains  in  the  said  tenement 
according  to  custom  &c.  And  because  she  has  not  done 
fealty  Therefore  it  is  commanded  the  said  Joan  to  be 
distrained  to  do  fealty  &c. 

Also  it  is  commanded  all  the  lord's  tenants  of  Othery 
that  in  future  they  do  their  suit  here  at  three  lawdays. 


Court  Rolls  of  the  Manor  of  Curry   Rivel.  127 

And    be    it   remembered    that    any    of    such    tenants 
enrolled  (?)  shall  faithfully  serve  the  lord  there. 

Sum  of  perquisites  of  Court  with 

attachments  of  the  Reaper  23s.    4d. 

Fines  of  lands  6/z.     6s.  Wd. 

Heriots  5  oxen   1   heifer  1   mother  sheep  1   hogget 

pig  and  3  parts  of  a  cow. 
Expenses  of  the  Stewards   T.   Waryn    J.    Chedesi 

17 s.  and  7  bush,  of  oats. 

(membrane  4,  abstract  of). 

Cury  Ryvell.      Court  legal  of  the    Term  of  St.  Hilary 
held  there  on  the    Wednesday   next  after  the  feast  of  St. 

Matthias    Apostle   in  the   xxii  year   of  the  reiqn   of  Kinq     [St.  Matthias, 

'    J  Feb.  24, 1349.] 

Edward  the  third  after  the  Conquest  the  twenty  third 

.     .     .     Distraints 

Alicia  Deje  who  held  of  the  lord  a  cottage  with  curti-  Fine  of  land 
lage  came  and  freely  (gratis)  surrendered  the  same  into 
the  lord's  hands  And  thereupon  William  Algar  Webbe 
gives  to  the  lord  2s.  to  have  entry  &c.  To  hold  in 
villenage  &c.  Fine  to  be  paid  by  pledge  of  Richard 
Uphull 

.     .     .     Pleas  of  debt 

.     .     .     .     Tenants   fined   for   breaking   assize    of   beer 
Fines  75.  6d. 

Walter  atte  Wood  who  had  a  messuage  and  a  virgate    Heriot  1  ox. 
of  land  hath  closed  his  last  day  whereupon  there  falls  to 
the  lord  of  heriot  4s.  one  ox  price  4s.     And  upon  this 
Richard  atte  Wood  son  of  said  Walter  gives  to  the  lord 
of  fine  33s.  4d.  to  have  entry  &c.     Paying  the  fine  at    Fines. 
Easter  13s.  4d.  at  feast  of  St.  John  Baptist  6s.  Sd.  and 
at  the  feast  of  St.  Michael  13s.  4d.  by  pledge  of  Robert 
Harecomb  and  John  Harecomb     And  it  was  granted  the 


128 


Court  Roll's  of  the  Manor  of  Curry   RivcL 


Heriot  1  ox. 


Her  lot  I  ox. 


Heriot  I  acre 
of  corn. 


Heriot  a 
porker. 

Fine  of  land. 


Heriot.  1  cow. 


Heriot  1  ox. 


Heriot  1  ox. 


said  Richard  that  if  he  happened  to  die  after  the  feast  of 
Easter  after  any  term  of  the  terms  aforesaid  payment  of 
the  fine  for  the  aforesaid  subsequent  terms  shall  alto- 
gether cease. 

Isabella  who  was  the  wife  of  Robert  atte  Hele  who 
held  a  messuage  and  a  virgate  of  land  is  dead  by  whose 
death  there  falls  of  heriot  one  ox  price  5s.  And  the 
tenement  remains  vacant  in  the  hand  of  the  lord. 

John  atte  Hele  who  held  a  messuage  and  ^  a  virgate 
of  land  in  villenage  is  dead  by  whose  death  there  falls  of 
heriot  one  ox  price  6s.  And  Edith  wife  of  aforesaid 
John  remains  in  the  tenement  aforesaid  &c. 

Roger  Bakere  who  held  a  messuage  and  \  a  virgate  of 
land  for  term  of  life  by  deed  is  dead  by  whose  death 
there  falls  of  heriot  one  acre  of  corn  price  \2d.  And 
the  tenement  remains  vacant  in  the  hands  of  the  lord. 

Christina  who  was  wife  of  William  Bile  who  held  a 
mess,  and  ferdell  of  land  in  villenage  is  dead  And  there 
falls  of  heriot  a  porker  price  6d. 

William  atte  Hele  gives  to  the  lord  65.  Sd.  to  have 
entry  into  the  tent,  aforesaid  To  hold  in  villenage  &c. 
Paying  the  fine  at  the  feast  of  the  Nativity  of  St.  John 
Baptist  and  St.  Michael  By  pledge  of  Richard  Uppehull 
and  Richard  atte  Hele. 

Godfrey  atte  Hele  who  held  a  mess,  and  curtilage  and 
J  an  acre  of  land  is  dead  by  whose  death  there  falls  of 
heriot  one  cow  price  3s.  And  Alice  wife  of  said 
Godfrey  remains  in  the  tenement  aforesaid. 

William  Knap  who  held  a  mess,  and  \  a  virgate  of  land 
in  villenage  is  dead  by  whose  death  there  falls  of  heriot 
one  ox  price  6s.  And  Matilda  wife  of  said  William 
remains  in  the  tent,  aforesaid  &c. 

Alice  who  was  wife  of  Nicholas  Parker  who  held  a 
mess,  and  half  a  virgate  of  land  in  villenage  is  dead  And 
there  falls  to  the  lord  of  heriot  one  ox  price  6s. 


Court  Rolls  of  the  Manor  of  Curry  Rivel.  129 

Nicholas  Haward  gives  to  the  lord  of  fine  10*.  to  have    Fine  of  land, 
entry  into  the  tent,  aforesaid  To  hold  in  villenage  Paying 
the  fine  at  the  feasts  of  the  Nat.  St.  John  Baptist  and  St. 
Michael  by  pledge  of  Roger  de  Hertecombe. 

Walter  Hamond  who  held  of  the  lord  a  mess,  and  ^  a 
virgate  of  land  in  villenage  is  dead  by  whose  death  there 
falls  of  heriot  one  ox  price  5s.  And  said  tent,  remains    Heriot  l  ox. 
vacant  in  the  hands  of  the  lord. 


(memb.  4  dorse). 

Roger  Hamond  who  held  a  mess,  and  ferdell  of  land  in 
villenage  is  dead  by  whose  death  there  falls  of  heriot  -J  an 
ox  price  4s.  And  Matilda  wife  of  said  Roger  surrenders 
here  in  Court  the  whole  estate  she  may  have  in  aforesaid 
tent,  according  to  the  custom  And  there  remains  2  acres 
sown  with  corn  upon  said  tenement  to  the  use  of  the  lord. 

John  Hertt  who  held  a  mess,  and  ferdell  of  land  in 
villenage  is  dead  and  there  falls  of  heriot  a  heifer  price 
3s.  And  Sibill  wife  of  said  John  remains  on  the  tenement 
aforesaid. 

David  Taillor  who  held  a  mess,  and  ferdell  of  land  for 
term  of  life  by  deed  is  dead  and  there  falls  of  heriot  |  an 
acre  of  corn  price  8d.  And  the  tenement  remains  vacant 
in  the  hands  of  the  lord. 

Agnes  atte  Hele  who  held  a  mess,  and  ferdell  of  land 
according  to  custom  after  the  death  of  John  Virly  late 
her  husband  comes  and  surrenders  the  said  tenement  into 
the  lord's  hands  together  with  the  crop1  of  4  acres  of  corn 
growing  upon  said  tenement  which  remains  to  the  use  of 
the  lord. 

William  Beaudutes  who  held  a  mess,  and  ^  virgate  of 
land  in  villenage  is  dead  and  there  falls  of  heriot  one 
acre  of  corn  price  I2d.  And  Lucy  wife  of  aforesaid 

1.     Vestura. 
Vol.  L  VI  (Third  Series,  Vol.  X  VI),  Part  II. 


Heriot  J  an 
ox. 


Heriot  1 
heifer. 


Heriot  £  an 
acre  of  corn. 


Tenement  in 
hands  of  the 
lord. 


Heriot  1  acre 
of  corn. 


130 


Heriot  2s. 


Heriot  1  ox. 


Fine  of  land. 


Heriot  1  ox. 
Fine  of  land. 


Heriot  1 
heifer. 


Heriot  1  ox. 
Fine  of  land. 

Heriot  1  cow. 


Court  Rolls  of  the  Manor  of  Curry  RivcL 

William  remains  in  the  tenement  aforesaid  according  &c. 
who  now  does  not  come  There  it  is  commanded  to  dis- 
train her  to  do  fealty. 

Robert  Upehull  who  held  a  mess,  and  ferdell  of  land 
is  dead  And  there  falls  of  heriot  J  a  cow  price  2s.  And 
so  sold  to  Richard  Upehull  by  the  steward  And  the  tene- 
ment remains  vacant  in  the  hand  of  the  lord. 

Nicholas  Honte  who  held  a  mess,  and  \  virgate  of  land 
in  villenage  is  dead  and  there  falls  of  heriot  one  ox  price 
65.  And  upon  this 

John  Strode  gives  to  the  lord  of  fine  2Q.s.  to  have  entry 
.To  hold  in  villenage  &c.  Rendering  &c.  Paying  a  fine  at 
the  feasts  of  Easter  and  St.  Michael  by  pledge  of  Robert 
Hertcomb  and  Philip  Parcar  and  it  was  granted  the  said 
John  that  if  he  happened  to  die  after  Easter  the  pay- 
ment of  fine  at  Michaelmas  should  altogether  cease. 

John  Rypon  who  held  a  mess,  and  \  a  virgate  is  dead 
and  there  falls  of  heriot  1  ox  price  5s.  And  upon  this 

John  son  of  aforesaid  John  Rypon  gives  to  the  lord  of 
fine  65.  Sd.  for  entry  To  hold  in  villenage  &c.  Paying 
fine  at  the  feasts  of  Easter  and  St.  Michael  by  pledge  of 
Robert  Hertcomb,  Robert  atte  Welle  and  Richard 
Upehull. 

John  Contok  who  held  a  mess,  with  curtilage  is  dead 
and  there  falls  of  heriot  one  heifer  price  2s.  And  Agnes 
wife  of  said  John  remains  in  the  aforesaid  tenement  And 
she  does  not  come  therefore  it  is  commended  to  distrain 
her. 

William  Molyns  who  held  a  mess,  and  J  virgate  is  dead 
and  there  falls  of  heriot  1  ox  price  6.?.  And  upon  this 

Richard  le  Cartere  gives  of  fine  30s.  for  entry  Paying 
the  fine  by  pledge  of  John  Hertcomb  and  Richard  Janes 
to  wit  1  mark  at  the  feast  of  Easter  and  remainder  at 
Michaelmas. 

John  Cartere  who  held  a  cottage  with  curtilage  is  dead 


Court  Rolls  of  the  Manor  of  Curry  Rivel. 


131 


and  there  falls  of  heriot  one  cow  price  2s.  And  Cicely  wife 
of  said  John  remains  in  the  tenement  aforesaid. 

Richard  Cotyn  gives   135.  4d.  for  entry  into  the  tene-    Fine  of  land, 
ment  which  Richard  Terenche    sometime   held    Paying 
fine  at  Hokeday  and  Michaelmas  by  equal  portions. 

William   Gardyner  gives  2s.  for  entry  into  a  cottage    Fine  of  land, 
with  curtilage  which  John  le  Knygt  (or  Kings)  sometime 
held  Paying  fine  at  Hokeday. 

John  Pypping  gives  2s.  for  entry  into  a  cottage  which    Fine  of  land. 
William     Goudhyne    sometime   held      Paying    fine    at 
Hokeday. 

Hugh  atte  Welle  who  held  a  cottage  with  curtilege    Heriot  nil. 
and  2   acres  of  land  is   dead  and  there  falls  of  heriot 
nothing  because  there  was  nothing     And  said  tenement 
remains  in  the  hand  of  the  lord. 

William  de  Pillande  who  held  a  mess,  and  virgate  at  Heriot  l  ox. 
Burton  in  fee  is  dead  and  there  falls  of  heriot  one  ox 
price  \  a  mark  And  said  ox  was  taken  away  to  the 
prejudice  of  the  lord  Therefore  it  was  commanded  all 
the  goods  and  chattels  on  above  tenement  should  be 
attached  until  the  said  ox  was  returned. 

Also  said  William  held  4  ferdells  of  land  at  Westend    Heriot  nil. 
in  Poterfeld  :  nothing  falls  of  heriot  because  without  a 
messuage. 

Also  said  William  held  in  Bradewey  at  le  Apse  a, 
messuage  and  one  carucate  of  land  with  appurt8  by  royal1 
services  and  the  said  tenements  were  demised  to  the 
parson  of  Doneate  rendering  therefrom  yearly  four 
pounds  at  four  terms  and  whether  for  term  of  life  or  years 
they  know  not  and  the  heir  of  said  William  is  within  age 
of  the  age  of  2  years  Therefore  it  is  commanded  all  the 
aforesaid  tenements  and  rents  and  the  heir  aforesaid  to  be 
seized  into  the  hand  of  the  lord  and  also  the  aforesaid 

1.     Servicia  regalia. 


132 


Court  Rolls  of  the  Manor  of  Curry   Rivel. 


Fine  of  land. 


Fine  of  land 


Fine  of  land. 
6s.  8d. 


parson  to  be  distrained  to   show  what  he  has  why  he 
should  hold  the  said  tenements. 

William  son  of  Adam  Cartere  gives  to  the  lord  of  fine 
13^.  4d.  for  entry  into  the  tenement  which  aforesaid 
Adam  his  father  held  Paying  fine  at  the  feasts  of  the 
Nativity  of  St.  John  Baptist  and  St.  Michael  by  pledge 
&c.  And  he  does  fealty. 

Henry  le  Smith  gives  13.s-.  4d.  to  have  entry  into  the 
tent  which  John  le  Smith  his  father  held  To  hold  in 
villenage  &c.  Doing  the  services  &c.  Paying  fine  at 
the  feasts  of  Easter  and  St.  Michael  by  pledge  &c.  And 
he  does. 

(memb.  5). 

John  son  of  John  Honte  gives  of  fine  6s.  8d.  for  entry 
into  the  tenement  which  aforesaid  .John  his  father  held 
To  hold  in  villenage  &c.  Paying  fine  at  the  feasts  of 
the  Nativity  of  St.  John  Baptist  and  St.  Michael  by 
pledge  of  Richard  Upehull  and  Richard  Clawet. 

BRADWEYE. 

The  tithing  man  comes  and  presents  that  Robt.  Mory 
who  held  a  mess,  and  7  acres  of  land  in  villenage  is  dead 
and  there  falls  of  heriot  a  heifer  price  35.  And  the 
tenement  remains  vacant  in  the  lord's  hands. 

Heriot  1  horse  Roger  Spril  who  held  a  mess,  and  6  acres  in  villenage 
is  dead  and  there  falls  of  heriot  one  horse  price  20d. 
And  Joan  wife  of  said  Roger  remains  in  the  tenement 
aforesaid. 

Henry  Roules  who  held  a  cottage  with  a  close  con- 
taining in  all  one  acre  is  dead  and  nothing  falls  of  heriot 
because  such  tenure  does  not  owe  to  give  heriot  according 
to  the  custom  And  upon  this 

Joan  daur.  of  aforesaid  Henry  gives  of  fine  I2d.  for 
entry  into  the  tenement  aforesaid  To  hold  in  villenage 
&c.  Fine  to  be  paid  by  pledge  of  Ralph  Rugge. 


Heriot  1 
heifer. 


Heriot  nil. 


Fine  of  land 
I2d. 


Court  Rolls  of  the  Manor  of  Gurry  Rivcl. 


133 


Thomas  Hastyngs  who  held  of  the  lord  a  mess,  and 
one  acre  of  land  in  fee  is  dead  And  upon  this  comes 
John  son  and  heir  of  Thomas  of  full  age  And  he  does 
fealty  and  gives  of  relief  6d.  And  it  is  commanded  to 
distrain  him  to  do  homage  &c. 

And  said  Thomas  held  2  mess,  and  2  acres  of  land 
freely  for  term  of  life  And  the  said  tenements  remain 
vacant  And  John  son  of  said  Thomas  gives  of  fine  65. 
for  entry  To  hold  in  villenage  &c.  Paying  fine  by 
pledge  of  Ralph  Rugge. 

Alice  Marshell  who  held  a  cottage  with  curtilage  is 
dead  And  it  remains  vacant  in  the  lord's  hands. 

Ralph  Jurden  who  held  sundry  tenemts  in  Bradeway 
to  wit  some  for  term  of  life  and  some  in  fee  And  be- 
cause they  know  not  which  he  held  in  fee  and  which  for 
term  of  life  they  have  a  day  till  next  (court)  that  they 
may  present  more  certainly  thereon. 

Hugh  Boloigne  who  held  a  mess,  and  10  acres  of  land 
in  villenage  is  dead  and  there  falls  of  heriot  one  young 
ox  price  2s.  And  the  tenement  remains  vacant. 

Thomas  Roules  who  held  a  mess,  and  10  acres  of  land 
is  dead  And  nothing  falls  of  heriot  because  that  tene- 
ment is  held  at  a  certain  rent  And  Agnes  wife  of  said 
Thomas  remains  in  the  tenement  aforesaid. 

John  atte  Watere  who  held  a  cottage  with  curtilage 
is  dead  And  the  ten*  remains  vacant. 

Peter  Potage  who  held  a  plot  called  Habernyleshey  is 
dead  And  said  plot  remains  vacant. 

And  said  Peter  held  a  mess,  and  five  acres  of  land  in 
villenage  And  there  falls  of  heriot  one  heifer  price  65. 
And  Christina  who  was  wife  of  said  Peter  remains  in  the 
tenement  aforesaid. 

John  Pope  who  held  a  mess,  and  2  acres  of  land  is 
dead  and  upon  this 

Joan  sister  of  said  John  gives  40d.  for  entry     To  hold 


Eelief  Qd. 


Fine  of  land 
6s. 


In  the  lord's 
hands. 


Heriot  1  young 
ox. 


Heriot  nil. 


Vacant  in 
lord's  hand. 

Vacant  in 
lord's  hand. 

Heriot  1 
heifer. 


Fine  for  entry 


134 


Court  Rolls  of  the  Manor  of  Curry   Rivel. 


Heriot  1 
heifer. 


Relief  2(R 


Vacant  in 
lord's  hand. 


Fine  of  land 


Fine  of  land 
40<Z. 


Mill  in  lord's 
hand. 


Ass.  of  Ale, 
fines  6s. 


Murrain. 


according  to  custom  Paying  fine  by  pledge  of  Ralph 
Rugge  and  Thomas  Motelburi. 

And  [Ksaid  John]  Joan  Dunsterre  who  held  a  mess,  and 
2  acres  of  land  in  villenage  is  dead  And  there  falls  of 
heriot  one  heifer  price  26-.  And  the  tenement  remains 
vacant. 

John  Roules  who  held  a  mess,  and  two  parts  of  J  a 
virgate  of  land  in  fee  is  dead  And  Alice  daur.  and  heir 
of  said  John  20  years  of  age  and  more  to  whom  the  fee 
and  right  of  aforesaid  tent8  descend  comes  and  gives 
relief  '20d.  And  does  fealty  and  hath  a  day  for  doing 
her  homage 

And  said  John  held  a  plot  containing  2^  acres  called 
Lordesmor  for  term  of  life  And  said  land  remains  vacant. 

(memb.  5  dorse. 

Richard  Joye  the  younger  gives  of  fine  20d.  for  entry 
into  a  cottage  with  a  close  contg  1  acre  of  land  which 
Richard  Pipe  formerly  held  To  hold  according  to 
custom  &c.  Paying  fine  by  pledge  of  Richard  Joye  the 
elder  and  Ralph  Rugge. 

Richard  Joye  the  elder  gives  406?.  for  entry  into  a 
cottage  with  curtilage  which  John  Roules  formerly  held 
To  hold  according  to  custom  &c.  Paying  fine  by  pledge 
of  Ralph  Rugge. 

David  Taillor  who  held  a  water  mill  for  term  of  his  life 
died  on  the  feast  of  the  Purification  of  Blessed  Mary  last 
past  And  said  mill  remains  vacant  in  the  lord's  hand. 

[Nine  tenants  presented  for  breaking  assize  of  ale]. 

CAPELOND. 

The  tithing  man  comes  and  presents  nothing. 

The  inspector  of  carcases  present  of  the  murrain-— one 
young  ox  forthcoming  of  Mercoks  1  foal  of  a  year  old  1 

1.     Erasure. 


Court  Rolls  of  the  Manor  of  Curry  Rivcl.  135 

ox  2  pigs  and  6  porkers  dead  by  misadventure  and  not    Attachments 
1   °  r  of  the  Parker 

through  default  of  any  keeper.  (Pound 

[About  20   tenants  fined  for  trespasses  in  the  lord's    YinoaSs.  4d. 
preserves]. 

Robert  de  Hertecombe  and  William  Phelpes1  keepers  Attachments 
of  the  goods  of  the  church  of  Cory  Rivell  complainants 
offer  themselves  against  John  Nasshe  and  Richard 
Attewode  exors.2  of  the  will  of  Walter  atte  Wode 
of  a  plea  of  debt  who  are  summoned  and  do  not  come 
Thereupon  it  is  commanded  to  attach  them  to  answer 
thereupon. 

Sum  of  perquisites  of  Court  21s.  5d. 

Fines  of  land  £8   15*.     Heriot  2s. 

Heriots  1  horse  3  heifers  9  oxen  2  cows  1  young  ox 

2  heifers  1  pig  and  2 \  acres  of  corn. 
Crops3 — 13  acres  of  corn  to  the  use  of  the  lord. 
Murrain  as  appears  above. 

Expenses4   4s.    ?>\d.    2    bushels    of    oats    the   more 
because  Richard  Chadeslee  .  .  . 

Let  a  memorandum  be  made  of  the  death  of  Nicholas 
Bakere  not  presented. 

1.  Churchwardens. 

2.  Something  left  under  will  of  Testator. 

3.  Vestura. 

4.  Eo  plus  quia  supuen  (?  superreverit). 


These  Court  Rolls  are  now  in  the  possession  of  the  Rev.  J.  F.  Chanter, 
Parracombe,  N.  Devon. 


Caunton  Cattle 


BY    HENRY    SYMONDS,    F.S.A. 


OUR  fortress  home  in  Taunton  has  seen  many  Avars  during 
the    six    centuries   of   its  existence,   but   only  once,    I 
believe,  has  its  name  been  associated  with  fighting  on  the  sea  ; 
to  describe  the  circumstances  of  that  association  with  maritime 
events  is  the  object  of  these  notes. 

By  way  of  preface  to  the  description  of  this  "  private  ship 
of  war  "  it  will  be  convenient  to  make  a  brief  reference  to  the 
history  of  her  owners,  and  the  story  shall  begin  in  the  year 
1782  when  Sir  James  Esdaile,  his  sons,  and  Sir  (then  Mr.) 
Benjamin  Hammet  were  bankers  at  No.  73,  Lombard  Street, 
a  house  which  had  been  known  in  the  days  of  the  goldsmiths 
by  the  sign  of  the  Union,  or  clasped  hands.  Sir  James,  the 
head  of  the  firm,  was  a  man  with  varied  interests,  public  and 
private  :  in  addition  to  conducting  the  transactions  of  the 
Bank,  and  of  a  separate  business  in  Bunhill  Row,  he  had  been 
Lord  Mayor  in  1777-8,  and  Colonel  of  the  2nd  (or  green) 
regiment  of  the  City  Militia.  A  country  house,  named  New 
Place,  and  the  manor  of  Gains  in  Upminster,  Essex,  afforded 
him  relaxation  from  the  cares  of  town  life.  It  is  probable 
that  Sir  James'  connection  with  Taunton  dates  from  the 
marriage  of  his  daughter  Louisa  with  Sir  Benjamin  Hammet, 
who  was  knighted,  as  was  his  father-in-law,  for  services 
rendered  to  the  city  of  London.  This  alliance  was  followed 
by  the  establishment  in  Taunton  about  1790  of  the  firm  of 


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The  "  Taunton    Castle"  Privateer.  137 

bankers  styled  Hammet,  Jeffries,  Woodford  and  Buncombe, 
which  was  in  close  relationship  with  the  older  firm  in  Lombard 
Street. 

Sir  Benjamin  Hammet,  on  the  other  hand,  was  a  Taunton 
man  by  birth  who  found  time  amid  his  work  in  London  to 
do  much  for  his  native  place,  including,  as  we  know,  some 
rebuilding  at  the  Castle  ;  he  represented  the  borough  in 
Parliament  for  eighteen  years,  until  his  death  in  South  Wales 
in  1800,  and  now  he  rests  with  his  kindred  in  Wilton  church- 
yard. His  son,  John  Hammet,  of  whom  more  presently, 
succeeded  to  the  vacant  seat  in  the  Commons.  A  second  link 
between  these  two  families  arid  our  county  town  was  created 
in  1786,  when  John  Hammet,  James  Esdaile  Hammet  and 
Edward  Jeffries  Esdaile  received  a  grant  from  the  Bishop  of 
Winchester  of  the  office  of  Bailiffs  of  Taunton  and  Taunton 
Deane  and  keepers  of  the  Castle  there,  a  position  which  had 
been  previously  held  by  the  father  of  the  two  first-named 
grantees. 

We  may  now  turn  from  biography  to  a  consideration  of  the 
reasons  which  induced  these  staid  men  of  affairs  to  set  on  foot 
an  enterprise  in  which  the  vagaries  of  fortune  played  so  large 
a  part.  At  the  end  of  the  XVIII  Century  England's  relations 
with  foreign  powers  were  the  reverse  of  friendly,  and  as  a 
consequence  the  ocean  trade  routes  were  harried  by  ships 
commissioned  on  both  sides  under  letters  of  marque  to  take 
toll  of  their  enemy's  cargoes  and  shipping,  by  way  of  reprisal 
for  similar  damage  previously  suffered. 

Such  was  the  condition  of  international  politics  when  Sir 
James  Esdaile  and  his  co-partners  were  moved  to  adopt  the 
practice  of  other  merchant  princes  and  safeguard  their  interests, 
as  far  as  might  be,  by  converting  a  trading  ship  into  a  private 
man-of-war,  a  conversion  which  was  legalised  under  the 
authority  of  the  High  Court  of  Admiralty. 

The  choice  of  the  partners  fell  upon  a  ship  owned  by  them 
and  known  as  the  Taunton  Castle,  a  name  which  may  with 


138  The  "  Taunton    Castle"   Privateer. 

certainty  be  attributed  alike  to  the  appointment  of  the  younger 
members  of  the  Esdaile  and  Hammet  families  as  custodians  of 
the  Castle  and  to  their  many  associations  with  the  town.  An 
application  for  a  commission,  or  letter  of  marque,  was  duly 
made  to  the  Court  of  Admiralty,  whose  chief  requirements, 
apart  from  fees,  consisted  of  detailed  particulars  of  the  ship's 
armament  and  equipment  so  that  her  identity  might  be  beyond 
dispute,  and  of  a  submission  to  severe  prospective  penalties 
for  non-observance  of  the  general  regulations  governing  such 
craft.  The  following  extracts  from  the  Court  records  provide 
an  accurate  description  of  the  armed  strength  of  the  vessel 
which  we  may  almost  claim  as  a  local  privateer,  and  which 
was  undoubtedly  one  of  the  finest  of  the  many  British 
"irregulars"  sent  to  sea  during  the  second  half  of  the  XVIII 
Century. 

DECLARATION. 

"26  April,  1794.  Appeared  personally  Thomas  Blaiklock  of 
the  Old  Jewry,  London,  merchant,  on  behalf  of  Captain 
Edward  Studd  now  at  sea,  and  produced  a  warrant  from 
the  Right  Hon.  the  Lords  Commissioners  for  executing 
the  office  of  Lord  High  Admiral  of  Great  Britain  and 
Ireland  for  the  granting  of  Letters  of  marque  and  re- 
prisals to  him  the  said  Edward  Studd  for  the  apprehending, 
seizing  and  taking  the  ships  vessels  and  goods  belonging 
to  France  or  to  any  persons  being  subjects  of  France  or 
inhabiting  within  any  of  the  territories  of  France,  and 
in  pursuance  of  His  Majesty's  instructions  made  the 
following  declaration,  to  wit  ; 

"  That  the  said  Edward  Studd's  ship  is  called  the  Taunton 
Castle,  is  belonging  to  the  port  of  London,  is  of  the 
burthen  of  1246  tons;  square  stern,  British  built,  figure 
head,  has  3  masts  ;  that  the  said  Edward  Studd  goeth 
commander  of  her  ;  that  she  is  mounted  with  36  carriage 
guns  carrying  shot  of  12  and  4  pounds  weight,  and  no 


The  "  Taunton    Castle"   Privateer.  139 

swivel  guns  ;    is  navigated  with   155  men,  of  whom  one 
third    are    landmen ;    has    120    small    arms,    60    cutlaces, 
45  barrels  of  powder,  820  rounds  of  great  shot  and  200 
weight  of  small  shot  ;  that  the  said  ship  is  victualled  for 
12  months,  has  3  suits  of  sails,  5  anchors,  7  cables,  and 
5    tons    weight  of    spare  cordage;    that    VVm.    Urmston 
goeth  mate  or  lieutenant,  -  -  Welch  gunner,  --  Pearson 
boatswain,  John  Roberts  carpenter,  Chas.   Welch  cook, 
and  Edward  Watson  surgeon  of  the  said  ship  ;   and  that 
Sir   James    Esdaile  of    London,   knight,    is   one   of  the 
principal  owners  and  setters  out  of  the  said  ship." 
On  the  same  day  of   1794  a  bond  is   executed   bj    which 
William    Esdaile   and  John  Hammet,  esquires,  of   Lombard 
Street,   are  bound  in  the  sum  of  three  thousand  pounds   as 
sureties  for  the  due  observance  of  the  instructions  issued  by 
the    Court  of   Admiralty   to    Ed.    Studd    commander  of  the 
Taunton    Castle,  and  finally  an  official  of  the  Court  certifies 
that  the  two  bondsmen  are  persons  of  substance.     This  com- 
pleted the  formalities,  and  the  actual  letter  of  marque  would 
then  be  issued  to  the  applicants. 

It  will  have  been  observed  that  the  above  mentioned  grant 
empowers  the  captain  to  take  action  against  France  only,  but 
it  is  evident  that  the  owners  afterwards  desired  to  extend  the 
scope  of  their  operations.  On  5  February,  1796,  a  similar 
"  declaration  "  is  filed  preparatory  to  the  issue  of  a  commission 
for  the  same  ship  against  the  United  Provinces,  in  which 
document  Peter  Esdaile  of  Lombard  Street  is  stated  to  be  the 
owner  and  setter  out.  The  details  show  a  few  variations,  the 
burthen  of  the  Taunton  Castle  is  then  given  as  1198  tons  and 
her  crew  as  130,  but  the  officers  remain  as  in  1794. 

War  had  broken  out  with  Spain  in  1796,  which  supplies  the 
reason  for  a  third  commission  being  asked  for  against  that 
country  ;  the  declaration  is  dated  26  November  in  that  year 
and  is  identical  with  number  two,  Peter  Esdaile  being  named 
as  the  sole  owner. 


140  The  "  Taunton    Castle  "  Privateer. 

A  few  words  as  to  the  rules  laid  down  for  the  guidance  of 
the  holders  of  such  commissions  may  be  useful.  The  com- 
mander was  authorised  to  set  forth  his  ship  in  warlike  manner 
and  to  seize  the  property  of  the  enemy  anywhere  except 
within  cannon  shot  of  harbours  or  roads  of  Princes  and  States 
in  amity  with  his  then  Majesty.  After  seizure  the  vessels  and 
cargoes  were  to  be  brought  into  a  convenient  British  port,, 
there  to  be  adjudged  by  the  Court  as  lawful  prizes  before 
they  could  be  sold  by  the  captors.  The  commander  was  also 
ordered  to  keep  an  exact  journal  of  his  proceedings  while 
afloat, — a  very  desirable  provision.  Unfortunately  the  official 
records  of  this  particular  ship  end  with  the  issue  of  the  com- 
missions, and  so  leave  us  in  the  dark  as  to  whether  the  three 
ventures  resulted  in  wealth  or  in  disappointment,  but  it  is 
satisfactory  to  know  that  the  vessel  was  neither  sunk  nor 
captured  by  Frenchman,  Spaniard  or  Dutchman,  as  is  shewn 
by  some  statistics  of  the  East  India  Company  for  1802  which 
accidentally  came  under  my  notice.  In  the  last  named  year 
the  Taunton  Castle  was  serving  in  that  Company's  fleet  of 
merchantmen  and  sailing  to  Asiatic  ports  under  Capt.  T.  B. 
Pierce,  having  presumably  surrendered  her  threefold  letters  of 
marque  as  a  result  of  the  cessation  of  hostilities  which  led  up 
to  the  treaty  of  Amiens  in  March  1802.  For  a  time,  there- 
fore, that  picturesque  figure  the  privateersman  dismounted  his 
guns,  and  no  longer  sought  upon  the  water  a  short  cut  to- 
fortune. 

The  fact  that  the  ship  had  been  chartered  by  "  John  Com- 
pany "  induced  me  to  examine  again  the  Admiralty  books  after 
the  short  respite  from  war  which  followed  the  peace  of  1802, 
The  renewal  of  hostilities  naturally  brought  about  a  revival 
of  privateering,  and  sure  enough  I  found  a  "  declaration  " 
dated  3  May,  1804,  relating  to  a  new  commission  against  the 
French  Republic.  The  commander  was  then  Thomas  Burston 
Pierce,  the  principal  owner  still  being  Peter  Esdaile.  From 
this  point  I  lost  sight  of  our  vessel  in  the  Admiralty  Court ; 


The  "  Taunton    Castle"  Privateer.  141 

it  may,  however,  be  assumed  that  she  finally  ceased  to  sail 
under  a  letter  of  marque  about  1805  or  1806,  when  the  ship 
was  transferred  to  other  owners  who  continued  to  use  the  old 
name,  but  the  transfer  would  put  an  end  to  any  existing  com- 
missions. 

It  is,  perhaps,  an  open  question  as  to  how  far  the  captain 
made  use  of  his  powers  under  the  respective  licences ;  whether 
he  went  out  solely  on  raiding  expeditions,  as  the  majority  did, 
or  whether  he  combined  adventure  with  commerce  by  exercis- 
ing his  rights  only  for  the  purpose  of  hitting  back  when 
molested,  and  annexing,  say,  a  Dutch  or  French  Indiaman. 

Having  traced  the  career  of  the  Taunton  Castle  as  a  private 
ship  of  war,  I  will  conclude  by  appending  some  details  of  her 
history  as  a  merchantman,  both  before  and  after  the  incidents 
already  set  forth. 

Prior  to  the  Shipping  Act  of  1786  there  was  no  general 
registration  of  British  vessels,  but  in  pursuance  of  that  Act  a 
register  was  established  and  the  books  are  now  preserved  at 
the  modern  Registry  of  Shipping  and  Seamen  on  Tower  Hill, 
from  whence  I  have  obtained  the  undermentioned  facts. 

On  20  October,  1790,  the  Taunton  Castle  was  first  registered, 
being  then  newly  built  by  Wm.  Barnard  of  Deptford,  a  well 
known  ship  builder  of  the  day.  Her  owners  were  Sir 
Benjamin  Hammet  of  Lombard  Street,  banker  ;  Edward 
Jeffries  of  S.  Thomas'  Hospital,  Southwark ;  Sir  James, 
Peter,  and  William  Esdaile  of  Lombard  Street,  bankers,  with 
one  or  two  others  whose  names  are  not  now  material.  The 
register  further  states  that  the  vessel  had  three  main  decks  and 
three  masts,  her  length  being  182  feet,  breadth  41  feet,  and 
burthen  1246  tons.  She  was  square  sterned,  carried  a  round 
house,  and  galleries  on  stern  and  quarters.  There  was  also  a 
forecastle  deck,  the  figure  head  being  a  man.  The  rig  is  not 
mentioned,  but  she  was  sheathed  with  copper,  an  unusual 
luxury  at  that  period. 

These   structural    details,    supplemented  by  the  equipment 


142  The  "  Taunton    Castle  "   Privateer. 

particulars  contained  in  the  Admiralty  "declarations,"  will 
enable  us  to  form  a  mental  picture  of  the  ship  when  ready  for 
sea  ;  apparently  nothing  in  the  nature  of  a  sketch  or  print  has 
so  far  been  brought  to  light.* 

The  vessel  continued  in  the  ownership  of  the  two  Somerset 
families  from  1790  until  about  1806,  when  she  was  sold  or 
otherwise  alienated  to  one  Andrew  Timbrel  who  employed  her 
in  the  merchant  service  until  June,  1813,  in  which  month  she 
was,  alas,  broken  up  by  her  second  owner  ;  the  reasons  for  her 
destruction  are  not  stated,  but  old  age  could  hardly  have  been 
one  of  them. 

We  have  thus  followed  the  Taunton  Castle,  alternately 
privateer  and  East  Indiaman,  from  her  cradle  on  the  Thames 
to  her  grave  on  the  shore  of  the  same  river. 


*  Since  this  paper  was  set  up  in  type,  Mr.  St.  G.  Gray  has  called  my  atten- 
tion to  an  oil-painting  in  an  upper  room  of  our  Museum,  which  most 
fortunately  provides  us  with  the  contemporary  representation  of  the  vessel 
which  I  had  failed  to  discover  among  the  East  India  and  other  records  in 
London.  The  canvas,  here  reproduced  by  photography,  measures  about  65  by 
41  ins.,  and  bears  the  following  inscription  : — "  Taunton  Castle  East  Indiaman, 
Capt.  Urmston,  built  by  Mr.  Barnard;  for  Sr-  Benjamin  Hammet,  1790."  It 
is  very  appropriate  that  the  Castle  should  itself  furnish  the  one  thing  needed 
to  complete  the  history. 


GEORGE  FOWNES  LUTTRELL, 


George  jFotones  LutttelL 


MR.  G.  F.  LUTTRELL  was  the  eldest  son  of  Lieut. 
Col.  Francis  Fownes  Luttrell,  of  the  Grenadier  Guards, 
and  afterwards  of  the  Somerset  Militia,  the  third  son  of  Mr. 
John  Fownes  Luttrell  of  Dunster  Castle.  Born  at  Kilve 
Court  on  the  27th  September,  1828,  he  was,  like  many  other 
members  of  his  family,  sent  to  Eton,  and  he  there  succeeded 
his  cousin,  H.  A.  Fownes  Luttrell,  as  "  Captain  of  the  Boats." 
Although  his  selected  crew  was  beaten  by  Westminster  in  a 
race  at  Putney,  his  captaincy  is  memorable  for  the  introduction 
of  an  outrigged  boat  for  the  Eight  in  1846. 

From  Eton  he  proceeded  to  Christ  Church,  Oxford,  where 
he  took  the  degree  of  B.A.  in  due  course. 

Marrying  in  August,  1852,  Anne  Elizabeth  Periam, 
daughter  of  Sir  Alexander  Hood,  Bart.,  of  Wootton,  near 
Glastonbury,  Mr.  Luttrell  settled  at  Woodlands,  near  Holford. 

On  the  death  of  his  father  in  1862,  he  took  his  place  as 
Master  of  the  West  Somerset  Fox-hounds.  Five  years  later, 
he  succeeded  his  uncle,  Mr.  Henry  Fownes  Luttrell  of  Dunster 
Castle,  in  the  great  estate  in  West  Somerset  which  had 
belonged  to  their  ancestors  since  the  beginning  of  the  fifteenth 
century,  and  was  in  acreage  and  in  value  alike  the  third 
largest  in  the  county. 

The  Castle  was  found  to  need  immediate  restoration,  re- 
modelling and  enlargement.  While  this  work  was  in  progress 
under  the  direction  of  Mr.  A.  Salvin,  Mr.  Luttrell  rented 
Norton  Manor,  near  Taunton. 


144  Obituary. 

En  1872,  he  built  a  permanent  residence  for  the  Vicar  of 
Dunster,  on  the  Priory  Green,  and  made  it  over  to  the 
Ecclesiastical  Commissioners.  The  restoration  of  the  Church 
was  next  taken  in  hand  at  a  cost  of  about  £12,000,  of  which 
Mr.  Luttrell  contributed  nearly  £10,000,  and  the  restoration 
of  Minehead  Church  followed  a  few  years  later. 

During  all  this  time,  Mr.  Luttrell  had  devoted  large  sums 
of  money  to  the  improvement  of  the  farms  and  other  dwellings 
on  his  estate,  carefully  preserving  various  relics  of  antiquity. 

Having  purchased  the  manor  of  Old  Cleeve,  including  the 
very  interesting  ruins  of  the  Abbey  of  St.  Mary  in  the 
Flowery  Vale,  he  proceeded  to  clear  out  the  cloisters  and 
other  monastic  buildings  which  had  been  used  for  farm 
purposes,  and  excavated  the  site  of  the  Cistercian  Church. 

Mr.  Luttrell  throughout  his  life  took  an  active  part  in 
county  affairs.  He  was  High  Sheriff  of  Somerset  in  1874, 
a  Justice  of  the  Peace,  a  Deputy  Lieutenant,  a  County 
Councillor,  a  member  of  the  Rural  District  Council  and  of 
the  Williton  Board  of  Guardians. 

He  was  elected  President  of  the  Somersetshire  Arch- 
aeological and  Natural  History  Society  for  1889,  and  served 
again  in  the  same  capacity  in  1906.  On  both  occasions  the 
annual  meeting  was  held  at  Minehead.  He  was  always  an 
active  friend  of  the  Society,  and  a  generous  contributor 
towards  its  funds  for  the  purchase  and  restoration  of  Taunton 
Castle.  He  also  subscribed  to  the  Somerset  Record  Society, 
and  he  encouraged  local  efforts  to  awaken  interest  in  the  his- 
tory of  the  County. 

No  less  keen  was  he  to  encourage  sport,  and  he  had  the 
honour  of  receiving  the  late  King,  when  Prince  of  Wales,  at 
Dunster  Castle  for  two  nights  and  of  driving  him  to  a  meet  of 
the  staghounds  at  Hawkcombe  Head. 

Anxious  to  develope  and  popularize  Minehead,  he  personally 
brought  about  the  extension  of  the  railway  from  Williton,  and 
took  unceasing  interest  in  the  preservation  of  the  sea-wall,  and 


Gcorye  Fownes  LuttrcH.  145 

in  laying  out  roads,  planning  drainage,  and  helping  in  the 
erection  of  public  buildings,  and  a  new  pier,  Avith  the  result 
that  Minehead  was  transformed  during  his  lifetime  from  a 
quaint  old-world  village  into  a  thriving  town.  Taking  a  great 
interest  in  forestry,  he  successfully  planted  about  200  acres  of 
poor  hill  land  with  trees. 

Mr.  Luttrell  died  after  some  months  of  failing  health,  on 
the  24th  of  May,  1910,  and  was  buried  at  Dunster  close  to 
the  east  end  of  the  Priory  Church. 

A  few  days  later  there  appeared  in  the  Westminster  Gazette 
a  brief  "  appreciation  "  of  his  life  and  character,  ending  with 
the  following  words  : — 

In  politics,  Mr.  Luttrell's  views  were  broad  and  liberal.  From 
early  youth  he  idolized  Mr.  Gladstone,  and  he  followed  him  con- 
sistently through  every  phase. 

In  his  own  family  and  among  his  friends  no  one  could  have  been 
more  kind  and  hospitable  than  Mr.  Luttrell.  Until  a  few  months 
ago  he  retained  his  health  and  vigour  of  mind  and  body,  and  the  tall 
spare  figure  might  constantly  be  seen  rambling  over  the  hills,  or 
along  the  coast  wherever  there  was  work  to  be  supervised. 

Calm  and  equable  in  temper,  he  faced  difficulties  with  rare  courage, 
and  though  reserved  and  diffident  in  manner,  he  spoke  out  plainly 
enough  when  any  question  of  principle  was  involved.  Being  pre- 
eminently honourable,  just,  and  unselfish  himself,  he  always 
endeavoured  to  give  others  credit  for  motives  as  good  as  his  own,  both 
in  public  and  private  life,  and  in  his  presence  the  voice  of  scandal 
and  gossip  was  dumb. 

All  through  his  life  he  kept  in  close  touch  with  such  of  his  old 
college  friends  as  survived,  and  the  whole  country-side  will  regret  the 
death  of  one  so  wise  and  good,  so  true  and  kind,  one  whose  aim  was 
ever  to  "  help  his  fellow-men  and  to  glorify  his  God." 

H.  C.  MAXWELL  LYTE. 


Vol.  L  VI  (Third  Series,  Vol.  XVI),  Part  II. 


ONE  of  our  Vice-Presidents  and  Honorary  Life  Members, 
Mr.  Hugh  Norris,  L.R.C.P.  and  L.R.C.S.  (Edinburgh), 
and  L.S.A.  (London).,  died  at  South  Petherton  on  October 
31st,  1910,  in  his  ninetieth  year.  He  had  been  a  member  of 
our  Society  since  1863,  and  had  done  excellent  service  in  con- 
nection therewith  in  many  ways,  especially  as  a  valued  con- 
tributor to  the  Proceedings,  and  as  the  generous  donor  of  a 
most  interesting  collection  of  local  treasures  which  bears  his 
name  in  the  County  Museum.  As  a  list  of  his  writings,  a  full 
description  of  the  Norris  Collection,  and  numerous  biograph- 
ical notes  relating  to  the  Norris  family,  appeared  in  Vol.  LI, 
ii,  136,  it  will  not  be  necessary  to  repeat  them  here. 

Those  who  had  the  pleasure  of  his  friendship  will  long 
remember  Mr.  Hugh  Norris  as  a  most  able,  genial  and  cultured 
man,  well  read  in  local  history  and  literature,  ever  ready  to 
impart  his  stores  of  knowledge  to  all  who  sought  his  assistance. 

To  the  end,  he  was  keenly  interested  in  the  work  of  our 
Society,  and  in  all  that  was  being  done  for  the  advancement  of 
archaeological  research,  especially  in  his  native  county  of 
Somerset. 

Mr.  Norris  (whose  portrait  also  appeared  in  the  volume 
named  above)  was  the  first  editor  of  "  Somerset  and  Dorset 
Notes  and  Queries,"  and  was  a  local  secretary  for  the  Society 
of  Antiquaries  of  London,  as  well  as  for  our  own  Society. 

His  principal  contribution  to  local  history  was  a  volume 
entitled  "  South  Petherton  in  the  Olden  Time,"  the  outcome 


Nor r is.  147 

of  a  lecture  he  gave  to  his  friends  and  neighbours  in  1879. 
This  has  long  been  out  of  print. 

His  papers  on  "  The  Camp  on  Hamdon  Hill,"  "  Saint 
Whyte  and  Saint  Reyne,"  "The  Battle  of  Langport,"  and 
"The  Siege  of  Sherborne  Castle  in  1645,"  were  contributed  to 
our  Proceedings,  as  also  were  several  other  articles  dealing  with 
archaeological  matters.  These  demonstrate  his  intimate  know- 
ledge of  the  district  in  which  he  lived,  and  which  he  dearly 
loved,  and  will  long  be  read  with  interest. 


C.  T. 


H3otice  of  15oofe. 


"  A  QUANTOCK  FAMILY  :  STAWELL  OF  COTHELSTONE,"  by  Colonel 
G.  D.  Stawell.  (Barnicott  and  Pearce,  The  Wessex  Press, 
Taunton,  1910;  4to.,  pp.  xxxii,  566;  42s.  net). 

This  handsome,  well  illustrated  volume  gives  many  details  of  a 
widely-spread  and  distinguished  family  ;  but  we  must  confine  our 
remarks  to  the  Stawells  of  Cothelstone.  The  extravagant  pedigrees 
of  the  Elizabethan  Heralds  carry  the  family  back  to  the  Conqueror  ; 
but  there  is  contemporary  evidence  that  in  the  reign  of  Henry  I 
Geoffrey  de  Coveston  (Cothelstone)  was  holding  Cothelstone  of  the 
Bishop  of  Winchester,  and  Stawell  of  the  Abbot  of  Glastonbury. 
Early  in  the  XIII  Century  the  head  of  the  family  preferred  to  be 
known  by  the  name  of  his  Glastonbury  holding,  and  in  a  lawsuit 
referred  to  two  generations  of  ancestors  by  this  new  name ;  with  the 
result  that  the  identity  of  the  earlier  family  of  Cothelstone  with  the 
later  family  of  Stawell  was  completely  obliterated,  and  has  only  been 
recovered  by  Colonel  Stawell  after  much  research. 

The  first  monument  in  Cothelstone  Church  is  that  of  Sir  Matthew 
Stawell,  who  married  temp.  Ed.  Ill,  Eleanor,  daughter  and  co-heir  of 
Sir  Richard  Merton  of  Great  Torrington.  Their  son,  Sir  Thomas, 
was  buried  at  Glastonbury  ;  and  there  was  formerly  a  quaint  mural 
monument  (illustrated  on  p.  43)  of  himself  and  his  three  wives  in 
St.  Mary's  Church,  Taunton.  His  grandson,  Sir  Robert,  was  called 
'  the  upright  man,'  which  character  brought  upon  him  the  burden  of 
witnessing  the  wills  of  great  people.  His  grandson,  Sir  John,  was 
very  active  in  raising  forces  for  the  defence  of  the  kingdom  at  the 
time  of  the  Spanish  Armada  ;  and  was  associated  with  some  neigh- 
bours as  well  as  Sir  Walter  Raleigh  in  the  plantation  of  the 
forfeited  lands  of  Munster. 

The  outbreak  of  the  Civil  War  found  another  Sir  John  Stawell  as 
ready  to  fight  against  the  domestic  enemies  of  the  Crown  as  his 
ancestor  was  against  the  Spaniard.  In  his  early  days  at  Oxford  he 
was  noted  for  his  interest  in  chemistry,  and  in  1643  was  created 
M.D.  as  well  as  M.  A.  At  the  coronation  of  Charles  I  he  was  made  a 
knight  of  the  Bath.  He  was  present  at  the  first  engagement  in  Somerset, 
at  Marshall's  Elm,  near  Somerton ;  and  having  failed  to  bring  about  a 
reconciliation  before  the  engagement,  when  it  was  over,  used  "both  his 


Notice  of  Book.  149 

power  and  his  example  to  hinder  further  execution."  Presently  he 
moved  westward  with  Sir  Ralph  Hopton,  and  did  good  service  with 
the  Cornish  army.  Returning  into  Somerset  in  May  1643,  he  was 
appointed  governor  of  Taunton  ;  an  office  which  he  held  until  the 
garrison  was  withdrawn  by  Prince  Maurice  in  1644.  He  was  one  of 
the  defenders  of  Bridgwater  in  July,  1645  ;  and  of  Exeter  until  its 
surrender  to  Fairfax,  9  April,  1646.  Then  he  went  to  London  to 
make  composition  for  his  estates ;  but  refusing  to  sign  the  covenant, 
he  was  confined  in  Newgate,  and  in  the  Tower.  Although  he  had 
tried  to  check  the  excesses  of  Goring's  "  crew,"  when  he  was  in 
authority,  £7,000  of  his  estate  was  assigned  to  Taunton  "in  repara- 
tion of  their  great  losses  and  sufferings,"  during  the  siege ;  and 
except  Cothelstone  (then  in  ruins)  and  .£500  a  year  apportioned  to 
his  wife  and  children,  his  property  was  confiscated.  He  was  released 
in  1653,  but  not  allowed  to  leave  London,  and  being  in  great  poverty 
was  granted  £6  a  week  by  an  order  in  Council.  In  1660  his  estates 
were  restored  in  full ;  and  in  1661  he  was  again  chosen  M.P.  for 
Somerset;  but  his  health  was  broken,  and  he  died  21  February, 
1662-3.  His  wife  was  Elizabeth,  daughter  and  heir  of  Sir  Edward 
Hext,  who  had  built  a  good  manor  house,  and  an  interesting  Chapel 
at  Low  Ham  (Netherham).  In  his  house  at  Netherham  Sir  John 
Stawell  died ;  but  he  was  buried  at  Cothelstone,  where  a  mural 
monument  still  tells  of  his  worth ;  and  the  state  funeral  that  did 
honour  to  so  brave  a  gentleman,  extended  its  procession  for  many 
miles  between  Langport  and  Taunton. 

In  recognition  of  his  services  in  the  royal  cause,  his  son,  Ralph, 
was  created  a  peer  in  1683,  as  Baron  Stawell  of  Somerton.  In  1685, 
Lord  Stawell,  copying  his  father's  gentleness,  protested  against  the 
inhumanity  of  Jeffries,  who  retaliated  by  ordering  two  rebels  to  be 
hung  at  the  gateway  of  Cothelstone.  There  is  a  tine  monument  to 
the  first  Lord  Stawell  at  Low  Ham.  The  second  Lord,  a  young  man 
of  twenty -one,  so  wasted  the  property  during  his  three  years  of 
occupancy,  that  of  their  twenty-eight  manors  in  Somerset  and  Dorset 
the  family  retained  only  two.  He  pulled  down  the  manor  house  at 
Low  Ham,  and  began  to  build  a  palace  there  which  was  to  cost 
£100,000  ;  but  it  was  never  finished.  He  was  succeeded  by  his 
step-brothers,  William  and  Edward,  under  whom  the  estate  slowly 
recovered.  Edward  left  only  a  daughter,  Mary,  who  married  the 
Right  Hon.  H.  B.  Legge,  sometime  Chancellor  of  the  Exchequer. 
In  1760,  George  II  created  her  a  Baroness,  and  her  son,  Henry 
Stawell  Bilson  Legge,  became  Baron  Stawell  of  Somerton  of  the 
second  creation.  Wishing  to  acquire  land  in  Hampshire,  he  sold  the 
manor  and  estate  of  Cothelstone,  in  1793,  to  Mr.  Jefferies  of  London, 
who,  in  1814,  left  it  to  his  grandson,  Mr.  Jefferies  Esdaile. 

D.  P.  ALFORD. 


SOMERSETSHIRE 

ARCHAEOLOGICAL    AND    NATURAL    HISTORY 

SOCIETY. 


SDfficers  anD  ^embers,  i?j(MJ. 


Patron : 

THE  RIGHT  HONOURABLE  THE  VISCOUNT  PORTMAN. 


President  : 
THE  REV.  E.  H.  BATES  HARBIN,  M.A. 


SIR  C.  T.  DYKE  ACL  AND,  BART. 

T.  H.  M.  BAILWARD,  ESQ. 

THE  MOST  NOBLE  THE  MARQUESS  OF  BATH. 

THE  RIGHT  REV.  THE  LORD  BISHOP  OF  BATH  AND  WELLS. 

THE  REV.  CANON  C.  M.  CHURCH,  F.S.A. 

SIR  EDMUND  H.  ELTON,  BART. 
THE  RIGHT  HON.  SIR  EDWARD  FRY,  G.C.B.,  P.C.,  D.C.L.,  F.K.S.,  F.S.A. 

FRANCIS  J.  FRY,  ESQ. 
THE  RIGHT  HON.  HENRY  HOBHOUSE,  p.c. 

THE  REV.  T.  W.  JEX-BLAKE,  D.D.,  F.S.A. 
SIR   H.    C.    MAXWELL   LYTE,   K.C.B.,    V.-P.S.A. 

HUGH  NORRIS,  ESQ.,  L.R.C.P.  (deceased). 

A.  F.  SOMERVILLE,  ESQ.         E.  B.  CELY  TREVILIAN,  ESQ. 
LORD  WINTERSTOKE  OF  BLAGDON  (deceased). 

trustees  : 

HENRY  JEFFRIES  BADCOCK,  ESQ.  j  THE  RT.  HON.  H.  HOBHOUSE,  P.O. 

Lx.-CoL.  J.  F.  CHISHOLM-BATTEN.  j  THE  RT.  HON.  SIR  A.  ACLAND  HOOD, 

BART.,  P.C.,  M.P. 

Jlf  on.  {[Treasurers  : 

HENRY  JEFFRIES  BADCOCK,  ESQ. 

REGINALD  C.  BOYLE,  ESQ. 

(General  .Secretaries  : 

REV.  F.  W.  WEAVER,  M.A.,  F.S.A.     REV.  E.  H.  BATES  HARBIN,  M.A. 
CHARLES  TITE,  ESQ. 


Officers. 


151 


JBigtrtct  or  ILocal  Secretaries : 


E.  E.  Baker,  F.S.A.,  Weston-s.-Mare 

F.  Bligh  Bond,  F.R.I. B.A.,  Bristol 
A.  Bulleid,  F.S.A.,  Midsomer  Norton 
C.  E.  Burnell,  Shepton  Mallet 
Thos.  S.  Bush,  Bath 

J.  0.  Cash,  Wincanton 

Rev.  Canon  Church,  F.S.A.,  Wells 

W.  S.  Clark,  Street 

Rev.  Preb.  J.  Coleman. 

Rev.  J.  J.  Coleman,  Stratton-on- 

the-Fosse 

John  Coles,  Jimr.,  Frame 
H.  C.  A.  Day,  Clevedon 
Rev.  J.  A.  Dodd,  Axbridye 
Sir  E.  H.  Elton,  Bart.,  Clevedon 
E.  A.  Fry,  London 
Rev.  Preb.  I.  S.  Gale. 
Rev.  Preb.  C.  Grant,  Glastonbury 
Rev.  W.  Greswell,  N.  Quantocks 
Rev.  Preb.  J.  Hamlet,  Harrington 
Rev.   Preb.    Hancock,    F.S.A., 

Dunster 


Rev.  E.  H.  Bates  Harbin,  Yeovil 
Rev.  D.  LI.  Hayvvard,  Brnton 
Rev.  C.  H.  Heale,  Williton 
Chancellor  Scott  Holmes,  Wells 
H.  W.  P.  Hoskyns,  Creickerne 
Rev.  W.  Hunt,  London 
W.  Macmillan,  Castle  Cary 
Rev.  E.  S.  Marshall,  West  Monition 
J.  B.  Paynter,  Yeovil 
Rev.  D.  M.  Ross,  Langport 
Rev.  F.  S.  P.  Scale,  Burnham 
Rev.  Preb.  G.  E.  Smith. 
Rev.  Preb.  J.  Street,  Ilminster 

E.  Swan  wick,  Milverton 

G.  F.  Sydenham,  Dulverton 
Rev.  C.  S.  Taylor,  F.S.A.,  Banwell 
Charles  Tite,  Taunton 
R.  H.  Walter,  Stoke-under-Ham 
Rev.  F.  W.  Weaver,  F.S.A.,  Milton 
J.  R.  H.  Weaver,  Oxford 
Rev.  C.  W.  Whistler,  Dorset 

F.  Were,  Gloucestershire 


Rev.  D.  P.  Alford 
Ven.  Archdeacon  Askwith 
Lt-Col.  Chisholm-Batten 
Arthur  E.  Eastwood 
H.  Franklin 


Committee : 

Rev.  Arthur  J.  Hook 
Rev.  S.  J.  M.  Price,  D.D. 
Rev.  D.  J.  Pring 
Rev.  W.  T.  Reeder 
H.  Byard  Sheppard 


Rev.  J.  Worthington 

The  President,  Vice-Presidents^  Trustees,  Treasurer,  General  and  Local 
Secretaries,  are  ex-ojficio  Members  of  the  Committee. 


Assistant  .Secretary,  Curator  &  librarian: 
H.  ST.  GEORGE  GRAY,  Taunton  Castle. 


152  Natural  History   Section*.,  etc. 


Natural  Sistorg  Sections  of  tfjc  Soetetg. 

Headquarters  : — Taunton  Castle. 


Date  of 
Formation. 

1909.  ENTOMOLOGICAL  SECTION. — President: — W.  MACMILLAN.     Re- 

corder'.— A.  E.  HUDD,  F.S.A.,  F.E.S.       Hon.  Secretary  and 
Treasurer  : — HENRY  H.  SLATER. 

1910.  ORNITHOLOGICAL    SECTION. — Hon.    Secretary    pro.    temp.  : — 

JAMES  TURNER. 

1910.  BOTANICAL  SECTION. — President : — THE  UEV.  FREE.  G.  E. 
SMITH.  Recorder : — THE  REV.  E.  S.  MARSHALL,  F.L.S. 
Hon.  Secretary  : — W.  D.  MILLER. 


trustees  of  tfje  IJigott  Collection  of  Draftings, 
Somerset, 

THE  LORD  LIEUTENANT  OF  THE  COUNTY. 

THE  LORD  BISHOP  OF  THE  DIOCESE. 

THE  MEMBERS  OF  PARLIAMENT  FOR  THE  COUNTY. 

THE  CHAIRMAN  OF  QUARTER  SESSIONS. 

THE  CLERK  OF  THE  PEACE  FOR  THE  COUNTY. 


Affiliated  Societies ,  etc.  153 

Branrfj  anti  ^[{Rltateti  Societies. 

Date  of 
Affiliation. 

1890.  NORTHERN   BRANCH. — President: — SIR    EDWARD   FRY,    P.C., 

D.C.L.,&C.     Hon.   Treasurer: — C.  O.  MASTER.     Hon.    Sec- 
retaries : — FRANCIS  WERE  and  G.  H.  WOLLASTON. 

1891.  AXBRIDGE  BRANCH  (limited  to  80  members). — President:— 

Colonel    WM.    LONG,    C.M.G.     Hon.    Treasurer : — Maj.    G. 
DAVIES.     Hon.  Secretary  : — C.  H.  BOTHAMLEY. 

1895.     WINCANTON  FIELD  CLUB. — President: — T.  H.  M.  BAILWARD. 

Chairman  of   Committee : — GEO.    SWEETMAN.     Hon.    Secre- 
tary :— E.  IVAN  HARRIS.     (Established  1889). 

1899.     TAUNTON  FIELD   CLUB   AND   CONVERSAZIONE. — President : — 
Rev.  D.  P.  ALFORD.      Hon.  Secretary  : — C.  TITE. 

1902.  GLASTONBURY  ANTIQUARIAN  SOCIETY. — President  : — ARTHUR 

BULLEID,  F.S.A.     Hon.   Treasurer: — G.  C.  SWAYNE.     Hon. 
Secretaries : — G.  C.  SWAYNE  and  Rev.  A.  J.  HOOK. 

1903.  BATH  AND  DISTRICT  BRANCH.  —President : — The  Right  Hon. 

LORD   HYLTON,   F.S.A.      Hon.   Treasurer  and  Secretary : — 
THOMAS  S.  BUSH.     Hon.  Secretary  : — GERALD  J.  GREY. 

1904.  SHEPTON  MALLET  NATURAL  HISTORY  SOCIETY. — President : — 

JOHN    HIGGINS.     Hon.  Secretary  and   Treasurer: — G.  H. 
MITCHELL. 

1905.  WELLS  NATURAL  HISTORY  AND  ARCHAEOLOGICAL  SOCIETY. — 

President: — THE  LORD  BISHOP  OF  BATH  AND  WELLS.    Hon. 
Secretary: — E.  E.  BARNES. 

1910.     BRIDGWATER  FIELD  CLUB. — Hon.  Secretary : — HENRY  CORDER. 
Hon.   Treasurer : — SIDNEY  JONES. 


Representative  Trustee  on  the  Axbridge  Town  Trust 
COL.  WILLIAM  LONG,  C.M.G. 


Representative  Trustee  on  the  Ilchester  Town  Trust 
REV.  E.  H.  BATES  HARBIN,  M.A. 


Places  of  sheeting 

OF 

Cfte  ©omersetsfnre  archaeological  ano  iQatutal 


Place  of  Meeting. 

1849  TAUXTOX 

1850  TAUXTOX 

„      BRIDGWATER 
„      FROME 
WELLS 


1851  WESTOX-S.-MARE 

1852  BATH 

1853  YEOVIL 

1854  TAUXTOX 

1855  DITXSTER 

1856  BRIDGWATER     ... 

1857  BRTJTOX 

1858  BRIDGWATER 

1859  GLASTOXBURY  ... 

1860  CLEVEDOX 

1861  LAXGPORT 

1862  WELLIXGTOX     ... 

1863  WELLS 

1864  BURXHAM 

1865  SIIEPTOX  MALLET 


President. 

Sir  W.  C.  Trevelyan,  Bart. 
Rev.  F.  B.  Portman. 
The  Earl  of  Cavan. 
F.  H.  Dickinson,  Esq. 
The  Right  Hon.  and  Right  Rev. 

Baron  Auckland,  Lord   Bishop 

of  Bath  and  Wells. 
T.  T.  Knyfton,  Esq. 
W.  H.  P.  Gore-Langton,  Esq. 
Wm.  Pinnej,  Esq. 
Right  Hon.  H.  Labouchere. 
Sir  W.  C.  Trevelyan,  Bart. 
Wm.  Stradling,  Esq. 
Rt.  Hon.  LordTalbotde  Malahide. 
The  Hon.  P.  P.  Bouverie. 
F.  H.  Dickinson,  Esq. 
R.  N.  Grenville,  Esq. 
R.  N.  Grenville,  Esq. 

E.  A.  Sanford,  Esq. 

F.  H.  Dickinson,  Esq. 
F.  H.  Dickinson,  Esq. 
R.  H.  Paget,  Esq. 


Places  of  Meeting. 


155 


1866 
1867 
1868 
1869 
1870 
1871 
1872 
1873 


Place  of  Meetiny. 

ILMIXSTER 
BRISTOL 
WILLITOX 
AXBRIDGE 

WlXCAXTON 

CREWKERXE 
TAUNT ON 
WELLS 


1874  SlIERBORXE 

1875  FROME 

1876  BATH 

1877  BRIDGAVATER     ... 

1878  BRUTOX 

1879  TAUXTOX 

1880  GLASTOXBURY   ... 

1881  CLEVEDOX 

1882  CHARD 

1883  WlVELISCOMBE... 

1884  SHEPTOX  MALLET 

1885  WESTOX-S.-MARE 

1886  YEOVIL 

1887  BRISTOL 

1888  WELLS 


1889  MlXEHEAD 

1890  CASTLE  CARY 

1891  CREWKERXE 

1892  WELLINGTON 

1893  FROME 

1894  LAXGPORT 


President. 

R,  T.  Combe,  Esq. 
Sir  Edward  Strachey,  Bart. 
Sir  A.  A.  Hood,  Bart. 
Wm.  Long,  Esq. 
Sir  W.  C.  Medlycott,  Bart. 
E.  A.  Freeman,  Esq. 
W.  A.  Sanford,  Esq. 
The  Rt.  Hou.  and  Rt,  Rev.  Lord 

Arthur  Hervey,  Lord  Bishop  of 

Bath  and  Wells. 
H.  Danby  Seymour,  Esq. 
Rt.  Hon.  the  Earl  of  Cork. 
.Terom  Murch,  Esq. 
The    Hon.    and    Rt.   Rev.   Bishop 

Clifford. 

Rev.  Canon  Meade. 
Rev.  Canon  Meade. 
E.  A.  Freeman,  Esq. 
E.  H.  Elton,  Esq. 
C.  I.  Elton,  Esq. 
W.  E.  Surtees,  Esq. 
Rt.  Hon.  Lord  Carlingford. 
Rt.  Hon.  Lord  Carlingford. 
John  Batten,  Esq. 
Sir  G.  W.  Edwards. 
The  Rt.  Hon.  and  Rt.  Rev.  Lord 

Arthur  Hervey,  Lord  Bishop  of 

Bath  and  Wells. 
G.  F.  Luttrell,  Esq. 
H.  Hobhouse,  Esq.,  M.P. 
Col.  A.  R.  Hoskyns. 
W.  A.  Sanford,  Esq. 
The  Rt.  Hon.  Lord  Hylton. 
E.  B.  Cely  Trevilian,  Esq. 


156 

Place  of  Mettimj. 

1895  BATH 

1896  SHERBORXE 

1897  BRIDG WATER 

1898  TAUXTOX 

1899  CLEVEDOX 

1900  DULVERTOX 

1901  BRISTOL 

1902  GLASTOXBURY 


1903  CHARD 

1904  GlLLIXGHAM 

1905  WESTOX-S.-MARE 

1906  MlXEHEAD 

1907  SIIEPTOX  MALLET 

1908  TAUXTOX 

1909  WELLS 

1910  YEOVIL 


Places  of  Meeting. 

President. 

H.  Duncan  Skrine,  Esq. 
...     J.  K.  D.   Wingfield-Digby,  Esq., 

M.P. 

...     Edward  J.  Stanley,  Esq.,  M.P. 
...     Edward  J.  Stanley,  Esq.,  M.P. 
...     Rt.  Hon.  Sir  Edward  Fry,  P.c. 
...     Sir  C.  T.  D.  Acland,  Bart. 
...     The  Rt.  Rev.  Dr.  Forrest  Brown, 

Lord  Bishop  of  Bristol. 
The  Very  Rev.  T.  W.  Jex-Blake, 

F.S.A.,  Dean  of  Wells. 
Francis  J.  Fry,  Esq. 
T.  H.  M.  Bailward,  Esq. 
Lt.-Col.  J.  R.  Bramble,  F.S.A. 
G.  F.  Luttrell,  Esq. 
A.  F.  Somerville,  Esq. 
The  Marquess  of  Bath. 
The  Rt.  Rev.  G.  W.  Kennion,  Lord 

Bishop  of  Bath  and  Wells. 
Rev.  E.  H.  Bates  Harbin. 


Societie0,  etc.,  in  Correspondence  for  tfte  (ZErcbange 
of  publications. 


British  Association  for  the  Advancement  of  Science. 

British  Museum,  Copyright  Office. 

British  Museum,  Natural  History,  South  Kensington. 

Public  Record  Office. 

Guildhall  Library,  City  of  London. 

Society  of  Antiquaries  of  London. 

Royal  Archaeological  Institute  of  Great  Britain  and  Ireland. 

British  Archaeological  Association. 

Royal  Anthropological  Institute  of  Great  Britain  and  Ireland. 

Society  of  Antiquaries  of  Scotland. 

Royal  Society  of  Antiquaries  of  Ireland. 

Royal  Irish  Academy. 

Royal  Dublin  Society. 

The  British  School  at  Rome. 

Associated  Architectural  Societies  of  the  Midlands. 

Bristol  and  Gloucestershire  Archaeological  Society. 

Bristol  Naturalists'  Society. 

Cambrian  Archaeological  Association. 

Cambridge  Antiquarian  Society. 

Chester  and  North  Wales  Archaeological  and  Historic  Society. 

Clifton  Antiquarian  Club. 

Cornwall,  Royal  Institution  of. 

Cumberland  and  Westmorland  Archaeological  Society. 

Derbyshire  Archaeological  and  Natural  History  Society. 

Dorset  Natural  History  and  Antiquarian  Field  Club. 


158  Corresponding  Societies. 

Essex  Archaeological  Society. 

Essex  Field  Club. 

Hampshire  Field  Club  and  Archaeological  Society. 

Hertfordshire  Natural  History  Society. 

Kent  Archaeological  Society. 

Lancashire  and  Cheshire  Historic  Society. 

Liverpool  Literary  and  Philosophical  Society. 

London  and  Middlesex  Archaeological  Society. 

Manchester  Literary  and  Philosophical  Society. 

Newcastle-on-Tyne,  Society  of  Antiquaries  of. 

Northamptonshire  Natural  History  Society. 

Plymouth  Institution  and  Devon  and  Cornwall  N.  H.  Society. 

Powys-Land  Club,  Montgomeryshire. 

Shropshire  Archaeological  and  Natural  History  Society. 

Suffolk  Institute  of  Archaeology  and  Natural  History. 

Surrey  Archaeological  Society. 

Sussex  Archaeological  Society. 

Thoresby  Society,  Leeds. 

Wiltshire  Archaeological  and  Natural  History  Society. 

Yorkshire  Archaeological  Society. 

Geologists'  Association. 

Architectural  and  Topographical  Society. 

The  Antiquary. 

The  Scottish  Historical  Review. 

Canadian  Institute. 

Old  Colony  Historical  Society,  Taunton,  Mass.,  U.S.A. 

New  England  Historic  Genealogical  Society. 

Smithsonian  Institution,  Washington,  U.S.A. 

Bureau  of  American  Ethnology,  Washington,  U.S.A. 

United  States  National  Museum,  Washington,  U.S.A. 


list  of  Members,  J910-H. 


Those  marked  :|'  are  Life  Members. 

Those  marked  f  are  Members  of  the  General  Committee. 
Those  marked  J  are  Honorary  and  Corresponding  Members. 

1900  ABBOT,  H.  NAPIER,  5,  Downside  Road,  Clifton. 

1880  fAcLAND,  Sir  C.  T.  D.,  Bart.,  Killer  ton  Park,  Exeter,  V.P. 

1905  ADAMS  E.  CAY,  Brentwood,  Combe  Down,  Bath. 

1905  ALDRIDGF,  Rev.  G.  DE  Y.,  Kingweston  Rectory,  Somerton. 

1897  f  ALFORD,  Rev.  D.  P.,  South  View,  South  Road,  Taunton. 

1899  ALFORD,  Rev.  MARTIN*,  Eversleigh,  Minehead. 

1903  ALFORD,  Mrs.  MARTIN,  „  „ 

1907  ALFORD,  Robert,  Heale  House,  Curry  Rivel. 
1910  ALFORD,  Mrs.  Robert,  Heale  House,  Curry  Rivel. 
1910  ALLEN,  Mrs.  ARTHUR,  Stocklinch  Manor,  Ilminster. 
1884  ALLEN/F.  J.  M.D.,  8,  Halifax  Road,  Cambridge. 

1908  ALLEYNE,  Miss  H.  M.,  The  Lawn,  Staplegrove,  Taunton. 
1896  ALLHUSEN,  WILTON,  Pinhay,  Lyme  Regis. 

1910  ALTHAM,  Rev.  A.  SURTEES,  The  Rectory,  Dowlish  Wake, 
Ilminster. 

1900  ANDREW,  T.  H.,  North  wood,  Minehead. 

1901  ANSTICE,  Rev.  J.  B.,  3,  Prews  Terrace,  Burnham. 

1902  APLIN,  J.  SHORLAND,  Yeovil. 

1904  ARDEN-DAVIS,  Rev.  R.,  The  Vicarage,  Clevedon. 

1908  ARMITAGE,  A.,  Worcester  Court,  Worcester  Park,  Surrey. 
1910  ARMSTRONG,  Rev.  W.  D.  H.,  The  Rectory,  Ilchester. 
1907  ARNOLD,  T.  P.,  Marsh  House,  Kingston,  Taunton. 

1909  ASHBY,  FRANCIS,  Sidcot,  Winscombe. 

1903  ASHMAN,  T.  R.,  Devonshire  Cottage,  Wells  Road.  Bath. 
1876  ASHWORTH-HALLET,  Mrs.,  Claverton  Lo.,  Bathwick  Hill,  Bath. 


160  List  of  Members,  1910-11. 

1894  |  ASKWITH,  Yen.  Archdeacon,  St.  Mary's  Vicarage,  Taunton. 

1899  ATCHLEY,  Rev.  H.  G.  S.,  Oakhill  Vicarage,  Bath. 

1884  ATKINS,  J.  M.,  9,  High  Street,  Wells. 

1908  ATTWOOD,  GEO.,  M.I.C.B.,  F.G.S.,  Steynings  Manor,  Stogursey. 
1888  AUSTEN,  Eev.  E.  G.,  Berrow  Vicarage,  Burnham. 

1909  AUSTIN,  EUPERT  C.,  A.R.I.B.A.,  Old  Queen  St.,  Westminster,  S.W. 

1910  AUSTIN,  STANLEY,  Brookfield,  Blagdou  Hill,  Taunton. 
1897  AVELINE,  H.  T.  S.,  Cotford,  Norton  Fitz warren,  Taunton. 
1879  BADCOCK,  DANIEL,  Kilve  Court,  Bridgwater. 

1901  BADCOCK,  Miss  HENRIETTA,  Euston  Lodge,  Taunton. 

1872  tBADCocK,  H.  J.,  Broadlands,  Taunton,  Trustee,  Joint  Treasurer. 

1891  BAGEHOT,  Mrs.  WALTER,  Herds  Hill,  Langport. 
1909  BAILY,  A.  A.,  Wanganella,  Eectory  Eoad,  Burnham. 

1909  BAILY,  Mrs.  A.  A.,         „  „                    „ 
1888  +BAILWARD,  T.  H.  M.,  Manor  House,  Horsington,  V.P. 

1910  BAKER,  ARTHUR  E.,  Public  Library,  Taunton. 

1883  f  BAKER,  E.  E.,  F.S.A.,  The  Glebe  House,  Weston -super- Mare. 

1910  BAKER,  Mrs.  PROCTOR,  Castle,  Wiveliscombe  (deceased). 

1892  BAKER,  Eev.  S.  O.,  10,  Caledonia  Place,  Clifton. 
1897  BAKER,  W.  T.,  Elsmere,  Northfield,  Bridgwater. 

1908  BALDOCK,  Colonel  W.,  Snnnycroft,  Wellington. 

1909  BARCLAY,  FERGUSSON,  Manor  Mead,  Weston-supe.r-Mare. 
1904  BARNES,  W.  F.,  High  Street,  Shepton  Mallet. 

1906  BARNICOTT,  PERCY  J.,  Hill  Rise,  Taunton. 
1894  BARNSTAPLE  ATHENAEUM,  North  Devon. 

1902  BARNWELL,  Eev.  Preb.  H.  L.,  St.  John's  Vicarage,  Glastonbury. 
1875  BARRETT,  JONATHAN,  Ashfield  Lodge,  Taunton. 

1872  BARRETT,  Major,  Moredon  House,  North  Curry. 

1908  BARRETT,  Miss,  Ashfield  Lodge,  Taunton. 

1896  BARSTOW,  J.  J.  JACKSON,  The  Lodge,  Weston-super-Marc. 

1891  BARTELOT,  Eev.  E.  G.,  Fordington  St.  George,  Dorchester. 

1908  BASTARD,  Eev.  J.  M.,  The  Vicarage,  Wilton,  Taunton. 

1904  t*BATH,  The  Most  Noble  the  Marquess  of,  Longleat,  Warminster, 
V,P. 

1907  BATH,  The  Corporation  of,  Guildhall,  Bath,  (Reference  Library.) 
1887  BATTEN,  Henry  B.,  Aldon,  Yeovil. 

1886  BATTEN,  H.  GARY  G.,  Leigh  Lodge,  Abbot's  Leigh,  Bristol. 


List  of  Members,  1910-11.  161 

1899  BATTEN,  Mrs.  H.  GARY  G.,  Leigh  Lodge,  Abbot's  Leigh,  Bristol. 
1903  BATTEN.  H.  C.  GARY,  „  „  „ 
1897  BATTEN,  JOHN  BEARDMORE,             „                    „  „ 
1886  BATTEN,  H.  PHELIPS,  Lufton,  Yeovil. 

1886  BATTEN,    Col.    J.    MOUNT,    C.B.,    Mornington    Lodge,    West 

Kensington,  W.,  and  Upcerne,  Dorchester. 

1907  BAYNES,  Rev.  Preb.  R.  E.,  The  Lammas,  Minchinhampton. 

1908  BAYNHAM,  Rev.  A.  W.,  The  Vicarage,  Ash  Priors,  Taunton. 

1908  BAZELL,  G.,  Hymens  College,  Hull. 
1903  BEALE,  FRANK,  Bank  House,  Clevedon. 

1873  *BEDDOE,  J.,  M.D.,  LL.D.,  F.R.S.,  The  Chantry,  Bradford-on-Avon. 

1909  BELCHER,  WALTER,  Fore  Street,  Bridgwater. 

1897  BELL,  Rev.  W.  A.,  Charlynch  Rectory,  Bridgwater. 

1906  BENNETT,  Rev.  F.  S.  M.,  Ha  warden  Rectory,  Chester. 
1891  BENNETT,  Mrs.,  2,  Bradmore  Road,  Oxford. 

1908  BENNETT,  GEO.  WHEATLEY,  i.s.o. 

1911  BENSON,  P.  G.  R.,  Bishops  Lydeard  House,  Taunton. 

1893  BENTLEY,  F.  J.  R.,  Woodlands,  Wellington. 

1895  BfiRE,  CHARLES,  The  Lodge,  Milverton. 

1909  BERESFORD,  Rev.  Preb.  J.,  St.  Cuthbert's  Vicarage,  Wells. 

1907  BERRYMAN,  F.  H.,  Field  House,  Shepton  Mallet. 

1898  BEKTHON,  Mrs.,  North  Curry. 

1883  BICKNELL,  A.  S.,  Barcombe  House,  Barcombe,  Sussex. 

1900  BIGGS,  W.  B.,  Barry  Lodge,  Weston-super-Mare. 

1907  BIRKBECK,  L.  C.  H.,  Church  Square,  Taunton. 

1908  BIRKS,  Rev.  J.,  F.G.S.,  18,  Belvedere  Road,  Taunton. 

1910  BLACK,  W.  N.,  Otterhead,  Taunton. 

1902  BLAKE,  Colonel  M.  LOCKE,  Bridge  House,  South  Petherton. 

1908  BLAKE,  E.  J.  The  Old  House,  Crewkerne. 

1911  BLAKE,  ROBERT,  Yeabridge,  South  Petherton. 
1911  BLAKE,  Mrs.  R.,         ,,  „  ,, 

1908  BLAKE,  W.  FAREWELL,  Bridge  House,  South  Petherton. 

1891  BLATHWAYT,  Lt.-Col.  LINLEY,  F.L.S.,  Eagle  House,  Batheaston. 

1910  BLATHWAYT,  R.  W.,  Dyiham  Park,  Chippenham. 

1887  BLATHWAYT,  Rev.  WYNTER  E.,  Dyrham  Rectory,  Chippenham. 

1908  BLATHWAYT,  G.  W.  WYNTER,  Melksham  House,  JST.  Wilts. 

1909  BOGUE,  W.  A.,  F.E.S.,  Wilts  and  Dorset  Bank,  Watchet. 

Vol.  L  VI  (Third  Series,  Vol.  X  VI),  Part  II.  I 


162  List  of  Members,  1910-11. 

1903  fBoND,  F.  BLIGH,  F.R.I.B.A.,  Star  Life  Chambers,  Bristol ;  and 

The  Guild  House,  Glastonbury. 

1897  BOND,  Rev.  R.  S.,  Thome  Rectory,  Yeovil. 

1909  BONUS,  Maj,  General  J.,  R.E.,  Southfield  House,  near  Frome. 

1898  BOODLE,  R.  W.,  7,  Pershore  Road,  Birmingham. 
1905       BOORD,  PERCY,  Junior  Carlton  Club,  Pall  Mall,  S.W. 

1887       BOSTON   PUBLIC   LIBRARY,   U.S.A.,  per   Kegan  Paul,  Triibner 
and  Co.,  Dryden  House,  43,  Gerrard  Street,  London,  W. 

1896  BOTHAMLEY,  Rev.  Preb.  H.,  Richmond  Lodge,  Bath. 
1892       BOTHAMLEY,  C.  H.,  Weston-super-Mare. 

1878       BOUVERIE,  H.  H.  PLEYDELL,  Brymore,  Bridgwater. 

1908       BOWES-LYON,  The  Hon.  FRANCIS,  Norton  Manor,  Taunton. 

1908       BOWNES,  Mrs.,  Creech  St.  Michael,  Taunton. 

1905  BOYLE,  Lady,  63,  Queen's  Gate,  London,  S.W. 

1910  BOYLE,  Lt.-Col.  A.  G.,  39,  Gay  Street,  Bath. 

1904  BOYLE,  MONTGOMERIE,  The  Manor,  Staple  Fitzpaine,  Taunton. 

1906  f  BOYLE,  R.  C.,  The  Grove,  Cheddon  Fitzpaine,  Joint  Treasurer. 

1897  BOYS,  Rev.  H.  A.,  North  Cadbury  Rectory,  S.O.  Somerset. 

1905  BRADFORD,  A.  E.,  Hendford  Cottage,  Yeovil. 
1905       BRADFORD,  Mrs.  A.  E.,  „  „  „ 
1908       BRADFORD,  Mrs.  JOHN,  Ashfield,  Martock. 
1910       BRADFORD,  Mrs.,  Penn  House,  Yeovil. 

1902  BRAITHWAITE,  JOSEPH  BEVAN,  The  Highlands,  New  Barnet. 

1903  BRAITHWAITE,  JOHN  B.,  Ferniehurst,  Hampstead  Way,  Golder's 

Green,  N.W. 

1908       BRAITHWAITE,  J.  F.,  Caerleon,  Northumberland  Road,  Willen- 
hall  Park,  New  Barnet. 

1899  BRAMBLE,  Miss  E.  M.,  Caerleon,  Weston-super-Mare. 

1910       BRAMWELL,  Rev.  ERNEST,  The  Vicarage,  Burlescombe,  Devon. 
1908       BRANCKER,  Rev.  P.  W.,  Brent  Knoll  Vicarage,  Highbridge. 
1910       BRIDGWATER  FIELD  CLUB,  (Henry  Corder,  Hon.  Sec.) 

1910  BRIGGS,  CHARLES  A.,  Rock  House,  Lynmouth,  R.S.O. 

1902       BRISTOL  PUBLIC  LIBRARY,  (E.  R.  N.  Ma  thews,  Librarian.) 
1889       BROADMEAD,  W,  B.,  Enmore  Castle,  Bridgwater. 
1908       BROCKINGTON,  Rev.  A.  ALLEN,  The  Vicarage,  Carhampton. 
1877       BRODERIP,  EDMUND,  Cossington  Manor,  Bridgwater. 

1911  BRODERIP,  EDMUND  F.,  Filey,  Weston-super-Mare. 


List  of  Members,  1910-11.  163 

1898       BROWN,  DAVID,  Estayne  House,  Wellington  Road,  Taunton. 
1882       BROWN,  JOHN,  Wadeford  House,  Chard. 

1905  BROWN,  ROBERT,  Brent  Lodge,  Taunton  Road,  Bridgwater. 
1886       BROWN,  W.  H.  M.,  Highneld,  Sherborne. 

1911       BROOKES,  G.,  Somerset  County  Herald  Office,  Taunton. 

1906  BRUTON,  F.  A.,  2,  Clyde  Road,  West  Didsbury,  Manchester. 

1886  BRUTTON,  J.,  7,  Princes  Street,  Yeovil. 

1909       BRYMER,  Yen.  Archdeacon  F.  A.,  Charlton  Mackrell  Rectory, 
Somerton. 

1906  BUCKLAND,  J.  C.,  4,  East  Street,  Taunton. 

1881  BULL,  Rev.  T.  WILLIAMSON,  Charlecote,  Lansdown,  Bath. 
1893  fBuLLEiD,  ARTHUR,  F.S.A.,  Dymboro,  Midsomer  Norton,  Bath. 

1905  BULLEID,  Mrs.  ARTHUR,  „  ,, 
1909       BULLER,  W.  A ,  The  Croft,  Wiveliscombe. 

1909  BURN,  R.  CHRISTIE,  Sidcot  School,  Winscombe. 
1902  jBuRNELL,  C.  E.,  Henley,  Shepton  Mallet. 

1910  BURT,  SAMUEL,  Woodstock,  Hendford,  Yeovil. 
1892       BUSH,  R.  C.,  1,  Winifred's  Dale,  Bath. 
1892  fBusH,  THOS.  S.,  20,  Camden  Crescent,  Bath. 
1904       BUSH,  Mrs.  T.  S., 

1898  BUTLER..  W.  B.,  The  Bank,  High  Street,  Taunton. 

1910  BYNE,  Major  R.  MM  10,  Tregonwell  Road,  Minehead. 

1911  BYRCHMORE,  Rev.  J.,  West  Hatch  Vicarage,  Taunton. 

1907  CAMERON,  A.  C.  G.,  H.  M.  Geological  Survey  (retired),  Har- 

combe  Bank,  Uplyme,  Devon. 

1901       CAPEL,  ARTHUR,  Bulland  Lodge,  Wiveliscombe. 
1909       CAROE,  W.  D.,  F.S.A.,  3,  Great  College  St.,  Westminster,  S.W. 

1906  CARR,  JONATHAN,  Wood  House,  Twerton,  Bath. 

1908  CARR,  THOS.,  Poolemeade,  Twerton,  Bath. 

1882  CARTWRIGHT,  Rev.  H.  A.,  3,  St.  Michael's  Mount,  Honiton. 

1887  -J-CASH,  J.  O.,  High  Street,  Wincanton. 

1899  CAYLEY,  Rev.  R.  A.,  Stowell  Rectory,  Sherborne. 

1895       CHADWYCK-HEALEY,  Chancellor  Sir  C.  E.  H.,  K.C.B.,  Wyphurst, 
Cranleigh ;  and  Harcourt  Ho.,  Cavendish  Sq.,  London. 

1909  CHAFFEY,  B.,  Wilts  and  Dorset  Bank,  Salisbury. 

1910  CHAFFEY,  Capt.  R.  S.  C.,  East  Stoke  House,  Stoke-under-Hanu 
1857       CHAFYN-GROVE,  G.  TROYTE,  F.S.A.,  North  Coker  Ho.,  Yeovil. 


1 64  List  of  Members,  1910-11. 

1905  CHAMBERLAIN,  G.  P.,  The  Grove,  Staplegrove. 

1908       CHAMBERS,  E.W.,  Castle  Hill  House,  Nether  Stowey,Bridg  water. 

1907  CHANNER,  J.  S.,  Bishop's  Hull,  Taunton. 
1902       CHANT,  T.  W.,  Stowe  Lodge,  Watford,  Herts. 

1906  CHANTER,  Rev.  J.  F.,  The  Rectory,  Parracombe,  S.O. 

1874  CHAPMAN,  A.  ALLAN,  10,  Elm  Grove,  Taunton. 
1906       CHAPMAN,  ERNEST  M.,  Wyndham,  Wilton,  Taunton. 
1910       CHAPMAN,  11.  T.,  1,  Chapel  Row,  Bath. 

1904       CHARBONNIER,  T.,  Art  Gallery,  Lynmouth. 

1908  CHATER,  A.  G.,  41,  Porchester  Square,  London,  W. 

1909  CHEALES,  Rev.  ALAN,  Hagworthingham,  Clevedon. 

1875  CHEETHAM,  F.  H.,  Triscombe  House,  Taunton. 

1904       CHICHESTER,  Mrs.  C.,  Hazelcroft,  Horsington,  Templecombe. 

1892  tCmsHOLM-BATTEN,  Lieut.-Col.  J.  F.,  Thornfalcon,  Taunton; 

and  AthenEeum  Club,  Pall  Mall,  S.W.,  Trustee. 

1863  ICHURCH,  Rev.  Canon,  F.S.A.,  Sub-Dean,  Wells,  V.P. 

1908  CLARIDGE,  E.  H.,  London  Hotel,  Taunton. 
1895       CLARK,  F.  J.,  F.L.S.,  Netherleigh,  Street. 
1902       CLARK,  JOHN  B .,  Overleigh  House,  Street. 

1902  CLARK,  ROGER,  Street. 

1873  fCLARK,  W.  S.,  Mill  Field,  Street. 

1849       CLARKE,  A.  A.,  13,  Vicars'  Close,  Wells. 

1893  CLARKE,  C.  P.,  Lightcliffe,  Staplegrove,  Taunton. 

1909  CLARKE,  FREDERIC  S.,  Elmswood,  Taunton. 

1901       CLARKE,  Major  R.  STUART,  Bishop's  Hull,  Taunton. 
1899       CLATWORTHY,  ELAND,  Fairlawn,  Trull,  Taunton. 

1904  CLATWORTHY,  Mrs.  E.,       „  „  „ 

1910  CLELAND,  JOHN,  M.D.,  LL.D.,  D.SC.,  F.R.S.,  Drumclog,  Crewkerne. 
1910       CLELAND,  Mrs.  A.  M.  S.,  Drumclog,  Crewkerne. 

1905  CLEMENTS,  T.  W.,  The  Park,  Yeovil. 

1909       CLERK,  Mrs.  R.  MILDMAY,  Charlton  House,  Shepton  Mallet. 

1903  CLOTHIER,  Miss  C.  B.,  Wraxhill,  Street. 
1884       CLOTHIER,  S.  T.,  Leigholt,  Street. 

1860  tCoLEMAN,  Rev.  Preb.  J.,  The  Abbey,  Romsey,  Hants. 

1882  fCoLEMAN,  Rev.  J.  J.,  The  Rectory,  Stratton-on-the- Fosse. 

1901  ICoLES,  JOHN,  Junr.,  6,  Keyford  Terrace,  Frome. 
1891       COLES,  Rev.  V.  S.  S.,  19,  Fore  Street,  Seaton. 


List  of  Members,  1910-11.  165 

1894  COLLINS,  Rev.  J.  A.  W.,  Newton  St.  Cyres  Vicarage,  Exeter. 

1910  COLLINS,  W.  BEALE,  Princes  Street,  Yeovil. 

1907  COLLINS,  W.  GROSETT,  The  Priory,  Cannington,  Bridgwater. 
1898  COLTHURST,  G.  E.,  Northfield,  Taunton. 

1908  COMMANS,  JOHN  E.,  11,  Brock  Street,  Bath. 

1909  CONEY,  GERALD  B.,  The  Hall,  Batcombe,  Evercreech. 

1909  COOK,  Rev.  Preb.  E.  B.,  St.  Martin's  Vic.,  Potternewton,  Leeds. 

1910  COOPER,  H.  MONTAGUE,  29,  East  Street,  Taunton. 

1904  COPLESTON,  F.  S.,  Claremont,  Trull. 

1876  CORNER,  H.,  Holly  Lodge,  North  Town,  Taunton. 

1892  CORNER,  EDWARD. 

1876  CORNISH,  Rt.  Rev.  CHAS.  E.,  Bishop  of  Grahamstown,  S.  Africa. 

1896  CORNISH,  R.,  Cedar  House,  Axminster,  Devon. 
1891  COTCHING,  W.  G.,  Wild  Oak,  Taunton. 

1897  COTTAM,  A.  BASIL,  Bramblecroft,  Durleigh  Road,  Bridgwater. 

1903  COTTER,  Rev.  L.  RUTLEDGE,  The  Rectory,  West  Coker. 
1910  COUCH,  Rev.  E.  AMBROSE,  Stogumber  Vicarage,  Taunton. 
1907  COURT,  Rev.  LEWIS  H.,  Brendon,  Salcombe  Road,  Plymouth. 

1906  COWAN,  T.  W.,  F.L.S.,  F.G.S.,  Upcott  House,  Bishop's  Hull. 
1879  Cox,  HERBERT,  Williton. 

1907  CRAVEN,  CAMPBELL  J.,  11,  Lansdown  PI.,  Victoria  Sq.,  Clifton. 
1890  CRESPI,  A.  J.  H.,  M.D.,  Cooma,  Poole  Road,  Wimborne. 

1896  CUTLER,  JONATHAN,  Richmond  House,  Wellington. 
1910  DAMON,  EDMUND,  Ellisfield,  Summerlands,  Yeovil. 

1897  DAMPIER-BIDE,  THOS.  WM.,  Kingston  Manor,  Yeovil. 

1868  DANIEL,  Rev.  H.  A.,  Manor  Ho.,  Stockland  Bristol,  Bridgwater. 

1875  DANIEL,  Rev.  Preb.  W.  E.,  Horsington  Rectory,  Ternplecoinbe. 

1882  DAUBENEY,  W.  A.,  Clevelands,  near  Dawlish. 

1907  DAUBENY,  Major  E.  A.,  The  Mount  House,  Milverton. 

1909  DAVEY,  JAMES,  Parr's  Bank,  Bartholomew  Lane,  London,  E.G. 

1905  DAVIES,  Maj. GRIFFITH,  May  Bank,  Manor  Rd.,Weston-s.-Mare» 

1904  DAVIES,  H.  N.,  F.G.S.,  St.  Chad's,  Shrubbery,  Weston-s.-Mare* 
1874  DAVIES,  J.  TREVOR,  Yeovil. 

1893  DAVIS,  Mrs.,  The  Warren,  North  Curry. 

1909  DAVIS,  Rev.  T.  H.,  Mus.  Doc.,  The  Liberty,  Wells. 

1910  DAWE,  W.  J.,  Holmdene,  The  Park,  Yeovil. 


166  List  of  Members,  1910-11. 

1863  JDAWKINS,   Prof.   W.   BOYD,   D.SC.,   F.R.S.,    F.S.A.,   Fallowfield 
House,  Fallowfield,  Manchester. 

1896  tDAY,  H.  C.  A.,  Oriel  Lodge,  Walton-by-Clevedori,  Som. 
1903  DENING,  S.  H.,  Crimchard  House,  Chard. 

1897  DENMAN,  T.  ISAAC,  13,  Princes  Street,  Yeovil. 
1887  DERHAM,  HENRY,  Sneyd  Park  House,  Clifton. 

1891  DERHAM,  WALTER,  Junior  Carlton  Club,  London,  S.W. 

1907  DERRICK,  W.  H.,  The  Cottage,  Dinder,  Wells. 

1908  DE  SALIS,  Rev.  Preb.  C.  F.,  The  Rectory,  Weston-s.-Mare. 

1898  DICKINSON,  R.  E.,  65,  South  Audley  St.,  Mayfair,  London,  W. 
1908  DINHAM,  Mrs.  H.,  1,  Park  Terrace,  Taunton. 

1875  DOBREE,  S.,  The  Priory,  Wellington. 

1874  DOBSON,  Mrs.,  Oakwood,  Bath  wick  Hill,  Bath. 

1900  fDoDD,  Rev.  J.  A.,  Winscombe  Vicarage,  Weston-super-Mare. 

1880  DOGGETT,  H.  GREENFIELD,  Springhill,  Leigh  Woods,  Clifton. 

1910  DOIDGE,  HARRIS,  The  Cottage,  Staplegrove,  Taunton. 

1906  DONALDSON,  J.  T.  G.,  Deefa,  Prince's  Road,  Clevedon. 

1896  DOWELL,  Mrs.  A.  G.,  The  Hermitage,  Glastonbury. 

1898  DRAYTON,  W.,  2,  The  Crescent,  Taunton. 

1903  DUBERLY,  Miss,  Ashington,  Wild  Oak,  Trull,  Taunton. 

1908  DUCKET,  Rev.  E.  A.,  Holy  Trinity  Vicarage,  Taunton. 

1906  DUCKET,  Mrs.,  „  ,,  „ 

1884  DUCKWORTH,  Rev.  W.  A.,  Orchardleigh  Park,  Frome. 

1898  DUDER,  JOHN,  Tregedna,  The  Avenue,  Taunton. 

1894  DUDMAN,  Miss  CATHERINE  L.,  Pitney  House,  Langport. 

1905  DUNHAM,  D.,  24,  Park  Hill  Road,  East  Finchley,  London,  W. 

1910  DUNN,  JAMES,  Ivythorne  Manor,  Street. 

1910  DUNN,  Mrs.  J.,       „  „  „ 

1877  DUPUIS,  Rev.  Preb.  T.  C.,  The  Vicarage,  Burnham. 

1893  DYKE,  C.  W.  P.,  2,  West  Cliff  Mansions,  Eastbourne. 

1900  DYNE,  Rev.  W.  T.,  Evercreech  Vicarage,  Bath. 
1896  DYSON,  JOHN,  Moorlands,  Crewkerne. 

1910  EASTMENT,  F.  M.,  Drayton  Court,  Curry  Rivel. 

1911  EASTON,  PERCY  P.,  County  Club,  Worthing. 

1901  IEASTWOOD,  A.  E.,  Leigh  Court,  Taunton. 
1880  EDEN,  Mrs.,  The  Grange,  Kingston,  Taunton. 
1905  EDMUNDS,  Mrs.  H.  M.,  Kildare,  Winscombe. 


List  of  Members,  1910-11.  1 67 

1899       ELTON,  AMBROSE,  3,  Woolley  Street,  Bradford-on-Avon,  Wilts. 

1881  fELTON,  Sir  E.  H.,  Bart.,  Clevedon  Court,  V.P. 

1 908       EMERSON,  Maj. -General  A. L.,  Westerkirk,  Staplegrove, Taunton. 

1875       ESDAILE,  C.  E.  J.,  Cothelestone  House,  Taunton. 

1875       ESDAILE,  GEO.,  Old  Rectory,  Platt-in-Rusholme,  Manchester. 

1875  ESDAILE,  Rev.  W.,  Park  View,  Burley  Manor,  Ringwood. 
1906       ETHERINGTON,  Rev.  F.  MCDONALD,  The  Vicarage,  Minehead. 

1906  EVANS,  Miss  ANNE,  Belmont,  Taunton. 
1908       EVANS,  Miss  EMILY  B., 

1907  EVANS,  CHAS.  E.,  Nailsea  Court,  Somerset. 

1899       EVENS,  J.  W.,  Gable  End,  Walton  Park,  Clevedon. 
1890       EWING,  Mrs.,  The  Lawn,  Taunton. 

1910  EXETER  PUBLIC  LIBRARY  (H.  Tapley-Soper,  City  Librarian). 

1904  FARRER,  Rev.  Preb.  WALTER,  The  Vicarage,  Chard. 

1905  *FARWELL,   The    Rt.    Hon.    Lord  Justice,   P.C.,    15,   Southwell 

Gardens,  London,  S.W.,  and  Knowle,  Dunster. 

1911  FAUSSET,  Rev.  W.  YORKE,  The  Vicarage,  Cheddar. 

1910       FEARNSIDES,  J.  W.,  Knapp  House,  Preston  Plucknett,  Yeovil. 

1908  FENTON,  Rev.  A.  E.,  Bartletts,  Milverton. 
1898       FISHER,  SAMUEL,  Hovelands,  Taunton. 

1898       FISHER,  W.  H.,  Elmhurst,  North  Town,  Taunton. 
1893       FLIGG,  WM.,  M.B.,  28,  Montpelier,  Weston-super-Mare. 

1908  FORBES,  B.  R.  M.,  Moraston,  Clevedon. 

1883       FOSTER,  E.  A.,  South  Hill,  Kingskerswell,  Devon. 

1909  FOSTER,  Rev.  A.  M.,  Sampford  Brett  Rectory,  Williton. 

1895  FOWLER,  GERALD,  Ermington,  Haines  Hill,  Taunton. 
1909       Fox,  Mrs.  C.  H.,  Shute  Leigh,  Wellington. 

1874  Fox,  F.  F,  F.S.A.,  Yate  House,  Yate,  R.S.O.,  Gloucester. 

1896  Fox,  Rev.  J.  C.,  Templecombe  Rectory. 

1906  Fox,  THOMAS,  Old  Way  House,  Wellington. 

1876  FOXCROFT,  E.  T.  D.,  Hinton  Charterhouse,  Bath. 

1907  FOXWELL,  Professor  H.  S.,  1,  Harvey  Road,  Cambridge. 
1876  IFRANKLIN,  H.,  St.  Michael's,  Taunton. 

1875  FROME  LITERARY  AND  SCIENTIFIC  INSTITUTION. 

1881  tFRY,  The  Rt.  Hon.  Sir  Edw.,  G.C.B.,  P.O.,  D.C.L.,  F.R.S.,  etc., 

late  Lord  Justice  of  Appeal,  Failand  House,  Bristol,  V.P. 

1893  tFRY,  E.  A.,  227,  Strand,  London,  W.C. 


168  List  of  Members,  1910-11. 

1895       FRY,  Mrs.  E.  A.,  Thornhill,  Kenley,  Surrey. 
1906       FRY,  Miss  RENEE,     ,,  ,,  ,, 

1898  tFRY,  FRANCIS  J.,  Cricket  St.  Thomas,  Chard,  V.P. 
1909       FRY,  Miss  NORAH  L.,  Cricket  St.  Thomas,  Chard. 
1871  tGALE,  Rev.  Preb.  I.  S.,  St.  Anne's  Orchard,  Malvern. 

1895  GALPIN,  WM.,  Horwood,  Wincanton. 

1909  GARDNER,  E.  COURTNEY,  Capital  and  Counties  Bank,  Romsey. 

1904  GAWEN,  C.  R.,  Spring  Grove,  Milverton. 

1906       GEORGE,  CHAS.  W.,  51,  Hampton  Road,  Bristol. 
1908       GERVIS,  HENRY,  M.D.,  F.S.A.,  15,  Royal  Crescent,  Bath. 
1908       GIBBON,  Rev.  HENRY,  He  Brewers  Vicarage,  Taunton. 

1910  GIBBS,  GEO.,  Staplegrove  Road,  Taunton. 

1887  *GiBBS,  HENRY  MARTIN,  Barrow  Court,  Barrow  Gurney. 
1884       GIFFORD,  J.  WM.,  Oaklands,  Chard. 

1887  GILES,  A.  H.,  Westwood,  Grove  Park  Road,  Weston-s.-Mare, 

1899  GODDARD,  H.  R,,  Apse,  South  Road,  Taunton. 

1906  GOLDNEY,  Sir  PRIOR,  Bart.,  c.v.o.,  C.B.,  Derriads,  Chippenharn ;. 

and  Manor  House,  Halse,  Taunton. 
1897       GOOD,  THOS.,  Castle  Bailey,  Bridgwater. 
1910       GOODDEN,  J.  B.  H.,  The  Manor  House,  West  Coker,  Yeovil. 
1902       GOODING,  W.  F.,  Durleigh  Elm,  Bridgwater. 
1899       GOODLAND,  CHAS.  J.,  Elm  Bank,  The  Avenue,  Taunton. 
1908       GOODLAND,  C.  HAROLD,  4,  North  Town  Terrace,  Taunton. 

1907  GOODLAND,  ROGER,  535,  Columbus  Avenue,  Boston,  Mass. 

1908  GOODLAND,  E.  STANLEY,  1,  Elm  Grove,  Taunton. 
1899       GOODMAN,  ALFRED  E.,  8,  Osborne  Terrace,  Taunton; 

1896  GOODMAN,  EDWIN,  Yarde  House,  Taunton. 

1907       GOODMAN,  SYDNEY  C.  N.,  4,  Paper  Buildings,  Inner  Temple, 
London ;  and  Oaklands,  Ashtead,  Surrey. 

1905  GOUDGE,  Rev.  Preb.  H.  L.,  Theological  College,  Wells. 
1889       GOUGH,  W.,  The  Turret,  Grove  Park  Road,  Weston-s.-Mare, 

1906  GRAHAM,  ARTHUR  R.,  The  Cottage,  Kingsdon,  Taunton. 

1888  GRANT,  Lady,  Logie  Elphinstone,  Pitcaple,  Aberdeenshire. 
1892  f  GRANT,  Rev.  Preb.  C.,  St.  Benignus'  Vicarage,  Glastonbury. 
1861       GREEN,  E.,  F.S.A.,  Devonshire  Club,  St.  James's  St.,  London^ 

1909  GREEN,  Rev.  H.  J.,  The  Vicarage,  Dulverton. 
1905       GREENSLADE,  W.  R.  J.,  Fan-field,  Trull,  Taunton. 


List  of  Members,  1910-11.  169" 

1902  GREGORY,  GEO.,  5,  Argyle  Street,  Bath. 

1892  fGRESWELL,  Rev.  W.  H.  P.,  F.R.G.S.,  Dodington,  Bridgwater. 

1903  GREY,  GERALD  J.,  Collina  House,  Bath  wick  Hill,  Bath. 

1902  GRUBB,  JOHN,  The  Down,  Winscombe,  Som. 

1898       GURNEY,  Rev.  H.  F.  S.,  The  Vicarage,  Stoke  St.  Gregory. 
1910       GUEST,  The  LADY  THEODORA,  Inwood,  Templecombe. 
1910       HALL,  JOHN  G.,  2,  Coombe  Hill  Villas,  Clevedon. 
1887       HALL,  Rev.  H.  F.,  Leasbrook,  Dixton,  Monmouth  (deceased). 
1909       HALLETT,  H.  H.,  Bridge  House,  Taunton. 

1907  HAMILTON,  Mrs.  E.  C.,  Withy  pool,  Exford,  Taunton. 

1908  HAMILTON,  Mrs.  S.  E.,  Fyne  Court,  Bridgwater. 

1896  f  HAMLET,  Rev.  Preb.  J.,  Shepton  Beauchamp  Rectory,  Ilminster. 

1909  HAMMETT,  Miss  LYDIA,  8,  The  Crescent,  Taunton. 

1898       HAMMET,  W.  J.,  St.  Bernard's,  Upper  High  St.,  Taunton. 

1887  t HANCOCK,  Rev.  Preb.  F.,  F.S.A.,  The  Priory,  Dunster. 

1910  HANCOCK,  R.  DONNE,  Blake's  House,  Halse,  Taunton. 

1910  HANCOCK,  Mrs.  R.  D.,  ,,  ,,          ,, 

1886  f HARBIN,    Rev.    E.    H.    BATES,    Newton    Surmaville,    Yeovil,, 
President,  and  General  Secretary. 

1903  HARE,  SHOLTO  H.,  F.R.G.S.,  Montebello,  Weston-super-Mare. 

1904  HARFORD,  Rev.  Canon  E.  J.,  Wells. 

1908  HARLAND,  Rev.  R.,  The  Vicarage,  Nether  Stowey,  Bridgwater.. 

1909  HARRIS,  R.  GRANVILLE,  Chilcote  Manor,  Wells. 

1911  HARRIS,  Rev.  W.  GREGORY,  15,  The  Crescent,  Taunton. 
1902       HARRISON,  H.,  The  Manse,  Ashcombe  Park,  Weston-s.-Mare. 

1910  HARROLD,  Miss  ELISABETH,  Westover,  Virginia,  U.S.A. 

1909  HAWKEN,  Rev.  A.,  The  Vicarage,  Pitminster. 

1906       HAWKES,  F.  S.,  Combe  House,  Backwell,  near  Bristol. 
1906       HAWKES,  Mrs.  F.  S.,  Combe  House,  Backwell,  near  Bristol. 

1905  HAWKINS,  Mrs.  C.  F.,  North  Petherton. 

1891  tHAYWARD,  Rev.  DOUGLAS  LL.,  The  Vicarage,  Bruton. 

1902  IHAYNES,  F.  T.  J.,  M.I.E.E.,  Belmont,  Cheddon  Road,  Taunton. 
1894  jHEALE,  Rev.  C.  H.,  The  Vicarage,  Willicon. 

1897  HELLIER,  Rev.  H.  G.,  Highlands,  Nempnett,  Chew  Stoke,  BristoL 
1897       HELLIER,  Mrs.  H.  G.,        „  ,,  ,,  ,, 

1910  HELYAR,  C.  V.  H.,  Poundisford  Lodge,  Taunton  (deceased). 

1903  HEMBRY,  F.  W.,  Langford,  Sidcup,  Kent. 


1 70  List  of  Members,  1910-11. 

1882       HENLEY,  Colonel  C.  H.,  Leigh  House,  Chard. 

1906  HENNIKER,  JOHN  G.,  Catcott,  Bridgvvater. 

1907  HENNING,  Kev.  G.  S.,  East  Lydford  Rectory,  Somerton. 
1899       HENRY,  Miss  E RANGES,  Brasted,  Walton-by-Clevedon. 

1908  HERAPATH,  Maj.  E.  L.,  Rozel,  Berrow  Road,  Burnham. 
1895       HEWLETT,  Mrs.  G.,  Prean's  Green,  Worle,   Weston-super-Mare. 

1910  HICHENS,  Mrs.  THOS.,  Flamberds,  Trent,  Sherborne. 

1884  HIGGINS,  JOHN,  Stock  woods,  Pylle,  Shepton  Mallet. 

1911  HIGNETT,  GEOFFREY,  Hodshill  Hall,  South  Stoke,  Bath. 
1911       HIGNETT,  Mrs.  G.,  „  ,,  „  „ 

1885  HILL,  B.  H.,  The  Old  Rectory,  Uphill,  Weston-super-Mare. 

1905  HILL,  Mrs.  M.  B.,  Oakhurst,  Leigh  Woods,  Bristol. 

1906  HILL,  Mrs.  E.  S.  CARNE,  Lyneham  Cottage,  High  Ham. 

1904  KINGSTON,  E.  ALISON,  Flax  Bourton,  R.S.O. 
1888       HIPPISLEY,  W.  J.,  15,  New  Street,  Wells. 

1905  HOBHOUSE,  Mrs.  E.,  New  Street,  Wells. 

1878  f HOBHOUSE,    The   Rt    Hon.    HENRY,    P.O.,    Hadspen    House, 
Castle  Cary,  Trustee,  V.P. 

1902  HODGE,  W.,  9,  Market  Place,  Glastonbury. 
1893  HODGKINSON,  W.  S.,  Glencot,  Wells. 

1910  HODGKINSON,  GUY  A.,  Wells,  Somerset. 

1911  HODGSON,  Rev.  W.  E.,  18,  Vicar's  Close,  Wells. 

1909  HOLLIS,  JAS.,  Waldegrave  House,  Chewton  Mendip,  Bath. 

1910  HOLLOWAY,  F.  H.,  Townsend  House,  Curry  Rivel. 
1910  HOLLOWAY,  Mrs.  F.  H.,         „ 

1885  |  HOLMES,  Rev.  Chancellor  T.  SCOTT,  East  Liberty,  Wells. 

1903  HOMER,  Rev.  F.  A.,  71,  Beeches  Road,  West  Bromwich. 
1898  HONNYWILL,  Rev.  J.  E.  W.,  Leigh-on-Mendip,  Coleford,  Bath 
1895  j-HooD,  The  Rt.  Hon.  Sir  ALEXANDER  ACLAND,  Bart.,  P.O.,  M.P., 

St.  Audries,  Bridgvvater,  Trustee. 

1906  fHooK,  Rev.  ARTHUR  J.,  Middle  St.,  Taunton  ;  and  Glastonbury. 
1905  HOPE,  Rev.  H.  K.,  Maythorpe,  13,  Buckhurst  Road,  Bexhill- 

on-Sea. 

1907  HOPKINS,  T.,  M.D.,  Greenwood  Cottage,  Western  Rd.,  Branksome 

Park,  Bournemouth. 

1907  HOPKINS,  Mrs.  ,,  „  „ 

1886  HORNE,  Rev.  ETHELBERT,  Downside  Abbey,  Bath. 

1875  HORNER,  Sir  JOHN  F.  FORTESCUE,  K.C.V.O.,  Mells  Park,  Frome. 


List  of  Members,  19] 0-11.  171 

1898  HOSKINS,  ED.  J.,  76,  Jermyn  Street,  London,  W. 

1905  fHosKYNs,  H.  W.  PAGET,  North  Perrott  Manor,  Crewkerne. 

1905  HOSKYNS,   R.  G.  DE  HAVILLAND,  King  Ina's  Palace,  South 

Petherton. 

1911  HOTCHKIS,  JOHN,  Leycroft,  Taunton. 

1884  HUDD,  A.  E.,  F.S.A.,  108,  Pembroke  Road,  Clifton. 

1903  HUDSON,  Rev.  C.  H.  BICKERTON,  Holy  Rood,  St.  Giles,  Oxford. 

1892  HUGHES,  Rev.  F.  L.,  The  Rectory,  Lydeard  St.  Lawrence. 

1901  HUGHES,  Mrs.  F.  L.,  „  „  „ 

1907  *HUGHES,  T.  CANN,  F.S.A.,  78,  Church  Street,  Lancaster. 
1889  HUMPHREYS,  A.  L.,  187,  Piccadilly,  London,  W. 

1866  tHuNT,  Rev.  W.,  D.LITT.,  24,  Phillimore  Gardens,  Kensington,  W. 

1884  HUNT,  WM.  ALFRED,  M.R.C.S.,  Tyndale,  Yeovil. 
1910  HUNT,  Mrs.  W.  A.,  Tyndale,  Yeovil. 

1908  HURLE,  J.  COOKE,  Brislington  Hill,  Bristol. 

1910  HUTTON,  STANLEY,  Kirkwood,  Oxford  St.,  Gotham,  Bristol. 

1900  HYLTON,  Rt.  Hon.  Lord,  F.S.A.,  Ammerdown  Park,  Radstock. 

1910  ILCHESTER,  The  Rt.  Hon.  The  Earl  of,  Melbury,  Dorchester. 

1903  ILES,  ALFRED  R.,  Shutterne  House,  Taunton. 
1880  IMPEY,  Miss  E.  C.,  Street. 

1908  INGHAM-BAKER,  LAWRENCE,  Waylord  Manor,  Crewkerne. 

1904  INGRAM,  Mrs.,  The  Lodge,  Milverton. 

1892  INMAN,  T.  F.,  Kilkenny  House,  Sion  Hill,  Bath  (deceased). 

1900  JAMES,  E.  HAUGHTON,  Forton,  Chard. 

1901  JAMES  OF  HEREFORD,  The  Rt.  Hon.  Lord,   P.O.,    Breamore, 

Salisbury,  and  41,  Cadogan  Square,  London. 

1901  JAMES,  Rev.  J.  G.,  LITT.D.,  The  Manse,  Chase  Side,  Enfield. 

1885  JAMES,  W.  H.,  Forttield,  Grove  Park  Road,  Westcm-s.-Mare. 
1908  JAMES,  W.  VICTOR,  Leglands,  Wellington. 

1889  JANE,  WM.,  Waterloo  Street,  Weston-super-Mare. 

1907  JARDINE,  ERNEST,  M.P.,  The  Park,  Nottingham. 

1908  JENNER,  Sir  WALTER  K.,  Bart.,  Lytes  Gary,  Kingsdon,  Taunton. 

1893  JENNINGS,  A.  R.,  Tiverton. 

1907  JEUDWINE,  J.  W.,  Freshford,  near  Bath. 

1896  JEX-BLAKE,  A.  J.,  13,  Ennismore  Gardens,  London,  S.W. 

1891  UEX-BLAKE,  Rev.  T.  W.,  D.D.,  F.S.A.,  13,  Ennismore  Gardens, 
London,  S.W.,  V.P. 


1 72  List  of  Members,  1910-11. 

1905  JOHNSTON,  J.  NICHOLSON,  A.R.I.B.A.,  Hesketh  House,  Yeovil. 

1878  JONES,  J.  E.,  Eastcliffe,  Exton,  Topsham. 

1907  JONES,  Rev.  R.  L.,  The  Eectory,  Shepton  Mallet. 

1880  JOSE,  Rev.  S.  P.,  Churchill  Vicarage,  near  Bristol. 

1894  JOSEPH,  H.  W.  B.,  Woodlands  House,  Holford,  Bridgwater. 

1909  JOYCE,  Miss  A.  B.,  The  Gables,  Uphill,  Weston-super-Mare. 

1907  JUKES,  Rev.  H.  W.,  The  Rectory,  Portishead. 

1904  KEILOR,  Rev.  J.  D.  D.,  East  Chinnock  Rectory,  Yeovil. 

1908  KELWAY,  JAS.,  Wearne  Wyche,  Langport. 

1887  KELWAY,  WM.,  Brooklands,  Huish  Episcopi,  Langport. 

1877  KEMEYS-TYNTE,  ST.  DAVID  M.,  Bath  and  County  Club,  Bath. 

1908  KENDRICK,  A.,  Woodbine,  Wellington  Road,  Taunton. 

1895  tKENNiON,  Rt.  Rev.  G.  W.,  Lord  Bishop  of  Bath  and  Wells, 

The  Palace,  Wells,  V.P. 

1905  KENT-BiDDLECOMBE,  G.  B.,  The  Bank  House,  Taunton. 

1881  KETTLEWELL,  WM.,  Harptree  Court,  East  Harptree. 
1908  KIDNER,  Mrs.  JOHN,  Dodhill  House,  Taunton. 

1907  KILLICK,  C.  R.,  M.B.,  Tower  Hill,  Williton. 

1906  KINGSBURY,  J.  E.,  Leighton,  The  Avenue,  Taunton. 
1902  KIRKWOOD,  Colonel  HENDLEY,  Newbridge  House,  Bath. 

1908  KITCH,  W.  H.,  Blake  House,  Bridgwater. 
1887  KITE,  G.  H.,  Highfield,  Mount  Nebo,  Taunton. 

1890  KNIGHT,  F.  A.,  Wintrath,  Winsconibe,  Weston-super-Mare. 

1905  KNIGHT,  F.  H.,  12,  Elm  Grove,  Taunton. 

1910  KYRKE,  A.  VENABLES,  Staplegrove  Elm,  Taunton. 

1907  LAMB,  A.  W.,  Xorth  Parade,  Taunton. 

1908  LAMBRICK,  Rev.  G.  MENZIES,  Blagdon  Rectory,  Bristol. 
1871  LANCE,  Rev.  W.  H.,  Bagborough  Rectory,  Taunton. 

1893  LANGDON,  Rev.  F.  E.  W.,  Membury  Parsonage,  Axminster. 

1910  *LANGMAN,  A.  L.,  C.M.G.,  Hazlegrove,  Sparkford,  Somerset. 

1904  LAURENCE,  Mrs.,  Meldon  House,  Weston-super-Mare. 

1909  LAWRENCE,  Sir  ALEX.  W.,  Bart.,  Brockham  End,  nr.  Bath. 

1906  LAWRENCE,  F.  W.,  F.R.G.S.,  Hillcote,  Lansdown,  Bath. 
1898  LAWRENCE,  SAMUEL,  Forde  House,  Tauuton. 

1901  LAWRENCE,  S.  A.,  Belvedere  West,  Taunton. 

1900  LEAN,  J.,  Shepton  Beauchamp,  Ilminster. 

1900  LEAN,  Mrs.  J.,  Shepton  Beauchamp,  Ilminster. 


List  of  Members,  1910-11.  1 73 

1906  LEATHER,  J.  H.,  62,  Lancaster  Gate,  London,  W. 

1907  LEGARD,  A.  G.,  Brow  Hill,  Batheaston. 

1907  LE  GROS,  PHILIP  E.,  North  Hill  House,  Frome. 

1907  LEIGH,  R.  L.,  The  Hawthorns,  Wall  Heath,  Dudley. 

1887  LEIR,  Rev.  L.  R.  M.,  Charlton  Musgrove  Rectory,  Wincanton. 

1897  LEXG,  W.  LOWE,  Andorra,  Hill  Road,  Weston-super-Mare. 
1910  LETHBRIDGE,  Rev.  A.,  Shepton  Beauchamp  Rectory,  Ilminster. 

1905  LETHBRIDGE,  Sir  WROTH  P.  C.,  Bart.,  17,  Hyde  Park  Street, 

London,  W. 

1887  LEWIS,  ARCHIBALD  M.,  3,  Upper  Byron  Place,  Clifton. 

1907  LEWIS,  Rev.  G.  H.,  Allandale,  Berrow  Road,  Burnhara. 

1909  LEWIS,  Rev.  H.  D.,  The  Vicarage,  Crewkerne. 

1910  LEWIS,  Mrs.  E.  C.,  „  ,, 

1896  LEWIS,  JOSIAH,  1,  The  Crescent,  Taunton. 

1885  LIDDON,  EDWARD,  M.D.,  Silver  Street  House,  Taunton. 

1909  LISSANT,  GEORGE,  6A,  Aristotle  Road,  Clapham,  London,  S.W. 

1906  LLEWELLIN,  W.  M.,  C.E.,  8,  Gotham  Lawn  Road,  Bristol. 
1901  LLOYD,  Wu.  HENRY,  Hatch  Court,  Taunton. 

1869  LONG,  Colonel  WM.,  C.M.G.,  Newton  House,  Clevedon. 
1904  LOUCH,  E.  QUEKETT,  Langport. 

1898  LOVEDAY,  J.  G.,  Weirfield,  Staplegrove  Road,  Taunton. 
1898  LOVEDAY,  Mrs.  J.  G.,  Weirfield,  Staplegrove  Road,  Taunton. 

1897  LOVIBOND,  GEO.,  Eastholm,  Weston-super-Mare. 
1906  LUTTRELL,  A.  F.,  Dunster  Castle. 

1868  LUTTRELL,  G.  F.,  Dunster  Castle  (deceased). 

1906  LYSAGHT,  G.  S.,  Nynehead  Court,  Wellington. 

1870  fLYTE,   Sir  HENRY  C.  MAXWELL,   K.C.B.,  V.-P.S.A.,  3,  Portman 

Square,  London,  W.,  V.P. 

1908  MACDERMOT,  E.  T.,  8,  The  Circus,  Bath. 

1910  MACDERMOTT,  T.  B.,  LL.D.,  The  Grammar  School,  Crewkerne. 

1898  MACDERMOTT,  Miss,  3,  Marlborough  Terrace,  Taunton. 
1892  MACDONALD,  J.  A.,  M.D.,  19,  East  Street,  Taunton. 
1906  MACFIE,  ROBERT  C.,  Hamp  House,  Bridgwater. 

1910  MACLEOD,  J.  T.  M.,  The  Manor  House,  Lydeard  St.  Lawrence. 

1897  MACMILLAN,  A.  S.,  The  Avenue,  Yeovil. 

1890  fMACMiLLAN,  W.,  Ochiltree  House,  Castle  Gary. 

1903  MADGE,  JOHN,  Somerset  House,  Chard. 


174  List  of  Members,  1910-11. 

1898  MAGGS,  F.  R.,  15,  Princes  Street,  Yeovil. 
1903  MAIDLOW,  W.  H.,  M.D.,  Ilminster. 

1907  MAJOR,  ALBANY  F.,  30,  The  Waldrons,  Croydon. 

1908  MALET,  Rev.  0.  D.  E.,  The  Vicarage,  Stogursey,  Bridgwater. 

1903  MALET,  Major  J.  WARRE,  111,  Jermyn  Street,  St.  James', 

London,  S.W. 

1897  MALET,  T.  H.  W.,  25,  Madrid  Road,  Barnes,  London. 

1909  MANCHESTER,  The  John  Rylands  Library. 

1905  MARCHANT,  ALFRED  B.,  Hayes  End,  South  Petherton. 

1906  MARDON,  HEBER,  2,  Litfield  Place,  Clifton  Down,  Bristol. 
1905  f  MARSHALL,  Rev.  E.  S.,  F.L.S.,  West  Monkton  Rectory,  Taunton. 

1899  MARSHALL,  JAMES  C.,  4,  Winton  Square,  Stoke-on-Trent. 

1908  MARSHALL,  Mrs.  F.,  Oare  Rectory,  Lynton. 

1909  MARSON,  Rev.  C.  L.,  Hambridge  Parsonage,  Curry  Rivel. 

1898  MARSON,  Mrs.,  Hambridge  Parsonage,  Curry  Rivel. 

1891  MARWOOD-ELTON,  Major  W.,  Heathfield  Hall,  Taunton. 

1908  MASEY,  Miss  B.,  5,  Park  Terrace,  Taunton. 
1905  MASON,  FREDERICK,  School  of  Art,  Taunton. 

1909  MATHISON,  J.,  Wearne,  Langport. 

1905  MAUD,  Mrs.  W.  HARTLEY,  57,  Eaton  Square,  London,  S.W. 

1885  MAY,  Rev.  W.  I).,  Orpington  Vicarage.  Kent. 

1885  MAYNARD,  HOWARD,  Mount  Nebo,  Taunton. 

1907  MAYO,  F.  W.,  Swallowcliffe,  Yeovil. 

1910  McCALL,  HAROLD  W.  L.,  Maiden  Newton,  Dorset. 
1894  McCoNNELL,  Rev.  C.  J.,  Pylle  Rectory,  Shepton  Mallet. 
1909  McCoRMiCK,  Rev.  F.,  F.S.A.  Scot.,  Wellington,  Salop. 

1909  MCCREATH,  W.  DUNLOP,  North  Petherton. 

1910  MCMILLAN,  WM.,  Auldgirth,  Grove  Avenue,  Yeovil. 
1894  MEADE,  FRANCIS,  The  Hill,  Langport. 

1899  MEADE-KING,  Miss  MAY,  Walford,  Taunton. 

1898  MEADE-KING,  R.  LIDDON,  M.D.,  Powlett  House,  Taunton. 

1866  MEADE-KING,  WALTER,  12,  Baring  Crescent,  Heavitree,  Exeter. 

1885  MELLOR,  Rt.  Hon.  J.  W.,  P.C.,  K.O.,  Culmhead,  Taunton. 

1892  MEREDITH,  J.,  M.D.,  High  Street,  Wellington. 
1902  MERRICK,  JOHN,  2,  Woodland  Villas,  Glastonbury. 

1888  MICHELL,  Rev.  A.  T.,  F.S.A,,  Sheriffhales  Vic.,  Shifnal,  Salop. 

1904  MICHELL,  THEO.,  Trewirgie,  Wellington  Road,  Bournemouth. 


List  of  Members,  1910-11.  1 75 

1908  MILES,  Lieut.  CHAS.  WM.,  The  Barracks,  Taunton. 

1908  MILLER,  T.  HODGSON,  Clan  House,  Bath. 

1910  MILLER,  W.  D.,  Cheddon,  Taunton. 

1907  MILNE-REDHEAD,  GEO.  B.,  Millard's  Hill,  Frome. 
1902  MITCHELL,  FRANCIS  H.,  Chard. 

1908  MITCHELL,  W.  R.,  Seaborough  Court,  Crewkerne. 
1910  MITCHELMORE,  W.  R.  E.,  Middle  Street,  Yeovil. 

1908  MOLE,  ALBERT  C.,.  The  Grove,  Pyrland,  Taunton. 

1909  MONCK,  Rev.  G.  G.,  The  Vicarage,  Stoke-under-Hara. 
1882  MONDAY,  A.  J.,  2,  Fairwater  Terrace,  Taunton. 

1904  MONTGOMERY,  Rev.  F.  J.,  Halse  Rectory,  Taunton. 
1890  MOORE,  F.  S.,  Castle  Gary. 

1910  MOORE,  R.  B.,  Kingston,  Yeovil. 

1911  MORGAN,  Lt.-Col.  W.  LLEWELLYN,  R.E.,  Brynbrinllu,  Swansea. 
1876  MORLAND,  JOHN,  Wyrral,  Glastonbury. 

1909  MOYSEY,  C.  F.,  Bathealton  Court,  Wiveliscombe. 

1905  NAPIER,  Rev.  H.  F.,  Melbury  Rectory,  Dorchester. 
1911  NEAL,  Miss  M.  E.,  Wheatleigh,  Taunton. 

1908  KELSON,  E.  MILLES,  Beckington,  Bath. 

1902  NEVILLE-GRENVILLE,  R.,  Butleigh  Court,  Glastonbury. 

1907  DEWBERRY  LIBRARY,  CHICAGO  (per  B.  F.  Stevens  and  Brown). 
1897  NEW  YORK  PUBLIC  LIBRARY  (per  B.  F.   Stevens  and  Brown, 

4,  Trafalgar  Square,  London,  W.C.) 

1901  NIELD,  WALTER,  Twyford  House,  Wells  Road,  Knowle,  Bristol. 

1895  NORMAN,  Col.  COMPTON,  12,  Hovelands,  Taunton. 
58  NORMAN,  G.,  12,  Brock  Street,  Bath. 

1863  JNoRKis,  HUGH,  L.R.C.P.,  South  Petherton,  V.P.  (deceased). 

1909  OATLEY,  G.  H.,  F.R.I.B.A.,  Church  House,  Clifton. 

1876  ODGERS,  Rev.  J.  E.,  D.D.,  9,  Marston  Ferry  Road,  Oxford. 

1910  *OKE,  ALFRED  W.,  F.S.A.,  F.G.S.,  32,  Denmark  Villas,  Hove. 

1896  OLIVEY,  H.  P.,  M.R.C.S.,  Albion  House,  Mylor,  Penryn. 
1904  PAGE,  HERBERT  M.,  M.D.,  The  Grange,  Langport. 

1908  PAGET,  Sir  ARTHUR,  Bart.,  Cranmore  Hall,  Shepton  Mallet. 

1897  PALMER,  H.  P.,  6,  Wellington  Terrace,  Taunton. 
1908  PALMER,  W.  H.,  Bridgwater. 

1875  PARSONS,  H.  F.,  M.D.,  4,  Park  Hill  Rise,  Croydon. 

1910  PARSONS,  F.,  28,  Bridge  Street,  Taunton. 


176  List  of  Members,  1910-11. 

1908  PARSONS,  R.  M.  P.,  The  Manor  House,  Misterton,  S.O. 

1910  PARSONS,  Miss  K.,  Misterton  Cottage,  Misterton. 

1906  PASS,  A.  D.,  Manor  House,  Wootton  Fitzpaine,  Cliarmouth. 
1904  PATERSON,  Rev.  W.  G.,  West  Lydford  Rectory,  Somerton. 
1904  PATTON,  Mrs.,  Stoke  House,  Taunton. 

1896  PAUL,  A.  DUNCAN,  Snowdon  Hill  House,  Chard. 

1880  PAUL,  R.  W.,  P.S.A.,  3,  Arundel  St.,  Strand,  London,  W.C. 

1907  PAULL,  Major  J.  R.,  Summerlands,  Ilminster. 
1886  IPAYNTER,  J.  B.,  Hendford  Manor  House,  Yeovil. 

1897  PEACH,  ALFRED,  Penlea,  Bridg  water. 

1898  PEARCE,  EDWIN,  Fore  Street,  Taunton. 

1908  PEARCE,  Mrs.  E.,  Fore  Street,  Taunton. 

1909  PEEL,    The    Hon.    Wm.    R.   W.,    M.P.,   52,   Grosvenor   Street, 

London,  W. 

1897  PENNY,  Rev.  JAS.  ALPASS,  Wispington  Vicarage,  Horncastle. 

1903  PENNY,  T.  S.,  Knowls,  Taunton. 

1889  PERCEVAL,  CECIL  H.  SPENCER,  Longwitton  Hall,  Morpeth. 
1896  PERCIVAL,  Rev.  S.  E.,  Merriott  Vicarage,  Crewkerne. 

1911  PERCY,  Rev.  FREDK.  WM.,  West  Monkton. 

1881  PERFECT,  Rev.  H.  T.,  Woolaton,  Pinner,  Middlesex. 

1898  PERRY,  Rev.  C.  R.,  D.D.,  Mickfield  Rectory,  Suffolk. 
1891  PERRY,  Colonel  J.,  Whitstone  House,  near  Exeter. 
1888  *PETHERICK,  E.  A.,  F.R.G.S.,  Melbourne,  Australia. 

1910  PETTER,  JOHN,  West  Park,  Yeovil,  Som. 

1910  PETTER,  E.  WILLOUGHBY,  Elsinore,  The  Avenue,  Yeovil. 

1890  PHELIPS,  W.  R.,  Montacute  House,  Montacute,  S.O. 

1908  PIKE,  Rev.  C.  E.,  F.R.HIST.S.,  13,  Taunton  Road,  Bridgwater. 

1904  PINCKNEY,  A.  B.,  F.R.I.B.A.,  The  Orchard^  Bathford,  Bath. 

1891  PITTMAN,  J.  BANKS,  Basing  Ho.,  Basinghall  St.,  London,  E.G. 
1908  PITTS,  A.  G.,  Highbridge. 

1885  PLYMOUTH  FREE  LIBRARY.     (W.  H.  K.  Wright,  Librarian). 

1907  POLLOCK,  Capt.  J.  M.,  Ivy  Lodge,  Churchill,  near  Bristol. 
1906  POMEROY,  The  Hon.  Miss,  Minehead. 

1908  PONSONBY-FAN E,  The  Re.   Hon.  Sir  SPENCER  C.  B.,  G.C.B., 

Brympton,  Yeovil. 

1882  POOLE,  HUGH  R.,  The  Old  House,  South  Petherton. 
1898  POOLE,  WM.,  Park  Street,  Taunton. 


List  of  Members,  1910-11.  177 

1907  POOLE,  W.  J.  RUSCOMBE,  St.  Alban's,  Weston-super-Mare. 

1885  POOLL,  R.  P.  H.  BATTEN,  Road  Manor,  Bath. 

1908  POPE,  ALFRED,  F.S.A.,  South  Court,  Dorchester. 
1880  PORCH,  J.  A.,  Edgarley  House,  Glastonbury. 

1898  PORTMAN,  Hon.  E.  W.  B.,  Hestercombe  Park,  Taunton. 

1876  f  PORTMAN,  The  Rt.  Hon.  Viscount,  Bryanston  House,  Bland- 
ford,  Patron. 

1909  POTT,  Rev.  A.  G.,  Buckland  St.  Mary,  Chard. 

1909  POULETT,  The  Right  Hon.  Earl,  Hinton  St.  George,  Crewkerne. 
1902  POWELL,  Rev.  A.  H.,  LL.D.,  The  Vicarage,  Bridgwater. 

1905  POWELL,  Rev.  C.,  East  Coker  Vicarage,  Yeovil. 

1892  POWELL,  SEPTIMUS,  The  Hermitage,  Weston-super-Mare. 

1910  POWELL- JONES,  Miss,  Blake's  House,  Halse,  Tannton. 

1906  PRATT,  C.  W.,  1,  The  Parade,  Minehead. 

1911  PRICE,  FRANCIS  H.,  12,  The  Avenue,  Taunton. 
1909  PRICE,  HERMANN  C.,  Drayton,  Curry  Rivel. 
1902  PRICE,  J.  GAY,  12,  The  Avenue,  Taunton. 

1900  | PRICE,  Rev.  S.  J.  M.,  D.D.,  Tintinhull,  Martock,  S.O. 
1896  PRIDEAUX,  C.  S.,  L.D.S.,  Ermington,  Dorchester. 

1894  PRIDEAUX,  W.  DE  C.,  L.D.S.,  12,  Frederick  Place,  Weymouth. 

1909  PRIMROSE,    Miss   C.    L.,    Haines   Hill   School,    3,    Hovelands, 

Taunton. 

1880  tPRiNG,  Rev.  DANIEL  J.,  The  Vicarage,  North  Curry. 

1905  PRING,  FRANCIS  J.  H.,  Exeter  College,  Oxford. 

1908  QUANTOCK-SHULDHAM,  Capt.  F.  N.,  Norton  Manor,  Stoke-under- 

Ham. 

1891  QUICKS,  Rev.  C.  P.,  Ashbrittle  Rectory,  Wellington  (deceased). 

1898  RABAN,  Rev.  R.  C.  W.,  The  Vicarage,  Bishop's  Hull,  Taunton. 

1905  RADCLIFFE,  HERBERT,  8,  Jesmond  Road,  Clevedon. 

1905  RADCLIFFE,  Mrs.  H.,  8,  Jesmond  Road,  Clevedon. 

1910  RADFORD,  Miss  E.  J.,  Sunny  Hill,  Bruton,  Som. 

1905  RADFORD,  W.  LOCKE,  Tunway  House,  Stocklinch,  llminster. 

1854  *RAMSDEN,    Sir  JOHN    W.,    Bart.,   Bulstrode,    Gerrard's   Cross, 
Bucks;  and  Byram,  Yorks. 

1901  RANSOM,  WM.,  F.S.A.,  Fairfield,  Hitchin. 

1886  RAYMOND,  WALTER,  Withypool,  Exford,  Taunton. 

1909  RAYMOND,  F.  L.,  Wayside,  Yeovil. 

Vol.  LVI  (Third  Series,  Vol.  XVI),  Part  II.  m 


1 78  List  of  Members,  1910-11. 

1902  IEEEDER,  Eev.  W*.  T.,  The  Vicarage,  Wedmore. 

1910  KENDALL,  ATHELSTAN,  M.P.,  The  Knoll,  Yeovil. 
1888  RICHARDSON,  Rev.  A.,  Combe  Down  Vicarage,  Bath. 

1897  RIXON,  W.  A.,  Turkdean  Manor,  Gloucestershire. 
1892  ROBERTS,  F.  W.,  F.R.I.B.A.,  Northbrook  Lodge,  Taunton. 

1898  ROBERTS,  KILHAM,  M.R.C.S.  Eng.,  Shillington,  Bedfordshire. 
1908  ROBINSON,  The  Very  Rev.  J.  ARMITAGE,  D.D.,  F.S.A.,  Dean  of 

Wells,  The  Deanery,  Wells. 

1880  ROCKE,  Mrs.,  Chalice  Hill,  Glastonbury. 

1908  ROGERS,  ARTHUR  W.,  F.G.S.,  16,  Park  Street,  Taunton, 

1904  ROGERS,  F.  EVELYN,  Hamilton  House,  Lansdown,  Bath. 

1870  ROGERS,  T.  E.,  Yarlington  House,  Wincanton. 

1882  ROGERS,  W.  H.  H,  F.S.A.,  Ridgeway,  Colyton,  Devon. 

1908  ROPER,  FREEMAN,  Forde  Abbey,  Chard. 

1911  ROSE,  H.  FULLWOOD,  18,  Grosvenor  Place,  Bath. 

1877  ROSE,  Rev.  W.  F.,  Button  Rectory,  Weston-super-Mare. 

1903  tRoss,  Rev.  D.  MELVILLE,  The  Vicarage,  Langport. 
1877  ROSSITER,  G.  F.,  M.B.,  Cairo  Lodge,  Weston-super-Mare. 

1907  ROWCLIFFE,  W.  C.,  Halsway  Manor,  Bicknoller,  Taunton. 

1909  RUCK,  Capt.  G.  A.,  The  Copse,  Shiplett,  Weston-super-Mare. 

1909  RUSHTON,  Miss,  Highnam,  Minehead. 

1891  RUTTER,  Rev.  J.  H.,  Linton  Vicarage,  Cambs. 

1906  SADLER,  0.  T.,  Weacombe  House,  Bicknoller,  Taunton. 

1904  SAGE,  F.  G.,  The  Meadows,  Clay  gate,  Surrey;  and  Stavordale 

Priory,  Wincanton. 

1908  SANDERS,  R,  A.,  M.P.,  Bar  wick  House,  near  Yeovil. 
1911  SAUNDERS,  Rev.  G.  W.,  The  Vicarage,  Curry  Rivel. 

1910  SCHUNCK,  J.  EDWARD,  Tetton  House,  Taunton. 
1906  SCOTT,  Miss  M,  E.,  Wey  House,  Norton  Fitzwarren. 
1896  SCOTT,  M.  H.,  5,  Lansdown  Place  West,  Bath. 

1910  SCRATTON,  ARTHUR,  Old  Rectory,  West  Coker,  Yeovil. 

1885  tSEALE,  Rev.  F.  S.  P.,  East  Brent  Vicarage,  Highbridge,  R.S.O. 

1898  SEALY,  W.  H.  S.,  Hillside,  Haines  Hill,  Taunton. 

1863  SEYMOUR,  ALFRED,  Knoyle,  Wilts  (deceased). 

1908  SHARP,  CECIL  J.,  183,  Adelaide  Rd.,  Hampstead,  London,  N.  W. 

]  909  SHELDON,  FRANK,  Wells. 

1903  SHEPHERD,  HERBERT  H.,  The  Shrubbery,  Ilminster. 


List  of  Members,  1910-11.  179 

1903  fSnEPPARD,  H.  BYARD,  8,  Hammet  Street,  Taunton. 

1903       SHILLITO,  Rev.  W.  F.,  The  Vicarage,  Creech  St.  Michael. 

1896       SHORE,  Comdr.  The  Hon.  H.  N.,  R.N.,  Mount  Elton,  Clevedon. 

1903  SIBBALD,  J.  G.  E.,  Mount  Pleasant,  Norton  St.  Philip,  Bath. 

1906  SIMEY,  G.  I.,  Wyndway  House,  Uphill  Koad,  Weston-s.-Mare. 
1910       SINCLAIR,  A.  WM.,  F.R.C.S.,  Eock  House,  South  Petherton. 

1910  SKINNER,  A.  J.  P.,  Colyton,  Devon. 

1849       SLADE,  WYNDHAM,  Montys  Court,  Taunton  (deceased). 

1908  SLATER,  HENRY  H.,  Larentia,  Stawell,  Bridgwater. 

1907  SMITH,  Miss  AMY,  The  Mount,  Halse,  Taunton. 
1898       SMITH,  A.  J.,  1,  Wellington  Terrace,  Taunton. 
1868  f  SMITH,  Rev.  Preb.  G.  E.,  Langford,  Bristol. 

1893       SMITH,  J.  H.  WOOLSTON,  A.M.I.C.E.,  Town  Hall,  Minehead. 

1911  SMYTH,  Lady,  Ashton  Court,  Long  Ashton,  Bristol. 

1907  SMYTH,  Rev.  A.  W.,  Downside  Vicarage,  Bath. 

1900  SNELL,  F.  J.,  North  Devon  Cottage,  Tiverton. 

1909  SOMERSET   MEN   IN   LONDON  (Maurice   G.    Chant,   Hon.  Sec., 

38,  Gresham  Street,  London,  E.G.) 

1883  f  SOMERVILLE,  A.  FOWNES,  Binder  House,  Wells,  V.P. 
1886       SOMMERVILLE,  R.  G.,  Ruishton  House,  Taunton. 

1904  SORBY,  Rev.  J.  ARCHIBALD,  Enmore  Rectory,  Bridgwater. 
1891       SOUTHALL,  H.,  The  Craig,  Ross. 

1884  SOUTHAM,  Rev.  J.  H.,  2,  Victoria  Buildings,  Weston-s.-Mare. 

1908  SPARKS,  Miss,  Bincombe  House,  Crewkerne. 
1884  SPENCER,  FREDK.,  Pondsmead,  Oakhill,  Bath. 
1871  SPENCER,  J.  H.,  Brookside,  Corfe,  Taunton. 
1876  SPILLER,  H.  J.,  Hatfield,  Taunton. 

1881  SPILLER,  Miss,  Sunny  Bank,  Bridgwater. 

1908  SPILLER,  A.  J.,  Barton  House,  Canon  Street,  Taunton. 

1909  SPILLER,  R.  G.,  Fore  Street,  Chard. 

1901  SPRANKLINQ,  E.,  Brookfield  Cottage,  South  Road,  Taunton. 
1909  SQUIBBS,  ABRAHAM,  20,  Taunton  Road,  Bridgwater. 

1906  STANSELL,  C.  W.,  Charlemont,  Haines  Hill,  Taunton. 
1908  'STAPLE,  J.  H.,  Doulting,  Sheptou  Mallet. 

1901  STATHAM,  Rev.  S.  P.  H.,  H.M.  Prison,  Wakefield,  Yorks. 

1907  STAWELL,  Col.  G.  D.,  c/o  Cox  &  Co.,  16,  Charing  Cross,  London. 

1908  STENHOUSE,  VIVIAN  D.,  Courtlands,  Norton  Fitzwarren. 


180  List  of  Members,  1910-11. 

1 902  STEPHENSON,  Rev.  E.  H.  C.,  Lympsham  Rectory,  Weston-s.-Mare. 

1899  STERRY,  Rev.  R,  Chapel  Cleeve,  Washford,  Taunton. 
1909  STEWART,  WM.,  M.D.,  Whitefield,  Wiveliscombe. 

1909  STEWART,  Mrs.  „  „ 

1906  STIRLING,  The  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop,  Wells. 

1876  STOATE,  WM.,  Gordon  Haven,  Southside,  Weston-super-Mare. 

1907  STONE,  E.  H.,  Freshford,  Bath. 

1908  STONE,    J.    HARRIS,   F.L.S.,  41,  Finborough   Road,    Redcliffe 

Gardens,  London,  S.W. 

1902  STRAOHEY,  Sir  EDWARD,  Bart.,  M.P.,  Sutton  Court,  Pensford. 

1906  STRANGWAYS  The  Hon.  H.  B.  T.   Shapwick,  Bridgwater. 

1900  f  STREET,  Rev.  Preb.  JAMES,  The  Vicarage,  Ilminster. 

1903  STRONG,  WM.,  Waterend  House,  Wheathampstead,  Herts. 
1908  SULLY,  H.  T.,  M.I.E.E.,  Cromhall  Ho.,  Elm  Grove  Rd.,  Bristol. 
1893  SULLY,  J.  NORMAN,  Hardwicke  Hill,  Chepstow. 

1908  SULLY,  PERCY  R.,  Poole  Cottage,  Wellington. 

1892  SULLY,  T.  N.,  Avalon,  Queen's  Road,  Weston-super-Mare. 

1908  SULLY,  Miss  W.  C.,  Avalon,  Queen's  Road,  Weston-super-Mare. 

1897  SUMMERFIELD,  WM.,  Charlemont,  Haines  Hill,  Taunton. 

1898  SURRAGE,  E.  J.  ROCKE,  2,  Brick  Court,  Temple,  London. 

1904  f  SWANWICK,  ERNEST,  The  Fort,  Milverton. 

1907  SWAYNE,  GEORGE  C.,  Glastonbury. 

1907  SWEET,  A.  F.,  11,  Hammet  Street,  Taunton. 

1910  SWEET,  H.  R.  L.,  Wilts  and  Dorset  Bank,  Salisbury. 

1902  SWEETMAN,  GEORGE,  11,  Market  Place,  Wincanton. 
1900  tSYDENHAM,  G.  F.,  Battleton  House,  Dulverton. 

1907  SYMONDS,  HENRY,  F.S.A.,  30,  Bolton  Gardens,  London,  S.W. 

1911  SYMONS,  REGINALD  H.,  The  Bank  House,  Crewkerne. 
1911  SYMONS,  Mrs.  R.  H.,  „  „  „ 

1908  TANNER,  RUSSELL  R.,  Sandy  Hill,  Beckington,  Bath. 
1907  TANNER,  W.  E.,  Fordlynch,  Winscombe,  Som. 

1910  TAPP,  W.  M.,  LL.D.,  F.S.A.,  57,  St.  James'  Street,  London,  W. 

1897  TARR,  FRANCIS  J.,  Westaway,  Yatton. 

1897  tTAYLOR,  Rev.  C.  S.,  F.S.A.,  Banwell  Vicarage,  R.S.O.,  Som. 

1903  TAYLOR,  THEO.,  Roslin  Villa,  Richmond  Road,  Taunton. 
1896  THATCHER,  A.  A.,  Silva  House,  Midsomer  Norton,  Bath. 
1892  THATCHER,  EDW.  J.,  The  Manor  House,  Chew  Magna,  Bristol. 


List  of  Members,  1910-11.  181 

1890  THOMAS,  C.  E.,  Granville,  Lansdown,  Bath. 

1908  THOMAS,  Rev.  W.  J.,  Treborough  Rectory,  Taunton. 

1905  THOMPSON,  Miss  ARCHER,  Montrose,  Weston  Park,  Bath. 

1897  THOMPSON,    A.    G.,   3,    South   View   Villas,    Bayford   Hill, 

Wincanton. 

1904  THRING,  Mrs.  GODFREY,  Binnbrook,  Grange  Rd.,  Cambridge. 

1902  TIDMAN,  C.  J.,  Torwood,  Ellenborough  Park,  Weston-s-Mare. 
1908  TILLARD,  Admiral  P.  F.,  Alford  House,  Alford,  Somerset. 
1879  tTiTE,  CHAS.,  Stoneleigh,  Taunton,  General  Secretary. 

1892  TITE,  Mrs.  C.,  Stoneleigh,  Taunton. 

1897  TODD,  D'ARCY,  36,  Norfolk  Square,  Hyde  Park,  London  W. 
1896  TOFT,  Rev.  H.,  The  Rectory,  Axbridge. 

1870  TOMKINS,  Rev.  W.  S.,  8,  Pembroke  Vale,  Clifton. 

1883  TORDIFFE,  Rev.  STAFFORD,  Ash  wick  Vicarage,  Bath. 

1910  TRASK,  Miss  H.  E.,  Courtfield,  Norton -sub. -Ham  don,  Som. 

1894  TRBNCHARD,  W.  J.,  Rose  Cottage,  Hatch  Beauchamp,  Taunton. 

1900  TREPPLIN,  E.  C.,  F.S.A.,  Orchard  Portman  House,  Taunton. 

1908  TRESTRAIL,  Major  A.  B.,  F.R.G.S.,  Southdale,  Clevedon. 

1903  TREVELYAN,  Sir  WALTER,  Bart.,  Nettlecombe  Court,  Taunton. 

1908  TREVELYAN,  EDWARD,  Adsborough  House,  Thurloxton. 

1885  tTREViLiAN,  E.  B.  CELY,  Midelney  Place,  Curry  Rivel,  V.P. 

1898  TREVILIAN,  Mrs.  E.  B.  C.,  Midelney  Place,  Curry  Rivel. 

1909  TREVOR,  Colonel  EDWARD,  Halesleigh,  Bridgwater. 

1908  TROLLOPS,  The  Hon.  Mrs.,  Crowcombe  Court,  Taunton. 

1909  TROUP,  Ri  D.  R.,  St.  Cuthbert's  Lodge,  Chamberlain  St.,  Wells. 

1900  TROYTE-BULLOCK,  Major  E.  G.,  Silton  Lodge,  Zeals,  Bath. 

1886  TUCKETT,  F.  Fox,  F.R.Q.S.,  Frenchay,  Bristol. 

1909  TURLE,  JAMES,  Rockbourne,  Symond's  Yat,  Ross-on-Wye. 

1890  TURNER,  H.  G.,  Staplegrove  Manor,  Taunton,  and  19,  Sloane 

Gardens,  London,  S.W. 

1909  TURNER,  JAMES,  Dovery  Down,  Porlock. 

1908  TURNER,  W.  M.,  Billet  Street,  Taunton. 

1901  TYLOR,  Prof.  E.  B.,  D.C.L.,  LL.D.,  F.R.S.,  Linden,  Wellington. 
1898  UTTERSON,  Maj. -General,  A.  H.,  C.B.,  Cotlake  House,  Taunton. 
1890  VALENTINE,  E.  W.,  Old  Hall,  Somerton. 

1J)08  *VASSALL,  HENRY,  F.G.S.,  The  Priory,  Repton,  Burton-on-Trent. 

1906  VAUGHAN,  Rev.  Preb.  H.,  The  Rectory,  Wraxall,  Bristol. 


1 82  List  of  Members,  1910-11. 

1908  VAUGHAN,  Major  WILMOT,  F.S.A.,  Union  Club,  Trafalgar  Square, 

London,  W. 

1900  VAWDREY,  Mrs.,  Westfield,  Uphill,  Weston-super-Mare. 

1911  VELLACOTT,  Miss  A.,  Hillside,  Dunster. 

1899  VICKERY,  A.  J.,  16,  Bridge  Street,  Taunton. 

1908  VICKERY,  CHARLES  J.,  The  Firs,  Dodhill  Green,  Taunton. 

1898  VILE,  J.  G.,  Wilton  Lodge,  Taunton. 

1904  VILE,  Mrs.  J.  G.,  Wilton  Lodge,  Taunton. 
1902  VILLAR,  W.  J.,  Tauntfield  House,  Taunton. 
1898  VILLAR,  Mrs.  W.  J.,  Tauntfield  House,  Taunton. 
1910  VINCENT,  EDGAR,  The  Casket,  Yeovil. 

1905  VINCENT,  Rev.  E.  B.,  King's  College,  Taunton. 

1908  VISGER,  CHAS.,  M.R.C.S.,  Beachcroft,  Clevedon. 

1909  VONBERG,  M.,  Rozelle,  Wells. 
1909  VONBERG,  Mrs.  M.,  „       „ 

1908  WAUMAN,  Eev.  Canon  R.,  The  Presbytery,  Bridgwater. 

1909  WAINWRIGHT,  C.DONALD,  Summerleaze,  Shepton  Mallet. 
1898  WAINWRIGHT,  CHAS.  R.,  Summerleaze,  Shepton  Mallet. 
1905  WAIT,  Miss,  Grove  House,  Clifton. 

1889  WAKEFIELD,  J.  E.  W.,  Amberd,  Taunton. 

1899~  WALDEGRAVE,  Rt.  Hon.  Earl,  Chewton  Priory,  Bath. 

1905  WALSH,  T.  L.,  Sherwood,  Bridgwater. 

1902  f  WALTER,  R.  HENSLEIGH,  M.B.,  Hawthornden,  Stoke-under-Haui. 

1903  WALTER,  R.  TERTIUS,  Wake  Hill,  Ilminster. 

1908  WARDLE,  FREDK.  D.,  Claremont  Villa,  Bathwick  Hill,  Bath. 

1910  WARREN,  PERCY  F.,  A.R.I.B.A.,  Yeovil. 

1909  WARREN,  Rev.  W.  M.  K.,  Meare  Vicarage,  Glastonbury. 
1897  WARRY,  H.  COCKERAM,  The  Cedars,  Preston  Rd.,  Yeovil. 
1908  WARRY,  Capt.  B.  A.,  Shapwick  House,  Bridgwater. 

1910  WASON,  Mrs.  C.  R.,  Cossington,  Bridgwater. 

1907  WATERMAN,  A.  'N.,  10,  Cambridge  Pk.,  Durdham  Down,  Bristol. 
1910  WATERMAN,  WM.  ROLAND,  Stoke  under-Ham. 

1906  WATSON,  WM.,  Southleigh,  Burnham. 

1908  WATSON,  J.  W.,  Mark's  Barn,  Merriott,  Crewkerne. 

1882  WEAVER,  CHAS.,  Uplands,  52,  St.  John's  Road,  Clifton. 

1883  tWEAVER,   Rev.    F.    W.,    F.S.A.,    F.R.HIST.S.,    Milton-Clevedon 

Vicarage,  Evercreech,  Bath,  General  Secretary. 


List  of  Member*,  1910-11.  183 

1903  fWEAVER,  J.  R.  H.,  41,  Warwick  Road,  Ealing,  W. 

1908  WEBBER,  Miss  E.,  4,  Park  Terrace,  Taunton. 

1904  WEDD,  H.  G.,  Eastdon,  Langport. 

1906       WEIGALL,  Rev.  GILBERT,  Old  Cleeve  Rectory,  Washford. 
1857       WELCH,  C.,  21,  Ellesker  Gardens,  Richmond,  Surrey. 

1905  WELLS  NATURAL  HISTORY  AND  ARCHAEOLOGICAL  SOCIETY. 
1896       WELLS,  THE  DEAN  AND  CHAPTER  OF,  (Chapter  Library). 
1896       WELLS  THEOLOGICAL  COLLEGE. 

1896  -(-WERE,  FRANCIS,  Walnut  Tree  House,  Druidstoke  Avenue, 
Stoke  Bishop,  Bristol. 

1896  WEST,  Rev.  W.  H.,  25,  Pulteney  Street,  Bath. 
1876       WESTLAKE,  W.  H.,  11,  The  Crescent,  Taunton. 

1897  f  WHISTLER,  Rev.  C.  W.,  M.R.C.S.,  Cheselbourne  Rect.,  Dorchester. 

1909  WHITBY,  Colonel  F.  H.,  The  Caves,  Ban  well,  R.S.O. 

1898  WHITE,  SAMUEL,  The  Highlands,  Taunton. 

1909       WHITTAKER,  C.  D.,  LL.D.,  Taunton  School,  Taunton. 

1885       WHITTING,  Lt.-Col.  C.  E.,  Uphill  Grange,  Weston-super-Mare. 

1897       WHITTING,  Mrs.  E.  M.,  Westcombe,  Evercreech. 

1904       WHITTUCK,  E.  A.,  Claverton  Manor,  Bath. 

1906  WICKENDEN,  F.  B.,  Tone  House,  Taunton. 

1909       WICKHAM,  Rev.  Preb.  A.  P.,  The  Vicarage,  Martock. 

1902  WICKHAM,  Rev.  J.  D.  C.,  The  Manor,  Holcombe,  Bath. 
1904       WIGRAM,  Miss,  King's  Gatchell,  Taunton. 

1897       WILLCOCKS,  A.  D.,  2,  Marlborough  Terrace,  Park  St.,  Taunton. 
1893       WILLIAMS,  T.  WEBB,  Greystones,  South  Rd.,  Weston-s.-Mare. 
1908       WILLIAMSON,  W.  S.,  Clapham  Villa,  Woodstock  Rd.,  Taunton. 

1908  WILLS,  ERNEST  S.,  Ramsbury  Manor,  Hungerford. 

1909  WILLS,  GEO.  A.,  Burwalls,  Leigh  Woods,  Bristol. 
1896       WILLS,  H.  H.  W.,  Barley  Wood,  Wrington. 

1910  WILLS,  Miss  M.,  Bishop  Fox's  School,  Taunton. 

1908  WILSON,  H.,  18,  Kent  Terrace,  Hanover  Gate,  London,  N.W. 

1907  WINCH,  Miss  CHARLOTTE,  Childown,  near  Chertsey. 

1903  WINCKWORTH,  WADHAM  B.,  Sussex  Lodge,  Taunton. 

1909  WINSOR,  J.  S.,  16,  Hammet  Street,  Taunton. 

1874       WINTER,  Major  J.  A.,  14,  Manor  Road,  Twickenham. 

1 885  f  WINTERSTOKE  OF  BLAGDON,  Lord,  Coombe  Lodge,  Blagdon,  R.S.O.  ; 
and  25,  Hyde  Park  Gardens,  London  W.,  V.P.  (deceased). 


184  List  of  Member*,  1910-11. 

1860  WINWOOD,  Rev.  H.  H.,  F.G.S.,  11,  Cavendish  Crescent,  Bath. 

1881  WINWOOD,  T.  H.  R.,  High  Littleton  House,  Hallatrow,  Bristol. 

1909  WITHERS,  A.  H.,  1,  New  Square,  Lincoln's  Inn,  London,  ^.C. 
1894       WOOD,  Rev.  W.  BERDMORE,  1,  The  Limes,  Wells. 

1905  WOODHOUSE,  Lt.-Col.  S.  H.,  Heatherton  Park,  Taunton. 

1899  WOODWARD,  Miss  J.  L.,  The  Knoll,  Clevedon  (deceased). 

1885  tWoRTHiNGTON,  Rev.  J.,  Chudleigh  Cottage,  Cullompton. 
1902       WRENN,  W.  A.,  7,  Mountlands,  Taunton. 

1908  WYNTER,  A.  ELLIS,  F. R.C.I.,  Westmynster,  Westbury-on-Trym. 

1904  YOUNG,  Rev.  F.  W.,  Pucklechurch  Vicarage,  Bristol. 

TOTAL,  852  MEMBERS,  excluding  Honorary  Members  and  any  1911 
members  recorded  in  the  list. 


RULES. 

The  Rules  of  the  Society  are  not  being  printed  in  this  volume,  as  they 
are  undergoing  revision  ;  but  new  members  can  procure  copies  of  the 
existing  rules  on  application  to  the  Assistant-Secretary. 


THE   SOCIETY'S   PROCEEDINGS 


May  be  obtained  from  the  Assistant- Secretary  by 

Members  of  the  Society,  at  the  following 
NET  PRICES  (postage  extra  ;  4<d.  in  most  cases}  :— 


VOL. 

DATE. 

PLACES  OF  MEETING. 

PRICE. 

I* 

1849-50 

Taunton-  Wells 

12/6 

lit 

1851 

Weston-super-Mare 

12/6 

III 

1852 

Bath      

5/- 

IV 

1853 

Yeovil  

3/6 

vt 

1854 

Taunton 

15/- 

VI 

1855 

Dunster 

51- 

VII 

1856-7 

Bridgwater  —  Bruton 

51- 

VIII 

1858 

Bridgwater 

3/6 

IX 

1859 

Glastonbury 

3/6 

X 

1860 

Clevedon 

5/- 

XI 

1861-2 

Langport  —  Wellington 

5f- 

XII 

1863-4 

Wells  —  Burnham 

3/6 

XIII 

1865-6 

Shepton  Mallet  —  Ilminster 

4/- 

XIV 

1867 

Bristol  ... 

6/- 

XV 

1868-9 

Williton—  Axbridge 

3/6 

XVI 

1870 

Wincanton 

6/6 

XVII 

1871 

Crewkerne 

*/• 

XVIII 

-  1872 

Taunton 

5/- 

XIX 

1873 

Wells     ... 

3/6 

XX 

1874 

Sherborne 

3/6 

XXI 

1875 

Frome     .. 

7/6 

XXII 

1876 

Bath      ...             ...             

3/6 

XXIII 

1877 

Bridgwater 

3/6 

XXIV 

1878 

Bruton 

3/6 

XXV 

1879 

Taunton 

3/- 

XXVI 

1880 

Glastonbury 

6/6 

VoL  L  VI  (Third  Series,  Vol.  X  VI),  Part  II. 


186 


The  Society's  Proceedings. 


VOL. 

DATE. 

PLACES  OF  MEETING. 

PRICE. 

XXVII       ... 

1881 

Clevedon 

101- 

XXVIII     ... 

1882 

Chard    

51- 

XXIX 

1883 

Wiveliscombe 

5/- 

XXX 

1884 

Shepton  Mallet  ... 

6/6 

XXXI 

1885 

Weston-super-Mare 

7/6 

XXXII       .. 

1886 

Yeovil                  

3/6 

XXXIII     ... 

1887 

Bristol  ... 

3/6 

XXXIV     ... 

1888 

Wells     

3/6 

XXXV       ... 

1889 

Minehead 

3/6 

XXXVI     .. 

1890 

Castle  Cary 

3/6 

XXXVII    ... 

1891 

Crewkerne 

3/6 

XXXVIII  ... 

1892 

Wellington 

5/- 

XXXIX     ... 

1893 

Frome   ... 

4/6 

XL 

1894 

Langport 

5/6 

XLI 

1895 

Bath      ... 

5/6 

XLII 

1896 

Sherborne 

4/6 

XLIII 

1897 

Bridgwater 

5/6 

XLIV 

1898 

Taunton 

4/6 

XLV 

1899 

Clevedon 

4/6 

XLVI 

1900 

Dulverton 

5/6 

XL  VII       ... 

1901 

Bristol  ... 

61- 

XLVIII      ... 

1902 

Glastonbury 

61- 

XLIX 

1903 

Chard    

5/6 

L 

1904 

Gillingham 

61- 

LI 

1905 

Weston-super-Mare 

61- 

LII 

1906 

Minehead 

61- 

LIII 

1907 

Shepton  Mallet  ... 

61- 

LIV 

1908 

Taunton 

61- 

LV 

1909 

Wells     

8/6 

LVI 

1910 

Yeovil  ...            

8/6 

Some  details  of  the  Contents  of  Vols.  I— XLVIII  will  be  found  in  the 
Proceedings,  Vol.  XLVIII,  pt.  ii,  pp.  163-176  ;  but  the  prices  given  there  have 
recently  been  revised. 

Two  General  Indexes  to  the  Proceedings  are  still  obtainable.  Vols.  I — XX, 
price  6/- ;  Vols.  XXI— XL,  price  5/- 


*  Most  of  the  remaining  copies  of  Vol.  I  have  two  or  three  plates  deficient. 

t  The  few  remaining  copies  of  Vols.  II  and  V  are  mostly  soiled.    No  absolutely  perfect 
copy  of  Vol.  V  remains  that  can  be  sold  separately,  i.e.  apart  from  a  complete  set  of  the 


Cfie  Q0oUu0ca  of  Somerset. 

BY    E.    W.    SWANTON, 

Member  of  the  Conchological  Society  of  Or  eat  Britain  and  Ireland. 

INTRODUCTION. 

rOHE  earliest  reference  to  the  shells  of  Somerset  with  which 
-*-  I  am  acquainted  is  that  given  by  Emmanuel  Mendes  da 
Costa  in  his  Historia  Naturalis  Tcstaceorum  Britannia  (1778), 
wherein  that  most  assiduous  collector  remarks  concerning 
H.  lapicida,  "  1  have  found  them  on  the  rocks  at  and  near 
Matlock  in  Derbyshire  ;  about  Bath  in  Somersetshire,  also  on 
rocks ;  in  Surrey,  Wiltshire,  and  Hampshire,  in  the  moss  on 
the  bodies  of  large  trees,  and  in  woods." 

It  is  a  matter  of  regret  that  no  well-known  conchologist 
resided  in  Somerset  in  the  XVIII  Century.  The  adjacent 
counties  of  Wilts,  Dorset,  and  Devon  were  more  fortunate  in 
this  respect.  Colonel  Montagu,  F.L.S.,  the  author  of  the  well- 
known  Tcstacea  Britannica,  was  born  at  Lackham  in  Wilts, 
in  1755.  He  studied  very  closely  the  mollusca  of  the  northern 
part  of  that  county  before  removing  to  Kingsbridge  in  Devon, 
where  he  devoted  the  remainder  of  his  life  to  an  investigation 
of  the  ornithology  and  conchology  of  South  Devon.  His 
contemporary  was  Dr.  Pulteney,  who  published,  in  1799,  a 
catalogue  of  birds,  shells,  etc.,  of  the  county  of  Dorset. 

In  1822,  Mr.  J.  S.  Miller  published  in  the  Annals  of 
Philosophy  a  list  of  land  and  freshwater  shells  occurring  in 
the  environs  of  Bristol,  but  it  was  not  until  the  middle  of  the 


X  MOLLUSCA    OF    SOMERSET. 

XIX  Century  that  the  conchology  of  Somerset  received 
serious  attention.  In  1860  the  Rev.  A.  M.  Norman  published, 
in  Vol.  X  of  these  Proceedings,  a  paper  on  the  Inland  Mol- 
lusca  of  Somerset.  The  records  chiefly  concern  the  north  and 
north-western  districts,  but  so  carefully  had  the  author  in- 
vestigated the  molluscan  fauna  therein,  that  he  was  able  to 
remark  in  his  preface,  "  one  hundred  and  six  species  are 
included  in  the  present  catalogue.  Deducting  five  as  perhaps 
erroneously  recorded,  the  remaining  number  of  Somersetshire 
mollusca  will  be  found  to  exceed  those  hitherto  met  with  in 
any  county  or  district."  He  hints  that  it  was  the  first  cata- 
logue to  enumerate  100  species.  It  formed  the  basis  of 
papers  on  the  mollusca  of  the  Bristol  district  by  Messrs. 
Leipner,  Ord,  and  Poulton,  which  were  published  in  the  seven- 
ties. 

Though  fifty  years  have  passed  since  it  appeared,  it  is  my 
great  pleasure  to  observe  that  its  learned  author  (now  Rev. 
Canon  A.  Merle  Norman,  D.C.L.,  F.R.S.,  etc.,  of  world-wide 
reputation  as  a  conchologist)  is  still  with  us.  I  wrote  to  him 
soliciting  notes  when  I  commenced  to  put  together  my  material 
for  this  paper,  he  replied  that  he  could  not  give  me  any 
additional  information  as  he  had  not  resided  in  Somerset  since 
the  publication  of  the  list. 

The  molluscan  fauna  of  the  coast  is  apparently  poor  in 
species ;  the  polluted  waters  of  the  Bristol  Channel  are  prob- 
ably inimical  to  molluscan  life,  but  I  suspect  that  the  paucity 
of  records  is  to  be  partly  explained  by  the  absence  of  observers. 
On  the  other  hand,  the  inland  fauna  is  a  very  rich  one,  prob- 
ably not  excelled  by  any  other  county.  Factors  contributory 
to  this  are  the  numerous  rivers  and  streams  and  the  great 
diversity  of  soil.  It  is  necessary  briefly  to  consider  the 
physical  and  geological  features  of  the  county  before  reviewing 
its  mollusca  from  an  ecological  standpoint. 

The  majority  of  the  rivers  rise  in  the  eastern  uplands  and 
flow  westwards  into  the  Bristol  Channel.  The  largest  is  the 


INTRODUCTION.  XI 

Bristol  Avon,  forming  the  dividing  line  from  Gloucestershire. 
Its  tributaries,  the  Frome  and  Chew,  carry  off  the  waters 
from  the  north-east  side  of  the  Mendips.  The  river  Yeo 
takes  the  drainage  of  the  north-western  slopes  of  the  Mendips, 
and  enters  the  channel  a  few  miles  below  Clevedon.  The 
Axe  conducts  the  waters  from  the  southern  slopes  of  the  same 
range  to  the  sea  below  Weston-super-Mare.  The  Polden 
Hills  are  drained  on  the  north  by  the  Brue,  which  also  carries 
off  the  waters  of  the  eastern  uplands  about  Bruton  and  Castle 
Cary,  in  the  neighbourhood  of  which  towns  enormous  numbers 
of  shells  may  be  found  in  the  rejectmenta  left  on  the  banks 
after  heavy  floods.  Mr.  John  Morland,  in  a  recent  letter  to 
me,  comments  upon  the  large  numbers  of  shells  occurring  in 
the  "  drift "  left  by  this  river  near  Grlastonbury.  "  I  think  I 
obtained  60  or  more  species  from  this  source,  including  a  single 
specimen  of  Acme  fusca."  The  southern  slopes  of  the  Foldens 
are  drained  by  the  Cary,  a  tributary  of  the  Parrett,  which  it 
enters  near  Dunball  station,  below  Bridgwater,  in  an  artificial 
channel  under  the  name  of  King  Sedgemoor  Drain  or  Cut. 
Another  tributary  of  the  Parrett,  the  Yeo  (formerly  Ivel), 
enters  Somerset  near  Yeovil,  and  passing  through  llchester, 
joins  the  parent  stream  at  Langport.  From  Langport  the 
Parrett  meanders  across  the  county  to  the  sea,  and  forms, 
with  the  tributary  Yeo,  the  dividing  line  between  the  two 
vice-counties,  INorth  and  South.  The  Devonshire  Axe  and 
the  Exe,  which  drain  respectively  the  southern  slopes  of  the 
Blackdown  Hills  and  Exmoor,  flow  southward  into  Devon- 
shire. 

The  wild  stretches  of  Exmoor  comprise  some  of  the  highest 
land  in  the  county,  attaining  1,707ft.  at  Dunkery  Beacon. 
The  Quantock  hills  stretch  from  a  few  miles  to  the  north-west 
of  Taunton  towards  the  sea  in  the  direction  of  Watchet,  but 
do  not  reach  the  coast ;  Wills  Neck,  the  highest  point,  is 
1,262ft.  The  Mendips  stretch  from  the  neighbourhood  of 
Wells  to  Weston-super-Mare,  and  are  the  most  extensive  hills 


Xll  MOLLUSCA    OF    SOMERSET. 

in  the  northern  half  of  the  county.  There  is  much  rugged 
land  with  beautiful  scenery  in  the  eastern  parts  around  Pensel- 
wood. 

Summarising  briefly  the  geological  aspects  of  the  county, 
the  Palaeozoic  rocks  appear  in  the  north-east  (Bristol  and 
Radstock  coalfields),  and  in  the  west  ( Quantocks  and  Exmoor), 
the  hollow  between  them  is  filled  with  Mesozoic  rocks.  The 
Old  Red  sandstone  appears  on  the  Mendips,  also  on  the  banks 
of  the  Avon  near  Clifton.  The  Devonian  formation  occurs  in 
the  north-west  corner  of  the  county,  on  the  Quantocks,  and 
on  Exmoor  in  the  extreme  west.  The  Carboniferous  limestone 
crops  out  between  Clifton  and  Clevedon,  and  flanks  the  slopes 
of  the  Mendips ;  the  Coal  measures  occur  at  Clapton-in- 
Gordano,  Nailsea,  and  Radstock.  The  Trias  appears  between 
Taunton  and  Wiveliscombe.  The  Rhoetic  beds  are  largely 
exposed  on  the  coast  at  Watchet,  and  irregularly  at  other 
places.  The  Lias  occupies  a  large  tract  in  the  centre  of  the 
county,  and  is  well  seen  at  Street.  The  Oolite  forms  a  ridge 
on  the  east  and  south-east,  stretching  from  Bath  through 
Frome  to  Wincanton  and  Henstridge.  The  escarpments  of 
the  limestones  of  the  Lias  and  Oolite  face  the  west  or  north- 
west, the  dip  being  easterly.  The  Cretaceous  rocks  (chiefly 
Upper  Greensand)  are  well  developed  about  Penselwood  in 
the  east,  and  the  Blackdown  hills  in  the  south.  There  are 
numerous  post-Pliocene  beds  in  the  county,  such  are  every- 
where of  special  interest  to  the  conchologist,  as  they  frequently 
contain  sub-fossil  shells  in  large  numbers.  The  gravel,  silt, 
and  peat  beds  at  Burnham,  Sedgemoor,  Wedmore,  etc.,  and  the 
raised  beaches  about  Weston-super-Mare,  come  under  this 
heading.  Much  of  the  alluvium  and  peat  has  been  deposited 
since  Roman  times.  Deposits  12ft.  in  depth  occur  at  Bath 
and  on  the  levels  at  Burnham. 

Valley  gravel  occurs  along  the  Brue  valley  near  Bruton, 
Castle  Cary,  and  other  places.  Messrs.  Santer  Kennard  and 
B.  B.  Woodward,  who  examined  some  material  from  a  deposit 


INTRODUCTION.  Xlll 

near  Castle  Gary,  found  the  following  species,  all  of  which 
were  obviously  of  great  antiquity : 

Hygromia  hispida,  Linne. 
Hygromia  rufescens,  Pennant. 
Helix  hortensis,  Muller. 
Cochlicopa  lubrica,  Muller. 
Ancylus  fluviatilis,  Muller. 
Bithynia  tentaculata,  Linne. 
Valvata  piscinalis,  Muller. 
Pisidium  amnicum,  Muller. 

A  paper  by  Mr.  Herbert  Bolton,  F.R.S.E.,  Curator  of  the 
Bristol  Museum,  on  the  Occurrence  of  a  Shell-bearing  Gravel 
at  Dunball  Island,  was  published  in  the  Proceedings  of  the 
Bristol  Naturalists'  Society  in  1904.  At  a  depth  of  about 
24ft.  from  Ordnance  datum,  or  44ft.  from  the  surface,  a  layer 
of  sand,  mud,  and  fine  gravel,  averaging  5Jft.  in  thickness, 
contained  the  following  species,  Macoma  balthica  being  the 
dominant : 

LAND  AND  FRESH-WATER. 

Vitrea  cellaria,  Muller  (  =  Hyalinia  cettaria,  Westerlund). 

Pyramidula  rotundata,  Muller. 

Hygromia  hispida,  Linne. 

Vallonia  pulchella,  Muller. 

Helix  hortensis,  Muller. 

Cochlicopa  lubrica,  Muller. 

Succinea  putris,  Linne. 

Ancylus  fluviatilis,  Muller. 

Limnsea  peregra,  Muller. 

Plariorbis  albus,  Muller. 

Planorbis  glaber,  Jeffreys. 

Planorbis  umbilicatus,  Muller. 

Paludestrina  stagnalis,  Easter  (  =  Hydrobia  ulvce,  Pennant). 

Bithynia  tentaculata,  Linne. 

Bithynia  leachi,  Sheppard. 

Valvata  piscinalis,  Muller. 


XIV  MOLLUSCA    OF    SOMERSET. 

Pomatias  elegans,  Muller  (  =  Cyclostoma  elegans,  Muller). 
Neritina  fluviatilis,  Linne. 

MARINE. 

Scrobicularia  plana,  Da  Costa  (  =  S.  piperata,  Bellonius). 
Macoma  balthica,  Linne  (=Tellina  balthica,  Linne). 
Littorina  obtusata,  Linne. 
Littorina  rudis,  Maton. 
Leuconia  bidentata,  Montagu. 

The  peat  beds  yield  but  scanty  molluscau  remains.  I  have 
examined  many  sections  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Shapwick, 
but  succeeded  in  finding  nothing  more  than  fragments  of 
various  species  of  Planorbis  and  Pisidium,  in  such  a  condition 
as  to  render  specific  identification  impossible.  Many  years 
ago  Mr.  Arthur  Bulleid,  F.S.A.,  shewed  me  some  shells  from 
the  peat  at  the  Grlastonbury  Lake-village,  they  comprised 
three  common  inhabitants  of  the  rhines  at  the  present  time, 
viz.  : 

Valvata  piscinalis,  MuUer. 
Bithynia  tentaculata,  Linne. 
Pisidium  amnicum,  Muller. 

Raised  beaches  occur  at  Anchor  Head  and  Woodspring 
Hill  north  of  Weston-super-Mare.  They  are  between  20  to 
30ft.  above  high-water  mark,  and  are  covered  by  blown  sand, 
rubble,  and  talus.  They  consist  of  sand  and  shingle  (Carbon- 
iferous Limestone  pebbles  with  occasional  flints)  well  stratified 
and  often  compacted.  Mr.  E.  C.  H.  Day,  F.G.S.,  published, 
in  the  Geological  Magazine  of  1866,  a  paper  on  these  raised 
beaches.  He  observes  that  the  shingle  was  cemented  into 
masses  of  conglomerate  so  hard  "  that  it  required  violent 
labour  with  heavy  tools  to  break  them."  Embedded  in  the 
masses  were  bones  of  horses  and  hyaenas  (cave),  with  numerous 
shells  of  Littorina  littorea,  Linne  and  Tellina  tennis,  da  Costa. 
Mr.  H.  B.  Woodward  is  of  opinion  that  these  remnants  of 


INTRODUCTION.  XV 

raised  beaches  are  "  possibly  of  the  same  age  as  some  of  the 
valley  gravels  into  which  they  may  have  merged." 

The  following  species  have  been  recorded  from  them  : 

Mytilus  edulis,  Linne. 

Ostrea  edulis,  Linne. 

Macoma  balthica,  Linne  (—Tellina  balthica,  Linne}. 

Cardium  edule,  Linne. 

Littorina  littorea,  Linne. 

Buccinum  undatum,  Linne. 

Old  beaches  have  been  traced  on  the  Lias  and  Red  Marl  in 


Diagram  of  a  Kaised  Beach,  etc.,  at  Birnbeck  Cove, 
Weston-super-Mare  (after  Day). 

1.    "Head."     2.   Ancient  Cliff.     3.   Ancient  Dunes.     4.    Ancient  Beach. 

5.    Ancient  Shore.     6.   Present  Beach. 
AA.    Carboniferous  Limestone.         HWL.    High-water  Level. 

many  parts  of  the  moorlands,  in  places  inland  and  about  the 
present  sea  level.  They  are  known  as  the  Burtle  Beds,  being 
so  named  by  De  la  Beche  because  they  were  at  one  time  well 
shown  at  Burtle  near  Glastonbury.  They  may  be  traced 
along  many  parts  of  the  border  of  King's  Sedgemoor,  Sutton 
Mallet,  Weston  Zoyland,  Chedzoy,  and  Middlezoy,  in  the 
last  they  are  sometimes  dug  by  the  roadside.  These  beaches  are 
composed  of  sand  with  occasional  pebbles  (sometimes  cemented 
into  hard  bands)  and  recent  marine  shells.  "  Whether  these 


XVI  MOLLUSCA    OF    SOMERSET. 

Burtle  Beds  were  contemporaneous  with  the  raised  beaches,  or 
were  due  to  later  incursions  of  the  sea  over  the  lowlands,  is 
not  certain"  (H.  B.  Woodward). 

Mr.  Henry  C order  obtained  the  following  shells  from  a  very 
fossiliferous  patch  of  Burtle  Bed  at  Perry  Green,  Wembdon, 
by  a  wet  roadside  ditch  : 

Mytilus  edulis,  Linne. 

Ostrea  edulis,  Linne. 

Macoma  balthica,  Linne  (  —  Tdlina  balthica,  Linne}. 

Cardium  edule,  Linne. 

Gibbula  cineraria,  Linne  ( =  Trochus  cinerarius,  Linne). 

Littorina  littorea,  Linne. 

Littorina  neritoides,  Linne. 

Paludestrina  stagnalis,  Easier  (  =  Hydrobia  ulvas,  Pennant). 

Natica  catena,  da  Costa. 

Buccinum  undatum,  Linne. 

Ocinebra  erinacea,  Linne  (  =  Murex  erinaceus,  Linne). 

Nassa  reticulata,  Linne. 

Tornatina  obtusa,  Montagu  (=  Vtriculus  obtusus,  Montagu). 

Mr.  H.  St.  George  Gray  has  recorded  the  occurrence  of 
the  following  species  from  the  excavation  of  Wick  Barrow, 
Stogursey  i1 

Vitrea  alliaria,  Miller. 

Helix  aspersa,  Mutter  (abundant). 

Helix  nemoralis,  Linne  (common). 

Ccecilioides  acicula,  Muller  (=Achatina  acicula,  Mutter). 

Pomatias  elegans,  Muller  (  =  Cyclostoma  elegans,  Muller). 

Patella  vulgata,  Linne. 

A  Holocene  deposit  on   Brean  Down  (south  side)  yielded 
four  species  when  I  examined  it  in  June,  1910  : 
Vitrea  cellaria,  Muller. 
Helicella  virgata,  da  Costa. 
Helicella  caperata,  Montagu. 
Helicella  barbara,  Linne  (  =  Helix  acutat  Muller). 

1.     Proc.  Som.  Arch.  Soc.,  LIV,  ii,  52. 


INTRODUCTION.  XV11 

It  is  highly  probable  that  further  search  would  yield  many 
additional  species. 

The  geological  systems  above  alluded  to  comprise  many 
formations  and  sub-divisions.  Though  very  complex — ranging 
from  the  Old  Red  Sandstone  to  the  Chalk-— yet,  from  an  eco- 
logical standpoint,  they  may  be  classed  under  the  three  headings 
of  sandstones,  limestones,  and  deep  marls  and  clays,  as  pointed 
out  by  Dr.  C.  E.  Moss  in  his  admirable  paper  on  the  Geo- 
graphical Distribution  of  Vegetation  in  Somerset.1  I  have 
drawn  largely  upon  his  paper  for  my  botanical  notes  in  the 
subjoined  brief  survey  of  the  inland  mollusca  of  the  county, 
and  have  much  pleasure  in  here  acknowledging  my  indebted- 
ness, and  expressing  my  appreciation  of  its  value. 

Dr.  Moss  observes  that  "  East  Somerset  has  a  slightly  higher 
summer  temperature  and  a  slightly  lower  winter  temperature 
than  West  Somerset,  and  also  from  the  geological  and  botanical 
standpoints,  East  Somerset  has  more  in  common  with  eastern 
England  than  with  south-western  England."  An  examination 
of  the  molluscan  fauna  gives  zoological  support  to  this  con- 
clusion, e.g.  we  do  not  find  Jaminia  anglica  in  the  eastern  part 
of  the  county  ;  other  examples  might  be  quoted. 

Considered  as  a  whole,  the  mollusca  of  Somerset  belong  to 
the  Lusitanian  group,  the  term  "  Lusitanian "  being  under- 
stood to  include  the  extreme  south-west  of  Europe  (and  north- 
west Africa),  and  not  limited  to  Lusitania  of  Roman  times, 
which  included  only  a  large  area  of  Portugal.  A  "  Lusitanian" 
mollusc  is  one  which  has  migrated  from  South- Western  Europe 
to  Central,  Southern,  or  Northern  Europe,  either  in  pre- 
glacial  times  or  later.  Forbes  considered  that  the  Lusitanian 
elements  are  the  oldest  of  the  components  of  our  existing 
fauna  and  flora,  and  date  from  Miocene  times.  Molluscs  of 
this  group  occur  chiefly,  as  far  as  the  United  Kingdom  is 
concerned,  in  the  mountainous  districts  of  the  south-west  and 

1.     Eoyal  Geographical  Society ,  1907. 


xvm 


MOLLUSC  A    OF    SOMERSET. 


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Testacella  maugei 

x 

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X 

X 

X 

/ 

X 

X 

T.  haliotidea 

- 

— 

X 

/ 

I 

/ 

- 

X 

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T.  scutulum 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

X 

- 

- 

X 

Limax  maximus   ... 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

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X 

x 

X 

L.  flavus    ... 

x 

x 

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x 

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L.  arborum 

x 

X 

_ 

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X 

X 

x 

X 

Agriolimax  agrestis 

X 

X 

x 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

A.  lifivis 

x 

x 

x 

x 

/ 

/ 

x 

/ 

x 

Milax  sowerbyi     ... 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

M.  gagates 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

/ 

X 

- 

X 

Vitrina  pellucida  ... 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

/ 

X 

X 

Vitrea  crjstallina 

- 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

V.  lucida  (=D?*apanialdi) 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

- 

- 

X 

V.  cellaria 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

x 

X 

X 

V.  rogersi  (=helvetica)   ... 

X 

X 

X 

- 

X 

X 

/ 

/ 

X 

V.  alliaria  ... 

x 

x 

x 

x 

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V.  nitidula 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

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x 

X 

X 

V.  pura 

x 

x 

x 

x 

X 

x 

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x 

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V.  radiatula 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

Zonitoides  nitidus 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

- 

/ 

/ 

Z.  excavatus 

X 

— 

X 

X 

X 

X 

- 

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X 

Euconulus  fulvus 

— 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

/ 

Arion  ater 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

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A.  subfuscus 

X 

x 

x 

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X 

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A.  intermedius  (—minimus) 

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A.  hortensis 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

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A.  fasciatus  (=circumscriptus}  ... 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

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X 

X 

x 

Punctum  pygmaeum 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

/ 

X 

/ 

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S  phyradium  edentulum    ... 

- 

- 

- 

X 

X 

/ 

/ 

X 

X 

(=  Vertigo  edentula) 

INTRODUCTION. 


XIX 


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Pyramidula  rupestris 

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P.  rotundata 

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Helicella  virgata  ... 

X 

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H.  itala  (=ericetorum)     ... 

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H.  caperata 

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H.  barbara  (=acuta) 

X 

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H.  cantiana 

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X 

/ 

/ 

X 

Hygromia  fusca    ... 

- 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

- 

/ 

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H.  granulata 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

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H.  hispida 

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H.  montivaga 

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H.  rufescens 

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Acanthinula  aculeata 

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X 

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Vallonia  pulchella  (aggregate)    ... 

X 

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V.  costata 

- 

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V.  excentrica 

- 

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Helicigona  lapicida 

- 

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H.  arbustorum 

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Helix  aspersa 

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H.  pomatia 

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H.  nemoralis 

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H.  hortensis 

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H   pisana  ... 

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Ena  montana 

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E.  obscura 

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Cochlicopa  lubrica 

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Azeca  trideus 

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Caecilioides  acicula 

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XX 


MOLLUSCA    OF    SOMERSET. 


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* 

Q 

Jaminia  secale 

X 

X 

1 

f 

X 

J.  anglica  (=Pupa  ring  ens) 

- 

— 

— 

X 

_ 

/ 

— 

— 

— 

J.  cylindracea 

x 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

1 

1 

X 

J.  muscorum 

X 

— 

X 

X 

X 

X 

I 

X 

X 

Vertigo  minutissima 

- 

- 

- 

— 

— 

X 

- 

- 

X 

V.  an  ti  vertigo 

— 

— 

X 

X 

— 

X 

— 

X 

X 

V.  substriata 

- 

- 

— 

X 

— 

— 

1 

— 

- 

V.  pygma3a 

- 

x 

X 

X 

X 

X 

x 

- 

X 

V.  moulinsiana 

- 

— 

— 

X 

— 

— 

— 

— 

X 

V.  pusilla 

- 

- 

X 

X 

- 

/ 

- 

— 

/ 

V.  augustior 

/ 

/ 

- 

- 

Balea  perversa 

- 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

x 

X 

/ 

Clausilia  laminata 

X 

— 

X 

X 

/ 

X 

X 

X 

X 

C.  biplicata 

/ 

/ 

/ 

- 

C.  bidentata          ... 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

x 

X 

X 

C.  rolphii  ... 

_ 

x 

x 

x 

/ 

Succinea  putris     ... 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

S.  elegans  ... 

x 

x 

x 

x 

x 

x 

x 

/ 

x 

S.  oblonga 

X 

X 

/ 

Carychium  minimum 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

Phytia  myosotis    ... 

- 

- 

X 

X 

- 

/ 

- 

- 

- 

Ovatella  bidentata 

- 

— 

X 

X 

- 

/ 

- 

- 

/ 

Ancylus  fluviatilis 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

/ 

/ 

X 

Acroloxus  lacustris 

- 

— 

x 

- 

/ 

X 

X 

X 

/ 

Limnaea  auricularia 

- 

- 

X 

— 

/ 

X 

X 

X 

- 

L.  peregra 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

x 

L.  palustris 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

L.  truncatula 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

L.  stagnalis 

- 

- 

- 

- 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

\ 

INTRODUCTION. 


XXI 


3: 

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1 

CO 

1 

1 

1 

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CO 

co 

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1 

0 
CO 

co 

1 

§ 

co 

1 

s 

0 

Ci 

Limna3a  glabra 

x 

X 

_ 

_ 

_ 

X 

X 

x  !  x 

Arnphipeplea  glutinosa    ... 

- 

- 

- 

- 

/ 

- 

- 

-  j  / 

Planorbis  corneus 

- 

— 

- 

— 

/ 

X 

X 

X  !  - 

P.  albus     

x 

x 

X 

x 

X 

X 

x 

X 

X 

P.  glaber  ... 

X 

X 

x 

x 

P.  crista 

x 

x 

x 

x 

X 

1 

x 

P.  carinatus 

X 

_ 

X 

X 

X 

X 

P.  umbilicatus 

- 

- 

X 

- 

X 

X 

x 

X 

X 

P.  vortex   ... 

_ 

X 

X 

_ 

X 

X 

x 

X 

X 

P.  spirorbis 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

x 

X 

P.  contortus 

— 

- 

X 

- 

X 

X 

x 

X 

X 

P.  fontanus 

- 

— 

X 

— 

X 

X 

x 

- 

/ 

Segmentina  nitida  (=P.  lineatus) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

x 

X 

X 

Physa  fontinalis   ... 

- 

- 

X 

- 

X 

X 

x 

X 

X 

Aplecta  hypnorum 

- 

- 

X 

- 

X 

X 

x 

X 

/ 

Paludestrina  jenkinsi 

- 

- 

X 

X 

P.  ventrosa 

— 

— 

— 

- 

- 

/ 

- 

- 

/ 

P.  stagnalis 

- 

x 

X 

- 

- 

/ 

- 

- 

- 

Bithynia  tentaculata 

X 

- 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

B.  leachii  ... 

_ 

_ 

x 

_ 

_ 

x 

1 

x 

1 

Vivipara  vivipara 

- 

- 

X 

- 

/ 

X 

X 

X 

- 

V.  contecta 

- 

- 

- 

— 

— 

/ 

— 

- 

— 

Valvata  piscinalis... 

X 

- 

X 

- 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

V.  cristata 

— 

- 

— 

— 

/ 

X 

1 

X 

/ 

Pomatias  elegans  ... 

X 

- 

x 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

x 

Acicula  lineata     ... 

- 

— 

— 

- 

X 

X 

/ 

1 

X 

Neritina  fluviatilis 

X 

— 

X 

— 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

Dreissensia  polymorpha  ... 

- 

- 

X 

- 

- 

X 

X 

/ 

- 

Unio  pictorum 

- 

— 

X 

- 

- 

X 

X 

X 

X 

XX11 


MOLLUSCA    OF    SOMEKSET. 


Unio  tumidus 

Anodonta  cjgnsea 

Sphseriurn  rivicola 

S.  corneum 

S.  lacustre 

S.  pallidum 

Pisidium  amnicum 

P.  henslowianum  ... 

P.  subtruncatum   ... 

P.  pulchellum 

P.  pusillum 

P.  nitidum 

P.  obtusale 

P.  gassiesianum  (=.roscum) 


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X 

/ 

X 

X 

x 





X 

X 

X 

^/\^ 

X 

. 

x 

X 

X 

- 

- 

X 

X 

X 

X 

x 

X 

x 

_ 

_ 

X 

_ 

L 

X 

/ 

X 

X 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

X 

x 

X 

/ 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

— 

- 

X 

- 

- 

X 

/ 

/ 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

- 

- 

X 

- 

X 

X 

/ 

- 

X 

x 

x 

1 

- 

X 

X 

- 

X 

X 

X 

- 

X 

the  west  of  Ireland,  and  the  south-west  of  England  and  Wales. 
Dr.  Scharff  considering  discontinuous  distribution  to  be  an 
index  of  antiquity,  assigns  our  terrestrial  mollusca  to  two 
provinces : 

(1)  England  and  Wales  (except  south-west). 

(2)  South-west    England   and   Wales,   and   the   whole    of 
Scotland  and  Ireland. 

The  second  province  contains  six  species  which  are  entirely 
absent  from  the  first,  viz. :  Testacella  maugei  Fernssac, 
Geomalacus  maculosus  Allman,  Helicella  barbara  Lmne. 
Hygromia  revelata  Ferussac,  Helix  pisana  Muller,  and  Jaminia 
anglica  Ferussac. 

Three,  viz.  :  Testacella  mangei,  Helicella  barbara  (  —  Helix 
acuta),  and  Jaminia  anglica  (=Pupa  ringens)  occur  in  Somer- 


INTKODUCTION.  XXlll 

set,  arid  it  remains  for  some  zealous  conchologist  to  add  a 
fourth,  Hygromia  revelata,  which  should  be  looked  for  on  hills 
near  the  coast  in  the  extreme  west  of  the  county. 

With  the  single  exception  of  Geomalacns  maculosus,  all  the 
Lusitanian  species  occur  in  the  Channel  Islands. 

The  Census  List  published  by  the  Conchological  Society 
forms  the  basis  of  the  list  given  above,  which  shews  the  com- 
parative distribution  of  the  land  and  freshwater  mollusca  of 
the  five  south-western  counties  of  England.  Records  marked 
X  have  been  verified  by  the  Society's  Recorder.  Excepting 
Dorset,  all  the  counties  are  divided  into  "  vice-counties,"  the 
areas  of  which  are  defined  as  follows  in  the  Census  List. 

Cornwall  W .  and  E.,  divided  by  the  high  road  from  Truro 
through  St.  Columb  to  the  inland  extremity  of  Padstow 
Creek. 

Devon  N.  and  S.,  divided  by  the  watershed  line  which  com- 
mences at  the  Tamar,  about  midway  between  Tavistock  and 
Launceston,  passes  over  the  ridge  of  Dartmoor,  and  joins  the 
western  canal  at  Tiverton. 

Somerset  N.  and  S.,  divided  by  the  river  Parret  from 
Bridgwater  to  Ilchester,  the  line  thence  curving  round  to  the 
north  extremity  of  Dorsetshire. 

Wilts  N.  and  S.,  separated  by  the  Kennett  and  Avon  Canal. 

I  do  not  quite  understand  what  is  implied  by  the  above 
definition  of  the  dividing  line  of  the  vice-counties  of  Somerset, 
which  is  apparently  based  upon  H.  C.  Watson's  subdivision  in 
Cybele  Britannica,  and  prefer  to  divide  north  from  south 
by  the  Parret  to  Langport,  and  its  tributary  the  Yeo  to 
Ilchester  and  Yeovil.  The  Parret  does  not  pass  through 
Ilchester. 

One  hundred  and  thirty  non-marine  species  have  been  re- 
corded from  the  five  counties.  Eight  are  not  known  to  occur 
in  Somerset,  viz.,  Hygromia  revelata,  Ferussac ;  Hygromia 
montivaga,  Westerlund ;  Helix  pomatia,  Linne  ;  Helix  pisana, 
Muller ;  Vertigo  substriata,  Jeffreys ;  Vertigo  moulinsiana. 


XXIV  MOLLUSCA    OF    SOMERSET. 

Dupuy ;     Segmentina     nitida,    Muller    (=Planorbis     lineatus. 
Walker);  and  Paludestrina jenkinsi,  Smit/t. 

We  may  adopt,  as  a  convenient  basis  for  some  comments  on 
the  ecology  of  Somerset  rnollusca,  the  headings  under  which 
Dr.  Moss  has  arranged  the  systems  of  vegetation  of  the 
County. 

I.  LOWLAND  AREA. 

A.  COAST  REGION. 

(1).     MUDDY  SALT  MARSH  FORMATION. 
(2).    DUNE  FORMATION. 

B.  THE  LEVELS. 

(1).     AQUATIC  FORMATION. 
(2).     PEAT-MOOR  FORMATION. 

II.  UPLAND  AREA. 

A.  THE  DEEP  MARLS  AND  CLAYS. 

B.  THE  LIMESTONES. 

C.  THE  SANDSTONES. 

I.     LOWLAND  AREA. 

Characterised  by  extensive  recent  deposits.  Mud  flats, 
sand  hills,  alluvium  and  peat  bogs.  Dr.  Moss  observes  that 
"the  area  represents  a  gain  of  terra  firma,  from  the  sea 
chiefly,  by  various  means  of  reclamation,  and  the  retention  of 
the  land  is  still  a  matter  of  difficulty  and  expense.  The  area 
is  indeed  a  great  monument  to  the  patience,  skill  and  industry 
of  the  Somersetshire  people.  The  land  was  primitively  tree- 
less. Not  a  single  example  of  natural  woodland  occurs,  and 
even  plantations  are  uncommon."  The  ancient  shore  may  be 
traced  here  and  there  many  miles  inland,  the  sub-fossil  shells 
occurring  in  it  and  in  the  raised  beaches,  etc.,  of  this  area 
have  been  noted  above. 


PLATE  I. 


2 


FIG.  i.— 


he  coast  between   Berrow  and    Burnham.     Helix  aspersa,   Miiller,  and 
H.   nemoralis,  L.   are  abundant  on  the  embryonic  dune. 


FIG.  2.— Shifting  Dunes  near  Berrow,  capped  with    Marram  Grass  ( Ammophila 
arenaria,   Link),-   a  well-known  haunt  of  HeliceUa  barbara,  Linne. 


From  photographs  by  Mr.  W.  B.  Crump,  Halifax. 


INTRODUCTION.  XXV 

A.     COAST  EEGION. 
(1).     MUDDY  SALT  MARSH  FORMATION. 

Muddy  salt-marshes  occur  at  the  mouths  of  the  rivers.  The 
extreme  conditions  of  life  on  the  seaward  side  explain  the 
paucity  of  their  molluscan  fauna.  Littorina  rudis,  Maton,  and 
Paludestrina  stagnalis,  Easier  (  =  Hydrobia  ulva,  Pennant) 
occur  in  large  numbers  associated  with  halophytic  plants  such 
as  Salicornea  europ&a,  Linne ;  Glyceria  maritima,  Mert  and 
Koch,  and  Triglochin  maritimum,  Linne.  On  the  landward 
side  conditions  are  less  unfavourable,  the  mud  is  seldom  tide- 
washed,  and  the  water  is  usually  fresh.  In  the  marshes  and 
rhines,  which  are  brackish  during  very  high  tides,  Limn&a 
truncatula,  Mutter,  occurs  in  great  numbers,  its  frequency  is 
very  noticeable  during  dry  summers,  when  the  water  in  the 
rhines  is  low.  The  strong  rush  of  water  up  the  river  mouths 
frequently  carries  Macoma  balthica,  Linne ;  Littorina  obtusata, 
Linne ;  Littorina  rudis,  Maton,  and  others,  considerable  dis- 
tances inland. 

Phytia  myosotis,  Draparnaud,  and  Ovatclla  bidentata,  Montagu, 
are  frequent  under  stones  just  above  high  water  mark  at  the 
mouths  of  all  the  tidal  rivers. 

(2).    DUNE  FORMATION. 

The  sand  dunes  are  frequented  by  an  interesting  association 
of  a  few  species,  the  individuals  of  which  often  occur  in 
enormous  numbers.  Amongst  the  strand  plants  of  the  fore- 
shore (Atriplex  hastata,  Linne;  Salsola  Kali,  Linne,  and  other 
representatives  of  the  Chenopodiacea?)  dead  shells  of  H.  aspersa, 
Mutter,  and  H.  virgata,  da  Costa,  chiefly  occur.  Behind  the 
foreshore  there  is  an  association  of  plants  (see  Plate  I,  fig.  1) 
with  sea-couch  grass  (Agropyronjunceum,  Bcauv.)  the  dominant 
one,  and  the  sand  sedge  (Carex  arenaria,  Linne)  the  sub- 
dominant.  Amongst  these  we  find 


XXVI  MOLLUSCA    OF    SOMERSET. 

Helix  aspersa,  Muller  (dominant),  associated  with 
Helicella  virgata,  da  Costa. 
Helicella  caperata,  Montagu. 
Helix  nemoralis,  Linne. 

H.  aspersa  is  usually  very  abundant,  such  broad-leaved 
plants  as  Rumex  crispus,  Linne,  and  Cynoglossum  officinale, 
Linne,  affording  a  welcome  retreat  during  periods  of  drought. 
The  homing  instinct  of  this  species  may  be  well  seen  on  a  hot 
morning  following  a  wet  night,  when  many  isolated  plants  are 
surrounded  at  distances  varying  from  a  foot  to  a  yard  by 
belated  individuals  who  failed  to  gain  the  shade  arid  protective 
screen  reached  by  their  more  punctual  brethren. 

Behind  the  Sea-couch  Grass  association  we  have  the  high 
dunes  capped  with  Marram  Grass  (Ammophila  arenaria,  LinJt). 
(Plate  1,  fig.  2).  The  side  of  the  dune  which  faces  the  sea  is 
always  steep,  but  the  slope  never  exceeds  30°,  and  the  sand  is 
continually  blowing  over  it  to  the  lesser  slope  on  the  leeward 
or  landward  side. 

On  very  windy  days  countless  dead  shells  of  Paludestrina 
stagnalis,  Baster ;  Helicella  barbara,  Linne  ;  Helicella  virgata, 
da  Costa,  and  Jaminia  muscorum,  Linne,  are  often  blown  into 
little  heaps  up  the  dune  face,  rolling  back  again  between 
the  gusts.  Helicella  itala,  Linne,  and  H.  caperata,  Montagu, 
also  occur  with  them  but  in  lesser  numbers.  At  the  base  of 
the  dunes  bleached  shells  of  Helix  aspersa,  Muller,  lie  in 
hundreds. 

Amongst  the  Marram  Grass  and  on  the  leeward  slope  of 
the  dunes  we  find  the  following  association  : 

Helicella  barbara,  Linne  (Helix  acuta,  Mutter),  dominant. 
Jaminia  muscorum,  Linne  (  —  Pupa  marginata,  Draparnaud), 

sub-dominant. 

Helicella  virgata,  da  Costa. 
Helicella  itala,  Linne  (  =  H.  ericetorum,  Muller). 
Helicella  caperata,  Montagu. 
Helix  aspersa,  Muller. 


INTRODUCTION.  XXV11 

Helicclla  barbara  is  partial  to  the  roots  of  the  Marram 
Grass,  coming  forth  in  surprising  numbers  in  rainy  weather. 
Jaminta  muscorum  frequents  the  roots  of  the  grasses  Festuca 
rubra,  L.,  var.  arenaria.  Fries  ;  Festuca  membranacea,  Druce  ; 
Agropi/ron  junceum,  Beauv. ;  and  H.  aspcrsa  shews  a  partiality 
for  Euphorbia  paralias,  Linn/,  and  the  less  widely  distributed 
Iris  foetidissima,  Linne. 

At  the  base  of  the  dune  slopes  the  following  association 
occurs  : 

Jaminia  muscorum,  Linne  (dominant). 
Agriolimax  agrestis,  Linne. 
Vitrina  pellucida,  Matter  (amongst  moss). 
Helicella  caperata,  Montagu. 
Hygromia  rufescens,  Pennant. 
Helix  aspersa,  Mutter. 

The  chief  plants  with  which  these  are  associated  are  Carcx 
arenaria,  Linne  \  Festuca  rubra,  var.  arenaria,  Fries',  Ononis 
r opens )  Linne,  var.  horrida,  Lange  ;  Lotus  corniculatus,  Linne ; 
and  Tkymus  serphyllum,  Linne ;  with  the  last  named  Helix 
caperata  is  chiefly  associated. 

B.     THE  LEVELS. 

The  flat  plain  of  the  Levels  consists  of  tidal,  lacustrine,  and 
river  deposits,  protected  from  inundation  at  abnormally  high 
tides  by  the  dunes,  the  sea-walls,  and  the  sluices  at  the  mouths 
of  the  tidal  rivers.  Inundations  occasionally  occur.  The 
whole  district  is  under  pastoral  cultivation,  and  the  fields  are 
separated  by  shallow  ditches,  or  rhines. 

(1).    AQUATIC  FORMATION. 

Amongst  the  vegetation  of  the  marshy  land,  on  the  margins 
of  the  rhines,  we  find  the  following  molluscan  association : 
Agriolimax  agrestis,  Linne. 
Vitrea  crystallina,  Muller. 


XXV111  MOLLUSCA    OF    SOMERSET. 

Vitrea  alliaria,  Miller. 

Zonitoides  nitidus,  Mil  Her  (local). 

Arion  subfuscus,  Draparnaud. 

Arion  hortensis,  Ferussac. 

Arion  fasciatus,  Nilsson. 

Pyramidula  rotundata,  Muller  (common). 

Hygromia  hispida,  Linne  (common). 

Hygromia  rufescens,  Pennant  (dominant). 

Cochlicopa  lubrica,  Muller. 

Carychium  minimum,  Muller. 

H.  hispida  occurs  in  great  numbers  wherever  nettles  fringe 
the  rhine,  it  bears  submergence  well,  and  may  be  not  in- 
frequently found  crawling  on  the  stems  of  aquatic  plants. 
Ayriolimax  agrestis  is  apparently  the  only  species  in  this 
association  which  is  unable  to  survive  prolonged  sub- 
mersion. I  noticed,  in  several  localities  which  had  been 
recently  flooded,  this  species  lying  dead,  obviously  drowned, 
in  some  numbers  near  the  margins  of  the  rhines. 

The  edges  of  the  rhines  are  fringed  with  aquatic  plants, 
characterised  by  their  upright  leaves,  <?.</.,  Phragmitcs  com- 
munis,  Trin. ;  Iris  pseuda corns 9  Linne  ;  Typha  Icitifolia^  Linne  : 
and  Sparganium  erectum,  Linn.  Crawling  on  their  stems  and 
leaves,  often  in  large  numbers,  are  : 

Succinea  elegans,  Eisso  (dominant). 
Succinea  putris,  Linne. 
Limnsea  peregra,  Nailer. 
Limnaea  truncatula,  Muller. 

The  dredge-net  obtains  from  amongst  the  submerged  stems 
of  these  plants  the  following  : 

Limnaea  palustris,  Muller. 

Planorbis  umbilicatus,  Muller  (  =  P.  complanatus,  Jeffreys). 

Planorbis  vortex,  Linne. 

Planorbis  fontanus,  Lightfoot  (  =  P.  nitidus,  Muller,  of  Jeffreys) 

Physa  fontinalis,  Linne. 

Valvata  cristata,  Muller. 


INTRODUCTION.  XXIX 

Sphaerium  corneum,  Linne. 

Pisidium  pusillum,  Gmelin  (  =  P.fontinale,  Draparnaud). 

Beyond  the  Upright-leaf  association  or  Reed  belt  we 
'frequently  find  the  surface  of  the  rhine  covered  with 
plants  characterised  by  their  floating  leaves,  amongst  the 
dominant  species  we  may  mention  Hydrocharis  morsus-rance, 
Linn/;  Lemna  minor,  Linne  (other  species  of  Lcmna  occur, 
L.  trisuka,  Linne,  abundantly  in  some  parts),  Glyceriaflu'dans, 
Br.,  and  Ranunculus  heterophyllus,  Weber.  Dr.  Moss  observes 
that  the  Upright-leaf  and  the  Floating-leaf  associations  are 
kept  in  their  respective  positions  by  the  ditching  operations  of 
the  farmers,  "  but  for  this  work,  the  upright-leaf  forms  would 
eventually  occupy  the  whole  rhine,  which  would  become  filled 
with  humus  and  silt.  This  process  can  be  seen  taking  place 
in  the  disused  brick-ponds  which  are  not  cleaned  by  the 
ditchers." 

In  rhines  partially  silted  up  we  find  Sph&rinm  corneum  and 
Pisidium  pusillum  in  the  mud,  the  last  mollusc  to  retain  its 
hold  under  the  gradual  change  of  conditions  is  Limncea 
truncatula.  The  molluscs  to  be  found  in  connection  with  the 
Floating-leaf  association  are  : 

Limnsea  peregra,  Muller.  t 

Limnaea  palustris,  Muller.  • 

Limnaea  stagnalis,  Linne. 

Planorbis  corneus,  Linne  (local), 

Planorbis  umbilicatus  Muller  (dominant). 

Planorbis  vortex,  Linne. 

Planorbis  spirorbis,  Linne. 

Planorbis  contortus,  Linne. 

Physa  fontinalis,  Linne. 

Bithynia  tentaculata,  Linne. 

Sphserium  corneum,  Linne. 

Limncea  palustris  and  Limncea  stac/naHs  are  typical  shallow- 
water  species.  The  Lemna  often  forms  such  a  dense  carpet 
of  vegetation  on  the  rhine  surface,  that  a  piece  a  yard  square 


XXX  MOLLTJSCA    OF    SOMERSET. 

may  be  dragged  out  by  the  scoop.  The  smaller  species  of 
Planorbis,  Physafontinalis,  and  the  young  of  Limncea  peregra 
creep  on  the  lower  (submerged)  surface  in  great  numbers. 

In  rhines  containing  but  little  weed  and  much  "green 
scum  "  I  found  Bithynia  tentaculata  in  great  plenty  associated 
with  L.  palustris,  L.  stagnalis,  P.  nitidus,  and  V.  piscinalis. 
From  a  rhine  covered  only  with  a  single  species  of  Ranunculus, 
apparently  typical  R.  heterophyllus,  Weber,  I  dredged  Limncea 
peregra  and  Bithynia  tentaculata,  neither  in  great  numbers. 

In  the  largest  rhines  and  in  the  canals  the  greater  width  of 
the  channel  lessens  the  competition  between  the  plants,  and 
the  open  centre  permits  sufficient  light  to  enter  the  water  to 
allow  of  the  growth  of  submerged  leaf  plants  such  as  Ranun- 
culus circinatus,  Sibtk  ;  Hippuris  vulgaris,  Linne' i  various 
species  of  Potamogeton  and  Chara,  Utricularia  vulgaris,  Linne  ; 
Hottonia  palustris,  Linne ,  and  Myriopliyllum  vcrticillatum, 
Linne.  Here  we  find  the  following  association  : 

Limnaea  peregra,  Muller. 
Valvata  piscinalis,  Muller. 
Anodonta  cygnsea,  Linne  (local). 
Sphserium  rivicola,  Leach  (rare). 
Sphserium  lacustre,  Muller. 
Pisidium  amnicum,  Muller., 

(2).    PEAT-MOOR  FORMATION. 

The  molluscan  fauna  of  the  rhines  of  the  peat-moors  much 
resembles  that  of  other  parts  of  the  Levels.  Snccinea  elegans 
is  the  dominant  species  in  the  reed  belt,  and  often  occurs  in 
multitudes  on  the  stone  walls  of  the  bridges  crossing  the  lesser 
rhines.  Two  or  three  large  slabs  of  Lias  stone  lying  flat  on 
the  walls  form  the  bridge  proper ;  swallows  not  infrequently 
build  their  nests  on  the  walls  just  below  the  slabs. 

MolluBcs  are  certainly  less  abundant  (as  may  indeed  be 
noted  throughout  the  Levels),  both  in  species  and  numbers, 
in  rhines  containing  no  duckweed.  Wherever  Leinna  occurs 


INTRODUCTION.  XXXI 

there  Planorbis  abounds,  in  company  with  Limncea  stagnalis, 
LimiKRa  palustris,  and  Bithynia  tentaculata,  an  association 
everywhere  indicative  of  shallow  water.  I  find  no  Pisidium 
in  rhines  overshadowed  by  oaks,  as  near  Shapwick  station. 
Oaks  are  uncommon  on  these  moors,  which  differ  from  the 
rest  of  the  levels  in  having  plantations  here  and  there  of  birch, 
alder,  Scots  pine,  spruce  and  larch.  In  the  plantations  near 
Shapwick  station  I  noted  the  following  association  : 

Agriolimax  agrestis,  Linne. 
Vitrina  pellucida,  Muller. 
Vitrea  crystallina,  Muller. 
Vitrea  alliaria,  Miller. 
Zonitoides  nitidus,  Muller. 
Arion  ater,  Linne. 
Arion  subfuscus,  Draparnaud. 
Pyramidula  rotundata,  Muller. 
Hygromia  hispida,  Linne. 
Hygromia  rufescens,  Pennant. 
Vallonia  excentrica,  Sterki. 
Helix  nemoralis,  Linne. 
Cochlicopa  lubrica,  Muller. 
Carychium  minimum,  Muller. 

Arion  ater  was  a  very  dark  form.  The  heathland  on  these 
moors  yielded  Arion  subfuscus,  Hyalinia  alliaria,  and  Pyra- 
midnlata  rotundata.  The  peat-moors  must  be  a  very  dreary 
region  in  winter  time.  The  moors  in  some  parts  are  often 
under  water  in  flood  time,  the  inhabitants  then  get  about  in 
curious  flat-bottomed  boats  or  punts,  and  are  sometimes  com- 
pelled to  enter  their  homes  through  the  upper  windows ! 

The  monotony  of  the  coast-line  of  the  Levels  is  relieved  in 
the  neighbourhood  of  Weston-super-Mars  by  rocky  headlands 
of  Carboniferous  Limestone.  On  the  most  imposing  of  these, 
viz.  Brean  Down,  I  found  the  following  molluscs  : 

Agriolimax  agrestis,  Linne. 
Vitrea  crystallina,  Muller. 


XXX11  MOLLTJSCA    OF    SOMERSET. 

Vitrea  cellaria,  Midler. 

Vitrea  nitidula,  Draparnaud. 
*Punctum  pygmaeum,  Draparnaud. 

Pyramidula  rupestris,  Draparnaud. 

Pyramidula  rotundata,  Muller. 
*Helicella  virgata,  da  Costa. 
*Helicella  caperata,  Montagu. 

Helicella  barbara,  Linne. 

Hygromia  hispida,  Linne. 
"Hygromia  rufescens,  Pennant 
-Vallonia  pulchella,  Muller. 

Vallonia  excentrica,  Sterki. 

Helicigona  lapicida,  Linne. 

*  Helix  aspersa,  Muller. 

*  Helix  nemoralis,  Linne. 
Ena  obscura,  Muller. 

*Jaminia  cylindracea,  da  Costa. 
*Jaminia  muscorum,  Linne. 
Clausilia  bidentata,  Strom. 

The  comparison  of  the  raolluscan  fauna  of  Brean  Down 
with  that  of  the  islets  known  as  the  Steep  Holm  and  the  Flat 
Holm  is  of  interest,  because  the  islets  are  of  the  same  geologi- 
cal formation  (Carboniferous  Limestone),  and  were  at  one 
time  connected  with  the  peninsula  of  Brean  Down,  which  may 
also  be  termed  an  island  of  limestone.  The  species  marked 
with  an  asterisk  in  the  above  list  have  been  noted  by  Mr. 
Francis  Knight  as  occurring  on  the  Holms,  with  "  Hyalinia 
several  species,"  (presumably  the  three  species  of  Vitrea  given 
above),  also  Pupa  secale,  Draparnaud ;  Clausilia  laminata, 
Montagu  ;  and  Pomatias  elegans,  Muller  \  a  trio  I  failed  to 
note  on  Brean  Down,  but  which  doubtless  occur  there.  The 
holocene  deposit  on  Brean  Down  has  been  already  alluded  to 
(p.  xvi). 

II.     THE  UPLAND  AKEA. 

The  region  of  deep  marls  and  clays,  limestones  and  sand- 


INTRODUCTION.  XXX111 

stones.  The  recent  deposits  are  very  scanty,  consisting  chiefly 
of  alluvium  on  the  margins  of  rivers  and  streams.  The  soils 
of  this  area  do  not  shew  such  a  marked  diversity  of  vegetation 
as  one  might  expect.  They  differ,  however,  in  one  particular, 
a  very  important  one  in  connection  with  this  paper,  in  the 
presence  of  large  woods  of  oak,  ash,  and  oak-hazel.  Ash 
woods  occur  chiefly  on  the  limestones,  oak  on  the  sandstones, 
and  oak-hazel  on  the  deep  marls  and  clays.  There  are  no  such 
woods  on  the  Levels,  only  plantations  of  recent  origin. 

A.     THE  DEEP  MARLS  AND  CLAYS. 

The  deep  marls  and  clays  consist  of  large  tracts  of  New 
Red  (Keuper)  Marl  at  the  foot  of  the  Carboniferous  Lime- 
stone hills,  about  Taunton  and  Wellington,  and  the  uplands 
bordering  the  Bridgwater  Levels ;  of  Lias,  the  northern  slopes 
of  the  Polden  Hills  are  Lower  Lias,  the  Middle  and  Upper 
Lias  occupy  the  country  about  Ditcheat,  West  Pennard, 
Butleigh,  and  Street.  The  Bradford  Clay,  Fuller's  Earth, 
and  Oxford  Clay  are  exposed  in  the  eastern  uplands. 

There  are  extensive  oak-hazel  woods  in  the  Butleigh  and 
Copleigh  districts.  On  the  margins  of  these  woods  we  find  in 
association  with  Primula  vulgaris,  Huds ;  Spircea  ulmaria, 
Linne ;  Ranunculus  ficaria,  Linne,  and  other  hedgerow  plants  : 

Hygromia  rufescens,  Pennant  (dominant). 

Agriolimax  agrestis,  Linne. 

Arion  ater,  Ferussac. 

Vitrea  nitidula,  Draparnaud. 

Helix  nemoralis,  Linne. 

Cochlicopa  lubrica,  Mutter. 

In  the  deeper  parts  of  the  woods  we  find,  under  sticks 
amongst  such  plants  as  Mercurialis  perennis,  Linne  \  Nepcta 

hcdcracca,  Trev.\  and  Euphorbia  amygdaloides,  Linne : 

• 

Limax  maximus,  Linne,  associated  with 
Vitrina  pellucida,  Miiller. 


XXXIV  MOLLUSCA    OF    SOMERSET. 

Euconulus  fulvus,  Mutter. 

Agriolimax  agrestis,  Linne. 

Sphyradium  edentulum,  Draparnaud  (—  Vertigo  edentula). 

Pyramidula  rotundata,  Mutter. 

Clausilia  bidentata,  Strom. 

Carychium  minimum,  Mutter. 

The  characteristic  species  in  the  apple  orchards  is  Balea 
pcrvcrsa,  Linne' ,  which  occurs  on  the  moss-clad  trunks  of  old 
trees,  often  in  company  with  Clausilia  bidentata,  Strom. 

The  open  hedgerows  contain  the  following  association  : 

Hygromia  rufescens,  Pennant  (dominant). 

Agriolimax  agrestis,  Linne. 

Arion  ater,  Linne. 

Arion  hortensis,  Ferussac. 

Helicigona  arbustorum  (uncommon). 

Helix  aspersa,  M  tiller. 

Helix  hortensis,  Mutter. 

All  the  members  of  this  association  shew  a  marked  pre- 
dilection for  dead  haAv  thorn  leaves,  and  dead  vegetation  of  any 
kind.  H.  arbustorum  is  of  restricted  range,  occurring  only  in 
damp  spots,  and  often  in  association  with  ivy  (Hcdcra  helix, 
Linne). 

In  damp  meadows  on  heavy  clay  we  find  the  following 
association  : 

Agriolimax  agrestis,  Linne  (dominant). 

Arion  ater,  Linne. 

Arion  hortensis,  Ferussac. 

Arion  fasciatus,  Nilsson. 

Vallonia  excentrica,  Sterki  (rarely). 

Vertigo  pygmsea,  Draparnaud  (rarely). 

Ayr.  agrestis  often  occurs  in  extraordinary  abundance,  and 
with  the  three  Arion  may  be  noted  during  hay  harvest  beneath 
grass  which  has  been  cut  for  three  or  four  days. 


INTRODUCTION.  XXXV 

B.     THE  LIMESTONES. 

The  limestones  consist  chiefly  of  large  tracts  of  Carbon- 
iferous Limestone  on  the  Mendips  (the  slopes  of  which  are 
generally  flanked  by  Dolomitic  Conglomerate),  and  the  out- 
crops of  Bath  Oolite,  Coral  Rag,  Inferior  Oolite,  Fuller's 
Earth  Rock,  Forest  Marble,  and  Cornbrash  in  the  east  of  the 
county,  well  shown  about  Bath  and  Wincanton.  Woods  and 
natural  copses  of  ash  are  very  abundant  on  the  slopes  of  the 
hills.  "  The  ultimate  or  stable  plant  association  on  all  the 
limestones  of  Somerset  appears  to  be  an  ash  wood"  (Moss). 
With  the  ash  are  associated  oak,  beech,  and  horse  chestnut, 
in  many  woods  there  is  a  dense  undergrowth  of  hazel,  and 
oak,  beech,  and  alder  border  the  streams.  The  characteristic 
ground  vegetation  of  these  woods  is  large  patches  of  Dog's 
Mercury  (Mercurial^  pcrennis,  Z,.)  and  Wood  Garlic  (Allium 
ursinum,  Linne).  Comparative  lists  of  the  ground  plants  of 
Somerset  woodlands  may  be  consulted  in  Dr.  Moss's  paper. 

In  the  upper  woods  we  have  : 

Clausilia  bidentata,  Strom,  (dominant) :  associated  with 

Limax  arborum,  Bouchard-Chantereaux. 

Vitrina  pellucida,  Muller. 

Vitrea  cellaria,  Midler. 

Vitrea  alliaria,  Miller. 

Vitrea  pura,  Alder. 

Pyramidula  rotundata,  Muller. 

Helix  fusca,  Montagu  (rare). 

Helix  nemoralis,  Linne. 

Jaminia  cylindracea,  da  Costa. 

Cochlicopa  lubrica,  Muller. 

In  the  lower  woods  (moist)  we  have  : 

Clausilia  bidentata,  Strom. 
Vitrina  pellucida,  Muller. 
Vitrea  cellaria,  Muller. 
Vitrea  alliaria,  Miller. 


XXXVI  MOLLUSCA    OF    SOMERSET. 

Euconulus  fulvus,  Midler. 
Pyramidula  rotundata,  Muller. 
Helix  granulata,  Alder  (rare). 
Helicigona  arbustorum  Linne  (local). 
Carychium  minimum,  Muller. 

The  characteristic  association  of  hazel  and  ash  copses  and 
hedges  is  the  following  : 

Pomatia  elegans,  Muller  (dominant)  :  with 

Vitrina  pellucida,  Muller. 

Vitrea  cellaria,  Muller. 

Vitrea  nitidula,  Draparnaud. 

Hygromia  rufescens,  Pennant. 

Helix  hortensis,  Muller. 

Ena  obscura,  Muller. 

Pomatias  elegans  (=  Cyclostoma  elegans)^  our  only  opercu- 
late  land  snail,  abhors  damp  situations,  and  is  almost  invari- 
ably found  beneath  hazel  on  dry  calcareous  soils. 

In  the  ash  copses  of  spontaneous  growth  on  the  dry  slopes 
of  the  limestone  hills  we  find  : 

Ena  montana,  Draparnaud ;  associated  witb 
Helix  nemoralis,  Linne  (dominant). 
Pyramidula  rupestris,  Draparnaud. 
Hygromia  rufescens,  Pennant. 
Helix  aspersa,  Muller. 
Jaminia  secale,  Draparnaud. 
Jaminia  cylindracea,  da  Costa. 
Clausilia  laminata,  Montagu. 
Clausilia  bidentata,  Strom. 
Clausilia  rolphii,  Leach. 

Ena  montana  is  the  characteristic  species  of  the  limestone 
hills  of  the  south  of  England.  It  does  not  occur  in  the  north. 
A  reference  to  the  Somerset  records  shews  that  it  is  by  no 
means  a  common  species  in  the  county.  Jaminia  secale  is 
another  species  with  a  restricted  British  range,  being  chiefly 


PLATE  II. 


ASH  COPSE  AND  LIMESTONE  CLIFF. 

In   such  situations  the  local  Ena  montana,  Draparnaud  may  be  found. 
From  a  photograph  by  Mr.  W.  B.  Crump,  Halifax. 


INTRODUCTION.  XXXV11 

confined  to  the  limestones  of  the  west.  Plate  II  shews  a 
typical  haunt  of  E.  montana  and  associated  species.  Clausilia 
rolphii  (a  very  rare  species)  is  associated  with  it  on  Creech 
Hill  near  Milton  Clevedon.  I  have  noted  the  same  associa- 
tion in  the  ash-hazel  copses  of  Sussex.  H.  nemoralis  is 
usually  associated  with  the  common  gorse  ( Ulex  curopcea, 
Linne),  and  is  fond  of  climbing  the  ash  saplings ;  very  rarely 
we  find  H.  hortensis  with  it  in  the  woods,  but  they  are  fre- 
quently found  together  in  hedge-banks. 

Before  passing  on  to  the  consideration  of  the  mollusca  of 
the  cultivated  areas  on  the  limestone,  we  may  note  an  associ- 
ation which  occurs  on  the  natural  pastures  and  heath 
pastures  of  the  uncultivated  grass-lands.  On  these  the  soil  is 
usually  very  shallow,  ant-heaps  ("emmets'  butts"  in  the 
present  day  vernacular,  A.S.  E  metes' -by  ht)  abound.  Dr. 
Moss  observes  there  is  frequent  and  rapid  transition  of  the 
two  types,  and  that "  even  on  the  natural  pasture  heather  and 
heath  plants  are  frequently  found  on  old  ant  heaps  .... 
Possibly  the  formic  acid  of  the  ants  is  inhibitive  to  the 
growth  of  the  limestone  plants  :  and  thus  the  heath  plants,  to 
whom  a  sour  soil  is  by  no  means  fatal,  are  enabled  to  survive." 

On  the  natural  pasture  we  find  : 

Agriolimax  agrestis,  Linne. 

Vitrea  nitidula,  Dmparnaud. 

Pyramidula  rotundata,  Muller. 

Helix  nemoralis,  Linne. 

Helicella  virgata,  da  Costa. 

Helicella  caperata,  Montagu. 

Jaminia  cylindracea,  da  Costa. 

None  in  great  abundance,  and  H.  nemoralis  usually  with 
Gorse  (  Ulex  europcea).  The  association  appears  to  be  inter- 
mediate between  that  of  the  upper  woods  and  the  open  culti- 
vated pastures.  On  the  heath  pasture  we  have 

Pyramidula  rotundata,  Muller  (dominant)  :  associated  with 

Limax  arborum,  Bouchard-Chantereaux. 


XXXV111  MOLLUSCA    OF    SOMERSET. 

Agriolimax  agrestis,  Linne. 
Vitrea  alliaria,  Miller. 

Walls.  Hedgerows  are  often  replaced  by  walls  on  the 
Carboniferous  Limestone.  On  these  we  find 

Pyramidula  rupestris,  Drapamaud  (dominant) :  associated  with 

Helicigona  lapicida,  Linne. 

Hygromia  hispida,  Linne. 

Hygromia  rufescens,  Pennant. 

Helicella  caperata,  Montagu. 

Jaminia  cylindracea,  da  Costa. 

The  usual  association  on  old  walls  in  the  vicinity  of  towns, 
villages,  and  isolated  farms  on  the  Oolite  is : 

Helicigona  lapicida,  Linne  (dominant) :  with 

Helicella  caperata,  Montagu. 

Hygromia  hispida,  Linne. 

Hygromia  rufescens,  Pennant. 

Helix  aspersa,  Midler. 

Vallonia  pulchella,  Muller. 

Vallonia  costata,  Muller. 

Jaminia  cylindracea,  da  Costa. 

The  two  species  of  Vallonia,  with  J.  cylindracea,  haunt  the 
edges  of  the  flat  slabs  which  frequently  cap  the  walls.  J. 
cylindracea  sometimes  occurs  in  almost  incredible  numbers 
amongst  the  roots  of  Festuca  rigida,  Knuth,  Festuca  ovina, 
Linne,  Poa  pratensis,  Linne,  and  other  wall-loving  grasses. 
Wherever  the  Red  Valerian  (Kentranthus  ruber,  D.C.)  occurs, 
we  find  H.  aspersa  in  large  numbers.  H.  rufescens  and  H. 
hispida  appear  to  be  more  particularly  associated  with  ivy. 

In  permanent  pastures  we  find  the  following  association  : 

Agriolimax  agrestis,  Linne. 
Vitrea  nitidula,  Drapamaud. 
Vitrea  cellaria,  Muller. 
Helicella  virgata,  da  Costa. 
Helicella  itala,  Linne. 


INTRODUCTION.  XXXIX 

Helicella  caperata,  Montagu. 
Hygromia  rufescens,  Pennant. 
Hygromia  hispida,  Linne. 
Cochlicopa  lubrica,  Muller. 

H.  virgata,  H.  itala,  and  H.  caperata  are  the  dominant 
species  on  dry  upland  calcareous  pastures.  Forms  with  well 
developed  dark  bands  predominate.  It  is  supposed  that  this 
type  of  banding  is  protective,  serving  to  make  the  shell  easily 
visible  to  sheep.  Indistinctly  marked  and  light  unicolorous 
forms  are  not  so  easily  seen,  and  are  often  eaten. 

C&cilioides  acicula,  Muller,  a  truly  subterranean  species, 
respecting  the  habits  of  which  little  is  known,  is  abundant  in 
some  districts  on  the  Oolite,  judging  from  the  numerous  shells 
washed  from  the  soil  during  heavy  storms.  I  have  never 
found  it  alive.  It  is  probably  gregarious  ;  after  floods  I  have 
seen  in  quarries  about  Wincanton,  the  high-water  mark  indi- 
cated on  the  side  of  the  quarry  by  a  narrow  white  zone  of 
thousands  of  dead  shells.  Its  occurrence  in  burial  places  has 
been  noted  in  many  parts  of  Britain,  including  Somerset 
(p.  xvi). 

C.     THE  SANDSTONES. 

The  sandstone  areas  of  Somerset  occupy  much  of  the  highest 
land  in  the  county,  and  comprise,  geologically,  the  Devonian 
with  Old  Red  Sandstone,  Coal  Measures,  Upper  Greensand, 
and  Chalk.  The  Devonian  tracts  of  Exmoor  culminate  in 
Dunkery  Beacon,  1,707ft.,  the  highest  point  in  the  county. 
The  Old  Red  Sandstone  is  exposed  on  the  top  of  Mendip, 
highest  point  Blackdown,  1,008ft.,  and  in  certain  other  locali- 
ties in  the  north-west,  where  the  Carboniferous  rocks  have 
been  worn  away.  The  Upper  Greensand  occurs  in  the  eastern 
part  of  the  county,  bordering  on  Stourton  and  Kilmington 
(Wilts),  the  highest  point  is  King  Alfred's  Tower,  850ft. 
There  are  small  chalk  areas  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Crewkerne. 
Dr.  Moss  is  of  opinion  "  that  the  differences  between  the  vege- 


xl  MOLLUSCA    OF    SOMERSET. 

tation  of  the  sandstones  and  that  of  the  limestones  depend 
more  upon  the  presence  or  absence  of  humus  than  upon  their 
siliceous  or  calcareous  nature." 

There  are  large  oak  woods  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Pen 
Selwood,  some  of  these  are  of  ancient  character,  and  are 
possibly  vestiges  of  the  ancient  forest  of  Selwood  which 
originally  covered  about  20,000  acres.  In  these  we  find  : 

Clausilia  bidentata,  Strom,  (dominant)  :  associated  with 

Limax  maximus,  Linne. 

Limax  arborum,  Bouchard- Chanter eaux. 

Vitrea  alliaria,  Miller. 

Arion  ater,  Linne. 

Pyramidula  rotundata,  Midler. 

Hygromia  rufescens,  Pennant. 

Jaminia  cylindracea,  da  Costa. 

Cochlicopa  lubrica,  Milller. 

The  above  association  is  characteristic  of  all  the  oak  woods 

on  the  upper  sandstones  :    in   some   of  the  low-lying  woods 

Vitrea  crystalling  Midler  ;  Euconulus  fulvus,  Midler  ;    Vertigo 

pygmcea,  Draparnaud ;  and   Carychium  minimum,  Midler,  also 

occur,  with  Agriolimax  agrestis  and  Agriolimax  l&vis. 

In  mixed  woods  with  conifers,  on  the  lower  slopes  between 
Dunkery  Beacon  and  the  village  of  Luccombe,  I  noted  the 
following  association  : 

Limax  arborum,  Bouchard- Chanter  eaux. 
Agriolimax  agrestis,  Linne. 
Agriolimax  Isevis,  Midler. 
Arion  intermedius,  Norman. 
Arion  hortensis,  Ferussac. 
Pyramidula  rotundata,  Milller. 
Helix  aspersa,  Midler. 
Helix  hortensis,  Midler. 
Clausilia  bidentata,  Strom. 

Concerning  the  beech  woods  on  the  sandstones  in  the  eastern 
part  of  the  county,  Dr.  Moss  remarks  "  there  is  not  a  natural 


INTRODUCTION.  xli 

beech  wood  of  even  moderate  dimensions  to  be  found  in  the 
district."  He  notes  that  some  beeches  to  the  east  of  Alfred's 
Tower  are  of  considerable  dimensions,  "even  here,  however, 
the  occurrence  of  the  beeches,  old  as  they  undoubtedly  are,  in 
straight  rows,  suggests  artificial  planting."  The  typical 
molluscan  association  of  these  woods  is  the  following  : 

Clausilia  laminata,  Montagu  (dominant) :  with 

Limax  arborum,  Bouchard-Chanter  eaux. 

Vitrina  pellucida,  Muller. 

Vitrea  alliaria,  Miller. 

Vitrea  nitidula,  Dmparnaud. 

Vitrea  pura,  Alder. 

Hygromia  hispida,  Linne. 

Hygromia  rufescens,  Pennant. 

Cochlicopa  lubrica,  Muller. 

Ena  obscura,  Muller  (abundant). 

Clausilia  bidentata,  Strom,  (abundant). 

There  is  a  very  meagre  molluscan  fauna  on  the  uncultivated 
grass-lands  and  heath  pastures  of  the  whole  of  the  sandstone  area. 
The  upland  heath  moors  at  Blackdown,  on  the  Quantocks,  and 
on  Exmoor,  are  large  tracts,  with  the  three  species  of  heather, 
Calluna  vulgaris,  Hull ;  Erica  tetralix,  Linne ;  and  Erica 
cinerea,  Linne,  the  dominant  plants ;  Vaccinium  myrtillus, 
Linne ;  Molinia  c<zrulea,  Moench;  Agrostis,  spp.;  and  Pteris 
aquilina,  Linne,  the  sub-dominants. 

Ling  and  bracken  are  apparently  tenanted  only  by 

Hyalinia  alliaria,  Miller. 
Arion  subfuscus,  Draparnaud. 
Pyramidula  rotundata,  Muller , 

a  trio  always  associated  with  sandstone  heaths.  With  these 
species  we  find  on  Exmoor  Arion  intermedius,  Norman,  and 
Limax  arborum,  Bouchard- Chantereaux,  the  latter,  however, 
occurring  chiefly  on  the  lower  slopes  in  the  vicinity  of  the  oak 
woods. 

The  fluviatile  mollusca  of  the  Upland  Area  must  now  be 
considered. 


xlii  MOLLUSCA    OF    SOMERSET. 

The  Swan  Mussel,  Anodonta  cygn&a,  Linne,  is  frequent  in 
the  majority  of  the  larger  ponds,  canals,  and  rivers,  where  it 
prefers  a  muddy  bottom.  It  is  of  gregarious  habit,  and  fre- 
quently attains  considerable  dimensions.  It  is  the  largest  of 
our  freshwater  bivalved  molluscs,  safe  from  foes  (excepting  a 
few  internal  parasites)  in  its  deep-water  home,  it  probably 
lives  to  a  great  age.  The  canals  teem  with  molluscan  life. 
In  the  open  water  we  find : 

Anodonta  cygnsea,  Linne  ;  associated  with 
Limnaea  peregra,  Muller. 
Valvata  piscinalis,  Muller. 
Pisidium  amnicum,  Muller. 
Sphserium  corneum,  Linne  (local). 
Sphaerium  lacustre,  Muller. 
Neritina  fluviatilis,  Linne  (on  rocks). 
Dreissensia  polymorpha,  Pallas  (local). 

In  the  reed-belt  of  the  canals,  rivers,  and  ponds,  the  associa- 
tion is  the  same  as  that  of  the  reed-belt  of  the  rhines  on  the 
Levels  (see  p.  xxviii) ;  the  associations  of  the  respective 
margins  are  also  identical. 

Anodonta  cyyncea  is  absent  from  some  of  the  rivers,  and 
Neritina  flnmatilis  is  to  be  found  only  on  stones  in  slow- 
running  waters. 

The  shallow  non-calcareous  streams  on  the  heathy  sandstones, 
e.g.  Penselwood,  yield  : 

Planorbis  albus,  Muller. 
Ancylus  fluviatilis,  Midler. 
Limnsea  peregra,  Muller. 
Pisidium  pusillum,  Gmelin. 

The  cattle  ponds  on  the  grass-lands  yield  Sphterium  lacvstre, 
Muller,  a  highly  specialised  species  with  closely  fitting  valves, 
able  to  retain  life  for  a  long  time  in  summer  drought,  buried 
in  the  moist  clay  of  ponds  that  are  quite  dried  up  on  the 
surface. 


RECORDS  OF  SOMERSET  MOLLUSCA. 


THE  arrangement  here  followed  is  that  of  the  latest  lists 
published  by  the  Conchological  Society.  The  great  changes 
in  nomenclature  which  have  recently  taken  place  necessitate 
the  inclusion  of  numerous  synonyms. 

The  exclamation  mark  indicates  that  the  species  (or  variety) 
has  been  seen  by  the  author  in  the  locality  mentioned. 

All  records  of  varieties  are  included,  but  the  recorded 
stations  of  species,  which  there  is  every  reason  to  think  are 
generally  distributed  in  the  county,  have  been  omitted. 

Collections  of  Somerset  shells  in  the  Museums  at  Bristol, 
Bath,  Sexey's  School,  Bruton,  and  Haslemere  (Surrey),  have 
been  examined  during  the  preparation  of  these  records,  also 
private  collections  formed  by  the  late  Mr.  Kenneth  McKean 
(^Bath),  and  Mr.  William  Herridge  (Torquay), 

LAND  AND  FRESH-WATER. 

The  latest  list  of  British  non-marine  mollusca  published  by 
the  Conchological  Society  enumerates  170  species  (inclusive 
of  brackish-water  forms).  Ten  of  these  are  aliens,  and  sixteen 
occur  only  in  a  fossil  state  in  Post-Pliocene  deposits,  leaving 
a  total  of  144  native  species  living  in  Britain  at  the  present 
time.  The  following  pages  contain  records  of  no  less  than  122 
species,  a  very  high  percentage  indeed.  Ninety-five  are 
recorded  from  the  southern,  and  121  from  the  northern 
division.  The  only  species  recorded  from  South  Somerset 
alone  is  Amphipeplca  ghitinosa.  In  all  probability  Hygromia 
revelata,  Ferussac ;  Vertigo  moulinsiana,  Dnpny ;  Vertigo 
substriata,  Jeffreys ;  and  Scgmentina  nitida,  Midler,  will  be 
added  to  the  list  within  the  next  few  years,  all  have  been 
found  in  neighbouring  counties. 


TESTACELLID^E. 

TESTACELLA  MAUGEI,  Ferussac. 

According  to  Norman  this  species  was  observed  in  nursery 
grounds  at  Clifton  (Glos.)  in  1814.  "From  that  time  to  the 
present  (i.e.  1860)  it  has  thriven  and  propagated  freely  in  its 


2  MOLLUSC  A    OF    SOMERSET. 

original  locality,  and  has  likewise  been  introduced  with  plants 
into  many  other  gardens  in  the  West  of  England."  Its  dis- 
covery in  Messrs.  Miller  and  Sweet's  nursery  at  Clifton  (now 
Garraway's)  by  Mr.  T.  Drummond  was  the  first  British  record. 
Mr.  J.  De  C.  Sowerby  thought  it  might  have  been  imported 
along  with  plants  from  Teneriffe  or  elsewhere,  but  it  is  now 
held  that  the  three  species  of  Tcstacclla  which  occur  in  these 
Islands  are  indigenous. 

It  has  been  lately  recorded  by  Santer  Kennard  from  a 
Holocene  rain-wash  at  Porlock  Weir. 

North. 

Long  Ash  ton  Vicarage.    Plentiful ;  Mrs.  Falloon.    There 
are  specimens  from  this  locality  in  the  Bristol  Museum. 
Brislington  ;  A.  M.  Norman. 
Bath  ;  Jenyns  Museum  coll. 
Clevedon  ;  A.  M.  Norman. 
Garden  near  Axbridge  ;  Miss  H.  J.  Taylor. 
Axbridge  ;  Miss  Ffoulkes  Taylor. 
Castle  Gary  ;    W.  Macmillan. 
Greinton.     Abundant ;    W.  S.  Clark. 
Street;   W.  S.  Clark. 
Weston-super-Mare ;    W.  Robinson. 

South. 

Taunton  ;  A.  M.  Norman. 
Garden  at  Taunton  ;    W.  Gynyell. 
Bridgwater.     Abundant ;  H.  Corder. 

TESTACELLA  HALIOTIDEA,  Draparnaud. 

Much  rarer  than  the  preceding  species.  Norman  apparently 
doubted  its  occurrence  in  the  county,  "  In  all  instances  in 
which  we  have  had  the  opportunity  of  examining  the  speci- 
mens, the  species  has  proved  to  be  T.  maugei" 

North. 

Weston-super-Mare  ;    W.  Robinson. 

Beckington  ;    H.   Franklin    Parsons.     Recorded    by    W. 
Mark  Webb  in  "  Journ.  Malacology,"  1897,  p.  49. 

South. 

Bridgwater ;  B.  B.  Woodward. 
Gardens,  Taunton  ;    Tatc. 

TESTACELLA  SCUTULUM,  Sowerby. 

The  only  record  that  I  can  find  of  this  species  is  that  given 
in  Leipner's  Bristol  List,  1875,  viz.,  Leigh  Woods,  rare, 


LIMACIDJE.  3 

T.  G.  Ponton,  1862.  (The  record  from  Taunton  in  Vol.  vn 
of  The  Naturalist  was  incorrect;  Norman  pointed  out  that 
the  species  was  T.  mauyei).  Scutulum  has  been  found  in 
Dorset,  and  is  probably  widely  distributed  in  N.  Somerset. 
All  members  of  the  genus  are  of  subterranean  habit,  and  do 
not  come  up  to  feed  until  late  at  night,  hence  are  often  over- 
looked. Many  of  the  records  have  been  made  in  the  spring 
and  autumn  of  very  wet  years,  when  the  excessive  saturation 
of  the  soil  has  driven  them  to  the  surface  by  day. 

(Since  the  above  was  written  Mr.  J.  Ponsonby  has  found 
T.  scutulum  in  a  garden  at  Brympton,  near  Yeovil). 


LIMACID^E. 

LIMAX  MAXIMUS,  Limit. 

Generally  distributed. 

Concerning  its  variation,  Norman  observed  that  "  the  striped 
and  spotted  varieties  are  common.  We  met  with  a  variety  in 
Cleeve  Coombe  remarkably  distinct,  and  we  believe  hitherto 
unrecorded.  It  was  altogether  pitchy  black,  without  spots  or 
markings  of  any  kind,  and  fully  six  inches  long." 

Var.  cinereo-niger,  Wolf.  Some  authorities  give  it  a 
specific  rank.  Norman's  Cleeve  Coombe  variety  is 
described  in  Taylor's  Mon.  Brit.  L.  and  F.  Moll.,  II, 
68,  as  L.  cinereo-nigcr^  var.  maura.  It  is  also  recorded 
from  Horner  by  F.  J.  Partridge. 

Weston  district ;  F.  A.  Knight. 

V&i\ferrussaci,  Moquin-  Tandon. 
Bridgwater ;    W.  Vinson. 
Holton  ! 

Var.  fasciata,  Moquin- Tandon. 
Bratton  St.  Maur  ! 

Var.  maculata,  Picard.     (Norman's  spotted  variety). 

Bratton  St.  Maur.     Abundant ! 

Rimpton ! 

West  Pennard  ! 

Bath;  Mrs.  Oldroyd. 

Hatch  Beauchamp  ;  E.  Wake-BoweU. 

Var.  cellaria,  D 'Argenville.     (Norman's  striped  variety). 
Bratton  St.  Maur.     Common  ! 
Rimpton  ! 


4  MOLLTJSCA    OF    SOMERSET. 

L.  FLAVUS,  Linne. 

Apparently  rare,  but  is  probably  much  more  frequent  than 
the  records  would  lead  one  to  suppose. 

North. 

Bristol  and  Bath ;    Captain  Brown. 
Bath  ;    C.  J.  Waterfall. 
Rimpton  ! 

Bridg water  ;    W.   Vinson. 
Weston  district ;  F.  A.  Knight. 

Var.  siiffusa^  Roebuck. 
Bath  ;    C.  J.  Waterfall 

L.  ARBORUM,  Bouchard- Chanter  eaux(=L.  marginatus^Mullcr). 
Widely  but  not  generally  distributed. 

North. 

On  trees  and  rocks  in  Goblin,  Cleeve,  and  Brockley 
Coombes,  and  some  of  the  glens  running  up  into  the 
Mendips,  near  Wells  ;  A.  M.  Norman. 

General  in  the  Bristol  district ;    Cundatt. 

Coombe  Down,  Bath  ;  Mrs.  Oldroyd. 

Lily  Wood,  Bratton  St.  Maur ;  Milton  Clevedon  ! 

Weston  district;  F.  A.  Knight. 

South. 

Very   common  in   the  woods   around  Hatch   Park,  near 

Taunton;  E.  Wake-Bowell. 
Porlock  ;  L.  E.  Adams. 
Dulverton  ;  H.  Watson. 
Luccombe ! 

AGRIOLIMAX  AGRESTIS,  Linnd. 

Generally  distributed.     The  most  abundant  of  our  slugs, 
often  a  great  pest  in  gardens. 

Var.  sylvatica,  Moquin-Tandon. 

Bath  ;    C.  J.  Waterfall. 

Bratton  St.  Maur  and  Wincanton  district,  frequent ! 

Var.  punctata,  Picard. 

Hatch  Beauchamp ;  E.  Wake-Bowell. 

Var.  nigra>  Morelct. 

Bratton  St.  Maur ;  Glastoribury  !  Under  damp  wood 
near  to  buildings  and  sheds. 

Var.  lilacina,  Moquin-Tandon. 
Bridgwater ;    W.   Vinson. 


Var.  tristis,  Moquin-  Tandon. 

Bratton  St.  Maur  !  In  meadows,  under  sticks  that  had 
lain  for  a  long  time  on  the  ground. 

A.  L^EVIS,  Midler. 

Probably  not  so  uncommon  as  the  lack  of  records  would 
indicate. 

North. 

Among  heaps  of  stones  by  the  side  of  the  lane  which 
runs  parallel  with  the  cliff  from  Walton  to  Portishead, 
and  among  decaying  vegetation  by  the  side  of  a  rhine 
in  Portishead  Moor  ;  Norman. 

Coombe  Down,  Bath;  Mrs.  Oldroyd. 

Under  logs  and  bark  in  damp  situations,  Bratton  St. 
Maur  ! 

South. 

Not  uncommon  by  a  ditch,  Hatch  Beauchamp  ;  E.  Wake- 
Bow  ell. 
Luccombe ! 

MIL  AX   SOWERBYI,  Ferussac   (=.Amalia  sowerbyi,  Ferussac, 

and  Amalia  marginata,  Muller). 

Easily  known  by  the  prominent  pale  keel,  it  usually  occurs 
in  gardens,  and  the  paucity  of  records  probably  arises  from  its 
subterranean  habit ;  it  usually  hides  by  day  in  worm  burrows. 

North. 

Bath ;  Mrs.  Oldroyd. 

Clevedon,  in  gardens,  and  in  the  copse  between  the  upper 

Clevedon  arid  the  beach  ;  Norman. 
Weston  district ;  F.  A.  Knight. 
Abundant  in  gardens  in  Hill  Road,  Westori-super-Mare  ! 

South. 

Somewhat  sparingly  at  Hatch  Beauchamp,  more  common 

at  Beer  Crowcombe ;  E.  Wake-Boivell. 
Dulverton  ;  H.  Watson. 

Var.  nigrescens,  Roebuck. 
Bridgwater ;    W.  Vinson. 

M.  GAG  AXES,  Draparnaud. 

Also  chiefly  subterranean,  coming  forth  to  feed  at  night. 

North. 

Specimens  in  the  British  Museum  are  labelled  "  Bath, 
J.  E.  Daniel." 


6  MOLLUSCA   OF    SOMERSET. 

South. 

Allotment  gardens,  near  canal  and  gasworks,  Bridgwater ; 
W.  Vinson. 

Var.  phimbea,  Moquin-Tandon. 

Specimens  in  the  British  Museum  labelled  "  Bath,  J.  E. 

Daniel "  (  T.  D.  A.  Cockercll  in  Ann.  and  Mat/.  Nat. 

Hist.,  }$9l,p.  330). 


ZONITID^. 

VlTRINA  PELLUCIDA,  Mullcr. 

"  Widely  distributed  but  not  abundant"  ;  Norman. 

North. 

Common   in   the   Wincanton  district  and  around  Milton 

Clevedon  ! 
There  are  specimens  in  the  Jenyns  coll.,  Bath  Museum, 

and  from  Long  Ashton  in  the  Bristol  Museum. 
Rimpton  !     Bratton  St.  Maur  ! 
Weston  district ;   F.  A.  Knight. 
Clevedon  ;  Miss  L>.  C.  Jones  in  Leipners  List. 
Plantations  on  the  peat  moors  at  Shapwick,  etc.  ! 
Amongst  moss  in  the  dune  hollows   about   Berrow   and 

Burnham  ! 

South. 

Hatch  Beauchamp,  near  Taunton  :    not  very   common ; 

E.  Wake-Bowell. 
Brympton  ;  J.  Ponsonby. 
Dulverton ;  H.  Watson. 
Wellington  ;    W.  Gyngell. 

VITREA  CRYSTALLINA,  Muller  (=Hyalinia  crystallina,  Wes- 

tcrlund ;  and  Zonites  crystaHinus,  Gray). 
Generally  distributed  amidst  moss  and  decaying  leaves  and 
sticks  in  damp  situations.  Santer  Kennard  reports  its  occur- 
rence in  a  rainwash  of  probably  no  great  age  at  Alcombe, 
near  Minehead.  There  are  typical  specimens  in  the  museums 
of  Bath  and  Bristol. 

Var.  complanata,  Jeffreys. 
Leigh  Woods,  Bristol ;  Jeffreys. 

Var.  contracta,  Westerlund. 
Near  Minehead ;    C.  Oldham. 


ZONITID^E. 

VlTKEA  LUCIDA,  Draparnaud  (—Hyalinia  draparnaldi, 

Apparently  rare  ;  possibly  often  confused  with  V.  cettaria* 
It  is  sometimes  a  little  difficult  to  distinguish  between  the 
shells  of  these  species,  but  the  deep  slaty-blue  colour  of  the 
animal,  extending  even  to  the  side  areas  of  the  sole,  serves  at 
once  to  distinguish  V.  lucida  from  V.  cellaria. 

North. 

Abundant  in  gardens  at  Hill  Road,  Weston-super-Mare  ! 

South. 

Mr.  John  Taylor  received  one  specimen  from  Mr.  Pon- 
sonby  which  was  presumably  taken  at  Brympton. 

Var.  albina,  Moquin-Tandon.  Specimens  in  the  Bristol 
Museum  are  said  to  have  been  taken  in  Somerset. 

VlTKEA  CELLAKIA,  Muller  (  =  Hyalinia  ccUaria,  Westerlund, 

and  Zonites  ccllarius,  Moquin-Tandon). 
Generally  distributed  in  woods  and  open  country,  also  in 
the  vicinity  of  human  habitations.    Animal  pale-grey.    I  have 
observed  it  in  a  Holocene  deposit  on  Brean  Down,  Weston- 
super-mare. 

Var.  compacta,  Jeffreys. 

A  somewhat  flatter  form,  found  by  Mr.  Hugh  Watson  at 
Dulverton,  is  recorded  in  Taylor  s  Monograph,  Vol.  II, 
p.  37.  This  variety  is  intermediate  between  V.  lucida 
and  typical  V.  cellaria^  having  the  shell  of  the  former 
and  the  anatomical  structure  of  the  latter. 

Var.  albina,  Moquin-Tandon. 
Bath;  Mrs.  Oldroyd. 
Holbrooke,  Bratton  St.  Maur ! 
Dulverton  ;  H.  Watson. 

VITREA   ROGERSI,   B.   B.    Woodward   (= Hyalinia   helvetica* 

Auctt,  and  Zonitcs  glaber,  Jeffreys}. 

Apparently  a  very  local  and  rare  species  :  it  may  be  assumed, 
however,  that  it  occurs  in  the  recesses  of  the  majority  of  the 
larger  woods  in  the  county. 

North. 

Creech  Hill,  near  Bruton  ! 
Weston  district ;  F.  A.  Knight. 
Weston  wood  ! 
Bath  :   Kenneth  McKean. 


8  MOLLUSCA    OF    SOMERSET. 

South* 

Hatch  Beauchamp,  a  small  form  ;  E.  Wake-Bowel  I. 
Minehead  ;  L.  E.  Adams. 
Near  Taunton  ! 

VlTREA  ALLIARIA,  Miller   (  =  Hyalinia  alliaria,  Miller,  and 

Zonites  alliarius.  Gray's  Turtons  Manual,  p.  168). 
This  species  was  first  identified  by  Mr.  Miller  of  Bristol, 
and  described  by  him  in  Ann.  Phil.  N.S.  in,  p.  379.     It  is 
widely  distributed,  and  is  always  more  frequently  met  with  on 
the  Greensand  than  any  other  representative  of  the  family. 

North. 

Common   in    woods,    on   hedgebanks,    and   under   stones ; 

Norman. 

Leigh  Woods  and  Portishead  ;    Cundall. 
Cornbe  Down,  Bath  ;  Mrs.  Oldroyd.    There  are  examples 

in  the  Jenyns  coll.  in  the  Bath  Museum. 
Bratton    St.   Maur,   Wincanton,   and   Creech   Hill,   near 

Bruton  ! 

Weston  district;  F.  A.  Knight. 
Plantations  about  Shapwick  ! 

South. 

Brympton ;  J.  Ponsonby. 
Dulverton  ;  H.  Watson. 
Dunkery  Beacon  ! 

Var.  viridula,  Jeffreys. 

Gwyn  Jeffreys  remarks  that  Norman  found  it  in  Somer- 
set, but  does  not  give  locality. 
Near  Minehead ;  L.  E.  Adams  and  C.  Oldham. 

VlTilEA   NITIDULA,  Draparnaud  (=Hyalinia  nitidula,  Dra- 

parnaud,  and  Zonites  nitidulus,  Gray). 

Generally  distributed,  frequent  under  stones  and  sticks  in 
hedges  and  woods. 

Var.  helmi)  Alder. 

Abbots  Leigh  ;    Bristol  Museum  Coll. 

Penselwood  ! 

Miss  F.  M.  Hele  found  a  form  in  Combe  Dingle,  near 
Bristol,  which  Taylor  has  described  in  his  Monograph 
as  var.  virens-albida,  Michaud,  sub-var.  opaca  (  =  fielmi, 
with  the  last  whorl  much  expanded). 

Var.  ?iite?is,  Michaud. 
Dulverton  ;   H.  Watson. 


ZONITID2E.  9 

VITREA  PURA,  Alder  (=Hyalinia  pura.  Wcstcrlund,  and 
Zonites  purus,  Jeffreys). 

Generally  distributed.  Gregarious  amongst  leaves,  moss, 
etc.,  in  hedges  and  woods. 

There  are  two  forms  of  this  species,  white  and  horn- 
coloured,  and  both  are  equally  common.  It  may  therefore  be 
considered  a  dimorphic  species,  but  many  authorities  consider 
one  form  alone  as  the  type.  Those  who  deem  the  colourless 
form  the  type,  allude  to  the  horn-coloured  one  as  var.  nitidosa, 
Gray ;  if  the  latter  is  considered  typical,  then  the  former  be- 
comes var.  margaritacea,  Jeffreys. 

VITREA  RADIATULA,  Alder  (  =  Hyalinia  radiatula,  Alder  >  and 

Zonites  radiatulus,  Gray  ). 
Apparently  uncommon. 

North. 

"  At  roots  of  stunted  grass,  growing  in  the  crevices  of 
limestone  rocks  on  Elson  Hill,  and  in  similar  situations 
on  the  eastern  scarp  of  Clevedon  Hill  "  ;  Norman. 

Westori  district ;  F.  A.  Knight. 

Leigh  Woods,  Bristol ;   Cundall 

Bath  ;  Jenyns  Coll.  Bath  Museum. 

Kimpton  ! 

South. 

Brympton,  Yeovil,  uncommon  ;  John  Ponsonby. 
Var.  viridiscenti-alba,  Jeffreys. 
Brympton  ;  J.  Ponsonby. 

ZONITOIDES  NITIDUS,  Muller  (=  Hyalinia  nitida   Westerlund 

and  Zonities  lucidus  Gray's  Turton). 

Uncommon.  Gregarious  on  the  borders  of  ditches,  rhines, 
rivers  and  canals. 

North. 

"  Damp  situations.     Under  stones  on  the  grass  in   Kenn 

and  Portishead  Moors  ;  "  Norman. 
Weston-super-Mare  ;   Crotch. 
Weston  district ;  F.  A.  Knight. 
Rejectamenta  of  a  stream  at   Shepton   Montague,  near 

Bruton  ! 
Glastonbury  Fens ;   F.  Townsend,  1852,  Haslemere  Mus. 

Coll 

Monkton  Combe,  Bath ;  Kenneth  McKean. 
Plantations  on  the  peat  moors  at  Shapwick,  etc  ! 


10  MOLLUSCA    OF    SOMERSET. 

South. 

Brympton,  a  damp  spot  in  the  Park  ;  J.  Ponsonby. 

ZONITOIDES  EXCAVATUS,  Bean  (  =  Hyalinia  cxcavata  Wcster- 

lund  and  Zonites  excavatus  Gray). 

Under  decaying  wood  and  leaves  often  in  company  with  the 
ubiquitous  Pyramidula  rotundata.  Taylor  remarks  of  it 
(Monograph,  III,  p.  137),  "a  species  that  has  probably  been 
misunderstood  and  overlooked  on  the  continent,  as  it  is  very 
unlikely  to  be  so  strictly  confined  to  the  limits  of  the  British 
Isles,  as  its  recorded  distribution  would  indicate."  The  only 
extra  British  localities  at  present  known  are  Esschen,  near 
Antwerp,  and  Flensburg  in  Schleswig.  Distribution  sporadic 
in  the  British  Isles.  It  is  rare  in  Somerset. 

North. 

Pylle  ;  F.  N.  Townsend,  1856,  Haskmere  Mus.  Coll. 
Under   loose   stones    outside    the   camp    on    Worlebury, 

Weston-super-Mare  ;  F.  A.  Knight. 
Weston  Wood  ! 

Svuth. 

Dulverton  ;  //.  Watson. 

Var.  vitrina,  Ferussac. 
Dulverton  ;  Hugh  Watson. 

EUCONULUS  FULVUS,  Midler  (= Hyalinia  fulva,  Morch,  and 

Zonitcs  fulvus,  Jeffrey 's). 

Generally  distributed,  chiefly  found  under  rotting  sticks  in 
damp  situations. 

Var.  Mortoni,  Jeffreys.  Recorded  by  Jeffreys  in  British 
Conchology,  1862,  p.  171,  from  Somerset,  but  without 
locality.  It  is  possible  that  the  "small"  specimens 
found  by  Norman  on  Elton  Hill,  Clevedon,  and  among 
rushes  in  Walton  Moor,  come  under  this  heading. 

[There  may  be  seen  in  the  Bath  Museum  a  single  speci- 
men of  a  fossil  species  of  Hyalinia,  found  by  Mr.  Moore 
in  a  bed  of  lias  clay  twelve  feet  in  thickness,  at  a 
depth  of  270  feet,  in  the  Charter  House  lead  mines  in 
.the  Mendips.  It  is  a  minute  species,  less  than  one 
millimetre  in  diameter.  Moore  described  it  under  the 
name  of  Helix  Daicsoni  in  Qtiar.  Jour.  Geol.  Soc.,  1867, 
p.  549,  pt.  xv,  f.  12]. 


ARIOXID^E.  11 

ARIONID^E. 

AIIION  ATER,  Linne. 

Generally  distributed.     Norman  remarks  that  "  on  the  low 

f  rounds  and  in  damp  situations  this  Arion  is  always  black  ;  in 
rier  situations,  hills,  and  woods,  it  varies  greatly  in  colour." 
The  var.  aterrima,  Taylor,  the  whole  body  uniformly  black, 
which  is  usually  found  in  mountainous  regions,  also  occurs 
sporadically  at  low  levels.  I  found  two  specimens  in  one  of 
the  heath  plantations  near  Shapwick  Station.  In  typical 
A.  atcr  the  medium  area  of  the  footsole  is  paler  than  the  rest. 

Var.  rufa9  Linne. 

Bristol  ;    W.  D.  Roebuck. 

Bath  ;    C.  J.  Waterfall. 

Bratton  St.  Maur  and  Bruton  district ! 

Dulverton  ;  H.  Watson. 

Var.  brunnea.  Roebuck  (—castanea^  Dam.  and  Mort.) 

Bath  ;    C.  J.  Waterfall. 

Bridgwater,  in  allotment  gardens  ;    W.  Vinson. 

Dulverton  ;   H.  Watson. 

Bratton  St.  Maur  and  Wincanton  district  generally  ! 

Var.  plumbea,  Roebuck. 
Kimptori  ! 

Bridgwater ;    W.  Vinson. 
Dulverton  ;   H.  Watson. 

Var.  reticulata,  Roebuck. 

One  example  from  Hatch  Beauchamp  ;    W.  Wake-Bowell. 

Var.  r  libra,  Baudon. 
Rimpton  ! 

Var.  alba,  Linne. 

Gardens    at   the   foot    of    West    Hill,    Wincanton  ;    W. 

Herridye. 
In  a  lane  at  Stoke  Trister,  near  Wincanton  ! 

In  my  paper  in  the  Journal  of  Conchology  1  alluded  to  a 
beautiful  variety  found  in  a  lane  at  Stoke  Trister,  near 
Wincanton.  Ground  colour  yellowish  white,  lineoles 
vivid  orange,  a  broad  black  band  extending  the  whole 
length  of  the  back,  mouth  and  tentacles  also  black. 
Foot  pale.  This  large  and  very  showy  form  which 
apparently  comes  under  Roebuck's  variety  albo later alis 
(see  J.  0.,  1883,  p.  39,  and  Taylor's  Monograph^  ii, 
p.  185)  was  also  observed  at  Dulverton  by  Mr.  Hugh 


12  MOLLUSCA    OF    SOMERSET. 

Watson.  Taylor  also  describes  a  variety  succinea, 
Muller,  animal  yellowish  with  reddish-orange  foot- 
fringe  ;  this  form  was  taken  by  Mr.  W.  Vinson  at 
Bridgwater.  Neither  albolateralis  nor  succinea  are 
mentioned  in  the  latest  edition  of  the  Conchological 
Society's  list  of  British  non-marine  Mollusca. 

ARIOX  SUBFUSCUS,  Draparnaud. 

Frequent  in  the  woods  and  hedgerows  in  the  hilly  districts  in 
the  eastern  part  of  the  county.  A  characteristic  species  on 
the  Neocomian  sands. 

North. 

Penselwood  !     Milton  Clevedon  !     Bratton  St.  Maur  ! 

Frequent  about  Wincanton  ! 

Woods  at  Butleigh  near  Glastonbury  ! 

Kimpton  ! 

Plantations  on  the  turf  moors  at  Shapwick,  etc.  ! 

South. 

Hatch  Beauchamp,  Taunton.   Under  stones  beneath  Pinus- 

sylvestris  ;  E.  Wake-Bowcll.     Near  Taunton  ! 
Bridgwater ;    W.  Vinson. 
Dulverton  ;  Hugh  Watson. 

Var.  brunnea,  Lchmann. 

Bridgwater  ;    W.  Vinson. 

The  var.  Krynickii,  Kaleniczenko,  sub-var.  griseus  Col- 
linge,  which  I  found  feeding  on  gorse  broom  on  Bratton 
Hill,  near  Wincanton  (J.C.,  1899),  is  var.  succinea 
Bouillet,  sub-var.  Krynickii  of  Taylor's  Monograph,  ii, 
202. 

ARION  INTERMEDIUS,  Normand  (  =  Arion  minimus,  Simroth). 
A  small  species,  abundantly  distinct  in  the  spiked  tubercles 
covering  the  body,  hence  sometimes  known  as  the  hedge- 
hog slug.  In  spite  of  this  very  distinctive  peculiarity  it  is 
very  often  mistaken  for  young  A.  ater  or  pale  forms  of 
Arion  liortensis,  and  for  that  reason  I  do  not  think  it  is  so 
uncommon  in  the  county  as  the  paucity  of  records  would 
lead  one  to  suppose. 

North. 

Clevedon  ;  E.  J.  Lowe. 
Bath  ;  E.  J.  Lowe. 

Rimpton  ! 

Wincanton  district,  common  ! 

West  Pennard,  Glastonbury  ! 


ENDODONTID^E.  13 

South. 

Dulverton  ;  H.  Watson. 

Minehead  and  Taunton  ;  E.  J.  Lowe. 

Common    at   Porlock,    Minehead   and    Watchet ;    L.   E. 

Adams. 
Near  Dunkery  Beacon,  and  about  Luccombe  ! 

ARION  HORTENSIS,  Ferussac. 

Generally  distributed.     Often  a  great  nuisance  in  gardens. 
Var.  ccerulea  Colling  c.     Bratton  St.  Maur.     Frequent  ! 
Taylor's  record  in  Monograph,  ii,  p.  215,  of  v&r.  fasciata9 
Moquin — Tandon,  sub  var.  elongata  (  =  Arion  elongatus 
Collinge)  for  this  county  is  an  error.     It  was  found  at 
Southampton. 

ARION  FASCIATUS,  Nilsson   (  =  A.  bourguignati,  Mabille  and 

A.  circumscriptuS)  Johnston). 

Though  many  records  of  this  species  are  not  forthcoming 
it  cannot  be  considered  rare.  It  is  often  mistaken  for 
the  preceding  species,  which  differs  however  in  the 
yellow  foot-sole,  etc.  In  A.  fascio.tus  the  foot-sole  is 
always  white. 

Worth. 

Bratton    St.    Maur    and    Wincanton    district    generally. 

Common  ! 
West  Pennard  ! 
Rimpton  ! 
Turf  moors  at  Shapwick,  Edington,  etc.  ! 

South. 

Porlock  ;  L.  E.  Adams. 
Dulverton ;  H.  Watson. 
Luccombe  ! 

ENDODONTID^:. 

PuNCTUM  PYGM^EUM,  Draparnaud  (—  Helix  pygmaa,  Dra- 

parnaud). 
A  minute  species,  probably  often  overlooked. 

North. 

At  roots  of  grass  on  Clevedon  and  Elton  Hills  ;  Norman* 

Ashley  Hill,  Bristol ;  Bristol  Mus.  Coll. 

Bath  ;  Jcnyn  s  Coll. 

Bratton  St.  Maur,  and  Wincanton  district,  uncommon  ! 

Rejectamenta  of  river  Brue,  Glastonbury  ;    O.  Morland. 

Weston  district ;  F.  A.  Knight. 


14  MOLLUSCA    OF    SOMERSET. 

South. 

Vauxhall  and  Brympton,  Yeovil  :  J.  Ponsonby. 
Hatch  Beauchamp  ;    Wake-Bowcll. 
Wellington  ;    W.  Gyncjcll. 

SPHYRADIUM  EDENTULUM,  Draparnaud  (=   Vertigo  cdentula, 

Draparnaud). 

Apparently  very  local,  but  may  be  suspected  to  have  a  wide 
distribution  in  damp  woods.  There  are  specimens  without 
statement  as  to  locality  in  the  Jcnyn  Coll.,  Bath  Museum. 

North. 

About  Holbrook,  near  Wincanton  ! 

Rejectamenta  of  the  Cale  at  Burton's  Mill,  above  Win- 
canton,  and  the  gully  stream  at  Bratton  St.  Maur  ! 

Abundant  (with  V.  pygmoea)  in  an  old  quarry  in  Weston 
Wood,  and  in  the  Brue  drift ;  F.  A.  Knight. 

South, 

Pitt  Wood,  and  Brympton,  Yeovil,  on  nettles  and  dead 
leaves,  J.  Ponsonby  ;  near  Minehead,  Adams  and  Old- 
ham. 

Var.  columeUa,  G.  von  Martens. 

Two  specimens  from  rejectamenta  of  the  gully  stream  at 
.  Bratton  ! 

PYRAMIDULA  RUPESTRIS,  Draparnaud  (=  Helix  rupestris, 

Draparnaud}. 

Common  on  walls  and  exposed  cliffs  in  many  parts  of  the 
county.  Gregarious,  often  active  in  the  depth  of  winter. 

North. 

"  Common  in  the  crevices  of  limestone  rocks  at  Clevedon 
and  Elton  Hills,  Cleeve  Foot,  Wrington  Hill,  Cheddar 
Cliffs,  etc.,  and  often  exceedingly  abundant  among  the 
rotten  mortar  of  old  walls,  as  behind  the  Royal  Hotel 
at  Clevedon,  and  in  many  spots  on  the  Mendips " 
(Norman,  under  Helix  umbilicata,  Montagu).  Jenyns 
Coll.,  as  Helix  umbilicata^  Bath  Museum. 

Mr.  Taylor  considers  Montagu's  Helix  umbilicata  to  be 
identical  with  Helix  rnpestris  var.  depressa  Westerlund, 
and  remarks  that  "this,  the  depressed  form  of  the  species, 
is  more  especially  prevalent  in  the  north  of  Europe, 
the  bulk  of  the  British  specimens  being  probably  refer- 
able to  it,  the  spire  becomes  more  elevated  as  the 
southern  range  increases."  He  figures  it  in  his  Mono- 


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