ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
3 1833 01745 1953
GENEALOGY
942.3101
W714M
1869-1870
Digitized by
the Internet Archive
in 2014
https://archive.org/details/wiltshirearchaeo1218godd
THE
WILTSHIRE
IrrljiToIogirni nnir lateral Sirfanj
MAGAZINE,
|9utiltel)e0 twtrer tfje Bitzttiaix at tfje ^artctg
FORMED IN THAT COUNTY A.D. 1853.
YOL. XII.
DEYIZES :
H. F. & E. Bull, 4, Saint John Street.
LONDON :
Bell & Daldy, 186, Fleet Street; J. R. Smith, 36, Sono Square.
1870.
devizes :
printed by h. f. & e. bull,
st. john street.
CONTENTS OF YOL. XII.
6S6566
No. XXXIV.
PAGE
The Nomina Villarum for Wiltshire, 1316 : By the Rev. W. H. Jones,
M.A., F.S.A 1
The Ornithology of Wiltshire (No. XIV.) : By the Rev. A. C. Smith,
M.A : 44
The Flora of Wiltshire (No. XII.) : By T. B. Flowee, Esq., M.R.C.S.,
F.L.S., &c., &c 73
History of the Parish of Stockton : By the late Rev. T. Miles, M.A. 105
On an Ancient Vase found at Coughton : By the Rev. Canon Ingeam,
F.G.S 122
The Roman Embankment at Cricklade : By the Rev. W. Allen, M,A. 126
Note on the Clicking Stool at Wootton Bassett : By Mr. W. F. Paesons 129
Stonehenge Notes 130
Donations to the Museum and Library , 131
No. XXXV.
Report of Annual Meeting at Chippenham 133
President's Address 135
Ornithology of Wilts (No. XV.) : By the Rev. A. C. Smith, M.A 152
On Terraces or Lynchets: By Gr. Poulett Sceope, Esq., F.R.S 185
History of Parish of Stockton : By Rev. T. Miles (concluded) 192
On an Anglo-Saxon Charter of Stockton ; By the Rev. W. H. Jones,
M.A., F.S.A , 216
On the Existing Structure of Lacock Abbey. By C. H. Talbot, Esq. 221
On Monumental Brasses near Chippenham: By Rev. E. C. Awe-ey.. 233
Abury and Stonehenge — A Reviewer Reviewed 242
Note on an Article in the Atheneeum 248
On a Crapaudine Locket found at Devizes : By Mr. Ctjnnington .... 249
Instructions for Forming a Wiltshire Herbarium: By T. Betjges
Flowee, Esq., M.R.C.S., F.L.S., &c., &c 252
~ inquisition on Ruth Pierce 256
onations to Museum and Library 258
2
h
CONTENTS OF VOL. XII.
No. XXXVI.
Chippenham, Notes of its History : By the Rev. Canon J, E. Jackson,
F.S.A 259
Chippenham and the Neighbourhood during the Groat Rebellion : By
the Rev. John J. Daniell, Vicar of Langley Fitzurso 292
On Hedges and Hedge Rows: By John Spencer, Esq .317
The Flora of Wiltshire, (No. XIII.) : By T. B. Flower, Esq.,
M.R.C.S., F.L.8., &c., &c 324
Notes on the Common Primrose : By T. B. Flower, Esq., M.R.C.S.,
F.L.S., &c., &c 351
Inventories of Church Goods, and Chantries of Wilts : Annotated by
the Rev. Mackenzie E. C. Walcott, B.D., F.R.S.L., F.S.A 354
A Tyburn Ticket 384
Donations to the Museum and Library 385
Illustrations.
Plate of Ancient Vases, 125. Photograph of Stockton House, 105.
Fig. 1, Terraces near Stockbridge, 189, Fig. 2, Profile of Terraces on side of
Chalk Hill, near Twyford: Fig. 3, Terraces near Llangollen, &c., 190.
Ancient Map of Stockton, 220. Crapaudine Locket, actual size, 250. Teeth
of Sphserodus gigas, natural size, 251. Map of Botanical Districts of
Wilts, 255.
XXXIV. AUGUST, 1869.
Yol. XII.
THE
WILTSHIRE
Irrjjwlogitnl rail Jilted Hiatal
MAGAZINE,
Pulilt^etf unisex tl)t JBtrectum
OF THE
SOCIETY FORMED IN THAT COUNTY,
A.D. 1853.
DEVIZES :
H. F. & E. Bull, 4, Saint John Steeet.
LONDON :
ell & Dally, 186, Fleet Street ; J. R. Smith, 36, Soho Sqtjaee.
Price 4:S. 6d. — Members, Gratis.
Tiik ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of the WILTS
ARCHAEOLOGICAL and NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY
will be held at CHIPPENHAM, on Tuesday, Wednesday, and
Thursday, September 7 th, 8th, and 9th, 1869.
Some of the early Numbers of the Wiltshire Magazine are out of
print, but there is a supply of other Numbers which may be
had by persons wishing to complete their volumes, by apply-
ing to Mr. Nott.
NOTICE TO MEMBERS.
The Annual Subscriptions (10s. 6d. payable in advance, and now
due for 1869), should be sent to Mr. William Nott, Savings
Bank, Devizes.
All other communications to be addressed to the Honorary Secre-
taries : the Rev. A. C. Smith, Yatesbury Rectory, Calne ; anc
Mr. Cunnington, St. John's Court, Devizes.
#% The Numbers of this Magazine will not be delivered, as issued
to Members who are in arrear of their Annual Subscription
and who on being applied to for payment of such arrears, hav<
taken no notice of the application.
Should however any Member, through inadvertence, not hav
received his copies of the Magazine, he is requested to applj
to Mr. Nott, who will immediately forward them.
THE
WILTSHIRE
Irrjjmilogiral anil lateral listaj
MAGAZINE.
No. XXXIY. AUGUST, 1869. Vol. XII.
Contents,
PAGE
The Nomina Villarum for Wiltshire, 1316 : By the Rev. W. H.
Jones, M.A., F.S.A 1-43
The Ornithology of Wiltshire, (No. XIV.): By the Rev. A. C.
Smith, M.A 44-72
The Flora of Wiltshire (No. XII.) : By T. B. Flower, Esq.,
M.R.C.S., F.L.S., &c, &c 73-104
History of the Parish of Stockton : By the late Rev. T. Miles, M.A. 105-121
On an Ancient Vase found at Coughton : By the Rev. Canon
Ingram, F.G.S 122-126
The Roman Embankment atCricklade : By the Rev. W. Allen, M.A. 126-129
Note on the Cucking Stool at Wootton Bassett : By Mr. W.
F. Parsons 129
"Stonehenge Notes 130
Donations to the Museum and Library 130
ILLUSTRATION.
Plate of ancient vases.
DEVIZES :
H. F. & E. Bull, 4, Saint John Street.
LONDON :
Bell & Daldy, 186, Fleet Street; J. R. Smith, 36, Soho Square.
THE
WILTSHIRE MAGAZINE.
*' MULTOETJM MANIBTJS GKANDE LEVATOR ONUS," — Ovid.
Oje Jtomina Wixcm for MiMjiw*
9th Edward II. (1316).
By tlie llev. W. H. Jones, M.A., F.S.A.
Vicar of Bradford on Avon.
TIE document termed "Nomina Villarum," consists of
returns made to writs, tested at Clipston, 5th March, 1316,
(9 Edward II.,) addressed to all the Sheriffs throughout England,
stating that the King wished to be certified how many, and what
Hundreds and Wapentakes there were in the Sheriff 's bailiwick \
how many and what cities, boroughs, and townships there were in
each Hundred or Wapentake, and who were the Lords thereof.
The Sheriff was required, at a set time fixed for the purpose, to
furnish the information demanded, to the Treasurer and Barons of
the Exchequer. The returns were needed for the military levies
granted to the King in the Parliament held at Lincoln, 9 Edward II,
when it was directed that one man should be raised from every
Township to supply soldiers for the wars in Scotland.1
To assist the Sheriff in his work of providing from each county
the proper number of men, there were appointed two or three
trusty assistants. Those named to this office in Wiltshire were
Walter Gocelyn, John Randolph, and Andrew de Grymstede.
The writs required the Sheriff to attend in person, unless special
license were given him to be absent, to give the required informa-
tion to the Treasurer and Barons of the Exchequer. It seems pro-
bable enough therefore that when they attended for this purpose the
1 Stowe, in his Annals, under the year 1316, says, — " The same yeere the
King tooke of everie towne in England a man to serve in his wars of Scotland,
and foure markes of money towardes his charges, having no respect to the
greatnesse or littlenesse of any towne, which seemed to be undiscreetly done."
VOL. XII. NO. XXXIV. B
2
The Nomina Villarum for Wiltshire.
returns were drawn up from the materials which they had obtained.
Being of considerable length they assumed the shape of rolls, and
the originals, still extant, are in this form, — they consist of the
returns for the counties of Devon, Middlesex, Shropshire, Stafford,
and Hants, and are preserved among the records usually designated
as on " the side of the Lord Treasurer's Remembrancer."
In the first year of the reign of Henry VII., the original returns
having become so frayed and illegible, in consequence of the fre-
quent searches made upon them, that they could scarcely be
accurately interpreted, by which it was apprehended that detriment
might ensue to the Crown, it was ordered by the Barons, a^ter
due inspection, that the same should be transcribed in quires and
made up and engrossed in a book, to remain for ever in the Ex-
chequer. For this purpose a writer, by name John Snede, was
appointed, and admitted by the Barons of the Exchequer.1 The
work was duly completed, and the volume deposited with the Lord
Treasurer's Remembrancer. Long since, however, the book dis-
appeared, and at the present time no trace of it can be found.2
The loss is in a slight measure supplied by copies existing in differ-
ent repositories from which the quotations of the Nomina Villarum
by topographical writers have been extracted. As regards Wilts
there are no originals known to be in existence. The materials I
* \ 5
1 All the documents relating to this proceeding, are printed in Parliamentary j
"Writs ii., part 3, p. 5. John Snede was to receive three shillings and fourpence
per quire for his labour. When completed the book contained twenty quires
and an half, for which he was paid at the before mentioned rate. The binding,
covering, and other matters needed for completing the volume, cost eighi ^
shillings and ten pence, which sum was paid to one John Burell, the stationer,
all which particulars appear from the discharge of the Remembrancer, enrolled 'ri
Hilary Term, 1 Hen. VII., printed as above by Sir F, Palgrave. ft
2 Cooper, in the Public Records (ii., 432), says: — " At the time when Powell k
published a work under the title of ' Directions for search of Records' (1631), ^
this Record was in existence, as we find there mention made of ' The Bookc .,
which is commonly called Nomina Villarum, made about the ninth of Edward 11
II., &c.' Moreover in June, 1800, this Book was still supposed to be kept in k
the Lord Treasurer's Remembrancer's office in the Exchequer, although there I
was some reason to apprehend that it might have been destroyed by fire. Bui ^
the confusion of the Records in the office rendered it impossible to ascertain '!
the fact." Reports from select Committee on Public Records, p. 505. I %
By the Rev, W. H. Jones.
3
from which we derive the text given below, are contained in two
manuscripts, referred to in the following paper respectively as A
and B, included among the Harleian collection in the British
Museum, of which the following accounts are given.
A. Harl. MS. 6281. This manuscript is described in the
catalogue, as — " A folio, containing the Cities, Boroughs, Villages
and Hundreds, their Names, and who were the Lords of every
Manor throughout all the Counties of England in the year of our
Lord 131.6, entitled 'A transcript of the Book called Nomina
Yillarum, kept in the office of the Treasurer's Remembrancer in
the Exchequer.' "
Judging from the hand-wmting, this transcript appears to have
been made in the early part of the reign of Elizabeth. The Ex-
chequer Book is copied on the left hand of the page, and at the
foot of each page, or in the margin, or on the opposite page, are
added many notes of possessors of the manors in times subsequent
to the date when the record was first compiled, or of other manors
held by such persons, extracted from commissions, escheats, subsidy-
rolls, and other documents of various classes. The hand-writing
of this manuscript is singularly perplexing, and in some places
almost illegible. Without local knowledge it would be impossible
to decipher it with any accuracy, especially as regards the additions,
which are written in a more than usually abbreviated form and
with great indistinctness.
B. Harl. MS., 2195. This Manuscript contains the original
heading of the Exchequer volume, omitted in the MS. A., and the
returns for several counties, and amongst them, for Wilts. This
transcript, from the hand-writing, appears to have been made in
the 17th century. It is in every respect a more legible manuscript
than the former, and the two are useful in helping to interpret
each other. Sir Francis Palgrave observed that there were suf-
ficient variations between them to show that the latter was made
from the original record, and not from the former transcript. It is
certain however that in both are the same omissions as regards
Wilts, and that an undoubted error in one case (see below,
under § 23), is found in both manuscripts.
b 2
4
The Nomina Villarum for Wiltshire.
The "Nomina Villarum" for Wilts has already appeared in
print in the Parliamentary Writs, (Vol. ii., div. iii., p. 346) under the
editorial care of Sir Francis Talgrave, but that work is incon-
veniently cumbrous in its bulk, and is certainly not generally
accessible. The document was also printed in a volume issued by
Sir R. C. Hoare, entitled " Repertorium Wiltunense." Only a
limited number of copies were printed, and it is known but to few.
There is no copy of the work in the British Museum. This is the
first time therefore that the document will be made generally
known. Every care has been taken to secure a correct text ; and
it is hoped that the illustrative notes, which are now added, may
be of use to students of Wiltshire topography.
The chief value of the Nomina Villarum consists in this, that
we find in it direct evidence of the persons who held the smaller
subdivisions of the great tenancies at a particular time. For the
long period of a hundred years after the Conquest there is a blank
in our national records. We have, after that time, the Inqui-
sitiones post Mortem, but as in these documents the proper scope
was the investigation of tenures in capite, the information they
afford concerning persons holding by mesne tenure was not a neces-
sary part of the enquiry made by the escheator, and conse-
quently the Nomina Villarum disclose the names of many land-
holders of whom no other record remains. As Mr. Hunter well
remarks, " When no evidence is to be gathered from the Testa
de Nevil, or the Hundred Rolls, this information is not only diffi-
cult to be arrived at, but can only be attained at all in an indirect
manner. One fixed period of this kind is of great importance,
inasmuch as a single name is an indication of the line in which
the lordship is passing, and may often be the means of guiding
an enquirer to a series of lords both before and after the date of
the record itself : and the determining in whom the possession lay,
is one of the chief points in the history of the rural parishes of
England." 1
Incidentally this document throws light both on the meaning of
the names of many of the places in Wilts, and also, when com-
1 Quoted in Parliamentary "Writs, Yol. ii., part 3, p. 4.
By the Rev. W. H. Jones.
5
pared with the Exon Domesday, on the gradual changes introduced
as regards the Hundreds, The notes appended to the record will
explain the former : those who are curious in such matters, may,
by comparing the list of Hundreds in Domesday, first of all with
those given for the reigns of Henry III. and Edward I. in the
Hundred Rolls, and then with those furnished for the reign of
Edward II. in the Nomina Villarum, — see the changes that had
taken place. One point they will not fail to observe, — the way in
which the Ecclesiastical Lords of manors had formed for them-
selves distinct Hundreds, at the court of which they required the
tenants of their manors, scattered though they might be in various
parts of the country, to do suit and service. The Bishop of Win-
chester, for instance, has a separate Hundred called that of Knowel
Episcopi (§ 6) ; — the Abbot of Glastonbury in like manner holds
that of Damerham (§ 10), — and the Prior of St. Swithin that of
Elstub (§ 11), — under each of which were included manors situated
in various parts of the country.
To make the document more generally useful to students of
"Wiltshire topography, there has been added an " Index Locorum,"
containing also the Domesday names, and the modern names of all
the Wiltshire vills mentioned in the text. The Nomina Villarum
contains a tolerably complete list of all such manors, a few omissions
only, — such as Whaddon, (near Melksham,) Norton, (near Malmes-
bury,) Langford Parva, Baverstock, Fisherton Anger, — having been
observed. It is a testimony, moreover, to the completeness of the
Domesday for Wiltshire, to observe how we are able almost in-
variably to identify the names with entries in that Record ; inso-
much that when, as in a rare instance, we may be in a little doubt,
we may fairly conclude that it arises, not necessarily from its being
omitted, but from our not being able to recognise the precise form
in which the entry we seek is made.
W. H. Jones.
Bradford on Avon,
January, 1869.
f% Nomina Ifiltam for Milt^iw.
^^lteT ) ^IVITAS> Burgi, et Yill^e, eorumq : Domini.
§ 1. HUNDREDUM de WONDERDYCHE.1 . . .Episcopus Sarum.
CivitasNov^E Sarum* Episcopus Sarum.
Burgus Yeteris Sarum... Dominus Rex.
Willesforde Theobaldus de Yerdoun.
Lake Elias Cotel [de Cotell. B.]
"VYodeford Magna -n
Wodeford Parva C Episcopus.
MULEFORDE2 )
Stratforde 3 Decan. et Capit. ecclesiae beatse Marise
[sc. Sarum].
a Ci vitas Novse Sarum, et est Dominus ejusdem episcopus Sarum
et non est infra aliq. Hundred. B.
§ 2. HUKDREDTJM de AUMBRESBURY.. . .Comes Lancastr'.
Aumbresbury a Comes Lancastr'. et Priorissa de Aum-
bresbury.
Boltford 4 Priorissa de Aumbresbury
Durynton b Johan. de Neyville canonicus ecclesise
Sarum, et est prebendarius.
a 49 Edw. III., Wills de Cantilupe ten. M. de Aumbresbury de
Com, Sarum, per. servic. mil.
b 9 Edw. III., Gilbert, de Neville ten. M. de Durynton de Rege
per servic. mil.
1 This name, now modernised into Under-Ditch, but usually spelt in old
documents Wondre-Dic, and, in the Exon Domesday, Windre-Dic, is derived
from one of those ancient u dykes " of which there are several near the southern
borders of the county.
2 Millford, a district of some 1100 acres due east of the present city of
Salisbury.
3 Stratford Sub Castro, situated by the site of Old Sarum.
4 Now Bullford ; — in Domesday it is called Boltintone.
The Nomina Villarum for Wiltshire.
7
Aleton1 ,.. Robertus de Raydon (Reydon B.)
Fyghelden Margareta Husee, Joh. de Tourny
(Tborne}7 B.), et Isabella uxor ejus.
Brightmershton1 2 Mauricius de Berkelee.
Tudeworth b Henricus Husee.
Chaldrynton Henricus le Spicer.
Nywenton c 3 Comitissa Warr\
Aldynton Petrus de Eton, et Johan. de Boklonde.
Wynterslewe Nicholaus de Preshute.
Welewe 4 Johannes de Pageham.
Derneford Henricus de Prayers (Preyers ?), et
Johannes Bisshop.
Shuprugge 5 Comes Lancastr'.
Henton5 Johannes Giffard.
a 6 Edw. III., Edwardus, Conies Arundel, ten. M. de Mersheton
Meisy.
b 1 Edw. III., Henric. Husee ten. M. de Standen et medietatem
M. de Tudeworth per servic. mil. — 35 Edw. III., Ricard. de Husee
ten. M. de Tudeworth in capite.
c 1 Edw. III., Wills La Zouche de mortuo mari ten. M. de
Neuton Mortimer per servic. mil.
§ 3. HUNDREDUM de ALW ARDEBURY. . . .Comes Lancastr'.
Wynterbourne Comitis.6 Comes Lancastr'.
1 Alton, a portion of the present parish of Figheldean ; in Domesday it is
called Eltone.
2 In Domesday it is called Brismar-tone, a name derived from BfiissrAR,
its owner in Anglo-Saxon times; in modern times it has been corrupted into
Beig-milston.
1 3 Newton Tony, deriving its distinctive name from the family of Alice de
i Tony, Countess of Warwick, mentioned above.
j 4Wellow West, by Bramshaw, an outlying part of the Hundred, not
situated within its local limits,
f 6 Sheep-ridge, and Hinton, are small portions of Wilts locally situated in
Berks.
6 Winterbourn Earls, deriving its distinctive name from its Lords, the
Earls of Lancaster.
8 The Nomina Villarum for Wiltshire.
"Wynterbourne Gonnor 1 Prior Sci Martini de Bristollia
WYNTERBOURNEDAUNTESEY2Ricardus de Pauntesey, et Prior de
Avebury.
Pourton Bicardus de Camera, et Jordanus
Daunger.
Idemistone Abbas Glastoniae.
"Winterslewe a Johannes de Cromwell.
Putton Decan. et Cap. beatae Marise Sarum,
et Thomas Cosyn.
Dune Grymstede 3 Laurent, de Sco Martino, et Oliver, de
Ingham.
Whaddon Grymstede1"4... Andr. et Joh. de Grymsted, et Alanus
Plukenet.
Laverstoke Margareta de "Wodefolde.
Adwardebury Decan. et Cap. beatse Mariae Sarum, et
Prior Monasterii Ederosi.
a 35 Edw. III., Gilbert de Berewike ten. M. de Wintresleu per
servic. magnse serjiantiaa faciend. Peg. adventu Regis apud
Claryndon per summonicionem vinum vocatum Claretum sumptibus
Regis, et ad serviend. Reg. de dicto vino in adventu suo. (Cf. Testa
de JSTev. 149a) See Hoare's Alderb. Hund., 47.
b 21 Edw. III., Stephanus Tumby ten. med. M. de Est Grym-
stede et Waddene per servic. mil.
1 This estate formed part at one time of the posessions of Gunnora de la
Mare, (Inq. p. m. 33. Henry III.,) whence the name Winterbourn Gunner,
It was also termed Winterbourn Cherbourgh, from its Lords of the 13th century.
Test, de Nev., 140, 144.
2 Winterbourn Dantsey still, in its appellation, preserves the memory of
its Lord of the Manor in 1316.
3 The MS. reads as above, but most probably two manors are intended Dune
(=East Dean) and Grymstede, (:=East Grimste ad), both of which were at
Domesday held by "Waleran, the ancestor of the families of St. Martin and
Ingham. Jones' Domesday for Wilts, 213, 218.
4 This entry would seem in like manner to comprise West Grymstede and
Whaddon, an immediately adjoining estate, now portion of the parish of
Alderbury.
The Nomina Villarum for Wiltshire .
9
§ 4. HUNDREDUM de FERSTESFELD. . . .Dominus Rex.
Coulesfeld a 1 Henr'. Sturmy, Ricard. de Teste wode,
et Stephanus Louveraz.
Laneford 2 Wills Lye.
Welpeley3 Johannes Le Englishe.
Abbodeston Aldreston .. Johannes de Grernestede, Thomas le
Eyr, et Ingelram Berenger.
a 35 Edw. III., Egidius Normannus ten. M. de Coulesfeld in
capite per servic. custodiendi 2 canes pro lupis ; ac M. de Camele
in capite pro 4tu parte unius feod. mil., et M. de Meorle de Abb. de
Malmesb. per servic. mil. Cf. Inq. p. m. ii., 252.
§ 5. HUNDREDUM de DOUNTON. . . .Episcopus Wynton.
Dounton (Burgns. B.)...
Cherleton
> Episcopus Wynton.
BYSHOPPESTON [ r r
Dounton (Villa B.)
§ 6. HUNDREDUM de Knowel Episcopi.4. . .Episcopus Wynton.
Cnowell5 •)
Von „•:,,.•• j Episcopus Wynton.
1 There are still two manors called respectively Cowesfield (or Cowlesfield)
Esttjrmy, and Cowesfield Loveraz. This is the Covlestone of Domesday,
which was then held by Richard Shu-mid.
2 Landford ; — the descent of the estate from William Lye, its Lord in 1316,
to the present time, is given in Hoare's Wilts. Frustf. Hund., p. 84.
3 Whklpley, Abbotston, and Alderstone, are all now portions of what is
called White-Parish (Album Monasterium).
4 This remained as a distinct Hundred but for a short time. The two manors
contained within it were afterwards included in the Hundred of Downton, the
lordship of which was vested in the Bishop of Winchester.
3 East Knoyle, originally called Knoyle Regis, and in the Hundred of
Mere. When purchased (c. 1180) by Richard Tocliffe, Bishop of Winchester,
and by him given to the Church at Winton, it was called Knoyle Episcopi, or
Bishop's Knoyle. It is now in the Hundred of Downton.
6 Fonthill Episcopi was originally in Dunworth Hundred. (Jones' Domes-
day, p. 182). Subsequently to the date of the Nomina Yillarum it was trans-
ferred to that of Downton.
10
The Nomina Villarum for Wiltshire.
§ 7. HUNDREDUM de C AUDON. . . . Dominus Rex.
"Wychebury Abbas Radynge.
Oddestoke Robertus Gerberd.
Homynton Prior de Bradely, et Custos domus
Sancti Edmundi Nov. Sar.
Brutford Brembleshawe1 Thomas de Omero [St. Omero B.]
Combe a 2 Hugo de Plessetis, et Johan. Bysset ;
ambo infra setatem et in custodia
Regis.
Stratford3 Alicia de Tony, Comitiss. Warr\
West Harneham
Langeford
} Alanus Pluknet.
a32 Edw. I., Phillippus Paynel ten. med. M. de Combe Keynes
in Comitat. Dorset et alias terras in Purton, Chelleworth, et
Brokenebergh in Wilt, de Rob. Keynes pro. 1 feod. mil.
§ 8. HUNDREDUM de CADE WORTH.... Dominus Rex.
Burgus de Wilton Dominus Rex. [(Egy ?)
Sutton4 Hugo le Despenser, et Johannes Eyre
Fovente ^
Brudecombe > Abbatissa de Wilton.
Northampton 5 J
Herdecote 6 Bartholom. de Badlesmere.
1 There was a portion of Beamshaw locally situated in the south of Alder-
bury Hundred, which from an early period seems to have been connected with
the Manor of Britford. See Jones' Domesday, p. 200, under " Beamessage."
2 Combe Btsset, still preserving, in its distinctive name, the memory of one
of its owners, in 1316.
3 Steatfobd Tony, so called still from the family of Alice de Tony, Countess
of Warwick.
4 Sutton Mandeville, so called from Galfidus de Mandeville, who held it
c. 1270 of the Earl of Clare, the lineal descendant of its Domesday owner,
Richard Fitz Gilbert. Hugo le Despenser, named above, married Eleanor,
daughter of Gilbert de Clare. See Jones' Domesday, pp. 108, 234.
5 It is so spelt in the MS., but is evidently intended for what is now called
Netheehampton.
6 Htjedcote (or Htjecot) ; the Lord of the Manor named above was descended,
through the Dunstanvilles, from its Domesday owner Humfrey de L'isle.
Wilts Mag. ii., 272.
The Nomina Villarum for Wiltshire. 11
Bereford Baldwin, de Stowe, et Thomas Cheyn-
duyt.
§9. HUNDREDUM de CHALKE.1 . . . ( Abbatissa de Wilton.)
Chalke
burchalke2
Bekewyck2
Semeiegh ..
Stoke 3 Theobald, de Verdoun.
Kynserton 4 (Kynferton? ) Laurenc. de Sancto Martino.
Fifhide5 Rogerus de Bavent.
Eblesburne 6 Ingelram Berenger, et "Will, de Wy-
gelewe (Wygbere B. ?) [ham.
Alvedeston7 Ingelram Berenger, et Johan. de Per-
Tollard 8 Rob. de Lucy, et Johan. Gonys.
Abbatissa de Wilton.
1 The Domesday name for this Hundred was Stanford. The name Stow-
FORD, originally Stan-ford, i.e. the "paved" or Stone-ford over the river
Ebele, is still given to a little place close by Fifield Bavent.
2 Bower-Chalk and Bebwick St. John. See Jones' Domesday, under
Chelche, p. 204.
3 Originally Stoke Verdoun, (corrupted gradually to Vardon and Farthing)
and so called from the Lords of the Manor in 1316 ; a district of some 650 acres
in the parish of Broad Chalk.
* Intended I believe, for what is now called Knighton, which was held in
the time of Edw. I. by Joane Nevil, who afterwards married one of the St.
Martin family, the ancestor of the Lord of the Manor mentioned above. See
Hoare's Wilts, Chalke Hund. p. 143.
6 Fifield Bavent, still having the name of the Lord of the Manor in 1316.
6 Ebbesbotjrn Wake, granted (6 John) to Galfrid. de Wake, and held by
several in succession of that name. Test, de Nev., 142. Hund. R. II., 248.
7 The name of the tenant in the time of Edward the Confessor, viz. Aileva,
seems here preserved: — Alvedes-txm — the town, (or village) of Aileva. Jones'
Domesd., p. 204.
8 This estate was at one time held by Earl, (afterwards King,) John, in right
of his wife Isabella, daughter of William, Earl of Gloucester, and hence
called Tollakd Royal.
12 The Nomina Villarum for Wiltshire.
§ 10. HUNDREDTJM dh DOMERHAM. . . (Abbas Glaston'.)
DOMERHAM >j
Stapleham1 I
Merton8 > Abbas Glastonioc.
Deverel Langebrigge8
Mqnxton J
Comi'ton Chamuerleyn a Robert, le Chamberleyn.
■ 9 Edw. III., Job. Avenel ten. med. M. de Compton Chamber-
leyn in capite.
§11. HUNDREDUM de ELLESTTTBBE.... Prior Sci Swithini,
Wynton.
Everlee Comes Lancastr'.
Enford >j
Stokton |
Aulton V Prior Sti Swithini. Wynton.
OlJERTON ' J
Werston4
Hyneton J
Chysyngbury Abbas de Becco Herlewyn,
Fydelton a Ricardus de Combe, infra setatem et in
custodia magri Ricardi Dobyngdon.
(Babynton. B.)
a 36 Edw. III., Robertus de Rammesbury ten. 3 partes M. de
Fytelton in feod. firm, per redd. xxu. per ann.
1 Now Staple-ton, a hamlet to the west of Damerham, and in that parish.
2 Usually spelt at the present time Martin, but originally mcer-tun (the
modern form of which would be Marton, or Merton,) signifying the boundary-
town, a village on the borders of the county.
3 The last three manors Longbridge Deverel, Monkton Deverel, and
Compton Chamberlain, are all outlying portions of the Hundred of Damerham.
The last estate was held in the time of Rich. I., by the Sergeantcy of being
one of the King's Chamberlains. Hund. R. II., 253,
4 This is most probably a portion of what is now called Wrotjghton. It is
the Ellendune of the Anglo-Saxon charters, and is sometimes called Elingdon-
Wrotjghton. Hund. R. IT., 244.
The Nomina Villarum for Wiltshire.
13
Netheravene a Johan. fil Johan. de Ferrers, infra
setatem et in custodia Dni. Regis.
> 32 Edw. I., Henr. Peverel ten. terras in Northavene (sic) et
Newetone in co. Wilts et [terr. in] Suthampt. per redd. iv11. per
ann. ad castr. Wigorn. — Cf. Inq. p. m. ii., 354.
§ 12. HUNDREDUM de BRENCHESBOROWE— .Dominus
Sharenton
"VVyly
WlSHEFORD PARVA 1
Neweton
STAPEL-LANGEFORDa(Step-
pullangeford B.)
Stapelford
WlSHEFORD MAGNAb
bumerton
Brudecombe 2
a21 Edw. III., Johes. de Steeres ten. med. de Staple Langford
per servic. mil. — 9 Rich. II., Laur. de !Sco. Martino chevr ten.
med. M. de Westdoune, Est Grr3rmstede, et Stepul Langford.
b 13 Edw. III., Willus Quyntyn ten. 2 partes M. et terr. et ten.
in Wycheford et Stoford.
§ 13. HUNDREDUM de DOLESFELD. . . .Dominus Rex.
Gore Johes de Combe, et Abbatissa de
Cadamo.
1 Little Wishford is a tithing in the parish of South Newton.
2 North Btjrcomb ; the southern portion is accounted for under Cadeworth
Hundred. See § 8.
Rex.
Johannes Giffard, de Bremmesfelde.
Abbatissa de Wilton.
Oliv. de Ingham, et Laurenc. de Sto.
Martino.
Johes Giffard de Bremmesfeld, et
Margareta Sturmy.
Adam Atteford, et Johes. de Bonham.
Andreas de Grymstede, et Andreas de
Coinener (or Oomermere).
Johes Pycot, et Thomas de Tarente.
14 The Nomina V'dlarum for WHtahire,
Okciikston1 Willus do Rolveston et Jobes Bluet. 1
Ki.ston (Kliston) 1 Jobes Giffard.
ShBRUBTON8 Comes Lancastr'.
Madywton Jobanna la Moygne, (et) Priorissa de
Ambresbury.
ABBODBSTON Abbas de Hyda, et Alexander de
F revylle.
Wynterbourn Stoke b ... Jobanna Wake.
Berewyk 3 Henric. de Lancastr'.
a 21 Edw. III., Hugo de Audele, nuper Comes Glouc. ten. M. de
Wexcombe et Bedewind de Rege ad feod. firm, secundum exitus ;
et M. de Orcbeston, Knoukes, et Bourbatch de R. per servic. mil.
b 6 Edw. III., Hugo Wake ten. M. de Winterborn Stoke pro 3
part. 1 feod. mil.
§ 14. HUNDREDUM de KYNE WARDSTW. . . . Matilda
Comitiss'. Gloucestr'.
Burgus de Bedew ynd ... Dus Rex per mortem Com. Gloucestr\
Wexcombe Matilda Comitiss. de Gloucestr'.
Peueseye Abbas de Hyda.
Middleton 4 Willus de insula bona.
Wotton5 Jobes fil. et baer. Joban. de Ripariis,
infra setatem et in custodia Regis.
1 This manor would seem to have been held in the time of Edw. I. by Elias
Giffard, and from him probably comes the name Elis-ton, contracted into
2s7s-ton.
2 This manor corresponds with the "Winterbourne (pp. 66, 67,) of Domesday,
and is called Winterbourn Screveton in the Bund. R. II., 254. See also
Test, de Nev., 135. The distinctive portion of the name would seem to be
derived from Scir-gerefa, i.e. Shire-reeve,{=Sh.eiif£,) and so to be a memorial
of the office held by its Domesday owner.
3 Berwick St. James; — see under WiNTERBotrRN'E, in Domesday, p. 241.
4 Called from the name of the Lord of the Manor, Milton Lilborn, origin-
ally, de Uisle bonne, (a translation of which is given above in " de insula
bona") and spelt Lilbonne.
5 This place still bears the name of one of its Lords, Johan. de Ripariis, and
is called Wootton Rivers.
The Nomina Villarum for Wiltshire.
15
Borebach Henricus Sturmy.
Chussebery Henricus de Cobeham.
Staunden Chaworth11... Henricus de Lancastr'.
Chilton13 2 Henricus le Tyers [Tyeis B].
Hamme Prior Sci Swithini Wynton.
Est Bedewynd Theobald, fil. et haer. Willi Russell
infra aetatem et in custodia Regis.
Tybecombe Prior de Modeffonte, et Juliana de
Kyngeston.
Crofton Willus Brayboef, et Ricardus de Pol-
hampton
Grafton c Johanna de Haveringe, et Prior Scse
Margaretse extra Marleburg.
Colyngeburne d 3 Almaric. [Adomar. B.] de Valence, et
Abbas de Hyda.
a 36 Edw. III., Ricus de Pembrigg ten. M. de Chilton de Ed-
wardo Powell ut de hon. de Wallingford per servic. mil.
b 1 Edw. III., Henr. Husee ten. M. de Staunden cum med. de
Tudeworth per servic. de Com. Lancastr'. ut de honore Leicest': et,
35 Edw. III., Ricardus de Husee ten. M. de Tudeworth.
c 6 Edw. II., Willus Barman ten. terras in Grafton per servicium
inveniendi unum equum ad cariandum vinum? Regis cum Rex
venat. ferat in forestis de Savernac et de Chute.
d 46 Edw. III., Edw. de Carmaille, chevr. ten. M. de Colingburn
Valence in cap. per servic. mil. — Cf. Inq. p. m. ii., 354.
§ 15 HTODREDUM de SWANEBERGH.. . .Dominus Rex.
Uphavene "\
Meredek jHugoleDespencer.
1 So called from Patrick de Chaworth, who held the Manor 3 Edw. I. Hund.
R. II., 160.
2 Chilton Foliat ; so called from Sampson Foliat, who held the Manor
towards the end of the thirteenth century. Test. de. Nev. 145.
3 This entry includes both Collingbourn Ducis, at one time called Colling-
bourn Valence ; and Collingbouen Kingston, formerly called Collingbourn
Abbas, from the estate being part of the possessions of the Abbey of Hyde.
K; The Nomina Villarum for Wiltshire.
RuSTESHALLE Robortus de Ilungerford et Gena uxor
Cju8.
OhbelETON Walterus do Paveley.
Wyvelsford 1
r> i c Comes Hereford.
MANYNGFOIM) BoUN 1 J
Stoke 3 Abbatissa de Shaston.
Staunton -\
Dreycote Ore3 > Abbatissa de Wilton.
Newenton Hulcote4 J
A U ETON BeILNER "\
Woodberge V Comes Lancastr'.
Wylcote *
Manningford Abbatis 5 Abbas de Hyda.
Manningford Brewose5 Maria de Brewose.
a 46 Edw. III., Hunfridus de Bobun, Comes Hereford, ten. M. de
Upbaven in capite per servic. mil. ac M. de Wyvelsford, Wokesey,
Manyngford, Stratton, et Seend in capite.
b 35 Edw. III., Tbomas de Aldon. cbevr ten. M. de Manyngford
Bobun, et 46 Edw. III.— Cf. Inq. p. m., ii., 228.
§ 16. HUNDREDUM de STODFOLDE.6. . .Dominus Rex.
Churington Comes Hereford.
Conick (Coneke. B.) Abbas de Grasteyn.
Erchesfonte Abbatissa beatae Marise de Wynton.
Sterte Bartholomaeus de Badlesmere.
Ethelhampton 7 , .... Jobannes Malewyn. (Malewayne B.)
1 So called from the Bohuns, Earls of Hereford ; it is still regarded as a
tithing of Wyvelsford, (now Wilsford,) which belonged to the same family.
2 This Manor is known better as Beechingstoke.
3Draycote is the name of a farm close by Hewish ; Oaee would seem to
include Rainscomb, an outlying part of the parish of North Newnton.
4 Hulcote, (or Hillcote,) is a tithing of the parish of North Newnton.
5 These two Manors still bear in their names, Manningford Abbas and
Manningford Bruce, the memory of their owners in the 14th century.
6 The name of this Hundred is from the Anglo-Saxon stod-fald, i.e. the fold
or place for horses. It is now included in the Hundred of Swanborough.
7 The direct descent of these two Manors, now annexed to the parish of All
The Nomina Villarum for Wiltshire. 17
Alyngetone a Johannes la Warre.
Alcanynges Abbatissa beatse Marise de Wynton.
a 21 Edw. III., Johannes de la Warre ten. 2 partes M. de
Alyngton.
§17. HUNDREDITM de RUBERGH [REGIS]1... Dominus Rex.
Chyverel Magna a Edmundus Gascelyn,et MatildaBurnell.
Chyverel Parva Johannes de Sco. Laudo.
Lytelton 2 Wills Paynell.
Stupel-lavington 3 Petrus de la Mare, Willus Forstal,
[Forescal ?J Ricardus de Ry vers, et
Thomas Schokthrop. ?
Immere 4 Johannes le Rous.
a 43 Edw. III., Galfridus filius Edwardi Gascelyn ten. M. de
Magna Cheverel et Budeston de JNicholao Burnel milite per servic.
mil.
§ 18. HUNDREDUM de RUBERGH [EPISCOPI] . . .Episcopus
Sarum.
BURGUS DE DEVYSES
ROUDES
POTERNE
Worton C Episcopus Sarum.
Lavington 5 J
Cannings, from their owners mentioned above, to their present Lords, may be
seen in the Wilts Mag.
1 This and the next-named Hundred were at the time of Domesday one
Hundred. The name Ruge-berg means the "rough" or hoar "barrow"
These two Hundreds are now divided between those of Potterne and Cannings,
and Swanborough.
2 Still called Littleton Paynell, from the name of its Lord of the Manor.
3 Lavington Forum, or Market Lavington.
4 Immere, or Imber as it is now called, is also partly included in the Hundred
of Heghtrebury, (Heytesbury). See below §36. The name originally seems
to have been gemcer, i.e. boundary, and as formerly, so to the present time, it
is parcelled out between two Hundreds.
5 Lavington Episcopi, or Bishop's Lavington.
VOL. XII. — NO. XXXIV. c
j. Margareta Regina Anglise.
18
The Nomina Villarum for Wiltshire.
FlSSHIDE 1 (TySSHIDB?) Bogo do Knouille.
§ 19. IIUNDREDUM de C AN YNGES [EPISCOPI] . . .Episcopus
Sarum.
Canynge (Episcopus Sarum.
Ryndbwby <«.
Cotes Willus deOotes,et Johannes Mautravers.
IIywey Willus de Hy wey,et Johannes Quyntyn.
§ 20. HTJNDREDUM de RAMESBURY. . .Episcopus Sarum,
Ramesbury >|
Ash rug ge I
Bedon \ Episcopus Sarum.
Bysshopeston
Estrygge .
§ 21. HUNDREDUM de SELKLEE. . .Margareta Regina Anglise.
Burgus de Marleberge Dominus Rex.
Burgus de Lutegarsale Dominus Rex.
Aldeburne Comes Lancastr'.
Scutescombe 2 Rogerus de Scutescombe.
Mildenhale Johannes Meryet.
Burton Regis Dominus Rex.
Clatford Abbas de Sco. Yictorio.
Lokerugge Johannes de Berewyke.
Overton Fifhide 3 Prior Sci Swithini, Wynton
Overton Abbiss^e4 Abbissa de Wilton.
Kenete Johannes de Berewyke, et Galfrid. de
Westone.
1 It is so spelt in both. MSS. It is evidently intended for Tilshead, the
Theodulveside of Domesday.
2 Most probably this Manor is what is now called Stichcomb, close to Mil-
denhall.
3 This would seem to represent Fifield, an appendage to the parish of Overton.
The portion of Overton proper that belonged to the Prior of St. Swithin,
Winton, is accounted for under the Hundred of Ellestubbe. See § 15.
4 This is the western portion of the parish of Overton; the eastern portion
belonged, as stated in the previous note, to St. Swithin, Winton.
The Nomina Villarum for Wiltshire.
19
Bakhampton Ricard. de Casterton, et Johanna quae
fuit uxor Henrici le Moygne.
Avebury Abb. Sci Georgii de Baskerville.
I Wynter bourne Monachorum Abbas Glastoniensia.
Rycardeston1 Willus Mauduyt.
Rubbedeston 1 Priorissa de Aumbresbury.
Wynterbourne Bassett Hugo le Despenser.
Henton Johannes de Oobham, et Rogerus Waz.
Roucle Hugo Poyntz.
Okeburne Magna ) AU , -n tt 1 •
Abbas de rJecco Herlewin
Okeburne Parva J
Okeburne Meysy Walter, le Blake, Johannes de Nony,
Henr'. de Harisul?
Polton Abbas de Tewkesbury, et Bartholomseus
de Badlesmere.
Shawe Johannes de Hardyngton.
§ 22. HUNDREDUM de WORTH. . .Margareta Regina Angliaa.
Heyworth
Sevenhampton
Stratton Superior ^Margareta Regina Angliae.
Stratton Inferior
Bluntesdon Sci Leon ardi
Staunton 2 Episcopus Cestrensis, et Herbert, fil.
Johannis.
Rodbourne Rex per mortem Comit. Cornubise.
Lydeyerd13 Ida de Clynton.
a21 Edw. III., Johan. de Northwode ten. M. de Lydgard in
capite per servic. mil.
1 These are now called Richardson and Robson, — two farms in the parish
of Winterbourne Basset.
2 Stanton Fitzwakyn ; so called from Fnlco Fitz-waryn who held laods
here, and presented to the living, in 1299. See Test, de Nev., 150. The parish
is called also from successive owners, Stanton Fitz-Heebert, and Stanton
Fitz-Brynde.
3 Lydtard Millicent ; — deriving its distinctive appellation from the Christian
name of a Lady who held the Manor in the time of King John. Aubrey, 153.
20
The Nomina Villarum for Wiltshire.
Bluntksdon Sci Andrews Barthol. Badlesmcro, et Johannes Mau-
travers.
Hanyngdon Ilenr'. de Lancastr'.
Etone MiiYSYb Nicholas de Sco Mauro.
North Mershton Hugo le Despenser.
b 35 Edward III., Ricardus Seymour ten. M de Etone, Rode, et
Wythenharn. Cf. Inq. p. m. ii., 241.
§ 23. HUNDREDUM de CREKKELADE. . .Margareta Regina
Anglise.
Burgtjs de Crekkelade Margareta Regina Anglise.
Polton 1 Nichus de Sco Mauro.
Ashton a 2 Abbas de Teukesbury.
Cernecote15 Rex per mortem Comit. Gloucestr\
Somerford c 3 Hugo le Despenser.
Lattone Abbas de Cirecestre.
a 35 Edw. III., Johannes le Strange de Whitchurch ten. mediet.
M. de Ashton.
b 9 Edw. III., Thomas de Radlegh ten. M. de Cerncote, de
Willo la Zouche et Alionora uxore sua, per servic. mil.
0 11 Rich. II., Hugo Segrave ten. M. de Somerford Keynes.
§ 24. HUNDREDUM de KYNEBRIGGE. . .
Wotton Bassett Hugo le Despenser.
Elecombe21 Johanna Lovel.
a 21 Edw. III., Johannes Lovel, miles, ten. M. de Elcombe et
Blontesdon de Edwardo, Principi Walliae ; et, 36 Edw. III.,
Johannes Lovel ten. M. de Elcombe in capite de honore Winton.
per servic. mil.
1 Poulton, an outlying part of Wiltshire, locally situated in Gloucestershire.
2 Ashton Keynes,— Robert de Keynes died siesed of part of this estate in
1280. Aubrey, 160.
3 Somerford Keynes, Ralph de Keynes had this Manor given to him on his
marriage with the daughter of Hugh Maminot, a Baron in Kent. Hutchins'
Dorset, I., 1 10. Domesd., 234.
The Nomina Villarum for Wiltshire.
21
IKyNEBRIDGE 1 txx.,1— -r i ™
|_ I Willus et Johannes Bluet.
I Elynton J
[Lyneham Prior de Bradenestoke.
Widecombe Johannes de Langeford.
Clyve Wauncy 1 Johannes Podewardyn.
Littlecote Radulfus Bluet.
Tokkenham Hugo le Despenser.
BlSHOPPESTON 2 "),-.. o • ^ . , . o xtt
m \ Prior Sci Swithini Wynton.
1 HORNHULL J
§ 25. HUNDREDTJM de THORNHULLE. . .Dominus Rex.
Owerwerston3 Dominus Rex.
Hyneton Prior Sci Swithini, Wynton.
Wamberg* Emelina de Longespeye.
Lydington Abbatissa de Shaston.
Chuseldene Abbas de Hyda.
a 21 Edw. III., Johannes de Holand ten. M. de Wamberg de
Edwardo Principi Wallise, ut de Com. Sarum, per servicium falcandi
pratum de Stoneham pro omnibus serviciis.
§ 26. HUNDREDUM de BLAKINGROVE... Dominus Rex.
Aeta Swyndon Adomar. de Valence.
Lydeyard4 Henric. de Preyers, et Henric. Tyeys.
Benknolle Johannes de Cobeham.
§ 27. HUNDREDUM de CHIPPENHAM. . .Edrnundus Gastelyn.
Burgus de Chippenham ^ , -, ^ , -,
v JtLdmundus (iastelyn.
Budestone J
1Radulph de Wancy held lands here c. 1275, (Test de N., 137,) ; hence the
name, which is however now corrupted into Clevancy.
2 This name is now corrupted into Bushton ; a tithing of Cliff Pipard.
3 This would seem to be Over Wroughton, (=Upper Wroughton).
4 Lidtard Tregoz, so called from the Tregoz family, who held it in the
time of Edw. I. Hund. K. II., 244.
22
The Nomina Villarum for Wiltshire.
Shbkston *) Maria soror Domini Regis, etmonialia
OOSHAM / de Ambresbury.
SoPPBWORTH Priorde Farley,et Johannes Mautravers.
Combe 1 ") Bartholoinseus de Badlesmere.
Colerne J
Kington
Grutelintone > Abbas Glastoniae.
Netelton J
Haslebury Heginaldus Crok.
Cokelbergh Iienricus de Cobeham.
West Kynton Petrus fil. Reginaldi, et Cecilia de
Bello Campo.
Littleton Drew2 "Walter. Drew, et Johannes Pludel.
Langele3 "I Johannes de la Mare, de Langeley.
Leigh4 J
Suryndene Willus de Middelhope.
Lokyntone Comes Lancastr', et Thomas de Anerle,
(Querle ?)
Yatton 5 Comes Arundel, et Henric. de Lancastr'.
Alynton 1 Prior de Farley.
Slaghterford J
Boxe Henricus de Boxe.
Lacock Abbatissa de Lacock, et J ohannes Bluet.
Stanley Abbas de Stanley.
Bremele Abbas de Malmesbury.
Tuderyntone6 Willus Percehay, Johes Turpyn, Walt.
Skydemore, Johes Kaleway.
1 Castle Combe ; so called from being the head of the Barony of the
Dunstanvilles, the ancestors of the Badlesmeres, who held it in 1316.
2 Littleton Deew, still preserves the memorial in its name of this Lord of
the Manor.
3 Langley Btjrhel ; the tenant at the time of Domesday was Bokel, and the
family of Burel continued to hold the Manor till the 14th century. Aubrey, 95.
4 Leigh Delameee ; the name of the Lord of the Manor, mentioned above,
is still preserved.
5 Yatton Ketnel; in the time of Henry III. one Knight's fee was held by
Henry Kaynel, at Yatton ; hence the distinctive name. Test, de Nev., 142.
6 In the name Titherton Kelwats is still preserved the memorial of one of
the owners mentioned above.
The Nomina Villarum for Wiltshire.
23
IWroxhale Johannes de Wroxhale.
Hertham Johesde Hertham, Ricus de Comerwell,
et Bartholom. Peche ?
Estone Grey 1 Johannes Grey.
bhbrston Parva Johannes Giffard.
Eardenyssh Johannes de Sco Laudo.
Aldryxton Johannes de Hertham, Hugo de Da-
vereswell (Cavereswell ?}, Robert, de
Harlegh.
§ 28. HTJNDREDIJM de STAPLE. . .Hugo le Despencer.
Cheleworth Hugo le Despenser.
Purytone Abbas de Malmesbury.
§ 29. HTJNDREDIJM de STERKELEE 3. . .Abbas de Malmesbury.
Burgus de Malmesbury-^ A1, , ,r , ,
( Abbas de Malmesbury.
Brinkeworth J
Crtste-Malleford Abbas Glastoniae.
Dauntesey Walterus de Paveley.
SoMERFORD3a Johes Mauduyt et, Johes Mautravers.
Segre Prior de Bradenstock et Johes de Segre.
Draycot 4b Johes de Cerne.
a 36 Edw. III., Theobaldus Mounteney miles ten. M. de Somerford
Keynes; — 11 Rich. II., Hugo Segwarre chvr. ten. M. de Somerford
Keynes.
h 1 Edw. III., Johes de Berm... ten. M. de Dray cote per servic.
mil.
1 The parish is still called Easton Grey, a name it acquired from the owner
here mentioned
2 This Hundred is now included in that of Malmesbury. The name Sterkley,
(or Starkley,) is still preserved in a hamlet belonging to the parish of Broad
Somerford.
3 So^i rrford Matjdtjit ; Gunfrid [Mauduit], an ancestor of John Mauduyt,
named above, would seem to have held the estate under the Abbot of Malmes-
bury, at the time of Domesday. See Domesd., 35, 235.
4 Draycot Cerne; so called from the name of its Lords in the fourteenth
century.
2 1 The Nomina Villurum for Wi/taJiirey
S i a m o\ l« Herbert, do Sco Quintino.
HuNDLAVTNGTON Abbas Sci Victoria.
11 25 Edw. III., Robertus TTusee ten. M. do Stanton Sci Quintin: —
9 Rich. II., Edmund, de Sco Johanne, chevr. ten. M de Stanton in
capitc per servic. mil.
§30. IIUNDREDUM de CHEGGELEWE2..AbbasdeMalmesbury.
SoTTONE 3 ~\
RoDBURNE
Brokenborow
Newentone y Abbas de Malmesbury.
Cherltone
Crudewele
Kemele J
Bokesey4 (Wokesey?). . Comes Hereford.
Pole Robertus fil. Pagani.
§ 31. HTJNDREDUM de CALNE. . .Willus la Zouch.
Burg, de Oalne Decan. et Capit. Sarum, et Willus la
Zoucbe.
Berewyk Hugo le Despenser.
Yatesbury a Henr. de Wyleton, Radulf. le Botiller,
Dec. et Capit. Sarum.
Chyriell Matilda de Tony, Comitissa *Warr\
a 49 Edw III.. Baldewinus Frevill, miles, ten. terras in Yates-
bury de Gilberto de per servic. mil.
1 Called still, from the family who held it in 1316, Stanton St. Qtjintin.
2 This Hundred is called in Domesday Cicemethorn, or Cicemertone. (pp. 6,
158.) The name Chedgelow is still that of a small hamlet in Crudwell. It is
now, with the ancient Hundred of Sterkely, merged in the Hundred of Malmes-
bury.
3 Sutton Benger, which though not situated within the proper limits of the
Hundred of Cheggelewe, is reckoned as belonging to it, as parcel of the large
grant included under " Brokenberge," made to the Abbey of Malmesbury in
956, by King Edwy. Cod. Dip., 460.
4 This name is so written in the MS. It is intended, for what in Domesday,
(p. 131) is called Wochesie, and at the present time Oaksey.
By the Rev. W. H. Jones.
25
Calestone a Willus la Zouche, Johannes de Wyleton,
Johannes de Comerwell.
Compton 1 Hugo le Despenser, et Johannes de
Comerwell.
Herdyngton2 Robertus de Cantilupe.
Stodely Abbas de Stanley.
Blakelonde Abbas de Malmesbury, et Ricardus
de
Beversbrook Johes Mauduit, et Alexander le Blount.
Bromham Abbas de Bello.
a 32 Edw. I., Willus la Zouch (et de Haryngeworth 28 Edw. III.)
filius et heres Millicent de Monte- Alto ten. M. de Calston per servic.
dimid. feod : — 11 Rich. II., Johes de Wilington chevr ten. M. de
Calyston.
§ 32. HUNDREDTTM de BRADEFORD. . Abbatissa Shaston.
Bradeford ^|
Wynesley I
"Wroxhale \ . . Abbatissa Shaston.
HOLTE
ATTEWORTH *j
Farley Monachorum . . Prior de Farley.
Broghtone 3 . Margareta Griffard.
Westwode 4 Prior Sci Swithini Wynton.
Wynefeld Abbas de Key nesham.
Chadefelde Rogerus de Percy.
Wythenham 5 Nicholaus de Sco Mauro, (Seymour).
Comerwell Johes de Comerwell.
1 Compton Basset ; this manor was held in 1233 by Gilbert Basset. Aubrey,
41.
2 It is so spelt in both MSS ;— intended for Heddington.
3 Broughton Gtfford ; — an account of the descent of the manor to the
present day will be found in the Wilts Mag., v., 265.
4 This manor was afterwards placed in the Hundred of Elstttb.
5 This was the name of a parish which was afterwards merged in that of Far-
leigh. Hungerford, forming the Wiltshire portion of it, the greater part being in
Somersetshire. See Wilts. Mag., v., 20.
VOL. XII. — NO. XXXIV. D
2G The Nomina VMarum jor Wiltshire.
§ 33. HUNDREDUM de WIIEREWELLESDOWNE. . Abbatissa
de Romeseye.
Couleston Ciiaumberlayn Abbatissa do Romeseye, (et Simon le
Chamberlayne.)
Teniiyde
Edyngdon
Asheton ^Abbatissa de Shaston.1 [Romeseye?]
Bradeley
Henton
Kyvele Comes Arundel.
§34. HTODREDUM de WESTBERIE...Walterus de Paveley.
Westberie Walterus de Paveley, Thomas Mauduy t,
et Prior de Syninton. [Styvington.B.]
Bratton Willus de Maundeville, et Ricardus
Darcy.
Lye Thomas Mauduyt, Johannes le Rous,
et Prior de Farley.
§ 35. HUNDREDUM de MEYRE. . .Margareta Regina Anglise.
Meyre Margareta Regina Anglise.
Bradeley2 Prior de Bradeley.
Sturton Robertus le Fitzpayn.
Seles Philippus de Aylesbury, et Johannes de
Seles.
Knowel 3 Abbatissa Wiltun.
§ 36. HUNDREDUM de HEGHTREBURY. . .Bartholomseus de
Badlesmere.
Heghtrebtjry Bartholomseus de Badlesmere.
1 It is so written in both manuscripts : without doubt, however, the Abbess
of Romsey held these manors.
2 A hospital for "leprous maidens" was founded here by Manasser Bisset c.
1154; hence the name Maiden Beadlet. Test, de Nev., 156.
3 "West Knoyle or Knoyle Odiekne; a person called " Hodierna nutrix"
{i.e. Hodierne, the nurse), was pensioned with lands in the parish, Wilts.
Mag. III., 30.
By the Rev. W. H. Jones.
27
Bayllesclyve Prior de Bradeley.
Hornyngesham Ricardus de Yernon.
Bryghteston 1 Abb. de Becco Herlewin.
Hulle Johes Mautravers, Elias Deverell, et
Robert le Bor.
'Immere2 Matt. Owayn, et Walterus de Paveley,
(et 21 Edw. III., Hugo de Audele,
Comes Gloucester .
Orcheston ) Dominus Bex, per mortem Com.
Knouk ) Gloucestr'.
Chuterne 3 Abbissa de Lacock, Johannes Sy fre wast,
(Cifrewast B.) Prior de Bradenstoke,
et Alicia Picheford.
Ubeton Laurencius de Sco Martino.
Gorton Prior de Farley, et Johannes Drueys.
Asheton a 4 Johannes Giffard.
Coteford b5 J ohannes Giffard, et Oliverus de Ingham.
Boyton Margar. Giffard
Depeford Radulfus Cheynduyt.
Bakhampton Matilda de Wyly. et Margar. de Wode-
ford.
*35 Edw. III. Johes le Strange de Whitchurch ten. M. de
Asheton in capite.
b21 Edw. III. Johes bertt ten. 2 partes M. de Codeford.
1 This is the ' Deverel ' that in Domesday belonged to Brictric. Hence the
Dame Brixton- Deveeel, originally Brictrices-tun, (in Test, de Nev., 154,
spelt Brichtriches-ton,) that is, "the town, or village of Brictric"
2 On this manor see the remarks under the Hundred of Rubeeg § 17.
3 This entry represents what are really from distant manors, each with a
separate owner. See them distinguished in Domesday, 205.
4 Ashton Giffakd ; now a tithing in the parish of Codford St. Peter.
5 This entry represents both Codfoed St. Maey, and Codfoed St. Petee, the
one belonging at Domesday to Waleran, the ancestor of Oliver de Ingham ; and
the other to Osbern Giffard, whose name is still preserved, as just mentioned,
in the tithing of Ashton Giffard.
28 The Nomina Villarum for Wiltshire.
§37. IIUNDIIEDUM de DONE WORTH Dominus Rex.
DOUNHEAD 1
f Abbatissa Shaston.
Tyssbbury J
Fountill Gii'fORD1 Johannes Mauduyt.
Ohylmebk Abbatissa Wiltun^
Swaleclyve Ansteygh . . . Prior FIosp. Sci Johis Jerusal. in Anglia,
et Johannes de la Mare.
Hacche Stephus de Segrave, Margar. de Hacche,
Johannes de Brudesyerde, Roger, de
Bavent, Walter de Stanlegh.
Chickland Robertus Lof (Los?), Elias Cotes,
Johannes Strug, Junior.
Teffont2 Alianora Husey, Joceus de Hoghton.
Verdure » (Werdure. B.) Laurencius de Sco Martino.
Eston 3 Isabella de Hasledene.
a 1. Hen. VI. Johannes Lovell chevr, filius Johis Lovell chevr,
filii J. Lovell chevr, et Matilda uxoris suse, ten. castra et M. de
Verdure, ac M. de Briddeford et Erdescote.
§ 38 HUNDREDUM de WEREMINSTER. . .Thomas Mauduyt.
Wereminster Thomas Mauduyt.
Upton4 Walterus Skydemore.
Northrygge Tholneston5 Walterus Gastelyn.
Corselegh Priorissa de Stodlegh.
Bysshpestrowe Abbatissa de Lacock.
Norton6 Johannes (Rogerus. B.) Bavent.
1 Fontel belonged at Domesday to Berenger Giffard, and still preserves the
memory of its ancient owner in the name Fonthill Giffaed.
2 Teffont Evias ; like other estates belonging at Domesday to Alured of
Marlborough, this was held as of the Barony of JEwyas, and hence its distinct-
ive name. Hund. E. II., 269, 377.
3 Eston is generally spoken of in the records in connection with Haseldean,
(now Haseldon) the name of a farm in the parish of Tisbury. Hoare's
Wiltshire, Dunworth Hundred, 225.
4 Still called, after the name of its owner, Upton Sctjdamoee.
5Noeetdge, and Thotjlston, are two places close by Upton Sctjdamoee.
6 Still called, from its owner in 1316, .Noeton Bayent.
By the Rev. W. H. Jones.
% 9
■Sutton Magna1 Henricus de Lortehay, Willus de
Wanton, Johannes de Kyngeston.
Donyngton Teffont 2 ... Abbatissa Shaston,
Fisherton Brabynton3 Jacobus de Norton, Willus de Read,
(Babington B.) Antonius Bydyk.
§39. HUNDREDUM de MELKESHAM...Priorissa de Aum-
bresbury.
Melkesham Priorissa de Aumbresbury.
Trowbrigge a Comes Lancastr'.
Hulpryntone Walterus de Pavely.
JSende b Hugo le Despenser.
i Bukkington (Bulkington B.) Comes Arundel.
Erlestoke c Radulfus de Mont. Hermery.
Paulesholt Nicholaus Bourdon (Bordoun B), et
Johannes de Paulesholte.
a 36 Edw. III. Johes de Warren nuper Comes Sarum ten. M. de
Trowbrigge, Winterbourn, Amesbury, Aldebourn in capite per
servic mil.
b46 Edw. III. Humfridus de Bohun nuper Comes Hereford ten.
inter alia M. de Sende.
c 14 Edw. III. Thomas de Mont. Hermery ten. M. de Erlestoke de
Rege per servic. mil.
1 Sutton Magna is the same as Sutton Fenny, now commonly written
Veney.
2 These are Dinton, and Teffont Magna, the latter being a chapelry
belonging to the first-named parish.
3 The second of these names would seem to be intended for Bapton, an estate
within Fisherton Drlamere : the Delamere family of Nunny owned Fisherton
c. 1390. Hoare's Wiltshire, Heytesb. Hund,, 252.
30
INDEX.
The figures in the first column refer to the sections in the preceding paper ;
those in the second column to the pages in the ltev. W. EL Jones' Domesday for
Wilts.
Nomina Villabtjm.
Abbodeston, 4.
Abbodeston, 13.
Alcanynges, 16.
Aldburne, 21.
Aldreston, 4.
Aldrynton, 27.
Aldynton, 2.
Aleton, 2.
Alta Swyndon, 26.
Alvedeston, 9.
Alwardebury, (Hun-
dred) 3.
Alwardebury, 3
Alyngetone, 16.
Alynton, 27.
Ansteygh, 37.
Ashrugge, 20.
Asheton, 33,
Domesday Book.
—
Under Ferstesfeld/,
135,216.
Under Wintreburne,
66, 67.
Caninge, 52.
Aldeborne, 11.
Under Ferstesfeld,
216.
Aldritone, 111.
Aldrintone, 119.
Alentone, Allen tone,
54, 62.
Eltone, 147.
Svindune, 25, 235.
Under Chelche, 47.
Alwareberie, 189.
Alwarberie, 56, 107,
149.
Adelingtone, 79.
Under Chipeham,
205.
Anestige, 105, 136.
Under Ramesberie,
229.
Aistone, 195.
Modeen Name.
Abbotston.
Rolleston ?
All-Cannings.
Aldbourn.
Alderston.
Alderton.
Allington, near
Amesbury.
Alton, in the parish
of Figheldean.
High Swindon.
Alvediston.
Alderbury.
Alderbury.
Allington, near All
Cannings.
Allington, in the
parish of Chippen-
ham.
Anstey.
PAxford.
Steeple Ashton.
Index to the Nomina Villarum for Wiltshire.
31
Nomina Yillaetjm.
Asheton, 36.
Ashton, 23.
Atteworth, 32.
Aulton, 11.
Aulton Berner, 15.
Aumbresbury, (Hun-
dred) 2.
Aumbresbury, 2.
Avebury, 21.
Bakhampton, 21.
Bakhampton, 36.
Bayllesclyve, 36.
Bedon, 20.
Benknolle, 26.
Bedewynd, 14.
Bedewynd, Est — . 14.
Bereford, 8.
Berewyck, 9.
Berewyk, 13.
Berewyk, 31.
Beversbrook, 31.
Bisshopeston, 5.
Bisshopeston, 20.
Bysshopeston, 24.
Domesday Book.
Under Coteford, 117,
210.
Essitone, 214.
Under Bradeford,
200.
Awltone, 18.
Aultone, 65.
Ambresberie, 185.
Ambresberie, 8, 68.
Avreberie, 16.
Bachentune, 95.
Under Wili, 241.
Ballochelie, 70.
Under Ramesberic,
229.
Bechenhalle, 94.
Bedvinde, 7.
Under Bedvinde, 7.
198.
Bereford, 198.
Under Chelehe, 204.
Under Wintreburne,
241.
Under Cauna, 203.
Beversbroc, 201.
Under Duntone, 213.
Under Ramesberie,
229
tardive, 19, 207.
Modern Name.
Ashton Gfiffardjin the
parish of Codford
St. Peter.
Ashton Keynes.
At worth, by Bradford
on Avon.
Alton Priors.
Alton Berners, (or
Barnes).
Araesbury.
Amesbury.
Avebury (or Abury).
Beckhampton, in the
parish of Avebury.
Bathampton, on Wy-
ly, in the parish of
Steeple Langford.
Baycliffe,in the parish
of Hill DevereL
Baydon.
Binknoll,in theparish
of Broad Hinton.
Great Bedwyn.
Little Bedwyn.
Barford St. Martin.
Berwick St. John.
Berwick St. James.
Berwick Basset.
Beversbrook, by
Calne.
Bishopston, alias Eb-
besbourn Episcopi.
Bishopston,by Rams-
bury.
Bushton,in the parish
of Cliff Pypard.
32
Index to the Nomina ViUarum for Wiltshire.
fs'o.u i n a Villa hum.
Blukingrovc(IIuDdred)
2G.
Blakelond, 31.
Bluntcsdon Sci. Loon-
ardi, 22. _
Bluntesdon Sci. An-
dreoD, 22.
Bokesey, 30.
Boltford, 2.
Borebach, 14.
Boxe, 27.
Boyton, 36.
Brabynton, 38.
Bradeford (Hundred,)
32.
Bradeford, 32.
Bradeley, 33.
Bradeley, 35.
Bratton, 34.
Brembleshawe, 7.
Bremele, 27.
Brenchesborow (Hun-
dred,) 12.
Brinkeworth, 29.
Brutford, 7.
Brokenborow, 30.
Broghtone, 32.
Brudecorabe, 8.
Brudecombe, 12.
Bryghteston, 36.
Brightmershton, 2,
Budestone, 27.
Bukkington, 39.
DOMESDAY liOOK.
Blachegrave, 166.
Under Calestone,
122.
Bluntesdone, 69,144.
Blontesdone, 87.
Wochesie, 131.
Boltintone, 53.
Buberge, Burbetc,
202.
Tinker Haseberie,219
Boientone, 69.
Under Fisertone,114,
216.
Bradeford, 170.
Bradeford, 43.
Under Edendone,
214.
Bradelie, 98.
Under Westberie,
239.
Bramessage, 200.
Brerae, 200.
Brencesberge, 184.
fBrecheorde, 35.
(. Brenchewrde, 92.
Bretford, 201.
Brocheneberge, 35.
Broctone, 85.
Bredecurnbe, 49.
Bredecumbe, 60.
Devrel, 55.
Brismartone, 112.
Bedestone, 89.
Under Chivele, 206.
Modern Name.
Blagrove : now mer-
ged in the Hundred
of Kingsbridge.
Blackland, by Calne.
Broad Blunsdon.
Blunsdon St. Andrew.
Oaksey.
Bullford.
Burbage.
Box.
Boyton.
Bapton, in the parish
of Fisherton Dela-
mere.
Bradford.
Bradford on Avon.
North Bradley.
Maiden Bradley.
Bratton.
Bramshaw.
Bremhill.
Branch.
Brinkworth.
Britford.
Brokenborough.
Broughton Gifford.
South Burcomb.
North Burcomb.
Brixton Deverel.
Brigmerston (or Brig-
milston.)
Biddeston.
Bulkington.
Index to the Nomina Villarum for Wiltshire.
33
Bumerton, 12.
Burton Regis, 21.
Burchalke, 9.
Bysshopestrowe, 38.
[8.
Cadeworth (Hundred),
Calestone, 31.
Calne Hundred, 31.
Calne, 31.
Canynges Episcopi,
(Hundred,) 19.
Canynge, 19.
Caudon (Hundred), 7
Cernecote, 23.
Chyverel Magna, 17.
Chyverel Parva, 17.
Chalke Hundred, 9.
Chalke, 9.
Chaldrvnton, 2.
Cheleworth, 28.
Cheggelewe (Hun-
dred), 30.
Cherleton, 5.
Cherleton, 15.
Cherltone, 30.
Cbadefelde, 32.
Chickland, 37.
Chilton, 14.
Chippenham (Hun-
dred), 27.
Chippenham, 27.
Churington, 16.
Chussebury, L4.
Chuseldene, 25.
Chuterne, 36.
Chylinerk, 37.
Chyriel, 31.
Chysyngbury, 11.
Bimertone, Bermen-
ton, 135, 123.
Under Chelche, 204.
Biscopestreu, 70.
Cadeworde, 187.
Calestone, 203.
Calna, 171.
Cauna, 7.
Canenge, 173.
Cainingham, 22.
Caudune, 186.
Schernecote, 121.
Chevrel, 74.
Chevrel, 74.
Stanford, see note § 9.
Chelche, 47.
Celdrintone, 203.
Celewrde, 149.
Cicemethorn, 158.
Under Duntone, 17,
213.
Under Rusteselve,
230.
Cerletone, 37.
Caldefelle, 75, 76.
Chigelie, 137.
Cilletone, 91.
Cepeham, 161.
Chepeham, 9.
Ceritone, 96.
Cheseberie, 94.
Chiseldene, 41.
Chetre, Cheltre, 205.
Chilmerc, 46.
Under Cauna, 7, 203.
Chesigeberie, 123.
Bemerton.
Burton Regis.
Bower Chalk.
Bishopstrow.
Cadworth.
Calston.
Calne.
Calne.
Cannings Episcopi.
Bishop's Cannings.
Cawdon.
Sharncote.
Cheverel Magna.
Cheverel Parva.
Chalk.
Chalk.
Cholderton.
Chelworth.
See note § 30.
Charlton, by Down-
ton.
Charlton, by Rushall.
Charlton, by Malmes-
bury.
Chaldfield.
Chicklade.
Chilton Foliot
Chippenham.
Chippenham.
Chirton.
Chisbury.
Chiselden.
Chitterne.
Chilmark.
Cherhill.
Chisenbury delaFolye
84
Index to the Nomina Villarum for Wiltshire.
Nomina Villarum.
Clatford, 21.
Clyvo Wauncy, 24.
Cnowell Episcopi
(Hundred), 6.
Cnowell, 6.
Cokelbergh, 27.
Colerne, 27.
Comerwell, 32.
Gorton, 36.
Colyngeburne, 14.
Combe, 7.
Combe, 27.
Compton, 31.
Compton Chamber-
leyn, 10.
Conick, 16.
Cosham, 27.
Corsley, 38.
Cotes, 19.
Coteford, 36.
Coulston Chaumber-
layn, 33.
Coulesfield, 4.
Crekkelade( Hundred),
23.
Crekkelade, 23.
Crofton, 14.
Crudewelle, 30.
Criste-Malleford, 29.
Dauntesey, 29.
Depeford, 36.
Derneford, 2.
Devyses, 18. [10.
Deverel Langebrigge,
Dolesfeld (Hundred),
13. [10.
Domerham (Hundred) ,
Domesday Book.
Clatford, 110.
Cliye, 83.
Chenuel, 15.
Under Chepeham, 9.
Colerne, 88, 209.
Under Bradeford, 43.
Cortitone, 120.
Coleburne, 40, Col-
ingeburne, 14.
Cumbe, 12.
Come, 89.
Contone, 85, 139.
Contone, 10.
Cowic, 57.
Cossebam, 11.
Corselie, 135.
Under Cainingbam,
202.
Coteford, 100, 104.
Covelestone, 131.
Colesfelde, 132.
Crechelade, 162.
Cricbelade, 39.
Under Bedvinde, 7.
Credvelle, 37.
Cristemeleforde, 30.
Dantesie, 34.
Depeford, 72.
Diarneford, 98, 46.
Devrel, 30.
Dolesfeld, 183.
Domerham, 188.
Modern Name.
Clatford.
Clevancy.
See note § 6.
Bishop's Knoyle, or
East Knoyle.
Cockelborough, by
Chippenham.
Colerne. [Bradford.
Cumberwell, near
Corton, by Boyton.
Collingbourn.
Combe Bisset.
Castle Combe.
Compton Basset.
Compton Chamber-
lain.
Conock.
Corsham.
Corsley.
Coate, in Bishop's
Cannings.
Codford.
Coulston.
Cowlesfield.
Cricklade.
Cricklade.
Crofton.
Crudwell.
Christian Malford.
Dauntsey.
Deptford.
Durnford.
Devizes.
Longbridge Deverel.
Damerham.
Index to the Nomina Villarum Jo\
w Wiltshire. 35
Nomina Yillaktjm.
Domerham, 10.
Doneworth(Hundred),
37.
Dounhead, 37.
Dounton (Hundred), 5.
Dounton, 5.
Donyngton, 38.
Dreycote, 15.
DTaycot, 29.
Dune, 3.
Durynton, 2.
Eblesburne, 9.
Edyngdon, 33.
Elecombe, 24.
Ellestubbe (Hundred),
11.
Elston, 13.
Elynton, 24.
Erlestoke, 39.
Enford, 11.
Eston, 37.
Estone Grey, 27.
Erchesfonte, 16.
Estrygge, 20.
Ethelhampton, 16.
Etone Meysy, 22.
Everlee, 11.
Farley Monachorum,
32. [4.
Ferstesfeld (H undred) ,
Fifhide, 9.
Fisherton, 38.
Fontell, 6.
Fountill Giffard, 37.
Domesday Booe.
Dobreham, 28.
Doneworda, Don-
worth, 182.
Duneheve, 43.
Duntone, 190.
Duntone, 17.
Doinnitone, 44.
Draicote, 26.
Draicote, 147.
Duene, 107.
Derintone, 61.
Eblesborne, 113.
Edendone, 52, 144.
Elecome, 63.
Ailestebba, Alestabe,
179.
Tinder Orchestone,
117.
Elendune, 19.
Under Melchesam,
224.
Enedforde, 20.
Under Tisseberie, 42.
Estone, 115.
Jerchesfonte, 51.
Under Ramesberie,
229.
Ecesatingetone, 75,
137.
Ettone, 59.
? Under Colin geburne,
14. (See Domesday,
p. 179.)
Farlege, 131.
Ferstesfeld, 189.
Fifhide, 82, 84.
Fisertone, 114.
Fontel, 17.
Fontel, 115.
Modeen Name.
Damerham.
Dunworth.
Donhead.
Downton.
Downton.
Dinton.
Draycot, near "Wilcot.
Draycot Cerne.
West Dean.
Durrington.
Ebbesbourn Wake.
Edingdon.
Elcomb.
Elstub.
Elston, by Orcheston
St. George.
Elingdon, in the par-
ish of Wroughton.
Erlestoke.
Enford.
Eston, by Tisbury.
Easton Grey.
Erchfont.
Eastridge.
Eaton Meysy.
Everley.
Monkton Farley.
Frustfield.
Fifield Bavent.
Fisherton Delamere.
Fonthill Episcopi.
Fonthill Giffard.
3G Index to the
Nomina Villarum for Wiltshire.
Nomina Villakum.
Fovente, 8.
Fydelton, 11.
Fyghelden, 2.
Fysshide, see Tysahide.
Gore, 13.
Grafton, 14.
Grutelintone, 27.
Grymstede, 3.
Grymstede, 3.
Hanyngdon, 22.
Harneham, West, 7.
Hacche, 37.
Ham me, 14.
Hardenyssh, 27.
Haslebury, 27.
Heghtrebury, (Hun-
dred), 36.
Heghtredbury, 36.
Herdecote, 8.
Hen ton, 21.
Henton, 33.
Henton, 2.
Hertham, 27.
Herdyngton, 31.
Heyworth, 22.
Holte, 32.
Hornyngeshara, 36.
Homynton, 7.
Hulcote, 15.
Hulie, 36.
Hulpryntone, 39.
Hundlavynton, 29.
Hyneton, 11, 25.
Domesday Book,
Febefonte, 50.
Vitelelone, 113.
Fisgledene, 139.
Gare, 126.
Grastone, Graftone,
100, 145.
Gretelintone, 32.
Gremestede, 106.
Gramestede, 136,138.
Hanindone, 29.
Under Cumbe, 12.
Under Tisseberie, 23.
Hame, 18.
Hardenehus, 78.
Haseberie, 219.
Hestredeberie, Ex-
tredeberie, 177.
Hestrebe, 16.
Hardicote, 90.
Hantone, Hentone,
89, 95.
Under Aistone, 53,
195.
Hertham, Heortham,
220.
Edintone, 65.
Wurde, 15.
Under Bradeford, 43.
Horningesham, Hor-
ningsham, 57, 84.
Humitone, 125.
Under Newetone, 45.
Deverel, 212.
Helprintone, Helper-
intone, 219.
Hunlavintone, 109.
Hantone, 113.
Modern Name.
Fovant.
Fittleton.
Figheldean.
Gore, by Market
Lavington.
Grafton, by Bedwin.
Grittleton.
East Grimstead.
West Grimstead.
Hannington.
West Harnbam.
Hatch, by Tisbury.
Ham.
Hardenhuish.
Haselbury.
Heytesbury.
Heytesbury.
Hurcot.
Broad Hinton.
Hinton, by Steeple
Ash ton.
See note to § 2.
Hartham.
Heddington.
Highworth.
Holt.
Horningsham.
Homington.
Hilcot.
Hill Deverel.
Hilperton.
Hullavington.
Little Hinton.
Index to the Nomina Villarum for Wiltshire. 37
Nomina Yillaeum.
Hywey, 19.
Idemistone, 3.
Immere, 17, 36.
Kemele, 30.
Kenete, 21.
Kington, 27.
Kynton, West, 27.
Knouk, 36.
Knowel Episcopi(Hun-
dred), 6.
Knowel, 35.
Kyngbridge(Hundred)
24.
Kynewardston( Hund-
red), 14.
Kynserton, 9.
Kyvele, 33.
Leigh, 27.
Littlecote, 24.
Littleton Drew, 27.
Lytelton, 17.
Domesday Book.
Hiwei, 34, 110,
Eunestetone, Wenis-
tetone, 33, 139.
Imemerie, 110.
Chemele, 36.
Chenete, 205.
Under Langhelie,
221.
Chintone, 110.
Cunuche, 133, 142.
See note, § 6.
Chenuel, 47.
Chingbrigge, 165.
Chenewarestan, 180.
Under Chelche, 47.
Chivele, 74.
Under Sevamentone,
231.
Littlecote, 92.
Littletone, 27.
Liteltone, 99.
Modeen Name.
Highway.
Idmeston.
Imber, see note, § 17.
Kemble.
Kennet.
Kington Langley.
West Kington.
Knook, near Hey-
tesbury.
West Knoyle.
Kingsbridge.
Kinwardston.
Knighton.
Keevil.
Lacock.
Lake, near Salisbury.
Longford.
Steeple Langford.
Landford.
Kington Langley.
Latton.
Laverstock.
Bishop's Lavington.
Market, or Steeple,
Lavington.
Leigh Delamere.
Littlecote, near Hil-
marton,
Littleton Drew.
Littleton Paynell.
Lacock, 27.
Lake, 1.
Langeford, 7.
Langeford,Stapel — ,12
Laneford, 4.
Langele, 27.
Lattone, 23.
Laverstoke, 3.
Lavington, 18.
Lavingtone, Stupel_17
Lacoc, Lacoch ,71,83.
? Under Wiflesforde,
240.
Langeford, 141.
Langeford, 105.
Langeford, 143.
Langhelie, 32.
Latone, 56.
Lavertestoche, 50,
143.
Laventone, 126.
Laventone, 126.
38
Index to the Nomina Villarum for Wiltshire.
Nomina Villaiium.
Lokyntone, 27.
Lokcrugge, 21.
Lutegarsale, 21
Lydcyerd, 22.
Lydeyard, 26.
Lydington, 25.
Lye, 34.
Lyneham, 24.
Madynton, 13.
Manyngford Boun, 15.
Manyngford Abbatis,
15.
Manyngford Brewose,
15.
Marleberge, 21.
Malmesbury, 29.
Melkesham (Hundred, )
39.
Melkesham, 39.
Mershton, North, 22.
Mereden, 15.
Merton, 10.
Meyre (Hundred,) 35.
Meyre, 35.
Middleton, 14.
Mildenhale, 21.
Monkton, 10.
Muleford, 1.
Netelton, 27.
Neweton, 12.
Newentone, 30.
Nywenton, 2.
Newenton, 15.
Northampton, 8.
Domesday Book.
Lochintone, 97, 111.
Locherigo, 97.
Litlegarselle, 67.
Lidiarde, 15.
Lediar, 81.
Ledentone, 44.
Under Westberie,
239.
Under Stoche, 233,
or, Bradenestoch,
200.
Wintreburne, 55.
Maniford, 129.
Maneforde, 39.
Maniford, 136.
Merleberge, 16.
Malmesberie,3, 6, 26,
136.
Melchesam, 170.
Niteletone, 31.
Newentone, 48.
Newentone, 36.
Newentone, 80.
Newetone, 45.
? Under Waisel, 49,
239.
Modern Name.
Luckington.
Lockeridge.
Ludgershall.
Lydiard Millicent.
Lydiard Tregoz.
Liddington.
Leigh, near West-
bury.
Lineham.
Maddington.
Manningford Bohun.
Manningford Abbas.
Manningford Bruce.
Marlborough.
Malmesbury.
Melksham.
Nettleton.
South Newton.
Long Newnton.
Newton Tony.
North Newnton.
Netherhampton.
Melchesam, 12.
{?) Under Ettone, 59,
215.
Meresdene, 121.
Under Dobreham
212.
Mere, 181.
Mere, 224.
Under Otone, 228.
Mildenhalle, 31.
Devrel, 34.
Meleford, 90, 141.
Melksham.
Marston Maisey.
Marden.
, Martin.
Mere.
Mere.
Milton Lilborn.
Mildenhall.
Monkton Deverel.
Millford.
Index to the Nomina Villarum for Wiltshire.
3D
Nomina Villaeum.
Netheravene, 11.
Norton, 38.
Northrygge, 38.
I Ore, 15.
I Orcheston, 13.
Orcheston, 36,
Oddestoke, 7.
I Okeburne Magna, 21.
Okeburne Parva, 21.
; Okeburne Meysy, 21.
! Overton, 11. _
•Overton Abbissae, 21.
i Overton Fif'hide, 21.
Overwerston, 25.
Pauiesholt, 39.
Peueseye, 14.
Pole, 30.
Polton, 21.
Polton, 23.
Pourton, 3.
Poterne, 18.
Purytone, 28.
Putton, 3.
Ramesbury (Hundred)
20.
Eamesbury, 20.
Rodbourne, 22.
Rodburne, 30.
Roucle, 21.
Roudes, 18.
Rubbedeston, 21.
Rubergh Episcopi
(Hundred,) 18.
Rubergh Regis (Hun-
dred,) 17.
Rusteshalle, 15.
Ryndewey, 19.
Domesday Book.
Nigravre, 226.
Nortone, 82.
Under Opetone, 227.
? Under Wilcote, 65.
Orcestone, 67.
Orcestone, 116.
Odestoche, 132.
Ocheborne, 15.
Ocheborne, 93.
Ocheburne, 139, 142.
Ovretone, 20.
Ovretone, 47.
Fifhide, 18.
Wertune, 86.
? Under Melchesham,
142.
Peuesie, 75.
Pole, 70.
Poltone, 89.
Poltone, 59.
Poertone, 73.
Poterne, 21.
Piritone, 39.
Portone, 140.
Ramesberie, 169.
Ramesberie, 23.
Redborne, 92,
Under Brochene-
berge, 201.
Rochelie, 82.
Rode, 80.
Under Wintreburne,
54, 242.
Rugeberg, 173.
Rusteselve, 10.
Under Cainingham,
22.
Modeen Name.
Netheravon.
Norton Eavent.
Norridge.
Oare.
Orcheston St. Mary.
OrchestonSt. George.
Odstock.
Ogbourn St. George.
Ogbourn St. Andrew.
Ogbourn Meysy.
East Overton.
West Overton.
Fifield.
Over-Wroughton.
Poulshot.
Pewsey.
Poole Keynes.
Polton, inMildenhall.
Poulton.
Porton.
Pottern.
Purton.
Pitton.
Ramsbury.
Ramsbury.
Rodbourn Cheyney.
Rodbourn, near Mal-
mesbury.
Rockley.
Rowde.
Robson,see note § 21.
See note § 17.
Rushall.
Roundway.
40
Index to the Nomina Villarum for Wiltshire.
Domesday Book. Modern Name.
.Nomina. Villa hum.
llycardeston, 21.
Sarum,— CivitasNova),
1.
Sarum, — Burgus Ve-
neris, 1.
Scutescombe, 21.
Segre, 29.
Selkelee(Hundred),21.
Seles, 35.
Semelegh, 9.
Sende, 39.
Sevenhampton, 22.
Sharenton, 12.
Shawe, 21.
Sherston, 27.
Sherston Parva, 27.
Sherueton, 13.
Sheeprugge, 2.
Slaghterford, 27.
Somerford, 23.
Somerford, 29.
Soppeworth, 27.
Sottone, 30.
Stanley, 27.
Staple (Hundred), 28.
Stapleford, 12.
Stapelham, 10.
Stapel-Langeford, 12.
Stupel-Lavington, 17.
StaundenChaworth, 14
Stanton, 29.
Staunton, 15.
Under Wintreburne,
89, 242.
Sarisberie, 23.
Stotecome, 137.
Segrie, Segrete, 97,
119.
Selchelai, 168.
Sela, Sele, 128, 135.
Under Chelche, 204.
Under Melchesam,
224.
? Under Hanindone,
29.
Scarentone, 118.
Essage, 102.
Sorstain, 16.
Sorestone, 90.
Wintreburne,, 242.
C/w<ierChepebam,205
Surareford, 28.
Sumreford, 235.
Sopeworde, 101.
Under Brochene-
berge, 201.
Stanlege, 105.
Stapla, 164.
Stapleford, 143.
Under Dobrebam, 212
Langeford, 105.
Laventone, 126.
Standone, 75.
Stantone, 116.
Stantone, 45.
Richardson, see note
§21.
New Sarum, or Salis-
bury.
Old Sarum.
Sticbcomb, by Mil-
denhall.
Seagry.
Selkley.
Seals, or Zeals.
Semley.
Seend.
Sevenhampton.
Sherrington.
Shaw, by Alton Ber-
ners.
Sherston Magna.
Sherston Parva.
Shrewton.
See note, § 2.
Slaughterford.
Somerford Keynes.
Somerford Magna.
Sopworth.
Sutton Benger.
Stanley.
Staple.
Stapleford.
Stapelton.
Steeple Langford.
Steeple, or Market,
Lavington.
Standon Chaworth.
Stanton St. Quintin.
Stanton Berners, [or
Bernard].
Index to the Nomina Vilhrum for Wiltshire. 41
Nomina Yillaeum.
Staunton, 22.
Sterkelee Hundred, 29.
Sterte, 16.
Stokton, 11.
Stodely, 31.
StodfbldeHundred,16.
Stoke, 9.
; Stoke, 15.
Stratforde, 1.
\ Stratford, 7.
Stratton Superior, 22.
Stratton Inferior, 22.
Sturton, 35.
Sutton Magna, 38.
Sutton, 8.
Suryndene, 27.
Swaleclyve, 37.
Swanebergh Hundred,
15.
Swyndon, Alta— 26.
Teffont, 37.
Teffont, 38.
Tenhyde, 33.
Thornhull Hundred,
25.
Thornhulle, 24.
Tholneston, 38.
Tokkenham, 24.
Tollard, 9.
Tudeworth, 2.
Tuderyntone, 27.
Tydecombe, 14.
VOL. XII. — NO. xxxiv.
Domesday Book.
Stantone, 137.
Sterchelie, 159.
Sterte, 85.
Stottune, 21.
? Under Cauna, 203.
Stodfald, 174.
Under Chelche, 204.
Bichenestoch, 42.
Under Sarisberie, 230.
Stradford, 63.
Stratone, 123.
Stortone, 104.
Sudtone, Sutone, 107,
124.
Sudtone, 108.
Sirendone, 110.
Svaloclive, 234.
Swaneberg, 175.
Svindune, Svindone,
25, 81, 235.
Tefonte, 80.
Under Domnitone,
212.
£7WerEdendone,214
Thornehelle, Torn-
hylle, 167.
? Under Clive, 19.
Under Opetone, 227.
Tocheham, 237, 238.
Tollard, 73, 102,123.
Todeworde, 237.
Terintone, 118.
Titicome, 141.
Modern Name.
Stanton Fitz Waryn.
Sterkley, or Starkley.
See note, § 29.
Stert.
Stockton.
Studley, near Calne.
See note § 16.
Stoke Verdoun, [or
Farthing].
Beechingstoke.
Stratford sub Castro.
Stratford Tony.
Stratton St. Margaret
(Upper).
Stratton, (Lower).
Stourton.
Sutton Veney.
Sutton Mandeville.
Surrenden, or Sur-
rendell.
Swallowcliff.
Swanborough.
High Swindon.
Teffont Evias.
Teffont Magna.
Tinhead.
Thornhill.
Thornhill.
Tboulston, by Upton
Scudamore.
Tockenham.
Tollard Royal.
North Tid worth.
Titherington, near
Chippenham.
Tidcomb.
E
42 Index to the Nomina Villarum for Wiltshire.
Nomina Villauum.
Tyssebury, 37.
Tysshide, 18.
Trowbrigge, 39.
Ubeton, 36.
Upton, 38.
Uphavene, 15.
Verdure ; See,Werdure
Wamberg, 25.
Welewe, 2.
Welpeley, 4.
Werdure, 37.
Wereminster Hun-
dred, 38.
Wereminster, 38.
Westberie Hundred,
34.
Westberie, 34.
Werston, 11.
Westwode, 32.
Wexcomb, 14.
Whaddon, 3.
Domes dat Book,
Tisseberie, 42.
Theodulvesido, Ti-
dulf hide, 10, 236.
Straburg, 131.
Uptone, 55.
Opetone, 78, 102.
Oppavrene, 16, 227.
Wemberge, 239.
See note § 2.
Under Fistesferie, 90,
216.
Werdore, 46.
Warminstre, 176.
Guerminster, 8.
Westberie, 176.
Westberie, 13.
Wertune, Wervetone
86, 136.
Westwode, 19.
? Under Bedvinde, 7.
Watedene, 106, 107.
Modern Name,
Tisbury.
Tilshead.
Trowbridge.
Upton Lovell.
Upton Scudamore.
Upavon.
Wanborough.
West Wellow, by
Bramshaw.
Whelpley.
Wardour.
Warminster.
Warminster.
Westbury,
Westbury.
Wroughton.
Westwood.
Wexcombe.
Whaddon, near Al-
derbury.
Wherwellsdown.
Wilsford.
Wilton.
Great Wishford.
Little Wishford.
Oaksey.
Great Woodford.
Little Woodford.
Wherewellesdowne
Hundred, 33.
Willesforde, 1.
Wilton, Burgusde, 8.
Wishford Magna, 12.
Wishef'orde Parva, 12,
Wokesey, 30.
Wodeford Magna, 1.
Wodeford Parva, 1.
Wonderdyche Hun-
dred, 1.
Woodberge, 15.
Worth Hundred, 22,
Wervesdone, 172.
Wiflesford, 60, 112,
Wiltune, 6.
Wicheford, 149.
Wicheford, 48.
Wochesie, 131.
Under Sarisberie,230
Under Sarisberie,
230.
Windredic, 188.
? Under Wilcote,240.
Worde, 164.
Underditch.
Woodborough.
Highworth.
Index to the Nomina Villarum for Wiltshire. 43
Nomina Villarum.
Worton, 18.
Wotton, 14.
Wotton Basset, 24.
Wroxhale, 27.
Wroxhale, 32.
Wychebury, 7.
Wydecombe, 24.
Wylcote, 15.
Wyly, 12.
Wynefeld, 32.
Wynterbourne Gon-
nor, 3.
Wynterbourne Comi-
tis, 3.
Wynterbourne Daun-
tesey, 3.
Wynterbourn Stoke,
13.
Wynterbourne Mona-
choruru, 21.
Wynterbourne Basset,
21.
Wynterslewe, 2.
Wyntreslewe, 3.
Wynesley, 32.
Wythenham, 32.
Wyvelsford, 15.
Yatesbury, 31.
Yatton, 27.
Domesday Book.
Under Poterne, 21.
Otone, 13.
Wodetone, 91.
Werocheshalle, 72.
Under Bradefbrd,43.
Witeberge, 111.
Widecome, 76.
Wilcote, 65.
Wilgi, Wili, 48, 88.
Winefel, 26.
Wintreburne, 128,
242.
Wintreburne, 73.
Wintreburne, 27.
Wintreburne - Stoch,
241.
Wintreburne,31,242.
Wintreborne,89,242.
Wintreslie, 62, 243.
Wintresleu, 58, 243.
Under Bradeford, 43.
Withenham, 26, 243.
Wivelesford, 133.
Etesberie, 122, 215.
Etone, 79, Getone,
101.
Modern Name.
Worton.
Wootton Rivers.
Wootton Basset.
North Wraxall.
South Wraxall.
Wychbury.
Widcomb.
Wilcot.
Wylv.
Winfield.
-Winterbourn Gunner
Winterbourn Earls.
Winterbourn Daun-
tesey.
Winterbourn Stoke.
Winterbourn Monk-
ton.
Winterbourn Basset.
East Winterslow.
West Winterslow.
Winsley, a tithing of
Bradford on Avon.
Withenham.
Wilsford, near Pew-
sey.
Yatesbury.
Yatton Keynel.
e 2
44
<9)tt t$t dDtnitjjologg of Milts.
No. 14. — GRALLATORES (Waders).
\T might be supposed at first sight, that in a county so
ifj deficient in large sheets of water as ours confessedly is, the
fourth great Order of birds comprising the Waders, would be but
scantily represented. When, however, it is considered that a larg<
proportion of this numerous class is apt at certain periods of the
year, not only to retire inland, but to frequent large open plains,
however distant from lakes and rivers ; as well as secluded valleys,
watered by diminutive streams : it is evident that our wide-
spreading downs, and the rich valleys which intersect and border
them, offer attractions sufficiently tempting to many of this Order :
and the consequence is, that the list of Wiltshire Waders is by no
means a scanty or a meagre one.
This class of birds may be said to occupy a middle space between
the Ground birds last described which are truly terrestrial; and the
next Order which contains the Swimmers or true Water- fowl. The
Waders known in the British isles are comprized within six families,
the Plovers, the Cranes, the Herons, the Snipes, the Rails, and
the little family of Lobe-footed birds : and in this list we shall
again remark the gradual advancement towards the true water-
birds : those which stand at the head of the list being in many
respects nearly related to the Game-birds which they succeed,
while those at the faither end approach both in conformation and
in habits very closely to the great Order of Swimmers which
follows them. The general name assigned to them of " Grallatores,"
signifies " walkers on stilts," and describes at once the characteristic
for which they are conspicuous ; the great length of leg which
enables them to wade in the shallows and marshes, whether on
the sea-coast or on the banks of fresh-water lakes and rivers.
Bij the Rev. A. C. Smith.
45
Combined with this peculiar length of leg, we shall see a propor-
tionate length of neck or beak or both together, by means of which
they can secure the food which they find in the shallow water or
mud banks in which they delight: and in the more typical members
of the Order, we shall find the toes of great length and partially
connected with a membrane, by which they are the better enabled
to traverse the soft oozy ground where their prey is most abundant,
and to seek their food on the slimy mud into which their bodies
would otherwise sink. They are generally provided with powerful
wings, and their flight is rapid as well as strong. Their food
consists almost, if not quite entirely of animal substances, of which
the lower classes of reptiles, fishes, molluscs, worms, and other
invertebrate creatures form the principal portion. They are
generally of shy and timid nature, ever on the alert for danger,
and avoid the too near approach of man.
CHARADRIADiE (The Plovers) .
Closely allied to the Bustards, last described, and with the same
peculiar formation of foot, from which the hind toe is absent, the
large family of Plovers stands at the head of the Waders : their
legs are of moderate length, and their beaks of comparative short-
ness, as become those which connect the Land and Water birds ;
thus too they can on the one hand run with considerable swiftness,
and on the other hand they can fly with great rapidity, and prolong
their flight almost indefinitely. Being generally late, if not
nocturnal feeders, they are furnished with large full eyes, which,
with a corresponding expansion of socket, give the head a bulky
appearance, which is quite characteristic of the family. When in
repose, (and I have often seen them standing asleep) the neck is
shortened, and the head drawn down between the shoulders, re-
minding one of a hunchback. The large majority of them lay
four eggs on the ground ; and when an intruder appears in the
neighbourhood, the male whirls about, and feigns lameness, and
practises sundry manoeuvres to draw away attention, until the
female has stolen away from the nest unperceived. They compose
a very large family, and some of the species may be found in every
40 On the Ornithology of Wilts [Charadrvidcn].
part of tho world. During the greater portion of the year they ]
Congregate in large flocks; and most of them migrate, or partially l
migrate, retiring to the sea-coast when frost sets in, as is the case
with many other birds.
"Pratincole." (Glareola torquata.) It is highly satisfactory to i
me that I am able to head my list of Wiltshire Wadors with this
extremely rare visitor to Great Britain, and that satisfaction is
much enhanced by the circumstance that the individual in question
has found its way into my collection through the kindness of the
gentleman who killed it. As the bird is so very little known in
this country, it may be of interest if I extract from the pages of
the Zoologist the whole story of its capture, as I recorded it in
that publication at the time.1 " In the middle of November, 1852,
when Mr. Hussey, of Tilshead, was walking over his land, the day
being very rough and cold, the wind blowing from the east, he
saw a strange bird descend near him with the velocity of lightning,
and settle inside a sheep-fold among the sheep. As Mr. Hussey
chanced very fortunately to be an observer of birds, he immediately
remarked that this was one he had never seen before, and pointed
it out to his shepherd who was with him, desiring him to watch
the bird well while he returned to his home, at the distance of a
mile, for his gun. Before he went, however, he saw the bird
suddenly rise from the ground, and after a short flight of the most
marvellous velocity, return again to the fold, where it seemed to
enjoy the shelter from the bleak east wind, and to care nothing for
the presence of the sheep, the men and, the dogs. This short
excursionary flight was renewed several times, which made Mr.
Hussey hesitate whether he should take the trouble to return home
on so remote a chance of still finding on his return so singularly
restless and swift a bird ; however, as the bird always came back
to the same spot after each successive excursion, Mr. Hussey hesi-
tated no longer, but hurried home for his gun, giving strict charge
to the shepherd to keep quiet, and on no account to lose sight of
the bird. Now the shepherds of Salisbury Plain (in the midst of
the bleakest part of which the parish of Tilshead lies), are not
1 Zoologist for 1852, p. 3843, et seq.
By the Rev. A. C. Smith.
47
remarkable for their sharpness : indeed, I fear we must own them
to be the perfection of all that is dull, heavy, and ignorant ; no
wonder then that a bird so very rapid in its movements as the
collared pratincole should soon elude the slow gaze of the heavy-
eyed Argus, and that on Mr. Hussey's return, in answer to his
enquiries as to the whereabouts of the strange bird, he should be
met with the provoking reply — " Doant knaw, zur, he flee'd away
so terrible sudden that I could'n zee 'en nowhere, I could 'n : I
never zee sech a bird to flee." Upon this, it may be supposed
that Mr. Hussey walked on somewhat disappointed, when, in a
moment, at the distance of about thirty yards, up sprang the bird,
and was darting off at a prodigious rate, but a well-aimed shot laid
it dead on the ground. On picking it up, the long wings and
forked tail caused Mr. Elussey and others to suppose it to belong
to the Swallow tribe; and the dull-eyed shepherd, seeing no bril-
liant hues in the dead bird, as if to excuse his slowness, exclaimed
with a sneer of contempt, "Well, zur, 'taint much of a bird, arter
all, I'm zure." In addition to the above narrative, Mr. Hussey
tells me that " the land on which I found the bird, was a stiff clay
soil. I shot it close to the sheep-fold, where there were sheep
feeding off turnips ; the bird appeared to be rather tame, but
whether from exhaustion or nature, I cannot tell."
The home of the Pratincole seems to be the steppes of Tartary
and the central parts of Asia ; but when we look at its marvellous
length of wing and deeply-forked tail, we are prepared to find that
it is of frequent occurrence in southern Europe, as well as northern
Africa, vast distances being soon traversed by a bird of such enor-
mous powers of flight. It can also run rapidly on the ground,
and it catches its insect prey on foot as well as on the wing. Its
prevailing colour is dove-brown above, and buff and white below ;
and its distinguishing mark whence it derives its specific name, is
a collar or crescent of black, which in a narrow line encircles its
throat to the eyes.
" Cream-coloured Courser." ( Cursorius isabellinus.) It is some-
what strange that the second species of this famil}T should also
have occurred in Wiltshire, inasmuch as it is one of the very rarest
48 On the Ornithology of Wilts [Charadriadcu].
of the accidental visitors to this country, the straggler whose
appearance I will now relate being only the fifth individual whose
occurrence in Great Britain has been recorded. It was met with
by Mr. Walter Langton of Wandsworth, Surrey, when out shooting
on the estate of Mr. Stephen Mills, at Elston, near Tilshead, on
Salisbury Plain, on Oct. 2nd, 1855 (very near the same spot where
the Pratincole, last described, was found). It was first seen on an
open piece of down land called Eastdown, which was particularly
bare of vegetation, as is generally the case at that season of the
year with all down lands. The day was somewhat stormy, the
wind south-west, and Mr. Langton and his companion were following
a wild covey with a brace of young pointers, when one of them
stood on the open down, and suddenly a Cream-coloured Courser
took wing, almost immediately under the dog's nose, and apparently
flew at the dog's face, who indeed snapped at the bird. Indeed in
a second letter with which Mr. Langton most obligingly favoured
me at the time, he calls particular attention to this strange fear-
lessness on the part of the bird ; which however is quite in accord-
ance with its general character. It then flew with a lazy kind of
flight about two hundred yards, and again settled on the open
down, and began to run at a moderate pace, reminding Mr. Langton
of the gait of the Landrail. That gentleman immediately followed
it, and when within forty yards, shot it as it ran upon the ground.
It was not heard to utter any cry, and the keepers who were present
conjectured it to have been wounded : but as they seem to have
arrived at that conclusion solely from the unwillingness of the
bird to take flight, and its apparent disregard of danger, for which,
its natural disposition fully accounts, no regard need be paid to
that surmise. When first found by the dog, it was lying so close,
that until it rose, though from the bare down, nothing was seen of
it. It was sent to Mr. Gardner, the well known taxidermist in
Oxford Street, who stuffed it, and who kindly communicated with
me on the subject.
The Cream-coloured Courser, Swift-foot, or Plover, is a native
of the sandy deserts of Africa, to which its pale buff plumage
closely assimilates in colour, but though I kept a constant look out
By the Rev. A. C. Smith.
49
for it when in its native land, and though it was occasionally seen
by some of my companions, I was never so fortunate as to fall in
with it. It is described as of surprising fleetuess of foot, as its
name would lead us to infer ; and of strange confidence, or rather
carelessness of man, so unusual in other members of the family, to
which I have already called attention.
11 Great Plover." (CEdicnemus crepitans). This is the largest
bird of the family with which we are acquainted in this country :
and is elsewhere known as the Thick-kneed Bustard, the Stone
Curlew, and the Norfolk Plover. Not long since it was frequently
to be seen on our open downs during the summer months, for it
leaves this country for warmer latitudes in the autumn, and I
have met with it within the tropics in Nubia in winter. Colonel
Montagu imagined that it never penetrated to the western parts
of England, but was confined to the eastern counties, where
undoubtedly it is most abundant : but I have information from
many quarters that it was very generally known in Wiltshire,
whose wide-spreading downs indeed offered it the retirement as
well as the space in which it delights. The late Mr. Marsh told
me that up to 1840 it was still common on the downs. Mr.
Benjamin Hayward of Lavington spoke of it as becoming more
scarce, but still occasionally to be seen on Ellbarrow and the higher
hills. The late Mr. Withers, of Devizes, mentioned that it had on
several occasions been shot on Roundway down, and brought to
him for preservation : and Wadham Locke, Esq., of the Cleeve
House, Seend, (to whose intimate acquaintance with birds I owe
many a lesson,) writes me word that he has seen a very large flock
of these birds in the air, migrating from north to south at the fall
of the year, when they made a most melodious whistling noise.
In addition to this satisfactory evidence, I will now add that for
several years past I have seen these birds on the downs of North
Wiltshire in a particular locality, which for obvious reasons I do
not desire to specify more minutely, and that during the summer
I can generally find them in or near their favourite haunts. Still
more interesting is the fact of their rearing their young in our
county, as I am informed by the Rev. Alexander Grant, Rector of
50 On Ihc Ornithology of Wilts [Charadriarfaf].
Manningford, from whose letter, dated Sop. 2nd, 1864, I quote the
following particulars, "I think you will be glad to hear that the
Norfolk Plovers I mentioned are alive and doing well: my son
picked them up on our downs between Manningford and Everleigh,
and as I believe no instance of their breeding in Wilts is yet
recorded, it may be worth while to note the particulars. F. O.
Morris says that ' the young when fledged will squat, and allow
themselves to be picked up. If disturbed from the nest, the parent
runs off very swiftly, with the head stooped.' This, my son states,
is exactly what occurred when he found the birds. About ten days
after he had taken them, a person called at my house with another
young Norfolk Plover, picked up on the Rushall or Charlton downs:
and about the same time I saw at least two pairs flying and hovering
about the downs near Sidbury Hill, not far from the old track from
Marlborough to Salisbury." Thus it is clearly established that the
Great Plover is no stranger to Wiltshire, albeit of not very frequent
occurrence in the present day : and I have entered fully into the
evidences of its appearance on our downs, because it has been
doubted by some whether the species has not been mistaken. That
such, however, is not the case, I am perfectly convinced, and indeed
there is no other bird with which it can be readily confused : it is
of fine stately form, of considerable size and of erect carriage, and
its large prominent yellow eye is the principal feature which
attracts attention. Like the Bustards, it lays but two eggs, and
in its insect and animal diet as well as general habits, it follows
the custom of its congeners.
" Golden Plover." {Charadrius pluvialis.) The Wiltshire sports-
man on the downs will not need to be told that here we have a
winter migrant which favours our county when frosts and snows
drive it from more northern latitudes, but which retires again as
spring draws on, to breed in the mountain districts it loves so well.
It is a handsome bird even in winter, when the golden hue which
overspreads its plumage gives it a bright appearance, but when
met with in full breeding dress in summer, as I have seen it in
Norway, on the high fjelds of that wild country, it assumes such
altered colours that we can scarcely recognize it : for in place of
By the Rev. A. C. Smith.
51
the greyish white which prevails on all the under plumage, a glossy
black now appears, while bright golden yellow tips the edges of
the upper feathers, and the contrast of dark below and light above,
is extremely pleasing. Its flesh is very highly esteemed by epicures,
and therefore it is diligently sought for by the fowler, but thanks
to its innate shyness, it is not very easily approached, except during
a fog. I have found the nest of this species in Norway in the
very middle of a footpath, in the mountains of that scantily popu-
lated country, aud the four eggs which are now in my cabinet were
on the point of hatching in that ill selected spot. Its call-note
during the breeding season is the most mournful melancholy sound
which I know, and condemned as we were to listen to it during a
whole night, while crouching over a smouldering fire of wet wood
in a goat-house, when overtaken by a sudden snow storm in the
higher mountains of Norwa}' in July, we felt quite provoked at its
plaintive monotonous cry, however congenial with the circumstances
by which we were surrounded, and in unison with our feelings on
that somewhat uncomfortable occasion.
" Dotterell." (Charadrius morinellus.) This too, is, or perhaps
I ought to say was a thoroughly Wiltshire bird, our county being
one of the few enumerated by Yarrell as its regular haunts. At
the beginning of this century, Colonel Montagu described it
as a bird which annually visits us in spring and autumn in its
migratory flights to and from its breeding places in northern
Europe : and he adds, " on the Wiltshire downs it resorts to the
new sown corn or fallow ground for the sake of worms, its principal
food : in the autumn they fly in families of five or six, which we
have observed to be the two old birds and their young : but some-
times a dozen or more flock together." They generally rested but
a few days amongst us, but during that period they were often so
numerous that sportsmen now alive have killed from forty to fifty.
Now they are rarely to be met with, and though scarcely a year
passes without a notice of the capture of one or more on some
portion of our downs, it is but an accidental straggler, which has
wandered out of its way. Our good friend, Rev. W. C. Lukis,
chanced to see such an one, as he was driving with the Rector of
52 On the Ornithology of Wilts [Charadriadai].
Manningford Bruce, between Upavon and Enford, in May, 1857:
it was close to the road-side, standing on a clod of earth, all alone
in its glory, and did not care to move out of the way. My own
specimen now in my collection, was shot on the Lavington downs.
The late Mr. Withers had many pass through his hands for preser-
vation ; and indeed everybody conversant with our Wiltshire birds
will know something of its occurrence. Its flesh is considered a
great dainty, and in the days of its abundance on our downs, it
was eagerly sought for by fowlers. It may be readily known by
the dark orange brown of the breast, which deepens into black
lower down ; and by the streak of black and another of white
which cross the breast. It is a smart dapper little species, and its
dwindled numbers and rapid extinction from among our down
birds it much to be lamented.
"Ringed Plover. " (Charadrius Hiaticula.) Common enough,
on the sea-shore all round our coasts, this species is such a lover of
salt water that it very rarely is seen inland : and but for a notice
by the late Mr. Marsh, of a specimen which was killed near Malmes-
bury, in 1838, and which I have seen in his collection, I should
not have been able to include it in our Wiltshire list. It is a
prettily marked little bird, light brown above and white below,
and is conspicuous for the distinct collar of white and then of black
which encircles its neck. It is indigenous in our island, and I
have met with it at all seasons on the Norfolk coast in considerable
abundance; like other shore- feeding birds it follows the tide, and
runs rapidly at the edge of the advancing or retreating waves.
" Lapwing." (Vaneltus cristatus.) Here we have the true
Plover of the downs of modern days ; and what Wiltshireman does
not know the peculiar call-note of the Peewit, or the remarkable
flight of the Lapwing, (for both names belong to one and the same
bird,) as he traverses any portion of the downs. Resplendent
with a metallic gloss on its dark green upper plumage, capped
with a crest or tuft of long narrow curling feathers ; elegant as it
runs forward at a rapid pace, and as suddenly stops ; and then
runs forward again in spasmodic jerks ; the Lapwing arrests the
attention of the most unobservant. It is indigenous in England,
By the Rev. A. C. Smith.
53
and breeds on our downs ; but assembling in large flocks as autumn
approaches, it retires to the sea-coast in November, and returns
again at the end of February or beginning of March : and I have
long been accustomed to watch for its arival as the first harbinger
of spring in my upland home. Its eggs are very highly esteemed
in the London market, and though doubtless the majority of
veritable Plover's eggs, as the dealers declare, are the produce of
the Black-headed Gull, the Peewit's nest is still the object of dili-
gent search : fortunately, however, it is so difficult to find in the
extensive corn-fields or wide-spreading expanse of turf ; and the
parent birds are so cunning in their artifices to entice away the
intruder, that it is not very often found in this county at least,
where the search for its eggs has happily not become a regular
trade. The bird and its habits are so well known that I need not
further describe them.
"Oyster-catcher." (Hcematopus ostralegus.) This robust power-
ful species is a true salt-water bird, and seems to have no place in
our inland county : but an account of its capture at Bradford on
Avon in September, 1859, as recorded in a newspaper at the time,
permits me to include it in our Wiltshire catalogue : though how
it came to follow the river so far from its regular haunts on the
sea-shore, and what it found to subsist on during its journey, I am
at a loss to conjecture. Its plumage is striking, from the pleasing
contrast of black and white which it displays : and its bright
orange-red bill, of a peculiar wedge-shaped form, to enable it to
wrench open the shell-fish which constitutes its food, and its
vermilion legs give it a handsome appearance. It is a very com-
mon bird in those localities on the coast which abound in the
molluscs on which it feeds.
GROTDiE (The Cranes).
The magnificent birds which comprise this family may be said
to occupy the position among the Waders, which the Bustards
enjoy among the Ground-birds. Of great size, tall and erect, they
are a stately race, and stalk among their fellows with elegant and
lordly mien : the few species known in Europe are all migratory ;
On the Ornithology of Wilts [Gruidce],
and their chief peculiarity consists in the long, flowing, flexible, and
firohed feathers, (reminding one of the plumes of the Ostrich ;)
which, curled at the end, and springing from the wing, overhang
tho tail, and which the bird can erect or depress at pleasure.
"Common Crane." (Grus cinerea.) Though once known in
England as the common Crane, this specific title is a sad misnomer,
for this handsome bird is now become exceedingly scarce ; indeed
an occasional straggler alone visits us at rare intervals. But a
hundred years ago, it formed an important item at all state ban-
quets ; and was the noble quarry at which falconers were wont to
fly their largest hawks. It was pretty generally distributed over
all unenclosed districts, whenever uncultivated tracts enabled it to
roam undisturbed ; and doubtless our wide-spreading downs afforded
it a welcome retreat: but now the ornithologist must go to foreign
lands to see this noble bird in a wild state. In Egypt I have
watched it for hours on the mud-flats and sand banks of the Nile,
as it walked with majestic step a very king amidst the smaller
Waders : but the most complete monograph on any bird with
which I am acquainted is the story of the Crane in its breeding
place in Lapland, as detailed by my lamented friend, the late
Mr. John Wolley, in the Ibis,1 a most perfect description of this
now uncommon bird. When migrating, as all known species of
Cranes do, it collects in large flocks, and is said to fly at a great
height, and to keep up a perpetual hoarse scream, or trumpet-like
shrill cry, which, owing to the very remarkable structure of the
wind-pipe, is louder than the note of any other bird, and which
may be heard when the birds are far out of sight. Mr. James
Waylen has most obligingly furnished me with the following
interesting anecdote of a Wiltshire Crane: "In 1783, it was
recorded in the Salisburj7 paper that a gentleman shot a Crane, on
whose leg was found a piece of copper which he himself had
attached in the year 1767, after having caught the same bird by
means of a hawk : the copper plate bore his initials, and the date
1767." I am afraid that I have no more modern instance of the
occurrence of the Crane in Wiltshire.
1 Ibis, vol. i., pp. 191—198.
By the Rev. A. C. Smith.
55
ARDEIDiE (The Herons).
Though wholly incapable of swimming, the various species which
compose this large family may certainly be ranked as water-birds,
so entirely are their haunts and habits aquatic. Conspicuous for
the excessive length of their legs, and for their long and sharp-
pointed beaks, with which they can transfix their prey, or seize
it in shallow water, the various members of this truly elegant
family roam wherever marsh, lake, river or brook offer a suitable
fishing ground : and there they may be seen standing motionless
in shallow water, the very emblems of patience, carefully watching
till the prey they seek comes within reach of their powerful beak,
which they dart with unerring precision on the hapless victim.
Many of the true Herons are adorned with elongated flowing
plumes, which spring from the back of the head, the neck, and the
back : the occipital crest is composed of soft loose pendant silky
feathers ; and the dorsal plumes have long hair-like webs or barbs,
all of w7hich give an air of elegance and finish to these gracefully
formed birds. Notwithstanding the immense length of their wings
their flight is heavy ; and as they flap slowly overhead to and
from their hunting grounds, their progress seems slow, and the
exertion laborious. And yet on occasion, or when prompted by
fear, they can show great speed : but the race seems somewhat
indolent and disinclined for unnecessary exertion. During their
progress on the wing, their neck is bent back, so that the head
rests upon the shoulders ; and the long legs are extended behind
as a counterpoise to preserve the balance of the body : thus the
Herons present a peculiar appearance in their flight, and may
readily be distinguished at a great distance. There is a popular
delusion still prevalent amongst the ignorant (however ridiculous
it may seem) that the Herons when sitting on their nests, project
their legs through holes formed for that purpose at the bottom :
now not to mention the very awkward and uncomfortable, not to
say impossible position which the poor bird would thus be con-
demned to assume, I will merely point out that the thighs of the
heron being of a length exactly proportioned to that of the legs,
the bending of the knee causes the leg to recede sufficiently
50
0)i the Ornithology of Wilis \_Ardeidw~\.
towards tho tail to allow tho foet to come to the centre of the I
body; (as has been most ably demonstrated by Mr. Waterton in
his Essay on the Heron :) and therefore it is not one whit more
irksome to the heron to perform its task of incubation after the
accustomed manner of other birds, than it is for the sparrow, the
finch, or the domestic fowl. Their habits are generally solitary,
except at the period of breeding, when they generally congregate
in large companies.
"Common Heron." (Ardea Cinerea.) This is the only species
of the whole family which we can really designate an inhabitant
of Wiltshire; those others which I have to mention being now
mere, stragglers of very rare occurrence. But the Common Heron
is known to everybody, and we have all seen this majestic bird on
the wing to and from its roosting-places, or surprized it standing
motionless in shallow water watching for its pre}'. It bears a bad
character with those who preserve fish, but Mr. Waterton has
pointed out that this is wholly undeserved, as the benefit it confers
by destroying rats, reptiles, and insects, more than compensate for
the few fish which it will devour when it can find them in the
shallows. At one time it was in high favour, and indeed protected
by law as the most noble game at which hawks could be flown.
Its flesh was also greatly esteemed as a most dainty morsel : but
those palmy days when it stood high in the estimation of English
gentlemen are gone by, and it is despised alike by the epicure and
the sportsman, and persecuted by the gamekeeper and the fisherman.
The bird is so well known that I need not say more of its appear-
ance or its habits : but for those who value an interesting scene,
and are not well acquainted with the peculiar aspect of this graceful
bird, I would advise a visit in early spring to the heronry at
Bowood, where on an island in a retired part of the lake, and yet
within view of the mansion, the herons, protected from molestation
by their noble owner, annually breed, and may be seen on the
wing and in repose, and their barking note or croak listened to
with delight.
"Squacco Heron." (Ardea Comata.) I have the unexcep-
tionable authority of Yarrell for the fact that this beautiful species
By the Rev. A. C. Smith.
57
has been taken in Wiltshire, but no particulars of the capture,
the locality, or the date, are recorded by him : I presume however
i that he derived his information from Colonel Montagu, who relates
that a bird of this species was shot at Boyton, in Wiltshire, by
Mr. Lambert, in 1775, and that mention is made in the Minutes
of the Linncean Transactions, vol. iii., that Mr. Lambert presented
a drawing of the bird, April 4th, 1797. 1 It is an Asiatic and
African bird : the delicate buff-colour streaked with dark lines of
the upper plumage ; the pure white of the under parts ; the hair-
like feathers of the back, whence the specific name comata ; and
the general shape and bearing of the bird combine to give it an
elegance unrivalled even in this graceful family : but it is a very
rare bird in the British isles, and its appearance is annually be-
coming more and more infrequent.
"Little Bittern. " (Botaurus minutus.) This is a very rare bird
in England, though common enough in France and Germany, and
I have met with it on the Simplon Pass in Switzerland : it is a
diminutive member of the great Heron family, and a very prettily
marked species. I have a record of one killed in the neighbour-
hood of Bath, but whether in Wilts or Somerset there is no
evidence to show : but I have information of two undoubted
specimens being taken in this county: one killed about 1850 in
the parish of Seend, and in the possession of Mr. Taylor, of
Baldham Mill, as I was informed by the late Mr. Withers; the
other shot by Mr. Jervoise's keeper at Britford, near Salisbury,
about ten years since in the month of June ; for the knowledge of
which I am again indebted to my good friend, the Rev. George
Powell, Rector of Sutton Veny. The chief characteristic of the
Bitterns, wherein they differ from the true Herons, consists in the
plumage of the neck, which, in the hinder part is bare, or scantily
clothed with down, but the front and side feathers being long and
extending backwards completely cover the naked space : these
feathers can also be expanded laterally at will, when the bird
assumes a strange appearance, reminding one of the voluminous
folds of cravat in fashion in the palmy days of Beau Brurnmel :
1 Montagu's Supplement to Oruith. Diet, in loco.
VOL. XII. NO. XXXIV. F
58 On the Ornithology of Wilts \_Ardeidaf\.
tho neck is also considerably shorter, and the beak stouter than in
the preceding species. The Little Bittern is common in the south-
east of Europe, as well as in Asia and North Africa ; is a migratory
bird; of solitary habits; and its usual position when at rest amidst
the reeds or aquatic herbage of a marsh, is that of sitting upon the
whole length of the tarsus, with the neck bent, the head thrown
back, and the beak pointing almost perpendicularly upwards.1
" Bittern." (Botaarus stellaris.) Fifty years ago this species
was not uncommon in this country, wherever marsh or swamp or
fen invited its approach: now, however, it is gradually disappearing
before the march of agricultural improvements and the reclaiming
of waste lands, and bids fair to be very soon exterminated from
amongst us. I have notes of its occurrence in many parts of the
county, north and south ; and the late Rev. John Ward, Rector of
Great Bedwyn, informed me that a specimen taken in that parish
exceeded in beauty of plumage any he had ever beheld. The last
Wiltshire specimen which I myself have seen, was killed at Enford,
and was in the hands of Mr. Withers, at Devizes, who was preserv-
ing it for Mr. Stratton. It is a very handsome bird, and the mix-
ture of various shades of buff and brown, spotted, speckled and
barred in every direction is particularly pleasing. The cry of the
Bittern, which is a hoarse booming sound or bellowing, when heard
on a dark night in the lonely retreats which that bird loves, had a
startling effect on the hearer, and was strangely weird and un-
earthly. Like many other members of this family it is a solitary
bird, and lies concealed in the rank herbage of a swamp during the
day, emerging at twilight to hunt for food in the marshes. Its
flesh was very highly esteemed when the bird was better known
than it is now.
"White Stork." (Ciconia alba.) It is very sad that this bird,
so ready to be familiar with man, and which may be seen in
Holland and Germany building its nest on the roofs of houses,
and meeting that encouragement and protection which its confidence
deserves, should be scared away from England by the persecution
it has met with here. And yet the White Stork is not only
1 Selby in loco.
By the Rev. A. C. Smith.
59
harmless, but positively useful, and acts the scavenger to perfection.
In Scandinavia, we are informed by Mr. Lloyd,1 that it is looked
upon with a kind of veneration similar to that entertained towards
the Swallow and Turtle-dove, because (so the legend runs) it flew
over the Redeemer at the Crucifixion, crying in a sympathising tone
" Styrk, Styrk, Styrk Honom," "strengthen, strengthen, strengthen
Him." Hence it derived the name of Stork, and it was in remem-
brance of the affectionate solicitude it evinced on this occasion,
that the gift was bestowed upon it of bringing peace and happiness
to the roof where it was allowed undisturbed to rear its young.
This attribute is also equally assigned to it by the inhabitants of
Germany, but whether resulting from a similar legend to that
accepted in Sweden, or from some other conceit I am unable to
determine. It is so frequently seen on the continent by every
tourist, and its fearlessness permits such close observation, that it
will be needless to describe its appearance. It is migratory, arriv-
ing in Europe in the spring, and retiring to Africa where I have
met with it in large flocks in winter, fishing on the shallows and
sand-banks of the Nile. When at rest, it stands upon one leg,
with the neck bent backwards, the head resting on the back, and
the beak resting on the breast : and when alarmed, it is apt to
snap the mandibles of its beak together with a loud clattering
noise. I have the authority of Yarrell for stating that an individual
of this species has been killed near Salisbury.
"Glossy Ibis." (Ibis falcinellus). The long arched beak of this
bird with a blunt rounded tip, at once commands recognition, and
its dark brown plumage glossed with a metallic lustre of green and
purple reflections equally arrests attention. Moreover the portion
of the head from the beak to the eyes is quite bare of feathers, and
the naked skin is of a green colour. It is the only species really
known in Europe, for though the celebrated Sacred Ibis, (I. religiosa)
has obtained a place in Mr. Bree's excellent work,2 yet the author
candidly owns that its right to figure therein is extremely doubt-
ful : moreover it is so rare even in Egypt, that only an occasional
1 Scandinavian Adventures, vol. ii., p. 390.
2 " The birds of Europe not observed in the British Isles ;" vol. iv., p. 45.
F 2
CO
On the Ornithology of Wilts \Scolopacidm\.
straggler, at long intervals, appears in that classic land: and the
black and white Ibis, ("the Father of the Bills," as the Arabs
expressively term it,) must be sought for in Abyssinia, or still nearer
the equator. The Glossy Ibis, though certainly an uncommon
bird, is not amongst our rarest visitors, as scarcely a year passes
without the notice of the occurrence of one or more in different
parts of England, the fenny districts of Cambridgeshire, Lincoln
and Norfolk, being generally favoured : and I have the authority
of the late Rev. George Marsh for stating that a specimen was
killed at Whetham near Calne, the residence of the then Rector of
Yatesbury, Rev. W. Money, in the year 1825. The hook-shaped
beak, which is so striking a feature, and whence it has derived the
title of " Sickle-bill," enables this bird which is a true Wader, the
better to probe and search in the soft mud where it seeks its prey.
It was venerated in Egypt no less than its more distinguished
relative, and I brought home the embalmed bodies of these birds
both from Memphis and Thebes.
SCOLOPACIM] (The Snipes).
Many of the species which compose this large family are well
known to the sportsman as well as to the epicure. The most
observable characteristic of the race is the long and slender round-
tipped beak, with which they are enabled to probe the soft earth
or mud and extract their prey, which consists of worms and various
insects and grubs ; for the Snipe family does not live on air, or on
nourishment derived by suction from muddy water, as is very often
popularly supposed. And yet these birds are in one sense truly
designated " birds of suction," for their beaks are marvellously
formed for the purpose required, by means of an unusual develop-
ment of highly sensitive nerves to the extreme tip, thus endowing
them with an exquisite sense of feeling : while at the same time
that member is further provided with a peculiar muscle, which, by
the closing or contracting of the upper part of the mandibles
operates so as to expand them at the point, and enables the bird,
with the beak still buried in the ground, to seize its prey the
moment it is aware of being in contact with it. Thus the delicate
By the Rev. A. C. Smith.
61
sense of touch down to the very point of the beak, and its capa-
bility of seizing as in a forceps the worm which it cannot see,
renders that admirable organ complete for its purposes, and enables
it to serve the place of eyes, nose, tongue, and hand. Birds of the
Snipe family have also for the most part long and slender legs,
large and prominent eyes, and well developed wings. They are all
migrants, and also move from one chosen locality to another, as
the frost compels them : for soft damp ground in which they can
bore with their sensitive beaks without difficulty, is absolutely
essential to them.
"Curlew/' (Numenius arquata) . This was a common bird on
the downs, within the memory of many living sportsmen. Mr.
Butler of Kennett, (from whom I derive much practical inform-
ation on the Ornithology of Wilts) tells me that he can recollect
the time when they were frequently killed here : and others assure
me they used to breed regularly in certain districts on the downs.
I have now many records before me of the occurrence of single
birds in various parts of the county ; but they are only stragglers
and by no means regular visitors now. Everybody knows the wild
mournful whistling cry of the Curlew, as it rises from the marsh
or mud-bank on the sea-shore ; and equally well known is the
peculiar long curved beak with which it is provided. It is of a
shy timid nature, and avoids the proximity of man, and is so wary,
vigilant, and withal so quick-sighted as to be the first to discover
and give notice of the presence of an intruder, as every shore-
shooter knows to his vexation and cost. And as it seeks out for
its retreat the most retired and lonely spots, I conclude that the
breaking up and cultivation of our wild downs has been the cause
of banishing it from amongst us.
" Whimbrel." (Numenius phceopus.) Doubtless this bird is
often confounded with the preceding, to which it bears a very close
resemblance in all points, and from which it differs in little else
than in size. It is about one third less than its congener, and
hence has derived the names of Half-Curlew, and Jack-Curlew.
I have but one undoubted instance of its occurrence in Wilts, the
specimen in my lamented friend the Rev. George Marsh's collection
62
On the Ornithology of Wilts [Scolopaci(tcc~\.
having been obtained in his own parish in 1838, killed in Sutton
Mead, whore it had been observed alone for some time.
"Green Sandpiper." (Totanus ochropus.) This and the follow-
ing speeies seem interlopers in the midst of the Snipe family, and
scarcely deserve to be classed with them, for their beaks are neither
so long nor so sensitive, and they seek their food on the surface as
much as below the mud. In other respects they are closely allied
to the other members of the family. The Green Sandpiper is by
no means a common bird in England, but it has been shot by the
late Mr. Marsh in the water-meadows at Salisbury in 1833. It
does not remain on the sea- coast, when it reaches our island in its
migrations, but proceeds at once to the rivers and streams of the
interior. I have met with it in great abundance in Egypt in winter,
and I have seen it in summer in its breeding haunts in Norway.
(i Common Sandpiper." (Totanus hypoteucos.) This is a far
more common species than the last, as its trivial name implies, and
may be frequently met with in summer on the banks of our streams,
and even occasionally on our downs. I am told that it is especially
abundant in the neighbourhood of Salisbury. It is an elegant
little bird, and all its movements are graceful and pleasing ;
whether on the wing, as it skims over the surface of the water
with a shrill piping whistle ; or on foot, as perched on a stone, it
continually moves its tail up and down, or runs with great rapidity
by the margin of the stream. I found this species also both in
Egypt and in Norway. It is known to many under the name of
" Summer Snipe."
" Greenshank." (Totanus glottis.) It is again through the
kindness of my good friend, the Rev. George Powell of Sutton
Yeny, that I am enabled to include this rare species in my list of
"Wiltshire birds. The specimen in question was procured in his
immediate neighbourhood, having been observed on the 27th of
August, 1868, by Mr. William Swayne in the Knook meadows in
the parish of Heytesbury ; and, after flushing it several times, that
gentleman contrived to get a shot at it as it rose from some rushes,
and killed it. It appeared to have been wearied by previous long
flight ; and my informant, who examined the bird carefully, and is
By the Rev. A. C. Smith.
63
a good ornithologist, believes it to have been a young bird and a
hen. The Greenshank, though a scarce bird in England, does
make its appearance almost every year as a straggler, and is
generally observed during the spring or autumn migrations, either
on its way to or its return from its breeding places in the far north.
Hence our Wiltshire specimen was undoubtedly on its journey
southwards, when it halted to rest in the parish of Heytesbury.
It is almost always found in England as a single bird, and very
rarely in company with others.
" Ruff." (Machetes pugnax). This is truly a fen bird, and
belongs of right to the eastern counties, from which however the
draining of the fens, and the rage for reclaiming waste land, have
nearly succeeded in banishing it. But I am glad to hail it as a
straggler to our county, for it is extremely handsome, and withal
a very interesting species. Two instances have come to my know-
ledge of its occurrence in Wiltshire ; one killed by a farmer in
the neighbourhood of Wootton Bassett, about 1850 ; the other
taken in the immediate neighbourhood of Salisbury in 1828. The
striking feature of the bird is the strange frill or ruff of feathers
which together with conspicuous auricular plumes, surrounds the
neck of the male bird in his breeding plumage, and which when
raised form a shield round the head, reminding one of the costume
of the worthies, with whose portraits we are familiar, of the time
of Elizabeth. These birds are polygamous, unlike all the rest of
the Snipe family : they are exceedingly pugnacious, hence both
their generic and specific names : and so much do they vary in
colour of plumage, that it is scarcely possible to find two alike ;
the ruffs which these birds assume being of all shades ; from white,
yellow, chesnut, brown, or a mixture of any or all of these colours
to pure black. At all other seasons of the year, they are of
comparatively sober hue, and more nearly resemble the females,
which are called Reeves.
" Woodcock. " ( Scolopax rusticola) . I need scarcel}7 assert that
this is a winter migrant to our county, though I fear it is becoming
less abundant every year. A few pairs undoubtedly remain in
England to breed in summer, and a nest was found at Winterslow, in
Gl On the Ornithology of Wilts [_Scolopacidce~\.
1830, but the larger part retire to more northern and more secluded
localities. It loves open glades, and moist ground in woods,
and is not therefore often seen in the down districts. Occasion-
ally, as I learn from Mr. Stratton, of Gore Cross, who is a keen
observer of birds, as well as from my friend Mr. William Tanner,
of Rockley, it is to bo met with in our more exposed covers on the
hills. But the moister climate of Ireland seems to have attractions
for the Woodcocks which this country does not hold out, for we
learn from Mr. Knox's admirable book that " forty couple is
frequently the result of one days sport in the Emerald Isle."1 And
yet this is as nothing compared to the immense quantities which
are obtained in the evergreen woods and swamps of the Greek
coast and Ionian Islands, as we may gather from Lord Lilford's
graphic account in the Ibis.2 The Woodcock is a nocturnal feeder,
as might be inferred from its immense, full, dark, bright, and very
prominent eyes, which are also placed very far back in the head,
and give the bird a singular staring appearance. Unlike its
congeners it seeks the retirement of woods during the day, only
emerging at twilight or dusk to its feeding places in swampy
ground. Its flight is perfectly noiseless, and very rapid, and it is
marvellous how quickly and accurately it will thread its way
through the thick branches of the trees, and very soon it will close
its wings, and suddenly drop into any tempting cover, and then
run to shelter into any rank grass, or thick underwood it can find.
It is a solitary bird, and seldom associates with its fellows. Its
plumage is peculiarly rich, of a deep brown colour, barred and
spotted, and crossed with black or very dark brown.
"Great Snipe." (Scolopax major). I have little doubt that
this species is often confused with its commoner relative, and
mistaken for a large specimen of S. gallinago ; while fine individuals
of that bird have undoubtedly in their turn equally been hailed as
S. major. Since however the attention of naturalists has been
directed to the points in which these species differ, the Great Snipe
is found to be sparingly scattered over the country every autumn ;
1 Game Birds and Wild Fowl, p, 50.
2 Ibis for 1860, vol. ii., pp. 340—342. See also Thompson's Natural History
of Ireland, vol. ii., p. 242.
By the Rev. A. C. Smith.
65
and Wiltshire is one of the counties named by Montagu in which
it had then been observed. The late Mr. Marsh reported that one
was killed in Winterslow Wood, in 1831, and he had himself seen
a specimen in Christian Malford, though he was not able to obtain
it : and the Rev. George Powell tells me of one killed in South
Wilts, in 1854; and quite lately of another killed by his brother,
at Hurdcott, on the 25th September, 1868 : when from some
unexplained cause these birds were extraordinarily numerous in
many parts of England : and I have notices of another killed on
Salisbury Plain, another at Milton, near Pewsey, and of several
others on the borders of the county. It is often called the "Solitary "
Snipe, as it was supposed, though it seems erroneously, to shun the
society of its fellows. It is also called the "Double" Snipe, from
its size: the "Silent" Snipe, from its uttering no cry as it rises
on the wing ; and the " Meadow " Snipe, from its habit of frequent-
ing fields of long coarse grass, whence it is also designated by the
Germans " Wiesen Schncpfe." It is rarely seen in England but in
the autumn : in summer I have met with it in Norway, where it
retires to breed on the vast wild fjelds of that thinly populated
country. The principal points wherein it differs from the Common
Snipe, are its greater size and heavier form ; its smaller and shorter
beak ; its stouter and shorter legs ; and the under plumage invariably
barred with brown and white, which in the commoner species is
pure white. It also flies more like a Woodcock than a Snipe, and
when on the wing, spreads its tail like a fan.
" Common Snipe." (Scolopax gallinacjo.) It is unquestionable
that these birds once so numerous here in winter, are gradually
becoming perceptibty scarcer every year. This may be attributed
to the general increase of draining, and the reclaiming of fens and
marshes ; so that, like the Red Indian in America, the Snipe will
soon be improved off the face of this country by the rapid advance
of high farming. In Wiltshire and the more southern parts of
England, it is a true migrant, arriving in the autumn and depart-
ing in the spring; but in more northern counties many pairs
remain annually to breed in the moors or fens. The shrill alarm
cry of this bird, and its peculiar zigzag flight are too well known
G6
On the Ornithology of Wilts [Scolopaciclw'].
to require comment. I may mention, however, that in addition td
the sharp scream with which we are all familiar in the winter, if
makes a drumming or bleating noise in the breeding season, and
hence is called by the French "chevre volant," and in several
other languages words equivalent to the " air-goat," or the " kid I
of the air." To distinguish it from the succeeding species it is !
sometimes called the " Whole " Snipe.
" Jack Snipe." (Scohpax gallinula.) This diminutive species
might, with much more reason, be denominated "Solitary" thani
its largest relative, inasmuch as it is almost always found alone.
It utters no cry when it rises from the ground, nor does it fly withj
such' twists as does the preceding; and it invariably departs to
northern countries for breeding purposes. In general habits,
feeding and nesting, the Snipes are all alike. It is often called
the "Half" Snipe in allusion to its size; and is said to have
derived the name of Jack Snipe from an old erroneous supposition
that it was the male of the " Common " Snipe. The provincial
names of these three species accurately describe their relative size ;
the Jack or Half Snipe weighing about two ounces ; the Common, |
Whole, or Full Snipe four ounces ; and the Great or Double Snipe
eight ounces.
"Knot." {Tringa Canuta.) This is in my judgment one of the
most excellent birds for the table : nor am I singular in that
opinion ; for however little known to modern epicures, it derives
its name, Latin as well as English, from the famous Danish King
Knut or Canute, who had an especial liking for the flesh of this,
the most delicate perhaps of all the well-flavoured family to which
it belongs. It is a winter migrant, and the mud-flats and sand-
banks of the eastern coast literally swarm with the vast flocks of
this species : at one moment they will rise simultaneously in a
compact body, and after a short flight, settle again in close array
on the shore : then they will run at the extreme edge of the re-
ceding tide, and seek their food in the ooze laid bare by the retreat-
ing waves. The numbers which compose these great flocks must
be immense, and cannot contain less than many thousands, so wide-
spread and at the same time so dense is the cloud, which, with one
By the Rev. A. C. Smith.
67
to impulse takes wing, wheels about with simultaneous movement,
it and as rapidly settles again at the edge of the waves. This general
1 account of their immense numbers may in some degree prepare
il the way for a marvellous shot, which I am about to relate; and
i; which will doubtless seem incredible to those whose experience is
i confined to inland shooting only, and who are unaccustomed to see
the vast flights of birds which occasionally collect on our coasts;
but of the truth of which I have satisfied myself, and therefore do
not hesitate to publish the story. It is the custom of the wild-
fowl shooters or " gunners," as they are called on the Norfolk
coast, to paddle noiselessly down the creeks of the Wash in a low
narrow gun-boat or canoe, with a large duck gun moving on a
swivel lashed like a cannon in the bow ; and a single lucky shot
into a flock of geese, or ducks, or knots, or other birds, frequently
produces a great harvest of spoil. With one of these gunners I
am very well acquainted, and have been accustomed to overhaul
the produce of his day's or rather night's excursion in search of
rare specimens : and from him I have gathered a great deal of
information on the shore-feeding birds of the eastern coast. He
has often astonished me by the quantities of ducks of various species
with which his boat was loaded on his return, and I have seen half
a sackful of Knots, amounting to above two hundred in number,
turned out on the floor of his cottage as the result of one fortunate
shot with the long gun : but when he assured me that on one
occasion he had picked up and brought home after a single dis-
charge no less than thirty-six dozen and eleven Knots, or four
hundred and forty-three birds, I acknowledge that I was incre-
dulous, till conversation with sportsmen of the neighbourhood
convinced me that the story was true ; and then I felt ashamed
that ignorance of shore-shooting in the fens led me to doubt the
word of an honest man. Since then I have often watched the
Knots by the hour together on the Norfolk coast, on the shores of
the Wash ; and with a double field-glass (the ornithologists best
companion) have followed the every movement of these busy birds:
and seeing the dense array of the countless hosts which compose
a flock, I can well understand the havoc which a well-aimed
68
On (ho. Ornithology of Wilts [RalUdce].
discharge of the big gun must cause.1 I have but one instance of the
occurrence of this bird in Wiltshire, when a male was killed at
the side of the railway cutting at Langley, in 1850, by Mr. Bethell
of K< Uaways Mill, and is, I believe, still in his possession.
Considering the high favour in which all birds of the Snipe
family arc deservedly held for the table, and the method of dressing
these birds, as practised in England, though repudiated abroad ;
considering also the positive assertion which I have made that
they do not live by suction, but devour worms and various grubs
and insects ; it is but fair that I should add that the digestion of
all these birds is extraordinarily rapid.
RALLIDiE {The Rails).
We are now approaching the more essentially aquatic birds, and
there are several characteristics in the family of Rails which lead
on to the true water-fowl. Thus their bodies are more compressed
and boat-shape, and most of them can swim with ease ; their legs
are shorter and their feet larger, and with the hind toe more
developed than in the preceding family. Their beaks, too, are
much harder and stronger, and some of them are furnished with a j
narrow membrane on the sides of the toes, which is the first
approach towards a web-foot. They are for the most part a shy
race, and as they generally prefer inland ponds and lakes to the
sea-coast, they secrete themselves in the flags and reeds and rushes
which border their haunts, and are often found in wet ditches.
They creep through the thick cover with amazing quickness, wind-
ing their way amidst the dense grass, and are very unwilling to
rise on the wing, but when compelled to do so, their flight is heavy
and awkward, as might be expected from the shortness of their
wings.
" Land-Rail." (Crex pratensis.) This species known also as the
Corn- Crake, is familiar to the partridge shooter, and well known
1 Mr. Thompson, who has more practical knowledge of shore-shooting with
the swivel gun than any other author of birds with whose work I am acquainted,
will be found in great measure to corroborate this assertion. See his Natural
History of Ireland, vol. ii., p. 292, under the head of "Dunlin," and p. 309
under the head of " Knot."
By the Rev. A. C. Smith.
69
Balso to him is its disinclination to rise, and the rapidity with which
jit skulks with depressed head through the stubble; and if forced
Ito take wing where it can drop into cover again, it will fly with
(legs hanging down and prepared to run the instant it alights. It
is common enough in our corn-fields in summer, and yet it is a
[genuine Rail, and resorts to damp meadows and marshy soil to
'seek its food. It is a true migrant and never winters with us ; but
in May its harsh croaking cry of crek, crek, may be frequently
heard; and the bird which produces it has the remarkable power
of the ventriloquist in causing the note to sound now on this side
now on that, now under your feet, now at the farther end of the
field ; and many a hopeless chase, and many a bewildered and
baffled pursuer has been the result of this peculiarity. Gilbert
White speaks of it as having been abundant in the low wet bean-
fields of Christian Malford in North Wilts.
"Spotted Crake." (Crex porzana.) Though not in reality un-
common, this sombre-clad little species is so retiring and timid in
its nature, and seeks such little-frequented quiet ponds for its
haunts, that it escapes observation, and is supposed by many to be
a rarer bird than it really is. I have heard of several in Wiltshire,
and the late Mr. Marsh killed one in some marshy ground at
Christian Malford in October, 1849. It is, like its congener, a
migrant, but unlike that species it is one of the earliest to arrive,
and one of the latest to depart. Its general plumage is dark green
and brown, speckled with white.
" Water-Rail." (Rallus aquaiicus.) This is a very common bird
in wet and marshy districts ; and I am told is especially common
in the low lands near Salisbury. I have shot it in the water
meadows at Old Park, near Devizes, and I have instances of its
occurrence in all parts of the county. Like all other members of
the family it seeks safety in running amidst coarse herbage, and in
hiding itself in the thickest cover it can find ; and I have seen it
when driven by a dog from its place of refuge, fly up and settle in
the branches of a thick bush, in preference to seeking safety by
flight. It will on occasion run on the water, making use of the
flags and floating water plants as stepping stones in its course, and
7(>
On the Ornithology of Wilts [LobipedidcB],
it can both swim and dive with great ease. It remains with us
throughout the year.
"Moorhen." (Gallinula Chloropm.) This is the most common
species of the whole family, for it may be seen on almost every
retired pond or lake, either swimming amidst the rushes with its
peculiar jerking motion, or alarmed at the presence of an intruder,
seeking the shelter of the most distant bank and the thickest sedge :
or as evening draws on, wandering over the newly-mown grass of a
hay-field, searching diligently for food. Though a shy bird, it is
more familiar and shows more confidence in man than the preceding
species, and has been known when undisturbed to become quite
tame. In the classic grounds at Walton Hall, the seat of the late
well-known naturalist, Mr. Waterton, where all birds were en-
couraged and protected, I have seen the Moorhens feeding just
beneath the drawing room windows, and not caring to move Dearer
the water, even when a stranger approached. At Bowood, they
show great boldness, and at Draycot pond, where they are not
molested, they evince none of that timidity for which the race of
Rails is renowned. Where however they are not so protected,
and are surprized in an open space, the}7 will skim along the surface
of the water, partly flying, partly running, legs as well as wings
being actively employed, till they have hurried into thick cover.
They are conspicuous for the bright scarlet frontal plate or horny
shield which extends above the beak, and as they swim over the
pond, with a nodding motion of the head, examining every weed
on either side ; or as they hurry through the meadows, in both
cases perpetually jerking up their tails, they always seem in a
bustle, and as if they had no time to waste.
LOBIPEDIDiE {Lobe-feet).
There is no more perfect example of the gradual transition from
one class of birds to another than is to be seen in the little family
of Lobefeet. Occupying a position as they do at the end of the
Order of Waders, and immediately before that of the Swimmers,
we find tbem partaking of the anatomical structure as well as the
habits of both. They have neither the stilted legs and lengthened
By the Rev. A. C. Smith.
71
beaks of the one, nor have they the webbed feet of the other ; but
yet they approach both these characteristics. With slender naked
legs of moderate length they possess feet of a very remarkable
structure, inasmuch as these are furnished with a lateral develop-
ment of membrane, which, though it does not connect them as in
the true Swimmers, projects in rounded lobes on either side of the
toes. With these they can swim and dive with perfect ease ;
indeed they pass the greater portion of their lives in the water,
though frequently seen on land too. There are but three species
of this family known in England, and I have instances of the
occurrence of all of them in Wiltshire.
" Common Coot." (Fulica atra.) This is a common bird, gener-
ally to be found in the haunts of the Moorhen, and like that species,
has a horny frontal plate which runs from the base of the beak to
the forehead ; and which being of a pure white colour, is very
conspicuous on the nearly black plumage of the bird : hence it is
often called the " Bald Coot." It is the only species of the family
which frequents inland lakes ; and in its general habits, innate
shyness, retirement amongst sedge and reeds on the least alarm,
and method, when flushed, of scuttling over the surface of the
pond, striking the water with its feet to aid its progress, it bears a
very close resemblance to the Moorhen last described.
" Grey Phalarope." (Phalaropus lobatus.) This pretty little
bird belongs rather to the ocean than the land ; and its home is in
Northern Asia, Siberia, and Northern America, so that when it
visits us in Wiltshire, it is as an accidental straggler indeed : and
yet I have many records of its occurrence here. The specimen
from which Colonel Montagu took his description and which was
in his own museum, was taken at a pond at Alderton.1 Yarrell
reports that " Mr. Lambert presented to the Zoological Society a
beautifully marked adult bird, which was killed in Wiltshire in
the month of August, and retained at that time a great portion of
the true red colours of the breeding season or summer plumage." 2
The late Mr. Marsh recorded that one was brought to him which
was killed by some boys with a stone on Dunspool pond, on the
1 Ornithological Dictionary in loco. 2 British Birds, vol. iii., p. 132.
72
On the Ornithology of Wilts [Lobipcdidw~\.
downs at Winterslow. Another was shot at Dauntsey by the
Rev. A. Biederraann; and another at Kellaways Mill, by the Rev.
R. Ashe. Lord Nelson showed me a fine specimen in his possession
which was taken on the borders of the county on the Hampshire
side. The late Rev. John Ward announced the capture of another
at Great Bedwyn : and Mr. Elgar Sloper, of Devizes, speaks of
several as having been killed in that neighbourhood ; one which
came into his collection having been taken on the banks of the
Kennet and Avon Canal, in November, 1840. If we exchange the
scene from the retired inland pond to the open ocean, we shall find
the habits of the Phalarope very like those of the more familiar
Coot : they are, however, perhaps still more aquatic, and they
differ in having great power and swiftness of wing. In summer
their plumage is of a reddish chestnut, or rich brown hue, but in
winter of a light grey colour ; which great variation has given
rise to much confusion in identifying these birds as belonging to
but one species only.
"Red-necked Phalarope. " (Phalaropus hyperboreus). This
elegant but diminutive species is far more rare in England than its
larger congener. The specific name hyperboreus fully declares its
habitat, for it ranges over all the Arctic regions of the Old and
New Worlds, and descends as low as the Orkneys, and the northern
coast of Scotland, where it is not uncommon. The plumage may
be generally described as lead coloured above; chest and neck
reddish bay, otherwise white below. I have a notice from Mr.
Elgar Sloper that a male bird in the breeding plumage was shot
by him in the brickfield at Old Park, in May, 1841, and that as
the pinion of one wing was the only part injured, it lived for several
weeks, feeding in the water on animal food, with which Mr. Sloper
supplied it, and swimming with great facility.
We have now reached the end of the fourth great Order of
Birds, viz., the Waders, and but one more order remains to be
considered, the true Water-fowl, or Swimmers.
Alfred Charles Smith.
Yatesbury Rectory, Calne,
February, 1869.
73
% #Iora of TOtsJirc,
COMPRISING THE
• flofoerittg flants anir $txns mb\%mn$ to i\t County
By Thomas Bruges Flower, M.R.C.S., F.L.S., &c, &c.
No. XII.
ORDER. OROBANCHACE2E. (VENT.)
Orobanche, (Linn.) Broom-rape.
Linn. CI. xiv. Ord. ii.
Named from orobos, (Gr.) a legurainose or pea-like plant ; and
anchein, to strangle; owing to its supposed power of destroying
the plant on which it grows.
1. 0. Rapuni, (Thuill.) greater Broom -rape. 0. major, (L.) Sm.,
Engl. Bot. t. 421. Reich. Icones, t. 900 and 923.
Locality. Parasitical on the roots of furze, and broom, and other
shrubby Leguminiferga. P. Fl. Mag, July. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
South Division.
1. South-east District, " Dry banks by the sides of the road from
Amesbury to Stonehenge," Dr. Maton. Nat. Hist. Wilts. " On
the roots of furze on Amesbury Down," Major Smith. " Amesbury,"
Dr. Southby.
2. South Middle District, On furze at Nine Hills Drew's Pond,
Devizes, and near Seend. " On broom and furze at Heytesbury,"
Miss Sehvyn.
3. South-west District, Longleat Park. " Corsley," Miss Griffith.
" Warminster," Mr. Wheeler.
North Division.
4. North-west District, On the roots of Sarothamnus scoparius at
Bowden Hill, and Spye Park. " Winsley," Flor. Bath. " Kington
St. Michael," Rev. E. Rowlandson. ''Chippenham," Dr. Prior.
5. North-east District, "Martin," Miss M. A. Self. "Great
Bedwyn," Mr. William Bartlett.
A heal plant in the county, and the largest of our Wiltshire
VOL. XII. NO. XXXIV. G
71
The Flora of Wiltshire.
species. When first developed it is of a pale yellow, but very
soon assuming in every part, a dingy purplish brown colour. One
to one foot and a half high, leafless. Flowers in a long spike.
Stigma of two distant yellow lobes. Anthers white when dry.
2. 0. minor, (Sutt.) lesser Broom-rape. Engl. Bot. t. 422.
Locality. Parasitical chiefly on Trifolium pratense, the crops of
which it often completely over- runs. A. Fl. June, July. Area,
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
In all the Districts, and not uncommon throughout Wilts. A
very variable plant in size and colour, often not more than 4 or 5
inches, at other times more than a foot and a half in height ;
usually of a dingy purplish brown or bluish colour. Corolla
tinged with violet in its upper part, downy, with several strong
purple ribs. Stamens more or less hairy in their lower part.
Anthers yellow when dry. Stigma bilobed, lobes purple. It varies
according to station and the plant it affects. I have seen some of
the clover-fields in the county completely infested with this
species.
3. 0. Hed'erce, (Duby) Ivy Broom-rape. 0. barbata Engl.
Bot. Suppl. t. 2859, not Poir.
Locality. Parasitical upon Ivy, in moist shady woods, and on
walls and banks. P. Fl. June, July. Area, * * 3. * *
South Division.
3. South-west District, On Ivy in the Rectory garden at Bishops-
trowe. " Cop-heap," Mr. R. C. Griffith.
The only localities at present recorded in the county for this
species, which may possibly be only a variety of the last (0. minor).
Stems purplish, about one foot high. This is best distinguished
from the last by its yellow stigma, cleft only two thirds down
instead of to the base. Anthers fuscous, rather paler when dry.
O, elatior, (Sutt.) Engl. Bot. t. 568. O. major (L.) Fries, has
been reported to have been found in the county. I have not as
yet seen specimens, and should be obliged to any botanist for
Wiltshire examples of this species, with 0. Hed'erce. 0. elatior
should be looked for upon Centaurea Scabiosa, chiefly on balks in
open chalky fields.
By Thomas Bruges Flower, Esq.
75
Lathrjea, (Linn.) Toothwort.
Linn. CI. xiv., Ord. ii.
Name. From (lathraios), concealed ; in allusion to the plant
growing in much concealed places. Toothwort, from the scales of
the root much resembling teeth in form and colour.
1. L. squamaria, (Linn.) scaly-rooted Toothwort. Squamaria is
a Latin substantive formed from squama, signifying a scale, and is
applied to this plant in reference to its roots, which are covered
with scales. G. E. Smith, 8. Kent. t. 3.
Locality. Parasitical on the roots of tiees especially hazel, in
damp shady places. Besides the hazel it grows on the oak, ash,
beech, and elm. P. II. April, May. Area, 1. * 3. 4. 5.
South Division.
1. South-east District, "Plantations near Trafalgar Park," Dr.
Maton and Major Smith. " Brickworth Park," Rev. E. Simms.
r Woods at Clarendon," Bot. Guide.
3. South-west District, " Woods at Ashcombe," Mr. James Hussey.
North Division.
4. North-west District, Rudlow and Box. " Collet's Bottom, near
Corsham," Dr. R. C. Prior.
5. North-east District, " Granham copses, and copses on White
Horse Down;" "Pewsey and Tottenham," Flor. Marlb. "Great
Bedwyn," Mr. William Bartlett.
A singular parasitic plant closely allied to the Broom-rapes, but
the flowers more regular. Whole plant succulent, with many fleshy
tooth-like scales. Flowers in a long unilateral spike, flesh-coloured
or bluish. Bract ea's broadly ovate. This plant like Melampyrum
turns quite black in drying, or on exposure to the air soon after
being gathered. See a valuable paper on the structure and growth
of this plant by J. E. Bowman Esq., in Linn. Trans, v. xvi., p. 2,
accompanied by a beautiful plate.
ORDER. SCROPHULARIACE^].
Yerbascum, (Linn.) Mullein.
Linn. CI. v. Ord. i.
The name appears to be a corruption of the word Barbascum, on
g2
70
The Flora of Wiltshire.
account of the bearded or shaggy and downy surface of the leaves
in most of the species.
1. V. Thapsus, (Linn.) Great Mullein, High-taper. The
specific name of Thapsus has been derived from Thapsus in Africa, j
near which place it is said to have formerly abounded. Engl. Bot.
t. 549. V. Schraderi Koch.
Locality. Roadsides, hedge-banks, waste places, in calcareous
sandy and gravelly soils; also in newly cut copses. B. Fl. July,
August. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Recorded in all the Districts. Stem 4 to 5 feet high, angular,
winged. Leaves thick, excessively woolly, ovate or oblong. Flowers
handsome, golden yellow ; three of the stamens hairy ; the two
longer ones glabrous. The tomentum or down on all the species
will, on examination under a microscope, be found to be composed
of innumerable stellate hairs.
2. Y. nigrum, (Linn.) Dark Mullein. Engl Bot. t. 59.
Locality. Waste ground and banks, on dry gravel or chalk.
P. FL July, August. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
South Division,
1. South-east District, "Roadsides between Salisbury and Mil-
ford," Dr. Maton. Nat. Hist. Wilts. " Landford," Rev.
E. Simms.
2. South Middle District, Sparingly on Salisbury Plain.
3. South-west District, " Lanes about Odstock and Nunton ; "
" Between Charlton and Downton, also Berwick St. John/' Major
Smith.
North Division.
4. North-west District, " Corn-fields on the road to Colerne,"
Flor. Bath. " Ford," Mr. C. E. Broome. " North Wraxhall by
the roadside going from Chippenham to Marshfield, and in the
village abundant," Dr. Prior. Wats. Bot. Guide.
5. North-east District, " West Woods," Flor. Marlb.
In all the Districts but local. Leaves nearly glabrous, dark green.
Flowers in clusters, on the almost-simple long spike. Corolla rather
large yellow. Stamens with bright purple hairs.
Y. Blattaria, (Linn.) Engl. Bot. t. 393, is stated to have been
By Thomas Bruges Flower, Esq.
77
found in lanes between Downton and Charlton, (South-west District)
by Dr. Maton, Nat. Hid. Wilts. It would be desirable to have
this station again verified, as it at present rests on old authority.
I have never seen this species in a locality which could be considered
truly wild.
Digitalis, (Linn.) Foxglove.
Linn. CI. xiv. Ord. ii.
Name. From digitus, & finger; its flowers resembling the finger
of a glove, (and hence sometimes called finger-flower) ; so named
by Fuchsius, after its German designation.
1. D. purpurea, (Linn.) purple Foxglove. Engl. Bot. t.
1297.
Locality. Hedge-banks, woods, and sides of hills, on a gravelly
or sandy soil. B. Fl. June August. Area 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
South Division.
1. South-east District, " In birch woods near Winterslow, and by
the side of the hill, leading from Downton to Redlynch," Dr.
Maton, Nat. Hist. Wilts. " Plentifully at Langford on the chalk
formation," Rev. E. Simms.
2. South Middle District, Woods round Drew's Pond, Devizes,
The white variety occurs here.
3. South-west District, In woods at Longleat and Stourton.
North Division.
4. North-west District, Woods at Spye Park and Bo wood. "Bow-
den Hill/' Flor. Bath.
5. North-east District " In the neighbourhood of Great Bedwyn,"
Mr. William Bartlett.
A local plant in Wilts, and occurring but sparingly in those
Districts recorded for it. Stem solitary, 3 or 4 feet high, downy,
terminating in a raceme of large pendulous flowers. Leaves downy,
rugged, and deeply veined. Corolla campanulate, the tube an inch
and a half long, of a rich purplish crimson, elegantly speckled,
and hairy within ; rarely white. The most stately and beautiful
of our herbaceous plants ; and one that has obtained great repu-
tation as a medicine.
78
The Flora of Wiltshire.
Antirrhinum, (Linn,) Snapdragon.
Linn. CI. xiv. Ord. ii.
Name. Antirrhinon or Anarrhinon is a word used by Pliny; de-
rived probably from (and), resembling, and (rldn), a nose, in allusion
to the form of the flowers.
1. A. majus, (Linn.) great Snapdragon. Engl. Bot. t. 129.
Locality. Naturalized on walls and old buildings; frequently
the out-cast of neighbouring gardens, not very common. P. Fl.
July, September. Area 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
In all the Districts. Flowers large, on short pedicles, imbricated
in dense terminal racemes. Corolla various shades of purple red,
rose-colour, or white ; in all cases with a bright yellow downy
palate : when pressed laterally between the thumb and finger it
gapes, closing again when the pressure is removed ; hence the vulgar
name, which is, however, equally applicable to the genus Linaria.
2. A. Orontium, (Linn.) lesser Snap-dragon ; (orontion) is an
old Greek name. The ripe capsule, viewed in front, bears a strong
resemblance to the face of an animal. Engl. Bot. t. 1155.
Locality. In cultivated fields amongst corn, and dry waste
places, on sandy, gravelly, or chalky soils. A. Fl. July, August.
Area, 1. * 3. 4. *
South Division.
1. South-east District, " Corn-fields in chalky soils about Down-
ton," Dr. Maton. Nat. Hist. Wilts. " Amesbury," Dr. Southby.
3. South-west District, " Corn-fields between Downton and Charl-
ton," Major Smith. " Warminster," Mr, Wheeler.
North Division.
4. North-west District, Corn-fields at Spye Park, Bromham, and
Sandridge. "Corn-fields near the George Inn, Sandy Lane,"
Flor. Bath.
Not frequent in Wilts, and as yet unrecorded in Districts 2 and 5.
An erect, annual, seldom above a foot high, much more slender than
A. majus, with narrower leaves. Flowers rose-colour, with yellow
palate ; remarkable for the great proportional length of the calyx,
whose linear segments equalling the corolla when first expanded
soon extend far beyond it.
By Thomas Bruges Flower, Esq.
79
Linaria, (Mtll.) Toad-flax.
Linn. CI. xiv. Ord. ii.
Name. From Linum, (Lat.) flax, which some of the species
resemble in foliage. This genus only differs from Antirrhinum in
the tube of the corolla, which is projected at the base into a conical
or cylindrical spur.
1. L. Cymbalaria, (Mill.) Ivy-leaved Toad-flax. The name
cymbalaria is from cymbe, a boat, in reference to the shape of the
leaves. Engl. Bot. t. 502. St. 70, 10. Antirrhinum Sm.
Locality. Naturalized on old walls and stony places, the outcast
from gardens. P. El. May, November. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Recorded in all the Districts throughout Wilts. Stem very long
filiform. Leaves petioled, often purple beneath. Flowers small,
pale blue or purplish. The long festoons, which are formed by
the many branched slender stems of this pretty graceful plant, are
highly ornamental to the walls, rocks and ruins, upon which it
fixes itself, and seems to revel in the conquest which time has
gained over the proudest monuments of man's construction.
2. L. Elatine, (Mill.) elantine or halbert-leaved Toad-flax.
Antirrhinum Sm. Engl. Bot. t. 692, St. 70, 11.
Locality. In corn-fields after harvest, on a gravelly or chalky
soil. A. Fl. July, September. Area 1. 2.3. 4. 5.
South Division.
1. South-east District, " Corn-fields near the gate at Pitton
abundant; also between Downton and Rediynch," Dr. Maton.
Nat. Hist. Wilts. "Corn-fields in the neighbourhood of Salis-
bury," Mr. James Hussey.
2. South Middle District, Corn-fields on Salisbury Plain.
3. South-west District, " Arable fields about Warminster,"
Mr. Wheeler.
North Division.
4. North-ioest District, Corn-fields between Kingsdown and
South Wraxhall, Conkwell, Monkton Farley Avenue, Box, Rudlow,
Slaughterford and Spye Park.
5. North-east District, Marden, Purton, Swindon and Lydiard.
" Near Burbage," Mr. William Bartlett.
80
The Flora of Wiltshire.
More or less distributed throughout all the Districts. A prostrate
annual, with the stem and leaves hairy, but less so than in the next
species, which this plant resembles in most respects. Flowers solitary,
axillary upon long slender stalks, small, yellow, with the upper
lip purple.
3. L spuria, (Mill,) spurious Toad-flax or round-leaved Fluellin.
Antirrhinum (Sm.) Engl Bot. t. 691. St. 70, 12.
Locality. Fields, especially on clay over chalk, and seldom
straying beyond the limits of cultivation. A. FL July, September.
Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Itacorded in similar situations with the preceding, but of rather
less frequent occurrence in general. Flowers small, yellowish;
upper lip purple. Calyx large, segments ovato-lanceolate, the
outer ones, sometimes all, cordate at the base. In this species some
of the flowers are often regular with 5 spurs, or partially so with
2, 3, or 4.
4. L. minor, (Desf.) lesser Toad-flax. Engl. Bot. t. 2014. St.
70, 15.
Locality. In dry gravelly and sandy fields, also on clay and
chalk. A. Fl. June, August. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Not uncommon in the County. Stern erect, much branched.
Leaves although linear, yet broader and more obtuse than in any
of the preceding species, and narrowed at the base. Flowers very
small, the corolla scarcely exceeding the calyx, of a pale purple
or violet colour with a short blunt spur.
5. L. vulgaris, (Mill.) common yellow Toad-flax. Antirrhinum
Linaria, Sm. Engl. Bot. t. 685, St. 18 13.
Locality. Borders of corn-fields, and in hedges, on a gravelly
soil. P. Fl. June, August. Area 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
In all the Districts frequent. Plant very smooth, and generally
with a glaucous hue. Stems 1 to 2 feet high, little branched,
mostly simple. Leaves linear inclining to lanceolate. Flowers
large bright yellow with an orange palate. A singular deformity
called Peloria occurs sometimes, in which the corollas are regular
with 5 spurs. Varieties are also occasionally found with smaller
flowers.
By Thomas Bruges Flower, Esq.
81
SCROPHULARIA, (LlNN.) FiGWORT.
Linn. CI. xiv. Ord. ii.
Name. From scrofula, (Latin) the plant having been used as a
remedy for the disease so called. The English name Figwort refers
to its use as a remedy for the disease called ficus ; thus also, ficaria.
1. S. nodosa, (Linn.) knotty-rooted Figwort. Engl. Bot. 1. 1544,
St. 23, 14.
Locality. Moist woods, and shady places. P. Fl. June, August.
Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Frequently distributed in the county. Root tuberous, thick, knotty.
Stem 2 or 2 feet high, sharply 4-angled, smooth and glossy, often
of a reddish brown colour, the angles sometimes edged with a
membranous line, but not winged. Flowers small, a little drooping.
Corolla greenish purple lurid, sometimes milk-white. Staminode
transversely oblong, slightly emarginate.
2. S. aquatica, (Linn.) water figwort, water-betony. Engl. Bot.
t. 1544. S. Balbisii Koch.
Locality. Banks of the Avon, Canal, along ditches, and sides
of streams. P. Fl. July, August. Area 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Not unfrequent in Wilts. Very variable in size, but it is gener-
ally taller and rather less branched than the S. nodosa, which it
much resembles in habit and in flowers. The angles of the stem
project into narrow wings, and the leaves are not so broad, and
more obtuse. Panicle long and narrow. Flowers of a dark purple.
Staminode roundish, uniform, entire.
Melampyrum, (Linn.) Cow-wheat.
Linn. CI. xiv. Ord. ii.
Name. From the Greek (melampuron) compounded of (melas),
black, and fpyrosj wheat. Its seeds resemble wheat, and they are
said, when mixed with flour, to make the bread black.
1. M. pratense, (Linn.) meadow or common yellow Cow-wheat.
Pratensis, meadow, seems to be an ill-chosen name for this species,
which more commonly inhabits woods and thickets, rarely meadows.
Engl. Bot. t. 113.
VOL. XI. — NO. XXXIV. H
82
The Flora of Wiltshire.
Locality. In woods and thickets especially on a clay or loamy
soil A. Fl. June, August. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
In all the Districts bat sparingly in District 2. Stem one foot or
more high, slender, with straggling branches. Corolla pale yellow,
sometimes tinged with purple towards the base ; lips orange or
deep yellow. Whole plant turns black in drying.
Pedicularis, (Linn.) Lousewort.
Linn. CI. xiv. Ord. ii.
Name — derived from its supposed property of producing the lousy
disease in sheep that feed upon it ; a malady which rather arises
from the wet pastures where such plants grow.
1. P. palustris, (Linn.) marsh Lousewort, Red Rattle. EngL
Bot. t. 399.
Locality. Marshy and boggy places. A. Fl. May, July. Area,
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
South Division.
1. South-east District, " Near Salisbury," Mr. James Hussey.
" Amesbury," Dr. Southby.
2. South Middle District, "Stratford Marsh," Dr. Maton. Nat.
Eist. Wilts.
3. South-west District, " Marshy ground about West Harnham,"
Major Smith. " Warminster," Mr. Wheeler.
North Division.
4. North-west District, In a bog between Wraxhall and the
Horse and Jockey, Kingsdown. " Pond on Bowden Hill and
Spye Park," Dr. R. C. Prior. Flor. Bath.
5. North-east District, " Great Bedwyn," Mr. William Bartlett.
Not so common in the County as the following species Stem 1
foot high, branched throughout. Calyx slightly hairy on the out-
side, nearly glabrous within, not inflated, spotted. Floivers large,
crimson, almost sessile in the axils of the upper leaves.
2. P. sylvatica, (Linn.) Pasture Lousewort. Engl. Bot. t. 400.
St, 13, 14.
Locality. Moist pastures and heaths. A. Fl. May, August.
Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
By Thomas Bruges Flower, Esq.
83
South Division.
1. South-east District, "Alderbury Common/' Major Smith.
"Salisbury/' Mr. James Hussey.
2. South Middle District, " Westbury," Mrs. Overbury.
3. South-west District, " Near Corsley," Miss Griffith.
North Division.
4. North-west District, Meadows at South "Wraxhall. "On
Whitley Common near Melksham," Dr. R. C. Prior. Flor. Bath.
** Marshy fields at Bromham," Miss Meredith. " Heath, Kington
St. Michael," Rev. E. Rowlandson.
5. North-east District, Copse on the north side of Martinsell
Hill. Savernake Forest. "Great Bedwyn and Marlborough
Common," Flor. Marlb.
Not a rare plant in Wilts. Stems 3 to 5 inches long. Calyx
quite glabrous on the outside, woolly within, at the mouth inflated,
reticulated with green veins. Flowers large, rose-colour, sometimes
white.
Rhinanthus, (Linn.) Rattle.
Linn. CI. xiv. Ord. ii.
Name. From rhin, a nose, and anthos, a flower ; in allusion to
the beaked upper lip of the corolla, which is very remarkable in
the R. Elephas. The English name Rattle refers to the rattling
of the seeds in the capsule when ripe.
1. R. Crista-galli, (Linn.) Cockscomb or common yellow Rattle.
The name cockscomb is derived from the appearance of the upper
leaves or bracteas which accompany the flowers. Engl. Bot t.
657. R. minor, (Ehrh.) Reich. Icones, 731.
Locality. In meadows and damp pastures. A. Fl. June. Area,
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Generally distributed more or less throughout all the Districts.
Flowers on very short peduncles, axillary in the bracteas, each pair
crossing the next, and altogether forming a kind of loose inter-
rupted spike. Calyx large, bladdery, strongly ribbed, smooth, of a
pale yellowish green colour. Corolla yellow ; the segments of its
upper lip short, bluish. The rattling of the seeds in the capsules
indicates to the Swedish peasantry the season for gathering in
h 2
84
The Flora of Wiltshire.
their hay. In England we have better indications, such as the
flowering-heads of wild red clover beginning to fade, and the pre-
dominant grasses of the crop opening their glumes, and displaying
their anthers.
Euphrasia, (Linn.) Eyebright.
Linn. CI. xiv., Ord. ii.
Named from euphraino to delight; in allusion to the gaiety of
its flowers. Eyebright, from the old notion of its being useful in
disorders of the eyes.
1. E. officinalis, (Linn.) officinal or common Eyebright. Engl.
Bot. t. 1416.
Locality. Heathy and chalky pastures, also on the downs. A.
Fl. July, August. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Distributed generally throughout the County. An elegant little
plant, varying in height from 1 inch to 4 or 5, with a square,
downy, leafy stem, either simple or branched. Flowers axillary,
solitary, very abundant, inodorous, but remarkable for their bril-
liant variegated aspect. The corolla varies much in size as well as
colour, being commonly white with dark purple streaks, and a
yellowish palate ; the anthers violet. The plant is still much used
in rustic practice as a remedy for diseases of the eye. Milton
represents the Archangel Michael as employing it to remove the
film from the eyes of our first parent, occasioned by eating the
forbidden fruit : —
— " But to nobler sights
Michael from Adam's eyes the film removed,
Which that false fruit that promised clearer sight
Had bred ; then purged with Euphrasy and rue
The visual nerve, for he had much to see."
2. E. Odontites, (Linn.) red Eyebright. Odontites is a word
used by Pliny for some herb. Bartsia Sm. Engl. Bot. t. 1415.
Locality. In cultivated ground, corn-fields and waste places,
especially on a cold and wet clay soil. A. Fl. June, July. Area,
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Recorded in all the Districts. About a foot high, more or less;
copiously branched, each branch terminating in a leafy unilateral
By Thomas Bruges Flower, Esq.
85
cluster or rather spike, of numerous rose-coloured scentless flowers,
wbose calyx is tinged with a dull violet hue. Every part even the
calyx and corolla is finely downy; the stem rough with deflexed
hairs. Root parasitic according to Decaisne.
Veronica, (Linn.) Speedwell.
Linn. CI. ii. Ord. i.
Named after Veronica, a Roman female saint ; in which case the
English name Speedwell may refer to its connection with that
saintly personage.
1. V. scutellata, (Linn.) narrow-leaved, marsh Speedwell. Scu-
tellatus (Lat.) means dished, from scutella, a dim. of scutum, a shield,
and alludes to the capsule, which is of two flattish orbicular lobes,
and becomes conspicuous when ripe. Engl. Bot. t. 782. St.
58, 3.
Locality. Wet places and sides of ditches, also in spongy bogs.
P. Fl. June, August. Area, 1. * * 4. *
South Division.
1. South-east District, " Bogs on Alderbury Common," Dr.
Maton. Nat. Hist. Wilts. " Boggy ground in a meadow at
"West Dean," Major Smith. " Above ' No Man's Land ' on the
borders of the New Forest, within the county," Mr. James Hussey.
North Division.
4. North-tcest District, " In a bog between the old Horse and
Jockey and South Wraxhall," Flor. Bath. " Monkton Farley,"
Mr. C. E. Broome.
A local and scarce plant in Wilts. Stems slender, ascending or
spreading, generally smooth, but like V. serpyllifolia becoming
hairy and even hoary in dry or barren ground. Flowers few, in
very slender racemes, proceeding alternately from one axil only, of
each pair of leaves. Corolla rather small, of a pale pinkish blue
or white. Capsule very flat, broad, and rather deeply notched.
2. V. Anagallis, (Linn.) pimpernel-like or Water Speedwell.
Engl. Bot. t. 781.
Locality. Banks of the Avon, Canal, ditches and slow streams.
P. II. July, August. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
80
The Flora of Wiltshire.
South Division.
1. South-east District, " Ditches near Milford," Dr. Maton. Nat.
Hist. Wilts. " Marshy ground about Downton," Major Smith.
"Neighbourhood of Salisbury," Mr. James II ussey. "Amesbury
and Bulford," Dr. Southby.
2. South Middle District, Banks of the Kennet and Avon Ganal.
" Near Westbury," Mrs. Overbury.
3. South-west District, "Neighbourhood of Wai minster/' Mr,
Wheeler.
North Division.
4. North-west District, Banks of the Avon at Bradford, Melksham,
and Chippenham.
5. North-east District, Banks of the Canal between Swindon and
Purton. Water meadows about Cricklade and Marston Meysey.
"Not uncommon in the vicinity of Marlborough," Flor. Marlb.
Intermediate in appearance between Y. scutellata, and the next
species Y. Beccabunga, yet abundantly distinct from both. Stems
succulent, a foot or more high. Leaves varying somewhat in
width. Racemes long, many flowered. Flowers bluish, or inclining
to purple. Plant somewhat succulent, turning blackish in
drying.
3. Y. Beccabunga, (Linn.) Brooklime. The name Beccabunga
comes from the German Bachpungen; bach meaning a rivulet; in
Yorkshire and Norfolk, a beck. Brooklime from its growing in
the lime or mud of brooks. Engl. Bot. t. 655.
Locality. On the margins of brooks, ditches, and ponds. P.
Fl. May, August. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Generally distributed throughout the Districts. Most commonly
the companion of Water Cresses. Whole plant glabrous and
very succulent. Leaves shortly stalked, ovate or oblong. Flowers
small, blue, or rarely pink when it is Y. limosa (Lejean.) Capsule
shorter than the calyx, broad and rather thick, and notched at the
top.
4. Y. Chamcedrys, (Linn.) Germander-like Speedwell. Chammdrys
is a word taken from the Greek (chamai), on the ground, and [drys)f
an oak. Engl. Bot. t. 623. St. 58, 6.
By Thomas Bruges Mower, Esq.
87
Locality. Woods, pastures, and hedge-banks. P. FL May,
June. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Common throughout Wilts. Stems procumbent, often above a
foot long, and remarkable by the hairs collected into two opposite
lines down the stem from between each pair of leaves to the leaf
next below, whilst the rest of the stem is glabrous or nearly so.
Leaves wrinkled, sometimes deeply cut. Flowers large, numerous,
very bright blue, greeting us at an early season of the year and
rendering the plant a general favourite ; supposed by some to be
the true Forget-me-not.
5. V. montana, (Linn.) mountain Speedwell, though by no means
confined to high ground. Engl. Bot. t. 766. St. 58, 5.
Locality. In woods and moist shady hedge-banks. P. Fl. May,
June. Area, * 2. 3. 4. *
In all the Districts except 1 and 5, but not so frequent as the last
species. V. montana bears a considerable resemblance to the much
more common V. Chamcedrys, but the narrower segments of the
corolla, the general hairiness of the stem, the stalked leaves which
are thinner and more shining ; and lastly the capsule, thrice as
large and formed as it were of two orbicular portions joined to-
gether, distinguish this from the last.
6. Y. officinalis, (Linn.) common Speedwell. Engl. Bot. t. 765.
St. 58. 4.
Locality. Dry banks, woods, and heaths. P. Fl. June, August.
Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Recorded in all the Districts. A very variable plant, especially in
size. Whole plant more or less rough, with spreading, short,
pointed hairs. Leaves obovate or oblong, toothed, and hairy.
Flowers nearly sessile, rather small, pale blue, or rarely flesh-
coloured. Capsule obovate or obcordate, broader than it is long.
7. V. serpyllifolia, (Linn.) Thyme-leaved Speedwell. Engl. Bot.
t. 1075. St. 58. 1.
Locality. Roadsides and damp places, both in cultivated and
pasture land. P. Fl. May, July. Area I. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Frequent in all the Districts. Stems more or less procumbent,
very much branched, forming a small, flat, dense, leafy tuft.
88
The Flora of Wiltskm.
Leaves nearly sessile, ovate, usually glabrous as well as the rest
of the plant. Flowers very small, of a pale blue or white, with
dark blue streaks; sometimes flesh-coloured. Capsule broad, and
often rather deeply notched.
8. V. arvensis, (Linn.) corn-field or wall Speedwell. Engl.
Bot. t. 734. St. 58. 11.
Locality. Wall-tops, dry gravelly banks and fields. A. Fl.
April, July. Area 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Common in all the Districts. Stems upright, slender, rough, pale
green, about 6 inches high ; usually branched at the base. Flowers
small; light blue; white in the centre. Capsule smooth, broad,
much flattened, with rounded lobes, which are longer than the style.
9. V. agrestis, (Linn.) field, or green procumbent Speedwell.
Engl. Bot. Suppl. t. 2603. St. 58. 14. Reich. Icones.f. 440.
Locality. In cultivated ground, hedge-banks, and waste places.
A. Fl. April, September. Area 1 . 2. 3. 4. 5.
In all the Districts common. Stems procumbent, from 3 to 8 or
10 inches long. Leaves shortly stalked, ovate and toothed. Sepals
ovate or oblong, usually larger than the corolla. Capsule composed
of 2 turgid keeled lobes, seeds about 6 in a cell. Lower part of
the corolla white. Closely allied to the next species V. polita,
but is almost always a larger plant, and of a yellower green.
10. V. polita, (Fries.) polished or grey procumbent Speedwell.
Engl. Bot. t. 783. St. 58. 16. Reich. Icones.f. 404. 405.
Locality. In cultivated ground, hedge-banks and waste places,
especially where the soil is somewhat sandy. A. Fl. April, Septem-
ber. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
In all the Districts but not common. Very closely allied to the pre-
ceding species, from which it is readily known at a distance by its
bright blue flowers and grayish herbage ; and on a nearer exam-
ination by the more deeply cut or serrated leaves ; the broadly
ovate and pointed sepals, and in the very turgid subglobose lobes
of the capsule.
11. V. Buxlaumii, (Ten.) Buxbaum's Speedwell; called after a
botanist of that name. Engl. Bot. Suppl. t. 2769. St. 56, 5.
Reich. Icones, 430, 431.
By Thomas Bruges Flower, Fsq.
SO
Locality. In cultivated fields, gardens, and waste ground, cer-
tainly introduced. A. M. April, September. Area, 1. 2. 3.
4. 5.
Distributed throughout all the Districts, probably by the sowing
of clover seeds, or by other means, but not frequent. This species,
which is of Asiatic and South-eastern European origin, is easily
recognized by its pale green leaves, by the long, sleDder, and nearly
straight pedicles, the ovate-lanceolate sepals, the divaricate lobes
of the capsule, which are compressed upwards, and sharply carinate,
and the large blue corolla, rivalling in size and beauty that of
V. chamcedrys.
12. V. hederifolia, (Linn.) Ivy-leaved Speedwell. Engl. Bot. I.
784.
Locality. Waste and cultivated ground. A. Fl. April, June.
Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Recorded in all tlie Districts. Stems much branched from the
very base. Leaves numerous, pale dull green ; but the chief dis-
tinction is in the calyx, the divisions of which are broadly heart-
shaped, not narrowed at the base. Corolla and capsule nearly those
of the V. agrestis. This is quite a spring plant and seldom to be
found after the month of June. Our tillage-lands are often covered
with the Ivy-leaved Speedwell in the spring and earlier summer
months.
ORDER. LABIAT2E. (JUSS.)
So named from Labium, (Lat.) a lip ; in allusion to the two-
lipped corolla. This is one of the most natural and distinctly
marked of all the orders. It comprises the Didyna'mia Gymnospermia
of Linnaeus, as the order Scrophulariacea does the Didynamia
Angiospermia. The opposite leaves, monopetalous corolla, 2 or 4
stamens, and the free 4-lobed ovarium, are characters so easily
observed, and so constantly accompanying the general habit of
the whole series, that from the time of Linnaeus to the present
day, but two or three genera have been improperly associated with,
or separated from it.
VOL. XII. — no. xxxiv. i
90
The Flora of Wiltshire.
Mentha, (Linn) Mtnt.1
Linn. 01. xiv. Ord. i.
Name. Minlha or Minthe, an ancient Greek term for these
plants.
1. M. rotundifolia, (Linn.) round leaved mint. Sole Month I. 3.
Engl. Boi. i. 446.
Locality. Moist places in waste ground. P. M. August, September.
Area * * * 4. 5.
North Division.
4. North-ivest District, " Between Slaughterford and Biddestone,"
Dr. Alexander Prior. Wats. Bot. Guide.
5. North-east District, " Road by Brick-kilns near Pewsey Road,"
Flor. Marlb.
A local plant in Wilts, and occurring but sparingly in the above
localities. Similar to the next species, (M. sylvestris) but coarser,
greener, and more hairy. Leaves broadly ovate or orbicular, much
wrinkled, green above, and whitish underneath. Spikes of flowers
terminal and slender, 1 to 2 inches in length. Flowers small, pale
pink, or sometimes white. Scent acrid.
2. M. sylvestris, (Linn.) wood or Horse-mint. Engl. Bot. t.
686. Sole Menth. 1. & 2.
Locality. In wet pastures, and waste places along ditches. P.
Fl. August, September. Area 1. * 3. * *
South Division.
1. South-east District, "Moist places in the neighbourhood of
Salisbury/' Major Smith.
3. South-west District, " Moist hedge-rows in the parish of Wick,
near Downton," Dr. Maton. Nat. Hist. Wilts.
These are the only stations recorded in the county at present,
for this species. Stems 1 to 2 feet high, erect, slightly branched,
and as well as the whole plant, more or less hoary with a short
close down. Leaves closely sessile, broadly lanceolate, or oblong.
1 To those who may feel desirous of studying this difficult genus, I would
particularly refer them to Mr. Baker's valuable paper on British Mints in Dr.
Seeman's Journal of Botany for 1865. The Herbarium Mentharum of Dr.
Wirtgen of Coblentz, and Sole's Menthce Britannicce.
By Thomas Bruges Floiver, Esq.
91
Floivcrs small and numerous in dense cylindrical spikes, usually
several together, forming an oblong terminal panicle. Scent sweet.
3. M. viridis, (Linn.) green or Spear Mint. Engl. Bot. t. 2424.
Sole Me nth. 5.
Locality. In marshy places. P. Fl. August. Area, 1. 2. * 4. *
South Division.
1. South-east District, " Stratford Marsh," Dr. Maton. Nat.
Hist. Wilts. " Ditch in a meadow at Stratford," Major Smith.
South Middle District, " In a pond by the roadside near Chittern
turnpike-gate," Mr. Sole, M.S.
North Division.
4. North- ivcst District, By the side of the river Avon between
Dundas-aqueduct and Stoke-bridge.
Rare in the County and probably not truly ivild. Stems 2 or 3 feet
high, branched, smooth, often purplish. Leaves sessile, lanceolate,
glandular beneath. Whorls of the spike rather distant. Corolla
glabrous. The whole plant is gratefully aromatic. The perfectly
smooth and naked jloiver -stalks are essentially characteristic of this
species.
4. M. piperita, (Sm.) Pepper Mint. Engl. Bot. t. 687. Sole
15, t. 7.
Locality. In watery places. P. Fl. July, August. Area,
* 2, * * *
South Division.
2. South Middle District, " Ditch-bank at Bemerton," Major
Smith. " In Chittern bottom," Mr. Sole. Engl. Flor.
Bare in Wilts and perhaps not wild, often an escape from gardens.
Stem 1 to 3 feet high, a little hairy, often purplish. Leaves all on
foot-stalks, dark green and smooth above, more or less hairy beneath.
Spikes bluntish, interrupted below. Calyx slender, furrowed,
covered with pelucid dots. Corolla purplish. This species is much
cultivated for the sake of its essential oil which resides in minute
glands conspicuous on the leaves, and especially on the calyx.
5. M. aquatica, (Linn.) Water capitate Mint.1 M. hirsuta, Sm.
Engl. Bot. t. 447. Sole Menth. t. 10, 11.
1 " At Mintie is an abundance of wild mint, from whence the village is
i2
92
The Flora of Wiltshire.
Locality. Banks of the Avon, wet ditches, and on the edges of
streams. P. Fl. Jul//, August. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Distributed throughout all the Districts. Stems from 1 to 3 feet
high, much branched, and almost always softly hairy, although
some varieties become nearly glabrous. Leaves stalked, ovate or
slightly heart-shaped. Flowers in dense, terminal, globular or
oblong heads, of more than half an inch in diameter. Calyx tubular,
furrowed, often purplish, with fine pointed teeth, and glandular.
This is a very variable species, the flowers are sometimes capitate,
sometimes whorled, and occasionally the whorls are placed so close
on the extremity of the branches as to form a spike.
6. M. gracilis, (Sm.) slender or narrow-leaved Mint. Sole,
Menth. 37, t. 13.
Locality. In watery places, or moist meadows. P. Fl. August,
September. Area, * * * 4. *
North Division.
4. North-west District, "By the side of a brook near Bradford,"
Mr. Sole.
This appears to have been found in the above locality only by
Sole in 1772 ; and there is a specimen in the set of Sole's mints
in the possession of Mr. John Hardy of Hulme, Manchester. It is
a slender plant with few and distant branches, growing to the height
of 2 feet or more. Stems rather wiry and flexuous. This mint should
be again carefully sought for in the neighbourhood of Bradford.
7. M. arvensis, (Linn.) Corn Mint. Engl. Dot. t. 2119. Sole,
Menth. t. 12.
Locality. Cornfields, especially on a sandy or gravelly soil. P.
Fl. July, September. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
In all the Districts. The short, open, campanulate calyx, covered
all over with horizontally spreading hairs, distinguishes this from
all the other British Mentha. Flowers reddish purple. It varies
much in stature, in hairiness, and in the size of the leaves. The
whole plant has a strong disagreeable scent, compared to that of
decayed cheese.
denominated." — Aubrey's Nat. Hist. Wilts, p. 49. M. aquatica, (Linn.) is
still plentiful at Minety.— T. B. F.
By Thomas Bruges Flower, Esq.
93
8. M. Pulegium, (Linn.) flea Mint, or Penny-royal. Pulegium,
or pulecium is a word used by Pliny, derived from pulex-icis, a flea.
Engl. But. t. 1026, Sole Menth. t. 23.
Locality. On wet commons and marshy places. P. Fl. July,
August. Area, 1 * * 4. *
South Division.
1. Sont/i-east District, "Landford Common," Mr. James Hussey.
North Division.
4. North-west District, "Broughton Common near Melksham,"
Mr. Sole, MS. " By the brook at Ford," Dr. Alexander Prior.
A rare and local plant in Wilts. This species is the smallest we
have of its genus, and is readily known by its prostrate stems,
small, downy, recurved leaves, and numerous dense whorls of pur-
ple flowers. The smell is peculiarly pungent and unlike that of
any other native mint.
Lycopus, (Linn.) Water Horehound.
Linn. CI. ii. Ord. i.
Name. From (luJws) a wolf, and (pous) a foot; in allusion,
probably, to the form of the leaves.
1. L. europaus, (Linn.) common Water Horehound, or Gipsy-
wort. Engl. Bot. t. 1105.
Locality. Banks of the Avon, canal, streams and ditches. P.
Fl. July, August. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Recorded in all the Districts. Leaves opposite, nearly sessile,
almost pinnatifid. Flowers small, in dense whorls at the base of
the superior leaves, whitish, with purple dots. The plant affords
a permanent black dye, and is said to be employed by gipsies to
stain their skin.
Salvia, (Linn.) Sage or Clary.
Linn. CI. ii. Ord. i.
Named from salvo, to save or heal ; in allusion to its balmy or
healing qualities.
1. S. Verhenaca, (Linn.) Vervain-like Sage or wild English
Clary. The English name of this plant Clary, originates in sclarea,
a word formed from clams, clear. Engl. Bot. t. 154.
94
The Flora of Wiltshire.
Locality. Dry pastures and banks, especially in a chalky or
gravelly soil. P. FL May, June. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
In all the Districts. Stems 1 to 2 feet high. Lower leaves petio-
latc, ovate, upper ones sessile and acute, all wrinkled with veins.
Corolla purple, small in proportion to the calyx ; upper lip concave,
compressed.
Thymus, (Linn.) Thyme.
Linn. CI. xiv. Ord. i.
Narrie. (Thymos) is a word used by old Greek authors, probably
from (thyo) to perfume, because it was used for incense in temples.
1. T. SerpyVlum, (Linn.) common or garden Thyme. Serpyllum
is a word used by Virgil to signify a kind of wild Thyme ; from
serpo, to creep, in allusion to its habit. Engl. Bot. t. 1514.
Locality. On heathy and chalky banks and pastures. P. Fl.
Jtme, August. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Frequently distributed throughout the County. Stems filiform,
decumbent and rooting. Leaves elliptical-ovate, sprinkled with
resinous dots. Heads of Flowers terminal. Seeds seldom perfected.
Exceedingly variable in size, scent, and in the hairiness of the
foliage in different soils and situations; but it is very doubtful
whether any of the cultivated Thymes derive their origin from
this as commonly supposed.
The variety T. citrina occurs in some plenty on Monkton Far-
leigh down. {North-west District.)
Cottony galls are sometimes observable on the wild Thyme ;
these are supposed to be the nidus of a species Tephritis.
T. Chammdrys, (Fries.) stated in the "Flora of Marlborough33 to
have been found at Pewsey by Mr. C. Stedman, must be referred to
T. serpyVlum, (L.) as I am informed by the Rev. T. F. Ravenshaw.
It is not unlikely this plant will ultimately be detected in Wilts.
Origanum, (Linn.) Marjoram.
Linn. CI. xiv. Ord. i.
Name. From (oros) a hill, and (ganos) joy ; from the dry hilly
places of which the species are the ornament. Marjoram is a
translation of Marjorana.
By Thomas Bruges Flower, Esq.
05
1. 0. vulgare, (Linn.) common wild Marjoram. Engl. Bot. t,
1143. St. 13, 3.
Locality. On banks by roadsides, also dry hilly and bushy
places, especially where the substratum is chalk or limestone. P.
Fl. August. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Recorded in all the Districts. Stems about 1 foot high, hairy, of
a reddish or purple hue. Leaves often slightly toothed, very con-
spicuously dotted with glands. Flowers rose-colour, rarely white.
Whole plant powerfully fragrant and aromatic.
" The Thyme strong-scented 'neath one's feet,
And Marjoram so doubly sweet."
Calamintha, (Moench.) Calamint.
Linn. CI. xiv. Ord. i.
Name. From (halos) sweet, and (mentha) mint.
1. C. officinalis, (Moench.?) Common Calamint. Thymus Cala-
mintha, Sm. Engl. Bot. t. 1676. C. menthcefolia Host.
Locality. Hedge-banks and borders of fields, particularly in
chalky and gravelly soils. P. Fl. July, September. Area,
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Tn all the Districts but sparingly distributed. Leaves stalked,
ovate and toothed. Flowers very variable in size, usually turned
to one side in loose cymes. Calyx tubular, ribbed, the teeth finely
pointed, those of the lower lip finer and longer than the upper
ones. Flowers purplish. Larger in all its parts than the next
species.
2. C. Nepeta, (Clairv.) Lesser Calamint. Engl. Bot. t. 1414.
St. 70, 3. Thymus Sm.
Locality. On dry banks and by waysides on a chalky soil. P.
Fl. July, August. Area, * * * 4. *
North Division.
4. North-west District, "By the roadside near Lacock Abbey,"
Dr. Alexander Prior.
This is the only locality recorded at present for C. Nepeta in
"Wilts. Other plants so named by several correspondents are
merely small-leaved examples of C. officinalis, growing in dry and
90
The Flora of Wiltshire.
sterile places. This species is smaller in all its parts than the
last, especially the leaves which are strongly serrate. Odour
strong, resembling Mentha Pulegiam.
3. 0. Acinos, (Clairv.) common Basil Thyme. Acinos is the
Greek name of a balsamic plant now unknown. Engl. Bot. t.M\.
St, 70, 5. Thymus Sm.
Locality. Dry gravelly, or chalky fields. A. Fl, July, August,
Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
General in all the Districts. Flowers pale, purple, in axillary
whorls, on short erect pedicels. Calyx strongly ribbed ; the teeth
short and fine, all converging in fruit. Corolla little longer than
the calyx although occasionally near twice as long. A white
variety on the top of Oar Hill, between Pewsey and Marlborough,
Dr. Alexander Prior. Wats. Bot. Guide.
4. C. Clinopodmm, (Benth.) common Wild Basil. Engl, Bot.
t. 1401. Clinopodium. vulgare, Linn.
Locality. Dry hilly and bushy places. P. FL July, August,
Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Common in all the Districts. Flowers purple, in dense cymes,
forming compact whorls or heads in the axils of the upper leaves,
or at the ends of the branches. Tube of the corolla rather longer
than the calyx-teeth. The smell of the plant is somewhat aromatic
and not unpleasant.
Scutellaria, (Linn.) Skull-cap.
Linn. CI. xiv. Ord. i.
Name. From scutella, (Lat.) a small dish ; in allusion to the
form of the calyx.
1. S. galericulata, (Linn.) common Skull-cap. Galericulum (Lat.
dimin. of galea) means a little cap or hat. The peculiarity of the
calyx, so well expressed by the English name Skull-cap, is the
distinguishing feature of the genus. Engl. Bot. t, 523.
Locality. Banks of the Avon, canal, brooks, and wet shady
places. P. Fl. July, August. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
In all the Districts but not frequent. Leaves nearly sessile, ovate- .
lanceolate, slightly toothed. Flowers nearly sessile, opposite in
By Thomas Bruges Flower, Esq.
97
axillary pairs along the greater part of the stem, and all turned to
one side. Corolla large, blue, usually downy.
2. S. minor, (Linn.) lesser Skull-cap. Engl. Bot. t. 524.
Local it//. Moist heaths and boggy places, P. Fl. July, Seji-
f ember. Area, 1. * * 4 *
South Division.
1. South-east District, "Moist ground on Alderbury Common,"
Dr. Maton. Nat. Hist. Wilts " Near Salisbury," Mr. James FLussey.
North Division.
4. North-west District, " Swampy ground near the mill in Spye
Park," Dr. Alexander Prior.
A rare plant in Wilts, and the above localities are the only ones
at present recorded for it. More branched than the preceding and
scarcely one third its size. Leaves of the same shape but nearly
entire. Flowers not half so large as in S. galericulata ; of a delicate
pink colour, rarely inclining to blue ; the lower lip white, dotted
with red.
Prunella, (Ltnn.) Self-heal.
Linn. CI. xiv. Ord. i,
Name. Said to be derived from the German word Briiune, the
quinsy, which the plant is reputed to cure ; whence Brunella of
Ray altered into Prunella. The plant was formerly much used as
a vulnerary ; whence the English name Self-heal, which is a cor-
ruption of Slough- heal its old appellation.
1. P. v fly avis, (Linn.) common Self-heal. Engl. Bot. t. 961.
Locality. Meadows and pastures, especially in rather damp
situations. P. Fl. July, August. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Recorded in all the Districts. Leaves stalked, ovate, and nearly
entire. Corolla usually of a violet purple, rarely white, but varying
much in size and depth of colour. Flowers very densely whorled
so as to form an imbricated oblong spike.
Napeta, (Linn.) Cat-mint.
Linn. CI. xiv. Ord. i.
Name. From nepas a scorpion ; it being reputed efficacious
against the bite of that reptile.
98
The Flora of Wiltshire.
1. N. Gataria, (Linn.) Cat Mint. Engl. Bot. t. 137.
Locality. Dry banks by roadsides and waste places, especially
in a chalky or gravelly soil. P. Fl. July, Atigusl. Area,
1. * 3. 4.5.
South Division.
1. South-east District, "In a lane leading from St. Martin's
churchyard, Salisbury, into the turnpike-road,'' Dr. Maton. Nat.
Hist. Wilts. " Amesbury," Dr. Southly.
3. South-west District, " Harnham," Mr. James Hussey.
" Neighbourhood of Warminster," Mr. Wheeler.
North Division.
4. North-west District, About Rudlow Box, Slaughterford, and
Gastard. "Chippenham," Dr. Alexander Prior.
5. North-east District, Purton. " Great Bedwyn," Mr. William
Bartlett.
Not a common plant in Wilts. Stems 2 or 3 feet high. Whole
plant invested with a soft, short, velvet-like down. Corolla whitish,
tinged with rose-colour and sprinkled with deeper dots. Every
part of the plant exhales, when bruised, a pungent aromatic odour,
somewhat resembling that of Mentha Pulegium. Cats delight as
much in this scent as in that of Valerian, hence the English
name.
2. N. Glechoma, (Benth.) Ground Ivy. Engl. Bot. t. 853.
Glechoma hederacea, Linn.
Locality. Hedge-banks and waste places frequent. P. Fl. April,
June. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Recorded in all the Districts. Stems extensively creeping. Leaves
stalked, downy ; floral ones similar to the others. Flowers large,
blue, very rarely pure white ; the tube of the corolla at least twice
as long as the calyx.
[MelitHis Melissophyllum, (Linn.) Bastard Balm, Engl. Bot. t.
577 and 636, M. grandifiora, Sm. has been observed by the
Rev. E. Simms at Batt's Croft, Whiteparish (South-east
District) ; not having visited the locality, am unable to state
whether this most beautiful plant is truly wild in the above
station.]
By Thomas Bruges Flower, Esq.
99
Lamium, (Linn.) Dead-Nettle.
Linn. CI. xiv. Ord. i.
Name. From (laimos), the throat; so called from the ringent
flowers. The name Dead Nettle refers to the leaf, which resembles
that of the nettle, but is without the sting.
1. L. amplexicaule, (Linn.) stem-clasping, Hen-bit Dead
Nettle. The leaves embrace the stem (Lat.) caulis. Engl. Bot. t.
770. Reich. Icones,/. 373.
Locality. In cultivated land and waste places, especially on
chalk and gravel. A. Fl. May, August. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
In all the Districts. Lower leaves small, orbicular, on long
stalks ; the floral ones closely sessile, broadly orbicular, and deeply
crenate or cut. Corolla pale rose-colour ; the lower lip spotted
with crimson, the upper deep red and hairy on the outside ; tube
very long and slender.
2. L. purpurewm, (Linn.) red Dead Nettle. Engl. Bot. 769.
Locality. Hedge-banks, waste and cultivated ground. A. Fl.
May, August, Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Common in all the Districts, and one of the most troublesome
weeds in cultivated ground. Stem 6 or 8 inches high, branched
below, naked in the middle, bearing its leaves and flowers crowded
together at the apex. Leaves clothed with silky hairs, the upper
ones purplish. Corolla of a purplish red, shorter than in L. am*
plexicaule, (Linn.) A form of this plant with more deeply cut
leaves is often taken for L. incisum (Willd.)
3. L. incisum, (Willd.) cut-leaved Dead Nettle. Engl. Bot. t.
1933.
Locality. Cultivated and waste ground. A. Fl. April, June.
Area, * * 3. * *
South Division.
3, South-west District, "In a lane near Britford, not common,"
Major Smith.
This species has not been observed elsewhere in the county.
Closely allied to the last (L. purpureum), of which Bentham con-
siders it merely a variety.
4. L. album, (Linn.) White Dead Nettle. Engl. Bot. t. 768.
100
The Flora of Wiltshire.
Locality. Borders of fields, roadsides, and waste places abundant.
P. Fl. May, June, Arm, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Common in all the Districts. Flowers large, white, or cream- |
coloured, sometimes tinged with bluish. Anthers black. A beau-
tiful plant, which, were it less frequent would be highly prized, I
though in its abundance regarded only as a troublesome weed.
5. L. Galeoh'dolon, (Orantz) Yellow Archangel Weasel-snout.
From (gale), a weasel and (bdolos), a fetid smell ; in allusion to
the fetid smell of G. Inteum ; hence, too, the name Weasel-snout.
Engl'. Bot. t. 787. G. luteiim, Sm. G. montanum, Reich.
Locality. In moist woods, thickets, and shady lanes. P. Fl.
May, June. Area,-!. 2. 3. 4. 5.
General in all the Districts. Flowers whorled, large and hand-
some. Corolla yellow, the lower lip variegated with deep orange
and crimson specks ; the upper lip downy on the outside.
Galeopsis, (Linn.) Hemp Nettle.
Linn. CI. xiv. Ord. i.
Name. From (gale), a weasel, and (opsis), appearance; in
allusion to the mouth of the corolla gaping like that of an animal.
1. G. Ladanum, (Linn.) red Hemp Nettle. Ladanum is a Word
used by Pliny, and applied to this species with reference to its
supposed resemblance to a shrub Ledon or Ladon, from which a
gum is obtained called Ladanum. Engl. Bot. I. 884.
Locality. Fields, chiefly on chalk and clay. A. Fl. August,
September. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
In all the Districts. Leaves shortly stalked, narrow- ovate or
lanceolate, coarsely toothed. Flowers purple, in dense whorls in
the upper axils, the upper ones forming a terminal head. Calyx
teeth usually very pointed, the tube of the corolla considerably
longer than the calyx. It varies much in the breadth of the leaf
from ovate to nearly linear, in the degree of hairiness, and in the
size of the flower.
2. G. Tetrahit, (Linn.) common Hemp Nettle. From the Greek
(tetra), four ; with reference to the quadrangular stem. Engl. Bot,
t. 207. St, 62, 6.
By Thomas Bruges Floivcr, Esq.
101
Locality. Waste and cultivated ground, and in copses for a
year or two after they have been cut. A. Fl. June, September,
Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Generally distributed throughout Wilts, and a troublesome weed
in cultivated land where the soil is gravelly. It is a variable
plant as to size and habit ; the colour of the corolla is in general
a pale purple, variegated with white. The whole plant is rough
with rigid bristles.
Sta'chys, (Linn.) "Woundwort.
Linn. CI. xiv. Ord. i.
Name. A word used by Pliny; from the Greek (stadias), an
ear of corn ; in allusion to the spiked inflorescence.
1. S. Betonica, (Benth.) Wood Betony. The name altered from
Beutonic, in Celtic ; hen, meaning head, and ion, good, or tonic ;
being a good cephalic. Betonica officinalis, Sm. Engl. Bot. t.
1142.
Locality. Woods, heathy and bushy places. P. Fl. July,
August. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
In all the Districts not unfrequent. Leaves oblong, somewhat
heart-shaped at the base ; lower ones on long hairy petioles ; upper
ones opposite, nearly sessile. Flowers reddish purple, or rose-
coloured, sometimes white, growing in a terminal oblong spike.
Calyx nearly glabrous.
2. S. sylvatica, (Linn.) wood or hedge Woundwort. Engl. Bot.
t. 416.
Locality. Woods and thickets. P. Fl. July, August. Area,
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Distributed throughout all the Districts. Whole plant dark green,
rough with hairs. Leaves heart-shaped, strongly serrated. In-
florescence terminal, consisting of numerous 6-flowered whorls.
Corolla deep purple, the lower lip prettily variegated with dark
lines and spots mixed with white. Petioles as long as the leaves
themselves.
3. S. palustris, (Linn.) Marsh Woundwort. Engl. Bot. t. 1675.
St. 18, 10.
102
The Flora of Wiltshire.
Locality. Banks of the river Avon, Canal, and in damp places.
P. Fl. July, August. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
General throughout the County. Hcsemblcs the last species, but
the leaves are much narrower; they are very shortly stalked,
oblong or lanceolate, slightly cordate at the base. Flowers of a
pale bluish purple, forming shorter and more crowded spikes than
in S. sylvatica. A variety with rather broader and longer-stalked
leaves and a longer tube to the corolla is the S. ambigua (Sm.) ;
this form should be looked for in the county.
4. S. arvensis, (Linn.) corn Woundwort. Engl. Bot. t. 1154.
Locality. Corn-fields on a damp loamy soil. A. Fl. August,
September. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
In all the Districts but not common. Stem branched, spreading,
often procumbent. Flowers small, the dull purple corolla scarcely
extending beyond the calyx. Nuts covered with minute dots and
scattered tubercles.
Ballota, (Linn.) Horehound.
Linn. CI. xiv. Ord. i.
Name derived from the Greek ballote, to reject ; on account of
its disagreeable smell.
1. B. fostida, (Lam.) stinking Horehound. Engl. Bot. t. 46.
Reich. Icones, 1041.
Locality. Dry hedge-banks and waste ground. F. Fl. July,
August. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Recorded in all the Districts, frequent. Stems 2 or 3 feet high.
Flowers in whorls, purple, sometimes white. Whole plant fetid.
A hard coarse plant covered with hairs.
Marrubium, (Linn.) White Horehound.
Linn. CI. xiv. Ord. i.
Name. A word used by Pliny, from the Hebrew marrob, bitter
juice ; the herb being extremely bitter, and a very old and popular
remedy for coughs and asthmas.
1. M. vulgar e, (Linn.) common or white Horehound. Engl. Bot.
t. 410.
By Thomas Bruges Flower, Esq.
103
Locality. Banks and dry waste ground. P. Fl. August, September.
Area, 1. * 3. * 5.
South Division.
1. South-east District, " Hedge-rows near the road from Downton
to Salisbury," Dr. Maton. Nat. Hist. Wilts.
3. South-ivest District, " Hedge-rows between Downton and
Charlton, not common," Major Smith. "Near Corsley," Miss
Griffith.
North Division.
5. North-east District, " Great Bedwyn," Mr. William Bartlett.
A rare plant in Wilts, although it may occasionally be found
in abundance at particular localities. Whole plant hoary, with a
white thick pubescence, or wooliness. Leaves orbicular, soft, and
much wrinkled. Flowers in dense whorls or clusters, small, of a
dirty white. Smell aromatic, flavour bitter.
Teucrium (Linn.) Germander.
Linn. CI. xiv., Ord. i.
Named from an ancient King of Troy, called Teucer, who is
said to have first employed this plant medicinally.
1. T. Scorodonia, (Linn.) garlick Germander or "Wood Sage.
(Shorodon) is the Greek for garlick, which this plant somewhat
resembles in odour. Engl. Bot. t. 1543.
Locality. Woods and dry stony places. P. Fl. July, August.
Area 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Distributed more or less throughout all the Districts. Leaves very
much wrinkled, ovate or lanceolate, with glandular resinous
mealiness beneath. Floivers yellowish white. Stamens purplish
red. The whole plant is extremely bitter, and has been sometimes
substituted for hops.
Ajtjga, (Linn.) Bugle.
Linn. CI. xiv. Ord. i.
Named from the Latin word (abigo), to drive away, in allusion to
its remedial qualities. Bugle may refer to the tubular, trumpet,
or hugle-hom shaped flowers.
104
The Flora of Wiltshire.
1. A. reptans, (Linn.) creeping or common Bugle. The term
reptans applies to the creeping scions. Engl. Bot. t. 489.
Locality. Woods and damp shady places. P. Fl. May, June.
Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Recorded in all the Districts. Flowers in close whorls in the axils
of nearly all the leaves; the upper ones forming a cylindrical
leafy spike Corolla blue, rarely flesh-colour or white, with the
tube much longer than the calyx.
2. A. Chama'pitys, (Schreb.) is stated in the 3rd edition of
English Botany, to have been found in Wilts. I should feel greatly
obliged to any Botanist for the locality, accompanied by a specimen.
ORDER. VERBENACEiE. (JUSS.)
This order (named after its type, Verbena), is closely allied to
the Labiatce, though the difference, which chiefly consists in the
ovarium, is considered sufficient to require its separation from that
order.
Yerbena, Linn. Vervain.
Linn. CI. xiv. Ord. ii.
Name. From the old Celtic word ferfaen.
1. V. officinalis, (Linn.) officinal or common Vervain. Engl.
Bot. t. 767. St. 3.
Locality. Roadsides and waste ground near houses. A. Fl.
July, August. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Generally distributed throughout Wilts. Lower leaves obovate or
oblong, stalked, and coarsely toothed or cut ; the tipper ones few,
sessile, and lanceolate. Flowers very small, in long slender spikes,
pale purple.
105
Jistorg of tje fanslj of jStocfetotr, ISilk
p*jj"J^HIS account of Stockton is taken from a MS. volume, very
^7jm1 carefully prepared by the late Rev. Thomas Miles, Rector
there : who died January, 1868. In his Preface to the volume,
Mr. Miles says that " it was compiled without any view of being
printed; which was his excuse for introducing minute details and
recording small matters which would be out of place in a printed
book, but might be interesting to those who were connected with
the Parish." Id order therefore to adapt the memoir to general
readers, much of the detail alluded to has been omitted.
The Editors are indebted to the kindness of Mrs. Yeatman of
Bath, for permission to use Mr. Miles's MS.
The parish of Stockton is situate on the south bank of the river
Wyly, in the broken Hundred of Elstub and Everley, in the
county of Wilts. The village is about five miles from Hindon,
and about the same distance from Heytesbary ; and is bounded
towards the north by the river, and Codford St. Mary ; on the east
side by Bapton ; west, by Sherrington ; and south, by Chilmark,
and Fonthill Bishop's.
The population of the parish was in 1801, 224 : in 1811, 224 :
in 1821, 261 : in 1831, 274 : and in 1841, 307 : in 1851, it was
299 : in 1861, 288.
Stockton is described in Domesday Book as the property of the
Bishop of Winchester, as Superior of the Monks of St. Swithin,
the Cathedral of Winchester being like some others, Conventual.
In a Charter of Freewarren granted to the Monks of Winchester,
Stockton is named among the other manors their property ; but
it does not appear in the account of the gifts of principal founders
of Winchester Cathedral, in Dugdale's Monasticon, nor does he
mention it in the account of the sale of Church Lands belonging
VOL. XII. — NO. XXXIV. K
By the Kev. Thomas Miles, M.A,
106" History of the Parish of Stockton, Wilts,
to the Seo of Winchester. It may possibly have passed to the
King in exchange, as it is valued in a Roll in the Augmentation
Office, 33rd Henry VIII. It does not appear how it came into
the possession of the Topp family, who are said by Sir Richard
Hoare to have been resident at Stockton, as tenants of the manor
under the Monks of St. Swithin, before the Reformation. It was
their property soon after that period, as it belonged to the father
of John Topp the founder of the manor house, who died in 1635.
The family of Poticary were settled and had property at Stockton
before the year 1590, but subsequently the whole parish became
the estate of the Topps. From them it passed to Robert Everard
Balch, Esq., of St. Audries, in Somersetshire, who married Susan
Everard, daughter and heir of Robert Everard and Susan Topp,
sister and at length heir of John Topp who died in 1745, the last
of the male line of the Stockton branch of the family. This John
Topp had two sisters ; Susan mentioned above, and Christiana, the
wife of Mr. Lansdown of Woodboro' near Bath, who had a portion
of the estate at Stockton which he sold to Mr. Pinchard. After
the death of Mr. John Pinchard, solicitor, of Taunton, grandson of
the purchaser, this freehold, consisting of a house and premises,
and 201a. lr. and 8p., was bought of his executors by Harry Biggs,
Esq. Mr. Balch sold his estate here about the year 1773 to Henry
Biggs, Esq., father of the present lord of the manor who is owner
of the whole parish, containing about 2100 acres, excepting the
Rector's glebe of 632 acres and 23 perches.
The surface of the parish rises gradually from the south bank of
the river Wyly, and contains meadow, pasture and arable land, with
a large extent of down and some wood. The downs are broken up, by
nature, and by British and Roman earthworks, into very picturesque
forms ; the upper part of them is bounded by Stockton wood, being
varied with groups of old thorns and plantations, the latter made
by the present lord of the manor. The old thorns on the glebe down
were unfortunately destroyed by Mr. John Chisman, the tenant in
1837. The parish is unenclosed ; the lands were divided and an
allotment given to the Rector in lieu of tythes by Act of Parlia-
ment, in 1815. An open district like the parish of Stockton can-
By the Rev. Thomas Miles. 107
not present any very picturesque features, but the higher parts of
the downs afford wild and extensive views over the surrounding
country. Towards the north is a dreary prospect over the plain to
the hills near Marlborough and Devizes. In other directions may
be seen Beacon Hill beyond Amesbury ; the spire of Salisbury
Cathedral, and the woods of Wardour, Fonthill and Longleat.
The downs also present traces of British or Roman works, which
extend along the edge of Stockton wood. Sir Richard Hoare
speaks of " the magnificent Station at Stockton-wood corner,,,
meaning probably the earth- works on the Rector's glebe. This
station appears to have extended westward to what is called the
Cow Down. Some men digging chalk here in 1833, found the
remains of ancient masonry, apparently enclosing a place of sepul-
ture. It was a long narrow cavity, about seven or eight feet in
length, two feet deep, and the same in width ; paved at the bottom ;
the sides walled, and the whole covered with slabs of stone. The
stones were set in lime mortar. The cavity was nearly full of
earth, in which were bones and a black substance like ashes, or the
residuum of a body, and pieces of earthenware. Near this was dis-
covered another similar cavity constructed like the former, but
only two or three feet square, and containing bones and the black
substance before mentioned. The stones were of the Chilmark
and Fovant quarries. On trial with an iron bar, they struck upon
masonry in several other places, and found broken earthenware and
bones. The pottery, of which a few specimens were preserved, is
of a very coarse kind ; some of it of light brown colour, and some
black. A piece of copper was found, apparently the cover of a
small vessel, but no coins. Sir Richard Hoare supposes this station
to have been upon the Roman road, between old Sarum and Uphill
on Severn, of which he gives the following account. "No traces
of this Road appear 'till you come to the Eastern corner of Grovely
wood, where the pitched causeway is perceptible at the distance of
3 and J miles from old Sarum. It traverses the whole of Grovely,
and comes> out at Dinton or Wyndham's Beeches. It crosses the
London road at the 90th mile stone; and leaving the fine British
works and subsequent Roman station at Stockton-wood corner, a
k2
108 History of the Parish of Stockton, Wilts.
little on the right enters Great Ridge wood, where it is at times
visible. The elevated ridge over which this causeway is conducted,
is thickly beset on each side by British settlements. The 'via*
emerges from the wood at the 15th milestone from old Sarum, and
continues along the line of the road from Warminster to Shaftes-
bury, which it traverses at milestone 6 from the former place. It
then crosses an open down to Lower Pertwood, where all traces of
it are lost close to a tumulus ; but it is supposed to have passed on
near Kingston Deveril to Maiden Bradley, and from thence thro'
some woods and a deep valley to Gaer Hill, from thence to the
Mendip Hills, and so on to Severn. " There are only four barrows
on Stockton Down. Two of them on Mr. Biggs' property are
square ones. There is a small round one in Rokeham Bottom, a
part of the glebe, and another by the green road to Hindon.
Some of these barrows were opened by Sir Richard Hoare. The
south side of Stockton down joins an extensive tract of woodland
called Great Ridge, which covers 2000 acres. A portion of this
woodland called Stockton wood, is within the bounds of the parish,
and adjoining it towards the west is a down farm of about 200
acres, sheltered by extensive plantations ; one of them named High
Grove, may be considered a small wood. These plantations were
all made by Harry Biggs, Esq., since he succeeded to the property.
In the dip below High Grove, are the farm buildings and two
labourer's cottages erected, partly with the materials of a game-
keeper's lodge, which stood at the edge of Stockton wood by the
gate which opens into the private road towards Chilmark. To
this cluster of buildings we may give the name of Biggsthorpe.
The village of Stockton stands in a very low situation near the
river Wyly, which bounds the parish towards the north. The
"Wyly, though an inconsiderable stream, is noticed by Spenser in
his "Fairy Queen," book iv., chap. 11.
" Next him went "Wylebourne with passage sly,
That of his wyliness his name doth take,
And of himself doth name the Shire thereby."
The vicinity of this " sly " river does not increase the beauty of the
village, which is separated from it by meadows irrigated through a
By the Rev. Thomas Miles.
109
considerable part of the year. Stockton is, however, considered a
pretty village. The cottages are many of them picturesque old
buildings, well grouped on each side of the road among orchards
and gardens, interspersed with many fine trees. In 1838, there
were 63 inhabited houses and tenements in the village, and one
tenement vacant, and the same in 1845. The eight dwellings in
the almshouse are included in the number of inhabited houses.
The Church is dedicated to St. John the Baptist, and contains a
chancel, nave, and aisles; a north porch, and a low tower at the
west end. The chancel is 16 feet 10 inches long, and 18 feet 6
inches wide. The nave is 36 feet 6 inches long, and the whole
width of the nave and aisles is 38 feet. The chancel is separated
from the nave by a thick wall, and is entered by a low obtusely
arched doorway, recessed, on each side of which is an arched opening
or squint. The small arches of the squints are chamfered on the
west side of the wall, the door-way on the east side. Two of the
brackets which supported the rood loft remain on the west side of
the wall. The floor of the chancel is raised only 3 inches above
that of the nave, and there are no altar steps. The chancel is
Early English, but none of the original work remains, except it be
a part of the south wall, and one, or perhaps both of the lancet
windows, and retains no interesting features. The north wall was
re-built by the Rev. Henry Grood, in the beginning of his incum-
bency, and the east end which had no foundation, and was gradually
falling outwards, was re-built in a very substantial manner by the
Rev. R. F. St. Barbe, in 1840. The east window consists of 3 lancets,
the centre one rising above the others, enclosed in a large outer arch,
with an external and internal label, with corbel heads. It is in all
respects a fac-simile of the old window, excepting that the old win-
dow had a light in the form of a pointed oval, or vesica piscis, over
the middle lancet. The lancets are chamfered on the outside, and on
the inside are surrounded by a triple roll moulding, which is carried
round the head of the outer arch. There are no windows in the north
wall. The door in this wall was made by the Rev. R. F. St. Barbe,
in 1832. He also raised the ceiling, and put on a new roof when the
east end was re-built in 1840. On the removal of the old ceiling,
110
History of the Parish of Stockton, Wilts.
it appeared that the chancel had been formerly ceiled, in the form
of a lofty pointed arch, and that the walls had been painted in oil,
on a smooth surface of plaster. Traces of this painting were found
under the white-wash, when the east window was scraped, in 1828,
and as the old ceiling cut off the upper part of the window, and
had preserved the wall above from the white- wash, the design of the
painting was clearly made out. The ground was a dull white,
marked out by rather wide double lines of black or chocolate, in
imitation of regular stone work; on each stone was a black
quatrefoil, and a sprig of a dull yellow colour. The splay of the
window had larger black quatrefoils at regular distances, without
the imitation of stone work. Above the label of the window was
inscribed " O come let us worship and fall down, and kneel before
the Lord our Maker," Psalm 95, 6. The corbel heads had been
painted, and had black eye-brows. The painting was probably
not very ancient, but had an ornamental effect. The communion
table is of oak, not older perhaps than the time of James I., and
was in a very dilapidated state in 1842, when it had a new oak top,
and was thoroughly repaired. The altar rails were of the meanest
description until December, 1847, when Mr. St. Barbe presented
to the church a very handsome oak railing. There are two square
pews in the chancel.
The nave has on each side two lofty pointed arches, supported
by low heavy pillars, and respond ; with square capitals, and bases
of transition Norman character. The arches are recessed, and
chamfered on both sides. The capitals of the piers differ on the
south side of the nave ; on the north side they are alike, though
that of the respond at the west end varies in some respects, and is
peculiar in its form. The wall on each side connecting the piers
and arches with the chancel, is pierced with a small arch, pointed;
that on the south side moulded round, the arch on the north side,
chamfered. The tower arch is early English, recessed and widely
chamfered, supported on half columns with only a 2- inch round at
the spring of the arch in the place of a cap. In the wall above
was a lancet window to give light from the church into the tower ;
it is now plastered up. The clerestory is perpendicular, with three
By the Rev. Thomas Miles.
Ill
square-headed two-light windows on each side ; the heads of the
lights are cinquefoiled. The north aisle, at least the west end of
it, is probably of the same period as the piers and arches in the
nave, and contains one of the original obtusely pointed lancets in the
west wall, and there is a projecting stone, near which seems to be
part of a vaulted ceiling over the aisle. The east end of this aisle
has been re-built and widened to receive the monument of the
founder of Stockton House ; and the three-light window in the
east wall was probably inserted at that time. Some -fragments of
windows used up in raising the walls of the porch, probably belong
to this aisle. The south aisle is considered to be of decorated
character, and is the most interesting part of the church. It has
a doorway, obtusely pointed, and two square headed windows of
two lights, with trefoiled ogee heads in the south wall ; and a
window of the same kind at each end. There is a plain piscina at
the east end of the south wall, and near the centre of this wall
was a pointed arch, moulded, about seven feet high, serving as a
canopy over a female effigy, reclining on the left side, her feet
resting on a dog. There is a handsome oak roof with moulded
beams over this aisle. This part of the church was thoroughly
repaired in the year 1844.
The monumental effigy before mentioned, was found half buried
at the foot of the wall, the arch over it having been mutilated and
partly walled up, to receive a large marble tablet to the memory of
Henry Greenhill, who died in 1708. A skeleton was discovered
about three feet below the effigy, the bones of which were carefully
collected and buried in a small cavity made in the foundation of
the new wall, close to the place where they were found. The effigy
was removed to the only situation where it could be exposed to
view in the new wall ; viz., under the window near the west end,
where an arched recess was formed to receive it, lower, but similar
to the original one ; the first stones of the arch being those which
supported the old one. The effigy was, perhaps, at first, on a level
with the floor ; but it was thought best to raise it on a low tomb
in its new situation, that it might be seen to more advantage.
Nothing is known as to the person represented by this figure ; but
112
History of the Parish of Stockton, Wilts.
as the mouldings correspond with the other mouldings in the aisle,
and the arch was evidently formed when the old wall was erected,
it is supposed to be the monument of the person who rebuilt the
south aisle, and probably founded a chantry there in the decorated
period. That there was a chantry in this aisle is proved by the
discovery of a piscina at the east end of the south wall, behind the
brass which commemorates Elizabeth Poticary, who died A.D.
1590. The arch of the piscina had been destroyed, that the stone
to which the brass is attached might be let into the wall. The
drain and the fragments of the first stones of the arch over it, were
the only remains of the piscina. It was restored when the south
wall was rebuilt, the mouldings of the arch being copied from the
fragments of the old one. It was impossible to make out the form
of the original arch, but some pieces of the broken mouldings
led to the supposition that it might have been of an ogee form,
similar to the heads of the window lights. The stone brackets
which support the north side of the roof of this aisle, are the old
ones ; those in the south wall are new. The coats of arms in front
of these brackets, are those of the See of Winchester, (the Bishop
of that see being patron of the Rectory,) of the Rector ; and of the
lord of the manor. The shield at the west end of the wall bears the
cross of St. George. The corbel heads over the east and west win-
dows, are also new ; that over the west window replacing an old one,
of which only a fragment remained. The font is of Transition Nor-
man character, probably of the same date as the nave piers, to
which it bears a strong resemblance, being a heavy short pillar on
a square base, with a circular capital hollowed out for the bowl.
It is lined with lead, and has a drain and a modern inappropriate
cover. The old staples, used to fasten down the cover, remain.
It stands in its original place under the western arch, on the south
side of the nave. The font was thoroughly restored in 1844.
The pulpit is of carved oak, of rather a handsome pattern, probably
not older than the time of James I. or Charles I. The seats in the
church are principally old oak benches, with plain standards. The
west end of the nave is disfigured by a modern gallery of painted
deal. There is accommodation in the church and chancel for about
By the Rev. Thomas Miles.
113
215 persons. The stonework of the piers and arches and the
window frames, excepting the three windows on the south side of the
clerestory, has been cleared of whitewash, and in doing this, much
of the painting with which the walls were once decorated, was
exposed. Nothing that could be called a picture, or figure, was
discovered. The best specimen was found behind the pulpit, where
a part of it may be seen under the seat. The pillar by the reading
desk and wall above it, were coloured with red ochre, on which
was a pattern in black or chocolate, of entwined branches and
leaves. On the west front of the pillar, was a large circle enclos-
ing a shield, in which, on a greyish ground, was the monogram
I.H.S. in red letters, the upper part of the H formed into a cross.
On the wall over the entrance to the chancel, the painting was
in a different style, and better executed. The ground here was
grey, the pattern shades of grey and black, with a few touches of
red : the design was a grove of palm trees. All the painting was
in distemper, probably on the original plaster, the surface being
extremely rough. On several of the coats of whitewash which
covered the painting, were found texts of scripture in old English
character, the letters black and red. The east wall of the nave
seemed to have been once nearly covered with inscriptions, in-
cluding the Commandments and texts of Scripture, as was also
the wall above the arches on the north side of the nave. Only
two of the texts were legible ; namely, one on the east wall above
the pulpit ; " Give the King thy judgments, 0 God, and thy
righteousness unto the King's son." And on the north wall, "It
is not good that the man should be alone, I will make him an help
meet for him." The texts were generally enclosed in borders,
some of them of good design. As the painting was done in water
colour, the greater part of it came off with the white-wash, and
only a small specimen on the east wall could be left exposed.
There was formerly some painted glass in the centre light of the
window at the east end of the north aisle, the fragments of which
are preserved. They are the remains of the coat of arms of the
Topps, the same as those over the almshouse gateway ; there had
been an escutcheon of pretence in the middle. Among the frag-
114 History of the Parish of Stockton, Wilts.
monts were parts of a border of earlier date than the coat of arras,
and bunches of fruit. These last were placed in the corners of one
of the windows of the south aisle in 1844. When Sir Richard
Iloare visited the church, he observed hanging in the nave an iron
frame, with some pieces of tattered ribbon attached to it. This
he says, is one of the last memorials of a custom now disused in
this part of England ; viz., that of carrying a garland decorated
with ribbons at the funeral of a young unmarried woman. It was
afterwards suspended in the church. Sir Richard says, "in this
case the custom which had long become obsolete, was revived at
the particular request of a person buried 30 years before, and the
remains of the garland still exist." The remains have since dis-
appeared ; but some of the old parishioners remember the garland
in tolerable preservation. Until the year 1833, the pulpit was
covered with what had been a splendid pulpit cloth of rich purple
velvet, edged with narrow gold fringe. In front of it were the
initials of the donor, and the date of the gift (J. T., 1681), in
massive gold embroidery. It was the gift of one of the Topp
family who were liberal benefactors to their parish church. This
pulpit cloth was removed in 1833, it being so much decayed as to
be no longer a decent ornament. The gold letters and date were
placed on a piece of the velvet which retained some of its colour,
and hung up in a frame in the church as a frail memorial of
the donor. He has no other monument. The velvet cover of the
cushion had long disappeared, and a new cover of handsome
crimson cloth, was presented by Mr. St. Barbe, who at the same
time gave a crimson cloth for the communion table.
The church is indebted to the piety of the Topp family for a
very beautiful altar-cloth, and for a massive service of communion
plate. Few village churches can boast of such an ornament as this
altar-cloth, which is still in good preservation. It is of large size,
and covers, not only the table, but the wall behind it, being sus-
pended from brass hooks in the string course below the cill of
the east window. The ground of the cloth is a kind of rich yellow
satin, on which is a pattern of purple and red velvet. It is joined
together in broad stripes, the pattern being alternately red and
By the Rev. Thomas Miles.
115
purple. The communion plate presented by the Topps, consists of
two massive flagons, which stand a foot high, on each is the arms
of Topp. On the covers is inscribed "Deo et Ecclesiao," and round
the bottom of each, "The gift of John Topp, the elder, Esq., 1640."
The chalice and paten were presented by another member of the
Topp family. These are also massive ; the chalice stands nine
inches high, and on it is engraved the arms of Topp, impaling
argent, on a bend voided, three fusils ermine ; and this inscription,
"Ex dono John Topp, Esq., to the Church of Stockton in the
County of Wilts." A handsome silver alms basin was presented
to the church by Mr. and Mrs. St. Barbe in 1844.
Stockton Church contains more monuments than are usually
found in so small a church. There are six in the chancel. The
oldest is on the north end of the east wall. It is a black marble
slab, enclosed in a frame of alabaster, formerly painted and gilded,
supported by a small cherub. It has this inscription : —
" If men should be silent, this stone shall speak the due praises of God's
grace in John Terry, lately a faythful, paynful, vigilant and fruitful Minister
of God's truth in this Church of Stockton. He was bom of substantial parent-
age at Long Sutton, in Hampshire ; bredde a well deserving Member of New
College in Oxford ; freely presented to this charge by the Right Rev. Bishopp
of Winchester, Cooper, An. Dom. M.D.X.C., and now in his ripe age of LXX.
An. Do. M.DC.XXY., May xxx., sleepeth happily in the public Cemetary of
this Church, till the last trumpet shall awake hitn to a joyfull resurrection in
Christ !
He lived, he learn'd, he wrat, he tought,
Well, much, truly, duly, he brought
Hoame the lost sheep, which Christ's Blood bought,
Against Hell's power he stoughtly fought.
Terrse Terra datur, Ca?lum sed spiritus ornat,
Mundus habet famani, lusa Gehenna fremit."
On the north side of the wall is a stone monument to the Rev.
Samuel Fyler and his wife. It was originally placed before the
centre-light of the east window, and the cherub which supported
it remained there till the wall was rebuilt in 1840, when it was
placed on the outside of the wall, over the window. The monument
was removed by Mr. Good, to the centre of the north wall, and
from thence it was removed to its present situation, when the
chancel door was made in 1832. The monument is thus inscribed :—
116 History of the Parish of Stockton, Wilts.
" Ilic infra conduntur mortales exuvia) Samuelis Fyler, A.M. hujus Parochial
per quadragenta prope annos Rectoris, et Ecclesia) Cathedralis de Sarum
Succentoris, Pastoris fidelis, Patris optirai, vera in Deum et Proximum charitate
imbuti, inter primos docti, et Fidei vere Catholiose contra Arii ot Socini
Sectatores assertoris studiosi. Qui pluribus annis rnorbo chronico fatigatus
.iEstmate tandem correptus a laboiibus quievit 13° idus Maij anno salutis nos-
tra? M.DCC. iij., ^Etatis sua) 74."
" Jacet sub eodem tumulo Maria Fyler, uxor ejus, unica filia Tho. Hyde
S.T.P., et Ecclesise predictse Cathedralis Precentoris ; Q,ua3 obijt 6° idus Maij
An. Dom. 1676."
On the south wall between the two lancet windows, is a handsome
marble monument, which has a very long, pompous, Latin inscrip-
tion to " the Rev. David Price, L.L. B. of Christ Church, Oxford, first,
lecturer at Bewdley, county Worcester, then Incumbent of Portland,
county Dorset, in 1727. Whence in 1730, he was removed to
Stockton, by Bishop Willes. He was Rector for 35 years, and dying
at Salisbury, 12th November, 1771, aged 70 years, was buried here.
Also his two wives; Rebecca, died 12th March, 1744, aged 43;
and Anna, died 28th January, 1760, aged 58."
On the north wall, west of the door, are two plain marble slabs,
thus inscribed,
" Sacred to the memory of the Rev. Henry Good, 33 years Rector of this
Parish, who departed this life 2nd July, 1824, aged 60. Also of Eleanor,
relict of the above Rev. Henry Good, who died April 7th, 1836, aged 70."
" Sacred to the memory of Anne, relict of the Rev. Henry Good, S.T.P. of
"Wimborn Minster, Dorset, who died 23rd June, 1817, aged 90. Also of
William Hiley, son of the Rev. Henry Good, Rector of this Parish, and Eleanor
his wife; who died 11th April, 1804, aged 4 months. And of Charles, their
second son, who died 21st June, 1824, aged 22 years."
On the south wall, near the east end, is another marble slab,
thus inscribed : —
"Near this place is interred the body of William Wansboro Pin chard of
Stockton, Gentleman, who departed this life Janry. 28th, 1815, aged 80 years.
Also of Anne his wife, daughter of the Rev. David Price, M.A., formerly Rector
of Stockton. She died 15th June, 1822, aged 88 years."
There are three or four grave-stones forming part of the floor
within the altar rails. One of them is a large slab of Purbeck
marble, without inscription. On the stone adjoining is inscribed,
" Here hides the depositum of Mrs. Mary Fyler, who died May 28th, An0.
Dom. 1676. My Redeemer liveth."
By the Rev. Thomas Miles.
117
There are three monuments to members of the Topp family, in
the north aisle of the church. The oldest is one of those handsome
canopied stone tombs which were in fashion in the time of Elizabeth
and James 1st. It is a good specimen of the style, and is supposed
to commemorate the builder of Stockton House, John Topp, Esq.,
who died 1632, and his wife Mary, eldest daughter of Edward
Hooper, Esq., of Boveridge, Dorset, who died in 1617. There are
no traces of an inscription, but the arms of Topp, impaling Hooper,
carved on the gable, prove it to be the monument of the founder of
Stockton House. The recumbent effigies are uninjured, excepting
that the feet of the female figure are gone, and an ornament on
the top of her head-dress, was broken by a fall of a part of the
vaulting over it in 1840. On the west side of this tomb is a
mural monument of black and grey marble. On a shield above the
cornice, are the arms of Topp, impaling, Azure, a chevron between
three pheons Or, within a bordure ermine, for Swayne. The in-
scription is as follows: —
" Extra sacros hos parietes, jacent ex voto Joannes Topp, generosus, ejus-
dem nominis junior, et Elizabetha uxor ejus, Ideoque nunc extra jaeent quia
multum prius intra, : genuina nempe pietas deprimendo elevat cultores, ascendit-
que deorsum. Extra Templum jacent qui tot viva Dei instaurarunt Templa,
quique indies ipsum Templi Dominum vestierunt et cibarunt. Vixerunt
hilariter Deo aliisque, et sic optime sibi ipsis. Sublatos hos ex oculis lugent quot-
quot norunt, et non parce Curatores Testamenti qui pia fidelitate haec posuerunt
marmora, Anno Dom. M.DC.LXIIII." (He was the eldest son of John Topp
and Mary Hooper.)
The other monument in the north aisle rests on the cap of the
east pier, fronting west. It is in the form of a shield of white
marble, and has this inscription : —
" Alexander Topp, Citizen and Merchant of Bristol, 4th son of Edward Topp,
Esq., and Christiana his wife, died 30th January. 1738, in the 41st year of his
age, and at his own request was brought to Stockton, and buried near this
place."
" Edward Topp. 2nd son of the same Edward and Christiana Topp, who
died in London 24th of Feb?., 1740, also lies here. Mors Janua Yitse."
This Edward Topp is supposed to have been buried in the nave,
under a stone marked E. T., where a skeleton was found when the
grave was opened to receive the remains of Mrs. Henry Biggs.
The bones were re-buried in the same place.
118
Iliatonj of the Pariah of Stockton, Witts.
In the south aisle there are five monuments, besides the recum-
bent effigy before mentioned. Three of them are connected with
the Poticary family. The oldest is an altar-tomb of freestone,
against the east end of the south wall. On a shield in one of the
front panels is a sort of P., supposed to be the merchant's mark of
the family, who were clothiers, and probably not entitled to bear
arms. On a similar shield on the other panel, are the letters E.P.
Over the tomb is a brass enclosed in a stone frame, inscribed as
below : —
" Here shee interred lyes, deprived of breath,
Whose light of virtue once on earth did shine,
Who life contemn' d, ne feared gastly death,
Whom world, ne worldly cares could cause repine.
Hesolved to dye, with hope in Heaven placed,
Her Christ to see, whom living shee embraced.
In prayer fervent still, in zeal most strong ;
In death delighting God to magnify :
' How long wilt thou forget me Lord ? ' This song
In greatest pangs was her sweet harmony.
Forget thee ! No : He will not thee forget ;
In Book of Lyfe for aye thy name is set.
Elizabeth Potieary, wife of Hierom Poticary, Clothier, deceased at the age
of 35 years, A.D. 1590."
Above this inscription is engraved a female figure kneeling
before a desk, and behind her a male, and four female figures also
kneeling. Close to this monument, but on the east wall, is a large
mural monument of freestone, on which is a shield with the same
P., or merchant's mark. In the centre of the monument is a brass
inscribed with some ordinary Latin verses, to the memory of
Hieronymus (Jerome) Poticary, who died 3rd May, 1596, aged 52,
placed here by his son Christopher. Below this inscription are a
male figure and three sons on one side, and on the other, a female
and three daughters, all kneeling.
Against the south wall is a handsome marble monument, to the
memory of Henry Greenhill. The arms above it are, Vert, 2 bars
argent, in chief a leopard passant, or; impaling, argent, on a
chevron azure, 3 garbs, or; on a canton, gules, a fret, or. The
inscription is as follows : —
" Henry Greenhill, Esq., son of John Greenhill of Shiple (i.e. Steeple) Ash-
By the Rev. Thomas Miles.
119
ton, in the Co. of Wilts, Esq., and Penelope his wife, daughter of Richard
Champneys of Orchardleigh, in the Co. of Somerset, Esq. Born in this parish
the 21st of June, 1646; went to sea very young, made many voyages to the
West Indies, and visited most other parts of the known world. In the year
1676, he did the Dutch signal service by burning and destroying several
French ships at Petit Guavas, for which he was generously rewarded by the
Lords of the Admiralty. In 1680, the Royal African Company sent him to
Cabo Corso Castle, their agent General, and chief Governor of the Gold coast of
Africa. In 1685, he was elected elder Brother of the Trinity House of Deptford
Strond, to the poor of which Corporation he was a good Benefactor. In 1689,
he was made Commissioner of the Transport Office, and in 1691, appointed one
of the principal Officers and Commissioners of the Navy. He laid the founda-
tion and finished the Buildings of Her Majesty's Dockyard near Plymouth,
where he died the 24th of May, 1708, and lies interred near this place."
The Greenbills were from remote antiquity substantial yeomen,
residing at Steeple Ashton, Wilts. The name occurs in the parish
register as early as 1561.
John Greenhill of Steeple Ashton.
Henry Greenhill, = Anna,
of Steeple Ashton,
Gent., marr"1. 1608.
Eldest son.
Disclaimed arms
1623.
dau. of
Jerome
Potecary.
Burd. Nov.,
15th, 1687.
Richard
Champneys
of Orchardleigh.
= Honor,
dau. of
Francis
Chaldecot.
John Greenhill, =Penelope.
settled at Sarum.
Appointed by Bp.
Henchman, Regis-
trar of the Diocese.
Jno. Hungerford ^Elizabeth
John. Honor.
John Greenhill,
a painter of emi-
nence. Born at
Sarum cir 1644 — 5.
Died 19 May, 1676.
Buried at St. Giles',
London.
Henry,* :
Baptized at
Stockton,
22nd June, 1646.
Buried there
24th May, 1708.
Edward, Honor.
The arms which Henry Greenhill of Steeple Ashton assumed
and his descendants continued, were disclaimed at the Herald's
Visitation at Salisbury, in 1623. These arms, impaled with Abbots
*The arms on his monument shew that his wife's name was "Eardley." He was no doubt the
same Henry Greenhill to whom a ring was given at Pepy's funeral p. 120,
120 History of the Parish of Stockton, Wilts.
once in tho Council House, Salisbury, are now in the drawing
room of Mr. George Benson in the Close.
John Greenhill the painter, was a pupil of Sir Peter Lely, and
is said to have excited by his talents the jealousy of his master.
He painted portraits of several of the eminent men of his time.
His portrait of Bishop Seth Ward, said to be a noble picture, is in
the Council House at Salisbury. It was painted in 1673. His
portrait of the philosopher John Locke, has been engraved in
Lord King's memoirs of Locke. He also painted Lord Shaftesbury
when Lord Chancellor, in 1672. There is an etching by him of
his younger brother Henry, dated 1667, in the British Museum,
and there is a portrait of John Greenhill, painted by himself,
bequeathed to Dulwich College by William Cartwright, of whom
there is also a portrait there by the same artist. This portrait of
John Greenhill is engraved in Dallaway's Edition of Walpole's
Anecdotes of Painting. Sir Peter Lely is said to have settled £40
a year on John Greenhill's widow, of whom nothing is known.
The painter appears to have been of dissipated habits. He was
found in a kennel in Long Acre, and died in the night of May
19th, 1676. His father, John, was at one time engaged in the
East India trade, and his Uncle Joshua Greenhill, described as a
merchant and soldier, died at Balasore in the East Indies, in 1652.
(See History of Salisbury, in Hoare's Modern Wilts).
Henry Greenhill, an officer in the Navy, had a 15s. ring at the
funeral of Samuel Pepys the Diarist.
Near this monument is a black marble slab, sculptured with the
coat of arms of Greenhill, thus inscribed : —
" Here lieth interred the body of Henry Greenhill, Esq. who departed this
life the 24th of May, 1708, aged 62 years."
Before the repairs in the south aisle, this slab was nearly covered
by the floor of a pew. It was originally placed over only a part
of the brick grave in which the body lies. It was moved a little
towards the west, that it might be seen in the aisle, and still covers
as much of the grave as it did originally. Henry Greenhill left
£25 to the poor of the parish, and an account of the distribution
of it is given in the old Churchwarden's book. He was connected
By the Rev. Thomas Miles.
121
with the Poticarys, which accounts for his being born and buried
at Stockton. The Greenhills of Steeple Ashton bore the same
arms, and may have been connected with a family of that name,
who owned the manor of Hide in Abbots' Langley, in the County
of Herts. Henry Greenhill, of Greenhill in the parish of Harrow
on the Hill, Middlesex, purchased the manor of Hide, and died
seized of it in 1655 ; and it descended to his posterity. (Chauncey's
Herts, Vol. 2, p. 337).
Over the south door are two small marble slabs to the memory
of two daughters of Mr. William Wansboro Pinchard, who both
died unmarried.
In an arched recess under the window at the west end of the
south wall is the recumbent effigy of the foundress of this aisle,
(as is supposed,) of which an account has already been given. On
the west side of the wall which separates the nave and chancel, is
a very handsome monument, executed in Caen stone, by Mr. Osmond
of Salisbury, and erected a few years since, by Harry Biggs, Esq.,
to the deceased members of his family. It is in the decorated
style of Gothic, richly ornamented. In the gable are the family
arms, and the slab is thus inscribed : —
"Sacred to the memory of Henry Biggs, Esq., who died March 31st, 1800,
aged 77 years.
Also of Diana his wife, who died June 30th, 1818, aged 89 years.
Also of Margaretta Anne, eldest daughter of Harry Biggs, Esq., only son of
Henry and Diana Biggs, born Oct. 11th, 1819.
Also of Mary Anne, wife of Henry Godolphin Biggs, Esq., and second
daughter of William Wyndham, Esq., of Dinton, born Jan. 23rd, 1798; died
Feb. 12th, 1838.
Also of Arthur William Biggs, Major of 7th Hussars, youngest son of
Harry Biggs, Esq., born Aug. 9th, 1804; died Nov. 2nd, 1840."
The dark coloured stone under the tower arch (which was removed
into the church-yard in 1849, when the tower arch was restored), is
an ancient coffin lid of Purbeck marble, the upper side turned down.
It was examined in 1846. The upper end has been broken off
through the head of the cross, which appeared to have been formed
of circles. The edge of the stone is widely chamfered between two
beads. It is unfortunately too much injured to be restored.
(To he continued.)
VOL. XII. — NO. XXXIV. L
122
(Dit % ^iment Use of a small Clag Cup,
fomtfl wag Cowgljion in MatfoitRsire,
AND COMPARISON OF IT WITH STONE YeSSELS OF A SIMILAR SIZE FOUND
in Orkney, and Collateral Elucidation of the use of clay
vessels called Incense Cups, discovered in the Barrows of
"Wiltshire and elsewhere.
By the Rev. A. H. Winnington Ingkam, F.G.S., Hon. Canon.
HE cup represented in its actual size, plate I., fig. 1, was
found four feet below the surface in a gravel-pit on the
bank of the river Arrow, near the village of Coughton, Warwickshire,
It is of rude workmanship, and made of coarse gritty pottery,
projecting at the sides into three ears perforated with holes, through
which some ligament has doubtless been inserted for the convenience
of carrying or suspending it. I dismiss the idea that it was em-
ployed as a drinking vessel because its cavity, only 1J inch in
depth, seems too shallow to favour that supposition. The opinion
which I have formed concerning its use after comparing it with
the stone vessels, plate I., figs. 2, 3, placed in my hands at
Edinburgh by the courtesy of Mr. Macculloch, the Curator of the
Museum of Antiquaries of Scotland where they are preserved, is,
that it, and the hollowed stone, plate I., fig. 4, found in Aberdeen-
shire, and clay cups of a similar depth of cavity, and diameter of
orifice, such as the vessels called incense cups, a specimen of which,
found also in Aberdeenshire, is represented plate I., fig 5, serve for
the purpose of containing pigment which was mingled in them
by the primitive races of our island, with a view to staining their
bodies. The custom of body-painting in Britain in ancient times,
seems to have extended to both sexes. Csesar (Com. V. 14.), informs
us that the Britons dyed their bodies with woad to give themselves
a bluish colour and become more terrible in battle. Pliny, (Nat.
Hist, xxii., 2) writes, " There is a plant in Gaul called by the name
On the Ancient Use of a small Clmj Cup, 123
of Glastum. "With this both matrons and girls in Britain are in
the habit of staining their bodies all over when they take part in
the performance of certain sacred rites." So the North American
Indians stain their faces with red paint before battle.
"And they stood there on the meadow
"With their weapons and their war gear,
Painted like the leaves of Autumn,
Painted like the sky of morning." — Hiawatha I.
And after the combat, they
"Washed the war paint from their faces." — Hiawatha I.
The same Indians, before they engage in certain dances, put
white clay on their bodies. And the New Zealand Chief coloured
his ^ skin with red ochre to make himself smart for the reception of
strangers.
The observations of Caesar and Pliny, confirmed by the analogous
customs of modern uncivilized races indicate then that body-painting
must have been a frequent process with the early inhabitants of our
island. It is therefore a natural supposition that a cup in which to
mingle war paint would form part of a warrior's kit on a hostile ex-
pedition, and one to contain ornamental body paint would be among
the articles of toilet used by Britons of both sexes in their huts or
wigwams. Of such a character were, doubtless, the two stone pots,
plate L, figs 2, 3, discovered in a Picts house at the bay of Skaill
Orkney ; for of these the oblong one, fig. 2 actually contained red
pigment, and the angular one, fig. 3 exhibited manifest traces of
its contents having been once of a similar nature. No one will
be surprised then that acquaintance with such a discovery should
have suggested to the writer of this paper the supposition that the
use of the Coughton cup and the so called incense cups might have
been the same as that of the stone pots of Orkney, with this
exception, that through the perforated ears of the Coughton cup, and
the pairs of holes in the incense cups, which Sir Richard C. Hoare,
who gave that name to those vessels, probably supposed were
draught holes to cause the incense to burn freely, might have been
inserted some ligament for the purpose of the suspension of those
articles to the person, or to the walls of the habitation of the early
l2
124 On the Ancient Use of a small Clay Cup,
Briton, while the stone pots of Orkney and probably the hollowed
stone of Aberdeenshire, having no means of suspension, were
carried in the lappet of the savages hide-cloak, or stood in his
habitation to be employed in the use for which they were fabricated.
I am aware that this opinion which I have advanced concerning
the ancient use of the so-called incense cups conflicts with the
ideas of the eminent archaeologists Sir John Lubbock and Professor
Daniel Wilson, both of whom consider those vessels to have been
employed as lamps, the latter writer intimating that the perforations
were made to admit of their suspension. The specimens however,
to which the author of the "Pre-historic Annals of Scotland" refers
in that valuable work, page 424, are in the same museum which
contains the stone pots from Orkney, and were with them submitted
to my inspection by the curator. Of the three clay cups thus
referred to, and represented in Professor Wilson's work, plate vi.,
fig. 78, the one found at Rolandshay, Orkney, has four perforations,
one pair opposite to the other pair at the bottom. These holes,
which would, according to my supposition about the use of such a
vessel, serve very well for the insertion of ligaments that might
lap over the outside of the cup, and suspend it and its contents
safely, provided that what it held was of the consistency of pigment,
would certainly allow oil or blubber, which it has been supposed
was at that time used to nourish the flame of the wick, to exude.
The cup found near Dunbar I observed to have only one pair of
holes on one side, and so to be incapable of suspension as a lighted
lamp by means of a ligament drawn through them. By this
instrumentality however the vessel might have been hung up
empty or full, if its contents were caked together and solid as pigment
would probably be when dry ; or if a small osier twig had been
bent and inserted into the holes to serve as a handle, the owner
might with convenience have mingled and carried paint in the
vessel. The third clay cup figured in Professor Wilson's work,
found at Old Penrith, Cumberland, has one pair of holes together
at the bottom, and is therefore open to both the objections already
stated against its use as a lighted lamp. On the other hand it
might have been employed as a pigment pot, and by means of a
Pl, I.
found near Coughton in Warwickshire.
125
| ligament passed through the holes, carried about the warrior's
person, or suspended in his habitation. But my supposition that
the so-called incense cups served the purpose of vessels in which
to mingle body-paint does not rest solely on their adaptation for
that use, and their inapplicability for other uses suggested by
eminent archaeologists, and on the important discovery of stone pots
of similar capacity, and actually containing red pigment, or traces
of it, in Orkney ; but appears to receive further important corrob-
oration from the following piece of direct evidence. In a cist at
Liffs, in Derbyshire, three bits of red ochre were found associated
with an incense cup, as recorded in Bateman's vestiges of the
Antiquities of Derbyshire, transcribed in Sir John Lubbock's
Pre-historic times, page 94. On these grounds the writer of this
article presumes to hope that his readers will recognize a probability
in his supposition, that the Coughton cup and the so-called incense
cups represent in pottery the ruder stone vessels of Orkney.
In fact, we may conclude from our knowledge of the prevalence
of the custom of body-painting among the primitive inhabitants
of our island, that these vessels were used to contain pigment ;
that they would be discovered on the site of their habitations,
and would also be found associated with their interments.
DESCRIPTION OF PLATE.
Fig. 1. — Clay cup (actual size), found as described in this paper, near the
village of Coughton, Warwickshire. Depth of cavity, lfinch; diameter of
orifice, 2 inches ; has red stain inside.
Fig. 2. — Stone vessel (half size). Depth of cavity, 1 inch ; diameter of
orifice, 2| inches ; found in a Pict's house at the bay of Skaill, Orkney ; contains
red pigment.
Fig. 3. — Stone vessel (half size). Depth of cavity, 1 inch ; diameter of orifice,
If inch ; found with vessel fig. 2, in the same Pict's house ; exhibits traces of
having contained red pigment.
Fig. 4. — Hollowed stone (half size). Depth of cavity, f inch ; diameter of
orifice, If inch; found at TJdny, Aberdeenshire.
Fig. 5. — Clay cup (half size). Depth of cavity, 1 inch ; diameter of orifice,
If inch ; having a pair of perforations on one side ; found in a cairn at foot of the
hill of Benachie, Aberdeenshire.
12G
Roman Embankment at Cricklade.
The stone vessels, figs. 2, 3, 4, and clay cup fig. 5, are all in the Museum of
Antiquaries of Scotland at Edinburgh. Their dimensions were taken and
outlines sketched by the writer of the paper, as accurately as he was able
during his visit to that Museum in 1867.
Jiotran drafattkment at Ciitkkk
By the Rev. William Allan, M.A.
the year 1776, a Parliamentary Committee was appointed
j| to enquire into the election which had taken place at
Cricklade the previous year. Many very old people were
examined as witnesses, as well as many younger persons. These
witnesses referred to an embankment which surrounded Cricklade
on all sides, and which was then generally believed to have been
constructed by the Romans. John Haynes, who was born in
Cricklade in 1712, said, " Inside the borough there is a bank,
which is said to have been thrown up during the Roman wars, but
I never understood it to be the boundary of the borough ; indeed,
it cuts off part of St. Mary's parish, which is deemed to be within
the borough. The bank or mound extends to within about thirty-
yards of the eastern boundary. The general report has always
been that the mound is a Roman encampment." This was cor-
roborated by William Giles, born in 1701. Morgan Byrt, speaking
of this mound, said " This bank is thought to have been formerly
a fortification, it is everywhere plainly to be seen, except where
the streets cross it." William Saunders, born in 1702, a witness
on the other side, also referred repeatedly to this embankment.
The evidence upon this particular point was so clear, that the
counsel on both sides acknowledged that according to general
tradition, this bank was clearly the remains of a Roman encamp-
ment.
Although, however, this tradition was so distinct in 1786, it
appears to have died out during the last hundred years, for although
a native of Cricklade, and much interested in its history, I had
never heard of such an embankment until I read the above evidence
By the Rev. William Allan.
127
in an ancient legal work on elections. I have since then paid a
visit to Cricklade, with a view to discover how far it was still in
existence. This proved an easy task. The mound in its entire
course is still distinctly visible, and forms a square rather more
than a third of a mile each way. The S. W. corner is in the meadow
adjoining the parsonage and St. Sampson's churchyard ; the N.W.
corner at the north end of Long Close; the N.E. corner in the
meadow adjoining the farm-yard of Abingdon Court ; and the
S.E. corner in Paul's Croft. In some parts it is very distinct ; in
others less so, having been levelled for gardens or for the roads.
St. Mary's Rectory house and garden stand upon the bank, and
are considerably higher than the lane outside. The bank is less
distinct in Paul's Croft than in any of the other meadows. I
think there can be no doubt that it is of Roman origin. The
nature of the mound, its shape, its size, and whole character, pre-
sent the appearance of such an encampment ; and it would be
interesting if some who have closely studied Roman fortification
would visit Cricklade, and report upon the age of the bank. As
far as I am aware, it has not been examined or alluded to by any
antiquarian or archaeologist. After an examination of General
Roy's standard work upon the Military Antiquities of the Romans
in Britain, I cannot help coming to the conclusion that the ancient
local tradition will be found supported by scientific investigation.
Its situation, close to the Irmine Street, Roman Road, of course
adds to the probability of this opinion. Dr. Stukeley in his
Itinerarium Curiosum, observes that Cricklade is probably a Roman
town. The number of Roman coins which have been found in
and around Cricklade, and which are frequently discovered now,
leads irresistibly to the same conclusion. In 1865, as many as 75
Roman coins of a very early period, were found about half-a-mile
from Cricklade, with many other Roman and Roman-British
curiosities.1 It may not, perhaps, be generally known that about
1670, a tessellated pavement was discovered near the same spot,
which is described as having consisted of chequer work two or
1 See a paper on " Roman Remains found at Latton, Wilts," by Professor
Buckman, Wiltshire Magazine, vol. ix., p. 232.
128
Roman Embankment at Cricklade.
thrco inches square. The colours of the pieces were white, black,
and red. Pieces of brick, which are supposed to be of Roman
manufacture, were also discovered in 1862 in the restoration of
St. Mary's Church.
It is, however, certain that Cricklade was a fortified town, and
the seat of important military operations at a date long subsequent
to the Roman era, namely, in the time of King Stephen. Those
who will refer to the " Gesta Stepbani," or to " Waylen's Plistory
of Marlborough," will find that William of Dover erected there
"an inaccessible castle, surrounded on all sides by water, and by
marshes." From his head-quarters at Cricklade, he furiously
attacked all the followers of King Stephen within a radius of many
miles. He was succeeded as Commander there by Philip, son of
the Earl of Gloucester, who was even more violent than his pre-
decessor. Stephen, however, either by flattery or bribery, converted
his enmity into friendship, and so secured the important post of
Cricklade. Prince Henry, afterwards Henry II., returning from
Normandy, A.D. 1153, captured Malmesbury,but was ignominiously
repulsed by King Stephen, when he made an attack upon Crick-
lade.
It is clear that the fortifications which were in existence in the
time of Stephen were not of recent construction, although the
castle itself seems to have been so ; the wall was not erected by
William of Dover, but was probabty at that time several centuries
old. We know at least that it must have encircled or rather
environed the town for 150 years ; for by the laws of the Saxon
Kings the privilege of minting was only conceded to walled towns,
and from the time of Canute, and possibly long before, Cricklade
was honoured by being one of the places set apart to manufacture
the coin of the realm. I trust that some future student of the
history of Cricklade may be able to discover additional links to
connect the walls and fortifications which existed there in the time
of the Saxons, and of the Norman invaders, with the Roman era,
and to strengthen the opinion which tradition has handed down as
to the Roman origin of the embankment. It would be interesting
also if the latest date could be ascertained when remains of the
decking Stool at Wootton Bassett.
129
ancient walls were still in existence. As far as I am aware the
last encounter sustained by the ancient fortifications of Cricklade
was in the vain attempt of Prince Henry to recover Cricklade from
the hands of King Stephen.
William Allan, M.A.
P.S. — Since the above was written, I have had the pleasure of
receiving a communication on the subject from that eminent
archaeologist J. Y. Akerman, Esq. He says, " There can be little
doubt that the mound was formed by the Romans, probably co-
eval with the military road." Such an opinion from such an
authority is a weighty testimony to the opinion I have ventured to
express. — W. A.
As the Wootton Bassett Cucking Stool has been described and
illustrated in the pages of the Wiltshire Magazine, (vol. i., p. 68,
and vol. vii., p. 25) it may be well to record the fact that there is
now living (May, 1869), a person who can distinctly remember
the last occasion on which it was used. His name is Thomas
Blanchett, now 91 years old, and residing at present in the Butt-
Hay, Wootton Bassett. He states that the punishment was in-
flicted in the Weir-pond (filled up in 1836), which was a short
distance to the west of the " Angel " and " Crown " Inns, in the
High Street. The culprit's name was Margaret (or Peggy)
Lawrence. Blanchett has a most vivid recollection of seeing her
gasp for breath on being drawn out of the water, when the handle
of the machine was pulled down by the two men who conveyed her
to the pond. He believes the occurrence took place about 1787.
Blanchett's wife is nearly 90 years old, and a strong hale woman.
They have been married 67 years. His mother reached the
patriarchal age of 99 years.1
W. F. Parsons.
1 Since this paragraph was in type, the old man, Thomas Blanchett, who
gave the above information, has died,
130
foncjjenge Jtotts.
|^*pjTIE Editors do not venture a remark on the following
|j|j§fi opinions on Stonehenge, which have been published during
the month of June, 1869.
I. " That Stonehenge was a place of burial and not a temple, is
proved by analogy, as the stone circles of Khassia, Algiers,
Penrhyn Island, are all sepulchral." From a paper " On
Cromlechs and Megalithic Structures," by Hodder M.
"Westropp, in "Scientific Opinion," June 9th, 1869.
II. " Whatever the date of Stonehenge, there can be little doubt
that as a temple it represents that ancient, nay, that patri-
archal worship which identified itself with the erection of
commemorative stones." From an address by J. W. Morris,
President of the Bath Church of England Young Mens'
Society, June 14th, 1869.
III. " Other points of resemblance between Stonehenge and the
Dracontine Temples of India, may be pointed out." * * " Here
then we may seem to have a clue to the origin and adaptation
of the Megalithic circular temples of our own island ; they
are the surviving memorials of a Turanian people, who in the
far distant past were the sole inhabitants of whose existence
we have any knowledge. These they raised, and they still
remain, abundant evidence of the influence and persistency of
that peculiar form of worship which was then cultivated — the
worship of the serpent — the oldest form of religious idea."
From a paper read at Salisbury, June 15th, 1869, by Rev.
J. Kirwan.
131
onations to ijje Ipttswtm surtr Jikatg.
The Council have the pleasure to acknowledge the receipt of the following.
By Itev. H. Haeeis, Winterbourne : — Eight corns. Small bronze torque.
Object in bronze.
" On Roman coins found on Salisbury Plain," by 0. Roach Smith, Esq. :
presented by the author.
Archrcologia Cantiana, vol. vii., 8vo, has been received. Also Journal of
Historical and Archaeological Society of Ireland, No. 4, and No. 5, 8vo.
And Transactions of the Essex Archajological Society, vol. 4, part 4, 8vo.
By Rev. E. H. Sladen :— Botanioal works of Robert Brown. Ray Soc.
fol., vol. iii. Masters' Yegetable Teratology. Ray Soc. one vol., 8vo.
" Statistics of Crime in the County of Wilts, from 1801 to 1850": by
"W. Dowding, Esq. : presented by the author.
H. F. & E. BULL, Printers and Publishers, Devizes.
JOHN COLWELL,
No. 9, LITTLE BRITTOX, DEVIZES,
Respectfully informs the Members of the Wiltshire Arch geological
and Natural History Society, that he has opened a Depot at the
above address, for the Purchase, Sale, or Exchange of SECOND-
HAND BOOKS of every description ; and the success he has
already met with, proves that such a business was greatly needed
in this part of the county.
J. C. will be pleased to execute commissions from any. Bookseller's
catalogue.
LIBRARIES BOUGHT.
Executors or gentlemen having books in large or small quantities
for sale, can now dispose of them by private arrangement without
delay, expense, or trouble.
The following works are amongst those at present in stock : —
WILTSHIRE ARCHAEOLOGICAL & NATURAL HISTORY
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GIRALDI CAMBRENSIS ITINERARIUM CAMBRIA CUM
AN NOTATIOJSIBUS D POWELLI. 4to, boards, large paper, uncut, very
rare, £1.
HISTORY of the KINGS of ENGLAND, and the MODERN
HISTORY of WILLIAM of MALMESBURY. Translated by the Rev.
J. Sharpe. 4to, cloth, 14s.
BRITTON, J. An Historical Account of Corsham House. Plate,
. boards, 7s. 6d. 1806.
A large, scarce, and curious ENGRAVING of the CITY and
CASTLE of OLD SARUM. With Descriptive Letterpress. A rarity, 12s.
THE WORKS of KING CHARLES the FIRST ; both Civil
and Sacred. Small folio, calf. 1735. 10s. (The names of many old
Wiltshire Families are mentioned in this work.)
THE LIFE and CORRESPONDENCE of the RIGHT HON.
HENRY ADDINGTON, FIRST LORD SIDMOUTH. By Dean Pellew,
D.D. Good Portrait. 3 vols., 8vo, cloth, 12s 6d.
POEMS on SEVERAL OCCASIONS. By Stephen Duck (the
Wiltshire Bard). 4to, half calf, 6s. 1736.
ANOTHER COPY. 12mo, calf, 4s. 1753.
A PHILOSOPHICAL CATECHISM. By R. Tucker, Master"
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LANGDALE'S TOPOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY of YORK-
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No. XXXV. MARCH, 1870. Vol. XII.
THE
WILTSHIRE
IttjuEulsgitiii nnit Bated liatatj
MAGAZINE,
PutiTuSfjrtr mxisct tijc Birectisfix
OF THE
SOCIETY FORMED IN THAT COUNTY,
A.D. 1853.
DEVIZES :
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LONDON :
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Price 4s. 6d. — Members^ Gratis,
The NEXT PUBLICATION of the Society will be the SECOND
PART of the REPORT of the BLACKMORE MUSEUM.
Members ^ho have not paid their Subscriptions to the Society for
the current year, are requested to remit the same forthwith
to the Financial Assistant Secretary, Mr. William Nott,
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Some of the early Numbers of the "Wiltshire Magazine are out of
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NOTICE TO MEMBERS.
The Annual Subscriptions (10s. 6d. payable in advance, and now
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All other communications to be addressed to the Honorary Secrer
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*\ The Numbers of this Magazine will not be delivered, as issued,
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and who on being applied to for payment of such arrears, have
taken no notice of the application.
Should however any Member, through inadvertence, not have
received his copies of the Magazine, he is requested to apply
to Mr. Nott, who will immediately forward them.
THE
WILTSHIRE
MAGAZINE.
No. XXXV. MAECH, 1870. Vol. XII.
Contents*
PAGE
Report of Annual Meeting at Chippenham 133
President's Address 135
Ornithology op Wilts, (No. XV.) : By the Rev. A. C. Smith, M.A. 152
On Terraces or Ltnchets : By Gr. Poulett Scrope, Esq., F.R.S.. 185
History op Parish op Stockton: By Rev. T. Miles, (concluded).. 192
On an Anglo-Saxon Charter of Stockton : By Rev. W. H. Jones,
MA., F.S.A 216
On the Existing Structure of Lacock Abbey: By C. H. Talbot, Esq. 221
On Monumental Brasses near Chippenham : By Rev. E. C. Awdry 233
Abury and Stonehenge — A Reviewer Reviewed 242
Note on an Article in the Athenaeum 248
On a Crapaudine Locket Found at Devizes : By Mr. Cunnington 249
Instructions for Forming a Wiltshire Herbarium: By T. Bruges
Flower, Esq., M.R.C.S., F.L.S., &c, &c 252
Inquisition on Ruth Pierce 256
Donations to Museum and Library 258
ILLUSTRATIONS.
Photograph of Stockton House, (frontispiece)
Woodcuts of Locket and of teeth of Sphcerodus 250-251
DEVIZES :
H. F. & E. Bull, 4, Saint John Street.
LONDON :
Bell & Daldy, 186, Fleet Street; J. R. Smith, 36, Soho Square.
THE
WILTSHIRE MAGAZINE.
"multoeum manibtts grande levator onus," — Ovid.
THE SIXTEENTH GENERAL MEETING
OF THE
Wfftltsljto archaeological antr Natural ©tetorg Soctctg,
HELD AT CHIPPENHAM,
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 7th, Sth, and 9th September,
1869.
PRESIDENT OF THE MEETING,
Sir John Wither* Awdry.
ppfjSHE proceedings of the Sixteenth Anniversary Meeting of the
irKff Society, opened at the New Hall, Chippenham, on Tuesday,
September 7th, at 1.30 p.m., by the President of the Society, Sir
John Awdry, taking the chair, and calling upon the Rev. A. 0.
Smith (one of the General Secretaries,) to read
THE REPORT.
"The Committee of the Wiltshire Arch geological and Natural
History Society has once more the satisfaction of reporting on thia
the seventeenth anniversary of its formation, the continued pros-
perity of the Society. The number of names on the books now
amounts to 317, being slightly above the average at which we
usually stand, and almost exactly the same as last year, when the
number was recorded as 313.
" Your Committee has at the same time to lament the loss of
several influential members, who by the interest they evinced at
; our annual meetings, or by their contributions to the pages of our
Magazine, deserve special mention in this report. Amongst these
we beg to specify the Rev. Canon Prower, of Purton ; Mr. Bendry
Brooke, of Malmesbury ; and, above all, the late Bishop of Salisbury,
VOL XII. — NO. XXXV. M
134
The Sixteenth General Meeting.
whoso warm sympathy and cordial co-operation with the work
of the Society, and whoso generous hospitality on the occasion of
the annual gathering at Salisbury in 18G5, will be fresh in the
recollection of all the members of the Society.
" With regard to finance, it will be enough to say that our funds
have increased to £270 from about £250, which was the sura
announced in last year's report as then in hand ; and this, not-
withstanding that the Society has engaged in an extra work of
publication beyond the ordinary Magazine. For in addition to
two numbers of the Magazine which have been issued this year
(reaching to the thirty-fourth number, and beginning the twelfth
volume of that publication), your Committee desires to call your
particular attention to the first part of the volume on the Black-
more Museum, which we have printed during this year, and which
has been gratuitously circulated amongst the members of the
Society, a publication containing papers of extraordinary archaeo-
logical interest, as well as recording a brief history of the Museum
and its inauguration in the autumn of 1867, when its munificent
founder, Mr. William Blackmore, entrusted its care to his native
city of Salisbury.
"The Museum and Library of our Society at Devizes have been
enriched by sundry benefactions, which have been acknowledged
in the Magazine ; one of the last and not the least interesting of
which is the gift, by Major Perry Keene, of the original inquisition
on the body of Ruth Pierce of Devizes Market-cross celebrity.
" Your Committee at the same time desires again to remind you
that the want of a suitable building as a Museum has again
necessitated the rejection of many offered gifts ; and we have
within the last few days been compelled, for lack of available space,
to decline the generous proposal of contributing to our archaeo-
logical and natural history collections objects which were too bulky
for us in our present straightened space to stow away.
"Your Committee, in concluding this report, desires again to
commend to your active and continued co-operation the work of
the Society ; assuring you that neither the natural history nor the
archaeology of the county is by any means exhausted, and remind-
The President's Address. 135
ing you of the very appropriate motto adopted from the first by
our Society,
1 Multorum manibus grande levatur onus.' "
The Report having been adopted and ordered to be printed, the
officers of the Society were re-elected, with the following additions.
Mr. E. C. Lowndes of Castle Combe, to be added to the Vice-
Presidents ; the Rev. E. Barnwell, as a member of the Council ; and
as additional Local Secretaries, the Rev. T. A. Preston, for Marl-
borough ; Mr. Brine, for Shaftesbury, or rather the portion of Wilts
bordering on that town ; Mr. Kinneir, for Swindon ; Mr. George
Noyes, for Chippenham, and Mr. Forrester, for Malmesbury.
These appointments having been confirmed by the meeting, and
the formal business of the Society disposed of, the President's
address followed : —
Sir John Awdry said a request had been put in print that he
would deliver an address upon this occasion. He had however
addressed the Society at considerable length at a former meeting ;
and as to their general objects, and the local matters of general
interest within the county, he had said then more fully than he was
disposed to repeat what were his views upon the subject. The
general idea of the Society was this — to follow up the history,
natural and human, of the county, and of the subjects connected
with it. He used the words natural and human advisedly, because
they were an Archaeological and Natural History Society, and
secondly, because the two branches of the Society connected them-
selves in this way : — Inorganic nature was first created, afterwards
organic, and every intelligent reader of the first chapter of Genesis,
be he a Darwinian or not, must see, that the creation as there des-
cribed, was a progressive one, of which Scripture and geology both
tell us that man was its final work, Therefore from the history of
material creation we come down to that of the existence and condition
of man upon this earth. We heard a great deal about pre-historic
monuments and records ; the word pre-historic is inaccurate, for
as far as they lead to any sound inference as to the former condition
and progress of man they are strictly historical. They are not
indeed annals or chronicles, that is narratives of past events. These
m 2
13G
The Sixteenth General Meeting.
(we agree with. Sir G. 0. Lewis) are nothing unless they can be
traced to contemporary authority. For instance, the pyramids of
Egypt — whatever was found in the rubbish heaps upon the Danish
coasts — whatever implements were found in the gravel-pits, or the
barrows of this country or of France and which are attracting daily
increasing attention as records of the early condition of mankind
— these were historic monuments if they were anything ; or to take
a more popular instance, if we regard as fabulous the story of
Romulus and Remus, of the wolf and the vultures, of Numa and
Egeria, of Servius Tullius and the Tarquins ; yet there is material
evidence of insular eminences rising out of the swamps on the south
side of the Tiber, fit to be the fastnesses of outlaws. Then in the
dyke defending the promontories cut off from the nearest table-land,
we have evidence of a larger and more settled population, probably
of Latin and Sabine origin. In the Cloaca Maxima, the great
drain, and in the religious system, prevailing through the period
of the subsequent republic, we have proof of an interval of Etruscan
dynasty, and Etruscan civilization. All these things are as truly
historical, though not annalistic, as the Annual Register or the
Times.
Coming to our own county, Sir John reminded the meeting that
they were about to have a paper read upon the pit dwellings near
Salisbury, and that there were in the Blackmore Museum many
interesting monuments of ancient times, some of which had lately
been found in the gravel or clay existing near Salisbury. Then
they had Avebury — a vast but rude work ; Stonehenge, a large,
and more accurately executed work, but entirely without mouldings
— all of which things were material with regard to the works of
man in bygone ages.
There seem to be four grades of historical criticism, or want of
criticism. 1st. Blind and indiscriminating acceptance. 2ndly.
Equally crude and unenquiring incredulity. 3rdly. The simple
omission of what is thought incredible, and retension of the rest, with
a colouring of 18th century ideas, without enquiring how far the
incredible facts were essential to the story or to the credit of the
narrator as to the rest. Of the last grade, that of really critical en-
The President's Address.
137
quiry I may give an instance (without having myself verified it),
in Mr. Jackson's curious paper, in which he connects the stones of
Carnack with the legend of St. Ursula and the 11,000 British
virgins. The story of their being shipwrecked at Cologne is of
course ridiculously false. But he says that a competitor for power
during the Roman empire (many centuries before the date of the
fable), actually raised an army in Britain and conveyed it to Gaul.
That the men settled in Armorica, now Brittany, and sent for some
of their countrywomen as wives. That they embarked but met with
calamity on the Coast of Armorica. And that the rows of stones
there set are about eleven, and were set up as monuments to
them.
After dwelling upon this part of the subject at some length, in
the course of which Sir John observed that every man in his own
particular neighbourhood might contribute a considerable amount
of information by the careful observation of details — trivial perhaps
in many cases, but in some most valuable, — he alluded to the theory
laid down by Mr. Fergusson that all British monuments were
subsequent to the Romans, and which, however unsound, derived
some countenance from the above story of St. Ursula. Sir John said
that since their last meeting at Hungerford investigations had
taken place at Silbury Hill, at which Mr. Fergusson was present,
when the idea that the hill was built upon the Roman road was
entirely disproved, the true line of road having been thoroughly
ascertained to the south of it.
With regard to the particular locality of Chippenham Sir John
said it was situated between the slope of the oolite, the Cotswold
district, on the one side, and of the escarpments of the chalk and green
sand beds on the other. All this part of the country appeared in
ages gone by, to have been one great lake from Cricklade on the
one side, to the neighbourhood of Trowbridge on the other, and in
later times when the water had partly escaped through the Bradford
chasm, there had been several lakes in the neighbourhood ; the
whole country from Tytherton to Dauntsey is an evident lake bot-
tom of loam with gravel under. This must have at one time been
dammed by the ridge of Oxford clay running along the London
138
The Sixteenth General Meeting.
road from Chippenham. Again, in Lackham woods he had himself
met with the remains of a pebble beach,
Standing, as Chippenham did, on a ridge, in the middle of the
district, with a comparatively steep back to the river which ran on
three sides of it, it must in Saxon times have been a very defensible
place. He was not going to open Mr. Poulett Scrope's controversy;
but if any of them in going from Corsham to Castle Combe to-
morrow, were sufficiently well mounted to go round by Slaughterford,
they would see one of the most beautiful bits of country in the
neighbourhood, and in the village of Slaughterford the)7 would find
the dwarf-elder which was said to have sprung from the blood of the
Danes.
Alluding to the architecture of the country, Sir John said that
although there were parts of Eugland where real Roman buildings
existed, he did not know of any such in this county. But there
was one remarkable building at Bradford-on-Avon — small and not
very striking, to which no date could be assigned later than the
Saxon period. Of this building which was situated close to the
parish church, and was now used for the purposes of a free school,
Mr. Jones had given an admirable description in a paper published
in a former number of the Wiltshire Archaeological Magazine ; 1
and if anything practical could be done to secure so perfectly
unique a monument from destruction, it would be a great point not
only in our local history, but in the history of the building art in
England through the middle ages. In regard to the architecture
of their own immediate neighbourhood, he need not say much.
The parish church of Chippenham had some Norman points in it,
but not to a great extent : it had an Early English spire, which
was stated to have been once considerably higher than it now was.
This was obviously impossible unless the whole was taken down and
replaced. But the tower had certainly been altered at a very late
period of Gothic art. The mouldings of the Spire were certainly
original except where recently restored, and it would be a curious
fact if it were proved that those who could not imitate them had yet
taken them down and faithfully replaced them. As to the rest of
1 Vol. v., p. 247.
The President's Address.
139
the church, it presented no feature of interest, unless as proving
the increase of population, as exhibited in the reconstruction of the
nave, which did not belong to the ancient period when the church
was originally built. There were however two most interesting
remains of antiquity in that neighbourhood — viz., the Priory of
Bradenstoke and the Abbey of Lacock, the latter built in the 13th,
the former early in the 14th century, and both of which they would
have an opportunity of visiting. Then again there were several
smaller Churches which would well repay inspection ; Langley
Burrell, for instance, which they would pass in the course of their
excursion, with very good early English and Decorated features,
and Draycot Cerne, which is curious as having the chancel on a lower
level than the nave, and contains in its chancel a fine brass of a knight
of the Cerne family. Sutton Benger, where there was a good Decor-
ated south aisle ; and Christian Malford, in which, if they were able
to reach it, some points of interesting construction would be found.
From thence they would go up to Clack, where a new Church had
been built by Mr. Goldney, close to which lay the interesting
remains of Bradenstoke Priory, which Mr. Goldney proposed to
shew them. The next day they proposed to go to Lacock Abbey,
and at the same time visit Lacock Church — originally a Decorated
church of the time of Edward III., as proved by its north transept
and tower, but to which had since been added (in the 15th century)
in consequence of the increase of population, a clerestory and two
aisles. The chancel and south transept had been rebuilt in the course
of the last century, the former a very good piece of masonry, but
constructed in entire ignorance of Gothic execution. From thence
they would go to Corsham, where they would see a church which
when he was a boy had a high spire ; and then on by the Biddestones,
where there were formerly two churches, one of which remained,
and which by an addition to the end of its chancel, was now made
to accommodate the population of both parishes. Attached to this
church was a somewhat curious bell tower, standing upon its gable,
much ruder than that at Leigh-de-la-mere, which had been repaired
with considerable splendour, but with little regard to its original.
At Castle Combe Church, which they also proposed to visit, there
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The Sixteenth General Meeting.
wero some curious appendages at the east end, and on an eminence
they would be shewn the site of the Castle from that which Combe
took its name, and which, as they were aware,bclongcd for many cen-
turies to the Scrope family, whose recent loss from that neighbour-
hood they had much cause to deplore. Passing from thence they
would reach Grittleton, and in the halls of this splendid mansion,
Sir John left them, having he feared already tried their patience to
a considerable extent.
At the conclusion of the President's address, the Mayor rose,
and oil behalf of the corporation expressed the pleasure which it
gave them to welcome the Society to Chippenham, and cordially
tendered every assistance in their power to further the objects,
and promote the comfort of their visitors.
Sir John Awdry heartily thanked the Mayor, the Corporation,
and the inhabitants generally for the courteous welcome which
the Society had received on all hands : and then called upon
Canon Jackson for a paper on "A few odds and ends about the
Town and neighbourhood of Chippenham;" which that gentleman
read, to the great satisfaction of the meeting, and which will be
found in the Society's Magazine.
The Rev. J. J. Daniell next read a paper on " Chippenham and
Its neighbourhood in the Great Rebellion ; " which, from its
local associations, commanded the lively interest of the Society,
but which need not be further alluded to here, as it will appear
in the Magazine.
The members then proceeded to inspect the museum, and to
visit the Church, and other objects of interest in the town.
THE DINNER
took place in the large room at the Angel Hotel, at five o'clock,
the President of the Society in the chair.
After the loyal toasts had been disposed of, the Yenerable
Archdeacon Stanton, when returning thanks for the Bishop and
Clergy of the Diocese of Salisbury, went on to say that although
he did not wish to take up their time by further remarks, there
was one word he desired to add with regard to the object the
The Dinner.
141
Society had in view. He had been a member of the Society ever
since its formation, and he was also a member of the Archaeological
Institute of Great Britain, and in the presence of his juniors, he
would say, that he knew of nothing which gave greater satisfaction
or from which greater benefit was derived than these annual
gatherings. He strongly urged them to take up the work which
he and others must soon put down, and carry it on to greater
confirmation. They would find in it sources of the greatest
pleasure and profit— of pleasure, in the opportunity which it
afforded of meeting many old friends, and of profit, in the instruc-
tion which they would derive from it, as the key-note to much
research ; because although the papers which were read on these
occasions were very valuable, they desired them to be considered
as inducements to further investigation. He thought if the
juniors present would take this kind word of advice from him,
they would hereafter say it had been well given, and he was sure
they would be wise in following it. If these institutions had only
been in existence in bygone ages, how much that was now lost in
obscurity might have been preserved. — How much about Stonehenge
and Avebury, which were now only monuments of mystery, might
have been read and known of all men.
Canon Jackson in replying for the Bishop and Clergy of the
Diocese of Gloucester and Bristol observed that Archdeacon Stanton
had given some good advice to those who were to succeed them
— because it was clear that they could not go on archseologizing
for ever : they had also been recommended, as far as they had
opportunities of doing so, to make memoranda in their several
parishes of things as they occurred ; and he hoped they would
follow the Archdeacon's advice. Years ago he had given the
same advice himself, but it had not been taken ; although much
had been done in the way of obtaining a parochial history of our
county. Many years ago the late Bishop Hamilton, of whom he
must always speak with the utmost veneration, summoned his
brethren of this part of the county to his Palace at Salisbury with
the view of stirring up the clergy of the diocese to write a parochial
history; and this gentleman (pointing to the Rev. Prebendary
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The Sixteenth General Meeting.
Wilkinson, of Broughton Gifford, who sat next to him) was a 1
great advocate for the carrying out of the Bishop's scheme. He I
(Canon Jackson) remembered saying that he hoped Mr. Wilkinson |
would be the first to do what had been proposed. Mr. Wilkinson. I
took the hint, and in a short time produced one of the best |
parochial histories he had ever read. The result of the Bishop's
recommendation was the production of several papers, among |
which was one by Mr. Francis Goddard, whom he had now in his I
e}7e, and who had managed to collect a very good history of the f
village of Alderton. If all that had occurred during the last
hundred years had been jotted down as the events happened, what
a precious document they would form ; and if we now would take
the trouble to put down incidents in our parochial histories, they
would be invaluable in after time.
The next toast was the Lord Lieutenant and the Magistrates of I
the County, which was acknowledged by Mr. Merewether in his
happiest style.
To the toast of the Mayor and Corporation of the Borough of
Chippenham, his Worship (Mr. C. J. Dowding) repeated the
cordial welcome he had given in the morning to the Society, and j
eulogized the objects of the Society.
In reply to the toast of the Representative of the Borough of
Chippenham in Parliament, Mr. Goldney, M.P., said he was very
glad to be able to join them as a member of the Society. A great
number of people asked what was the use of archseology ? It was
of great use. In the first place, a love of it had produced these
genial meetings : and it afforded an opportunity of seeing houses
and of making excursions which might never occur if such a
Society as this did not exist. To-morrow, for instance, they were
going to see an old convent, much as it existed when it was broken
up. The next day they would see one in a dilapidated state, with
almost every part of it in the last stage of decay. Then they
would have an opportunity of seeing a house which had existed
in the time of Queen Elizabeth — he alluded to Corsham Court —
and of comparing the times in which it was built with the greater
comforts which had since been added ; and from thence they would
The Dinner.
143
go to the magnificent mansion of Grittleton. Almost all history
was a history of wars : but the pursuit of archaeology enabled the
modern antiquary to go further — it brought before him the domestic
| habits of the people, and displayed in its various phases the wealth
or the poverty of a nation. In nothing was this more clearly
shewn than in our Church architecture. See the poverty of the
architecture which prevailed during the Peninsular war ; the
large streets of London were an instance of it ; but no sooner did
wealth increase as a consequence of peace, than decorative archi-
tecture again began to display itself, and we saw it growing day
by day. Thus by a study of archaeology we were able to trace the
state of comfort and the expenditure of the people at various
periods of our history, and also their customs, some of which had
come down to the present day— all of which afforded a considerable
amount of information. Indeed, it might be said, whether of
botany, of chemistry, or of archaeology, that any one who travelled
and took an interest in either of these subjects, would derive far
greater pleasure from his trip than the man who neither thought
nor cared about them. Before he sat down, he wished to propose
the health of one who had done much for this Society : he alluded
to their worthy Chairman ; and he did not think he had ever had
the pleasure of being at a meeting where the business was conducted
so good-naturedly and so well as the business of that day. Sir
John had evidently given great thought to the object the Society
had in view, and also to the members themselves ; and he could
only say that he was exceedingly glad to see him in such good
health, and was sorry he was about to retire from the presidency.
Sir John Awdry said he was exceedingly flattered by the
kindness and cordiality with which they had received the toast.
He must take it in itself as due to him simply as the represent-
ative of the Society ; but at the same time it was quite impossible
that he could shut his eyes to the personal kindness which had
been expressed by Mr. Goldney, and which appeared to have been
received by those around the tables. He fully agreed with the
recommendations which had been given by the Venerable Arch-
deacon and others, as inducing an interest in men's minds in
144
The Sixteenth General Meeting.
matters around their homes, and as giving to the clergy an intelligent
interest in the things about them. On the other hand, Mr.
Goldney had spoken of the interest which a study of archaeology
gave to travels abroad, with which he entirely concurred. He did
not wish to throw a stone into the smooth waters, but he must be
allowed to observe that poor as was the architecture of the begin-
ning of the present century, there was something to be attributed
to change of taste. When he was a young man, the grave majesty
of Covent Garden Theatre, and the exceeding grace — the Grecian
grace and beauty — of the front of Carlton House, made a great
impression upon him. Both had gone to the dust. He did not
speak of the colonnade, but of the structure itself ; and if it had
stood upon a gentle eminence, instead of a depression, as it did, it
was, to his eye, one of the most beautiful buildings he had ever seen.
There may have been a want of wealth, and probably of taste in
those days ; but our taste had gone off into mediaeval instead of
classical inclination ; and in some instances a great deal more than
mediaeval taste had followed. These studies instead of being mere
amusements had been brought to bear upon the gravest questions,
until the origin of man had been called in question. This however
he would say, that no man's faith need be in the slightest degree
shaken by anything he had yet observed. It seemed to him that
the one great fact, which it was the object of the first chapter of
Genesis to disclose, was confirmed by the failure of those who had
been so anxious to find that man was more ancient than the date
ascribed to his creation. That some animals co-existent with the
earliest creation of man had died out was more than possible. Of the
great animals, some had been killed for the value of their flesh, some
as dangerous to man ; and when they began to die out, it was likely
from their smaller numbers that they would die out more rapidly than
the smaller animals. But look at the multitude of plants and animals
to which our altered courses of husbandry had rendered the soil
unsuitable ; many of them had become extinct : and we ourselves
should find it a curious object of interest, if we would watch things
which were going by, and observe the passing off of one race after
another from the face of the country. All this was consistent with
Conversazione.
145
everything which had been taught us from the highest quarter.
In reply to the toast of the General Secretaries of the Society,
which was proposed by Mr. Nelson Goddard,
The Rev. A. C. Smith said when Mr. Goddard said the Secre-
taries of the Society, he was sure he meant to include the Council
of the Society, who carried on its work at Devizes, with the best
heart in the world, simply because they took an interest in it.
Seventeen years had elapsed since the Society was formed ; it was
14 years since it paid its last visit to Chippenham ; and during
those years, he thought he might say that they had done something
towards putting before the county its archaeology and natural
history. "Whether they had done that or not, they had certainly
helped to elucidate the topography of the county, because meeting
as they did three days in each jrear, it would be astonishing if
they did not learn something of the several districts, the roads and
bye-roads of the localities which they visited. With regard to
the subject of Parochial Histories, Mr. Smith said that his excellent
friend, the late lamented Bishop of Salisbury, had appointed him
Secretary to the Parochial History scheme ; and that in that
capacity he now had in his possession between seventy and eighty
histories of different parishes in Wiltshire, some of them of
remarkable interest.
The Honorary Secretaries to the Meeting (Mr. Pellowes and
Mr. F. Goldney) ; the Honorary Curator of the Museum (Mr.
John Noyes) ; and though last not least, the Lady Members and
Visitors were also duly honoured.
CONVERSAZIONE.
At half- past seven the company re-assembled at the New Schools,
which were kindly prepared by the Vicar for the purpose, and after
a plentiful supply of tea and coffee, generously provided by the
Committee, the President read extracts from an extremely able
paper, on the " Existing Structure of Lacock Abbey," illustrating
the several points of interest by ground plans and diagrams. The
paper was written by Mr. Charles Talbot, who was unfortunately
prevented by illness from being present ; but it was done
14G
The Sixteenth General Meeting.
full justice to by the President of the Society, than whom no
one could bo found more thoroughly acquainted with the subject. I
After a cordial vote of thanks to Mr. Talbot and Sir John
Awdry, moved by the Rev. A. 0. Smith and carried by acclama-
tion, Mr. Cunnington, F.Gr.S., read a paper " On Wiltshire Iron
Ore and its Working," a subject of special interest in our county.
At the conclusion of Mr. Cunnington's paper, the thanks of the
Society were tendered by the President, who then called on Mr.
Goldney, M.P., for a paper on " Corsham," when that gentleman
exhausted his subject in a most masterly discourse.
These papers will all (it is hoped) appear in the Society's
Magazine.
SECOND DAY. WEDNESDAY, Sept. 8th.
The archaeologists and their friends assembled in goodly force at
the New Hall, at 9.30, and punctually to the hour named in the
programme, started in a variety of hired carriages, including two
breaks with four horses, sundry flys, waggonettes, and a still larger
number of private carriages, and drove to the Abbey of Lacock,
where they were received by Mr. Charles Talbot, who most cour-
teously conducted them over the Abbey, pointing out the more
interesting details of architecture, and shewing the various dates of
structure and the alterations and additions from time to time
effected. Under so able and so painstaking a cicerone, the members
of the Society examined the charming old Abbey as they had
never before seen it, and then proceeded to the Church, where
again Mr. Charles Talbot and the President of the Society called
attention to the history of the building, as read in the mouldings,
windows, and arches.
After an expression of thanks to Mr. Talbot for the archaeological
treat he had afforded them, the company drove to Corsham Court,
where for above an hour they revelled amongst the magnificent
collection of pictures for which the seat of Lord Methuen is famous.
Here too the Church was visited, and then astonishing the quiet
town of Corsham by the long string of carriages which clattered
through their streets, they first reached the village of Biddeston,
and halted for a few moments to admire the simple but elegant
Conversazione.
147
bell -turret for which the Church is noted ; and then, through lovely
scenery, and through well- wooded and well- watered valleys, and
up and down precipitous hills, to the hospitable and beautiful
mansion of Castle Combe. Here they were welcomed and splen-
didly entertained, to the number of about 120, by the generous
owner, Mr. Lowndes, who had prepared a sumptuous repast for
them under a spacious marquee. When the appetites of the hungry
archooologists had been satisfied, Mr. Lowndes in a few hearty
words cordially welcomed them to his domain, and expressed the
pleasure he felt at seeing so large a party as his guests.
To this Sir John Awdry replied in suitable terms ; and in the
name of the Society thanked Mr. Lowndes for his hospitality.
This called forth a round of applause, and with three times three
the name of Mr. Lowndes was cheered.
And now for an hour the archaeologists dispersed through woods
and gardens, some of the more enterprising climbing to the site
of the old castle, and even mounting to the top of the tower
erected by Mr. Scrope ; others contenting themselves with a stroll
through the beautiful gardens, or resting under the shade of the
old trees. The Church was in due course visited ; and then, taking
leave of Mr. Lowndes, the whole party climbed the steep hills with
which Castle Combe is environed, and drove on to Grittleton.
Here they received a cordial welcome from Sir John Neeld, and
were hospitably entertained with tea and coffee and other suitable
refreshments ; and then for above an hour the pictures and statues
and the other splendid works of art with which Grittleton abounds
were admired by the large number of visitors who soon spread
themselves over the suites of rooms and galleries. Nor were the
beautiful gardens, nor of course the Church, forgotten ; and then,
with hearty expressions of gratitude to Sir John Neeld for his kind
reception, the archaeologists drove back through Kington St.
Michael to Chippenham.
THE CONVERSAZIONE.
Precisely at 8 p.m., as announced in the programme, the enthu-
siastic members of the Society again met in the New Hall, when
148
The Sixteenth General Meeting,
the President took the chair, and called on Mr. Cunnington to
read a paper " On the Ancient Pit-Dwellings at Salisbury," which
had been written by Mr. Stevens. This was of exceeding interest,
and an admirable model of a group of these pit-dwellings amply
explained the arrangement of those curious but somewhat contracted
subterranean abodes.
The next address was by the Pev. E. C. Awdry, on " Monumental
Brasses in some of the Churches near Chippenham, 99 which was
delivered by that gentleman in a pleasant vein of humour, and
withal with no little proof of a thorough appreciation of his subject.
This was followed by an interval of a quarter of an hour, to
enable the company to partake of tea and ices and other good
things provided by the munificence of the Mayor and Corporation.
On the President resuming the chair, the Pev. W. H.Jones was
called upon for a paper on " Some Names of English Occupiers in
the Time of Edward the Confessor, still preserved in those of
Wiltshire Persons or Places," which that gentleman proceeded to
illustrate in the masterly way with which he invariably deals with
such subjects, which may almost be called his peculiar domain.
Sm John Awdry then called on Mr. Spencer for his paper on
" Hedges and Hedge Pows ; " when the Pev. A. C. Smith ex-
plained to the meeting that though he held in his hand the paper
in question, which was of very great interest, and written by one
thoroughly master of the subject, yet as he had only just received
it from the author, who was unavoidably detained at home by
illness, he would neither mar the paper nor tax the patience of the
audience by stumbling through that which he had not previously
read ; but promised to print it in extenso as early as possible in the
Magazine.
The President then called on Mr. Merewether for a paper on
" The Head-gear of the Antients," when that gentleman first des-
canted humorously on a helmet which he had brought for examin-
ation, and then amused the company by a happy discourse on the
bonnets in vogue amongst the ladies of half a century back, to
which the samples he produced of the fashionable bonnets of 1820,
1825, 1830, 1835, and 1840 contributed not a little.— We need
The Sixteenth General Meeting.
149
1 hardly say that, handled by Mr. Merewether, this subject was highly
appreciated by the audience; and though not strictly of so grave
and learned and scientific, we had almost added of so dry a character
, as archaeological papers usually are, it was an admirable termination
to the business of a very long but very interesting day.
A vote of thanks to the several gentlemen who had communi-
cated papers, and a hearty vote of thanks to the Mayor and Cor-
poration for their repeated hospitalities and friendly reception, of
[ the Society, moved from the chair, and briefly acknowledged by
his Worship, brought the proceedings of this day's meeting to a
close.
THIRD DAY. THURSDAY, Sept. 9th.
At 9.30 a.m. the archaeologists and their friends congregated as
on the previous day, at the New Hall, and thence started in a
variety of private and public carriages on what we may denominate
their exploring expedition. First they halted at the little old-fashion-
ed church of Langley Burrell ; and, however the modern church
restorer may deprecate the inconvenient, shabby, and obsolete
arrangement of high square pews and white-washed mullions,
there were many interesting points both within and without this
humble building, which attracted considerable notice from the
ecclesiologists of the party. From Langley Burrell to Langley
Fitzurse, where a fine old farm-house, with stone mullions to its
many windows, and pointed gables to its steep roof, demanded a
halt of ten minutes ; and then on to Draycot, where the Rector
was in waiting to point out the peculiarities of his church, of
which the choir, two steps below the level of the nave, attracted
particular attention, and gave rise to much speculation and dis-
cussion regarding its intention. Draycot House was also visited,
bnt, in the absence of the family, the furniture was en papillote,
and there was little to entertain our excursionists either within
doors or in the gardens, though the fine park with its magnificent
timber could not fail of commanding the admiration of all. And
now the Secretary's whistle summoned the stragglers to their
carriages, and soon the village of Sutton was reached, where the
Incumbent courteously received them at the churchyard gate, and
VOL XII. — NO. XXXV. N
150
The Sixteenth General Meeting.
introduced therci to bis church. From Sutton, they drove toj
Christian Malford, or, as it was carefully explained by Mr. Jones,
Christ- Mai- Ford, or Christ- Cross-Ford ; from the cross or crucifix!
which once must have stood near the dangerous ford over the deep
river Avon. Here the church and its elaborate screens caused
much discussion, as did many other details of the fabric, and its
history as traced in the mouldings and arches which remain. Then
by the large poplars for which this well-watered and rich
cheese vale is notorious, and skirting the hill, on the summit of
which stood out conspicuously and grandly against the sky the
picturesque Abbey of Bradenstoke, our excursionists climbed up to
the quaint old village of Clack, and first visited the beautiful new
church, built but a very short time back by the munificence of
Mr. Goldney. This is really a little gem of ecclesiastical design,
admirably executed, and called forth loud expressions of admiration
on all sides, as well as of commendation of the liberal founder.
Thence the party proceeded to the earthworks which stand at the
extreme west of the village, and which consist of a central mound,
flanked by banks and ditches; but whether they betoken an ancient
British or Roman camp, or a beacon, or whatever fancy may
suggest, certain it is that they occupy a most commanding position,
overlooking the vale which spreads to the north, and above all to
the west to an almost interminable distance, while on the east they
are within sight of the famous Barbury camp which overlooks
Swindon, and to the south the range of downs above Cliffe Pypard
stretches along the horizon on either hand. Hard by, and in this
remarkably elevated position, stands the ruined Abbey of Braden-
stoke, on an eminence but seldom affected by the monastic orders,
who usually planted their residences in the depths of fruitful
valleys, in the neighbourhood of streams and fishponds, with which
they were generally girt : and here the company wandered at
leisure, and under guidance of the friendly occupier (Mr. Freegard)
through the many vaulted cellars, and up to the massive roofs, and
even out on the leads, marking the strength and solidity of the
structure, the peculiar arrangement of the roof timbers, and other
interesting details. But archaeologists may be generally termed
The Sixteenth General Meeting.
151
a hungry race, and exploring expeditions tend to increase the
appetite ; so that it was with no unwilling hearts they assembled
in the spacious marquee beneath which Mr. Goldney had hospitably
provided a sumptuous entertainment. Here for a long time the
clatter of knives and forks reigned supreme, and then Mr. Goldney
rose and heartily welcoming the Archaeological Society to Braden-
stoke, proposed the health of its president (Sir John Awdry),
whose able conduct in the chair had so much conduced to the
success of the meeting, while it was with regret that they learnt
that the period of his presidentship had expired, and he was on
the point of retiring from the chair he had so well filled.
The Rev. A. C. Smith begged leave, on the part of the Archaeo-
logical Society, to second the vote of thanks moved by Mr. Goldney,
because excellent as had been our former Presidents, none had
shown greater interest in the objects of the Society, certainly none
had brought greater antiquarian and architectural knowledge to
bear upon their meetings than Sir John Awdry. It was with very
great regret that they parted from him as their President, and
they very cordially thanked him for allowing them to prolong his
term of office beyond the usual time in order to include the
Chippenham meeting.
Sir John Awdry, in returning thanks, expressed the sense he
felt of the personal kindness which had been evinced towards him,
assuring the Society of his entire and cordial sympathy in their
objects, and then, in the name of all who were present, offered
their hearty thanks to Mr. Goldney for the liberality with which
he had entertained them.
And now a further examination of the Abbey ensued, including
the barn with its huge timbers, the cellars, the roofs, and the gardens ;
and then all assembled again in the tent, to listen to an interesting
story of the old Abbey, which Canon Jackson, in his happiest vein,
related. This terminated the visit to Bradenstoke; and now, under
the pilotage of Mr. Freegard, but we are bound to add down the
steepest, the stoniest, and the worst of waggon tracks, the whole
cavalcade scrambled, and how the heavier carriages and four-horse
breaks managed to descend in safety was not the least marvellous
n 2
152 On the Ornithology oj Wilts \_Natatores~\.
event of the day. Somehow, however, all reached the bottom
without mishap, and first the old Manor House of Cadnam, the
original residence of one branch of the Ilungcrford family, demanded
a halt. Then Foxham Church, of primitive and unpretending
aspect, was not to be passed by unnoticed ; and finally, the little
Church of West Tytherton, from which the excursionists returned
direct to Chippenham ; and so concluded one of the most interesting
and enjoyable meetings that the Society has ever experienced.
(f it % #ntt%lo$| of Milk
No. 15.— ORDER Y. — NATATORES (Swimmers).
S the fifth and last great Order of birds contains those only
which are thoroughly aquatic, and as by far the larger
portion of these belong to the ocean as their peculiar habitat ; it
is manifest that Wiltshire, as an inland county can scarcely lay
claim to an extensive acquaintance with this Order. And yet,
with such ease and celerity do they pass over the intervening land
which separates us from the coast, that the Ducks, Geese, and
Gulls, which enjoy a great power of wing, very frequently visit us,
often in considerable numbers; while even the heavy- flying short-
winged Divers, Grebes, and Cormorants appear at rare intervals as
occasional visitants, and thus all the families which compose the
Order of Swimmers are more or less represented in our county, and
have been met with from time to time in various localities.
The characteristics of this Order are to be seen in the long boat-
shaped body, so admirably adapted for swimming, or rather sailing
on the water ; in the structure and position of the legs and feet,
placed so far behind as to cause an awkward gait on land, but so
well fitted to act as oars and paddles and rudders in propelling the
body over the surface of the water ; and in the close oily plumage
which is altogether impervious to wet. They are therefore for the
By the Rev. A. C, Smith.
153
most part neither active nor graceful on land, and their attempts
at walking result in a waddle or a shuffle, and some of them are
little less agile on the wing ; but in their own proper element the
most clumsy on shore will be nimble enough ; diving, swimming,
sailing, even in rough water, with the utmost buoyancy and ease,
and thoroughly at home, and even sleeping on the waves.
ANATID2E (The Ducks).
This very large family comprises not only the almost innumerable
species of Ducks proper, but also the Geese, the Swans, and the
Mergansers. They are all of one general uniform character, and
their structure as well as habits are too well known to require
comment. The distinguishing mark of this family, wherein its
several members partake in a greater or less degree, and wherein
they differ from the remaining families of the Order, centres in
the beak, which is of a broad, flattened form, of a softer consistence
than is seen in others, and covered with an epidermis or skin,
excepting at the tip, which is furnished with a horny nail. There
are other peculiarities regarding the beaks of these birds, suited to
the special requirements of the individual species : but in all the
family, the edges of the mandibles are provided with plates, rugo-
sities, or even hooks, more or less developed, which are serviceable
either in seizing and holding the slippery prey on which they feed,
or in separating and removing the mud which unavoidably accom-
panies its capture. For the same purpose their tongues are usually
very large, thick, fleshy, and extremely rough.
" Grey-Lag Goose." (Anser ferns.) This is generally allowed
to be the origin of our domestic species, and was at one time
common enough in this county, but has now become extremely
rare, since the draining of our fens and marshes. Colonel Montagu
described it in his day, (at the beginning of the present century) as
<c frequently killed upon the Downs in the south of England,
feeding on green wheat," and he adds " we remember one being
shot in the wing by a farmer in the neighbourhood of the Wiltshire
Downs, was kept alive many years, but would never associate with
the tame ones." In more recent days the late Rev. George Marsh
154 On the Ornithology of Wilt* [Anatidce~\.
informed mo that two or three fine specimens of this bird were
killed on the river Avon, by Mr. Ferris of Sutton Benger, in the
very severe winter of 1838, and doubtless it is still occasionally
met with in hard weather. It is to be distinguished from its con-
geners by the orange red colour of its beak, legs, and feet, the
nail of the beak being black.
" Bean Goose." (Anser segetum.) This is so much more
common amongst us in these days, that it has now generally
usurped the title of its larger relative last described, and is known
as " the Wild Goose." Specimens occur in various parts of the
county almost every winter. The general colour of the beak is
black, the middle of it flesh red, and the nail at the extremity,
which resembles a bean (hence the trivial name of the bird), black :
the form of the beak is also shorter and stouter than is the case
with A. Ferus. These birds fly in flocks varying in form according
to their size, a little band always flying in a long line in Indian
file, while a large flock assumes a V like form, the sharp angle
being always forward, and one bird acting as leader and taking
the head of the party, while the rest form themselves into two
lines converging towards their guide : the same bird however does
not always keep its place at the van, but after a time falls into the
line, and another takes its post. This interesting manoeuvre was
first pointed out to me in Norfolk many years ago by the famous
Arctic voyager Captain Edward Parry, who in his prolonged
voyages in the Polar seas had unlimited opportunities of marking
the habits of the race of Anseres.
" White- fronted Goose." (Anser albifrons.) The Uev. George
Powell, Rector of Sutton Veney, tells me that he has seen this
species in south Wilts, and though I do not chance to have other
notices of its occurrence in the county, it is most probable that so
regular a winter visitor to our island frequently favours Wiltshire
with its presence. The specific name both in Latin and English,
describes its mark of distinction, in the white patch above the beak
extending to the forehead. It is also sometimes called the " laughing"
Goose, from its peculiar note supposed to resemble a man's laugh.
The beak is of a bright flesh colour, with the tail pure white.
Bij the Rev. A. 0. Smith.
155
"Brent Goose." (Anser torquatus.) This little black species .
is the most numerous of all the Geese on our coasts, but is so
! essentially marine in its habits that it is by no means common in
| the interior of the county : occasionally however a straggler
; wanders out of its course, and I have several instances of its occur-
rence near Salisbury, near Corsham, and near Calne. Its beak is
very short, and like the general colour of its plumage, quite black.
\ I cannot forbear to call attention here to the monstrous popular
error which very generally prevailed regarding the origin of this
goose, sometimes called the " Brent Bernicle," as well as that of
the other Bernicle (A. leucopsis), and in deference to the archaeo-
logical character of this journal, I will quote the story as related
by an old writer of the time of Elizabeth. " There are found in
the north parts of Scotland, and the islands adiacent, called Or-
chades, certaine trees, whereon do growe certaine shells of a white
colour tending to russet, wherein are contained little liuing crea-
tures, which shells, in time of maturity doe open, and out of them
grow those little liuing things, which falling into the water, do
become fowles, which we call barnacles ; in the north of England,
brant geese ; and in Lancashire tree geese : but the other that do
fall vpon the land, perish, and come to nothing. Thus much, by
the writings of others, and also from the mouthes of people of those
parts, which may very well accord with truth."
" But what our eies haue seen, and hands haue touched, we shall
declare. There is a small island in Lancashire, called the Pile of
Foulders, wherein are found the broken pieces of old and bruised
ships, some whereof haue beene cast thither by shipwracke, and
also the trunks and bodies, with the branches of old and rotten
trees, cast vp there likewise ; whereon is found a certain spume or
froth that in time breedeth vnto certaine shells, in shape like those
of the muskle, but sharper-pointed, and of a whitish colour ; the
other end is made fast, wherein is contained a thing in forme like
a lace of silke, finely wouen, as it were, together, of a whitish
colour, one end wherof is fastned vnto the inside of the shell, even
as the fish of oisters and muskles are ; the other end is made fast
unto the belly of a rude masse or lumpe, which, in time, commeth
150 On the Ornithology of Wilts \_Anatidaf\.
to the shape and forme of a bird. When it is perfectly formed,
the shell gapeth open, and the first thing that appeareth is the
foresaid lace or string: next come the legs of the bird hanging
out, and as it groweth greater, it openeth the shell by degrees, til
at length it is all come forth, and hangeth onely by the bill. In
short space after, it commeth to full maturitie, and falleth into the
sea, where it gathereth feathers, and groweth to a fowle bigger
than a mallard, and lesser than a goose, hauing blacke legs
and bill or beake, and feathers blacke and white, spotted in such
manner as is our magpie, called in some places a Pie-Annet,
which the people of Lancashire call by no other name than a tree
Goose} which place aforesaid, and all those parts adjoyning, do so
much abound therewith, that one of the best is bought for three-
pence. For the truth hereof, if any doubt, may it please them to
repair vnto me, and I shall satisfy them by the testimonie of good
witnesses. Moreover it should seem that there is another sort
hereof, the history of which is true, and of mine own knowledge :
for trauelling upon the shore of our English coast, between Douer
and Rumney, I tound the trunke of an old rotten tree, which (with
some helpe that I procured by fishermen's wiues, that were there
attending their husband's returne from the sea) we drew out of
the water upon dry land. Ypon this rotten tree, I found growing
many thousands of long crimson bladders, in shape like vnto
puddings newly filled, before they be sodden, which weere very
cleere and shining, at the nether end whereof did grow a shell-fish,
fashioned somewhat like a small muskle, but much whiter, resem-
bling a shell -fish that groweth vpon the rockes about Garnsey
and Garsey, called a Lympit. Many of these shells I brought
with me to London, which, after I had opened, I found in them
liuing things without form or shape : in others, which were neerer
come to ripenesse, I found living things that were very naked, in
shape like a bird : in others, the birds covered with soft downe,
the shell halfe open, and the bird ready to fall out, which no doubt
were the fowles called barnacles. I dare not absolutely auouch
euery circumstance of the first part of this history, concerning the
tree that beareth those buds aforesaid, but will leave it to a further
By the Rev. A. C. Smith.
157
consideration ; howbeit, that which I have seen with mine eies,
and handled with mine hands, I dare confidently auouch, and
boldly put down for verity. Now if any will object that this tree
which I saw, might be one of those before mentioned, which either
by the waues of the sea, or some violent wind, had been ouerturned,
as many other trees are ; or that any trees falling into those seas
about the Orchades, will of themselves beare the like fowles, by
reason of those seas and waters, these being so probable. conjectures,
and likely to be true, I may not without prejudice gainsay, or
indeauour to confute." 1 The little shell-fish which these wise
people supposed to have brought forth the geese, still go by the
name of " barnacles," and the Latin name (Lapas anatifera), " the
goose-bearing bernicle," recalls the belief respecting them : yet
surely the extravagant and ridiculous theory detailed above, must
have severely taxed the credulity even of the ignorant and unscien-
tific age in which it was propounded.
" Egyptian Goose." (Anser Egyptiacus.) I am indebted to my
friend Colonel Ward, of Bannerdown House, Bath, for an account
of the occurrence of this very handsome species in our county :
two of which were killed at Corsham Court some few years back,
and were preserved by Mr. Dangerfield of Chippenham. They
were in perfect plumage, and had every appearance of being
genuine wild specimens ; and not (as has sometimes been the case
with such stragglers,) mere semi-domesticated specimens which
had escaped from some ornamental water. The Egyptian goose is
a splendid bird, and the rich colours of its plumage make it an
exceedingly attractive species ; and when seen in a large flock, as
I have met with it on the sandbanks and shallows of the Nile,
presents as gorgeous an appearance as the most enthusiastic Orni-
thologist could desire. It is a very wary bird, and will not readily
admit of near approach, and it was only when sailing with a brisk
breeze, and suddenly and noiselessly rounding some corner of the
river, that we were enabled to come upon it at close quarters ; but
at such times, or occasionally when quiet at anchor in the dusk,
we have been in the midst of a flock, and could thoroughly admire
1 " Gerard's Herbal, or History of Plants."
158 On the Ornithology of Wilts [Anatidaj~].
the well contrasted and brilliant colours of their plumage, before
they took alarm, and decamped at their best speed.
" Spur- winged Goose." (Anser gambensis.) Just as this paper
is going to press, I have an account of the capture near Netheravon,
on the edge of Salisbury Plain, of this very rare African goose, of
which but two other specimens are known to have occurred in the
British isles. It had been seen for some days previously associ-
ating with some tame geese in the fields. This species is not only
extremely handsome, with well marked glossy and bronzed plum-
age, but it is remarkable for the strong white horny spur, above half
an inch in length, and turning upwards, situated on the carpel
joint of each wing, as in the Spur- winged Plover (Charadrius
spinosus), at whose formidable weapons in every variety of bluntness,
I had often marvelled in the many specimens which I shot on the
Nile.
" Canada Goose." (Anser Canadensis.) The last-mentioned
species was a straggler from Africa. This is no less rare as an
occasional and very unfrequent visitor to the British Isles from
America ; in the north of which continent, and in Hudson's Bay,
Greenland, and the regions still farther north it is found in very
great numbers, where it has proved a welcome source of provision
to our Arctic voyagers. For its occurrence in Wiltshire I am
indebted to the pen of Mr. Henry Blackmore of Salisbury, who
thus records its appearance, in that very useful periodical the
Zoologist. "On Monday the 21st of January, 1867, a fine speci-
men of the Canada or Cravat Goose (Anser Canadensis), was shot
in a meadow at Coombe Bissett, Wiltshire, by Mr. Crosse, of the
same place. It came into my possession the following day, and on
dissection proved to be a male bird, weight twelve pounds. Another
was shot in the same locality on Saturday the 26th of January,
and was purchased by Mr. Marsh, of Ramridge House, for his
collection : this specimen appeared to me to be the same in every
respect as the one I have, (a male bird in equally good plumage
and condition). Mr. Whatman, of this city told me that he had
seen a flock of these birds on the 19th instant, in a meadow at
Homington, which is the adjoining village to Coombe Bissett,
By the Rev. A. C. Smith.
159
where the two birds were killed. From inquiries I have since
made, I cannot learn that these birds were kept on any ornamental
water or lake in the neighbourhood : it may therefore be deduced
that they are bona fide specimens of the bird in its natural state." 1
This bird has obtained the trivial name of " Cravat " Goose from
the conspicuous patch of white feathers, almost encircling the
black neck.
" Hooper." (Cygnus musicus.) More commonly known as the
Wild Swan, and is an annual visitor to our coasts in winter : indeed
I have seen nine brought in to the Lynn poulterers by a single
gunner in a morning, in severe weather. It is a bird of very
powerful flight, and its speed is said sometimes to exceed a hundred
miles in an hour : so no wonder it is wont to appear at times on
most of our larger inland lakes and rivers. The late Mr. George
Marsh reported that a dozen of them settled on the Draycot Pond
in 1838, which was one of the hardest winters within the memory
of living man. He also recorded that one was brought to Lord
Eadnor at Salisbury, who offered a guinea if the man would get
him another : the worthy fowler soon returned with one of his
lordship's tame Swans, and received the guinea, and neither he
nor the noble Earl was aware of any difference between the two
birds. It derives the name of Hooper from its peculiar note, said
to resemble the repetition of the word " hoop."
"Mute Swan." {Cygnus olor.) I am somewhat at a loss to
know why this species should be reckoned as a British bird, seeing
that it certainly cannot be called fera naturae in these islands.
However as it is included in all the British lists, and as we have
our share of this handsome bird in all parts of the county, I of
course follow suit, and add it to my Wiltshire catalogue. Though
for the most part of gentle peaceful manners, it becomes very
pugnacious during the breeding season : and I well recollect when
a boy at Eton, while sculling in a light skiff near the rushy banks
of an eyot on the Thames, I unconsciously found myself in close
proximity to a Swan's nest, and the old bird came at me with such
furious aspect of beak and wings, that I made my escape as fast as
Zoologist — Second Series, April, 1867, p. 709.
1G0 On the Ornithology of Wilts [Anatidce].
possible, fairly driven off by the victorious bird, which even
followed me for some distance, triumphing over my defeat. There
is one simple mark of difference whereby the Hooper may be
distinguished from the Mute Swan, viz., the colours of their
respective beaks. In C. musicus the beak is black at the point,
and reddish yellow at the base: in C. olor these colours are reversed;
the point of the beak being of a reddish orange colour, the base
black. In other respects the two birds seem externally alike,
though on dissection they show several anatomical differences of
structure. The Mute Swan has been from early times reckoned a
royal bird in England, and I learn from Yarrell that " anciently
the crown had an extensive Swannery annexed to the Royal Palace
or Manor of Clarendon, in "Wiltshire."
"Common Shelldrake." (Tadorna vulpanser.) We are now
approaching the true Ducks, and this fine species seems well
entitled to stand at their head: so conspicuous is its bright coloured
plumage, and so attractive its general appearance. It is by no
means uncommon on the coast, and occasionally a straggler has
appeared in our county. The Rev. F. Goddard, at that time Yicar
of Alderton, informed me that a specimen was killed in that neigh-
bourhood about the year 1856 or 1857. It is called the " Shell-
drake," from the partiality it evinces for the smaller molluscs,
which constitute the principal part of its food : and the " Burrow
Duck," from its habit of selecting for its nest a cavity in the rock,
or a deserted burrow of a rabbit. Like the Geese, but unlike the
Ducks, between which it stands, the female wears very much the
same coloured plumage as the male.
" Shoveler." (Anas clypeata.) The beak of this species at once
distinguishes it from all other ducks, as here we see in its most
perfect form the laminated structure (as it is called) to which I
have already alluded : the laminae taking the shape of fine long
bristles ; those of the upper mandible projecting beyond the mar-
gin, and concealing the front part of the lower mandible. More-
over the beak is peculiarly broad, flat, and depressed, the tip more
particularly spoon-shaped, and terminated by a hooked nail.
Hence the numerous names by which naturalists of various countries
By the Rev. A. C. Smith.
161
have designated it, " Spathulea," " Platyrynchos," &c. Though
by no means a common species in England, it is sparingly dis-
tributed every year over the country.
" Pintail Duck." (Anas acuta.) There is no more elegant and
graceful duck than this : of slender form, with thin neck, elongated
tail feathers, and handsome plumage, it rivals our brightest and
gayest birds, whether of land or water. It is common on the
southern coast of England, and in Dorsetshire is known by the
provincial name of " Sea Pheasant," a soubriquet derived from its
prolonged tail. Sportsmen accustomed to shoot wild-fowl meet
with it from time to time, associated with the common Wild Duck,
Teal and Wigeon.
" Wild Duck." (Anas boschas.) Though rapidly becoming
more scarce under the present system of draining, this is still too
common a bird to require comment on its appearance and habits.
"Gargany." (Anas querquedula) . This is often called the
"Summer Teal," and though larger than A. crecca, it bears con-
siderable resemblance to that pretty little species, with which we
are so familiar. It arrives in the spring, and the late Mr. Marsh
used to describe it as by no means uncommon in his neighbourhood.
"Teal." (Anas crecca.) This beautiful little duck, the smallest
of the Anatida), is well known throughout the county.
" Wigeon." (Anas penelope.) As common as the last. The
enormous numbers of this species obtained by the fenmen and
gunners on the east coast of England by means of a duck boat and
swivel gun, surpass conception, and the heap of slain must be seen
to be believed. Mr. Waterton has proved that, unlike its congeners,
the Wigeon is not a night-feeding bird, but devours by day the
short grass which the Goose is known to pluck ; hence it is called
in Lapland the " Grass Duck."
"Eider Duck." (Somateria mollisima.) This large and hand-
some species abounds in Northern Europe and America, where its
well-known down forms a most valuable article of traffic to the
inhabitants : so compressible and elastic, so soft and light is this
famous down that a large quantitjr which we brought from Norway,
and which when unpacked was enough to fill four quilts, was easily
1G2 On the Ornithology of Wilts \_Anatidai]%
squeezed into a hat-box for the convenience of transport. On the
northern shores of England, and in Scotland, it is commonly met
with, but is rarely seen on our more southern coasts ; so that I the
more marvel what fortunate accident has enabled me to add it to
our Wiltshire list. But an undoubted specimen of this bird was
killed a few years back on the water at Lyneham, the property of
Mr. Heneage, and is still to be seen in the Hall at Oompton Basset
House. It is however notorious for very powerful flight, and the
speed, at which it flies is marvellous : but it is very inactive and
sluggish on land. The beak of the Eider Duck has a thick swollen
appearance, and is terminated with a strong rounded hooked nail.
"King Duck." (Somateria spectabilis.) This is another species
of Eider Duck, more rare in England than the last, but frequenting
the same or even still more northern latitudes than its better known
congener. It is also a very handsome bird, and the well-contrasted
colours of its plumage attract notice. The only information I have
of its occurrence in this county, is a short note by my friend the
late Mr. Marsh, who wrote " the King Duck in my Collection was
killed in Wilts," but I have no farther particulars of date or place
of capture. The down of the King Eider, and its mode of nesting,
as well as general habits, are identical with those of S. Mollissima.
" Common Scoter." (Oidemia nigra.) The specific name nigra \
sufficiently describes the appearance of this bird, whose plumage
may be shortly defined, as deep black in the male, and brownish
black in the female. It is a very common bird on the coast, and
doubtless visits us in this county occasionally, but the only positive
evidence I have of its recent occurrence in Wilts is from my kind
correspondent, the Rev, George Powell, Rector of Sutton Yeney,
who met with a specimen on Salisbury Plain in 1849 : and Yarrell
mentions that though seldom found on fresh water inland during
winter, yet the late Sir Richard Colt Hoare, Bart, sent him word
that his keeper had shot a Scoter on the ornamental water in the
park at Stourhead, Wiltshire, which is more than twenty miles
from the sea in a straight line, and no such bird had been seen there
before." In truth it is a thoroughly oceanic bird, a true jack tar
which seldom comes ashore, and there cuts but a sorry figure ; but
By the Rev. A. C. Smith.
163
which is quite at home in the heaviest surf, and swims and dives
with equal facility.
" Pochard." (Fuligula Jerina.) This species known also as the
Dun bird, visits our shores in winter in immense numbers, and pene-
trates inland wherever retired lakes and quiet rivers offer it a
suitable asylum : for it is a very shy bird, and generally avoids
the proximity of man. In contrast to its usual habits of timidity,
and in proof of the confidence which even the wilder birds soon
learn to entertain when unmolested, I have seen the Pochards
arrive on the lake at Walton Hall, (where I was on a visit to my
lamented friend, Mr. Waterton,) and fearlessly swim in flocks before
the windows, where we could watch their motions at leisure, while
they seemed wholly unconcerned at our presence. The Pochard
bears a close resemblance in colour and general appearance to the
famous Canvas-backed Duck of America, and is said to be little
inferior to that bird in delicacy : consequently it is much sought
after by the fowler, and taken in vast numbers. It has been very
often met with in Wiltshire.
" Scaup Duck." (Fuligula marila.) This too is a very common
bird on the British coasts, and as it frequents the southern shores
in vast numbers, it is not surprising that a straggler occurs in
Wiltshire occasionally. It is of stout compact shape, and the black
head and neck glossed with green reflections, and the grey and
white spotted plumage of the back contrast to great advantage.
"Tufted Duck." (Fuligula cristata.) This is a regular winter
visitant to our shores, and is not unfrequently found inland. The
specimen in my collection was kindly given me by Mr. Swayne,
who killed it in 1856, when shooting with the late Lord Herbert
at Grovely, and this is the only Wiltshire specimen I have seen,
though I have heard of its occurrence in several parts of the
county. It derives its name from a long pendant crest of narrow
silky feathers.
" Long-tailed Duck." (Fuligula glacialis.) I include this species
in the Wiltshire list without hesitation, as I do so on the authority
of that excellent Ornithologist, the late Pev. George Marsh : other-
wise I have no farther notice of its appearance amongst us : indeed,
164
On the Ornithology of Wills [Anatida].
as it is a thoroughly Arctic bird, inhabiting the most northern t
lands and seas to which our Polar expeditions have penetrated ; and !
as it is a true denizen of the ocean, seldom coming inland ; it is j
necessarily much more scarce in England than either of its congeners
previously described : and yet hardly to be accounted a rare bird
in Britain : as it is (though in small numbers) a regular winter
visitor to our northern coasts. It is remarkable for the elongated
tail-feathers, whence it derives its name.
"Golden-Eye/' {Fuligula clang ula.) This very active sprightly
and withal beautiful bird with a remarkable brilliancy of eye,
(which is of a golden yellow colour, whence its name) is tolerably
common on the coast, though rarely seen in the interior of the
country. I have often met with it on the shores of the Wash,
but have never seen it far from the sea. I have however one
undoubted instance of its occurrence in Wiltshire from the pen of
Mr. Marsh, who wrote that a specimen of this bird had been killed
on the river at Salisbury in 1830; and had been preserved at the
house of Mrs. Bath : and it is most probable that other instances
which have not come to my notice have occurred. This species
breeds in Lapland in holes in the trees, often at a considerable
height above ground, and I have eggs in my collection taken from
such a situation by my lamented friend Mr. John Wolley, who
was so keen and accurate an observer, and did so much for Orni-
thology, and had already earned for himself a European reputation,
as a master in Natural Science, and would undoubtedly (had his
life been spared) have proved one of the first Naturalists of the day.
"Smew." (Mergus albellus.) Though admitted at the end of the
great family of Ducks, and partaking of their general habits and
appearance, the Mergansers, (of which this is one) differs from
them, in being provided with a beak, both mandibles of which are
toothed or serrated, the saw like teeth inclining backwards, the
better to prevent the escape of the slippery prey. The form of
the beak is also long and extremely narrow, and it is terminated
with a very strong hooked nail. Armed with this admirable
implement, the Mergansers have no difficulty in supplying them-
selves with fish, which constitutes the bulk of their food : moreover
By the Rev. A. C. Smith.
165
they can swim and dive and fly with great quickness, but from
the backward position of their legs, are awkward on shore. I am
again indebted to Mr. Marsh for the information that the Smew
Merganser has been killed in Wiltshire.
"Red Breasted Merganser." (Mergus Serrator). The form of
beak at once proclaims that the habits of all the species of Mer-
gansers are identical. This is a more common bird than that last
described, but is seldom found inland. I have however positive
evidence of the occurrence of one fine specimen which Lord Nelson
pointed out to me in his collection, and which his Lordship told
me was killed in his water on the Avon, by the Rev. J. N. Neate
in December, 1864 : and of another killed by Mr. Heath at
Quemerford near Calne, about ten or twelve years ago.
"Goosander." (Mergus merganser). This is the largest species of
the genus, and perhaps the most common, though none of this
little group of birds are very plentiful on our coasts : and very
seldom does a straggler from such truly oceanic ducks penetrate
so far as our inland county. The Rev. George Marsh however
had a pair in his collection which were killed in Wiltshire on the
river Avon in February 1838 ; and I have a more recent notice,
which I extract from the Zoologist,1 of its occurrence at Clarendon
Park, Salisbury, where the bailiff picked up a fine male specimen
quite dead on the banks of the lake in February, 1867, its mouth,
full of fresh-water weeds. When alive this species shows a most
delicate rose colour on its neck and breast, which (as in the case of
Pastor roseus and several other species) fades very quickly after
death. A magnificent specimen which I once procured from a
Norfolk fenman as he was returning with his spoil, and which quite
glowed with a rich rosy hue, soon after faded (to my intense disgust,)
to a dingy smoke colour, and has now no trace of its former
beauty. It is known on some coasts as the " Sawbill," a nick-name
which it sometimes shares, as it ought to do, with both its congeners.
COLYMBIME (The Livers).
This very remarkable family of Diving birds shows a most com-
plete structure, and a general formation thoroughly adapted to their
submerged habits, for all the species which comprise it pass a
1 Second Series, vol. for 1867, p. 709.
VOL XII. — NO. XXXV. 0
IGG On the Ornithology oj With [Colpmbidce],
considerable portion of their lives, not only on the surface of the i
water, but beneath it. The form of body is remarkably long and *
oval, the neck long and tapering, the head small and thebeukstraight, ]
hard, and sharp-pointed : the legs are placed at the extreme end of
the body, and the feet are large, thus acting as paddles propelling
from the stern. By this arrangement they are enabled to pass
rapidly through the water beneath the surface, and can remain a long
time submerged : but on land they are awkward and ungainly
enough, standing quite upright, and resting upon the whole length
of the leg from the foot to the first joint, reminding one of the
kangaroo : and when surprised or alarmed they shuffle into the
water on their breasts, somewhat after the manner of the seals.
But they rarely come on shore, except at the breeding season, and
then they place their nests at the water's edge. Though their
wings are short, and their bodies heavy, they can fly with astonishing"
strength and swiftness, yet the flight is necessarily laboured :
but, once in the water, none are more active and rapid, and even
graceful in their movements than the Divers. Many of them are
quite tail-less, and others have but rudimentary apologies for tails :
but perhaps the most admirable provision for their subaqueous habits
centres in their plumage, which is not only thick downy and soft,
but has a glossy silky lustre, which renders it so completely water-
proof that prolonged immersion has no effect in penetrating beneath
it. There are but two genera, belonging to this family, the Grebes
and the Divers, and we have instances of both as having occurred
in this county.
" Great Crested Grebe." (Podiceps cristatus.) This fine species
well deserves to take rank at the head of the family, and an adult
bird furnished with its ruff or fringe round the neck, and long
occipital tufts or horns, presents a dignified appearance. It spends
a part of its life amidst inland lakes, and part in the shallow waters
of the coast, whence it procures its food. So rapidly does it dive,
and such progress can it make by exerting wings and feet beneath,
the surface, that it requires a well-manned boat and sturdy rowers
to keep pace with it. Though necessarily only an occasional strag-
gler in Wiltshire, where we have no large lakes suited to its habits,
I have several instances of its occurrence. Mr. Elgar Sloper
By the Rev. A. C. Smith.
167
informs me that a young male in his collection was shot on the
Kennet and Avon Canal near Devizes in February, 1839. Mr.
Withers had an immature specimen sent to him for preservation
which was killed at En ford ; and Mr. Marsh possessed a female shot
on the Avon in February, 1838.
" Red-necked Grebe." (Podiceps riibricollis.) This is a smal-
ler species than the last, and if not a more rare visitor to our coasts,
is more rarely noticed, as it prefers salt water to fresh, and being
an inhabitant of more northern latitudes, only comes to us in winter.
It is said when diving, " to dart through thick entangled masses of
weeds and grass with the ease and rapidity of the fish." I am
fortunate in having one instance of the occurrence in our county
of so rare an inland straggler : and I am again indebted to Mr.
Elgar Sloper for the information that one was killed near Devizes
in 1840.
"Eared Grebe." {Podiceps auritus.) This is the rarest British
Grebe, and it is strange that I am able to include it in our Wiltshire
list, more especially as I am obliged to omit its far commoner con-
gener, the Sclavonian or Horned Grebe (P. cornutus), as though in
all probability it does occasionally occur in our county, I have no
evidence of its occurrence. The Eared Grebe I unhesitatingly
admit on the authority of the late Mr. Marsh, who informed me
that a specimen was killed at Christian Malford.
" Little Grebe." (Podiceps minor.) We come now to the com-
monest and best known of all the genus, the familiar " Dabchick,"
which may be generally seen on every retired river or large pond ;
a shy retiring species, disappearing beneath the surface at the
first alarm, and only re-appearing at a considerable distance ; and
then perhaps, after the manner of its congeners, only thrusting its
head above water, while the body is still submerged. I would here
call attention to the feet of the Grebes, which are very peculiar,
and are furnished with a broad membrane down the sides of the
toes, not unlike those of the Lobipedidse.
"Great Northern Diver." (Colymbus glacialis.) This mag-
nificent species is an inhabitant of northern seas, as its name implies,
and one of the most glorious sights to me as an Ornithologist when
o2
1G8 On the Ornithology of Wilts [Akadat].
in Norway was the almost daily view of a pair of these fine Divers,
or its congeners, the " Black- throated " (C. arcticus), or the " Red-
throated " (C. septentrionalis), swimming in the midst of some salt-
water fjord or fresh-water inland lake, monarchs of all they surveyed,
for I never recollect meeting with two pairs on the same water.
They are all wild shy birds, and extremely difficult to shoot from
the facility with which they would dive, the distance they would
traverse before they rose again to the surface, and their instantaneous
disappearance again beneath the water when alarmed ; and I have
spent hours in chasing them in a boat before I could secure the
specimens I wanted. The Great Northern Diver is the species
which most commonly visits our shores, though all three occur
sparingly on our coasts : but they are not often found in the in-
terior of the country. In "Wiltshire however I have no less than
five instances of this bird's occurrence. The late Mr. Marsh had
an immature specimen in his collection shot by his brother in the
river at Salisbury in 1831 ; and an adult specimen killed on the
borders of the county near Bath in February, 1838. Holliday, a
birdstuffer at Calne informed me that he had preserved one which
was shot at Bowood in 1855. A very fine specimen was taken in
a brook leading from Spye Park to Chittoe, in November 1853, and
is still in the possession of Captain Meredith ; the particulars of
whose capture I recorded in the Zoologist at that time 1 ; and a fifth
was killed on Mr. Heneage's water at Lyneham, and is now pre-
served in the hall at Compton Basset House.
ALCAD2E (The Auks).
This family comprizes the Guillemots, the true Auks and the
Puffins, and I had very nearly omitted the whole family altogether
from my Wiltshire list, as until these pages were in the press I
had no instance of the occurrence of any of them, and had no
expectation of hearing of any straggler so far from the coast and
from so thoroughly maritime a race as all the Alcadse are. Indeed
so entirely marine are their habits, that they pass almost all their
lives in and on the sea, and accordingly their legs are placed so far
1 Zoologist for 1854, p. 4166.
By the Rev. A. C. Smith.
169
behind, that they are wholly incapable of walking on land ; while
their wings are little more than rudimentary, and are advanced so
far forwards that though admirable as oars or fins in propelling them
through the water, they are of little service in enabling them to fly
through the air. On this account the presence of any member of
this family in our inland county is indeed marvellous.
" Razor-bill. " (Alca torda). It is indeed most surprizing
how this bird can have penetrated so far inland : and I confess
that its reported occurrence near Marlborough so astonished me,
that I felt extremely sceptical as to its identity, until the enquiries
instituted by my friend the Rev. T. A. Preston, of Marlborough
College, and the arrival of the stranger sent me for identification
compelled belief. The specimen sent is in immature plumage, and
is in fact a bird of the year, having neither arrived at the size nor
the distinctive characteristics of the parents : indeed, except for a
faint indication of transverse grooves along both mandibles, neither
the shape, colour, nor markings of the beak betoken the remarkable
formation peculiar to this bird when in adult dress. There were
two individuals which made their appearance near Marlborough,
and both of which were seen by Mr. Preston in the flesh. They
were not, found together, but one was caught on the banks of the
Kennet, on the 25th of October, the other was subsequently picked
up dead, and was in so emaciated a condition, as to imply that it
had died of starvation. The young bird of the year of A. torda
was for a long time considered a distinct species, and honest old
Bewick describes it, (though evidently with some hesitation) under
the title of the " Black-billed Auk," Alca pica; but Colonel Montagu
has no such scruples, and boldly contends that Dr. Latham in his
Synopsis is mistaken in supposing it to be no other than the
Razor-bill immatured. More careful observation however has
proved that the Doctor was in the right.
PELICANID2E (The Pelicans).
We pass on to the Pelicans, which is a high sounding title,
but the British members of that aristocratic race are but humble
and degenerate offshoots of a noble family, and can only claim to
170 On the Ornithology of Wilts \Velicanidce\
rank as remote relations of a lordly house. For the true Pelicans
are magnificent birds: and seen, (as I have many a time watched
them within the tropics of Upper Egypt and Nubia,) proudly
sailing on the broad Nile ; or swimming at their best pace down
the stream, while my Arab boatmen gave chace in our small boat ;
or rising in the air, and flapping with enormous wing overhead,
with the sun shining on their cream coloured plumage tinged with
pink, is a sight not readily forgotten.
The principal characteristics of this family are to be observed in
the feet, which consist of four toes, all directed forwards and all
connected with a membrane ; in the beak, which is strong large
and terminating with a powerful hook ; in the legs, which are re-
markably short sturdy and strong ; and in the wings which are
moderately long and equal to very vigorous flight. There are two
genera belonging to this family in the British list, the Cormorants
and the Gannets, and I have instances of the appearance of both
of them in Wiltshire.
" Common Cormorant." (Phalacrocorax carbo.) In many respects
this bird partakes of the general habits of the Divers and Auks: thus
on land it sits erect, and is awkward enough, although it can walk
with somewhat more ease than the Colymbidseor Alcadse : it swims
with the body deeply immersed ; and it dives with great readiness
and celerity : but unlike that family it can perch on trees, and grasp
the branches with its toes ; while its flight is strong and rapid.
It lives on fish, and to enable it to retain the slippery body of its
victim, the claw of the middle toe is serrated or indented with
comb-like teeth : the quantities of fish it consumes is enormous, and
it is not without reason that it has become the type of gluttony.
Moreover it is an ill-favoured slouching unclean bird, and seen
sitting on the rocks gorged with food, and staring with haggard
scowling eyes, and spreading out its wings to dry, coupled with its
foul odour, it always reminds me of that most unsavoury bird in
my eyes, the Egyptian Neophron, and accordingly is no favourite
with me. It kills its prey previous to swallowing it, by squeezing
it in its powerful and hooked beak. The colour of its plumage is
bluish-black, with metallic green reflections ; and it has patches of
By the Bev. A. C. Smith.
171
pure white on its thighs, and a white throat The tail is composed
of stiff hard feathers, and is frequently used on laud as a prop to
support the body. It is tamed by the Chinese, and trained to
take fish, being cast into the water after its finny quarry, much as
a falconer will, in hawking, cast off his bird at a heron, or the courser
slip his greyhound after a hare : only in the case of the voracious
Cormorant it is found necessary to fasten an iron ring round the
bird's neck, or the prey would be instantly swallowed. This sport,
which is still practised in China, was at one time an English
practice, and was in great repute in the sixteenth century : and as
there are still the high offices attached to the court of " Master of
the Buckhounds," and " Hereditary grand Falconer," so in former
days it was no slight honour to be "Master of the Cormorants "
to our Sovereign lord king Charles the First. It is a very common
bird on all our rocky coasts ; and I have met with colonies of it
far up the Nile, at least 450 miles from the sea ; so that fresh water
must be as palatable to it as salt, provided only the supply of fish
is sufficient. In this county I have an instance of one killed on
Mr. Heneage's water at Lyneham, whence the Great Northern
Diver was obtained ; and another (as I learned from a paragraph in
the newspaper) was killed at Bradford on Avon, in September, 1859.
" Gannet." (Sulci alba.) Known also as the Solan, Soland,
Solent, or Channel Goose, is common enough on our coasts. In
general form and in regard to the peculiar structure of foot, it
closely resembles the Cormorant, but in habits it widely differs from
that bird : for it never dives, is seldom seen on the water, but is
almost continually on the wing; indeed its power of flight seems
inexhaustible, and being of a light and buoyant nature, and pro-
vided with an internal supply of air cells, it can float on unwearied
wing without exertion. It is a large bird with an immense expanse
of wing, and the adult is of a yellowish white colour with black
tips to the wings ; but the immature, known also as the " Spotted
Booby," in France as " le Fou tachete," is of a clove brown, spotted
with pure white, as if a snow shower had fallen upon it ; and as it
takes several years in arriving at maturity, it was for a long time
considered a distinct species. In seeking its prey it soars to a great
height, and then suddenly darts down upon it with amazing impetus.
172 On the Ornithology oj Wilts \_Laridce~].
It has a strong sharp-pointed beak, not hooked as in the Cormorant.
Twice within my knowledge has this species occurred in Wiltshire
of late years ; once (as I learned from Mr. Marsh), on the borders
of the county towards Bath, which came into his collection : and
for the second instance I am indebted to the daughter of Captain
Meredith, who informed me of one killed at Heddington some twelve
or fourteen years since.
LARID2E (The Gulls).
We have now reached the last Family of birds, and it is a very
large one, comprising the great tribe of Terns, the still larger list
of Gulls, and the Petrels. They are all long-winged, and enjoy a
prodigious power of flight, which is not only extremely rapid, but
can be indefinitely prolonged, and apparently without exertion, at
all events without causing fatigue. They are all web-footed and
seek their food on the surface of the sea or on the shore where it
has been washed up by the waves : but though they float with
buoyancy on the ocean, they are unable to dive. They are conse-
quently rather birds of the air than of the water, and their evolu-
tions on the wing are extremely graceful and pleasing; and as the
distances they traverse are very great, they are frequently seen far
inland, so that we are well acquainted with many of them in this
county, to which an excursion from the southern coast is a mere
morning's amusement.
" Common Tern." {Sterna Mrundo.) The " Sea-Swallows, as all
the species which compose this genus are commonly called, are of
light and elegant shape, with small slim bodies, but with wings of
prodigious length and deeply forked tails ; and as they shoot over
the waves, or skim through the air, and occasionally dip into the
water, they bear a close resemblance in general appearance to the
real Swallows, whose arrival we hail with such joy every spring.
But in reality they have no connection whatever with the Hirun-
dinidce, for in anatomical structure and habits they are true water
birds, and all their food is derived from the sea, or from fresh-water
rivers and lakes, from which they are never long absent, and on
whose shores they make their nests. Their beaks are long and
straight, and sharp-pointed ; and their legs are short and their feet
By the Rev. A. C. Smith.
173
I1 small. The Common Tern is not so generally distributed on our
[ shores, as its name would seem to imply : it is however abundant in
I some favoured localities, and I have many notices of its occurrence
K from time to time both in North and South Wilts. Its general
i plumage is pearl-grey above and white below, but the velvet-black
1 crown of the head, and the bright-red beak, legs and feet, conduce
i much to the really handsome appearance of this slender graceful bird.
" Arctic Tern." (Sterna Arctica.) This species is perhaps
numerically more abundant than the preceding, to which indeed it
; bears a very close resemblance, and with which it is doubtless often
confounded. It is only to be distinguished from S. hirundo by its
t shorter and deeper-coloured beak, and by the darker under plum-
! age which is of a light grey colour. It is doubtless a frequent
visitor in Wiltshire, and Yarrell mentions Devizes as one of the
places visited by considerable numbers in the strange irruption of
these birds in 1842, as recorded by Mr. Strickland in the Annals
and Magazine of Natural History for that year : but beyond this
notice the only positive evidence I have of its occurrence in our
county, is in a note from Mr. Elgar Sloper, who informs me that
three were brought to him which had been killed on the Kennet
and Avon Canal, near Devizes, after a gale from the west in
October, 1844.
" Black Tern." (Sterna fissipes.) The dark sooty colour of its
plumage at once distinguishes this species from its congeners.
Although in every respect a true Tern, it differs in habits from
those previously described, inasmuch as it seeks fresh-water lakes
and rivers in the interior, where it lives upon such flies and other
insects as suit its palate. Hence it has more frequently been met
with in Wiltshire than any other species. Thus I was informed
by Mr. Withers that three specimens had been brought to him for
preservation in the spring of 1853, one of which was killed at
Compton Basset by Mr. Heneage's keeper : and two at Berwick
Basset. Mr. Marsh showed me two in his collection which were
killed near Bath in 1845. The Rev. Henry Methuen not only
recorded the capture of one at All Cannings on May 2nd, 1849,
but generously presented it to our Museum at Devizes (a very
174
On the Ornithology of Wilts [Laridai],
considerate and liberal act which I cannot too highly commend to
the imitation of any who may obtain specimens of our rarer birds
killed in Wiltshire), and Mr. Elgar Sloper informed me that one
was killed near Salisbury in 1840, and added to his note in refer-
ence to this species, "I may here remark that I have scarcely
known an April or October without hearing of the occurrence of
some of the Stertridce."
"Little Gull." (Larus minutus.) The Gulls differ from the
Terns in their more sturdy and less elegant shape, in their stronger
shorter beak with curved tip, in their longer and stouter legs, and
in the partial or total absence of fork in the tail. They seem
equally at rest, whether floating buoyantly on the surface of the
sea, gently flapping on powerful wing through the air, or standing
quietly, often on one leg, on the beach. They may be almost
called omnivorous, so welcome to their insatiable appetite is every
kind of animal food they can secure. The Little Gull, the smallest
of its genus which figures in the British list, is by no means a
common bird even on our coasts, but I have two undoubted
instances of its appearance in Wiltshire, as Mr. Marsh had a
specimen in his collection which was killed on a pond at Rodbourne
in 1848, and sent to him by Mrs. Pollen : and my kind friend, the
Rev. George Powell, (to whom I have been indebted for so many
interesting notices in this and previous papers) informed me that
a very good specimen, in winter plumage, was killed in January
of the present year at Upton Scudamore, near Warminster.
" Black-headed Gull. (Larus ridibundus.) I consider this to be
the most common species of Gull on our British Coasts, and the
immense numbers which congregate together for breeding purposes
at their well-known haunt, Scoulton Mere in Norfolk, must be seen
to be understood. This is a true Cosmopolite, and I have met with
it both within the Arctic regions and within the tropics. It is
often seen on Salisbury Plain, and on the Downs of South Wiltshire,
following the ploughman after the manner of Rooks, and greedily
devouring the grubs which are thus exposed.
"Kittiwake." (Larus tridactylus.) This too is a common
species on our coasts, though seldom seen in winter : but considering
By the Rev. A. C. Smith.
175
its abundance, it is, though occasionally met with on our Downs in
summer, by no means a frequent inland visitor: I have, however,
one instance recorded by Mr. Elgar Sloper of a Kittiwake having
been picked up dead on the snow in the neighbourhood of Devizes,
in November, 1847. It seems to be more thoroughly marine in its
habits than others of its congeners, and derives almost all its food
from the surface of the sea or the sea-shore.
" Common Gull." (Larus canus.) I doubt whether this species,
numerous though it is, deserves its trivial English name so much
as L. ridibundus : but perhaps in Wiltshire it may fairly be
entitled our " Common Gull." In the southern parts of the
county it is very frequently met with, and I often see it in North
Wilts passing overhead. It is also an indefatigable attendant of
the ploughshare, and the late Mr. Marsh used to say that in South
Wilts it obtained the soubriquet of " barley sower." The Eev.
W. C. Lukis kept one alive for some time that was captured at
Great Bedvvyn in 1854, and was present when another was
secured in the parish of Burbage, in March, 1857, during a snow
storm, by which, and the furious gusts of wind which prevailed on
that day, it seemed quite overcome and exhausted. Perhaps too
the same violent gales had driven it from the coast, and it may
have been faint from hunger.
" Lesser Black-backed Gull." (Larus fuscus.) Though common
enough on the coast and within a few miles of the sea, this species
rarely ventures far from salt water : and I have but one instance
of its appearance in Wilts. That individual was shot in the
middle of Salisbury Plain, near Tilshead, as I am informed by Mr.
Elgar Sloper.
" Herring Gull." (Larus argentatus.) I am informed by Mr.
Stratton of Gore Cross Farm in the parish of Market Lavington,
that he has killed this bird on his own land on the downs ; and
though this is the only positive evidence I have of its appearance
in Wiltshire, 1 have little doubt that a species so common on our
southern coasts, and of such powerful wing, must frequently visit
us. It is extremely abundant in the Isle of Wight.
" Common Skua." (Lestris caiaractes.) The robber Gulls, of
170 On the Ornithology oj Wilts [Laridce\.
which this is the more common species, may be distinguished from
their more honest peaceful brethren described above, by the for-
midable hooked beak, and strong hooked talons with which they
are armed. In these respects they resemble the raptorial birds
which stand at the head of our list. In habits too they are per-
secuting and exacting, for no sooner do they behold their quieter
congeners returning from their fishing excursions, than they give
instant chase, and do not desist from harassing their unoffending
fellows till they have compelled them to disgorge the fish they have
swallowed, and which they seize before it reaches the water, and
carry off in triumph. I have two instances of the occurrence of
this bird in "Wiltshire, one which I saw in the hands of Mr. Withers,
taxidermist at Devizes, in December 1857, and which had just been
killed by Mr. Hooper of Lavington, and which Mr. Withers des-
cribed to me as the " Black Gull ; " and another of which the Rev.
George Powell wrote me an account, shot at Heytesbury in Sep-
September 1863 by Mr. O'Brien, son-in-law of Lord Heytesbury,
while partridge shooting, and which proved to be a young
female.
" Manx Shearwater." {Puffinus anglorum.) The Petrels are at
once recognizable by their peculiar beaks, which are very much
curved, arched, and hooked towards the point, and also furrowed
and indented, and furnished with tubular nostrils, through which
they can eject at will a quantity of oil, and for which latter valuable
article they are highly prized by the hardy natives of the Western
Isles of Scotland. They are true birds of the ocean, and I may
say birds of the storm ; for during the darkest nights and the most
tempestuous weather they may be descried following in the wake
of the ship in ease and comfort, skimming along the surface of the
water, and even resting in the greatest composure in the most tre-
mendous seas. Their principal food is fat or whatever animal
substance they can find which is reducible to oil. The Manx
Shearwater, though rarely seen on the eastern, is abundant on the
western coasts of England ; but from its habit of passing the day
in the holes or burrows where it breeds, and only sallying forth by
night, it is not very generally met with. I am aware of only one
Bxj the Rev. A. C. Smith.
177
specimen having made its appearance in Wiltshire, and that was
taken by a bc^ at Market Lavington from a hole in a hayfield and
carried to Mr. Elgar Sloper at Devizes.
" Wilson's Petrel." ( Thalassidroma Wilsoni.) The scientific
name " Thalassidroma" sufficiently describes the habit of the spe-
cies which compose this genus, of running on the surface of the
waves; whence too their English and French name of " Petrel "
is derived, in allusion to the incident narrated in the .Gospels, of
the Apostle St. Peter walking on the water. Wilson's Petrel is
one of our rarest British birds, but three or four specimens alone
having been obtained in this country : it is therefore with especial
gratification that I am able to record, on the unimpeachable testi-
mony of the late Mr. Marsh, that a fine specimen of this bird was
picked up dead from exhaustion in Sutton Benger Mead, in Novem-
ber, 1849. There were no remarkable gales blowing at that time,
but it was observed that it was just previous to a long continued
frost.
" Forked tailed Petrel." (Thalassidroma Leachii.J I am again
indebted to the pen of Mr. Henry Blackmore for the knowledge of
the occurrence of this species in Wiltshire, the account of which
I extract from the pages of the Zoologist.1 That gentleman has
been so fortunate as to obtain two specimens near Salisbury, of
this somewhat rare species : one which was picked up on the 27th
of October, 1859, by a railway porter on the Great Western
Railway, two miles from the city, having apparently met its death
by flying against the wires of the electric telegraph : the other
supposed to have been killed in the same manner, as it was also
found near the railway embankment with its wing broken, on the
25th of November, 1866, at East Grimstead, a village about six
miles from Salisbury. All these Petrels very much resemble in
appearance as well as habits their more common congener next to
be described.
"Storm Petrel." [Thalassidroma pelagica.) The last bird on
the British list is also the smallest of the Order of Swimmers, and
this is the common Petrel which is known to all, and which sailors
1 Zoologist— New Series, vol. for 1866, p. 101.
178 On the Ornithology of Wilts [Laridce].
have designated as " Mother Carey's Chicken," " Little Witch,1'
and a variety of other appellations indicative of the superstitious
awe they feel towards these innocent little birds, which the}7 con-
sider not only the forerunners of stormy weather, but the actual
cause and origin of the tempest. It is true that all the Petrels are
more often seen during the prevalence of gales than in calms, and
this is owing to their crepuscular habits, which lead them to secrete
themselves in their holes while the sun shines ; and they seem
thoroughly to enjoy the most boisterous weather, when they will
skim over the crested waves, patting them with their feet as they
run over the surface ; or fly down into the hollows of the great
waves, and then up and over some gigantic billow, in evident
delight at the storm of elements raging around. Considering this
thorough appreciation of angry weather, it is strange how many
specimens are annually picked up either dead or in a dying ex-
hausted condition, during stormy weather in inland districts, as if
buffeted to death by the violence of the gale. Possibly it may be
that driven from their proper element, they are faint from starva-
tion, and so unable to contend against the fury of the wind : at all
events not an autumn passes without many such casualties to the
Storm Petrel occurring in our inland counties. In Wiltshire I
have a notice from my friend the Rev. W. C. Lukis of a specimen
picked up dead by a labouring man, in the parish of Ludgershall,
in November, 1859. The Rev. Townley Dowding, Yicar of Marl-
borough, tells me that in April, 1865, he distinctly saw a bird of
this species fly to a portion of the Kennet at the foot of his garden,
where it remained some five minutes dabbling in the water, then
flew off, and alighted again a short distance farther down the
stream : and lastl}7, as a fitting conclusion to this long catalogue
of Wiltshire birds, wherin I have derived so much assistance from
the records furnished me by my late lamented friend, the Rev.
George Marsh, I mention a specimen of which he informed me,
which was picked up dead at Somerford Parva in the year 1830,
which had evidently died from exhaustion, and which was preserved
by Mr. Wightwick of Brinkworth, but subsequently became moth-
eaten, and no longer exists.
Wiltshire Birds.
179
In concluding this general account of Wiltshire Ornithologj7, I
beg very heartily to thank the man}7 correspondents who have most
kindly given me the information I desired, and to express my
earnest hope that they will still continue to send me the particulars
of the appearance of any of our rarer birds, with such details of
date, circumstances, and locality as the}7 may be able to collect.
I subjoin a list of the birds referred to in my previous papers,
which will include every species recognized as having occurred in
Wiltshire, and which in conjunction with the table printed in vol.
i., p. 114, will give the true position in the scale of Nature of each
individual.
Family Genus Species
1 Vulturidce Vultures, (uot represented in Wiltshire)
2 Falconidce
VOL. PAGE
3 Strigidce
cc Falcons
. iii. 337
1 Haliccetus alhicilla
. White-tailed Eagle.
. „ 340
2 P and ion haliccetus
. Osprey .
. „ 342
3 Falco gyrfalco .
. Gyr Falcon
. „ 343
4 Falco per egrinus
. Peregrine Falcon .
. „ 344
5 Falco subbuteo .
. Hobby .
. „ 346
6 Falco rufipes
. Red-footed Falcon .
. „ 347
7 Falco ccsalon
. Merlin .
. 348
8 Falco Tinnunculus
. Kestrel .
. 349
9 Accipiter nisus .
. Sparrow Hawk
. „ 350
10 Falco milvus
. Kite
. „ 351
11 Buteo vulgaris .
. Common Buzzard .
. „ 352
12 Buteo lagopus .
. Rough-legged Buzzard
„ 353
13 Pernis apivorus
. Honey Buzzard
. „ 353
14 Circus aeruginosas
. Marsh Harrier
. 355
15 Circus cyaneus .
. Hen Harrier .
. 355
16 Circus Montagui
. Montagu's Harrier .
. „ 356
Owls
. iv. 26
17 Scops Aldrovandi
. Scops Eared Owl .
„ 29
18 Otus vulgaris .
. Long-eared Owl
. „ 30
19 Otus brachyotos
. Short -eared Owl
. „ 31
20 Strix Jlammea .
. Barn Owl
. ,, 32
21 Syrnium stridula .
. Tawny Owl .
. „ 34
22 Noctua pas&erina ,
. Little Owl
. „ 35
180
Wiltshire Birds.
Family
Genus Species
VOL. PAGE
4 Laniadcc
Butcher Birds .
• iv.
285
23
Lanius Excubitor
rjronf rrvov RhfllrA
• •>■>
287
24 Lanius collurio ,
. Red-backed Shrike .
• ii
289
5 Muscicapidce Fly Catchers
• ii
289
25
3fuscicapa grisola
. DpOl/lCO. r lyCdLCIlCI •
• ii
290
26
Muscicapa atricapilla
• ii
290
6 fylerulidcB
Thrushes • • •
291
27
Turdus viscivorus
. Missel Thrush
291
28
IHYflll ^ Ylll.flYI^
JL Vul H/CA/O IJVVIAI I/O • •
. Fieldfare
• ii
292
29
ittrnii q lYiil sis")/ c
J. t( / WHO /HftOtuwJ •
. Song Thrush .
• ii
292
30
illYn'll^ IllflO'il^
JL IA/1 \jb t f o t-ttctc tto » •
. Redwing
• ii
293
31
X M// Lt-M/O /I t V I iVVW • o
• IJltlOliUIIU. • •
• ii
295
J. Lvf VvWO V\J 1 1/ lVL4,l/WrQ •
• ii
33
Oriolus galbula .
. Golden Oriole •
• n
9Q7
7 Silviadce
Warblers . »
• vi.
167
34
Accentor Alpinus
Alpine Accentor •
• ii
168
35
Accentor modularis .
• Hedge Accentor .
• ii
168
36
Sylvia rubecula .
■ Redbreast • •
• > ?
169
37
Phcenicura rubicilla .
. Redstart . . .
■ ii
170
38
Saxicola rubicola
. Stonechat
• j)
170
39
Saxicola rubetra
• ^Vhinchat • •
• ii
170
40
Saxicola cenanthe
. Wheatear
ii
171
41
Salicaria locustella .
. Grasshopper Warbler
• ii
171
42
Salicaria phragmitis .
. Sedge W^arbler
' ii
172
43
Salicaria arundinacea
. Reed W arbler . .
• ii
172
44
Philomela luscinia .
. Nightingale . .
' ii
173
45
Curruca atricapilla .
. Blackcap Warbler .
• ii
174
46
Curruca Jiortensis
. Garden W^ arbler .
• ii
174
47
Curruca cinerea
. Common Whitethroat
' ii
174
48
Curruca sylviella
. Lesser Whitethroat .
• ii
175
49
Sylvia sylvicola.
. Wood Warbler .
• n
175
50
Sylvia trochilus.
. Willow Warbler
• n
1 TA
1 to
51
Sylvia hippolais
. Chiff Chaff .
• n
1 IO
MelizophilusDartfordiensis Dartford Warbler .
• ii
1 7 ft
I/O
Regulus cristatus
. Golden Crested Wren
• ii
1 77
1 I t
8 Paridce
Titmice
• ii
111
54
Par us major
. Great Titmouse
• n
178
55
Parus cceruleus.
. Blue Titmouse
• ii
1 7«
56
Parus aler
. Cole Titmouse
• ii
178
57
Parus palustris
, Marsh Titmouse
• ii
179
58
Parus caudatus
. Long-tailed Titmouse
• ii
179
9 Ampelidce
Waxwings . .
* ii
179
59
Bombycilla garrula .
. Bohemian Waxwing
• ii
179
Wiltshire Birds,
181
Family Genus Species vol.page
10 Motacillida Wagtails : . . vi. 180
60 Motacilla Yarrellii . . Pied Wagtail . . . „ 181
61 Motacilla boarula . . Grey Wagtail . . . 181
62 Motacilla neglecta . . Grey-headed Wagtail . 181
63 Motacilla Jlava . . Ray's Wagtail . . 181
11 AntliidcB Pipits ,, 181
64 Anthus arhoreus » . Tree Pipit . . . 182
65 Anthus pratensis . . Meadow Pipit. . . 182
12 Alaudidce Larks vii. 81
66 Alauda arvensis . . Sky Lark . . . 81
67 Alauda arbor ea . . Wood Lark . . . ,, 82
13 Emberizidce Buntings . . . . . . . . . ,, 82
68 Electrophanes nivalis . Snow Bunting . . ,, 83
69 Emberiza miliaria . . Common Bunting . . 83
70 Emberiza schceniclus . . Black-headed Bunting . ,, 84
71 Emberiza citrinella . . Yellow Bunting . . 84
72 Emberiza cirlus . , Cirl Bunting . . . 84
14 Fringillidce Finches ,, 85
73 Fringilla Calebs . . Chaffinch . . . ,, 85
74 Fringilla montifringilla . Mountain Finch . . 85
75 Passer domesticus . . House Sparrow . . 86
76 Coccothraustes chloris . Greenfinch . . . ,, 87
77 Coccothraustes vulgaris . Hawfinch . . . 88
78 Carduelis elegans . . Goldfinch . . . 89
79 Carduelis spinus . . Siskin . . . . ,, 89
80 Linota cannabina . . Common Linnet . . 90
81 Linota linaria . . . Lesser Redpole . . ,, 90
82 Pyrrhida vulgaris . . Bullfinch . . . 90
83 Loxia curvirostra . . Common Crossbill . . 91
15 Sturnidoz Starlings „ 92
84 Sturnus vulgaris . . Common Starling ♦ . ,, 92
85 Pastor roseus . . . Eose-coloured Pastor . „ 94
16 Corvidce Crows ,,94
86 Fregilus graculus . . Chough . . . . ,, 95
87 Corvus corax . . . Raven . . . , ,, 96
88 Corvus corone . . . Carrion Crow . . . ,, 98
89 Corvus comix . . , Hooded Crow . . . ,, 98
90 Corvus frugilegus . . Rook . . , , ,, 99
91 Corvus monedula , . Jackdaw . . . 100
92 Pica caudata . . . Magpie . . . . 100
93 Garrulus glandarius . Jay , , . . 101
VOL XII. — NO. XXXV. P
182
Wiltshire Birds.
Family Genus Species
17 Picidce Woodpeckers ,
94 Picus viridis
95 Picus major
96 Picus minor
97 Picas auratus .
98 Yunx tonquilla .
18 CertMadce Creepers .
99 Certhia familiar is
100 Troglodytes vulgaris
'< 101 TJpupa Epops .
102 Sitta Europcea .
19 Cuculidce Cuckoos .
103 Cuculus canorus
VOL.PAGE
45
. Green "Woodpecker .
46
. Great spotted Woodpecker
j>
47
. Lesser spotted Woodpecker
It
47
. Gold-winged Woodpecker
)>
48
. Wryneck . ,
>)
48
Common Creeper
Wren
Hoopoe .
Nuthatch
. Common Cuckoo
20 Meropidoe Bee -eaters, (not represented in Wiltshire)
212
104 Alcedo ispida .
. Kingfisher.
212
213
105 Hirundo rustica
. Swallow .
215
106 Hirundo urbica
. Martin .
• i}
217
107 Hirundo riparia
. Sand Martin .
• >>
218
108 Cypselus apus .
. Common Swift
• )>
219
220
109 Caprimulgus Europceus
. Nightjar. ,
• >>
221
162
110 Columba palumhus .
. Ring Dove
• )>
163
Ill Columba anas .
. Stock Dove
• >)
164
112 Columba livia .
. Eock Dove
• >>
164
113 Columba turtur.
. Turtle Dove .
• ))
165
166
114 Phasianus ColcJdcus .
. Pheasant
• 7)
166
167
115 Tetrao urogallus .
. Capercaillie . •
• ))
168
116 Tetrao tetrix . .
. Black Grous .
• >>
168
117 Tetrao Scoticus .
, Eed Grous
• >)
169
118 Syrrhaptes paradoxus
Pallas Sand Grous .
• >>
169
119 Perdix cinerea .
. Partridge
• >>
172
120 Perdix rubra . ,
. Red-legged Partridge
• )>
172
121 Perdix cotumix
. Quail
• >>
173
Wiltshire Birds.
183
Family Genus Species vol.page
174
122 Otis tarda
. Bustard
»»
174
28 Charadriidce Plovers .
.
xii.
45
123 Glareola torquata
. Pratincole
>>
46
124 Citrsorius Isabel linus
. Cream-coloured Courser
)>
47
125 CEdicnemus crepitans
. Great Plover .
• >>
49
126 Charadrius pluvialis
. Goldtn Plover .
* >>
50
1 27 Chat adrhis morinellus
. Potterell
• >>
51
128 Charadrius hiaticula
. Ringed Plover
• „
52
J.—-./ r UllCi I tlo L>/ to CCIO loo •
1 Q T\TX71 T1 IT"
• J-idJJ Wlllg • •
>>
52
130 Hcematopus ostralegus
. Oyster-catcher
! )t
53
29 Gruidce Cranes
• )>
53
131 GVms cinerea
. Common Crane
• ti
54
30 Ardeidce Herons
• )>
55
132 Ardea cinerea . .
. Common Heron
• )>
56
133 Ardea conzata • •
• S(juacco Heron •
• >)
56
134 Botaurus minutus
. Little Bittern
• )>
57
135 Botaurus stellar is
. Bittern .
• )>
58
136 Ciconia alba
. White Stork .
• )>
58
137 Ibis falcinellus .
. Glossy Ibis
• ))
59
31 ScolopacidcB Snipes
• • • • •
• )>
60
138 Numenius arquata .
. Curlew .
• >)
61
139 Numenius phoeopus .
. "Whimbrel
• >)
61
140 Totanus ochropus
. Green Sandpiper
• )>
62
141 Totanus hypoleucos .
. Common Sandpiper
• ))
62
142 Totanus glottis .
. Greenshank .
• >)
62
143 Machetes fugnax
. Ruff . . " .
• 5)
63
144 Scolopax rusticola .
. Woodcock . .
* J)
63
145 Scolopax major ,
. Great Snipe .
• >»
64
146 Scolopax gallinago .
. Common Snipe
• )>
65
147 Scolopax gallinula .
. Jack Snipe
• )>
66
148 Tringa Canuta .
. Knot
• J)
66
• ))
68
149 Crex pratensis .
. Land Rail
' ))
68
150 Crex porzana .
. Spotted Crake
• )>
69
151 Rallus aquaticus
. Water Rail .
• >>
69
152 Gallinula, chloropus .
. Moorhen . .
• if
70
33 Zobipedidce Lobe-feet .
• )}
70
153 Fulica atra . ,
. Common Coot .
• )i
71
154 Phalaropus lobatus .
. Grey Phalarope
• >>
71
155 Phalaropus hyberboreus
. Red-necked Phalarope
• >)
72
p 2
Wiltshire Birds.
184
Family Genus Species
34 Anatidce Ducks
156 Anser ferus
157 Anser segelum .
158 Anser albifrons .
159 Anser torquatus
160 Anser Egyptiacus
161 Anser gambensis ,
162 Anser Canadensis
163 Cygnus musicus
164 Cygnus olor
', 165 Tadorna vulpanser ,
166 Anas clypeata .
167 Anas acuta
168 Anas boschas . ,
169 Anas querquedula
170 Anas crecca
111 Anas penelope .
172 Somateria mollissima
173 Somateria spectabilis,
174 Oidemia nigra
175 Fuligula ferina .
176 Fuligula marila
177 Fuligula cristata
178 Fuligula glacialis
179 Fuligula clangula
180 Mergus albellus
181 Mergus serrator
182 Mergus merganser
35 Colymbidce Divers
183 Podiceps cristatus
184 Podiceps rubricollis ,
185 Podiceps auritus
186 Podiceps minor .
187 Colymbus glacialis
36 Alcadm Auks
188 tfonfa . ,
37 Pelicanidce Pelicans .
189 Phalacrocorax carlo
190 /SWa . .
38 Laridce Gulls
191 Sterna Jiirundo .
192 Sterna Arctica .
193 Sterna Jissipes .
xii.
153
. Grey-lag Goose
153
. Bean Goose . .
154
. White fronted Goose
154
. Brent Goose . . o
155
. Egyptian Goose . •
157
. Spur- winged Goose «
158
. Canada Goose . . .
158
• Hooper . . » ,
159
. Mute Swan . . ,
> >
159
. Common Shelldrake
160
. Shoveler
160
. Pintail .
161
. Wild Duck .
161
. Garganey . • ■
> *
161
. Teal .
> >
161
. Wigeon .
161
. Eider Duck
> >
161
. King Duck . •
162
. Common Scoter
162
. Pochard • .
163
. Scaup .
163
. Tufted Duck .
>>
163
. Long-tailed Duck .
>>
163
. Golden Eye .
164
. Smew . . . .
? >
164
, Red-breasted Merganser .
>>
165
. Goosander . . «
>>
165
)>
165
. Great Crested Grebe
>)
166
, Hed-necked Grebe . •
167
. Eared Grebe .
j>
167
. Little Grebe .
>)
167
. Great Northern Diver
a
167
. .
}}
168
. Razor-bill . •
169
> >
169
. Common Cormorant .
> >
170
. Gannet .
)>
170
>>
171
. Common Tern
>»
171
. Arctic Tern .
>>
172
. Black Tern .
>>
172
On the Origin of the Terraces, fyc.
185
Family Genus Species
194 Larus minutus .
195 Larus ridibundus
196 Larus tridactylus
197 Larus canus
198 Larus fuscus
199 Larus argentatus
190 Lestris cataractes
201 Puffinus Anglorum
202 Thalassidroma Wilsoni
203 Thalassidroma Leachii
204 Thalassidroma pelagica
Yatesbury Rectory, Calne,
VOL.PAGE
Little Gull . . . xii. 173
Black-headed Gull . . „ 173
Kittiwake
Common Gull .
Lesser black-backed Gull
Herring Gull .
Common Skua
Manx Shearwater .
"Wilson's Petrel
Forked tailed Petrel'
Storm Petrel .
Alfred Charles Smith.
on THE
pn%m of \\t %mumf JJalks, or Jpdjets
of % CJmlfe §oto-
By G. Potjlett ScROPE, F.R.S., F.G.S., &c.
F the natural features of the county of Wilts, none perhaps
are so prominent as its chalk downs. And they have con-
sequently attracted considerable notice from our local historians
and naturalists, from Aubrey down to the latest contributors to
this Magazine, in the last number of which alone two articles
describe their ancient earthworks and general character. But I
have vainly looked in any of these publications for a descriptive
account of what I consider to be some of the most remarkable
features of these chalk hills, viz. ; the numerous terraces, locally
called balks (banks?) or lynchets (ledges?), which frequently
score their slopes in more or less horizontal lines. These terraces
are perhaps most conspicuous between Mere and Hindon, and near
to Warminster and Market Lavington, but are indeed to be met
with almost wherever the chalk downs slope into the valleys or
low plains. No one travelling along the high roads which run at
18G On the Origin of the Terraces, Balks, or Lynchets
the foot of these slopes, can have failed to notice them contouring
round the projecting headlands and far up into the intervening
combs ; and few can have done so without forming some theory ;
as to their origin. I had myself entertained no doubt as to their
artificial production, but a few years since I was startled by reading
in a scientific Journal an article written by Mr. D. Mackintosh,
F.G.S., announcing the opinion that these terraces " thousands in
number, are so many raised sea-beaches/' left at the height where
they now stand by the waves during the progress of excavation by
the sea of the valleys in which they occur. (" Geological Magazine,"
vol. iii., p. 69.) I took the liberty of opposing this view, which I
considered perfectly preposterous, in a communication printed in
the same Journal (" Geological Magazine," vol. iii., p. 293) ; and
as the subject will probably possess some interest to Wiltshiremen,
the following extracts from that paper may be acceptable to the
readers of this Magazine : —
" Any one who lives in a neighbourhood where these banks occur
may see them, if not in course of formation from their beginning,
yet growing yearly before his eyes wherever the hill-slope above
is under arable cultivation. In this case as the course of the
plough almost always follows the more or less horizontal tread of
the surface (which is also the direction of the banks), the ridge of
soil raised by the mould-board of the plough has everywhere a
tendency, through the action of gravity upon it, to fall down-hill
rather than upwards. This down-hill tendency of the disturbed
soil is greatly assisted by the wash of heavy rains upon the loosened
materials of the sloping surface ; and the result is that year by
year the whole surface soil of the slope, when under continuous
arable culture, is, slowly indeed but surely, travelling downwards,
until it is stopped either by the cessation in that direction of the
disturbing action of the plough, or by some hedge, or wall, or
bank, which limits this, Hence it is that wherever a hedge or
wall forms the lower limit of any arable surface possessing a con-
siderable inclination, an accumulation of mould or made-earth will
be found on the upper side, often several feet in depth, and forming
a bank by that much elevated above the surface of the soil on
of the Chalk Downs.
187
the lower side of the fence. In the meantime the upper parts of
the slope losing their vegetable mould get poorer and poorer; the
plough works nearer the bone (as the farmers say) and the soil is
then only recruited by contributions drawn from the subsoil or tri-
turated rock beneath. The thrifty farmers of Devonshire there-
fore often employ their idle hands and teams in winter in digging
out the soil which has descended to the bottom of their steep fields,
and carting it up to the top again ; thus restoring the balance, and
maintaining the fertility of the upper portion.
But it may be said the ordinary lynchets of the chalk downs
have no hedge or wall along their lower boundary which might
act as a material obstacle to the descent of the soil before it reaches
the very bottom of the comb or vale. True ; but it may be said
in reply that fences possibly existed there in early times. It is,
however, in no degree necessary to suppose this in order to account
for the origin of the banks, which in fact where a fence does exist
will rarely be found in actual contact with it, but stopping short
by a yard or two above it, at the point where the action of the
plough ceases.
We know that in early times the arable lands of the greater
part of England were held in severalty by different tenants or
owners ; and also that on the common field system nothing was
more usual than for the same owner or occupier to cultivate several
distinct strips or breadths of land separated from each other by
the lands of others. Let us assume that a hill side was held in
three or four strips of land lying one above the other by distinct
occupiers : the strips having, for the sake of convenience in plough-
ing, their greatest length in a horizontal or nearly horizontal
direction, following the sweep of the hill side, whether curved or
straight. The boundary line between two of these neighbouring
strips may have been originally only a mathematical one, connecting
say, two mere-stones, and yet a bank will soon have been formed
along it, for each upper cultivator will naturally take care not to
allow the soil of his strip to descend to fertilize that of his neigh-
bour below. He would draw the lower limit of his strip by a
reversed furrow, throwing the last ridge of soil up hill ; thus leaving
188 On the Origin of the Terraces, Balks, or Lynched
a slight tronch, sufficient however to stop the silt washed down
from above, which consequently would accumulate there in a bed
perhaps only an inch or two in depth. But in the next year or
next ploughing, the process is repeated ; the cultivator again
checks the descent of silt by a double boundary furrow, or the
same effect is produced by the slight edging of earth or grass which
forms the lower limit to the action of the plough. And thus by
degrees a slight bank of earth is formed which in the progress of
years increases into a " lynchet " or " balk," i.e. a steep grass-
grown bank, several feet in height, with a somewhat flattened
terrace above — separating the parallel strips on a hill- side in the
hands of distinct cultivators. Or, indeed, the same result may be
purposely produced by the same cultivator, occupying the whole
slope, and desirous of stopping the wash of soil down to the bottom
of the valley by forming some artificial checks of this kind to it,
in the manner of the terraces so laboriously formed by the vine-
cultivators of southern Europe.
This is not mere theory. I have often watched the growth of
such banks, and even witnessed their formation from the beginning.
It is noticeable indeed with what rapidity they are produced and
increased year by year. For example I have seen one from two to
three feet high formed in the course of ten years at the foot of a
steep slope first broken up from old pasture at that distance of
time. A foot-path runs by the side and below it, but there is no
hedge or other material limit to check the wash of the soil down-
wards, other than the slight ridge of grass that grows on the out-
ward edge of the lowest furrow by the side of the path, which
latter remains uncovered and undisturbed. It is evident that
the slightest impediment would suffice to check the descent of the
silt into the path and cause it to settle above.
This I have no hesitation in asserting to be the simple explana-
tion of the origin of those "thousands of raised sea-beaches from a
few inches to several feet in height which may be found in Wilt-
shire, Dorset, and other counties," according to Mr. D. Mackintosh.-
Were they ever sea or indeed river- beaches, they would be found
composed of shingle or rolled pebbles. If sea or river-worn cliffs,
of the Chalk Downs.
189
they would consist of chalk or other rock in situ. But on the
contrary they will be found on investigation, I believe, invariably
composed of made earth or soil such as would naturally result from
the downward wash of the loose surface-materials of the slopes
above, annually broken up by the plough through a series of years,
and exposed to the influence of subaerial denudation.
It is indeed remarkable that these terraces, which are brought
forward by Mr. Mackintosh as " proofs of the impotence of rain
in moulding the earth's surface" since under his theory they have
remained unaltered from the distant period when the chalk hills
lay to their very summits beneath the sea waves, afford, on the
contrary, very pregnant and convincing evidence of the power
exercised by rain in altering the configuration of our hill slopes
within very recent and limited times.
G. POULETT SCROPE.
Fairlaivn, Cobham, Surrey,
July 10 th, 1869.
P.S. — Since this paper was written, a volume has issued from
the press, by Mr. D. Mackintosh, " On the origin of the Scenery
of England and Wales," in which his views as to the formation of
these terraces by the erosive power of sea- waves, or marine currents,
is repeated, and what he calls my " agricultural theory " of their
origin, alluded to with contempt.
In the number of the Geological Magazine for December last, I
therefore once more controverted Mr. Mackintosh's views, and still
further explained my own. With the former object I inserted in
my paper a few woodcuts, accurately copied from some of the
illustrations to Mr. M.'s volume, which are reproduced here as
examples of the general character of the terraces in question.
No. 1 represents " a series of terraces near Stockbridge on a
Fig. 1.— Terraces near Stockbridge.
190 On the 0 rig in of the Terraces, Balks, or Lyn diets
very gentle slope. 99 They are the class to which I would apply
the theory given above, of their probable origin in " strips " or
" lands," formerly held in severalty by different occupiers. No. 2
represents another class occurring upon very steep slopes, and
Fig. 2.— Profile of Terraces on the Side of a Chalk Hill near Twyford.
contouring round a promontory of the hill-side. In these cases it
is probable that the pick or mattock was emplo}^ed as well as the
plough. The exact resemblance of such terraced slopes to those
so generally formed in similar situations by the vine-growers of
the continent, with the object of arresting the descent of soil
washed down by rain-storms, and also of facilitating the action of
the plough, is evident. But Mr. Mackintosh refuses to believe
them artificial, and attributes them to " oceanic currents, at differ-
ent levels with or without floating ice." No. 3 he describes "as
the finest series of undoubted old Coast-lines or liaised Sea-beaches,"
he ever met with.
Fig..3.— Terraces near Llangollen, as seen from the hill north of Llantysilio Railway Station.
of the Chalk Downs.
191
I think, however, many of my readers will have seen on the
slopes of our chalk or oolitic hills very similar terraces, which they
will have no difficulty in referring to the agricultural operations of
our forefathers, a view which will relieve us from the necessity of
supposing our hills to have been very recently dipped a thousand
or fifteen hundred feet below the level of the ocean, and then raised
again by a series of steps, in order to account for these insignificant
and very artificial-looking banks and terraces. It will be observed
in the first and last examples that the banks which support the
terraces seem to have been obliterated at intervals, re-appearing
again at a little distance. This happens, probably, from the farmer
occasionally ploughing or digging down parts of these banks,
which being composed, as I believe they are in nearly all cases, of
good soil washed from above, would refresh the bare portions of the
terrace immediately beneath. Were they on the contrary shingly
sea-beaches, such a process would be evidently injurious, not benefi-
cial, and would be avoided accordingly. But I have said enough,
probably, to explode this " sea-beach" theory. Let those readers
of the Wilts Magazine who are acquainted with the numerous
examples of terraces, or lynchets, which are to be seen in the
neighbourhood of Mere, between Warminster and Salisbury,
around Market Lavington, and on many other downsides, (not to
travel out of our county) judge the question for themselves.
G\ POULETT SCROPE.
Note.
It may be interesting to know that the late Mr. Cunnington of
Heytesbury, who first directed attention to the remains of the
villages of the ancient Britons, on the Wiltshire downs, entertained
the same opinions as those expressed by Mr. Scrope, as to the
origin of the lynchets.
Among his MSS., I find the following remarks : — " In support
of the opinion that the Britons cultivated the high lands, I have
had the testimony of the late Mr. Davis of Longleat, Mr. William
Smith, (Dr. William Smith, the geologist) and several intelligent
192 History of the Pariah of Stockton, Wilts.
farmers. But we want no other evidence than that afforded by
the condition of the high chalk land in the present day. We find
squares formed by lynchets (called by Mr. Stackhouse terraces)
the marks of ancient agriculture, all over the sides of our hills.
It is now a common practice to dig in these lynchets for flints ;
and when engaged in this work, the labourers have frequently
found Roman coins, fibula?, pottery, &c. I have many articles of
this kind, and I think the evidence is full proof that this ancient
agriculture was the work of the Romanized Britons."
It may be well to remark, that there are many terraces on the
sides of hills bounding the river courses, which, though resembling
lynchets, are in reality the terraces left by the higher level of the
rivers in remote ages — in fact, old river banks. Examples may be
seen in many parts of the course of the Avon. They also
exist at Castle Combe, at a height of about twenty or thirty feet
above the present stream. A good example of this kind of terrace,
extending for more than a mile, may be seen on the right hand
side of the railroad, between Maiden-Newton and Dorchester.
Wm. Cunnington.
ptoiwg of t\t ftej d j$io$t<m, Milk
By the Rev. Thomas Miles, M.A.
( Continued from page 121 ,)
HE exterior of the Church presents few interesting features.
The north side is particularly plain and void of ornament.
The porch, which is on this side, is Early English. The stones
used to raise the walls of the porch, are fragments of Early English
windows, supposed to have been taken out of the north wall when
the recess was made for Mr. Topp's monument. The tower is of
three stages, and has a perpendicular battlement, with gurgoiles at
the angles, two of them mutilated. There is a double lancet
window in the upper stage of the west side, and a square-headed
Btj the Rev, Thomas Miles.
193
one on the north side. The lower part of the tower is probably of
the same date as the piers and arches in the nave ; it is very plain
and uninteresting, and is in a bad state of repair. It contains four
bells, one of them cracked. Some of the bells were re-cast in
1661, and 1684, but one ancient one remains, on which is the
following inscription : —
" Ave gratia plen."
The south aisle is plain decorated. The east end of .the chancel
is a tolerable specimen of Early English, and over the east window
are the arms of the Rector, Mr. St. Barbe, who re-built the east
end in 1840. Excepting the tower and porch, the exterior of the
fabrick has been restored and put into decent repair within a few
years. The chancel had been put into perfect repair in 1840.
The churchyard contains about half-an-acre of ground, of which
a narrow piece next the fence on the north side is said to be uncon-
secrated, it having been the road to the old Rectory House, which
stood in the garden adjoining the east side of the churchyard.
Several skeletons have however been found laid east and west, on
the other side of the north fence, so that probably the churchyard
has been encroached upon on the north side. The wall which
fences it against the road on the west side, was built at the joint
expense of the Rector and parishioners in 1781 ; and the agreement
as to the repair of this fence, is inscribed in the old churchwarden's
book. There is now only one tree remaining in the churchyard, an
ancient yew tree, which was injured, it was supposed by lightning,
on the south side several years ago. There were formerly several
large elms on the north side, which perhaps once grew in the fence
against the road to the Rectory. In 1842 the surface of the
Churchyard, which was very uneven, and much above the level of
the floor of the church, was lowered considerably, to give it a slope
from the church walls. In doing this care was taken not to
disturb any of the graves. The effect of this great improvement,
besides draining the church, is to raise the apparent height of the
building two or three feet at least. There are not many memorials
of the dead in Stockton churchyard. The following is an account
of those remaining in 1845.
104 History of the Parish of Stockton, Wilts.
NoilTII SIDE OF THE CHURCH.
There are three altar tombs on this side. The large one at the
east end of the north aisle covers the remains of some of the Topp
family. The slab has been covered with a long inscription a few
letters of which may be traced when the stone is wet, but not a
word is legible. At the head of the stone are the arms of Topp
impaling this coat ; on a bend cotised 3 fusils. The same arms
are on the Communion cup. Near the tomb towards the north,
are three vaults without tomb-stones. Westward of these vaults
is a large altar tomb to a former tenant of Stockton farm, thus
inscribed : —
"In memory of Mr. James "Wise, who died Jany. 5th, 1795, aged 60 years,"
Opposite the porch is a low altar tomb, (the inscription nearly
effaced) to Harry Fleming, who died 19th January, 1781, aged 19.
On the east side of the porch, about four feet from the north wall,
is a ridged stone, thus inscribed : —
" Here lyeth the body of Mary Barnes, who died Nov. 22nd, Anno Dom.
1709."
On a long paving stone before the entrance to the porch is
inscribed the name of
"Anne Raxworthy, who died June the 22nd, 1829, aged 82. She ^ as a
good christian and a worthy faithful servant to the Biggs family for nearly
50 years."
On a blue head-stone opposite the porch : — -
" Edmund Tapper died Dee. 18th, 1788, aged 62. Mary his wife died Feb?.
25th, 1786, aged 61."
There are three dilapidated head-stones opposite the chancel
door. The one nearest the chancel is to Nicholas Baverstock, who
died June 13th, 1740. lie was a farmer in the parish. The next
stone is broken. The other is to Joan Baverstock, who died June
16th, 1736.
At the east end of the chancel, near the wall, are five large
ridged stones, and one small one. The first towards the north
covers the remains of Mary Anne Pinchard, who died May 18th,
1807, aged 39. The stone next to this has the inscription worn
off. The third from the north is thus inscribed : —
By the Rev. Thomas Miles.
195
" Decimo Augusti, 1692.
Then dyed Jane, daughter of Archdeacon Ryves, the wife of Martin Tanner,
first steward of the Almeshouse : and interred near John their son, who departed
17 Junii, 1658. Disce mori."
The above Jane was probably a daughter of John Ryves, L.L.B.
Archdeacon of Berks ; who was succeeded in 1665 by Peter Mews,
afterwards President of St. John's, Oxford, and Bishop of Bath
and Wells, 1672, of Winchester, 1684. A sister of Jane Tanner
was married at Stockton, 29th May, 1666, to Edward Elderton of
Warminster. Martin Tanner was a farmer at Stockton.
The fourth ridged stone from the north, is a small one thus
inscribed : —
" of Martha Lucas, the daughter of Thomas and Jane Lucas, who
died the 15th (or 18th) day of April, An. Do. 1668."
This stone was found below the surface when the east end of the
chancel was re-built in 1840. It appears from the old church-
warden's book that Thomas Lucas was churchwarden in 1688, and
was tenant of Mr. Topp's lower farm, supposed to be that, late the
property of Mr. Pinchard. Below the gravestones just described,
are two very ancient ridged stones, or rather coffin-lids, being in
fact the covers of stone coffins, which were examined when the
surface of the churchyard was levelled. The place for the head
and shoulders was cut out in the solid stone. There are two small
head-stones within four feet of the east end of the chancel. One
of them is marked, "Anne Good, ob. 1817. "She was mother of
the Rev. Henry Good, Rector, who was buried in the same grave,
and his name was inscribed on the stone in 1846. His wife
Eleanor, is buried on the south side of the above, and a stone was
placed at the head of his grave in 1846. Another small head-stone
towards the north is inscribed, " William Heley Good, ob. 1804."
He was son of the Rector, and in the same grave lies another
of his sons, Charles Good, who died in 1824. Below these, a large
blue head-stone commemorates
" Jemima, wife of James Wheeler, who died April 13, 1790, aged 71. And
James Wheeler, who died Nov. 10, 1820, aged 91 (or 94)."
Near this stone are two sad calamities in the shape of iron tombs
196 History of the Parish of Stockton, Wilts.
made of cast iron, a little in the form of ridged gravestones. They
are painted stone colour. One of these is placed over the remains
of Mrs. Chandler, (who deserved a more churchmanlike memorial,)
and the other over the three children of her son, Mr. Thomas
Hicks Chandler. It is to be hoped that these iron memorials will
not become fashionable, as nothing can be in worse taste ; they
have a cheap mean appearance, and have this great disadvantage,
that to look decent, they should have a coat of paint twice a year.
These tombs were only placed in the churchyard in the spring of
this year, 1847, and are already (November) becoming rusty.
There are two old rigid stones towards the north-east corner of the
churchyard. On one is the name " George Lukes," and the date
" 1663 ; " the remainder of the inscription is illegible. The other
stone has no trace of an inscription, but perhaps may cover the
remains of Mr. Terry the Rector, who was buried at his own desire
" among the poor" in the churchyard, opposite to the old Parsonage.
Near the gate of the parsonage garden is a large head-stone to
" Ann Barker, who died in the service of the Bev. R. F. St. Barbe, 16th
Feb., 1833, aged 29." She was a native of Lincolnshire.
South side of the Churchyard.
Before the south wall of the church was re-built, there was a
large altar-tomb placed against it west of the door, inscribed
" Joahn Maton, ye wife of Nicholas Maton, deceased (month effaced) 1622"
This tomb was too much broken to be restored, but the inscribed
stone and a part of the moulding were built up in the wall in
1844.
There was another altar-tomb against the south side of the
church, east of the door, which could not be re-erected. The in-
scribed stones were therefore built up in the new wall, as in the
former case. The inscription is,
" Here lyes Melior Bennett, widdow of Thomas Bennett of Pithouse, Esq.,
who died Nov. 10th, 1669."
This was at the end of the tomb ; in front was the same in Latin,
now nearly illegible.
By the Rev. Thomas Miles. 197
Close in front of the tomb last mentioned was another, re-erected
a little farther from the church ; it is inscribed thus : —
" Here lies the body of Frances, the relict of Richard Hurman, late of
Shaston in the County of Dorsett, Gent : daughter of Thomas Bennett, late of
Pit House in this County, Esq., and Melior his wife ; who departed this life the
fi* Jan?., 1710, aged 80 years."
Near the east end of the above, is another altar-tomb, thus
inscribed : —
" In memory of Mrs. Frances Marks, relict of Thos. Chafin Marks Esq., late
in the Close of Sarum, who died Dec. ye 27, 1753, aged 80 years."
Opposite to Mrs. Hurman's tomb is a ridged gravestone, inscribed
as follows : —
"Here lyeth the body of Richard Helme, who departed this life Aug1. ye
6th, 1711."
Richard Helme was churchwarden in 1665 and in 1682, and
appears to have been a farmer.
Beyond these towards the east, are three head-stones in a line.
The first from the south is inscribed to
"John Russell, who died Augst. 13th, 1782, aged 71;" and "Thomas
Humphries, who died Nov. 25th, 1784, aged 74.
The centre stone is to
" Elizabeth, wife of Thomas Humphries, who died Augst. 1st, 1808, aged 47."
The other is inscribed to
" Thomas Humphries, who died Sep. 10, 1829, aged 62 ; and Jane his wife,
who died April 21st, 1827, aged 52."
Beyond these is a small head-stone to
" Merab, daughter of Thos. and Elizth. Humphries, who died April 10th,
1781, aged 18 days."
On a stone near this : —
" Here lieth the body of Mary Slade, who died Sep. 9th, 1742, aged 23 years."
At the west end of the churchyard are two head- stones. One
is inscribed to
" Humphrey Giles, who died 18 Febr5r. 1829, and Jane his wife, who died
27th March, 1827" They were many years in the service of Harry Biggs,
Esq., as bailiff, and dairy woman.
The other stone is to Joseph Hall, also an old servant of Mr.
Biggs as groom. He died 27th January, 1832, aged 50.
VOL. XII. — no. xxxv. Q
198
History of the Parish of Stockton, Wills.
Stockton House was erected by John Topp, Esq. It was pro-:
bably begun in the latter part of the reign of Queen Elizabeth,!
and finished in the reign of James I., as the arms of both these:
sovereigns are on the ceiling of the great bedroom. Sir Hichard
Tloare shews that the Topps were resident at Stockton before the;
Reformation, as tenants of the manor under the Monks of St
Swithin at Winchester; but it does not appear how they obtained
possession of the property. Sir Richard Hoare has fallen into
an error with respect to the Porte family as connected with Stockton.
The fact is, the Topp who is the subject of the great monument,
married a Hooper of Boveridge in Dorsetshire, whose ancestor
having married the heiress of the family of Porte, of Poole, in
Dorset, the arms of Topp were very properly impaled with those
of Hooper and Porte quarterly. I don't think any of the Porte
family ever had anything to do with Stockton.
There is a tradition in the parish that the family was raised to
wealth and station by success in trade as clothiers ; but in the time
of Queen Elizabeth, they were evidently people of consideration.
Francis Topp, of a junior branch of this family, was created a
Baronet in 1668. The first member of the family noticed in the
parish register, is the founder of Stockton House, John Topp,
Sheriff of Wilts in 1630, and who died in the night of August
31st, 1632, and was buried in the night following. He married
Mary, eldest daughter of Edward Hooper of Boveridge, Dorset-
shire. She died in her 43rd year, at 6 a.m., 6th April, 1617,
and was buried in the church of Stockton on the 23rd of the same
month; being Easter week, a funeral sermon having been previously
delivered by Mr. Terry the Hector, and afterwards an ample dis-
tribution was made among the poor."
We are indebted for the minute particulars of her funeral to
Mr. Crockford, schoolmaster, or curate of the parish, who entered
her burial in the register, and describes her as a most excellent
person. Her brother James, third son of Edward Hooper of
Boveridge, was married at Stockton, September 24th, 1613, to
Penelope, sixth daughter of Geoffry Whitaker, late of Tinhead in
the parish of Edington, Wilts. John Topp and Mary Hooper
By the Rev. Thomas Miles.
199
had issue, three sons and three daughters, viz. : John senior, John
junior, and Edward ; and Anne, Mary, and Elizabeth. The eldest
son John, senior, married Elizabeth, daughter of John Swayne of
Gunville, Dorset, by whom he left no surviving issue ; and on
his decease in 1660, he was succeeded at Stockton by his brother
Edward. It does not appear what became of John, junior. John
senior presented the 2 silver flagons to the church. Edward Topp
died in 1665, and left issue by his wife Frances, 4 children. John
his heir, married Catherine, daughter of Sir Ed ward Berkley, Knight;
of Alexander the second son, nothing is known. Elizabeth the
eldest daughter, married Richard Swaine of Gunville, and Eleanor
the second daughter, was the wife of Thomas Lambert of Boyton.
John Topp and Catherine Berkley (who married secondly Thomas
Bennett of Pytt House, and survived him) had issue, four children,
of whom John the eldest son and two daughters, died infants.
Edward Topp, the second son, inherited Stockton, and married
Christiana, daughter and co-heir of George Gray of Nether
Stowey, Somerset. They had issue, five children, viz. : John
Topp, Barrister-at-law, who died without issue in 1745 ; Edward,
the second son, died s.p. in 1710; and Alexander, the third son,
died also without issue, 1738. The two daughters of John and
Christiana Topp thus became co-heirs of Stockton. Susan the
eldest, married Robert Everard of Nether Stowey, Somerset.
Christiana, the youngest daughter, married Richard Lansdown of
Woodborough near Bath, and died without issue. Robert Everard,
and Susan Topp had an only child, Susan, who was married to
Robert Everard Balsh of St. Audries in Somersetshire, who sold
the manor of Stockton to Henry Biggs,.Esq. The pedigree of the
Topp family is printed in Sir R. C. Hoare's " Heytesbury,"
p. 242.
The exact date of Stockton house cannot be ascertained. There
was a stone on the premises a few years ago, with this inscription,
"God save this House, built by John Topp, March " Un-
fortunately the date is broken off. Sir Richard Hoare mentions
a stone in the house on which is a part of the date, " 16. The
concluding figures defaced. This refers perhaps to the stone before
200
History of the Parish of Stockton, Wilts.
mentioned, which may have been taken out of the old porch when J
the drawing-room windows were lowered. The house stands in $1
small paddock well sheltered by trees, of which some ancient f|
walnut trees and elms are some of the "old hereditary trees" ofj
the Topps. The younger trees and shrubs near the house, werei
planted by Harry Biggs, Esq. (owner when this paper was written. Ed.)
When he succeeded his father in 1800, the house and grounds were1,
much in the same state as they were left by the Topps. The house
stood within a walled inclosure. To the west was an entrance then
a court; the gateway opposite the porch having handsome stone !
piers, on each of which was a lion holding a shield, bearing the !
arms of Topp impaling Gray. A paved walk led from the gate to !
the porch. To the south was the bowling green, to the east was
the garden. Within the wall was a raised terrace, extending
along the whole length of the south side of the inclosure, and
along the west side from the south wall to the gateway. The
ascent to the terrace was by stone steps, and it had a parapet on
which were placed busts of the twelve Csesars, and handsome vases.
Several of the vases are still preserved, and two of the busts are
on a bridge in the garden at Bathampton house, and the remainder
are at Pytt house. Under the terrace on the west side, was the
cellar, with a handsome entrance at the north end, over which was
a figure of Bacchus astride on a cask, with a glass in his hand,
and a garland of grapes and leaves on his head. The mutilated
trunk of this image, and other remains of the stone work of the
terraces were in existence a few years ago. The exact situation of
the terraces may be traced on the grass in hot weather, and a
group of beeches on a mound marks the south-east corner of the
inclosure, wThich extended westward to a point opposite the gateway
of the stable yard. These ornamental appendages to the house
were in good condition forty years ago, when they were removed
to make room for a carriage approach and other conveniences
necessary for comfort in modern times. A part of the materials
of the terraces were used, I believe, in building the new stables.
It is supposed that the embellishment of the court and terraces,
was the work of Edward Topp, who died in 1740, as his arms were
By the Rev. Thomas Miles.
201
placed on the piers of the gateway, and the ornaments were of
much more recent date than the house.
Stockton house is rather a plain specimen of the Elizabethan
style, the only part ornamented being the entrance porch in the
west front. Attached to the north-west angle of the house is a
range of buildings, containing some of the servants' offices. There
is a tradition in the village that a part of this wing was at one
time used as a Chapel, and this may have been the case during the
great Rebellion, when some of the ejected Clergy were sheltered
at Stockton by the Topps. The exterior of this venerable mansion
has suffered little, either from time or the improver, and, excepting
the new porch and entrance on the south side, and the lowering of
some of the windows, it remains in its original state. Fortunately
also the house required little alteration in the interior, to adapt it
to modern habits, and the only rooms modernized, are the hall,
dining-room, and study. The dining-room is on the left of the
hall, and is a large handsome apartment, though unfortunately
fitted up in a modern style. This room was originally the great
hall. Above the dining-room, and of the same size, with the first
floor of the porch added to it, is the drawing-room in its original
state, untouched by the rude hand of the improver. It is a fine
specimen of internal decoration in the Elizabethan style, and is in
perfect preservation, excepting that the ceiling rather sinks. There
is a plate of this beautiful room in Sir Richard Hoare's "History
of Wilts," and the east side of it is given in Mr. Shaw's interesting
work "Details of Elizabethan Architecture." Most of the prin-
cipal bedrooms retain their old wainscots, chimney-pieces and
ceilings ; but the wainscots have all been painted. The chimney-
piece and ceiling in the bedroom over the study, are particularly
handsome. In the panel over the fire-place, is a cuiious carving
of Shadrach, Meshech, and Abednego, in the fiery furnace. This
room (and the drawing-room) have been engraved in Richardson's
" Interiors." The large bedroom over the kitchen has a curious ceil-
ing ornamented with the arms of Queen Elizabeth and James I.
There is nothing remarkable in the servants' offices, but the kitchen is
large and retains much of its ancient character. The old furniture
202 History of the Parish of Stockton, Wilts.
was in tho house when the estate was purchased by TTenry Biggs,
Esq., who sold it at the request of Major Hartley, (of Buckleburyj
Berks) then residing here as tenant. Probably the carved oak
chairs, bedsteads, &c, which have been found in some of the
cottages in the neighbourhood, once formed part of the furniture
of Stockton house. The old kitchen garden behind the house
remains, surrounded on two sides by the original wall, but all
traces of the ancient pleasure grounds have disappeared, excepting
perhaps a very fine old cypress tree, which may have grown within
the enclosed parterre. The family of Biggs, or Bygges, appears
to have been settled in this neighbourhood before the reign of
Edward VI., and to that period the pedigree is traced from
authentic evidences. The Biggs's were seated at Stapleford, where
they held lands and the presentation to the vicarage. " Johannes
Byggs of Stapleford" presented in 1551, in 1554, and in 1571.
The Biggs's were connected by marriage with the Snows of Ber-
wick St. James, an old family there, and for many generations
Lords of the Manor. The family of Biggs may be traced in this
part of the county in the reign of Edw. III. In the None Roll
in the Exchequer, made 15th of Edw. III., A.D. 1342, is an
application to Bishop Ergham of Sarum, for an augmentation of
the Yicarage of Tisbury, when Robert Bigge was one of the
principal parishioners who made the application. The Ecclesi-
astical Survey, made the 26th of Hen. VIII., names John Biggs
as Vicar of Tisbury, presented in 1502. John Biggs was Rector
of Tisbury in 1532, when he presented Barker to the vicarage.
Another John Byggs was presented to the rectory of Chilmark in
1508, and held it till the year 1544. Edmund Bigges was pre-
sented by the King in 1611, to the vicarages of Wilsford and
"Woodford near Stapleford ; and Richard Biggs was Rector of
Shrewton in 1663.
Stockton farm-house, an interesting old mansion, was built about
the same period as Stockton house, by one of the family of the
Poticarys, who were rich clothiers, and resided here for two or
three generations. (The pedigree of Poticary is printed in Mr.
E. Kite's " Wilts Brasses," p. 76.) The house of the Poticarys
03
an
of
;sh
ace page 202.
at
at.
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Emma
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mar. at
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^ed
>en
202 History of the Parish of Stockton, Wilts.
was in the house when the estate was purchased by TTenry Biggs,
Esq., who sold it at the request of Major IIartle}r, (of Bucklebury,
Berks) then residing here as tenant. Probably the carved oak
chairs, bedsteads, &c., which have been found in some of the
cottages in the neighbourhood, once formed part of the furniture
of Stockton house. The old kitchen garden behind the house
remains, surrounded on two sides by the original wall, but all
traces of the ancient pleasure grounds have disappeared, excepting
perhaps a very fine old cypress tree, which may have grown within
the enclosed parterre. The family of Biggs, or Bygges, appears
to have been settled in this neighbourhood before the reign of
Edward VI., and to that period the pedigree is traced from
authentic evidences. The Biggs's were seated at Stapleford, where
they held lands and the presentation to the vicarage. " Johannes
Byggs of Stapleford" presented in 1551, in 1554, and in 1571.
The Biggs's were connected by marriage with the Snows of Ber-
wick St. James, an old family there, and for many generations
Lords of the Manor. The family of Biggs may be traced in this
part of the county in the reign of Edw. III. In the None Boll
in the Exchequer, made 15th of Edw. III., A.D. 1342, is an
application to Bishop Ergham of Sarum, for an augmentation of
the Yicarage of Tisbury, when Robert Bigge was one of the I
principal parishioners who made the application. The Ecclesi-
astical Survey, made the 26th of Hen. YIIL, names John Biggs
as Vicar of Tisbury, presented in 1502. John Biggs was Hector
of Tisbury in 1532, when he presented Barker to the vicarage.
Another John Byggs was presented to the rectory of Chilmark in
1508, and held it till the year 1544. Edmund Bigges was pre-
sented by the King in 1611, to the vicarages of Wilsford and
Woodford near Stapleford ; and Bichard Biggs was Rector of j
Shrewton in 1663.
Stockton farm-house, an interesting old mansion, was built about
the same period as Stockton house, by one of the family of the
Poticarys, who were rich clothiers, and resided here for two or j
three generations. (The pedigree of Poticary is printed in Mr.
E. Kite's " Wilts Brasses," p. 76.) The house of the Poticarys
PEDIGREE or BIGGS, of STOCKTON.
John Mervyn the older, of
Pertwood, and his godson
John Byggs.
Tri-tram Bvj-lts the elder, r.f — Lucy, d;m.
Little Fan-Pud adjoining staple- I ol — Beach,
ford, [iied Nt vp. a-ed Ml. | hnried at
Bur. at M iphduid. \\ ill dated i -I ipb t..rd,
1710, proved 1721. 1754, 5.
-1 i-i>tr mi Bii.rir> of Fittle = .Tane, dan. o
LancP.vd. Bur. there. ] llenrv Mile* o
Will dated 1744. proved Maddington,
Biggs of = Abigail ..
; St. James. living i
Stapleford 1716.
j Henry^|ivii
Wyly 1702.
(One of these
daughters mar.
Henry Hunt of
Littleton ; the
other Flower
Sainsbury, of
Thomas of
Hey tesbury mar.
proved 1767.
Thomas Morris
Biggs of Little
Langford, mar.
Betty A (11am,
lli-ury V'hj'js of- Diana, dau. of
Little Laii.'tui'd Ji»hii Davis of
Horn [ lMU-t"^ —
Bur. at St.iclaun I 1'uiie n v, mar. at
1800. I Fisliorton lMa-
Katharine mar.
John Swaine of
Steeple Langford.
Bcmcrton. 1744,
to John Davis of
Bapton. Born
Harry Biggs of Stockton,=Margaretta
Esq., Deputy " "
Wilts and Mm
County
Christ-church, Hants,
Godolphin William
Burslem, of Alton
Grange.co. Leicester,
Esq. (1.)
William P.mul, M.\.— Jane, only
of 1'yneham, Dorset. ' '
Prebeudary of Bristol
and Kecior'ofSteeplc-
cum Tyneham, | 1704."
Henry rinduiphiu Biirgs — Mary Ann, 2nd
K-ip, in the ( uimiiNsinn dau. of William
of the Peace for Wilts. Wyndham, Esq.,
of Dinton. Bur.
at Stockton, ls;»3.
William Bitr^s Ilarrv Farr Yeatman,= Emma
tlie 7 1 h Hussirs. Em]., dde>t son of (lev. Biggs,
uix.. 1sii4. Died Harry Fair Yeatman mar. at
bur. at o! Mnfi; Iluu-e. l'ur-rt. Muukton.
202
was
Esq
Ber
chai
cott
of I
rem
trac
per]
the
to :
Ed^
aut!
the
By;
The
wic
Loi
par
in •
apr.
the
prii
asti
as
of
An
15(
sen
"W.
Sh:
{
the
Po
thi
E.
By the Rev. Thomas Miles.
203
seems to have been partly built on the site of an older edifice, an
interesting portion of which remains. The first of the family of
Poticary noticed at Stockton, is Jerome, described in the parish
register as an eminent clothier, and evidently a person of some
importance. The inscription on his monument shews that he was
engaged in an extensive business, part of which was carried on at
Stockton, then a much more populous place than it is at present.
The register shows that many of the inhabitants were at that time
weavers. Jerome Poticary was probably the builder of the more
modern part of the house, as there was a date over the old porch
1587. He was twice married, and had a numerous issue. There
seems to have been some awkwardness connected with his second
marriage which took place within three months after the death of
his first wife. The Poticarys were allied by marriage with some
respectable Wiltshire families, and the following entry in the
register of burials at Stockton, shews a connection of some kind
with the Topps : —
" Joanna Poticary, an aged Matron and Widow, of the Topp family, and
relict of Elisha Poticary, descended from the Poticarys of Wilton ; buried in
the Church March 1st, 1603, aged 80 and upwards."
There was also a sort of connection with the Topp family through
the Hoopers of Boveridge. James Hooper, brother of Mrs. Topp,
married the sister of Mary, wife of the first Christopher Poticary.
The Poticarys of Wylye are probably a branch of this family, as
Eleanor, daughter of Jessie Poticary of Wylye, was buried here in
1611, aged 17. The last notice of the family in the parish register
is the burial of the elder Christopher Poticary in 1650 ; he died
at Heytesbur}'. His grandson Christopher, was baptized at
Stockton in 1639, and probably the family removed from hence to
Heytesbury soon after. There is reason to suppose that the
Poticarys of Warminster and those of Hookswood near Farnham,
Dorset, descended from the Stockton family.
The house in which this family resided at Stockton, remained
much in its original state till the year 1832, when it was repaired
and the interior re-arranged. The part supposed to have been
built by the first Jerome Poticary, is attached to an old half-
204 History of the Parish of Stockton, Wilts.
timbered building, the remains of a more ancient dwelling. This
is an interesting specimen of a very picturesque style of architecture,
of which few good examples remain ; and there is a tradition in
the parish that it was the original manor house of Stockton.
The rectory house, a plain brick building, was erected in the
year 1790, by the Rev. Henry Gfood, then Hector. The old par-
sonage which stood in the kitchen garden and had fallen to decay,
was occupied in two tenements by cottagers when Mr. Good took
the living. The house has been much improved in the interior
by Mr. St. Barbe, when Rector. The house on the south side of
the church, and the farm attached to it, called in the old parish
book Mr. Topp's lower farm, was purchased of Mr. Lansdown,
who married one of the coheiresses of the Topps, by Mr. John
Pinchard, probably about 1754. The cottage on the north side of
the churchyard was a small farmhouse, held with a copyhold by
Mr. Price the Rector, from whom it went to the Pinchard family,
and from them returned to the lord of the manor. On the green
before the house, were three ancient lime trees, probably planted
by Mr. Price. Two of them were cut down in 1829. The other,
which had then become a very large tree, was cut down in Decem-
ber, 1842. In the garden was a very large old walnut tree, which
was blown down by a gale from the north, April 29th, 1835. The
four yew trees on the green before the cottage, were planted by
William King, late gardener at Stockton house, and cannot be
much more than fifty years old. The stone in the centre of the
trees, is the base of the village cross. The steps on which it stood
were removed within memory. The porch in front of the cottage
was built in 1846, to preserve the ancient carving placed over the
entrance. It is part of a chimney-piece found at Codford farm-
house, when a part of it was taken down and re-built. The arms
were those of the Hungerford family, who were in no way con-
nected with Codford St. Mary ; and it is not unlikely that this
chimney-piece was removed to Codford, when the old mansion
house at Heytesbury was destroyed. I learn from Canon Jackson
of Leigh Delamere, that the arms on the carved stone of the
porch door at the cottage, are— 1. Hungerford, impaling Zouche,
By the Rev. Thomas Miles.
205
viz., 10 bezants and a canton ermine. These are the arms of
' Sir Edward Hungerford of Ileytesbury, who married Jane,
daughter of Lord Zouche of Harringworth, Northamptonshire.
Sir Edward Hungerford died cir. 1521. 2. Hungerford, impaling
Sandes, viz., a cross raguly. These are the arms of Walter Lord
Hungerford of Heytesbury, son of Sir Edward above named;
created a Baron b}' Henry VIII., and beheaded in 1540. He was
thrice married, and his second wife was Alice, daughter of Lord
Sandes of the Vine. On the attainder of Walter Lord Hungerford,
Heytesbury finally passed from the family.
Stockton almshouse was endowed by John Topp, Esq., the
founder of the manor house, who by his will dated 1638, left
£1000 in trust for some charitable purpose, to be chosen by his
executors. The charity money was not made use of for several
years after the death of Mr. Topp; but in 1657, the surviving
trustees purchased the farm called " Speary Well," in the parish
of Mottisfont, Hants, with which they endowed the almshouse
built about this time. In 1658, farmer Pile rented Mottisfont at
£50 per annum. In 1670, it was lowered to £40. (From an old
paper at Stockton house.) In 1685, the tenant was allowed
£3 lis. 6d. for maintaining a soldier one month.
John Topp, jun., brother of the founder, gave also by deed an
annuity of £4 out of a close at Stockton, called "Barnes Close,"
formerly the land of Christopher Poticary, as the stipend for the
steward to collect the rents and manage the affairs of the charity.
Martin Tanner was the first person appointed to the office of steward.
The original almshouse consisted of the six tenements in the
court ; and in 1714, the trustees directed that all the stock in hand
except £250, should be expended in adding to the building, so
that the number of dwellings might be increased to eight. On
the 2nd of August, 1668, articles and constitutions for the better
government of the almsmen and women, and of the lands and
revenues of the almshouse, were made and established by John
Topp, Esq., of Stockton, son and heir of Edward Topp, Esq., of
Stockton, deceased ; Thomas Lambert, Esq., of Boyton ; Mathew
Davis of Shaston, Dorset, Esq. ; Henry Whitaker of Motcomb,
200
History of the Parish of Stockton, Wilts.
Dorset, Esq. ; Edward TTooper of TTurne Court, Hants, Esq. ; I
James Harris of Sarum, Gent.; and John Murvine of Pitwood, I
Gent., Governors of the hospital or almshouse of Stoekton. The I
last of these artieles speaks of the original governors having ap-
pointed a warden to receive the rents and pay the poor ; and it j
orders that office to be discontinued, and its duties to be executed
by the steward, for whom a provision of £4 a year had been made
by John Topp, Esq., late deceased brother of the founder. Martin
Tanner was the first steward of the almshouse. It is stated in an
old paper at Stockton house, that in 1711 " the accounts of Martin
Tanner, first steward of the almshouse, were finally settled after
his death, and after holding that office fifty-three years." The
succession of legal trustees having been lost, Harry Biggs, Esq.,
as lord of the manor, acted in the capacity of trustee for several
years before the visitation of the Charity Commissioners in the
year 1833, when a new trust was appointed, and the original
articles for the regulation of the almshouse, with a few alterations,
were re-established by the trustees. The new trustees were, Harry
Biggs, Esq., lord of the manor; Henry Godolphin Biggs, Esq. ;
Lord Heytesbury ; Aylmer Bourke Lambert, Esq., of Boyton
House; William Temple, Esq., of Bishopstrow ; and the Rector
of Stockton and Codford St. Mary, for the time being. The in-
strument of foundation orders that eight poor persons, either men
or women, of the parishes of Stockton and Codford St. Mary ;
single and above the age of 60 years, should be received into the
house, and be allowed two shillings a week, and a blue gown or
cloak once a year. Kinsmen, or descendants of the founder, were
by his will to have the first claim. It appears from an old paper
at Stockton house, that in 1685, Luke Allen of Hindon was received
into the almshouse for the default of a kinsman or any one in
Stockton or Codford St, Mary better qualified. In 1700, William
Yates of Chilmark was admitted for want, &c. In 1704, William
Chiveral of Hindon, and Mary Auber}' of Shrewton, were admitted
for want, &c. The remainder of the income arising out of the
trust property, to be expended in apprenticing boys belonging to
the two parishes. For many years past the inmates of the alms-
By the Rev. Thomas Miles.
207
house have had an allowance of 4s. 6d. a week, fuel, and a gown
or cloak each once a year ; to which has been added by the new
trust, a hat and two pairs of stockings each for the men, and a
beaver bonnet and two pairs of stockings each for the women, to
be given once a year. There is no surplus income to expend in
apprenticing boys. The almshouse contains eight dwellings of
two rooms each ; six of the dwellings are built round three sides
of the court, which is enclosed on the fourth side by a wall, in the
centre of which is the entrance gate. To this the original building,
the two dwellings ordered to be erected in 1714, form wings.
Behind is a large orchard, of which a portion is attached to each
dwelling. An old avenue of elm trees formerly divided the orchard
into two parts ; the trees were cut down when the buildings were
repaired in 1833. The front of the almshouse is a picturesque
specimen of the old English style, and presents the gable ends of
the two sides of the court united by a coped wall, in the centre of
which is an ornamented arched gateway. In the pediment over
the arch are the arms of Topp, quartering, semee of fleur de lis, a
lion rampant; below the shield is the motto " Fortior est qui se ; "
probably the vulgate version of Proverbs, 16, 32. Round the coat
of arms in a circle, is this inscription : — " Dispersit, dedit pauperi-
bus ; Justicia ejus manet in seculum. — Psalm xii., v. 9." Over
the doorway leading from the court to the orchard, is an ornamented
shield of stone, on which are painted the arms of Topp ; impaling
azure, a chevron between 3 pheons or. These are probably the
arms of the person who endowed the steward's office. In the year
1833, the almshouse was repaired, and suffered some improvements
which materially injured the picturesque effect of the building.
The comfort of the old people was much increased by these im-
provements, and especially by the fire-grates and the allowance of
coals instead of faggot-wood, which had hitherto been supplied
for fuel. But this change has done away with the wood feast, an
ancient festival at the almshouse. Formerly when all the wood
was brought home, a day was fixed by the steward for dividing it
among the inmates, who on that day kept open house, and enter-
tained their friends who came to assist in the division and pile the
208 JJistory of the Parish of Stockton, Wilts.
faggots. Since coals have been supplied for fuel, this gala day-
has been discontinued. The inmates of this almshouse are
remarkable for longevity, especially the women, many of whom
within the last twenty years have attained to extreme old age. A
great majority have been above 80, at the time of their decease.
In the year 1846, the following aged persons were in the alms-
house : —
Sarah Roxby, admitted 1826, aged 91.
Elizabeth King, aged 90.
John Sparey, aged 86.
John House died in 1845, aged 85, having never, to his know-
ledge, taken any medicine since he was a boy.
The Rectors of Stockton.
Sir Richard Hoare, in his " History of Modern Wilts/' gives a
list of the Rectors of Stockton from the year 1307, in which he
has omitted Mr. Terry, the earliest Incumbent of whom there is
any memorial in the parish. The " Wiltshire Institutions,"
printed by Sir Thomas Phillips, 1825, mentions, " Jacobus, Dei
gratia Akardensis Episcopus, instituted to the Rectory of Stockton
in 1447. William Mychell was instituted to the same benefice in
1454."
The following list is supplied by the Parish Registers : —
John Terry, M.A., Instituted 1590. Buried 1625.
Christopher Greetst, D.D., Instituted 1625. Buried at Christchurch, Oxford.
(William Creed, D.D., is said to have been Rector of Stockton about 1660.
He was buried in the Cathedral at Oxford in 1663.)
Samuel Wright, B.D., Institution uncertain. Buried July, 1663.
Samuel Fyler, M.A., Instituted 1663. Buried 23rd May, 1703.
John Fyler, Instituted 1703. Buried 5th January, 1730.
David Price, L.L.B., Instituted 1730. Buried 1771.
■ Frome, , was Rector about 3 months.
Edward Innes, Instituted . Died 1788.
Henry Good, B.A., Instituted 1789. Buried 1824.
Roger Frampton St. Barbe, M.A., Instituted 1824.
Of Mr. Terry, the parish register gives the following brief
memoir : —
"John Terry, Rector of Stockton, was born in the year 1555
' Familia eminenter ingenua ' at Sutton, near Odiham in Hampshire.
He was the eldest son of his father, and was educated at Winchester,
By the Rev. Thomas Miles.
209
and took two degrees in arts at New College, Oxford, where
he was a Fellow. lie was ordained by John Pearce, Bishop of
Sarum, and soon after became domestic chaplain to Thomas Cooper,
Bishop of Winchester, who presented him to the Rectory of
Stockton. He married Mary White of Stanton St. John near
Oxford, by whom he had six sons, who all except the eldest, with his
wife survived him. He died of an atrophy the 10th of May, 1625,
and was buried by his own desire among the poor, in the churchyard,
near to his own house, by Thomas Crockford, Vicar of Fisherton
Delamere, after a sermon preached by John Antram, Minister of
Langford, die Yeneris 13th May, in his 70th year/'
Mr. Terry published in 1600, a work with this title, "The trial
of Truth, containing a plain and short discovery of the chiefest
points of the doctrine of the great Anti-Christ, and of his adher-
ents the false teachers of these last times." It is dedicated to
" Henry, Lord Bishop of Sarum." In 1662 he published the
second part of " The Trial of Truth," dedicated to Dr. Reves,
Warden of New College, Oxford.
The six sons of Mr. Terry were all baptized at Stockton ; the
eldest, Stephen, was baptized 20th August, 1592. The baptism of
the youngest son is thus entered : — ■
" Alter Stephanus Terry, born 25th August, baptized 31st August, 1608 ; "so
named in memory of the former Stephen, a very hopeful studious youth, who
died at Oxford this year 1608, on the 28th July, in his 16th year."
In the Commissioners' report of Charities in Hampshire, it is
mentioned that about 1625, John Terry, Clerk, being seized of a
yearly rent charge of 4 nobles, arising out of messuages and lands
in Alton, Hants, gave it to the poor of Long Sutton, Hants. It
is not unlikely that this John Terry was the Rector of Stockton,
and that the family of Terry still existing near Odiham, are in
some way connected with him. Mr. Terry was the friend and
patron of the Rev. Thomas Crockford, who transcribed in Latin
the earliest register of this parish, and made the entries for several
years in a way that gives to the register, almost the value of a
history of the parish at that period. Sir Richard Hoare says it
is the most curious register he had met with. Mr. Crockford also
210 History of the Parish of Stockton, Wilts.
made the entries in the registers of Wylye and Fisherton for
several years. lie gives the following account of himself in the
register of Fisherton Delamere.
Thomas Crockford was born in 1580, the son of PJchard
Crockford, Yeoman, of Wargrave, Berks. lie was of Magdalen
College, Oxford, where he was elected Scholar in 1597. He was
ordained by Bishop Cotton of Sarum, in 1603, and officiated
occasionally in the churches round Stockton. About 1602, he
became schoolmaster of Stockton, where he resided fourteen years,
six years an inmate with Mr. Terry at the Parsonage. In August,
1612, he married at Stockton, Johanna Alford, daughter of Thomas
Alford, of Mere, Clothier; and in 1613, was presented to the
Yicarage of Fisherton Delamere, by William, fourth Marquess
of Winton, and was inducted by Mr. Terry. He died 25th
March, and was buried at Fisherton, 2nd April, 1634. There is a
curious monument to two of his children, who died infants, attached
to the east end of the chancel at Fisherton.
Dr. Green, who succeeded Mr. Terry, was a Prebendary of
Bristol, and was sequestered by the Parliament during the Great
Eebellion. A. Wood says of him, that he was a learned and godly-
man, and that he died in 1658.
The following curious particulars are from the " State Papers'
Collection."
"Grievances of the Wiltshire Clergy in the reign of Charles the
First.
Grievances threatened and attempted to bee put upon the Clergie
of ye Diocese of Sarum, Cou. Wilts.
1. — Dr. Greene's curate (who yeeldeth to register all passports
made for vagrants, and to make them also if hee bee not lett by
the proper businesse of his callinge), hath been required to provide
a bcoke for that purpose at his own proper charge.
2. — Dr. Greene's servants have been required in the right of
their master, to mende the common high waies, and threatened
with great penaltie for not obeyinge.
3. — Dr. Greene hath been required to contribute with the Laytie
By the Rev. Thomas Miles.
211
to the common stocke of match and gunpowder for the country.
4. — Attempt hath beene made to cause Dr. Greene to contribute
with ye parishioners to the King's Bench Marshalsie and maimed
soldiers whiche thing Mr. John Toppe, high sheriffe, hath effected
in one or two other parishes where he ha'th to doe.
5. — Dr. Greene hath beene required to pay to his Maties pro-
vision.
6. — Dr. Greene's servant, his right hand for temporall affaires,
hath beene threatened upon any presse to bee sent for a soldier,
and it is openly professed that it is as lawfull to presse clergie-
meiis servants, as lay mens. The encouragement in all these
proceedings is both given and taken by a pretended decision of all
the judges in the lande under theire handes (upon occasion of some
differences betweene the clergie and freeholders of Dyrrham),
wherein they say that the glebe of rectories is subject to all
manner of payments as far forth as farmers and other possessions
of lay men, a copy whereof Mr. John Toppe, Ilighe Sheriffe of the
Co. of Wilts hath gotten and divulged thereby possessinge men
that all these vexatious proceedings are according to lawe."
"The Grievances of Dr. Green, Parson of Stockton, in the County
of Wilts.
1. — Dr. Green's curate was foure severall tymes served with
common warrants, by the Tithingman, under the justices handes
to appear before them for refusing to wryte passportes for vagrantes,
ex-officio, and to receyve into Dr. Green's house (then resident at
Bristol,) for an apprentice, a girl of the age of 9 or 10, dissolutely
bred, the daughter of a notorious harlott (though Dr. Green pro-
ffered money to place her elsewhere with some trade).
2. — One of these common warrants was for Dr. Green himself as
well as for his curate, one other for the curate to answere matters of
misdemeanour ; whereas he appearing, no other thing could be ob-
jected against him, save that he refused to make passportes for, &c.
Two of them were disgracefully served on the curate upon Sunday,
immediately after evening prayer in the churchyard in the face of
the whole parish.
212
History of the Parish of Stockton, Wilts.
3. — Dr. Green's servant hath been often required to keep watch. 1
and warde at night in the behalfe of his master, or to hire one in I
his roorae. lie also was taken from his worke 1 by a justice his j
warrant, to appear before him at Salisbury, 10 miles off, there to j
put in bayle to answer at the next quarter sessions (12 miles off) 1
if he refuse to take into his master's house the said girl for an ap-
prentice, and appearing at the quarter sessions was roughly handled,
&c, because he would not yield to receyve the sd apprentice, and at
last committed to the common gaol among theives, &c, ad placitum
curiae et quousque solvit 12d (these are the wordes of the warrant),
to those that did watch for him and his master Mr. Dr. Green, at
Stockton, from whence he was not freed, untill after two dayes and
two nightes imprisonment. He payed the 12d.
4. — This sessions made an order against Dr. Green unheard, that
if he refused the said girle for his apprentice, he should be bound
over to the next quarter sessions for a contempt.
Dr. Creed was Rector of Stockton for a very short time about
1660. He was a person of eminence, a scholar, an eloquent
preacher, and a faithful adherent to the royal cause. He was born
at Reading, and was of St. John's College, Oxford, which society
presented him to the Rectory of Codford St. Mary in 1645 ; and
though a Royalist, he held it through the great Rebellion. After
the Restoration, he became Regius Professor of Divinity at Ox-
ford, Archdeacon of Wilts, Prebendary of Sarum, and Canon of
Christchurch, Oxford, where he died, and was buried in the
Cathedral. His wife and some of his children are buried in the
chancel at Codford St. Mary. Dr. Creed among his numerous
preferments, is said to have been Rsctor of Boyton, for a short
time. The Rev. Samuel Fyler was succentor of Salisbury Cathe-
dral, and is said to have been a learned man and a strenuous
defender of the Catholic Faith, against the Arians and Socinians.
He published a sermon, of which a copy is in the "University
Library at Cambridge, with this title, "A sermon preached in the
Cathedral Church, at the Yisitation of Seth, Lord Bishop of Sarum,
Chancellor of the Garter; by Samuel Fyler, A.M., Rector of
1 At ye Devizes, Apr. 19, 1631.
By the Rev. Thomas Miles.
213
Stockton, in the County of Wilts ; Sep. 13th, 1680 : London,
printed by E. T. & R., for Thomas Flesher, 1682."
Another publication of Samuel Fyler, a copy of which is in the
British Museum, has this odd title, ' " Longitudinis invent® expli-
cate non longa/ or Fixing the volatilized, and taking time on
tiptoe, briefly explained ; by which rules are given to find the
longitude at sea by, as truly and as exactly as the latitude is found
by the star in the tayle of Ursa Minor, called the Pole Star.
i;'Nauta sciens modo, si vigilans, dominabitur astris ;' by Samuel
Fyler, M. A., Rector of Stockton, in the County of Wilts :
London, printed for the author, in year 1669." Samuel Fyler
married Mary, only daughter of Thomas Hyde, D.D., Precentor of
Salisbury, who was probably one of the Hydes of Heale, and
related to the great Lord Clarendon. Mrs. Fyler died in 1676,
having been the mother of eight children, all baptized and regis-
tered at Stockton. John, the youngest son, succeeded his father
as Hector of Stockton, and Samuel, the eldest son, was presented
in 1701 to the Rectory of Orcheston St. George, on the death of
Edward Lambert, by Thomas Lambert, Archdeacon of Sarum,
Thomas Lambert, Esq., and Mary St. Barbe, widow. He was buried
at Orcheston St. George, 26th Nov., 1727. Frances, one of the
daughters, born 1668, was married 8th of June, 1697, to Charles
Mason, Gentleman, of Gillingham, Dorset. She was buried at
Orcheston St. George, 26th July, 1719. Repentance Fyler, the
youngest daughter, born 1671, was married at Orcheston St. George,
by licence, 16th February, 1713, to Robert Woryan, Rector of
Linkinholt, Hants. Of John Fyler, Rector of Stockton, nothing is
known. He was the youngest child of his Father, and was born on
Christmas day, 1673, the survivor of twins. He succeeded to the
living 1703, and died in January, 1730. By Ann his wife, he
had seven children, baptized and registered at Stockton.
David Price, L.L.B., of Christchurch Oxford, was 35 years
Rector of Stockton. He was previously Rector of Portland, Dorset.
Ee was twice married. By his second wife, Anne, who died 1760,
he had two daughters ; one of them died single in ; the other
married William Wansboro' Penchard, Gentleman, of Stockton,
by whom she had a son, John Penchard of Taunton, Solicitor, and
vol. xn. — no. xxxv. R
214 History of the Parish of Stockton, Wilts.
two daughters, who both died single. She died in 1822 aged 88
years. Her son Mr. John Penchard died in 1841, leaving issue.
Of Mr. Froome nothing is known.
The Rev. Edward Innes was Hector of Devizes, where he resided,'
and held that living with Stockton. lie had a daughter married1
to the Rev. John Haseland, and a son George Innes, who was
Master of the Free School at Warwick, and was presented to the!
Rectory of Hilperton near Trowbridge, in 1799 ; besides othen
children. Mr. Innes allowed the rectory house to go to decay.;
The Rev. Henry Good, B.A., succeeded Mr. Innes in 1788, and1
died at Salisbury in 1824. He was the son of Henry Good, D.D.,
of Wimborne Minster, Dorset, by his wife Anne, who survived
him and died at Stockton in 1817, aged 90. Mr. Good married
Eleanor, widow of Austin, by whom she had a daughter,
Cooth Anna Austin, the wife of William Whapshare, Yicar of
Chittern, Wilts. They both died young, leaving issue four
children. Mr. Good had four sons. The eldest, Henry, is one of
the Incumbent Ministers of Wimborne Minster, Dorset. He
married a daughter of Berkley, of Cotterstock, Co. Northamp-
ton, and had issue. The other three sons of Mr. Good died young
and s.p. Mrs. Good a very worthy person, died in St. Anne's
Street Salisbury, and was buried at Stockton in 1836. Mr. Good
rebuilt the Rectory House in 1790 ; and during his incumbency,
the tythes were commuted for land. The Rev. Roger Frampton St.
Barbe, M.A., succeeded Mr. Good in 1824. He was of Catherine
Hall Cambridge, B.A. in 1816, M.A. in 1824. He was ordained
in 1816 by Dr. Tomline Bishop of Lincoln to the curacy of Little
Barford, near St. Neots, Co. of Huntingdon, and was presented by
the Bishop to the Rectory of Sudbrooke near Lincoln in 1817. On
the translation of Bishop Tomline to the See of Winchester, Mr.
St. Barbe became his domestic Chaplain, at Farnham Castle, where
he resided till he was presented to the living of Stockton. He mar-
ried Harriet, daughter and heir of Thomas Money Esq., of Lincoln.
Mr. St. Barbe published in 18 19, a Sermon on Superstition,
preached in the Cathedral Church Lincoln, at the Visitation of the
Archdeacon of Stow, on May 27th 1819, dedicated to the Arch-
deacon and clergy and published at their request. There is a
By the Rev. Thomas Miles.
215
memoir of Mr. St. Barbe, in the " Gents. Mag," Dec. 1854. The
Rev. Thomas Miles, M.A. was presented to the living of Stockton,
on the vacancy caused by the death of Mr. St. Barbe in 1854, by
the Eight Rev. Charles Sumner Bishop of Winchester.
The Parish Register of Stockton commences in the year 1590,
with the entry of the second marriage of Jerome Poticary, with
Eleanor Fooks. The early part was transcribed, and the entries
made for several years by the Rev. Thomas Crockford, of whom
an account is given above. The first register book is very curious
and interesting. Among the marriages are the following, con-
nected with the Bennetts of Norton : —
" 1677. William Bishop of Chilcomb, Dorset, Esq., and Patience Bennett,
married Jany. 7th, 1686. William Bennett of Norton, Esq., and Patience
Bishop of Shaston, Dorset, married Oct. 5th.
1661. Thomas, son of Sir Seymour Pile, Bart., and Lady Elizabeth his wife,
Baptized Dec. 27th.
1662. Thomas, son of Sir Seymour Pile, Bart., Buried Oct. 4th."
It does not appear how Sir Seymour Pile was connected with
Stockton, unless he resided in the Manor House, in the absence of
the Topps. Sir Seymour Pile was probably the second son of Sir
Francis Pile of Compton Beauchamp, Berks, created a Baronet in
1628. He married a daughter of Sir Francis Popham of Littlecot,
Wilts, and died 1635. There is an old book of parish accounts,
including those of the churchwardens and overseers, which contains
many particulars connected with the history of Stockton, and
several curious entries. This book was long in the possession of
Mr. Penchard of Taunton, who returned it to the parish in 1835,
and it is now in the custody of the Rector. The church wardens'
accounts commence in the year 1660.
The School House.
In the year 1861, the school-room, which had been much wanted
in the parish, was made out of some old buildings, consisting of a
cottage, shop, &c, that had been held as a copyhold, and occupied
for many years by a family named Humphries. This copyhold
fell this year to the Lord of the Manor, who allowed the Rector
to become yearly tenant of the cottage, garden, and out-offices, in
order that they might be converted into a school-house.
210
:>');
#n an ^nglo^a#on CJjatter relating to tji
fjatisj of oJtoffetoit, in Milk
By the Rev. W. H. Jones, M.A., F.S.A.,
Vicar of Bradford on Avon.
?HERE is in the Chartulary of St. Swithin, Winchester, a
copy of an ancient Charter relating to Stockton, which, as
the history of that parish is now being printed in the " Wiltshire
Magazine," will, it is hoped, be an acceptable addition to its early
annals. It will also have an additional interest from the fact,
that it was in great part from information derived from the late
much esteemed Rector of Stockton, the Rev. T. Miles, that the
compiler of the present paper was indebted for its interpretation.
In company with him, but a few months before his decease, the
writer drove or walked over a large portion of the boundary-line
of the parish, and with his local knowledge and ready help
succeeded in identifying many of the places mentioned in the
Charter.
The Charter is found at jol. 86 of the Codex Wintoniensis
(Add. MS. 15350 in Brit. Mus.), and has been printed by Kemble
in the Cod. Dipl. (No. 1078), and by Thorpe, in his Diplomatarium
Anglicum (p. 148). The grant, which is itself an ancient one of
the date A.D. 901, carries back the history of Stockton to the days
of Alfred the Great. In that king's days it had belonged to a
certain noble named Wulfhere, and to his wife, but subsequently
for some act of disloyalty or treachery, was forfeited to the Crown.1
1Th.e words of the charter are as follows, — " Ista. . .tellus primitus fuit
praepeditus a quodam duce, nomine "Wulfhere, et ejus uxore, quando ille
utrumque et suum dominum regem .iElfredum et patriam ultra jusjurandum
quam regi et suis omnibus optimatibus juraverat sine licentia dereliquit: tunc
etiam, cum omnium judicio sapientium Gewisorum et Mercensium, potestatem
et hsereditatem dereliquit agrorum : nunc vero in calce hujus syngraphse legenti-
bus et audientibus omnibus patet quia omnibus illis antiquis libris, si quis
habeat, sit proscriptum, et nil ultra prsevaleant in modico vel in magno."
On an Anglo-Saxon Charter
217
By King Edward the Elder, the son of Alfred the Great, the estate
was given to one JEthelwulf, and by him granted to Deorswith,
probably his wife, with full power to dispose of the same as she
might think fit. This appears from the following statement which
immediately follows the recital of the boundaries of the estate.
Dis gewrit cy3 Deormodes This writing makes known the
foresprece and iESulfes ymb agreement of Deormod and
ftaet land set Wilig ; fet is 'Sset iEthulf concerning that land at
ASulf hit gesealde DeorswiSe Wily ; that is, that .ZEthulf
on agene aeht to ateonne swa gave it to Deorswith as her own
hire leofost wsere, seg^Ser ge on possession, to dispose of as to
hire lyfe ge eefter hyre lyfe, and her was most desirable, either
ageaf hire $a bsec "by ilcan deg during her life or after her life,
fte hi man him geaf, on 3issa and gave her the deeds on the
manna gewitnesse. same day that they were given
to him, in the witness of these
men.
The names of the witnesses follow, amongst which are Edweard,
" the King," — iEthelweard, the king's son ; Deormod, Ordgar,
Ordlaf, and several others, each describing himself as " Dux ; " —
together with a considerable number, each placing the title
" Minister " after his name.
It would appear probable that, in the exercise of her right,
Deorswith granted this estate to the Monastery of St. Swithin,
"Winchester. It is accounted for in Domesday Book 1 as having
belonged in the time of Edward the Confessor to that monastery,
and is there called Stottune. It was still assessed at ten hides, just
as in the original Charter it is described as " ten cassates (chides)
by Wyly."
There is a rubric subjoined to the Charter which seems at
variance with this conjecture. It runs thus, " Dis is "Seera land
boc to bi Wilig $33 Eadweard cing gebocade iESelwulf bisceope
on aece yrfe." [This is the Charter of the land by Wily that
King Edward granted to Bishop iEthelwulf as a perpetual
tones' Domesday for Wilts, p. 21.
218
On an Anglo-Saxon Charter
inheritance.] But there was certainly no Bishop who held the see
of Winchester of that name during the reign of Edward the Elder,
and hence the natural inference is, that the person referred to as
the grantee was the same as is described in the earlier part of the
Charter as iEthelwulf, and afterwards, in the gift to Deorswith, as
JEthulf, or Athulf. This variation of spelling is often to be
observed in these Charters. The one before us is of course a tran-
script, made in the twelfth century, and by a scribe who was
probably altogether ignorant of the Anglo-Saxon language. This
last fact alone is sufficient to account for the eccentric way in which
words are spelt, and for the many corruptions which we find in
the documents contained in the old Chartularies.
The land-limits of Stockton are thus described in the charter: —
-ZErest on Codanford ; "Sonne First at Codford ; then adown
andune andlang Wilig on Hyssa along the Wyly to Hyssa-pool ;
pol; "Sset on Ssere gebyge; "Sset
be eastan Cynelmingham ofer
"Sa nasode on Hafocwylle ; "Sonne
andlang mserfyr on greatan
J»orn ; ^Sonne andlang weges on
landscorehlinc ; 1 "Sonne andlang
scorehlinces on Alercum : "Sonne
ofer Radune sweoran ofer Na-
cum on Trindlea ; "Seet swa on
Wilafes treow ; "Sset ofer 3one
he^feld on dicgeat ; "Set west
andlang die on Wylle-weg ; $set
andlang Wy lie- weges on Wi-
dan-cum ; "Sonne andlang wseges
seft on Odenford ; of Odanforda
on Codanford.
then to the bight (=bending) ;
then by the east of Kynelming-
ham over the mead to Hawk well ;
then along the mere-furrow to
the great thorn ; then along the
way to the land-share-linch ;
then along the share-linch to
Alercomb; then over the neck
of Rawdown over Nacomb to
Trindley ; then so to Wilaf 's
tree ; then over the heathfield
to the dike-gate ; then west
along the dyke to the Welsh-
way ; then along the Welsh-way
to Widcomb; then along the
way again to Odford ; from Od-
ford to Codford.
1 Land-score-hlinc, — that is, I believe, literally, the " linch " that '* divides "
(sceran=to share, or divide) the " land." By the term Mine (=linch) is meant
a ridge or rising ground, either natural or artificial, used as a means of marking
points of boundary. Junius in his Etymologicon defines it, — " agger limitaneus
parsechias, &c, dividens,"
relating to the Parish of Stockton, in Wilts. 219
It is easy to trace to this day the boundary-line indicated by
the Charter, and to fix with tolerable certainty several of the
points named. It commences from the north-western extremity of
the parish where Stockton, Codford St. Mary, and Sherrington
meet. From this point (Codanford), we go eastward down "along
the Wyly river" till we come to a place called in the Charter
Hyssa-pol, a name now lost, but probably at the bend of the river,
near where Stockton house now stands. Then we reach the ge-
byge> (the bight, or turning,) which is most likety the north-east
point, close by Bapton, whence the boundary turns, and goes in a
southern direction.
The points named as lying along the eastern boundary of Stock-
ton cannot easily be identified, until we come to what is called in
the Charter Nd-cum, and which may possibly be a clerical error
for Ed- cum ; and so what is now called Bo-chum.
The next points Trind-lea, and Wilafes-treow were probably at or
near the point where the boundary-line crosses the old Roman
road, which is still clearly to be traced. The former name bears
some resemblance to the present Hinley, (also spelt Hind-ley) which
is exactly in this direction. The dic-geat (or entrance to the
dyke) is evidently the south-east extremity of the parish, where
it meets the Old Dyke (called in the Charter relating to Sher-
rington, the immediately adjoining parish on the west, Grimes-
dyke)1 and which is still to be traced from the Dinton Beeches
westward. This "old dyke" is the southern boundar}' of both
Stockton and Sherrington, and is distinctly to be seen. Hard by
it is the site of an old British Town, lying to the north of Stockton
Wood. Then we come to what, both in the Stockton and Sher-
rington Charters, is called Wylle-weg, intended, it is believed, for
Weala-weg (that is Welsh-way, or British way) a very old road
1 The Charter relating to Schearntune (^Sherrington) is in the Wilton
Chartulary. A copy of the land-limits is given by Sir K. C. Hoare in his
Registrum Wiltunense, p. 13. The eastern boundary-line which coincides with
the western of Stockton is thus given, " JErest on Odenford ; "Son heandun
sweoran easteweardan, and swa up andlang Wille-weges, "Son on Grimesdic,
andlang die, &c." [First at Odenford (Codford St. Peter), then eastward on
the neck of the high down (or hill), and so up along the Welsh-way (or British
track-way), then to Grimsdike, along the dyke, &c."]
220 On an Anglo-Saxon Charter.
that is still the boundary for nearly a mile between the two!
parishes.1 The next point, called Widan-cum (=Widcomb), was!
probably by the pond at the bend of the road. By Odenford is <
meant Oodford St. Peter, a small portion 2 of which parish would
seem to have touched Stockton ; and by Codan-ford, the point from
which we started, — that at which the north-western extremity of'
Stockton touches Codford St. Mary.
It is certainly a matter of no little interest to be able thus to I
interpret a Charter granted well-nigh a thousand years ago, and
to be justified in drawing the conclusion, that the boundaries of
this estate of " ten hides by Wyly" known now to us for many
centuries by the name of Stockton, are substantially the same as
in the days of Alfred the Great. We have no records which throw
any light as to the period when the divisions of estates were first
settled. Most probably these were arranged from the earliest
occupation of the country by our English ancestors, and before they
were converted to Christianity. Certain it seems, that the bound-
aries, once settled, remained unchanged from generation to gener-
ation. The fact is in itself a testimony to the deep respect paid by
our forefathers to constituted authority and the rights of property ; j
and, if our conjecture be true as to the great antiquity of the first
settlement of the boundaries of these estates, their remaining the
same through so many centuries seems indirectly to shew, how
natural as well as revealed law speak the same language, — " Cursed
is he that removeth his neighbour's land-mark." — W. H. Jones.
xIn a Charter relating to Alton Priors, contained in the Codex Winton, fol,
73 b., and printed by Kemble in the Codex Diplom., No. 1035, we have the
expression Weala-wege. In tracing out the boundaries of that parish with a
friend, well acquainted with the locality, we came to a point which tradition
marks out as an old British road. The spot is close by what is now tortured
into W ilke^s Hill, though a shepherd, speaking to us of the same place, called
it Walc-way Hill. It was, in truth, the old Welsh-way, the ordinary name
for the old British roads.
2 Since the above was in type, I have learnt that at this very point there is a
small triangular piece of ground, having on one side Stockton, on the two
others Codford St. Mary and Sherrington, which is assessed for the poor rate
still to Codford St. Peter, though no other part of that parish comes within
some 500 yards of it, and the tithe from it is paid to the Rector of Codford St.
Mary. No account can be given now of this curious anomaly, but it is a
singular confirmation of the accuracy of our ancient Charter.
/ jBetcndaries ol 1 TarisTtes are marjced tk^ J
I MAP ILLUSTRATINa THE AKCIE^T CHARTER RELATlKa TO STOCKToK
THE K*MES OF PL/NCES GIVE/V I// THEIR OLDEST FORM,
JVJODMK ^AMES ARE ENCLOSED WITH^ BUCKETS.
221
$n tlje (Knsttnjj jStnutttw of JacoxR Jp&eg.
By C. H. Talbot, Esq.
Read before the Society at Chippenham, September, 1869.
pSPgojHE Augustine Nunnery of Lacock was founded in the year
&7.1mI 1232, by Ela the widow of William Longespe, in her own
right Countess of Salisbury. She afterwards became the first
Abbess, and was buried there.
It was surrendered to Henry VIII., in 1539.
It was sold about 1544, to Sir William Sherrington, of a Norfolk
family, who converted it into a Manor House. It seems that his
estates were forfeited in 1548, and re-purchased in the fourth year
of Edward VI.1 The precise date of his alterations is therefore
uncertain.
Sir William left no issue, and the Abbey was inherited by his
brother Sir Henry> in the hands of whose descendants it has since
remained.
It was garrisoned, during the civil wars, in the reign of
Charles I.
Having therefore passed through a certain number of vicissitudes,
it is remarkable that it should retain so many of its original
features.
The buildings of monasteries in the Middle Ages occupy, in
general, the same positions relatively to the conventual church,
whether they lie to the north or the south of that structure. The
existing remains of Lacock Abbey are those of the domestic
buildings of the Nunnery, situated to the north of the church.
These consist of the following : —
1. Early English buildings, vaulted with stone, which surround
the cloister court on the east, north, and west, and form a
substructure to the present house. They were probably
erected about the same time, shortly after the foundation.
1 " Aubrey & Jackson," p. 91.
222
On the Existing Structure of Lacoclc Abbey,
2. Tho Cloisters, erected during the Perpendicular period, com-
prising south, east, and north walks.
3. The Refectory and Dormitory, on tho north and east sides
of the cloister, of which the roofs are Perpendicular.
Both the Refectory and Dormitory have been divided by floors
at the springing of the roof, the lower part being converted into
chambers on one side only, leaving a passage or gallery on the
other.
A gallery, apparently the work of Sir William Sherrington, in
the sixteenth century, has been inserted in the roof-space of the
Dormitory. That of the Refectory has been partially converted
into attics, which may possibly have been done rather later.
An octagonal tower at the south-east angle of the house, and
two ranges of offices, which form another court to the north, are
also Sherrington's work.
These remains, of the sixteenth century, are well worthy of
attention.
The first-floor buildings, west of the cloister, have been re-
modelled in the last century.
The gallery over the south walk of the cloister, and some
other parts of the building, have been altered in the present
century.
1 now proceed to describe these buildings in detail, beginning at
the south-east angle with those to the east of the cloisters.
The first is the Sacristy, and the second the Chapter House.
There is a general similarity of design between these two buildings.
Both are of three bays east and west, and two north and south.
Both have their western pillars octagonal, and their eastern ones
clustered piers with strong arches and responds, which were
required to carry the main wall of the Dormitory.
All the principal buildings on this side, are now open to the
terrace, this alteration having been made apparently in the last
century, by removing the windows and cutting away the wall in
some cases up to the very wall-rib of the vaulting.
The windows were probably lancets; and the Sacristy and
Chapter House may have had two in each bay.
By C. R. Talbot, Esq.
223
The Sacristy.
The vaulting of this room is very plain, the ribs being simply
chamfered and not moulded, and the manner in which two of
the diagonal ribs spring from the eastern wall is decidedly
clumsy.
A recent excavation has disclosed the moulded base of the
octagonal or western pillar, which had been entirely concealed by
rubbish, and has determined the original level of the floor.
Amongst the rubbish were found many fragments of paving
tiles, and some pieces of Purbeck marble shafts, of small diameter,
showing that this material was used in the Abbey. These must
have been detached shafts, and may have belonged to the
church. The material does not occur in any of the remaining
buildings.
The clustered pillar has its base at a higher level than the
octagonal one, and is supported on a short pier or pedestal of
masonry. The responds are similarly treated ; but that to the
south has its base higher and its shaft shorter than the other.
Adjacent to this pillar, a little of the original tile pavement has
been found "in situ." It consists of small tiles, apparently alternately
black and white or light yellow, set diagonally, and bordered by a
band of narrow black tiles.
Immediately to the east of this point, the floor must have been
at a higher level; and steps probably led up to an altar, for the
sacristies of abbeys were commonly chapels as well. The piscina
for the service of this altar remains ; and is of good character,
with a " shouldered arch." The plan of the basin is a trefoil.
This piscina forms one composition with a trefoil-headed doorway,
that led into the church.
There is also a double ambry, of very plain character.
The principal doorway, which communicated with the cloister
area, is not central. The wall here is very thick, and the arch of
the rear- vault, like many other specimens of Early English work
in this building, is a single segment of a circle. On the face and
soffit of this arch are faint traces of the original painting. The
arch of the doorway itself is pointed, but almost a semicircle. The
224
On the Existing Structure of Lacock Abbey.
outer, or principal face, towards the cloister, is now concealed ; but
as its position coincides with that of one of the vaulting-shafts ojj
the cloister, it is probable that, in common with other Early-
English entrances, it was altered or destroyed by the Perpendicular
builders.
There must exist, within the remainder of this west wall of the
Sacristy, a vacant space, which communicated by a square-headed
doorway with the church. I have conjectured that this may have
contained the staircase from the dormitory to the church, which '
would account for the door of the sacristy not being central.
The carved corbels are various in merit. The best are those at )
the north-west angle, and on the east side.
On the north side is an arched recess, an insertion of Perpen-
dicular character, and of uncertain use. There is decorative
painting on it, in blue and yellow colour, which may be of about
the same date. The same painting is seen on an adjacent arch,
and on the surface of the vaulting.
The buttresses of the sacristy and chapter-house appear to be
original, and are very plain.
The Chapter House.
The general levels of this room are lower than those of the
sacristy. The pillars originally had bases, which have been
mutilated and concealed. The character of the vaulting is more
advanced in style than that of the sacristy, though there may not
be much difference in point of date. All the ribs are moulded,
and are the only moulded ribs that occur in the Abbey.
The vaulting of the western bay is peculiarly treated. Two ribs
spring from the same octagonal pillar, and are carried to two
corbels in the western wall, so as to divide what would otherwise
form two bays of vaulting into three. This would admit of the
typical arrangement of a Chapter House, viz., a large central
entrance flanked by two windows.
The external arrangement towards the cloister is at present
concealed.
The usual position for the abbess's seat would have been opposite
By C. H. Talbot, Esq.
225
the entrance ; but, in this instance, the central position of the
pillars prevents this arrangement, and it may have been in the
centre of the north side, where the wall shows signs of alteration,
and where a moulded string-course is omitted, which is continuous
on the south side.
In this room are preserved two stone coffins, a stone slab with a
moulded edge and a peculiar ornament on its sides, which may
have formed part of an altar-tomb, and the monumental slab of
Ilbertus de Chaz, which was brought from Monkton Farley Priory
in the last century.
Passage from the Cloisters to the East Terrace.
This passage has a plain barrel vault of pointed section.
The entrance from the cloisters is the only Early English door-
way of importance that the Perpendicular architects seem to have
spared. It has detached shafts, externally, the only examples
that remain " in situ." The capitals have no neck-moulds, and
no bases are visible, probably owing to a change in the level of
the cloister floor.
The so-called " Nun's Kitchen."
This is a fine room of four bays in length by two in breadth.
There are remains of a large hooded fire-place. This may have
been shafted. On each side of it were two small stone brackets.
It is probably the existence of this fire-place that has caused this
room to be considered the abbey kitchen. I should rather suppose
it to have been a " Common House," as it seems that such rooms
were in use in abbeys, where the inmates might assemble when
they had not access to the refectory, and where a fire was main-
tained in cold weather.1
The windows may have been single lancets. In that on the
west side a recessed seat remains, which, till lately, was filled up,
almost entirely with pieces of encaustic tile. On the east side,
part of the rear-vaults and splays of the windows are left.
Perpendicular vaulting-shafts have been inserted on this side,
and a very heavy flying buttress has been erected externally,
1 Fosbroke, " British Monachism," 3rd edition, p. 274.
22G
On the Existing Structure oj Lacock Abbey.
which, from the character of its base-moulding, seems to be Per-
pendicular. The reason for these additions is not obvious.
In this room is a large trough, cut out of a single stone, which
has excited considerable attention.
Two Rooms, known as " Oliver Cromwell's Stables."
These rooms run east and west, and have a plain barrel vault.
The western one communicated with the room last described. The
arch of the doorway between the two, is almost semicircular.
On the north side of the cloister, beginning at the east end, are
the following : —
Passage from Cloister to Court-yard.
This room communicated with the so-called " Nun's Kitchen,"
with the cloister, the cellarage under the refectory, and the present
court-yard. It has been used as an ice-house, and is much
obstructed internally by a building erected for storing ice.
Cellarage under the Refectory.
This is of four bays in length, on the north side, and two in
breadth, one bay being taken off the south-west angle, not improbably
to afford room for a staircase from the cloister to the refectory.
The Kitchen.
The present Kitchen, adjoining the Early English buildings on
the north and west of the cloister, not improbably occupies the
site of the original Abbey Kitchen. My reasons for preferring
this site to that of the room which has received the name of
" Nun's Kitchen," are these : —
1. This particular position is the usual one for a monastic
kitchen.
2. The present kitchen has no other room above it, which is a
characteristic of ancient kitchens, while the other is a vaulted room
under the dormitory.
3. It is not difficult to imagine how this room may have had
a communication with the refectory ; whilst the Early English
buildings remain very perfect in the neighbourhood of the other,
By C. H. Talbot, Esq.
227
and there are there no signs of any staircase or other communi-
cation.
The kitchen, at one time, communicated by an oblique passage
with the cloister. It retains the large four-centred arch of a fire-
place of the 15th or 16th century.
"West side of the Cloister.
The character of the three rooms on this side of the cloister, is
very similar.
Beginning at the north end.
A room of three bays in length and two in breadth, now divided,
and used as a servants' hall and cellar. Its original use is un-
certain. It communicates with the cloister. The windows to the
cloister area are modern.
A passage from the cloister-court, running east and west. This
is of two bays, and is now used as a cellar.
The Room known as "Sir William Sherrington's."
This is nearly square, and vaulted from a single pillar. On the
west side are the remains of a hooded fire-place, and a door now
walled up, which probably led to other buildings.
In the north-west corner is, what appears to be the jamb of an
Early English arch, probably shafted. This seems to have been
altered for the insertion of a Perpendicular window. There are
some other not very intelligible remains which are probably Per-
pendicular insertions.
On the south side, one of the original windows remains. It is
a blunt lancet, now walled up, and is the only one now visible in
the abbe}\
In the floor are some tiles, belonging mostly to a pavement of
Sir William Sherrington, but disposed in no kind of order.
They bear the arms of Sherrington, and Sherrington impaling
Farringdon, and the letters W. and G. These stand for William
and Grace. Grace Farringdon was his third wife. There is also
the crest of Sherrington, with the letters W. S.
On the ribs of the vaulting may be traced the Early English
228 On the Existing Structure of Lacoch Abbey.
ideal joints of red paint. A sketch on the wall, which may repre-
sent St. Joseph, appears to bo executed in the same colour.
I should suppose this room to have formed part of the Abbess's
private lodging.
The rooms above-mentioned, with the exception of the kitchen,
are all Early English.
The Abbey Church.
Of this building, which was also of the 13th century, the greater
part of the north wall remains, forming the south wall of the
present house. There are some drawings by Mr. Harrison, an
architect employed for the alterations carried out in the present
century, which are useful, as showing what then existed, though
very inaccurate in the forms of the arches, which are all drawn as
four-centred:
The church appears to have been a rectangle, without aisles,
and vaulted with stone. Internally it must have been about 120
feet long, and more than 30 feet to the crown of the vaulting, of
which there were six bays. The wall-rib of the vaulting seems to
have been shaved down to the general surface of the wall, and is
still very plainly to be traced in the two eastern bays. There were
lancet windows on the north side in the four western bays. They
reached to the vaulting, but it is uncertain how far they descended.
Some of the corbels that carried the wooden roof above the
vaulting, remain.
In the second bay from the west there was a doorway, which
was probably blocked up on the erection of the cloisters. Harrison's
drawing shews another, in the fourth bay, which would agree in
position with the east walk of the cloisters, and may have formed
the entrance from that side, after their erection. Close to this
was the square-headed door, which, as I have suggested, may have
communicated with a stair-case to the dormitory.
There is a door in the eastern bay, that led from the sacristy.
Externally, the lower part of the buttress at the west end seems
to be Early English, and the base of an octagonal pinnacle above
may possibly be of the same period. In 1732, this pinnacle
retained its pyramidal top.
By C. H. Talbot, Esq.
229
Exterior of the North Wall of the Church.
On this side there have been several vertical stone pipes, for
I carrying off the water from the church roof. I believe them to
be uncommon. They were very short, and seem intended to con-
vey the water to a roof at a lower level. One remains, near Sir
j W. Sherrington's tower, and two more are shown as perfect in
Harrison's drawing, but only their upper stones are now left.
Under the balustrade, itself a Renaissance addition, is a corbel-
table, which may perhaps be Early English. If it be so, then
■ that in the same position on the south side, has been removed from
the south wall of the church.
The Cloisters.'
The cloisters form three sides of a square. There are no signs
of the fourth side having been erected, though it must have been
intended, aud there is some disagreement in the relative positions
of the buttresses at the north-west and south-west angles.
Beginning at the west end of the south walk, the first two bays
are transitional from Decorated to Perpendicular ; the arches are
two-centred, and the vaulting springs from piers, with four small
vaulting-shafts attached. In the angle, a winding stair-case of
the same date, ascends to the floor above, and probably led to the
abbess's private chambers.
) Under the second bay is a stone slab which once held a Per-
pendicular brass, to the memory of the foundress Ela Countess of
Salisbury. It has been probably removed from its original position
in the church. The inscription has been published.
The mason's marks still remain upon many of the arches.
The remainder of the cloister is mostly of one character, of rather
late Perpendicular. The arches are four-centred, and the groining
springs from single shafts. The design of the windows is rather
poor, but that of the interior is very good.
I shall not enter on the devices of the bosses of the roof, which
have been frequently described.
At the north end of the east walk I discovered a Perpendicular
doorway, which led to a passage, described above. Close to it is
VOL XII. — NO. XXXV. S
I
2 '30 On the Existing Structure of Lacock Abbey.
the jamb of an Early English arch, which was shafted, and was I
probably the original entrance. On this jamb inay be traced the j
Early English painting of ideal stones and joints. The stones ;
were alternatel}7, yellow and grey, and a narrow band of lighter j
yellow or white, bordered by two black lines, formed the joint, I
another vertical black line bordering the whole.
The vaulting between the second and third bays from the west, j
in the north walk, springs from a corbel instead of a vaulting- |
shaft, Supposing that there might be a reason for this, I removed
the plaster, and discovered a wide Early English arch. There are
no signs of an opening on the other side of the wall, and the
jambs do not descend to the ground ; I have therefore conjectured
that this was a recessed lavatory, with probably two sub-arches |
and a central shaft ; and that after the erection of the cloister, a
projecting lavatory may have replaced it. On the arch are traces
of painting similar to those mentioned above.
The western bay of this walk is walled off from the rest. Here
lias been some earlier work, apparently transitional between Decor-
ated and Perpendicular.
Among the fragments preserved in the cloister, I will only
mention two stones, which seem to have formed part of the mon-
umental effigy of a nun, with a censing angel ; and part of a coffin
lid, with three incised crosses of early character, which has been
described.
The Refectory.
The Refectory occupied the whole north side of the cloister
court. Externally, the only remains are those of two rose-windows
in the south wall, of different radii. These appear to be Perpen-
dicular. The internal dimensions must have been about 79 feet by
26. The open timber roof, of Perpendicular date, remains through-
out; but attics have been formed under part of it, and it is not
easily inspected. There is a tie beam to every second principal,
at about 20 feet distance ; the intermediate ones having been
terminated on short hammer beams, projecting from the wall. In
the gallery below a specimen of these may be seen, carved with
By C. H. Talbot, Esq.
231
the figure of a man holding a shield. It is uncertain whether the
others were similar to this or plain. There is also a stone corbel
under the tie-beam, at this end, next the wall. It appears to be
Perpendicular ; but hardly seems suited to the position of the
timbers. There are collar-beams, and braces are framed into the
principals and collar-beams in the form of an arch. Between these
principals there are secondary rafters, framed into the purlins.
All these timbers are moulded.
The Dormitory.
The Dormitory occupied the whole east side of the cloister court,
and extended still further to the north. There are the remains of
a large pointed window at the north end, probably Perpendicular.
Internally the dimensions of the dormitory are about 138 feet by
26, and it also retains its Perpendicular roof. The timbers are
very plain, with the exception of certain curved braces, which are
usual in such roofs, framed into the principals and purlins, and
which help to carry the common rafters. These are foliated on
the inner edges of the curve. This roof is more difficult of inspec-
tion than that of the refectory, owing to the insertion of a 16th
century gallery.
Remains of the Sixteenth Century.
These are the work of Sir William Sherrington. The tower,
of three stories, seems to be entirely erected by him. The base-
ment is an octagonal room, vaulted with freestone, with heavy
ribs. It had only an external entrance.
On the first floor is a record room. This also has a very peculiar
stone vaulting with pendants. There is a stone table in the
centre, with a marble top, supported by satyrs, and ornamented
with good carving of fruit. Among the carvings of the table and
roof are the crests and cyphers of Sir William Sherrington and
his wife Grace. The doors of this room are original, and retain
some good iron work.
In the upper story is a similar table, a good deal mutilated. It
has four figures in niches, of which three represented Bacchus,
Ceres, and Apicius, and the fourth is not identified. This room
s %
232 On the Existing Structure of Lacock Abbey.
communicates, by a turret stair, with the leads above. The best
external specimens of Sherrington's windows, are to be seen from
the cloister court, in the south wall of the old refectory. An
ornament, which is a feature of classical architecture diminished,
is used constantly throughout his work. It is a kind of bracket,
called, I believe, technically a truss. This ornament, applied to
the sides of the mullions and jambs, immediately under the lintel
of the windows, takes the place of cusping. Internally, these
windows were generally recessed, of which examples may be seen
in the " Stone Gallery," where the upper part of each window has
been altered, but the lower part retains a stone shelf supported by
the brackets just described.
In this gallery there is a good fire-place, with a pattern incised
in the hearth-stone, and filled with lead. This is, I believe,
unusual, and has a good effect.
The gallery in the dormitory roof, remains with no other
alteration than the loss of some of its dormer windows. These
were half-timbered. The doors retain some good iron work.
The Court- yard.
On the north and east sides of the court-yard are offices of the
sixteenth century, which remain with hardly any alteration. Four-
centred arches of good character, and square-headed doorways with
classical details, are used indiscriminately.
There are some good plain chimneys in the north wing. The
space in the roof is lit by dormer windows of half-timbered work.
The building is very substantial, and well finished.
The chimneys throughout the house, are mostly of this date.
They are of various designs, and some of the spiral ones are very
good. Of this period also are the carved animals bearing shields,
which serve as finials to most of the gables.
Besides these, it may be well to mention the conduit house on
Bowden Hill, which is Sir William Sherrington's work, and bore
the arms of Sherrington impaling Farringdon.1 This, no doubt,
1 The arms of Sherrington may still be made out. That the sinister bearing
was Farringdon, appears from Dingley's "History from Marble," lately
published by the Camden Society.
A Taper on Monumental Brasses
233
replaced an earlier building erected by the nuns, and from thence
the water-supply of the Abbey is still conveyed.
Eighteenth Century.
Many alterations were made in the last century. It will be
sufficient to mention the hall, which was remodelled about 1756.
It appears to have succeeded an older one, perhaps a private hall
of the abbess.
On the alterations of the present century it will not be necessary
to enter.
Some pieces of painted glass, preserved in the hall and galleries,
are worthy of notice; and among the pictures, there are some
curious portraits painted on panel. Many of these are not iden-
tified. That of Henry Till, is believed to be by Holbein.
The caldron made at Malines in Belgium in 1500, has been
often described.
Some of the principal stones of the Lacock market-cross are
preserved ; and as a section and elevation exist, drawn to scale by
Carter, it would easily admit of restoration. It was rather a plain
cross, and apparently of Perpendicular date.
A PAPER ON
Monumental %tmt8 tit some of % Cjjnrejjes
neat* C|i||en|am.
By the Rev. Edward C. Awdry,
Vicar of Kington St. Michael.
Read at the Annual Meeting of the Society, at Chippenham, on Wednesday Evening, Sep. 8th, 1869.
The writer is indebted for much information to the " Monumental Brasses of Wiltshire," by
Mr. Edward Kite of Devizes, published in 1860 : also to the volume entitled " Monumental Brasses
and Slabs," by the Rev. Charles Boutell, M.A , published 1847.
HAYE been requested at this Meeting of the Wilts
Archseological Society, to make a few remarks on a strictly
archceological subject, the history of some of the oldest memorials
of the departed left in our ecclesiastical buildings, Monumental
234
A Paper on Monumental Brasses
Brasses; which, despite of the spoliation of fanaticism in one age,
and of ignorance and we may say dishonesty in another, still
abound in many parts of our country. A list of more than 2000
has been published as existing still in England ; of which more
than sixty are in our own county of Wilts, some in our own imme-
diate neighbourhood, viz., Bromham, Draycot, Laycock, Dauntsey,
8fC. In all ages and countries it was and is the custom to raise
memorials of the dead. The pillar over Rachel's grave set up by
Jacob at Bethlehem ; the Cromlechs in our own country of the
most extreme antiquity ; the many Barrows on our downs round
about Stonehenge and Avebury (which some suppose were themselves
sepulchral monuments), all owed their origin to the desire of the
survivors to keep in memory those departed, and to mark the spot
where their dust was laid.
Afterwards when Christianity had become the religion of our
land, the dead were laid in the sacred enclosures round the churches
then in the churches themselves, where monuments were placed of
various sorts and designs. There was placed the stone coffin which
contained the body, and on the lid were carved various devices ;
the Christian Symbols, and the Warrior's Sword, and the Bishop's
Pastoral Staff, and sometimes the figure of the deceased cut in
stone, recumbent, as large as life. These monuments we see still
in our oldest monastic churches and Cathedrals, and some remains
of them even in our village churches, going back to the time of the
Saxon Kings and the succeeding Normans. To these succeeded
brass memorials, which were found more durable and more con-
venient. Figures sculptured in relief on the floors of churches
would often be found in the way as filling up the space which was
wanted for living worshippers ; and thus we may imagine flat slabs
and plates of brass or latten, came to be used. They offered no
obstruction in the churches, and being engraved and often painted,
would serve to enrich and beautify the buildings in which they
were placed. The durability also of brass plates made them more
suitable as memorials than sculptured effigies. Thus we still find
brasses of the 13th or 14th centuries almost as perfect (except their
colouring) as when first laid down ; while many stone figures are
in some of the Churches near Chippenham.
235
almost entirely defaced ; many more utterly broken and destroyed.
These simple durable and highly effective memorial brasses are
interesting to every lover of antiquity, because they show as in a
picture those of bygone ages ; the Prince, the Noble, the Lady, the
Knight, the Artizan, the Ecclesiastic, the Merchant, the Judge —
each in their appropriate costume ; the flowing robe ornamented
with fur and embroidery ; the armour of the soldier with its vary-
ing fashion according to the age ; and the unchanging vestment
of the cleric, &c. ; and thus over the very spots where their ashes
lie, and have lain for centuries, we have representations not fanciful
but, real of those commemorated.
Shakespeare has spoken of these Monumental Brasses, and repre-
sents the King oj Navarre in "Love's Labour Lost," (Act I. Sc. 1)
as saying,
" Let fame that all hunt after in their lives
Live register'd upon our ' Brazen Tombs,''
And then grace us in the disgrace of death ;
When spite of cormorant devouring time
The endeavor of this present breath may buy
That honour, which shall bate his scythe's keen edge
And make us heirs of all eternity."
Thus the Cormorant Time which has swallowed up so many
persons and their works, and his Scythe which has cut down so
many mighty ones of the earth, has not been able to swallow up
all of these Monumental Brasses, or sweep away the memories of
many, whose names yet remain deeply cut on these sepulchral
plates.
But many useful purposes are served by these Monumental
Brasses.
To the Genealogist, one who is fond of tracing old families and
shewing the descent of living persons from the illustrious or
wealthy of olden times, they afford authentic evidence of those long
passed away : they tell of the very times in which they lived, and
their connection, and property, and descent. To the Herald they
furnish examples of the original usage in bearing arms, and give
authorities in the appropriation and adjustment of badges and
other personal devices. The Arch itect will see in the beautiful canopies
236
A Taper on Monumental Brasses
so often found engraved on these brasses, the details and arrange-
ments, and the characteristics of each successive style of his art.
The Artist has examples in the earliest of these engravings, of the
beauty and excellency of his work ; and can trace as they come
down nearer to our own times their gradual decay, for so it is that
the very oldest are the very best, the very latest, (for they come
down as late as the end of the 17th century,) are the most tasteless
and barbarous. The Chronologist may be much helped by these
monuments, fixing and determining as they often do by dates, the
different events of history. The general Antiquary may gain in-
formation as to the writing and pointing of the day, as to the
formation of letters in different ages ; their contractions and abbre-
viations ; and so be helped in deciphering other ancient engravings,
such as seals and medals, the paintings in windows, the illumination
of old MSS., &c. Thus we see how these Monumental Brasses are
useful as well as interesting.
We may learn also a lesson of piety and humility from these me-
morials of ancient days. The very attitude of the figure, lying
with closed hands as if in prayer, or one hand raised in prayer,
the other linked in that of husband or wife (like that of Dray cot),
or resting on the handle of the sheathed sword, intimating perhaps
that the departed gained the victory through the Lord's help, and
now sleeps in peace, " like a warrior taking his rest, with his mailed
coat around him," suggests religious and humble thoughts : so
different from the unbecoming attitude of figures of more recent
device, unbecoming in God's house: for we often see modern
figures reclining on their elbows as if reposing on a sofa, or sitting
in a chair reading or writing a book, or standing in the dress of
a soldier, or of a lawyer, or of a senator, as if addressing the senate or
the court; utterly unbecoming the sacred building where the monument
is placed. No one can behold the noble Abbey Church at Westminster
without being struck by the incongruity of the monuments there ;
and seeing how many of them disfigure, and we may say, disgrace
that splendid building. The piety and religiousness and the humility
of many of the inscriptions on these ancient monuments, nobly con-
trast with the vanity, and irreverence, and pride, and folly of those
in some of the Churches near Chij)penham. 237
of more modern days. The old epitaphs were simply " Hie jacet
cujus animae propitietur Deus; Amen — whose soul may
God pardon ;" while on a scroll proceeding from the hands or the
mouth, were the words "Domine miserere mei or " Dne secundum
actum meum noli me judicare or "exultabo in Deo, Jesu
meo." In later times they began to speak of the virtues and good
deeds of the departed ; the prayer of the Publican was changed
into the boast of the Pharisee1 — till in modern times epitaphs became
a mixture of absurdity and impiety. Even now our churches and
churchyards contain monuments and inscriptions which every one
of taste or piety must deplore — and which we hope time's des-
troying hand will at length obliterate. These ancient inscriptions,
though tinged perhaps with superstition, are far better than
" afflictions sore, long time I bore,1' &c. ; while a Monumental Brass
on the floor, having a figure with hands in prayer, is far more
becoming and convenient than a huge ugly monument placed on
the wall, or stopping up a beautiful window, or disfiguring a fine
pillar or arch — covered too with doggrel verses all about the virtues
of the deceased, and the sorrows of the survivors. Some one
speaking of ancient monuments, says, " these must be our admir-
ation and ought to be our pattern." Thus do our ancestors of a
truth " being dead, yet speak;" with powerful though silent
eloquence.
I now say a few words about the brasses in our own neighbour-
hood, and firstly of Draycot.
.Draycot Cerne Brass.
This is the figure of Sir Edward Cerne and his wife ; he died
1393, she 1419. The family of Cerne were for more than 150
years Lords of Draycot, which is still called from this family
Draycot Cerne. He died seized of the manor of Draycot, with the
advowson of the church, one messuage and one virgate of land in
Lang ley, and the manor of Avon, which he held in right of his
second wife, relict of Sir Walter Paveley. The figure represents
1 "And after all upon his Tomb is seen
Not what he was, but what he should have been."
238 A Paper on Monumental Brasses
the armour worn at that period. On the head is the helmet or
bascinet, conical in shape ; from the rim descends the camail or i
tippet of chain mail, covering the shoulders, and fastened to the j
helmet by a lace, which is plainly seen. The hauberk or shirt is of
ring mail, covered by the jupon or jerkin, escalloped at the lower
edge. The arms are encased in plate armour, with joints of mail
at the elbows and shoulders. The legs are encased in plates, with
joints of chain at the instep. The feet with pointed sollerets, riveted
and jointed. The long straight sword is attached to the belt on the
left, while on the right is attached the short sword or miserecorde,
or <( dagger of mercy" which was used to give the last stroke, unless
the foe cried for mercy. The left hand is in a gauntlet uplifted
on the breast, while the right hand grasps that of his wife. She
is habited as a widow with the wimple and coverchef; a loose robe
with tight sleeves fastened by a cord with slide and tassels ; her
head resting on a cushion with chequered embroidery. The in-
scription is in Norman French : — "Ifonn Sire Edward Cerne chivaler
et Eigne sa Femme gist icy : de les queux almes Deux p sa pyte eyt
met: Amen."
The shields of arms which were at each corner of the stone slab
have been torn away ; as also the crest, which from the shape of the
matrix, is supposed to have been a demi-lion rampant, on a helmet.
There was another brass near, which Aubrey speaks of, that of
Philippa de Cerne, daughter of Sir Edward : which was in the
church within the memory of old persons — now wholly lost.
The Laycock Brass.
This brass represents Robert Baynard, his wife, and eighteen
children, lying on the floor of the south transept of Laycock
Church. This family were for ten generations Lords of the Manor
of Lackham, which they obtained about 1349, by marriage with
the heiress of Sir John Bluet (whose family was said to be settled
there before the foundation of Laycock Abbey). The effigy of
Robert Baynard is remarkable for exhibiting the ancient way of
wearing arms; literally a coat of arms. This is called the "Tabard"
embroidered with the arms of Bluet {or, an eagle with two heads
in some of the Churches near Chippenham.
239
displayed, gules) quartering Baynard, (sable, a fess, between 2
chevrons or). Above and beneath the tabard are seen portions of
the ring -mailed shirt ; the sword hangs diagonally; no "miserere,"
or helmet; while the feet, covered with rounded plates, rest on two
dogs. The lady is habited in a mantle, embroidered with the arms
of Baynard quartering (not impaling) Ludlow. (She was the
daughter of Henry Ludlow of Hill Deverill, Esq.) The inscrip-
tion is : —
" Hie jacet Robertus Baynard Arm. vir egregius, et legis peritus, in armis
bellicis multum strenuus, dapifer, precipuus inter primos, pacis conservator
diligentissimus. uxorern habens Elizm. devotissimam cum totidem filiis et
filiabus subenumeratis : qui obiit 26 Aug. A.D, 1501, quorum animabus pro-
picietur Deus. Amen."
Below are the effigies of thirteen sons and five daughters', all the sons
are of equal height, except the eldest, who is taller and has a pocket :
the second has a plain collar, tonsure and girdle, representing that
he belonged to the Priesthood. The four shields bear the arms of
Bluet and Baynard, Baynard and Ludlow, as on the tabards. One
of the daughters married William Temmes of Rood Ash ton, of
which family was Johanna, the last Abbess of Laycock. Notwith-
standing the multitude of children, in 1635, the estate of Lackham
came to an heiress, who, marrying the Honorable James Montagu,
son of the Earl of Manchester, conveyed it to that family, to whom
it belonged within the memory of many still surviving.
The Brasses of Datjntsey.
These represent Sir John Danvers and Lady, A.D. 1514. The
Danvers family came out of Oxfordshire: from this family descended
this Sir John Danvers who married the heiress of the Stradlings,
and thus became possessed of Dauntsey. The Stradlings came to
an end in a very unhappy manner. John Aubrey the antiquary,
gives us the history of it: — "Here (about 1490 — 1500) was a
robbery committed at the Manor House on the family of the
Stradlings. Sir Edward Stradling and all his Servants, except one
Ploughboy who hid himself in an Oven, were murthered ; by
which means this whole estate came to Anne his Sister ; and that
heir married afterwards to Sir John Danvers a handsome gentleman,
240
A Taper on Monumental Brasses
who clapt up a match with her before she heard the news, he by
good fortune lighting upon the messenger first. She lived at that
time in Paternoster Rowe in London, and had but an ordinary
portion. This robbery was done on a Saturday night ; the next
day the Neighbours wondered none of the family came to Church ;
they went to see what was the matter ; and the Parson of the
Parish very gravely went along with them, who by the Boy was
proved to be one of the company of the Robbers ; and was (I think)
hanged for his paines."
The village derived its name from the family of Bauntsey, who
lived there early in the 15th century. It passed by an heiress to
the Stradlings, and from them to the Sir John Danvers on the
brass.
This brass lies with that of Lady Danvers, on the top of an
altar-tomb. The armour is of the same description as that of
Baynard, except that he has no tabard; while on the left shoulder
rises what is called a pass guard to protect the neck ; the round
shape of the armour on the feet, shews it to be of the 16th century.
The Lady has the usual dress of the time : the head-dress is called
the angular or pedimental head-dress, as seen in portraits of that
date. It was made of velvet or embroidered cloth, and being
pointed over the forehead, descended in lappets upon the shoulders
and back : then comes the long robe with tight sleeves ; cuffs of
fur or plaited linen, with a girdle hanging down in front from a
buckle, embroidered, &c, &c. The inscription is round the margin,
in English : —
" Here lyeth buryed Syr John Danvers, Knt., sumtyme Lorde of this Maner
and patron of this Church in the ryght of Dame Anne his Wyf : the wh. said
Syr John the 4th day of Jany. depd. this lyfe too transitory, the yere of our
Lord God 1514."
The arms are, Brancester ; Barendes ; Stradling ; and Dauntesey.
The next brass is that of Anne Banters, the same individual who
is engraved with her husband, but here differently described. The
figure is engraved on a small tablet of brass, fixed to the south
wall of the church under a canopied altar- tomb. She is represented
kneeling at a desk j on her right hand is a representation of the
in some of the Churches near Chippenham. 241
•Holy Trinity; on her left, the arms of the Dauntsey family, of
II which she was the heiress. Over her head is a label bearing her
I name, Anne Danvers-, while from her uplifted hands issues another
label with the words " Due miserere mei." The inscription is : —
" What vayleth yt Riches or what possession
Gyftes of high nature, nobles in gentry
Dafteness depuryd * or pregnant pollycy,
Sith prowes, sith power have their progression :
Ffate it is fatall on selff succession.
That world hath no thing that smellith not frealtie
Where most assurance, is most unsuertie.
Here lieth Dame Anne the lady of Dauntsey
To Syr John Danvers spowse in conjunction,
To Syr John Dauntsey by lyne discencion
Cosyn and Heire ; whose herytage highlye
Fastely be firmed in Christe his Mancion."
Thus then have I endeavored to bring before you a few partic-
ulars relating to these ancient monuments which have come down
1 to us from bygone times : shewing their utility to the Chronologist,
j the Historian, the Herald, the Artist, and the Architect ; while to us
' Archaeologists they are objects of interest, as showing the
\ character and customs and arts and doings and belongings of our
remote ancestors, many of them famous in their own times, and
who live still in the pages of history, though their bodies are
turned to dust. Reminding all at the same time of the end of all
men here below : " dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. —
" Memento homo, quia pulvis es, et in pulverem reverteris."
We may listen to the voice of some of these ancient monumental
figures who seem to say to us — " Siquis eris qui transiris, sta,
perlege, plora : sum ceu eris, fueramque quod es : pro me precor,
ora."
* Dafteness, seems to mean folly, ignorance. Depuryd, purified ; done away, like dross from metal.
So "daftness depuryd " would mean <• ignorance removed " (that wisdom might take its place).
242
A REVIEWER REVIEWED.
the last October number of the British Quarterly Review,
disappointment of many who hoped to find in it a paper written
with the ability and candour of a Sir John Lubbock, or a
Mr. Boyd Dawkins. The writer has taken for pegs upon which to
hang his article Stukeley's "Abury," and Mr. Lockhart Ross'
" Druidical Temples at Abury," and as he makes frequent allusions
to Wiltshire antiquities, it will be necessary to take notice of his
statements and theories.
He is evidently but very imperfectly acquainted with the liter-
ature of either Abury or Stonehenge, and he seems also to be but
Very imperfectly acquainted with the places themselves. We
cannot prevent a crazy writer from broaching as grand discoveries
any absurdities which his brains may have secreted, but we have a
right to expect from all propounders of new theories, that they
shall at least have mastered all the data which can be procured
either by local examination, or by a study of the works of others.
This has not been done by our reviewer ; and the consequence
is that his article is full of inaccuracies in matters- of-fact, and
that it is written in the self-satisfied and pretentious style
which is generally to be found in company with ignorance and
in-exactness.
We proceed to comment on some of his statements and opinions.
"Two ancient sites of towns and of fortresses, yet imposing to
the eye of even the most careless wayfarer, by the number and the
size of the great transported blocks of fine gritstone that strew
the ground, have so utterly lost even the echo of their names, as
to be known only as the ' Grey Wethers ' (from the resemblance
A Revieiv of " Pre-historic England."
243
afforded by the stones to a flock of sheep), and the ' Devil's Den/
It may be that the syllables of some forgotten speech have been,
in the latter phrase, translated into an incongruous vernacular,"
p. 399.
The reader of this sentence, who knows anything about the
Wiltshire downs and the antiquities to be found upon them, would
naturally suppose when his eyes had reached the words "strew the
ground," that the writer of the article was going to speak of
A.bury and Stonehenge, and to prove that they had been the sites
of towns and fortresses ; — but what is his astonishment, when he
gets to the end of it, and finds that the towns and fortresses
in question were, the one in the valley of stones adjoining
the public road, called the Grey Wethers ; and the other in Clat-
ford bottom, where the cromlech called the " Devil's Den " was
reared ?
As the reader proceeds, however, he soon discovers the cause of
the especial value and importance which the writer attaches to
each of the stones which are to be seen erect or prostrate upon the
Marlborough Downs and upon Salisbury Plain.
They are not, according to him, of local origin. Mr. Lockhart
Ross, late Vicar of Abury, who, in his simplicity, had stated in
his little book called " The Druidical Temples at Abury, with some
account of Silbury, Wilts," that " the stones which compose the
temples at Abury, were evidently brought, like those of Stonehenge,
from Marlborough Downs, where they lie on the surface in great
numbers, and of all dimensions," meets with severe treatment at
the hands of his reviewer. It is fortunate for other benighted
individuals, who have ventured to say the same in print, that our
writer seems to know nothing at all about them or their writings.
His own view is, that " the large number of blocks which strew
the face of the rolling downs that are connected with Salisbury
plain" had been wrongly attributed by " earlier enquirers" to a
local origin ; and that " the fact is unquestionable, that the whole
of this large quantity of building material has been transported
from some far distant quarry or quarries ;" or, as he says in another
place, " from a site so distant as to be problematical ;" that it is
244 A Review of " Pre-lristoric England"
" geologically impossible that the material should have come from
any Wiltshire quarry ; that the " builders of Avebury were in
possession of some secret now lost, as to its source. " If any one
could, in sober sadness, believe that every sarsen stone now to be
seen in Wiltshire, and every sarsen stone which has been destroyed
or covered over in the same district, had been brought thither "from
a site so distant as to be problematical," he might well agree with
the writer, that the " works of the early British builders are not
merely remarkable but wonderful, not only as efforts of strength,
but also as proofs of skill, of forethought, and of extraordinary
command of labour."
It is sad to think that arehseologists of a past generation, such,
as Sir Richard Colt Hoare and Mr. Cunnington, should have passed
away before they could learn the truth respecting the foreign
origin of the sarsen stones with which they were so familiar ; and
it is also a grievous reproach under which our Bucklands, our
Smiths, our Cunningtons, and Prestwiches must lie, that they
not only have never discovered the quarries " in a distant site "
from whence these stones were brought, but that they have actually
been hitherto in ignorance that the stones had been " transported"
to the Downs of Wilts.
Our " British Quarterly " reviewer having imported his stones,
(would that he could tell us whence!) proceeds to "work" them.
But he should have been content with the unmistakable " masonic
character" of Stonehenge, and not have hazarded such a sentence
as the following, " the principal stones at Avebury impress the
observer with the idea that they have once been carefully wrought."
He goes on, indeed, to say "It is possible that this idea is erroneous."
If archaeology and archaeologists are, at some future period, to
become objects of ridicule, it will be by the treatment of subjects
such as this, in the manner adopted by the writer of " Prehistoric
England." Nothing can be more reckless than such a statement
as that he has made respecting the impression to be derived by an
observer of the careful working of the stones at Abury. It may
be safely asserted that there is not a single stone now visible at
Abury which could convey any such impression to a person of
A Review of " Pre-historic England"
245
clear vision and unprejudiced mind. If archaeology is to be shifted
from a basis of facts into a region of " ideas," it will inevitably
come to be lightly regarded ; and no paper has appeared of late
in any of our periodicals, in which accuracy of statement has been
so little esteemed, or wildness of theory so carelessly indulged in,
as in that now under our notice.
"We have been accustomed hitherto to regard Abury and Stone-
henge as open-air structures, devoted primarily to religious purposes,
and possibly, in the second place, to assemblies for political or
judicial proceedings. Our reviewer now informs us that we have
been entirely in error ; that these stone circles were not hypsethral,
but that they were covered with roofs, and that those roofs were
conical ! But this is not all, " At Stonehenge, at Avebury, and in
the ruins of circular structures in general, we have traced indications
of the mason and of the joiner" " Nor is it reasonable to doubt
that the apertures between the stones were closed (at Stonehenge)
by Umber, and that the more perishable portions of these costly
structures were completed with a care and skill appropriate to the
perfection of the masonry." And why was Stonehenge to be roofed
in, and boarded up at the sides between the upright stones ? Because
f no public solemnity could have been held in any unroofed building
in northern climates, without the risk of ill-omened interruption ! "
The variations experienced, year by year, in the climatic condition
of almost every part of Europe, should have prevented our reviewer
from propounding such an unqualified statement as this. He has
however his architectural reasons ; " The minute and accurate care
of which the results are yet visible in the relics of Stonehenge,
denotes, that we are in presence of a structural edifice, properly so
called, and the opinion that it was protected by a roof, and that a
conical roof, is a consequence of this view." But what does the
writer mean by the "minute and accurate care of which the
results are yet visible in the relics of Stonehenge ? " Any one
who propounds such a theory as he has put forth is bound to be
explicit, and to show, in detail, the grounds upon which he has
constructed it. Such vague and unmeaning words are very
uncomplimentary to the intellects of his readers.
VOL. XII. — NO. XXXV. T
240 A Review of " Pre-historic England"
The descriptions of the round churches in England, of the
chapter houses of Cathedrals, and the Abyssinian Churches are
quite beside the mark ; while the combination of wood and stone
exhibited in the British dwellings represented on the Antonine
column at Rome, and in the " picturesque old houses that are yet
to be found in Gloucestershire and other English counties," cannot
possibly be cited as authorities for a similar combination of
these materials in the "structure of the circular pre-historie
temples."
The following specimens of our writer's dogmatic assertions will
tend to show the extent of his qualifications for the task which he
imposed upon himself of enlightening the world respecting Abury
and Stonehenge.
Page 400. " Two Geological formations have been laid under
contribution for the outer and the inner circle of Stonehenge ;
and the material of one of these groups is taken from a bed which
is the geological equivalent of the London clay."
Mr. Cunnington or Mr. Prestwich would inform the reviewer
that the stones composing the outer circle at Stonehenge belong to
a series of beds beneath the London clay, called the " Woolwich
and Reading beds."
Page 402. " Quarrymen, transporters and masons — such were
the builders of our forgotten capitals. They differ from their
Egyptian brethren in the circumstance that their labours do not
appear to have been directed by men of astronomical knowledge.
There is no such (astronomical) mark on our Wiltshire temples."
Dr. Thurnam could have told him that " at a distance of about
200 feet from the outer circle (at Stonehenge), in the avenue
leading to the entrance to the temple, is an isolated unhewn stone,
apparently intended to direct the observation, at the summer
solstice, to the point of the rising of the sun. He (Dr. T.) had
himself tested this, and at Midsummer, 1858, had watched the
rising of the sun from the " altar stone," when it was seen to rise
precisely over the top of this stone. From this circumstance he
inferred that this temple was connected with a solar worship, which
was one of the chief characteristics of many ancient systems
A Review of " Pre-historic England" 247
of heathenism." — Beport of Lecture at Stonehenge, Aug. 7th,
1860, p. 9.
Page 409. " In the outer circle of Stonehenge, five large stones
are found within the inner ditch The only conclusion
feasible as to their office is, that they formed solid points of support
to a wooden palisade which enclosed the exterior court of the
temple."
Two stones are to be seen within the vallum and adjoining it ;
and there is a large recumbent stone just inside the avenue entrance
to the vallum — but where are the other two ?
Page 409. "The Hackpen on Overton Hill consisted of 40
stone8.',
What does the writer mean by " the Hackpen ? " He does not
appear to know that this was the name of the ridge extending
from Overton Hill to Barbury Castle. We must suppose that he
adopts Stukeley's absurd interpretation of the word as meaning the
" serpents head," and that by this name he refers to the circles of
stones on Overton Hill which were removed in 1724.
Page 413. " We have the portrait, as it were, of each stone that
stood erect at the time of Dr. Stukeley's survey. We have also
indications of the position of the fallen stones, and of the places
from which stones had been removed. But we have no means of
detecting how the latter points have been determined ; whether by
depressions in the ground, testimony of eye-witnesses, or Dr.
Stukeley's ideas of Druidical symmetry."
Had the reviewer kept his eyes open when he was at Abury
(and it is hard to believe that he was ever there), he might have
seen, in very many places, depressions in the turf which indicate
the sites of stones which have been destroyed.
Page 414. " But no traces exist of benchings or steps on the
bank" (at Abury).
It is quite true that there are no traces of steps on the bank,
but a flat ledge may be distinctly seen in the south-eastern portion
of the vallum.
Page 416. Of Silbury Hill we have the following : —
" Allowing for the long influence of natural causes, its original
t2
248 Note on an Article in the Athenaeum.
size must have been from one and a half to twice its present
dimensions."
No turf-clad hill or barrow would have been affected to this
extent, or anything like this extent, by the " long influence of
natural causes."
Page 416. "Early in the course of last century this royal
tumulus was pierced, and the human bones and bridle-bit found
near the surface are held to have been the relics of some ancient
king, over whose body, seated, as when in life, on his horse, this
giant mole-hill was piled up."
Stukeley, who is the authority for the bones and the bit, does
not say a word about the horse. He merely says " I bought of
John Fowler the bridle buried along with the monarch, being
only a solid body of rust."
But enough, and to spare, of this.
Our reviewer described Mr. Ross's book by a word generally
used to designate refuse material shot from a cart into out-of-the-
way places. It would be equally unpolite, but certainly more
true, to apply the same word to the article in the British
Quarterly Review.
ftote mi an ^xixtk m % J%na».
NOTHER contribution to the " out-of-the-way places" alluded
to in the above article is supplied by a correspondent of the
Athenceum, in November last.
It does indeed seem surprising after all the investigations at
Abury, so accurately made of late years by Hoare, Long, and others,
that a writer should venture to publish such statements as the
following : —
" I decline to believe in circles and avenues. The whole district
teems with these stones. Take an area of four or five miles, and
we may count them by thousands. * * * At Clatford we have
the Devil's Den ; a cromlech apparently. They have been forced
On a Crapandine Locket
249
along this route by the agency of water or ice, and appear to con-
sist of pimary rock, (!) and a soft oolitic (!) sandstone that crumbles
into dust. Finding them so freely scattered in the immediate neigh-
bourhood, I infer that those found at Avebury have been lodged there
as a freak of nature. Accordingly, I look upon DeviVs Dens, serpent
avenues, charmed circles, and high altars as just so many myths.
That Avebury was entrenched at an early period, and inhabited by
primitive Britons, seems very clear. Their rude imaginations may
have prompted them to venerate — yea, to worship — these huge
fantastic blocks, weather-worn into all sorts of queer shapes, placed
there by a power which they could not divine, and thus found in
possession of the land before themselves."
[The italics in the above quotation are not the author's.]
Wiltshiremen generally do not require to be cautioned against
such assertions as these, but it is to be regretted that the public
should be misled by the statements of a person, who, if he ever
visited Abury, must, like the reviewer mentioned above, have done
so with his eyes shut. From the date of " A Fool's Bolt soon shott
at Stonage," down to the present time, Stonehenge and Abury
specially appear to have inspired certain pseudo-antiquaries with
an irresistible desire to add to the literary " kitchen-middens."
#11 a CrapuMtte Jodict fouub h §St left's
By Mr. Cunningtoit, F.(x.S.
§§JPN tbe year 1838' the Eev* E* J' PhiPPs> tnen Rector of
jS§jl||{ Devizes, made some improvements in the churchyard. The
footpath which before passed in a very irregular and unseemly
manner among the graves, was diverted, and carried under the wall
to the east. In making these alterations much of the surface was
necessarily disturbed, and amongst the earth taken from an old
250 On a Crapaudine Locket
grave was found the small locket, or padlock, which is represented
in the woodcut.
Crapaudine Locket, actuareize. ,
It is formed of two of the round smooth teeth of Sphcerodus gigas,1
("Crapaudines") set together in an ornamental band of metal, to
which the loop of the lock is attached. The metallic parts have been
well gilded, and are in good preservation. The key-hole is cut in the
centre of one of the teeth, and some remains of the wards of the
lock may still be seen inside. Mr. A. W. Franks of the British
Museum, has examined this locket, and judging from the orna-
mentation, he thinks that it is not of later date than the sixteenth
century. He has never seen a similar object.
Sph&rodus gigas is a fossil fish,1 first described by Agassis, in
1833, as belonging to the family of Pycnodontes (hump-toothed
fishes), which are distinguished by the thick rounded form of their
teeth. These teeth were attached to the palate and lower jaw in
parallel rows, and formed an apparatus well adapted for crushing
the small shell-fish on which Sphserodus lived.
The teeth have been found in situ only in the Kimmeridge Clay,
for though they occur in the Lower Green Sand at Seend, Wilts, (and
in no other locality in the county,) yet in this instance they have
evidently been washed out of the Kimmeridge Clay, during the
formation of the Lower Green Sand. I have specimens from
1 It may possibly be of S. annularis, as the teeth of that species do not differ
much from the other. M. Agassis says, " Comme ni le squelette ni les ecailles
de ce genre sont connu, il est souyent tres difficile de distinguer les especes."
Poissons Fossiles, p. 240.
found in St. John's Churchyard, Devizes.
251
the same stratum at Faringdon, where they have been deposited
under similar circumstances.
Coated as they are with a brilliant natural enamel, these teeth
are really beautiful objects, and well suited for ornamental
purposes. Their form is shown
in the woodcut.
Butbesides their natural beauty,
a superstitious value was for-
merly attached to them : in the
dark ages, designing or ignorant
persons represented them to be
jewels from the head of the toad.1
Teeth of Sphacelus natural size. F°r many ageS it Was popularly
believed that this animal was pos-
sessed of a jewel which was engendered in its head, and hence arose
the name " Crapaudine " or " Toadstone." It is hardly necessary
to say that no such stones ever existed in the toad.
There is an allusion to this belief in the following passage from
"As you like it,"
" Sweet are the uses of adversity,
"Which, like the toad, ngly and venomous,
Wears yet a precious jewel in his head :"
it is however scarcely probable that Shakespeare was a believer
in this superstition.
Nichols, in his " Lapidary," says, " Some say this stone is
found in the head of an old toade ; others say that the old toade
must be laid upon the cloth that is red and it will belch it up, or
otherwise not : you may give a like credit to both these reports,
for as like truth is to be found in them as may possibly be.
Witness Anselmus Boetius in Lib. 2, in the chapter on this stone,
who saythe that to try this experiment, in his youth, he took an
old toade and laid it upon a red cloth, and watched it a whole
night to see it belch up his stone ; but after his long and tedious
1 " Ces fossiles etaient deja connus des polygraphes anciens, qui les ont decrits
sous les noms bizarres de Buffonites, et de Crapaudines, en affirmant que
e'etaient des yeux de crapauds petrifies." Agassis, Poissons Fossiles ii.,
pt. 2, p. 240.
252 Instructions for the formation of a Wiltshire Herbarium.
watchful expectation, he found the old toado in the same posture
to gratify the great pangs of his whole night's restlesness."
During the middle ages, it was a very general practice to wear
in rings certain objects which were supposed to act as charms to
preserve the wearer from the " evil eye," and other malign in-
fluences. Some were considered to possess medicinal properties,
for example, the hoof of an ass was thought to protect the wearer
from epilepsy.
In the special exhibition of works of art, at South Kensington,
in 1862, a large silver ring having a " toadstone " set in it, was
contributed by the late Cardinal "Wiseman. In the same collection
was a ring formed of hoof, surrounded by a thin band of silver
having on the bezel a crapaudine mounted in silver. We may
fairly conclude that this was a very potent charm, for by the union
of two such important substances in one ring, the wearer doubtless
felt himself secure from most earthly evils.
"Whatever may have been the fancied virtues of the " toadstone/''
it is certain that it was much valued, and the superstitions con-
nected with it maintained a hold on the popular belief for a much
longer period on the continent than in this countrj7.
The locket described above was most probably worn not only as
an ornament, but as a charm ; and as such, being highly valued,
was buried with its possessor.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE
Jwrnsttott of u Miltsjjire pakrium*
By Thomas Bruges Flowek, M.R.C.S., F.L.S., &c, &c.
a previous number of this Magazine (vol. iv., p. 191), it
U was proposed to commence the formation of a " County
Herbarium " for future reference and study; resident botanists were
particularly invited to collect and dry for the Society duplicates of
such Wiltshire plants as they could conveniently spare, in order
that they might be preserved and deposited in the Museum. This
By Thomas Bruges Flower, Esq.
253
Herbarium has now been commenced, and with a view of carrying
out the above object, and for the guidance of those botanists who
might feel disposed to contribute plants for permanent preservation
in the Herbarium of the Societ}', the following explanatory
suggestions, regarding the illustration and labelling of specimens
have now been drawn out.
The first object with any Herbarium, whether local or general,
should be to show the species. A fair typical specimen of each
species is the leading idea to be met, and it will very usually be
found needful to have more than one single specimen, because the
early, the flowering and the fruiting stages frequently differ much,
although it may often happen that two of these stages can be got
on a single plant at once.
The second object should be to show in some measure the range
of variation for the species, by adding abnormal forms or varieties
to the typical examples. It is too commonly the case that varieties
are neglected, instead of being carefully preserved. For instance,
one, Fumaria capreolata, might have been kept to show the
species ; but lo ! this species is now divided into numerous sub-
species, four of them held to be English ; consequently one
specimen can show but one of them, while all may be found in the
same county.
A third object may be that of evidencing the localities for rare
species or remarkable varieties,1 and especially such as are likely
to become extinct in the localities, as for example, Carex tomen-
tosa, Carduus tuberosus, C. Woodwardii. Such specimens in course
of time become historical facts in our science.
Fourthly, the general range of the species in the county may be
shown by specimens from different and distant localities, in each of
the five comital sections, into which Wiltshire has been divided for
the better illustration of its Flora. The mode by which individual
members may each and all contribute to this object, is by sending
specimens of any Wiltshire plants — rare or common — from different
Darwin's remarkable book, the " Origin of Species," will render the preser-
vation of local varieties matter of enhanced importance to all classes of
naturalists.
254 Instruction for the Formation of a Wiltshire Herbarium.
localities, with their habitats carefully recorded on accompanying
labels, in order that the Curator may select for permanent preser-
vation such of these specimens and labels as shall seem best calcu-
lated to show the actual distribution of plants in the county, and
to throw light upon the circumstances which operate in determining
their distribution. The selection of the specimens will, of course,
be chiefly dependent upon the accuracy with which their habitats
may be described on the accompanying labels ; reference, however,
being always made to those already in the Herbarium, so as to
prevent the unnecessary accumulation of specimens which can throw
no additional light on the subjects, for the elucidation of which
they are to be preserved. It would also be desirable to endeavour
to make a specimen serve two or more purposes. For instance,
say that you require specimens in three stages of growth, it may
occasionally be managed to make these three specimens also illus-
trate three localities or sections of the county.
Fifthly, useful directions for the collecting and drying of plants
having been printed in " Balfour's Class Book of Botany," it is
only necessary here to refer botanists to that work for ample in-
structions on those processes, unless it be added that nothing
perhaps conduces so much to the beauty and good preservation of
specimens as the employment of an ample stock of paper. The
paper used for the process of drying plants should be moderately
absorbent, so as to take up the moisture of the plants, and at the
same time to dry rapidly after being used. That which is gener-
ally employed is Newman's, and is the best paper now made in
England.1 The size recommended is sixteen inches long, by ten
broad. If the paper be sufficiently porous for rapidly absorbing
the moisture of the plants, and sufficient in quantity for preventing
the dampness of one layer of them from extending to others, it
will commonly be found the best practice not to change the papers
until the specimens have become so dry as no longer to require
the pressure of weights on the boards.
Frequent changing of paper and the application of artificial heat
1 Newman's "Botanical Drying Paper" can be obtained from Mr. Edward
Newman, 9, Devonshire Street, Bishopsgate, London.
254 Instruction for the Formation of a Wiltshire Herbarium.
localities, with their habitats carefully recorded on accompanying
labels, in order that the Curator may select for permanent preser-
vation such of these specimens and labels as shall seem best calcu-
lated to show the actual distribution of plants in the county, and
to throw light upon the circumstances which operate in determining
their distribution. The selection of the specimens will, of course,
be chiefly dependent upon the accuracy with which their habitats
may be described on the accompanying labels ; reference, however,
being always made to those already in the Herbarium, so as to
prevent the unnecessary accumulation of specimens which can throw
no additional light on the subjects, for the elucidation of which
they are to be preserved. It would also be desirable to endeavour
to make a specimen serve two or more purposes. For instance,
say that you require specimens in three stages of growth, it may
occasionally be managed to make these three specimens also illus-
trate three localities or sections of the county.
Fifthly, useful directions for the collecting and drying of plants
having been printed in " Balfour's Class Book of Botany," it is
only necessary here to refer botanists to that work for ample in-
structions on those processes, unless it be added that nothing
perhaps conduces so much to the beauty and good preservation of
specimens as the employment of an ample stock of paper. The
paper used for the process of drying plants should be moderately
absorbent, so as to take up the moisture of the plants, and at the
same time to dry rapidly after being used. That which is gener-
ally employed is Newman's, and is the best paper now made in
England.1 The size recommended is sixteen inches long, by ten
broad. If the paper be sufficiently porous for rapidly absorbing
the moisture of the plants, and sufficient in quantity for preventing
the dampness of one layer of them from extending to others, it
will commonly be found the best practice not to change the papers
until the specimens have become so dry as no longer to require
the pressure of weights on the boards.
Frequent changing of paper and the application of artificial heat
Newman's " Botanical Drying Paper" can be obtained from Mr. Edward
Newman, 9, Devonshire Street, Bishopsgate, London.
By Thomas Bruges Flower, Esq.
255
may prove needful in drying very succulent plants, but with plenty of
paper these processes may safely be looked upon as an unnecessary
waste of time, and they are often more injurious than beneficial to
the specimens themselves. In addition to the dried specimens for
fastening on paper, contributors are particularly requested to send
also small packets of the seeds of local and rare plants, when
opportunities occur for obtaining them ; seeds often affording clear
characters for the discrimination of genera and species.
Lastly. It is trusted that the contributors to the Herbarium will
find a recompense for their exertions in the gratification of learning
thoroughly the botanical productions of their own neighbourhoods,
and in the consciousness that much of the information so acquired
will become, (through their contribution to the Society,) a
permanent addition to the general stock of scientific knowledge, to
be transmitted to future generations.
As the Herbarium has only just been started, it is useless
specifying what species are required and what are not. At present
even the commonest species will be acceptable, and as specimens are
of more importance than names, it is hoped that those who feel
inclined to aid in the work, even though they be not botanists,
will not think it useless sending un-named plants, provided the
dates when the specimens were gathered, and the localities where
they grew be carefully recorded ; the names can easily be added
afterwards, and the specimens thus rendered available for the
Herbarium.
As soon as the Herbarium is of sufficient size, it is proposed to
send out from time to time lists of desiderata, but at present
every part of Wiltshire has to be represented. The accompanying
map will show the five divisions into which the county has been
divided, and it is intended to form a complete flora for each.
Packets of specimens may be sent, carriage paid, to the Rev.
T. A. Preston, the College, Marlborough, in whose charge the
Herbarium will be for the present, and who will be glad to furnish
any information in connection with this object, or to receive names
of those who may feel inclined to aid in the work.
256
Inquisition on Jiutlj fliem.
lAJOR PERRY KEENE has kindly presented to the Society
the original inquisition on Ruth Pierce. The document is
on parchment, sealed and signed by the coroner, and is as
follows : —
" (Sftltltgiltre to W&itL) An Inquisition Indented taken at
the Burrough of Devizes in the County of Wilts aforesaid on The
Twenty Sixth day of January in the Twenty Sixth Year of the
Reign of our Sovereign Lord George the Second by the Grace of
God of Great Brittan France and Ireland King Defender of the
Faith Before me John Clare Gent: one of the Coroners of Our
Said Lord and King for the County aforesaid Upon Yiew of
the Body of Ruth Peirce late of Pottern in the said County
Widdow then and there lying dead and upon the Oath of
Richard Anstie Richard Williams William Hillier
William Slade John Williams Robert Hay ward
Gabriel Bartlett Ambrose Portch Joseph Chandler
Robert Phipp Joseph Akers William Lewis
Good and Lawfull men of the County Aforesaid who being Sworn
and Charged to inquire how in What manner when and where the
aforesaid Ruth Peirce died and came to her Death upon their
Oaths aforesaid do say and present that on the Twenty Fifth day
of January in the Twenty Sixth Year aforesaid between the Hours
of Ten and Eleven of the Clock in the Forenoon of the Said Day
a Great Quarrell arose between Four women in the Market Place
of the Burrough of Devizes aforesaid whose names was Elizabeth
Slade, Sarah Slade, Mary Parker, and the aforesaid Ruth Peirce
who joined together and bought one Sack of Wheat of one Farmer
Nathaniel Alexander at the Price of Seventeen Shillings which
makes Four Shillings and Three Pence each when the Farmer
Inquisition on Ruth Pierce.
257
summ'd up the Dividends it wanted Three pence of the price
agreed for which by evidence it appeared to be Ruth Peirce's right
r to pay. She the said Ruth was accused with it she declared she
had paid it and called upon the Almighty for Wittness and wished
she might drop down Dead that Minute if she had not paid it the
: Raish Wish was repeated a second Time and immediately From
the Visitation of the Great and Almighty God was struck Dead
upon the Same and as no marks of Violence appeared upon View
I of her Body the aforesaid Jurors do present that the aforesaid
Ruth Peirce died as aforesaid and not otherwise.
In Witness Whereof as well I the aforesaid Coroner as the
: Jurors aforesaid interchangably set our Hands to this Inquisition
the Day Year and Place first above written.
John Clare Coroner"
In a sermon preached on the subject, by Dr. H. Stebbing, Arch-
deacon of Wilts, and published in 1760, we find a full account of
this striking dispensation. "A memorial of this extraordinary
event," says he, "now (1756) stands written upon a painted board
fixed up at the Market Cross, where the thing happened ; and I
submit it to the common sense of mankind, whether this and such
like instances, many of which occur in all history, are not a very
strong presumptive evidence from fact, for the truth of a directing
Providence."
When the present Market Cross was erected, in 1814, the cir-
cumstances as related in the inquisition were engraved on the east
side, headed by the following sentence : — " The Mayor and Cor-
poration of Devizes avail themselves of the stability of this
building, to transmit to future times the record of an awful event,
which occurred in this Market-place in the year 1753 ; hoping
that such record may serve as a salutary warning against the
danger of impiously invoking Divine vengeance, or of calling on
the holy name of God to conceal the devices of falsehood and
fraud."
258
Jonattons to % Jpttfttut ana Jikatg,
The Council have the pleasure of acknowledging the following Donations to the
Library and Museum.
Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of London, 3 Nos., 8vo.
Proceedings of Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, vol. vii., pt. 1 ; and vol.
viii.', pt. 1.
Records of the Priory of the Isle of May, by Society of Antiquaries of Scotland.
Proceedings of Kilkenny Archaeological Society, vol. vi., No. 57.
From Major Perry Keene : — Original Inquisition on Ruth Pierce.
From Mr. Parsons: — Money weight with figure of St. George, found at
Wootton Bassett.
From T. B. Flower, Esq. : — 450 copies of the Map of the Botanical divisions
of the county, issued in the present number.
From H. N. Goddard, Esq. : — Roman pottery, &c, found under a large stone
at Clyffe manor farm.
From Mr. Bradbury : — A Charge to the Grand Jury, 1720, by James Mountagu,
of Lackham.
H. F. & E. BULL, Printers and Publishers, Devizes.
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S4*
AGENTS
FOtt THE SALE OF THE
WILTSHIRE MAGAZINE
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No. XXXVI. DECEMBER, 1870. Vol. XII.
THE
WILTSHIRE
Itrjittnlogital nnit Bnfaral UBistorq
MAGAZINE,
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OF THE
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Some of the early Numbers of the Wiltshire Magazine are out of
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ing to Mr. Nott.
NOTICE TO MEMBERS.
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due for 1871), should be sent to Mr. William Nott, Savings
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The Numbers of this Magazine will not be delivered, as issued,
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Should however any Member, through inadvertence, not have
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to Mr. Nott, who will immediately forward them.
THE
WILTSHIRE
Irrjjitologirai unit Hated Bistort]
MAGAZINE.
No. XXXVI. DECEMBER, 1870. Vol. XII.
Contents,
PAGE
Chtppenham, Notes of its Histoet: By the Rev. Canon J. E.
Jackson, F.S.A 259
Chippenham and the Neighbourhood during the Great
Rebellion : By the Rev. John J. Daniell, Vicar of Langley
Fitznrse 292
On Hedges and Hedge Rows : By John Spencer, Esq 317
The Flora of Wiltshire, (No. XIII.) : By T. B. Flower, Esq.,
M.R.C.S., F.L.S., &c, &c 324
Notes on the Common Primrose: By T. B. Flower, Esq.,
M.R.C.S., F.L.S., &c, &c 351
Inventories of Church Goods and Chantries of Wilts : Anno-
tated by the Rev. Mackenzie E. C. Walcott, B.D., F.R.S.L.,
F.S.A ... 354
A Tyburn Ticket 384
Donations to the Museum and Library 385
DEVIZES :
H. F. & E. Bull, 4, Saint John Street.
LONDON :
Bell & Daldy, 186, Fleet Street: J. R. Smith, 36, Soho Square.
THE
WILTSHIRE MAGAZINE.
" MULTORTJM MANIBTJS GRANDE LEVATUE, ONTJS." Ovid.
CIjip«n|am. ftote its Jistotg.
By the Rev. Canon J, E. Jackson, F.S.A.
(Read at the General Meeting of the Society there, September 1th, 1869.)
jj^ppHEN the Wiltshire Archaeological Society met at Chippen-
WrJ^ ham in September, 1855, I read a Paper on the " Ancient
History of the Town," which was afterwards printed in the
Society's Magazine, vol. iii., p. 19. It contained, in a condensed
form, (as the occasion required,) an outline of all the information
I had been able to obtain upon the subject. To the material points
I have little to add ; but a few notices and memoranda of old
localities and customs have been since met with from time to time,
which may perhaps be interesting, especially to those who are
more immediately connected or acquainted with Chippenham.
To begin with the building in which we are now assembled, the
New Town Hall. This (as is well known here) is modern. It
was erected some years ago, at the private expense of the late
Joseph Neeld, Esq., of Grittleton, M.P. for this Borough. His
coat of arms, carved in stone, was subsequently placed, at the
expense of the Corporation of Chippenham, at the top of the
front, outside.
But inside, over the entrance door of this, the principal room,
are two other coats of arms, which are intended to perpetuate the
gratitude of Chippenham towards former benefactors long since
passed away.
The armorial bearings on these two shields, though used con-
Jointly, for some centuries, as the arms of the Borough of Chip-
penham, were originally those of two distinct families. On one
VOL. XII. — NO. XXXVT. TJ
260
Chippenham. Notes of its History.
of the documents belonging to the Corporation, dated A.D. 1369,
(just 500 years ago) the two coats are used as the Borough seal:
but as family arms they are older than that. The shield, on what
in heraldry is called the dexter side, (that on the left hand as you
look at them) is that of Gascelyne, a family who were Lords of
the Manor of Chippenham for about 170 years, ending in A.D.
1424. They lived, I believe, at Sheldon, and one of them, Edmund
Gascelyne, obtained from the Crown a favour for the town : viz.,
that of holding a Fair for three days, on the Vigil, Feast and
Morrow of St. John "at the Latin Gate," as it was called in the
calendar, the 5th, 6th, and 7th of May. By the change from old to
new style, that Fair is now held on the 17th of May. Another of
the family, Godfrey Gascelyne, obtained the like privilege for a
Fair on the Eve, Feast and Morrow of St. Barnabas, 10th, 11th,
and 12th of June. This, (owing likewise to the change of style)
is now "The Long Fair," held on the 22nd of June.
The other shield on the " sinister" or left side (though on the
right hand as you look at it), is that of the family of Husee,
anciently Lords of the Manor of Rowdon. What they did for
the benefit of Chippenham I cannot positively say, but no doubt
something of which it feels the benefit, without retaining any vivid |
recollection of the benefactor. It may perhaps have been a Charter
for another Fair. These privileges were, in those days, of great j
importance to aspiring young towns. Whether now so inestimably j
precious, or not, is another question. There are, at all events, a
great many, both inhabitants and neighbours of this town, who
are audacious enough to think, (as one of the latter in his own
proper person is, at this moment, to say,) that — one Charter more
is very much wanted ; which should be for removing the wild bulls,
dirty sheep, shouting boys and savage drovers out of the streets and
away from the very shop doors, upon these precious Fair days.
Any individual, Lord of the Manor or not, who would only obtain
that further blessing for Chippenham, would well deserve to have
his coat of arms brilliantly emblazoned on the other side of this
room, opposite to those of Messrs Gascelyne and Husee.
From this New Town Hall our first and natural step is to an
By the Rev. Canon J. E. Jackson.
261
ancient building higher up in the street, on the face of which
these two family shields, forming the Borough arms, again appear,
but on the front, outside — the Old Town Hall. Where to find it,
the inhabitants of Chippenham know very well : but for a stranger
or visitor to make the discovery would not be so easy. In his
pretty poem " The Deserted Village," Goldsmith says of the wreck
of the Parsonage house,
" There, where a few torn shrubs the place disclose,
The village Preacher's modest mansion rose."
But far more modest, far more fearful of the public gaze, is the
venerable Council Hall of ancient Chippenham ! Instead of pro-
jecting with saucy challenge to all passers by, it shrinks from the
street, and tries to hide its beauty — not exactly among a " few
torn shrubs," but — behind two solemn smoke-begrimed evergreens.
Peep carefully between them, and you may espy two small old-
fashioned gables, surmounted by a wooden cage, licensed, as it
would seem, to carry only three inside passengers, a bell and a pair
of pigeons. " Can this " you say, " be the Old Town Hall ? " It
is so, without any manner of doubt, for there are (as above
mentioned) the Borough arms, with the palm tree and the motto
" Unity and Loyalty :" and above them the initial letters of the
probable beautifier of the front, "J. S., 1776," signifying possibly
John Scott, a leading person, and bailiff (equivalent to the modern
Mayor) of the town, about that time. And there it stands, looking
now like a little man in a crowd, squeezed up and half smothered
by taller and bulkier neighbours.
But it was not always so. In days when Chippenham was young
and humble, when land was less valuable and the central space was
a space indeed, and clear of dwelling-houses, every country fellow
that came in, could in a moment see (and no doubt beheld it with
veneration), which was the Town Hall.
The oldest notice of it that I have met with, happens to be
without date of any particular year, but it is certainly later than
A.D. 1553 (1 Mary). It occurs in a paper of queries designed to
be laid before Counsel, to settle (as it would seem) whether the
building belonged solely to the town, or solely to the Lord of the
u2
262
Chippenham. Notes of its History.
Hundred, or to both. The Market-place must have looked rather
different then from what it does now : for it is thus described.
" In the midst of the street of this Town standeth a Yeldehall
or Church House alone by itself horn all other houses: which the
inhabitants of the same town, time out of mind, have repaired,
and therein kept their Church Ales and Plaies, and have had their
meetings for making of ordinances for the same Town. And in
the same house for the same time, the Lords of the Hundred have
kept their Lawdays and Hundred Courts : but by the granting of
the Hundred, the grantee never enjoyed the house solely to him-
self, but as before.
Qu : Whether the grantee or his assigns ought to have the
Yelde-Hall solely or no ? "
The legal reply to this query is not extant : and it is no business
of ours now to supply it : but there are, in this old statement, one
or two things that we may lay hold of, arch geologically.
The old building is described as having stood by itself. The rest
of the area must therefore have been originally clear. From other
documents that speak of bits of waste ground adjoining it, being
granted out for setting up shops and shambles by the Lord of the
Manor, the rights so far seem to have been claimed by him. By
degrees the whole space came (as not unfrequently happens) to be
called "The Shambles :" for about 1670-1680, many leases were
granted of chambers and stalls in the " Shambles or Market-place :"
so that by that time it must have been pretty well occupied. "Scam-
ell" is a word in Scotland for a bench. From "Scammells,"
(wooden tables) the transition, in market-wives' pronunciation, to
" Shambles" is simple. Butcher's meat being the article principally
exposed, the word shambles has since grown to be applied to a
flesh- market only. It is so used once in the New Testament,
"Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question
for conscience sake : " in which passage the Greek word signifies
a market-place for fish, flesh, fowl, and all manner of provisions,
but particularly a butcher's row.
Somewhere about this spot stood once a Butter-cross. In 1683
there was a lease to one John Steevens, in which it is mentioned.
By the Be v. Canon J. E. Jackson*
263
Another point to be observed in the oldest mention of the old
Hall, is, that it was used as the Church-House, and was repaired
by the inhabitants, who therein kept their " Church Ales and
Plays." This requires a little explanation.
In many old parish books in this county, mention is made of
the Church- House, and I believe that in ancient days there must
have been one in every parish. It was a house used by, if not
belonging to, the Churchwardens on behalf of the parishioners,
where they met on business. Part of that business was, every
year about Whitsuntide, to brew a quantity of beer with parish
money. There was a Revel ; and the profits of the brewing were
applied to meet the expenses of the Churchwardens, in new bell-
ropes, &c. In the old parish-books belonging to Wimborne
Minster in Dorsetshire, are entries for many years of the annual
expenses and profits of the " Church Ale," as it was called. They
had two of these meetings, one in Lent, and the other at Whitsun-
tide. They sold victuals as well as drink : and kept at the Church-
House, hogsheads and butts, wooden dishes, and other furniture
for a feast. Young and old came together : and there were games,
bowling, shooting at targets, and the like.
The " Plays " above spoken of as having been performed in the
Old Town- Hall, were, not such as required a Shakespeare for an
author or a Garrick for an actor; but of a very primitive character,
highly prized several centuries ago, and called " Miracle Plays "
or " Mysteries." They simply consisted of scenes from the history
of the Bible, especially relating to the birth of our Saviour. They
were also taken from other books as the " Lives of Martyrs and
Confessors." They were originally got up by the clergy in
Romanist times, with a praiseworthy object of producing on the
popular mind of those days (when there were no such things as
printed books) a lively impression of events in the Sacred Histories.
They were at first exhibited in the parish church itself : and the
actors were the ecclesiastics, or their scholars. In some places
these miracle plays went on through Lent, being a continued series
of Scriptural stories for several days. In the reign of Rich. II.
(A.D. 1391) the parish clerks of London put forth a play of this
264
CJtippenham. Notes of its History.
kind at Skinner's Wells, near Smithfield, which continued three
days: the King, Queen, and many of the nobility being present.
In the next reign, Hen. IV. (1409), another play was acted at the
same place which lasted eight days. This drama began with the
Creation of the World, and contained the greater part of the
history of the Old and New Testament !
A few specimens of this sort of ancient play are still left : and
certainly anything more ridiculous according to our notion, cannot
well be imagined — ridiculous as well both in tone and style, as
from the confusion and utter misplacing of the times and events
of history. What sort of notion for instance, could the common
people have had of the order of events, when listening to such a
scene and dialogue as this ? The play was the play of the Flood :
Noah's wife positively refuses to go into the ark : when the follow-
ing edifying conversation takes place. (Modern English is here
adopted, many of the original words being quite unintelligible.)
" Noah. Good wife, doe now as I thee bid,
Wipe. By Christ, not I, ere I see more need ;
Though thou stand all day and stare.
Noah. Lord, how crabbed women be !
And are not meek, I dare well say,
As is well seen by me to day.
Good wife, a done with all this babble,
And let us not in this place squabble :
Or they'll all say, thou master art !
And master by Saint John thou art ! "
Sir William Dugdale who died in 1686, says he was told by old
people that in their younger days they had seen some of these
Y>\ays : that the yearly crowds of country people to see them was
extraordinary great, and yielded no small advantage to the towns.
But this sort of performance was generally suppressed at the
Reformation : and if they were all in the style of the extract just
given, the loss is not much to be regretted.
The old building we are speaking of, has also always been the
scene of the election of Burgesses to serve in Parliament. The
list of Members of Parliament for Chippenham is complete from
A.D. 1553, (1 Mary) ; but a few names of much older date can be
collected out of ancient Parliamentary writs. The very oldest I
By the Rev. Canon J. E. Jackson.
265
have ever met with was of the year 1295, nearly 600 years ago,
when John de Burle and Robert Osgood were returned. In 1307,
John Chapman and Giles de Chiverden, (now corrupted to Chiver-
lings). It is most likely that the earlier Members for the Borough
were actually themselves resident burgesses in the town : because
even so late as 1613, John Scott, clothier, and Robert Wiser,
haberdasher, were returned. But in early times the M.P.'s did
not pay their own expenses. Those expenses, the cost of sending
them up, and the cost of keeping them, so much a day, were provided
for them by their constituents. In the Charter of Queen Mary to
this town by which certain lands were bestowed, the purpose of the
the gift is expressly stated to be this: — "And moreover we of our
free grace considering and meaning that our sd. subjects the inhab-
itants and burgesses of the said Borough are grievously burthened,
driven, and compelled to bestow great cost, as well in the mainten-
ance of Two Burgesses to be present and attendant at Our Parlia-
ment, as in the reparation of a certain great Bridge, and of a certain
great causeway : we therefore give and grant all that our close
called Inlands, &c, &c."
I cannot state exactly what was the amount of daily wages
allowed by the Borough of Chippenham for the maintenance of its
representatives in the Parliament: but we are informed elsewhere
that in the Middle Ages the Knights for Counties received Four
Shillings a day, and the Burgesses for Boroughs Two Shillings a
day, paid by special warrant under the Crown. Two shillings at
that period could not be less than Twenty Shillings a day now.
It must be recollected, that in early times, the place where the
Parliament met was not fixed as it is now. It followed the King.
Sometimes it might be at Reading, or York, or elsewhere : so that
attendance upon it was accompanied with much inconvenience.
In those days there were neither good roads, nor rapidly moving
public carriages : every body travelled on horseback. There was
no regular post for the convej^ance of letters. In London itself,
there could have been but few amusements: a Bear garden perhaps,
or a Tournament now and then, but no Opera, Theatre, or Club :
no Royal Academy, or Crystal Palace : no Literary Societies, or
266
Chippenham. Notes of its History.
Exhibitions of Arts. Separated by distance and the perils of the
journey, each man was, for so much time, banished from his home
and family. Working therefore under so many discomforts for
the good of his country constituents, it was not unreasonable that
they should supply their representative with some consolation.
But in course of time the sympathy of the constituents cooled, and
they began to grumble. The next step was to come to a com-
position with the " sitting member." From two shillings per
diem they brought him down to one : and from that sometimes to
a payment or rather a " testimonial " in kind ; the kind being
somewhat shabbily selected among those commodities which they
could afford to part with, at the least possible loss to themselves.
Of this there is a curious instance in an agreement (on record)
between the Electors of Dunwich on the Suffolk coast, and their
Representative. Dunwich is famous for its herring fishery : and
the bargain to which they screwed him down was this: viz., "That
whether the Parliament hold long time or short, or whether it
fortune to be prorogued, he will take for his wages, a barrel and a
half of herrings, to be delivered by Christmas ! "
If the walls of this old building could speak, they could probably
tell us some odd history about Borough elections in former times.
A few little anecdotes about a contest in 1699, have fallen in my
way. The candidates we will call Mr. A. and Mr. B. Mr. B.
was the winner : his return was petitioned against ; and among
the many witnesses put forward to prove bribery and corruption,
were as follows : —
Robert Taylor swore that Mr. B. had given him Is. and promised him £2 2s. if
he would do his best to get his brother William Taylor's vote. He did
his best : and afterwards when he asked Mr. B. for the £2 2s., Mr. B. told
him he knew nothing about that matter.
William Taylor, the brother, said he had heard about the £2 2s. and had voted
for Mr. B. accordingly. That he had intended to vote for Mr, A. : but
Mr. Scott, one of Mr. B.'s agents had suddenly offered to lend him £50.
He didn't want to borrow the money. So Mr. Scott then promised him
twenty bushels of wheat — but he had never received the wheat.
William Morley said that he was fond of fishing : and had formerly been bound
over in a bond not to fish in Mr. B.'s waters : but all at once, just before
the Election, he was told he might go fish there.
James Stokes testified that he came to Chippenham in September and asked
By the Rev. Canon J. E. Jackson.
267
Thomas Stickle which way he was going in the election. Thomas Stickle
told him, that he was going for Mr. A., but that " there was £20 in
the way."
Robert Taylor said that a relation of the Candidate B had gone to one Goody
Seryl's house : and said to her, he had heard she wanted to sell her house
and he would give more for it than any body else. As she did not seem
inclined to sell it, Mr. B's relative called for some ale, and as it wasn't
strong enough, he sent out for some brandy. He put the brandy into the
ale and made her drink his good health : and when she had done so once
or twice, he snatched the key of her house from her, thrust her out of door,
and has kept her out ever since.
Another man had a silver Tobacco-box given him, with hopes he might find it
of service.
Upon another occasion, one Philip Edwards had been heard openly to declare,
that he should vote for the man that gave him the best penny.
Margaret Burgess said that she got, down in hand, in the first place, a nice
dress for herself, and in the next a good waistcoat for her husband. And
besides that, if said husband would vote for a certain- candidate, there was a
promise of a bushel of wheat, and a pair of new breeches for " master."
" Master" being put into the witness box, said, it was all true about the waist-
coat. He had'nt seen any thing of the other article of dress : but however,
he had been to the Bell Inn the day before the Election and had been told
that if he would only vote for the right person, it would be the best day's
work he could do.
Another man was a shoemaker. He had been told by the same parties that they
wanted a shoemaker very bad on their side, and that the first shoemaker
that offered, they would maintain him as long as he lived, without making
any more shoes.
The Quarter Sessions used formerly to be held in the Old Town
Hall; and in 1632 the town paid eightpence for two burthens of
herbs and green rushes to strew the floor with. Carpets are a
luxury of no very great antiquity. Our forefathers, even in their
private houses, had no " Kidderminster," " Wilton," " Turkey,"
or " Indian," to walk upon. It was either the bare floor, or
rushes. Besides the green rushes, the Corporation of Chippenham
made extra preparation for the Justices. Having no ornamental
furniture of their own, they sent to Allington House for certain
curtain stuff, to be hung about that part of the hall which the
Justices occupied, and also for a broad white cloth over their heads
where they sat. (Allington House was the residence of Sir Gilbert
Pryn, whose monument blocks up a fine window in the church.
There is a part of the house still left, used as a barn.) The
208
Chippenham. Notes of its History.
Corporation borrowed Sir Gilbert's drapery, and paid Robert Cowles
sixpence for carrying it back again when it was done with, and
setting it up in its place again. Before the Justices came, the posts
of the wall of the Guildhall were painted with black colour which
cost two shillings. But whenever Royalty visited Chippenham, as
it sometimes did on its way to " The Bath," it was received in the
Old Hall which then underwent a special purification, one item of
the expense being as follows : —
"1624. Henry Berrye, Bay liffe.
Item : For frankincense, pitch and rosen, to perfume the Ilall at the time of
the King's Majesty being there, 4d."
We must now take our leave of the Old Town Hall ; and per-
haps with a little wish, as archaeologists, that it were possible to
keep it up in some way for public use. Though there may be now
no longer occasion for it, in its original dignified character, still it
is very often a convenient thing in a town to have a room to spare.
It comes in " handy " [as we say] for many things that you do not
always know how to find accommodation for elsewhere. Here is
an instance of the kind.
In the quiet market-town of Spalding in Lincolnshire, there is
an old room, which has been occupied since the days of Queen
Anne by a club called " The Spalding Gentlemen's Society." It
was the first Provincial Club for literary purposes ever formed in
England : and there it is still, vigorous in a very green old age.
It has its books of record, its " Minute Books," containing memor-
anda of doings and proceedings, local notices and changes, all care-
fully preserved, during that period of time. It is of humble situation
and associations ; being approached by a stair from a butcher's shop ;
(an incongruity which is explained by the circumstance that the
Room only belonged to the Society, the House in which it is, to
some one else.) They keep there all sorts of old articles, old maps,
plans and engravings of the Town and neighbourhood, and a small
museum of local antiquities found or given from time to time. The
members meet together upon certain evenings, either for conver-
sazione, or for hearing some paper, or other communication, that
any one may be in the humour to make. How far it might be
By the Rev. Canon J. E. Jackson.
269
possible to adopt or maintain any thing of the kind here is another
question.
Old Bye- laws.
A Charter was granted in A.D. 1554 by Queen Mary for the
better government of the inhabitants. Under it and in virtue of
the powers which it gave them, the Corporation enacted certain
bye-laws in some respects strange to modern ears, but no doubt
very useful at the time, nor would it be amiss if some of them were
even still in force.
One law was that "if any person came to settle in the Borough
to buy and sell, without conforming himself to the rules and orders
of the Borough, or if he used any sort of defiance or disobedience
to the chief magistrate, he was to be forthwith fined 20 shillings
for the first offence, imprisoned for the second, and for the third to
be (in effect) expelled from the town without any remedy, until he
had learned better manners." Nobody was to take inmates in the
borough of Chippenham without the bailiff's leave.
There was also a Body of Armed Men, liable to be called upon
for the defence of the Queen and country. Their number and the
condition of the public armoury are described in a list of 1544 as
follows : —
" Imprimis. 9 Head-pieces :" (from which it might be supposed
that there ought to have been as many bodies to support them, but
it is not certain, for the list proceeds :) " 7 swords, 5 muskets,
4 pikes, 4 corslets, and 4 gorgets." The small force must have
presented a somewhat irregular appearance. There was also
besides these a body of archers, bow-and-arrow-men : and they
had their practising ground. For there is an order, "That as
often as it was needful to erect or repair the common butts, either
in the Ivy or beyond St. Mary Street, the bailiff for the time being
shall give notice to every householder to come, or send his deputy
to help to erect and repair the same : every one not doing so for
one hour after notice, to forfeit and lose fourpence."
The armour belonging to the Borough was hung up against the
wall. Fortunately for the safety of the town, the heroes of the
270
Chippenham. Notes of its History.
head-pieces and the bow-and-arrow-men were not all it had to
depend upon : for by another law " every Burgess was to keep in
his house a staff and a club : and every other inhabitant was to
keep a club ; and they were all to bring their weapons when
properly called." We have known since the days of Queen Mary
occasions in the streets of Chippenham, when a little application
of these staves and clubs would have had a wholesome effect.
In those earlier days a mischievous fashion prevailed. Every
gentleman walked about with a sword by his side : other people
wore daggers. It was a part of the dress of the day. It was a
very foolish fashion indeed, yet it lasted a long time in England.
It was foolish and dangerous, because upon the least quarrel arising
out came the sword or the dagger. There are on record many
instances in the society of those times, when gentlemen, followed
by a train of servants, in the streets of London, or elsewhere,
having any private quarrel among themselves fell out at their
encounter, first with words and then with blows, often followed by
blood-shed and death.
This explains another of the rules, that " Any person drawing
a dagger or other weapon within the borough, to strike a townsman,
or to call him any opprobrious name, is to forfeit the weapon and
be put in the stocks."
In order to encourage sobriety in this ancient town in Queen
Mary's days, the Bailiff and Corporation also laid down a rule.
Nobody could serve the town with beer or ale unless he had been
properly appointed ; and the price of the article was also fixed for
him. There were of course, then as now, various qualities of the
said article. " The small ale, called Penny ale, was to be sold for
a penny the gallon." The brewers and tiplers were to have their
measures examined and sealed with the standard seal. If anything
was wrong the brewer forfeited 4d. a gallon, and the tipler 2d. a
gallon.
A " Tipler " in those days meant a different character from him
who earns that title now.
A tipler, now a days, means one who is understood to take his
refreshments a little more frequently than there is any positive
By the Rev. Canon J. E. Jackson. 271
occasion for. He is a free consumer : who bends his elbow too
often. But formerly, the tipler was the man who kept the house :
so it is that words change their meaning.
There was also an officer in the town, to see that the worthy
inhabitants were not defrauded in the quality of their drink.
This officer was called the " Ale-taster," or " Ale-conner."
Now this was an office that must have been beset with much
temptation : and it is to be hoped that the good man who discharged
it, followed the very wise " caution " painted up in large letters
over the wine warehouses in the London Docks : — " taste but don't
swallow."
Last of all : in the matter of provision for bodily comfort, it was
ordered, that if any butchers, bakers, poulterers, cooks, or the like
conspired to sell within this Borough, at any other price than the
price fixed, every one convicted of so doing should forfeit £10 to
the Queen [if he had so much], or else suffer imprisonment 20
days, having only bread and water.
There was no ward for casual paupers in those days : but there
was a regulation, that every innkeeper, great or small, was to keep
one bed always ready, for any person sent by the constables, or for
any wayfaring man.
And there was an odd regulation for market and fair days.
" No hostler of any inn was to wander abroad upon the market
day, to ask or crave for any horse to be tied up in any stable for
any less price than one penny. No blacksmith was to take in
more horses than he could well tie up under his penthouse : any
hostler or blacksmith breaking this rule was to forfeit 12d. to the
poor man's box.
Neither was any person to allow a tub or pail full of water to
stand at his door between the 1st May and the 12th September.
The bailiff, when he was admitted into office, after taking the
oath of supremacy to the Queen, was further sworn to see that no
corrupt victuals were sold to the Queen's liege subjects : that the
chandlers of the town made their candles of sufficient light, and
that the butchers bring the hide and tallow with the flesh.
Nobody in the whole Borough was to use ill language to the
272
Chippenham. Notes of its History.
bailiff (meaning, the head magistrate) : and if any body dared to
do so, he was shut up in the Guildhall chamber 2 days and 2 nights
and was also fined 3s. 4d. to the poor man's box.
Moreover — no burgess was to quarrel with any other burgess,
nor to sue him at the law without the bailiff's leave: but was to
be content to be reconciled by the bailiff : and if all duties were
reasonably yielded and reconciled, he was no longer to vex or
grieve his brother burgess. If he did, he would be fined 15s.
These, which I have mentioned, are some of the original rules
and regulations for the better government of Chippenham in the
days of Queen Mary.
Lent.
In the reign of Queen Elizabeth there were some very curious Acts
of Parliament passed, such as would surprize us very much now a
days. For instance, in order to encourage the fisheries, and such
part of the shipping as was connected with fishery ; an act was
passed in 1569, commanding every Wednesday throughout the
year, and every Saturday, to be kept as Fish-days, when nobody
was to eat meat ; the penalty for eating meat, instead of fish, on a
Wednesday was simply this : £3 for every offence, or 3 months
close imprisonment.
But if any body was ill, and meat was necessary, they might eat
it by license, either from the Bishop or the Clergyman of the
parish : the license was to be registered in the parish register ; and
it cost 4d.
I have frequently seen licenses of this kind. There are some
entered in the register book at Malmesbury, sometimes in Latin
sometimes in English. One of them even so late as 1621, runs
thus : —
" Mem: That I, Thomas Fidoe, Curate of Malmesbury in co. Wilts, did
give and grant license to Emma Thorner wife of John Thorner, of M.
aforesaid gent, to eat flesh in this time of Lent during the time of her
sickness, according to the forme of the Statute in that behalf made and
provided. Witness my hand this 7th day of March, 1621 : per me,
Thos. Fidoe."
The keeping of Lent was enforced by Proclamation, and in
By the Rev. Canon J. E. Jackson.
273
London there was a regular office in St. Paul's Churchyard for
granting licenses to eat flesh, in any part of England.
Sometimes in the case of people of rank, they got a regular deed
signed and sealed by a Bishop, or a Cardinal. There is one at
Longleat, with a fine seal and signature of Cardinal Pole, Arch-
bishop of Canterbury.
In the Town of Chippenham there was always a jury of 12
men, impanelled about the month of March every year, called
" The Jury for the eating of flesh. " This did not mean, as at
first sound might be supposed, that they were to make official
experiment of the qualities of the various dinner-tables of their
neighbours : but their business was to see that neither their neigh-
bours nor themselves eat any flesh at all during Lent. When
that season was over the jury made their report, which generally
ran thus :— " Which say upon their oaths that they found none of
the inhabitants to have dressed or eaten flesh at this time of Lent,"
But on one occasion, 18th April, 1606, their return was as follows :
" Which say upon their oaths that Thomas Baker, butcher, has
killed, dressed, and sold flesh in this time of Lent, in his house
within the aforesaid Borough : and the said Robert, this present
morning, offered and put up to sale in his shop, one quarter of
veal, one loin of veal, a quarter of mutton, 3 shoulders of mutton
and one breast of mutton : contrary to the statute." In 1609 they
reported that " in the house of one Moses Signett they find meat
dressed to the value of one penny. Other they found none." The
search however was limited, (as appears by the terms of the oath)
to " all the houses of all butchers, innkeepers, tiplers, taverners,
victuallers and other suspect houses within the Borough."
Leather.
It was usual to appoint every year two officers, called " Searchers
or Seekers of Leather." They were sworn to their duty, and the
form of the oath was this : —
" Ye both shall swear, That ye shall be true searchers of leather within this
Borough, and shall search, look and see That all manner ot tanned leather
offered or put to sale be well, sufficiently and thoroughly tanned, wrought, and
dryed : and neither for favour or affection of any person ye shall allow or seal
274
Chippenham. Notes of its History.
any Much leather which is not sufficiently and thoroughly tanned, &c. And
all other matters which belong to your office, accord0 to an A. of Pl. in y': 5th
yr. of K, James, ye shall faithfully and truly observe and keep so near as God
shall give you grace."
One of their duties was called " The Trial of Shoes :" not an
enviable employment if it had meant the continual putting on of
new shoes : but, of course, it signified testing the quality of the
leather used. They also made their Report, of which the following
is a specimen : —
" 26 October 1605. Nine pair of shoes, of divers sizes, were seized in the
open Fair by the searchers aforesaid Wm. & John Cole. Whh. say upon their
oaths that the foresaid 9 pr of shoes are made part of calf's leather, & therefore
not sufficient wares accords to ye Statute ; for wh. cause they are all forfeited &
the same 9 pairs are valued at 6s."
" Outrageous Hose."
The next matter to be brought before your notice is one of a
rather curious sort. One of the old documents shows that there
was a time in the history of England when Public Proclamations
were made by the Crown, to regulate and keep within sober limits
the fancies of private persons as to the size and dimensions of the
articles of dress which they might choose to wear. This kind of
interference sounds strange to ears of the nineteenth century : for
we are so used to the " liberty of the subject," that the " subject "
considers himself at liberty to put on and to wear whatever he
pleases, or whatever she pleases : and that if he or she chooses to
carry about his or her person any quantity, or any number of yards
of any material whatsoever, complain who may, the Crown at all
events has nothing to do with the matter.
For instance, in these days, if any gentleman's wardrobe happens
to be in want of a new article, (I need not mention, or express
what the article may be) he goes to a proper artist : thinking him-
self (as he is), quite free to give any order he pleases : and the
artist, as in duty bound, executes the order.
If the customer happens to be, as sometimes is the case, a "stout
party ;" why, the privilege of a Free Briton, the common rights of
an Englishman, surely leave him — according to the ideas of the
By the Rev. Canon J. E. Jackson.
275
nineteenth century — at perfect liberty to insist that the costume
which he is ordering, shall, at all events bear a comfortable pro-
portion to his person : shall allow ample space and verge enough,
for sitting down and rising up. If he is not a " stout party :"
still, if he prefers to let the world suppose that he is, and thinks
it more graceful or more ornamental to envelope a slender form in
extravagant and voluminous habiliments, the " Liberty of the
Subject " allows him to do so.
These are our modern notions : but it was not so always : and in
the records of the Corporation, there is a document which shows
that in former days, the Crown thought it not beneath its notice
actually to interfere in such matters. It forbade " Outrageous
Hose."
The document alluded to is one by which a tailor in Chip-
penham was bound in 1566, in a penalty of £20, not to make
gentlemen's hose beyond a certain size.
Before you can understand precisely what that means, it is
necessary to explain what the hose of that reign was.
We know of course pretty well what we mean by hose now-a-
days. We mean that particular article of covering which helps to
make our walking apparatus comfortable. We have long hose and
short hose, silk, cotton, and worsted hose, lamb's wool, Shetland,
and all the rest of it.
In former days, hose meant a great deal more. What we
now call pantaloons (or trowsers), and stockings, were all in one:
either woven, or made of cloth, or other material. But from the
waist down to the feet, the two (pantaloons and stockings) formed
one close fitting dress: such for instance (barring colours) as Har-
lequin appears in on the stage. How they got into such things we
may perhaps imagine. But how they got out again, especially after
a soaking rain; well, — that was their business, not ours.
[A drawing was here exhibited of a gentleman in the long close-
fitting hose of the reign of King Edw. IV-]
But this fashion changed. In the reign of Queen Elizabeth —
perhaps before that time, but certainly in that reign, this long
body-and-leg hose underwent a change. It was divided: the legs
VOL. XII. NO. XXXVI. X
276
Chippenham. Notes of its History.
were left to their own peculiar hose which we call stockings, and
fashion of course very soon invented some becoming and appropriate
protection for that solid and substantial part of the human form
which rests upon the legs.
But the body being divorced from the legs, fashion, as usual, soon
began to run wild. If the gentleman whose figure was just now
exhibited, was as he evidently was, or at least considered himself
to be, a very great exquisite, I am sure you will agree that the next
((mother drawing exhibited) was a much greater one. Observe the
expansion of the nether man. This capacious developement was
stuffed with horse-hair, till it became, says an old writer, like wool-
sacks; and so wide was the space required for their accommodation,
that in the House of Parliament there was a special wooden scaffold
or gallery set up, with seats of extraordinary width, for the partic-
ular reception of such sitting members as had not been sufficiently
provided for by their narrow-minded, or rather narrow-bodied
ancestors. The fashionable garment, called by a name you may
have met with, " Trunk Hose," was also very costly : and it is
almost beyond belief to what expense gentlemen went, in their
dresses, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth. The materials were rich
and worked out with gold and silver thread in various minute
patterns : padded and laced, slashed, pinked and pointed, &c, &c:
and to such a ridiculous excess was all this carried, that there was
actually, at last, (as above mentioned) a Proclamation by the Crown
to restrain the exuberant enlargement of gentlemen's costume.
Not only was the proclamation issued ; but, as I have said, the
very tailors all over the country were bound over, before the
magistrates, under a penalty to obey it ; and the document preser-
ved in the Borough chest which led me to enter upon all this
story, is a bond of that kind. It is as follows : —
Recognizance from Wm. Norwey not to make Hosen contrary to Proclamation
1566. •
William Norwey Junior within the Burgh or Yill of Chippenham, Taylor,
is bound to the Queen Elizabeth, in the sum of £20 : in presence of Joseph
Pye, Bailiff of the said Borough, Henry Bull, Joseph Vyser, and Brian Bouland,
Burgesses there 15 March 8 Eliz.
" The oondition of this present obligation is such, That whereas the Q,uene's
By the Rev. Canon J. E. Jackson. 277
Majesty our said Sovereigne Ladie by her Highness Proclamation given at
Grenewiche the xii. daye of February in the viijth. year of her Highness reign
for the reformation of the use of ovtragious great hoses hath prohibited and
forbidden all Taylors and hosyers within her Highness domynyons to make any
hosen of the said outragyous greatnes And that no Taylor or hosier put into
the outside of the upper stock of any hoses but one yarde and one quarter of
Clothe, Carsey, or other stuffe of that quality, and in compasse but one yard
and half a quarter for the tallest persones of stature, and for persones of less
stature to make less and not to put into the same hoses no more lyninge but one
lyning of lynnen or such like nexte the legge, and one other streyght lyning
made of stufe made and wrought within her Highness domynyons, with sundry
other provisyons and ordinances specifyed in and uppon the saide proclamacion,
Whereupon, if the within bounden William Norwey do not by himself or any his
servante journeyman or artist at any time hereafter make or cause to be made
any maner of hoses contrary to the forme abovesayde nor contrary to the true
meanyng of the said proclamation or assise prescribed in and upon the same
That then this obligacion to be voyde and of non effect or ells yt to be and
remayn in full force and vertu."
Such in Queen Elizabeth's reign were the restrictions upon the
tailor. Possibly there are present some who may have reason for
wishing that the next Royal Proclamation upon domestic matters of
this interesting kind, may be addressed not to the tailor, but — the
milliner.
Cock Squalling.
Among the recreations and delights of Chippenham in former
times, was the custom of cock-throwing, or as it was called cock-
equalling, on Shrove-Tuesday. Shrove-Tuesday is the day before the
beginning of the season of Lent, and as the severities of Lent were
anciently much more rigorously enforced than they are now, the
last day before the season began was made the most of for amuse-
ments, as nothing of that sort was permitted for six weeks to come.
People used to eat and drink and give themselves up to all sorts of
foolery, as if it were the last chance in their lives. This still goes
on at Rome, and other cities, to this day, during the Carnival, which
is a word signifying " Farewell to meat."
This cock-squailing was a very ancient custom, and as barbarous
as ancient. The unfortunate bird was tied by a cord to its leg :
and short sticks, pieces of mop-sticks, were thrown at him. He
was trained beforehand to this sort of work, and if well trained
contrived to see the stick coming, and so to skip out of the way.
x 2
278
Chippenham. Notes of its History.
Hogarth in one of his famous prints called the " Four Stages
of Cruelty," introduces this as one of the earliest lessons that boys
received upon that subject. The "sport" was at one time universal,
and it often led to very disgraceful riots. A writer in an old
magazine of 1737, says " Considering the many ill consequences
that attend this sport I wonder it has continued so long among us.
How many hot disputes and bloody quarrels has it occasioned
among the surrounding mob : how many arms and heads broken,
and people hit by the flying sticks. It is dangerous in some places
to pass along the streets on Shrove-Tuesday."
In some places there had been a variety in this precious amuse-
ment. It was the practice to enclose the bird in an earthen vessel
made for the purpose: but to place him so that only his head and
tail were exposed to view. The vessel, with the bird in it, was
then suspended across the street, about twelve or fourteen feet from
the ground, to be thrown at. Twopence was paid for four throws :
and he who broke the earthen vessel and delivered the cock from
his confinement, had him for the prize.
At North Walsham in Norfolk, in the year 1760, some wags
played not a bad joke in this matter. They put a live owl into
one of these vessels : and having procured the head and tail of a
dead cock, they placed them in exactly the same position as if
they belonged to a live one. The deception was quite successful :
and at last, a labouring man belonging to the town, after losing
a great many twopences, broke the pot. Off went the owl, to the
man's intense astonishment: for he thought the body had flown
away, leaving head and tail behind. The dead head and tail and
the broken pot were all the prize he had for his pains and money :
and this ridiculous adventure exposed him so much to the continued
jokes and laughter of the people, that he at last actually left the
place, and never came back.
This cruel amusement was condemned at Chippenham in 1756,
by the following minute in the Proceedings of the Borough : —
" Feb. 27, 1756. Whereas the custom of throwing at cocks on Shrove
Tuesday being in itself a most barbarous practice, and as such is not only
inconsistent, with the Laws of God and man, but greatly tends to the Training
By the Rev. Canon J. E. Jackson.
279
up of youth in the principles of inhumanity; besides the many accidents wh.
often happen to others from it, and the offence it must naturally give to every good
Christian who considers that the animal world was made for his use and not
abuse, as such a treatment notoriously is : We therefore, the Bailiff find Bur-
gesses at the request of divers of the Inhabitants of this Borough, having taken
the sd. affair into our serious consideration, and determined as far as in us lies
to prevent the same for the future, do by virtue of our Charter us thereunto
empowering, make a Bye-law as follows. To wit : We do order that no person
or persons do or shall from henceforth (1756), within this Borough, throw, pelt,
squail, shoot at, or expose to be thrown, pelted, squailed, or shot at, any Cock,
pullet, Hen or chick, or any feathered fowl of any kind whatsoever while living,
under the penalty of 20s., to be paid to the Bailiff of the Borough for the time
being by every person or persons so offending in any or either of the Particulars
aforesaid. One half of the Penalty to be given to the informer, the other half
to be given to the Bailiff for the Poor residing within the Borough and not
receiving alms from the Parish."
Punishment of Rogues.
In the old Borough Accounts of A.D. 1598 are these items of
expense incurred in improving public behaviour.
s. d.
" For canvas iiij ells, to make good a shirt ; and whip 4 0
For whipping rogues, and making the shirt 0 4"
From which it seems that by the ancient discipline of Chippen-
ham, offenders of a certain class were exhibited on the stage of a
pillory, and made to dance to the unpleasant tune of the Bailiff's
lash. " Rogues " they are called. The term (somewhat compre-
hensive), is now usually limited to those who are known to have
committed some act of dishonesty. But in the old language of
the law it was, strictly speaking, applied to travelling beggars, or
those whom we should now call tramps. The tendency of a tramp's
life is certainly not towards honesty : still, in the reign of Queen
Elizabeth a man might have been a " rogue " without necessarily
being a thief or cheat.
There was, some years after that reign, a case in the Courts
where the precise meaning of the word " rogue" was of import-
ance. In the time of Charles L, the celebrated William Prynne
wrote a very severe book against theatres, plays, and stage-players ;
in which he denounced all stage-players as "rogues." The Attorney
General who had to deal with this author and his book, said, " In
calling all Stage- players "rogues, Mr. Prynne doth speak falsely:
280
Chippenham. Notes of its History.
for unless the players wander abroad, they are not " Rogues. "
The pillory and whip, as a mode of correcting mere lazy tramps,
have long ceased to be called for by the law : but the " cat o' nine
tails " has been within the last few years revived, with general satis-
faction, as the most wholesome and promising cure for brutal and
cowardly ruffians, convicted of cruel assaults with personal injury ;
"garotters" and the like. In legislating upon this sensitive
subject, caution is however needed ; so that the punishment may
fall upon the proper recipient. A mistake would be awkward.
This is suggested by an old story current among lawyers, but
whether only one of their jokes or not, I cannot say. In the reign
of George III., there was some misdoing or other, becoming
frequent, which called for present remedy. A Bill for the purpose
was brought into Parliament In the Bill, which as everybody
knows, is merely the first and incomplete draught of an Act of
Parliament, it was proposed to stop the offence by a fine in money.
The person convicted was to pay forty shillings ; one half to His
Majesty, the other to the informer. The Bill went into Committee,
and was altered. Instead of a fine in money, they substituted
" a sound whipping:" but they forgot to alter the terms of appli-
cation ; so when the new Act came out, it ran thus : — " For this
offence a sound whipping to be administered : one half to His
Majesty, and the other half to the Informer."
The pillory at Chippenham stood at the churchyard gate. In
an old Churchwarden's book of A.D. 1677, are these entries
relating to it.
£ B. d.
i 'Paid the Mason for stone and work at the Churchy ardgate Pillory 12 6
For lead at the pillory 1 6
For hauling stone from Hazlebury for the pillory 4 0
For the post, and work done at the church hatch 8 0
And for iron used about the pillory 4 0"
Whilst we are at the Church-gate, some other notices in the
same Account Book may be named.
"For mending the clock and watch. For taking down the watch. For
money and beer in setting the watch up again. For gilding and painting the
watch."
By the Rev. Canon J. E. Jackson.
281
The " watch " probably means what we now call the clock-face
or dial.
Destroying of Vermin.
The Churchwardens used formerl}' also to spend the parish,
money in destroying vermin ; or what they pleased to consider
such in those days. In 1705, are several charges to the rate-
payers for killing grays (badgers), martins, adders, and foxes. As
many as twelve foxes are charged in one year's bill, and the name
of the person who seems at that time to have devoted his particular
attention to that branch of the subject was John Dunn. But
John Dunn carried on his business in 1705, when the fox was an
animal which anybody might catch and kill, that could. For there
were no foxhounds in this neighbourhood so early as 1705.
Among His Grace the Duke of Beaufort's papers is an old account
book, containing all the particulars of the first establishment of
the hunting there. The book begins in the year 1729 ; in the
time of the third Duke of Beaufort. They kept at that time
nothing but hariers. In 1734 deerhounds came in : and the
kennel in that year consisted of 61 hariers, and 12 deerhounds.
The deerhounds then increased and the hariers fell off; for in
1742 the deerhounds were 61 and the hariers 43. In the next
year, 1743, there was another variety introduced for the first
time, and the list then stands as "no hariers, 65 deerhounds,
and two foxhounds" the names of the two being Thunder and Giddy.
So Thunder and Giddy in 1743 were the original founders of the
celebrated Beaufort pack. John Dunn, of Chippenham, who
amused himself with catching foxes in 1705, might do so without
spoiling sport, for there was no pack of foxhounds at Badminton
till forty years after his time.
The Plague.
Two or three occurrences of later date may be mentioned. In
the year 1608, and for three years following, a plague raged among
the population of England. At Chippenham, fair-days and markets
were closed, because in certain towns adjoining, especially in
Corsham, the pestilence had broken out, and special constables
282 Chippenham. Notes of its History.
were set to look after " Nicholas Eaton and his wife," and keep
them out of the town, as they were known to be among persons
infected with the plague. However, in spite of Nicholas Eaton
and his wife, it did break out in the borough, at Whitsuntide, in
1611, and continued for five months, causing much misery and
distress : many died : and the justices ordered subscriptions to be
made for the poor. It broke out again in 1636. No person then
was allowed to take lodgers, and everybody was commanded to set
water at their doors.
The Small Pox.
In 1711 the town was severely visited by the small pox. In a
printed sermon preached by Thomas Frampton (afterwards Yicar
of Shrewton, near Lavington), in Chippenham Church, on Sunday,
18th November, 1711, upon the occasion of the removal of the
disease, the melancholy circumstances they had been in all the
summer are described. " The last thing we usually heard at night
was a Funeral knell, and the first thing that was commonly told us
in the morning was the death of some neighbour or friend. We
could hardly walk the streets without being, some of us, a terror
to our neighbours, nor could many of our neighbours do the same,
without being a terror to us. The country about us would neither
store our markets, nor frequent our shops : our expenses every day
increased, our gain diminished : we got little and spent much."
In token of gratitude for their deliverance, the preacher then
properly laid before them certain amendments, which it was a good
and becoming opportunity to carry into effect. One of these was
that the parish should meet together, and make some orders for
the better observation of the Lord's Day, and see those orders duly
executed. The Church also appears to have been not then in such
good order as it might have been. He therefore proposed that
they should agree to the adorning of the House of God. " This
would be," he says, "a brave act of piety, and would shew the
Parish thoroughly affected with the mercy received, and heartily
inclined to make a suitable requital." Another suggestion made
by him seems to imply that in those days there was no school hi
By the Rev. Canon J. E. Jackson.
283
Chippenham for children of the poorer parishioners : as he exhorts
them to set up and promote a Charity School. In all these matters
Chippenham, in the year 1711, appears to have been in need of
the spur. Mr. Frampton proceeds to apply it, telling them very
plainly, "For your interest, you ought to promote these designs,
and also let me add for your credit. Ill things have been spoken
of you. I wish by such good actions you would shew you deserve
it not."
The Civil Wars.
A few notes have also been met with relating to the town during
the war between Charles I. and the Parliament. It would seem that
upon the breaking out of the war in 1642, the good people of Chip-
penham did not give themselves much trouble about the matter,
and displayed no special zeal either for the one side or the other.
But this indifference did not save them from undergoing the oper-
ation of being bled — in the pocket if not in the person; and the
Borough accounts show that neitherparty spared them. Accordingly,
whether the one or the other army lay near the town, it made no
difference, money was called for. Colonel Lunsford, commanding
the garrison at Malmesbury for the King, inflicts what he was
pleased to call a Fine upon the Corporation of Chippenham of £30,
besides 10s. for watching the Foss road. Then followed a rate
levied by Sir Edward Hungerford, the commander of the Wilts
forces on the side of the Parliament; a second and a third rate for
the same, all in one year: and besides this, provisions of bread, hay,
malt, &c. Prince Maurice, for the Crown, requires a month's pay
and quarters for Colonel Butler's soldiers : Colonel Howard, for
maimed men carried through the town. The Marquis of Hertford,
for the Crown, levies £200 on the parish. £1200 a iceek is required
from the county ; and the constables come to Chippenham for its
proportion. John Wilcox is paid for the carriage of a great piece
of ordnance to Devizes, 23s. ; John Gale for carrying three barrels
of gunpowder, and John Flower for looking after prisoners. Sir
William Waller, for the Parliament, levies a rate for buying horses.
Colonel Chester presses soldiers. These and similar rates are
repeated over and over again during the three years of the war :
284
Chippenham. Notes of its History.
and as it drew to an end in 1645, a contribution was required for
demolishing the military works at Lacock. Nevertheless, in 1648,
in order to bury the past in oblivion, and to show that Chippenham
was ready to forget and forgive, it paid 4s. 8d. to Robert Smith for a
bowl of sack and a bottle of claret, which was presented to General
Cromwell when he dined at the White Hart, on his way towards
Bristol for Ireland.
In 1650, when a fresh struggle began between Cromwell and
Prince Charles (afterwards Charles II.), the county was put to
further expense, and the Corporation of Chippenham subscribed,
out of the borough fund, £2 8s. 8d., towards one horse sent to the
fight at Worcester, and 15s. 8d. for a sword and saddle for ditto.
A great many sums were advanced for the Commonwealth. But
in 1656 the Commonwealth came to an end. The Bells of Chip-
penham Church rang out: and Oliver Cromwell was proclaimed
at the White Hart, Lord Protector of England : Edward Hawkins
being then Bailiff of Chippenham.
Three years afterwards, on the 12th of May, 1660, King Charles
II. was proclaimed: and the drinking of his good health by the
soldiers in the town, cost the borough £4 12s. The townsmen
who were musketeers consumed 10s. extra, and the gunpowder
cost £4. But at the coronation, the gunpowder, the rockets, the
ringers, and the beer, came to £11 19s. 8d. Soon after King
James II. succeeded to the throne, he passed through the town,
and exacted from the corporation what was called a homage fee, of
£36 6s. 8d. This was probably a sort of payment expected in
return for a new charter which he granted them.
The Causeway and Hermitage.
On going out from Chippenham, on the way towards Calne, 300
or 400 years ago, the public road must have been at times very little
better than what Wiltshire people call a " gogniire." The ground
slopes beyond the New Cemetery, and is very flat towards the Swan
public house. A little stream there, called the Pewe, was always
in former times flooding the road. There were constant complaints
against the Abbot of Stanley, to whom the land belonged, for not
By the Rev. Canon J. E. Jackson.
285
keeping his rivulet within its banks : and the carts and waggons
used very often to make use of the causeway, which is the reason
why large stones were placed there by the corporation to keep
them off.
In the oldest accounts I have seen of the expenditure of the
Borough fund in 1598 when William Gale was Bailiff of
Chippenham, money was paid for pitching the causeway and
" pitching the pyke." The pyke I presume to have been a turnstile.
There is also mention of a Hermitage on the causeway, in very
old times. A public causeway, seems, at first hearing, rather an
odd place for the residence of a hermit : as one generally under-
stands by that name, a peculiar kind of individual, whose taste led him
to live in a cave or a cell, away among the hills or woods, eating
roots and berries, and drinking of the clear spring : a very primi-
tive and simple mode of life, which might suit some people better
than others. We often find in old researches mention of Hermits,
men or women. If men, they were called sometimes Anchorites:
if women, Anchoritesses. These are words of Greek origin, signi-
fying men or women who lived apart from society. But these men
hermits, though they lived alone, did not always live out of society.
They lived in some small house, with a little chapel annexed, very
often upon bridges in the middle of towns or cities : very often in
the outskirts of towns, on some road-side, where everybody must
pass by in coming into the town, and where the hermit contrived
to way-lay them, and take a little toll. But I must say for him
that he did not pocket the said toll for any selfish or private
purpose of his own. He received it as a voluntary offering, and
applied it to some useful or charitable object. Anchorites were
actually licensed', and by the Bishop of the Diocese. Two of these
rather curious old licenses are preserved, and in print : one was for
a hermit at Fisherton, close to Salisbury, and another on Maiden-
head Bridge in Berks. In both these cases, the person who applied
for the license to live the life of a hermit, made what is called his
profession, in a deed regularly drawn up, in solemn form. The
substance of the latter is as follows: — "In the name of God,
Amen. I, Richard Ludlow, before God and you my Lord Bishop
28G
Chippenham. Notes of its History.
of Salisbury, and in presence of all these worshipful men here
being-, offer up my profession of hermit under this form : that I,
Hiehard, will be obedient to Holy Church : that I will lead my
life to my life's end, in sobriety and chastity: will avoid all open
spectacles, taverns, and other such places: that I will every day
hear mass, and say every day certain Paternosters and Aves : that
I will fast every Friday, the vigils of Pentecost and All Hallows,
on bread and water. And the goods that I may get by free gift
of Christian people, or by bequest, or testament, or by any reason-
able and true way, — reserving only necessaries to my sustenance,
a3 in meat, drink, clothing, and fuel, I shall truly, without deceit
lay out upon reparation and amendyng of the bridge and of the
common way belonging to ye same town of Maidenhead." It there-
fore seems not improbable, that the hermit on the Causeway at
Chippenham, may have been neither more nor less than a receiver
of voluntary offerings from the passers by, towards the mending of
it, and of the roads.
I have certainly seen, in out-of-the-way places, some very miser-
able hovels, for the residence of modern collectors of tolls, on the
public roads ; and some very rough anchorites, and anchoritesses
too, come out to receive the 4|d. And I have also often had to
wait in a dark night under pelting rain, for the said anchorite, or
anchoritess, to turn out, light a lantern, and grope their way out,
half asleep, to unlock the gate. Under such circumstances, it is
perhaps lucky for the road-repairing, that the payment is no longer
voluntary : for if it were, I am sure it would not be given at all :
the hermit being generally very cross and impatient, and the travel-
lers still more so. But, as the voluntary system is said by some
people to be more successful than the compulsory, it is to be hoped
that it was successful on the Chippenham Causeway in ancient
times ; and that the public roads and paths were well kept. But it
is doubtful. For all the land, out of Chippenham, reaching
nearly to Calne, was forest ; and in old forests, roads were not
first-rate. Chippenham, or Pewsham Forest, (they were mixed
together) began immediately outside the present town. The bounds
of that forest were these.
By the Rev. Canon J. E. Jackson.
287
Beginning at Lacock Bridge, the forest boundary was the River
Avon, all the way past Chippenham, round by Monkton, to where
the little stream called the Marden falls into the Avon. The
bound then went along the little stream Marden past Stanley
Abbey, through Studley, to the park paling of Bowood. It then
(as I believe) skirted Bowood Park, all the way to a point some-
where about "The George" at Sandy Lane. Then it struck off
along an old road towards Lacock, and so back to Lacock Bridge.
Bowood at that time was also all forest : so that as in the
opposite direction beyond Lacock, Melksham Forest joined on to
that of Chippenham, the King had a considerable run for chasing
the deer, all the way, one may say, from Calne to Melksham.
This does not perhaps represent a very extensive hunting country,
according to present notions: but the manner of hunting was
different in former days. In parks, chases and forests, the deer
were generally enclosed with a fence-work of wood or netting, and
could only run to and fro, within a certain space: for people
hunted with bows and cross bows, and shot at the game over and
over again. The King and his company would take up a station ;
and the deer were driven by hounds and men backwards and for-
wards, so as to give his Majesty the chance of another shot if the
first missed.
Such in very old times was the state of the country on that side
the town — all hunting ground belonging to the Crown. The
King's villa stood somewhere a little above the Angel Inn, in
High Street. Town, originally, there was none, except perhaps
some few houses and cottages, necessary near the King's lodging.
By degrees, as the Crown parted with forest rights, the few houses
and cottages increased and became a small town. The King's
favour made it a Borough, with privileges, markets and fairs.
In very ancient chronicles, we read that in the stormy period
before the Conquest, when the Danes invaded England and tried
to oust its Anglo-Saxon owners, in the time of King Alfred, the
Danish army once took up its winter quarters at Chippenham.
Now they would not have done so unless Chippenham had been
a fair military position, safe against surprize. And such,
288
Chippenham. Notes of Us History.
considering the mode of warfare and the want of artillery in those
times, it probably was. The river winds round two sides of the
town : so that when there was no bridge, it was, so far, naturally
protected. An earthwork thrown across from water to water, on
the side facing Derry Hill would complete the defence.
Names.
A word or two about these. There is a little street in Chippen-
ham called "Ambry :" and the same name also is, or used to be,
found close to Westminster Abbey. There, it is said to be a cor-
ruption from "Almonry," the place at which in ancient times the
monks of that Abbey made their distribution of alms. Here, the
name seems rather to be a corruption of " Ave Mary" London
has a Paternoster Row, and very near it an Ave Mary Lane, both
of ecclesiastical origin. " Ave Mary," pronounced quick and short
would soon slide into Ambry.
I believe there is also a thoroughfare here which rejoices in the
name of Rotten Row, which I mention not for its own merits, but
rather on account of its celebrated namesake in Hyde Park. It is
a very strange thing, that for so fashionable an equestrian promen-
ade, one, which in the height of the London season presents such
a spectacle as perhaps cannot be found elsewhere in the whole
world, so uninviting a name should be retained. There has been
a good deal of discussion in " Notes and Queries," 1 and publica-
tions of that sort, as to the origin of the name: but some of the
explanations given are very far-fetched and unlikely. It is not an
uncommon name. There is one in Glasgow, one in Bury St.
Edmunds, and there are several more in country places. A simple
account of the matter would seem to be, that the name was originally
given, merely from what it (rather coarsely) expresses, viz. the
softness of the ground, as distinguished from streets that were
pitched or paved, or macadamized.
As to the names of places and parishes in the neighbourhood,
one great rule for finding out their meaning is easy enough.
In Wiltshire, almost all the names of places, towns and villages,
^ee Notes and Queries, third series, vol. ix., p. 361.
By the Rev. Canon J. E. Jackson.
289
are originally and substantially Anglo-Saxon : and were naturally
taken from some local peculiarity. Chippenham means " Market-
town ; " Langley, the "long lea," or "long pasture;" Stanton,
the "stony hamlet;" Dreicote,- " Three Cotes " or "habitations;"
Sutton and Norton are " South town " and "North town." This
accounts for a great many names.
Another great batch of names ending in ton, is also easily
accounted for. Ton or Town in Saxon, did not mean what a town
means now — but it meant simply this. When the whole country
was open and not appropriated by enclosure and boundary, the
Saxon settler came (as the English settler now goes to Australia
and New Zealand), bought his territory of 1000 acres or whatever
it might be ; and marked off his estate by some enclosure. Town
is Saxon for enclosure. It happened that a vast number of
family names among the Saxons, ended in " ing ;" and just as
now an English settler in Australia, gives his own or some other
family name to his enclosed settlement, and calls it Grahams-town
Knox-ville, Harris-burg, or the like, so it was in old times.
Atheling called his place Atheling-town : we corrupt it to
Alling-ton. Grithling called his estate Grithling-town, but we
pronounce it Grittleton. Locking- town has become Luckington —
Netling-town is Nettleton. Badming-town is Badminton.
Tithering-town is Titherton.
There are also about here, many parishes with double names.
These make a third sort. In this case, the second of the two
names is, generally speaking, the name of the Norman family.
"When the Norman gentlemen did us the honour to come over and
become owners of our old Saxon places, it became a fashion with
the Normans to tack their family name on to the old original
Saxon name. For example, we have in Wiltshire several Stantons.
One is distinguished as Stanton St. Quiniin, another as Stanton
Fitzwarren. St. Quintin and Fitzwarren were the Norman owners.
Compton Basset and Compton Chamberlayne. Basset a»nd Chamber-
lay ne were family names. Sutton Benger, Draycote Cerne, Langley
Burrell, Yatton Keynell, Fisherton Lucas, Fisherton Kelloways,
Littleton Brew, and Leigh Delamere. In all these cases also the
290
Chippenham. Notes of its History.
first of the two names is the old Saxon name of the place: the
second is the Norman family- name. Compton, near Calne, un-
doubtedly did belong to the Bassets, Langley to the Burrells,
Yatton to the Keynells, Littleton to the Drews, and Leigh to the
Delameres.
This then explains many of our double names. In many cases
also, the name of the Saint to whom the church was dedicated,
was used as the second name, as Kington St. Michael, &c.
There are one or two of the neighbouring parishes, which by
time and vulgar mis-pronunciation, have become strangely meta-
morphosed. For instance, the place I just now mentioned, Yatton
Keynell. The people about there invariably call it " Church
Eaton." The history of the matter is this. The real original
proper Saxon name was "Eaton," meaning " watery ground."
Now just as in Wiltshire they call an apron a y apron, so do they
pronounce Eaton, Yeaton. There are two parts of the parish, one
where there is no church they call West Eaton, or West Yatton.
The other where the church stands they call " Church Eaton," or
Church Yatton. This part having belonged to the Keynell family
became Yatton Keynell.
Another parish, well known to us all, has a very extraordinary
name, Christian Malford : which as a name is downright nonsense,
impossible, in that shape, to be explained. But the people about
there keep up the real original name, for they call it " Crist Mal-
ford; the meaning of which is this. The Anglo-Saxon word
" Crist-mal" means "Christ's mark," or the Cross. I have seen
in a deed, a boundary oak tree described as the " Christmal-oak,"
being a tree marked with a cross, as a limit of the parish. And
Christmal-ford, was beyond all doubt, in ancient times, a ford, by
which stood a cross; and the name means Christ cross ford.
( Conclusion.)
Now that I am drawing to the end of my story, I wish, in
parting, to drop a little hint. I don't expect every body to take it,
and I should not be much surprised if nobody does. But still,
when a hint is dropped before an assembly, of various tastes and
By the Rev. Canon J. E. Jackson.
291
ages, it is just possible that the hint may find a lodgement in the
memory of some one person who may think it over, and perhaps
follow it out.
If I have had the good fortune of being able to provide you
with any little amusement in bringing before your notice a few
particulars of Chippenham, its people and its ways, in former
times, I would take the liberty of asking you to consider for a
moment how it has happened to me to be able to meet with these
memoranda ? It is because somebody or other at Chippenham
living at the time, was so kind as to note them and hand them down
to us. When you want to find out the history of the past, the
difficulty always is where to look for it. Few persons will take
the trouble of recording and preserving any note, memorandum, or
description of either place, person, or thing, describing matters
precisely as they are, whilst they, during their lives, see or know
them. In this perhaps there is nothing very unnatural. What
happens to us all, day by day seems so ordinary and common-
place, that to-day is soon forgotten, effaced, as it were, by the
following wave of to-morrow.
But if any one person living in any parish or place of any kind,
would only take the trouble, the very small trouble, of noting down,
in any words that may occur to him, common events and changes,
the little incidents, the local alterations, of his place and time, I
would venture to promise such person, that if he would only keep
such a chronicle, adding to it, if possible, any drawings of things
as they are in his day ; if he would only take care to be accurate
and precise, so as to give to it a character of trustworthiness, and
then not forget to put his name and date upon it : not only would
he be a means of preserving from being utterly lost many local
events of his own time, but he would supply to future times some
curious information, with the chance of earning for himself a
small provincial celebrity.
I speak after some little experience in these matters, and am
sure, that as we now find amusement in recovering even the least
details of what was going on, and how things were done in the
places in which we live, by those who lived there 300 years before
VOL. XII. — NO. XXXVI. Y
292
Chippenham and the Neighbourhood,
us ; so, those who will come 300 years after us, will find the same
pleasure in knowing what we did, and what our ways were ; and
if any one, (as may happen,) should say, After all, these old matters
are of no real importance ! Well, in themselves perhaps they may
not be : but if they interest or amuse, they are at any rate innocent
and not irrational. But I would take upon me to say a little more
for them. These inquiries into the old recollections and associations
belonging to the place in which we live, be it where it may,
increase our liking for our place. They supply us with a perpetual
resource for time and thought : and they often lead to further and
wider research into the history, ways and customs, of this dear old
country in which we all live. They make us love, more and more,
day by day, old-fashioned John Bull and his old-fashioned house
and home.
J. E. J.
By John J. Daniell, Yicar of Langley Fitzurse.1
IR EDWARD BAYNTON, of Bromham House, near
Devizes, and Sir Edward Hungerford, of Rowden House,
near Chippenham, were Members for the Borough of Chippenham
in the Long Parliament : both at this time very hostile to the
Crown. Of gentlemen in the immediate neighbourhood of
Chippenham, who rallied round the royal banner, were Sir
C. Seymour, then residing at Allington (parts of whose mansion
still stand on Mr. Baker's farm), the Talbots of Lacock, the
1 The following narrative is very largely indebted for many of its most inter-
esting incidents to Mr. Waylen's valuable " History of Devizes." Other
authorities quoted are Lord Clarendon's "History of the Great Rebellion,"
" Aubrey and Jackson's Wiltshire Collections," the Chippenham Church and
Borough Records, Britton's works, and some MSS.
during the Great Rebellion.
293
Scropes of Castlecombe, Hawkins of Hardenhuish, Howard of
Charlton, Cleeter of Clyffe Pypard, Eyre of Chalfield, and Goddard
of Swindon : but the name, which from the very first takes the
foremost place in almost every dauntless adventure of those san-
guinary days, and especially in those fierce struggles connected with
the town of Chippenham, is Sir James Long of Draycot.
The head quarters of the Militia were at Devizes and Marl-
borough; both towns, like Chippenham, as yet open and defenceless.
Of the military force then existent in Wilts, a company of foot
mustered at Chippenham under John Hungerford ; and here also
were the barracks of a light horse brigade, under Sir George Ivy.
All the armed power in the county was under the dominion of the
Parliament, who set Sir E. Baynton in supreme command. He
posted himself at Devizes. But burning jealousies having arisen
between him and Hungerford, his fellow M.P., the town and
neighbourhood of Chippenham were long torn asunder by their
mortal feuds. At length Baynton struck a daring blow. At dead
of night, Lieut. Eyre, with six musqueteers, broke into Hungerford's
chamber in Malmesbury, arrested him in Baynton's name, and
had conveyed him some distance from the town, when the Malmes-
bury Militia overtook them, and released Hungerford. Baynton
himself arriving in Malmesbury a few hours after, was seized in
turn, put into custody, sent to London, and cashiered from all his
appointments in Wilts.
Hungerford for awhile assumed the command of the Wiltshire
forces, making Devizes his head quarters. Cirencester and Malmes-
bury, however, had both yielded to Lord Digby, and as the King
was in effect also master of Chippenham, the royalists of Devizes
took courage and boldly refused Hungerford's exactions, till, in
fear of being enclosed in an unfriendly town, while the road was
still open, he retreated to Bath.
There was from the first in Devizes a large body of resolute
loyalists, at the head of whom were Alderman Pierce, and Michael
Tidcombe, the lawyer. These men hesitated at no sacrifices of
property or labour in the King's cause. They boldly appropriated
a great chest of plate and large sums of money, collected by the
y2
294
Chippenham, and the Neighbourhood,
Parliament, and sent them to pay the King's troops at Malmesbury.
The men of Wootton Bassett also made some emphatic demonstra- \
tions of attachment to the throne, and other towns in the county
showing a similar spirit, the hostile militia disappeared, and nearly
the whole of Wiltshire for a time was free from Parliamentary
troops.
In March, 1643, Sir W. Waller entered Wilts; and this county
for two years was the arena of several hard conflicts, in which he
was one of the chief actors. As Wiltshire also lay in the main
line of march between London, Oxford, and the west, it was crossed
and recrossed by friend and foe in all directions, and the un-
garrisoned towns, as was frequently the case with Chippenham,
changed masters once or twice in the same day, and suffered severely
in the miseries of this unnatural war. Waller, as Clarendon
significantly notes, was not an enemy who was wont to tarry by
the way longer than was needful. Passing through Salisbury,
March 22nd, 1643, and leaving Devizes, as too strong, for another
visit, he scattered the weak detachment in Chippenham, drove Luns-
ford out of Malmesbury, by a masterly movement captured Lord
Herbert's army under the walls of Gloucester, and then summoned
by startling news from Devon, turned westward, and for the first
time met those gallant cavaliers of Cornwall, who were destined to
inflict on him, in this neighbourhood, such signal disaster. After
strenuous but vain attempts to prevent the advance of the Cornish
army into Wilts, as they moved round by Bradford to Marsh field,
Waller, too wary to give his foe the least advantage, and now
having learnt by experience what he had before heard by report,
that these western men hit very hard, posted himself on command-
ing ground on the north slope of Lansdown. Here he was attacked
by Prince Maurice and the Cornish infantry, and a bloody struggle
ensued, in which, amongst many other valuable officers, Sir George
Vaughan, High Sheriff of Wilts, fell mortally wounded. Waller
fell back on Bath, and the royal forces, seriously shattered, and
anxious as early as possible to reach Oxford, broke up from Marsh-
field, and avoiding Malmesbury, where Devereux the Parliamentary
general was watching to spring out on any passing foe, moved on
during the Great Rebellion.
295
by Wraxhall and Giddy Hall, and had just reached Chippenham,
when the skirmishers came galloping in with intelligence that
Waller had come up by Box and Pickwick, and was threatening
their rear with an overwhelming force. The royal generals at
once drew the Cornish foot back out of the town, and offered him
immediate battle on the flat country, then but little enclosed,
between Chippenham and Biddestone. But "Waller, who as the
noble historian again remarks, was a right good chooser of advant-
ages, and whose strength lay chiefly in cavalry, dreading so soon
to meet again those stern Cornish battalions on a fair field, declined
the challenge, and the two contending powers stood to arms all
night, in and around the town of Chippenham.
The river Avon entirely encloses the town of Chippenham on
the north and west, and there were no bridges, then as now, nearer
than Lacock and Kellaways; Waller therefore could not accomplish
his earnest aim of turning their flank and thus preventing their
junction with the King, but was compelled to wait till the royal
forces should themselves move.
That night was a night of trembling for the people of Chippen-
ham. None but children slept ; none could tell whether the
Parliamentary army might not force the river at some of the fords,
and attempt to carry the town by storm. All night the streets
rang with the clash of arms, the tramp of steeds, and the heavy
tread of the mailed soldiery. These were those stern warriors of
Cornwall, who had left their homes in the far west, and sacrificing
everything which the world holds dearest, at the call of duty and
honour, had held their triumphant way through Cornwall, Devon,
and Somerset, routed every general the Parliament sent against
them, scattered army after army, took fortress after fortress, and
at last returned unconquered to their native county. Amongst
those great Cornishmen who quartered in Chippenham that night,
were men of the different families of Grenville, Arundel, Bassett,
Molesworth, Godolphin, Trevelyan, Trevanion, St. Aubyn, Yyvyan,
Rashleigh, Trelawny, either as officers in their several companies,
or serving as privates in the ranks — names famous in their gener-
ation through a long succession of years. Sir Ralph Hopton had
296 Chippenham, and the Neighbourhood,
been miserably maimed by an explosion of gunpowder on Lansdown 1
blind, deaf, and unable to speak, he was borne on a litter in the
van of the advancing army ; he had a house at Langley, moated
and embattled, and still standing — but here was no safe shelter for
the wounded warrior. No doubt he found a kind resting-place
that night, and the gentle nurse he so much needed, in the house of
one of the devoted cavaliers of Chippenham. There is frequent
mention of the family of Goldney, and of a Gabriel Goldney also,
at this date.
It was Sunday morning, the 9th of July, 1643, and Francis
Dewy was Yicar — he did not live to look upon the deadly strife
in which his parishioners were doomed so often to take part. He
died in September, the same year. Whether on that Sunday
morning he was able to gather his flock into the house of God,
and whether that soothing Scripture out of the 2nd Lesson for
the morning service, " When ye shall hear of wars and commotions
be not terrified," brought any comfort of faith to any trembling
heart, we cannot say. No fight actually took place that day in
Chippenham ; the weight of the impending storm was reserved to
burst with double fury on Devizes.
As the cavaliers left the town, Waller, with forces now consider-
ably increased, immediately entered : and as soon as there wTas
space on the south side of the town to deploy, launched his heavy
horses on the compact columns before him. They were repulsed
by Sir Nicholas Slanning, and the Cornish fusileers, but again and
again returned to the charge. All through Pewsham forest, up
Derry Hill, and along Sandy Lane, a running fight went on, till
about 12 o'clock a trumpeter with a white flag rode into the
royalists lines with a letter from Waller, offering a pitched field.
As this was evidently a mere stratagem to retard their progress
while he brought up his heavy guns, they carried the messenger
with them three or four miles on the march, and then dismissed
him. The refusal was followed by another combined onslaught —
again Slanning turned and inflicted a damaging recoil — near
Bromham Hall another desperate struggle took place, till fighting
foot by foot, from field to field, and hedge to hedge, the harassed
during (he Great Rebellion.
297
cavaliers with all their artillery, accomplished a safe lodg-
ment in Devizes, and were cordially welcomed by the faithful
town.
Waller encamped that night at Rowde, and on Monday morning
marchod all his forces over Roundway Down, and there effected
his long-desired object of putting himself between Oxford and the
Cornish army. That same evening soon after night-fall, the
cavalry cut their way in gallant style through the beleaguering
host, and rode all night on the spur to Oxford. Tuesday, Wednes-
day, and Thursday, Waller made tremendous efforts to storm the
town, and the small garrison entrenched behind very imperfect
defences, and exhausted by continual fighting, must soon have
yielded at mercy, but that about four o'clock on Thursday after-
noon the fire of guns, the fluttering of pennons, and the flash of
helmets, announced the arrival of the Life Guards from Oxford.
The Cornish foot burst over the barricades, and reached the field
of fight just in time to see every squadron of the enemy's cavalry,
and even Haslerig's stubborn cuirassiers, and all Hungerford's
Western Horse, flying in tumultuous rout before Carnarvon and
the triumphant guards, over the dangerous precipices of Roundway
Down. Lord Wilmot's reserve now joined the Cornish men, and
overpowered the infantry who yet stood firm ; and though Waller
made every effort that a brave and skilful general could do, he
was swept away by his own broken columns, and the whole army
overwhelmed with irretrievable discomfiture.
It was late on Thursday evening when the people of Chippen-
ham, who could distinctly hear the roar of battle, and from the
higher points of view could catch the flash of the guns on Round-
way, were startled by the shattered troopers of Wallers army, with
Haslerig, Hungerford, and their general himself in the foremost
ranks thundering through the streets of the town, followed by
confused masses of broken infantry, in dread of pursuit by the
victorious cavaliers. There is an entry in the church register at
this date, of the death of one William lies, of Stanley, who it is
recorded was killed in St. Mary's Street by a soldier : it may have
been that part of the fugitives passed through that street, and that
298
Chippenham, and the Neighbourhood,
some attempt was there made by the Chippenham cavaliers to
arrest their flight.
On reaching Chippenham bridge, one party took the road to
Malmesbury, which was yet a Parliamentary garrison ; the greater
body continued its course through the night to Bath, but knowing
the fortifications of that city could not long repel attack, pushed
on to Bristol, where it is said Waller, riding up to the gates with
a few jaded troopers, was the first to announce his own defeat —
" My dismal defeat" — he bemoans in his memoirs— " the most
heavy stroke of any that did befal me — I had nearly sunk under
my affliction, but that I had a dear and sweet comforter — I did
prove at that time that a virtuous woman rejoiceth her husband."
Leaving Sir R. Hopton at Devizes, the Cornish army retraced
its steps ; an outpost was left in Chippenham : Malmesbury was
occupied for a third time ; Bath surrendered without any serious
resistance, and in pleasant quarters, in that fair city, the troops
rested from their severe service, and replenished their exhausted
commissariat from the enemy's abundant stores.
For the rest of 1643, and during next year, Wilts was unmo-
lested, except that in May, General Massey, suddenly burst out of
Gloucester, carried Malmesbury by storm, and himself the only
herald of his approach, broke through the slight earthworks
which had been raised about Chippenham, captured the whole of
the garrison, passed on to Calne, there seized George Lowe, the
Member, and still progressing in his daring raid, pounced upon
the King's Commissioners in Devizes, and made a prize of that
redoubtable loyalist, Michael Tidcombe.
Massey seems now to have occupied Chippenham as a temporary
station ; and thence to have planted garrisons in the mansions
round. In December, 1644, a small body of his musqueteers
possessed themselves of Pinhill House, near Calne, the residence
of the Blakes ; but before their entrenchments were completed, a
party of troopers from Devizes opened a galling fire. This led
to a speedy submission. The prisoners begged hard they might
not be stripped naked — whereupon the scoutmaster pointed through
the windows to the cavaliers outside, and told them they might
during the Great Rebellion.
299
well see that his Majesty's troops were so comfortably clad they
would not accept rebels' garments.
Col. Duckett's house at Calstone was destroyed, the Colonel
himself escaping alone, concealed in a hearse.
Mr. Sherington Talbot, lord of Lacock, had been taken prisoner
and sent to London : the house was now occupied by Lady Olivia
Stapylton. Lord Hopton determined to secure this important
post, and accordingly sent thither Col. Jordan Boville with his
own troop of horse. On reaching Lacock, they found it already
occupied by a detachment of Parliamentarians from Chippenham
and Malmesbury. Boville rode on to Devizes, and taking hasty
concert with Sir J. Long, it was determined without any loss of
time to attack Lacock. Advancing cautiously towards Chippenham,
they received tidings by the way that Lacock Abbey had been
abandoned, and that the strong garrison had removed to Rowden
House, the seat of Sir Edward Hungerford, while a company or
two were stationed in Chippenham itself. A troop of horse dashed
instantly into Chippenham, and amongst other prisoners captured
the Governor of Rowden. Thence they proceeded to Rowden
and summoned it to surrender. The only response was a volley of
musquetry. A message was despatched to Bath to Lord Hopton
to send up the heavy battering pieces, and rigid siege was laid to
the house. The artillery was immediately brought up by Sir
F. Doddington, and a heavy fire opened upon the mansion. At
the same time 400 dragoons arrived from Cirencester. But
active measures were also taken by the Parliamentary Generals in
the district to raise the siege. Col. Stephens, Sheriff of Gloucester-
shire, burst through the royalist lines with horse and foot, bringing
with him a much needed supply of ammunition and food. But
while they rested a brief hour and took some necessary refresh-
ment, the busy foemen outside, aided by a number of zealous
peasants from the farms and neighbouring town, cast up a huge
barricade of earth, stones, and timber before the gate ; " 400 horse
and foot (says a MS. in Mr. A. Goldney's possession) were all
cooped together, and the poor besieged were most desperately
straitened by this kind of relief." Every hour made matters worse
300
Chippenham, and the Neighbourhood,
within ; and the forces of the assailants, now massed together in I
the meadows to the number of 3000 or 4000, were increasing I
without. Suddenly Stephens, at the head of his troop, burst out 1
of the great archway, accompanied by files of musqueteers, who by I
continuous volleys strove to drive back the besiegers, while others
attempted to remove the barrier, so as to leave a passage for the
horse. But the obstructions in their way proved too formidable —
the whole sally was a disastrous failure — many fell dead on the
ramparts, and the rest were compelled to take shelter again behind
the walls. A second attempt was made to release the beleaguered
party under Capt. Scarborough with 130 firelocks; this whole
party was captured : a third relieving force arrived from Malmes-
bury, but on reaching Chippenham, and seeing what an over-
whelming force the cavaliers had brought to bear on the devoted
mansion, they fired a few shots on the outlying detachments, and
withdrew. The weather, however, (Feb. 1645) became extremely
cold and tempestuous, and the heavy storm for two days drove off
the countrymen who were assisting in the works : it was hoped
that in the confusion and darkness of night, the horse might break
through, but the leaguer was so strictly maintained, Stephens saw
that further resistance was fruitless, and he surrendered only on
condition that their lives should be spared. Some of the prisoners
of note were sent to Devizes ; the house of Rowden itself was rifled
and fired; Lacock became a royalist garrison, and so continued to the
end of the war. The mansion of Rowden, as described by Aubrey,
was a " large, well built, gothic house, square, with a court within,
a fair hall, very well furnished with armour, and a moat about it." 1
King Charles was moving to and fro in the county in 1644.
He was probably in Chippenham in November. Canon Jackson
has discovered that Cromwell on one of his rapid marches passed
1 Many of the burnt stones of the old house may be seen built into the walls
of the garden of the present farm; part of the moat remains, and the site of
the foundations is easily traceable ; and some of the buildings must have been
left habitable, from an entry to this effect in the Church Register, eight years
after it was destroyed — " A. son of Mr. Herbert was born in some part of
Rowden House, on Nov. 25, 1653, and died about two hours after the birth
thereof."
during the Great Rebellion.
301
through Chippenham and slept at the White Hart, and that the
townsmen rang the bells, and presented him with two bottles of
sack. This portentous personage appears in Wilts in the spring
of 1645, then holding a subordinate commission to Waller. Both
generals were sweeping over South Wilts, when, intelligence reach-
ing them that Sir James Long, lately made Secretary to the Prince
of Wales, and High Sheriff of Wilts, with his fine troop of Wilts-
hire gentlemen was escorting His Royal Highness from Oxford to
Bristol, they marched hastily on Devizes, in hope to intercept the
Sheriff on bis return. Sir James, unaware of the presence of so
potent a foe, had just returned from Bristol, when Waller and
Cromwell fell furiously on the works on the Potterne side of
Devizes. Utterly unable to withstand the powerful force arrayed
against him, he drew off his troop precipitately on the road to
Bath. That day was March 12th — the rain was pouring in floods.
Waller records that it was the " basest weather," and that the
Wiltshire lanes were the "worst of ways" he ever saw. The
Sheriff and his troop, 400 strong, had nearly reached Melksham,
when they were suddenly confronted by a brigade, which Waller,
with admirable forethought, had sent forward to lie in ambush,
somewhere in the line of country between Devizes and Bath. They
broke and scattered in all directions. One part bore away to
Westbury, but were soon ridden down and captured ; others
endeavoured to return to Devizes by Seend, and galloping down
the valley, fell into the very jaws of the foe : Cromwell in person
captured two companies; the last fragment of the broken squadron
before nightfall, was intercepted by Waller himself: the Draycot
troop, which had done so long and so signal service, was virtually
annihilated ; and Sir James, with about twenty other officers, was
taken prisoner. " Of 400 horse," writes Sir W. Waller to the
Speaker, "there escaped not thirty — 300 soldiers were taken
prisoners, with 340 horses — gallant horses, their best horses," adds
a private letter of the day.
On the tidings of this disastrous affray reaching Hopton, all
the horse in Chippenham and in other open stations were commanded
to retire to Bath.
302
Chippenham, and the Neighbourhood,
Lord Clarendon makes an ungenerous remark on the discomfiture
of Sir J. Long. His words are, "Sir Wm. Waller and Cromwell
making a cavalcade in Wiltshire, routed and took the whole regi-
ment of horse of Col. Long the High Sheriff of the county, by his
great defect of courage and conduct" As regards the charge of
unskilful generalship, Clarendon must have been in perfect ignor-
ance that Waller's force was ten times greater than that of Sir
James ; and as to the imputation on his personal bravery, all the
local history of the day proclaims, that from the first hour the
mortal strife began, to the last moment when it was of any avail
to lift his arm in defence of his fallen master, no cavalier in
England was more reckless of life, or lavish of blood, than Sir
James Long of Draycot.
The Discomfiture of Sir James Long, Sheriff of Wilts,
March 12th, 1645.
" When "Will Waller reared his standard 'gainst our King, the great, the good,
And the men of Wiltshire nobly to their faith and honour stood —
With the first the Lord of Draycot to the field his yeomen drew,
Men of Langley, Sutton, Seagry, lusty troopers, bold and true ;
Where the danger, toil or glory, in the foray or the fray,
Foremost rode the Draycot troopers, Long of Draycot led the way ;
And the name of Long of Draycot, in a thousand straits and fears,
Stirred the hearts, as with a trumpet, of the Wiltshire Cavaliers.
War is sin, and speechless sorrow — victory woe, and doubtful gain —
Tidings sore have come to Draycot, mournful rumours, tales of pain.
All the house is fear and trouble, every heart is faint and low —
In the library the Lady paceth sadly to and fro.
But as toward the Church she gazeth, sudden bursteth on her view
Will of Langley, riding madly up the echoing avenue.
Worn, he seems, with toil and battle, smeared with sweat, and mire, and blood,
And his stallion snorts and plunges, reeking in a foamy flood.
' Ah, my Lady ! ' cried the trooper, ' all is lost ! — this Wednesday mora
Waller met us — broke us — crushed us in dire rout and wreck forlorn.
Bleeding in the foeman's fetters lies thy honoured lord, and mine ;
And of our four hundred troopers there escaped but twenty-nine.'
4 Mercy, Jesu ! ' cried the Lady ; yet she curbed the absorbing care :
* Gro thou to thy meat and slumbers — I to watching, tears, and prayer.'
In the library at Draycot, till the matin moon decayed,
Burnt a solitary taper, where the Lady wept and prayed ;
during the Great Rebellion.
303
Wept in woe that God, in anger, low on earth their pride had laid —
Prayed in faith that God, in mercy, soon would bring them grace and aid ;
And beside her knelt her daughters, Margaret, Jane, and Dorothy,
Pouring aye their Be profundis, and Memento Domine.
"With the morn she called the trooper — ' Will of Langley, speak, and say
How the fight was lost— who perished — who survive the deadly fray.'
Then he spake : — ' Sir James had mustered round him all our Wiltshire pride ;
Eyre of Chalfield, Smith of Bedwyn, both the Seymours, Webb and Hyde,
Wyndham, Grove, Penruddock, Ernlejr, Goddard with the Swindon troop,
Hunt of Enford, Hall, and Estcourt, Talbot, Grandison, and Scrope.
Tuesday eve we reached Devizes ; lay all nigbt on Roundway Down ;
Yestermorn, in storm and darkness, Waller burst into the town.
Ride to westward,' came our orders, 'hopeless strife and bloodshed spare'—
It were vain for our four hundred twice a thousand horse to dare.
But retreat was rout disastrous ; heaven poured down a drenching rain,
Vehement lightnings flashed incessant, blasts impetuous swept the plain.
Worn with former fight and foray, we were weary, man and steed ;
Yet we rode, the foe behind us pressing close with breathless speed ;
Many a mile we galloped westward, battling still with blast and storm ;
When the Sheriff shouted wildly, ' Foes before us ! — halt and lorm ! '
Scarce he spoke, when down the highland, where they lay in ambuscade,
Fresh with rest, and hot in vengeance, thundered Waller's fierce brigade.
Instant as we met, they crushed us by their weight of men and mail ;
Down we went in wild confusion, driven like leaves before a gale.
Steed and rider, fallen together, on the ground together lay ;
Trampled, mangled 'neath the horsehoofs, choked with blood, and mire and clay,
Splashing, plunging o'er the ploughlands, fighting still, as still they fled,
Every mile our troopers yielded, wearied, wounded sore, or dead.
Webb, Penruddock, Eyre were taken, Talbot wounded, Wyndham slain ;
I beside Sir James was riding when a trooper seized his rein ;
At a blow his wrist I severed ; but the pause was fatal — round
Closed the foemen, and the Sheriff fell unhorsed upon the ground.
Needs it not I tell thee, Lady, how thy lord, in valorous might,
Rose, and cleared a path before him, till his hand no more could smite ;
How we stood, and rallied o'er him, fiercely fought, and freely bled,
Till they bore him off triumphant, and we turned again, and fled.
Pressing on, we knew not whither, all was rout, and dire distress —
But the foemen's chace grew slacker, as we grew in number less :
From the daydawn to the even we that race of death had run,
And a miserable remnant halted with the setting sun.
Faint with hunger, bruised and bleeding, fearing still to cross the foe,
Yet I rode to tell thee, Lady, all the tale of tears and woe.
Now I would no longer tarry — Lady, give me leave to go —
Weary nature asks reposing — Honour sternly answers, 1 No ! '
Fare thee well ! To certain danger, I return, perchance to death ;
Let it be ! — my life I render gladly to my latest breath ;
Gladly of my warmest heart's-blood, if the need be, I will drain
For my monarch and my master every drop in every vein."
304
Chippenham, and the Neighbourhood,
An order for the sequestration of the rents of Draycot Manor
had already been issued by the Committee sitting at Malmesbury,
and one Thomas Yaughan, with a body of soldiers, had plundered
the house, and carried off property to the value of £400. When
tidings reached Draycot that its lord also was in the marshal's
custody, Lady Dorothy, (" a most elegant beauty, and witty lady,"
says Aubrey,) thought it prudent to avert the entire ruin of the
estate, by making herself responsible for the submission of her
husband, and by expressing her willingness to make a composition.
A fine of £100 was at once enforced — £100 was to be paid annually,
and then (as the sequestrators' minute runs), "in reward of her
early submission, albeit the county was at that time overpowered
by the enemy, and none but Mistress Long dared to adventure
that undertaking," she received a certificate of protection for
herself and tenantry.
In May 3rd, 1645, was buried in the church of Castle Combe,
John Scrope the younger, an officer of one of the King's regiments
of foot. "The Scropes of Castle Combe, (writes the late possessor
of that ancient property) were hereditary royalists, and in the
great Rebellion the descendants of every branch, with but one
exception, maintained their high character for unwavering devotion
to the Crown." They made a prodigal sacrifice of their noble
estates in the day of need, and Aubrey tells us sadly, that "in this
year, was felled in the park at Castle Combe, many a gallant oak."
"Waller is now in Wilts for a third time. Aubrey notes an
incident that marks his course. "I do remember a great thorn in
Yatton Field, near Bristowe way, against which Sir William
Waller's men made a great fire, and killed it. Its stump long
stood near the cross roads between Yatton and Biddestone." The
antiquary notes also a piece of destruction of a different kind.
"At Westport, near Malmesbury, before the late wars was a pretty
Church, where there were very good windows ; and a fair steeple ;
and in it were five tunable bells, which Sir W. Waller melted into
ordnance, or rather sold, and the Church was pulled down that
the enemy might not shelter themselves against the garrison of
Malmesbury. "Athelstan's monument in the Abbey, (says
A. Wood) had its head knocked off in the civil wars; the
during the Great Rebellion.
305
inhabitants afterwards (he adds) put on a new one with a bushy
beard, but whether like the former I cannot tell." As Waller came on
by Marshfield, he pushed on an advanced division through Chip-
penham ; some of his troopers were met by Capt. Jones, and driven
back into Calne. Waller hurrying on through Chippenham,
reached Calne, and here waiting till more troops and some field-
pieces should arrive from Malmesbury, intended to effect the re-
duction of Lacock, but hearing that Cromwell was hard pressed by
Goring, he marched off through Rowde into Dorset.
Sir James Long, after a few weeks' captivity was exchanged for
Col. Stephens, who had been taken at Rowden. Absolutely and
indignantly renouncing the act of submission to the usurping
powers, which Lady Dorothy had made in his name, as soon as he
was free, he hastened to his old quarters at Devizes, rallied round
him his old companions in arms, and on the 9th of May, 1645,
burst into Chippenham sword in hand. Overpowered by the fiery
cavaliers the scanty garrison was driven helter skelter over the
bridge, along the narrow winding road to Malmesbury, which then
ran up by Monkton gate, between the Old Road Inn and the
Foundry, and on through the low dell at the side of Hardenhuish
House. They kept ahead, being mounted on fresh horses, through
Stanton and Corston, until, after a chase of 10 miles, they ran in
under the guns of Malmesbury, which opening a rapid fire from
the high ground, compelled the pursuers to retire. Sir James
however, had eyed some goodly oxen feeding in Cole Park : of
these he selected 100 beasts, and drove them leisurely and safely
before him into Devizes.
About this time also he barricaded Bromham Hall. The ram-
part which he probably raised may yet be traced. These strong
mansions, of which there were so many in this beautiful and well
wooded district, served admirably for temporary strongholds, and
often from the solidity of their masonry, a long time defied an
enemy, though manned by a very small force. But Bromham
Hall, in other hands, might prove a pernicious scourge to the
King's good Castle at Devizes : therefore an order was given for
its destruction ; and of that stately fabric, built in the time of
30G
Chippenham, and the Neighbourhood,
Henry VIII., with the stones of old Devizes Castle, described as
nearly as large as Whitehall Palace, and fit to entertain a King,
nothing was left standing but walls and chimneys. The merciless
demolition of this and of the mansions around the royalist quarters,
led the Governor of Malmesbury to issue a threat that if another
instance occurred, he would immediately fire Lord Berkshire's
house at Charlton — Draycot House certainly would have shared
the same fate. Bowood then belonged to the Audleys — but there
was no mansion there. The Parliamentary Committee disforested
the Park and presented the deer to Sir E. Baynton, who, as a
tradition runs, wishing to transfer these lively animals over
Lockswell Heath to Spye Park, with the help of the clothiers of
Calne and other towns, formed a road of double skirtings of broad
cloth, and thus drove them to their destination.
In the summer of 1645, Waller's command expired : Major
Dowett, hitherto one of the most indefatigable of the parliamentary
officers, taking offence at the new regulations, sent his wife before
him into Devizes, presently himself followed with thirty troopers,
and owned King Charles his master for life or death. Skirmishing
and plundering in all directions, and making the King's name
odious, he soon fell foul of the Wiltshire clubmen, a body of land-
owners and farmers associated under Thomas Bennett, of Pyt
House, for mutual defence, who severely handled his men : " they
are neither for Parliament or King (says a print), but they smell
strong of malignancy." In later days grown formidable, and
assuming the character of an army, they were suppressed by
Fairfax.
There is a little inn in the village of Clack, called "The
Trooper" — it took its name no doubt in these days — probably
from the following circumstance. Dowett was out on one of his
wild, marauding excursions, with a hundred and fifty troopers.
Devereux at Malmesbury heard he was prowling about, and des-
patched Capt. Sadler with three troops of horse to look out for
him. These took post before daybreak on the commanding ridge
near Bradenstoke Abbey. But before they were aware, Dowett
and his troopers had reached Christian Malford. One of Sadler's
during the Great Rebellion.
307
pickets caught sight of a straggler, and too hurriedly sounded
an alarm. It was a race for life. The cavaliers galloped away
at full speed, Sadler in close pursuit, and ran, almost without
pause, a distance of fifteen miles, horses and riders exhausted by the
heat of the weather and their fruitless midnight foray, and ready
to drop every moment. They reached Rowde, and then ventured
to loose rein, leaving as they thought their enemies far behind
them. Here Dowett made the injudicious proposal that they
should rest awhile before returning to quarters ; but scarcely had
they unbridled their horses, and stretched themselves luxuriously
on the new mown hay, than Sadler was upon them with his
dragoons, hacking and slashing in all directions. Some leaped a
ditch, and eventually got safe into the castle — fifteen were captured,
among them Dowett's brother — forty-five horses lost.
Many sanguinary skirmishes took place this summer in and
around Chippenham. As often as the town was abandoned by the
royalists, immediately a detachment from Malmesbury took pos-
session. But like Calne and Melksham, being a wide straggling
place, it required a larger body of troops than could be spared, to
defend it. In June, a large draft of men from Malmesbury, taking
up the Chippenham detachment on its way, invested Lacock Abbey
for a fortnight, and then made a furious effort to storm. They
were beaten off with heavy loss, and fell back on Chippenham.
Col. Boville, the Lacock general, in his turn sallied out with Lord
Hopton's horse, and ravaged all the country round, till one day
venturing too near Chalfield House, which for a long time had
been a stronghold of the Parliament, in an unguarded moment he
was attacked by the infantry stationed there, and lost ninety-five
horses. This was a most serious mishap : nevertheless Boville
held Lacock, and entered heartily into a bold proposal to attack
Col. Eyres in Chippenham. " They resolved," says the journalist,
" to give Chippenham a sound alarm, and as that was answered to
i proceed further." On Aug. 12th, Sir James Long marched out of
Devizes with a small company of fifty foot and a troop of horse,
1 and joined Boville at Lacock. Boville's fragment of cavalry con-
1 sisted only of twenty men — these he committed to Capt. Cook,
VOL. XII. — NO. XXXVI. Z
308 Chippenham, and the Neighbourhood,
and declaring he would never cross saddle till he had mounted all!
his men on rebels' horses, he marched on foot at the head of forty}
firelocks. The enemy had meanwhile thrown up some slight*
defences about the town, works, however, of so trifling a character,!
that one of their own journalists speaks contemptuously of Chip-j
penham, as " an unknown garrison in Wiltshire.'' As the cavaliers!
proceeded stealthily on the road from Lacock, near the town they!
caught a stray soldier, and working on the fellow's fears, compelled!
him to confess that the works were weak and insignificantly!
guarded, and to divulge the more important fact that the cavalry
had just ridden off in another direction. Without parley, Long
and Boville attacked two breast-works, with a narrow approach,
soon cleared these barriers, and cut their way into the market-
place. Dowett charged at one of the main entrances, but his
progress was long arrested by what is called in the journal of the
day " a turnpike," but which was more probably some moveable
barricade of timber-work. Presumably Dowett's attack came by
the Rath road — the only road from Bath was that narrow winding
lane which now passes through Foggamshire. It is evident a
vigorous stand could be made by a very few determined men
against any enemy attempting to force that deep and narrow
passage. For an hour or two there was hard fighting at this
point, and much blood was shed. Eventually the stockade was
carried, and the enemy driven into the middle of the town, where
they met Sir J. Long and his party, and fled, as it seems, along
St. Mary Street. A distant blast of trumpets gave them hope
that their cavalry had returned, and expecting that the foe would be
attacked from behiud, they rallied, and for another hour made an
effectual lodgement in the street. In the fierce struggle to dislodge
them, Dowett received a shot in the collar of his doublet, and the
cheek of his helmet was blown off. Night only put an end to the
savage strife. The victory was with the cavaliers. Some two or
three hundred escaped in the dark — others were driven into the
river and drowned — eighty were made prisoners — a quantity of
ammunition was taken, and the Lacock captain redeemed his vow,
and mounted all his men on rebels' horses. It is added that!
during the Great Rebellion.
309
though the place was thus taken by assault, no plunder was allowed,
and not a sixpence exacted of the townsmen.
It was not always so : Chipprenham suffered severe exaction all
through the war. At one time came down an order in his Majesty's
name from Devizes for an immediate subsidy of £50 or £100.
Mr. Bailiff had no sooner wrung the sum out of the pockets of the
impoverished burgesses, than some fierce captain, perhaps Devereux
in person, from the Malmesbury garrison, galloped into the
trembling town, with a peremptory summons that by a given hour
a body of troopers, well-mounted and well-armed, should meet
him in the market-place, for the service of the Commonwealth.
Pikes, firelocks, armour, ammunition, hay, corn, food, money,
horses, men, had often to be provided at an hour's notice ; and a
sudden and heavy penalty followed, in case the supplies were not
forthcoming. The townsmen of Chippenham made no marked
demonstration on either side : plundered alike by Cavalier and
Roundhead, they seem to have suffered in silence. It fared ill
both for town and country ; for soldiers must live, and might was
right, and neither friend or foe was much troubled with scruples
about the privileges of property.
But though these local and spasmodic movements in favour of
the King, were often crowned with brilliant success, as they were
executed with indomitable hardihood, the arms of the Parliament
were triumphant throughout the kingdom. Bristol fell, and all
the west with it. Cromwell advanced upon Devizes with a park
of heavy guns and mortars, and Devereux from Malmesbury once
more laid siege to Lacock. After two days of unintermittent fire,
Sir C. Lloyd surrendered Devizes Castle on honourable conditions,
and Boville, almost at the same time tendered to Fairfax an offer
for the capitulation of Lacock ; he allowed that many of his men
had deserted, and requested that the few left who were chiefly
gentlemen, might march out with their arms; " and if you cannot
allow that honour to all (added the brave cavalier) exempt myself
alone, and give it to the rest — and if the greatness of your power
deny this, I can die handsomely." Fairfax generously assented to
the terms, and came down from Devizes to receive in person the
z2
310 Chippenham, and the Neighbourhood,
submission of tho gallant little garrison of Lacock, and to salute
their noble captain as he marched out of the fortress he had held
so long. This, the last garrison held for the King in Wilts,
yielded on September 26th, 1645 : and forthwith an order of
Parliament was issued for a public thanksgiving for the great
successes recently attending the Parliament's army, in the taking
of Lacock House, and the town and castle of the Devizes.
Notwithstanding the absolute desperation of the King's cause,
the sheriff still hovered about Devizes with a few kindred spirits,
watching to strike a frantic blow ; and the closing act of the
tragical drama in which he played so conspicuous a part, was as
daring a conception, as it was a splendid success. At the head of a
thousand horse, bursting out of Oxford in January, 1646, he
swept the county from north to south, plundered Salisbury,
Warminster, Marlborough and other towns, carried off the
governor of Devizes and other persons of note, and during the
whole expedition sustained very little loss.
In June, the same year, Oxford yielded to Fairfax ; the King's
person was in the hands of his foes. Of cavaliers in the immediate
neighbourhood of Chippenham, who suffered penalty for their
loyalty, Sir 0. Seymour and his father were fined £2725 ; John
Scrope of Castle Combe, £6000 ; Sir J. Long, £810 ; H. Hawkins
of Hardenhuish, £38 15s. Sir James Long afterwards made
himself so far acceptable to the dominant faction, that he received
the gracious permission of the Lord Protector to wear his sword
in his presence, and in the exercise of this privilege, he gave some
offence to the more inflexible cavaliers.
The name of Henry Bull, constable of the hundred, and bailiff
of the Borough of Chippenham, is appended to a certificate testi-
fying on behalf of Charles Seymour, Esq., "now on trial as a
delinquent before the Sequestrators, that he never did sit but one
day on the King's commission, that he did very much good to
persons grievously fined, and while he lived at Allington, near
Chippenham, behaved himself very nobly, friendly and lovingly
amongst us, and others.'*
The Register (Liber Annalis Chippenhamice continens nomina bap-
during the Great Rebellion. 311
tizatorum, nuptorum, et defunetorum,) reveals some facts of interest in
connection with the events of the Great Rebellion. It commences
1578. Baptisms are regularly registered till 1642. In that year
appear six entries of baptism ; then three quarters of a page are
blank, and one more entry is made on Nov. 13th. In 1643,
nearly fifty baptisms are entered irregularly, and the christian
name is often omitted : in this year are two entries of births. In
1644, there is no entry at all. In 1645, five entries of birth, four
of the children as born about such a day ; four of baptisms about
such a day; but the christian and surnames, either in fear or
malice, are blotted out. In 1646, is one entry of birth. Further
on in the book appears a long list of names with this superscrip-
tion : — " Names of such as were baptized in the years 46 — 47 — 48
— 49 — 50: all which were registered by the then parish clerk, John
Bond, in a small paper book." " Ita testor. Jonathan Geare, Vicar,
ibid." John Bond's last entry is Sep. 15th, 1650. Then follows
this note in the hand of Jonathan Geare, viz., " From this year
till Sep. 29, 1653, the Register Book by reason of the discord in
Church and State was neglected ; in that year it began to be in
use again."
On August 24th, 1653, an act of Commonwealth passed, touching
marriages and the registering thereof, also touching births and
burials, by which it was decreed that a registrar be chosen in every
district, and a good book of vellum or parchment be provided :
accordingly on September 21st, Edward Berry, scrivener, was chosen
registrar for Chippenham, and the good book provided at a cost of
£2. From 1653 to 1656, there is a regular entry of births, though
few in some months, and not in Berry's hand — only two entries in
1657 —the rest of 1657 and 1658 omitted, but blanks are left. In
1658, a page is headed in large distinct characters, Baptisms of
Infants — two entries of baptism that year are made in the Vicar's
hand ; in 1659, a regular monthly registration begins, each page
signed— " Ita testor. J. G."— till he died in 1680.
The gaps in the register of burials are very wide through the
years of the troubles. In 1642 there are none from May to
November ; in 1643 some in Fr. Dewy's, the Vicar's hand; he
312 Chippenham, and the Neighbourhood,
died in September, 1643, and no entry is made for ten years till
Berry's appointment in 1G53; and then the entries are regular,
apparently all in Berry's hand, till his own death in November,
1G58, when they are continued by the Vicar, Jonathan Geare.
The register of marriages is very imperfect — for nearly forty
years before 1653, no record at all is existent ; then the new act
comes in force, and it is recited in full in the register. Notice was
to be given to the registrar of the names, parents' names, and
abode of the parties proposing to be married, and the same were
to be published by the registrar, on three several Lord's days, at
tbe hour of the morning exercise, between the hours of 11 and 2
p.m., in the public meeting place, commonly called the Church or
Chapel, or if desired, in the public market place next to the said
church or chapel, on three market days. Now to come to the first
marriage under the new act. The parties contracting are George
Sargent of Nettleton, and Elizabeth Brown, of Chippenham —
notice of their intention was duly proclaimed in church by E. Berry,
on December 4th, 18th, 25th, at the closes of the several morning
exercises, and no exception had. Whereupon a certificate was
issued of due proclamation by the registrar, at a cost of 12d.; armed
with which document George and Elizabeth appear before Edward
Stokes, Esq., J.P., either at Capt. Taylor's at the White Hart, in
Chippenham, or at Mr. Stokes's house at Tytherton Lucas, with
two or more witnesses, who are examined on oath touching the
truth of the premises ; and then George takes Elizabeth by the
hand, and says, " I, George, do here in the presence of God,
the searcher of hearts, take thee, Elizabeth, for my wedded wife,
and do also in the presence of God, and before these witnesses,
promise to be unto thee a loving and faithful husband." Elizabeth
on her part now takes George by the hand, and says the same words,
mutatis mutandis, with the addition that she will be " obedient,"
as well as " loving and faithful." Justice Stokes then declares them
to be husband and wife— they pay 12d. and no more, for entry in
the register ; and the ceremony is over. If they required a certi-
ficate from the Justice, they had another 12d. to pay. And such
marriage was to be held good and sufficient in law, and no other
during the Great Rebellion.
313
marriage was to be accounted a marriage, according to the laws of
the Commonwealth of England. But in case of the marriage of
dumb persons, the act expressly provides that the Justice may
dispense with the pronunciation of the words aforesaid, and of joining
of hands in case of those that have no hands. All the old church
registers were to be handed over to the civil power ; for registration
of birth, a fee of 4d. was charged, and the same for burial — but
in case of poor people " who live on alms, no fee for any cause is
to be taken." The age for a man to consent unto marriage was to
be sixteen years, and the age of a woman fourteen years, (with the
emphatic limitation " and not before") This act seems to have
remained in force for five years. All marriages but one were per-
formed before Mr. Stokes, one before Mr. Shute, sometimes at
Chippenham, sometimes at Tytherton. For the first years the
entries are regularly made and signed by E. Stokes ; after that
there is no entry of marriage solemnized, but many of contracts
published ; some in church, more in the market-place, up to No-
vember, 1658. In 1659, nine persons are married, presumably in
the church, as the page is subscribed, "Ita testatur, Jon. Geare,
Vicar."
An old churchwardens' account book of the parish of Chippenham,
commencing A.D. 1620 to 1673, is not now to be found ; it is
bound in a page of an old missal. Canon Jackson made some
extracts in 1853. From his paper the following selections are
taken : —
£ s. d.
1645. The great bell new cast (at Warminster)
1650. Given to the ringers when Col. Cromwell came through the
Town 2 6
Paid to the ringers when the Newes came for routing the
Scottes 5 0
For mending a seat the soldiers pulled down 0 8
1651. For making clean the Church which the soldiers denied ... 38
To Edw. Maundrell for defacing the King's Arms 2 6
[In 1637—8 the Parish paid £10 10s. Od. for painting the
King's Arms, 8 other arms, and writing 24 sentences on
the wall of the Church.]
For a rope for the Canopye of the Font 0 8
1652. To a poor Minister that preached 5 0
1653. For mending the Canopye over the pulpit 2 6
314 Chippenham, and the Neighbourhood,
£ i. i
1656. For presenting John Edwards for disturbing the Minister . . 17 8|
1657. For an Houre Olasse 0 71
1659. For carrying the Houre Glasse — tor mending and bringing
him again 0 5 I
1662. The Ringers when the King was proclaimed 2 6 1
To Philip Barow, a distressed minister 1 0 I
For setting up the King's Arms 5 0 0
For the Book of Comen Praier appointed to be used 30 Jan. 1 9
April 1. Then it was agreed hy the parishioners within
named that if any person shall cause any Bell or Bells to
\ be rung more than one howre at any Burial, that that
Person shall pay for every such howre to the use of the
Church one shilling.
Jon. Geare, Yic.
Gab. Goldney, Senr.
Gab. Goldney, Junr.
Edw. Bayliffe, &c.
1663. For the Surplice and Hood 5 4 8
1667. Pulpit Cloth, Cushion, and Fringe 3 18 9
In 1650 and 51, Langley Burrell was the scene of an atrocious
scandal. After the ejection of Edward Norborne, the rector, one
Hughes succeeded—after him a Mr. Martyn, (under orders from
the Hon. Committee of Plundered Ministers, and also from the
Committee of Wilts, to officiate there, and receive the tithes,)
proceeded in company with Mr. Stokes, of Tytherton, being a
committee man, and J.P., to Langley Burrell Church, on a certain
Lord's Day, intending there to preach. On approaching the
church, he was interrupted and driven back by one Thomas Webb,
who through the influence of Mistress Mary White, wife of Henry
White, then owner of that manor, and other parishioners, by
promise of not taking tithes, had obtained the parsonage. This
fellow, openly guilty of unparalleled immorality, never having
had even a pretence of so-called ordination, and without any
order or authority, profaned the church of Langley Burrell for
many months by his mock ministrations, preachings and prayers,
charged as his indictment runs, by the most knowing Christians
of the parish to have preached false and unprofitable doctrines — i.e.
most outrageous blasphemies. He held possession of the rectory
house, and of the glebe, (then let for £70 a year,) in which he
made great sport and destruction ; cutting down and selling at a
during the Great Rebellion.
315
low rate great part of the underwood and trees growing upon the
same glebe land, which before his coming thither was much stored
and better replenished with wood than any parsonage in those parts;
he also mored and grubbed up about half of the coppice-ground
belonging to the said Rectory, and pulled down a handsome barn
and sold the materials. In August 51, he was summoned to meet
the Justices, George Ivy, and William Shute, at the White Hart,
Chippenham ; on their report to the Committee he was sent to gaol,
tried, and condemned to death ; but his life was spared. Justice
Stokes, as living on the spot, and cognizant of Webb's flagitious
life, took an active part in endeavouring to bring him under the
lash of the law ; against him Webb published a pamphlet called
a " Masse of Malice," and in defence, Stokes printed " The Wilt-
shire Rant."
Walter Norborne, brother (?) of the ejected Rector of Langley
Burrell was buried at Calne, in 1659 ; from the inscription on the
memorial tablet in the church, it seems that some tumult occurred
at his funeral : —
" Pro Rege, Patriaque suis multa fecit tulitque totos annos septendecim —
tanta etiam post mortem martyria passus (satana suam rabiem in honores
funebres exerente) uti duplicem videatur reportasse victoriam, de Natura
alteram, alteram de fortuna."
Lieut.- Col. Walter White, of Grittleton, was sometime governor
of Bristol Castle for the Parliament : his son Walter died 1673.
By will he directs : —
" Six esquires and gentlemen shall carry me to my grave : a sermon shall be
preached by some Doctor of Divinity, a Nonconformist, for the Common Prayer
I always hated ; six escutcheons to be about my coffin, and nothing but cake
and wine to be at my funeral."
The Corporation Chest at Chippenham contains some parchments
reciting the declaration of the Bailiff and Burgesses of the Borough
against the solemn League and Covenant. The first of these doc-
uments now existing is dated 1679 — and it is singular that this
declaration continued to be made, even after the Revolution, and
down to the 3rd year of Queen Anne.
It runs thus : — " In conformity to the late act of Parliament,
made in the 13th year (1661,) of our Sovereign Lord Charles II.,
316
Chippenham, and the Neighbourhood,
by the grace of God of England, France, and Ireland, King,
D. F. I, A.B , do declare that I hold that there lies no obligation
upon me or any other person from the oath commonly called the
Solemn League and Covenant, and that the same wa9 an unlawful
oath, and imposed upon the subjects of this realm against the known
laws and liberties of the kingdom. " The first declaration in 1679
is signed by Sam. Twyford, only : in 1680, May 7, by Ri. Kemm,
Wm. Stephens, Thos. Webb, Wm. Scott, May Pinchen, John
Hulber't, William Bedford : also on another parchment in the same
year, and only a week after, by five of these burgesses again, with
the addition of the name of Jon. Rogers — again in 1680 by Edward
Hawkins, John Flower, and Sam. Twyford.
In 1681, by Wm. Bedford alone — all these are written in full —
separate declarations, with separate signatures attached.
— 1682, by Thos. Webb, alone.
— 1685, (1 Jas. II.) a general declaration to the same effect, but
signed in common by John Flower, Bailiff, — Charles
Talbot, Jon. Rogers, Wm. Stephens, Roger Warne,
William Lord, William Gale — a month after (April 20,)
again by Sam. Twyford, Wm. Gale, John Short, James
Gingell — on June 12, by Thos. Webb — on July 13, John
Ryall — July 30, John Short, the younger.
— 1686, Sept. 27, John Sealy.
— 1687, Feb. 14, John Greenwood.
— 1688, Mar. 23, John Eat well
„ Jan. 3, William Bedford.
„ „ William Hobbs.
„ „ John Hulbert.
Oct. 29, Walter Scott.
„ „ William Lord.
„ „ Edward Adye.
„ „ John Eatwell.
„ Nov. 1, Gabriel Norryes, Bailiff.
— 1691, (3 Will. & Mary) Edward Adye.
— 1692, Sept. 29, John Eatwell.
— 1693, „ John Scott.
On Hedges and Hedge Rotes.
317
In 1694, Sept. 29, William Scott.
— 1695, „ Gabriel Goldney.
„ Feb. 7, A. Martyii.
— 1696, Sept. 29, A. Martyn.
— 1697, Sept. 29, John Bedford.
— 1698, ditto John Hulbert.
— 1699, Sept. 29, Rich. Kemm.
„ „ 30, Richard Aland Power.
,, Jan. 22, Roger Warne.
— 1700, April 3, Jon. Essington.
,, Sept. 29, Roger Warne.
— 1702, Sept. 29, (1 Anne), Jon. Essington.
— 1703, June 17, William Stevens.
„ Sept. 29, William Stevens.
„ Feb. 28, James Gingell.
„ Benjamin Scott.
— 1704, Sept. 29, James Gingell.
— 1705, June 15, Jon. Scott.
„ Aug. 7, Edward Bushell.
By John Spencee, Esq.
^f^ffift) MAY first observe with regard to the following paper?
||y jjj that although on a very common-place subject, yet as the
history of hedges is in fact the history of the partition and enclosure
of lands, it will not, I hope, be without interest to an Archaeo-
logical and Natural History Society.
The enclosing of land by hedges into separate divisions which
we term " fields," seems to afford the earliest evidence we possess
of a clearly defined description of property, vested at a remote
period in certain individuals, and which in many instances has
remained in nearly the same state up to the present time ; while
318
On Hedges and Hedge Rows.
the tenements which, in all probability, were either attached to, or
had some kind of connexion with, these enclosures, have been swept
away, or have long since crumbled into dust.
Those hedges then which surround the most ancient enclosures
through the greater part of England (or speaking locally of Wilts),
I assume to be the work of the Saxons, and to have been com-
menced at an early period of their occupation of Britain ; and
may be taken, I think, as the first attempt of that enterprizing
race to fix themselves on the soil of a country which their arms,
combined with their diplomacy, had won from a less warlike — or
at least from a less united people. Speaking generally of the
oldest hedges I have examined in England, this is all the evidence
of their history that I have collected ; but we gather from nearly
all the writers of antiquity and classic authors, that the history of
hedges dates back to the earliest times : for in addition to the
frequent mention of hedges in the Bible (sometimes figuratively,
but often literally), with which all will be familiar, some may
remember the description given by Homer of the gardens of
Alcinous, where so far as my research has led me, the word trans-
lated " hedge " occurs for the first time in classic history ; and
although I am not going to say where this garden was situated,
yet in the next instance in which we find the Old Poet writing
about hedges, the locality is more clearly stated. This occurs
when Ulysses1 after the famous Trojan war returned to his home
and found his father " the good Laertes," employed in making
preparations for a hedge, to furnish which his servants had gone
to the woods to collect young thorns : now as the Greek name for
our hawthorn was " pyracantha," (the name made use of by
Homer) we may fairly infer that either the common hawthorn or
some allied species, was intended by " Laertes " for his hedge : if
this was so, which is very probable, we must ascribe to the
" Crataegus " family the earliest as well as the latest place in the
formation of hedges.
That the Romans planted hedges extensively, we have proof
abundant in the works of those of their authors who treated on
1 Odyssey, Lib. xxiy.
By John Spencer j Esq.
319
rural subjects; thus Varro terms a hedge a "natural living
guardian." Columella speaking of a living fence, prefers it to
a constructed, or dead hedge.- Virgil1 writes that a good hedge
should be woven — or in plain English, pleached or plashed and
laid in as you see done at the present day — and asks also
" Quid raajora sequar ? salices, humilesque genistce,
Aut illse pecori frondera, aut pastoribus umbras
Suffieiunt; sepemque satis, et pabula melli." 2
Hedges being found useful in "Rome, that sensible people we may
take for granted would introduce them to their colonies, and although
I have failed in meeting with any record of this having been done
in Britain, we may conclude that such was the case, the more
confidently as we ktfow they introduced nearly all the fruits and
trees of Italy during their occupation of the country ; and that
they would protect their vineyards and orchards by some kind of
living fence is more than probable, as well as special enclosures
surrounding their stations and villas.
But whatever may have been the extent of hedges as a means
of protection planted by the Romans while they held possession of
Britain, it is not difficult to understand that after their departure
all traces of such would be partially if not wholly destroyed or
left to nature, through the internal feuds which raged among the
petty kings and chiefs who succeeded the Roman government, and
the struggles they had in resisting on all sides their enemies —
more especially the North German tribes, who in the end became
their masters. It is to these latter, comprising the Jutes, Angles,
and Saxons — branches of the great Teutonic family occupying
nearly the whole of Germany and a large area in France, and
finally settling in England — that we owe our present system of
hedge rows.
Guizot, in his "Histoire de la Civilization," informs us that the
political organization of all the branches of the Teutonic race was
essentially the same, and he states that in their appropriation of
conquered land the "King-lord" (who was generally elected)
taking first a large share for himself, distributed the remainder
1 Georgic: ii., 371—2. 2 Georgic: ii., 434—6.
320
On Hedges and Hedge Rows.
among his chiefs; and this agrees with what Bede and other old
writers state was the case when the Saxons (including cognate
tribes) took possession of Britain. The so-called Saxon armies
may be described as a large body of armed emigrants led by an
elected chief, formed of many smaller groups, each having a leader,
who was, however, subordinate to the King-lord or principal chief,
and when sharing among themselves a foreign possession each
district was divided into Hides (a somewhat indefinite term as at
present understood), the head chief taking as a matter of course a
large share, and dividing the remainder between his lieutenants, and
as each of these had a number of followers, they in like manner
after supplying themselves allotted to each of their followers a
share ; by this plan the land would quickly become parcelled out
and occupied, and as each individual took possession of his plot or
share, it is very probable that both for the sake of protection and
identity, he would set about enclosing it with some sort of fence
or hedge.
It would occupy too much time were I to enter upon the different
kinds of tenure by which land was held in these early times, or of
the political rights which attached to them : it will be sufficient for
my subject, if I state briefly my opinion that the first parcelling
out of the acquired lands by the Saxon tribes would be followed by
enclosing them with some description of fence, which in many
instances would doubtless be a living hedge, and that there is strong
evidence to connect many of the existing enclosures round our oldest
villages with these early Saxon times.
In the first instance of enclosing land some kind of clearing
would frequently be necessary, and as this might reach further in
some directions than others an irregular boundary would follow,
which we find very frequently occurs in old fields — or the first
enclosures of the Saxons might follow some previous division of
land made by the Britons — be this as it may — the small size of the
enclosed fields round our oldest villages would seem to indicate that
a considerable number of allottees were included in these early
appropriations.
That the earliest hedges would be made with such plants as grew
By John Spencer, Esq.
321
near the proposed fence, seems feasible. And so it is that we find
the oldest hedges are made up of the kinds of trees which grow
indigenously in the locality. - The oldest hedges I have examined
in Wilts are composed (on dry soils) of hazel, wych-elm, maple,
oak, dog-wood, spindle- wood, and buckthorn, about in the order
placed: and in stronger soils, the ash, blackthorn, buckthorn, wild
crab, and wild plum, predominate. The beech and hornbeam are
rarely met with as hedge plants, and the same may be stated of
the birch, but on wet soils, several species of sallow and willow are
frequently found as hedge plants, as well as the alder. The dog-
rose, bramble and elder I consider owe their introduction into our
hedge rows to chance, as does also the holly in old hedges. The
nearly constant absence of the whitethorn from very old hedges
may be accounted for on the ground that in the wild state in which
it would be met with at the time it would be a difficult tree to
transplant, and, in all probability, if used at all, soon died away.
The increase of hedges would follow the enclosures that took
place from time to time on the common or unappropriated lands
for the purposes of cultivation, or to establish the right of ownership.
With regard to the kind of plants used in making these later
hedges I find nothing to shew that any change was made ; in fact,
it would appear that until the establishment of nurseries for rearing
young trees, plants for the purpose of forming hedges could only
be procured from the neighbouring copses or unenclosed lands.
Henry VIII., fond of good living, was as we may imagine, an
epicure in fruits, and his table was furnished by regular importations
from the Continent during the fruit season, and as he was in this
respect followed by his courtiers, the fruits of the continent became
in demand, and led to the forming of nurseries in England for
rearing young trees of the kinds of fruits then grown in France
and the Netherlands, and it would follow that trees for the em-
bellishment of the country seats which soon after this time sprang
into existence throughout England, as well as for forming hedges,
would be reared in these nursery gardens, and the yew hedges, and
topiary work in evergreens found surrounding old English mansions
date from about this period, but although we learn from an Italian
322
On Hedges and Hedge Rows.
author, Cresccntius (lib. v.) that hawthorn hedges were used in
Italy in 1400, I have met with no record that the common haw-
thorn was employed solely for forming hedges in England before
the very end of the reign of Henry VIII. In 1611 however, one
Standish in a book which he called the " Commons Complaint, "
lays down a new method of pruning the whitethorn (hawthorn) in
fences, shewing that it was then beginning to be appreciated as a
hedge plant, and in an old black letter copy of a work on planting
published in 1612, the author when giving directions for planting
a quick-set hedge, says : — " take whitethorne, crab tree and hollin
mixed together — or else any one of them, and by no means, if you
can chuse, set any blackthorne among them, for that it will grow
into the fields ward and spoyle pasture and tear the wool off the
sheepe's back."
In " Tusser's " five hundred points of good husbandry, he writes :
" Gro plough or delve up advised with skill ;
The breadth of a ridge, and in length as you will ;
"Where speedy quick-set for a fence will draw,
To sow in the seed of bramble and haw."
Hedges however formed exclusively with the hawthorn were not
commonly planted until a still later period, for Evelyn in 1664
tells of a friend of his who made a considerable addition to his
income by rearing young quick-sets and selling them to his friends ;
and in fact the use of the hawthorn alone as a hedge plant did not
become general until the latter part of the reign of William and
Mary.
Having thus brought down the history of hedges to a period
when the mode of planting them became much the same as that
practised at the present time, and the adoption of the hawthorn as
a hedge plant became almost general, it only remains for me, very
briefly, to notice the effect of hedge rows on English scenery in
general.
The great Wiltshire vale, which, commencing at the foot of the
downs, stretches across the county westward to the Cotswolds —
broken only by intervening ridges of the middle oolite — affords as
good a representation of English hedge rows as we meet with in
By John Spencer, Esq.
323
most counties, having regard to their antiquity and variety.
A spectator taking his stand on one of the many elevated points
on the western escarpment of .the chalk downs overlooking this
valley, will be struck with its richly wooded character, and if it is
examined in detail it will be found that a considerable part of the
trees which furnish this landscape are hedge-row trees. Our fore-
fathers did not care to cut their hedges so frequently as modern
agreements now consider necessary, and in the interval of time
which elapsed between one cutting and the next, the hedges had
given protection to a host of saplings of the oak, ash, beech, and
elm, the seeds of which had been taken there by birds, or deposited
by the smaller animals for future wants, or, as would be the case
with the elm, had sprung direct from the root of some neighbour-
ing tree. These seedlings had flourished so well under the foster-
ing care of the hedge, that when the time came round for cutting
it the young trees were, in many instances, too valuable for cutting
down, and were reserved for future timber, and thus in a great
measure, through the conservative agency of the hedge, our land-
scape has been enriched with timber beyond comparison with any
other pastoral country.
Who, with the feelings of a naturalist, has not sauntered by the
side of one of these old mixed hedge rows, which are by no means
unfrequent in "Wiltshire, without a keen appreciation of the
interest they unfold ? let the time be; say — when the " May " is in
bloom, and the flowers of the dog-rose are displaying every shade
of the most exquisite pink, and the air perfumed with the rival
scents of the hawthorn and wild honeysuckle : or later in the season
when they are decked with the " haws " of the hawthorn and wild
rose, and the deep purple sloe ; while the wild crab, maple, and dog-
wood are vieing with each other in the rich colouring of their dying
leaves. Or again, viewing them with the eye of the archaeologist,
who will not find a pleasure in tracing back their history ; in some
instances, it may be, to the very infancy of our own civilization,
and as marking that era in our political life when the possession of
land had attached to it a right, the privileges of which have never
yet been disputed ? Or who contemplating the quiet history of these
VOL. XII.— NO. XXXVI. 2 A
324
The Flora of Wiltshire.
reclaimers of the waste, which have survived so many phases in
our national history, and are associated with all our old boundaries
parochial and manorial, but will express the conviction that among
the various features which give life, character and interest to our
native scenery, our hedge rows occupy a prominent place ?
%\t cficrra: of Wiltshire.
COMPRISING THE
f Itffoerittg f tote anir $txns xnVx^mm to i\t Coimtg*
By Thomas Bruges Flower, M.R.C.S., F.L.S., &c, &o.
No. XIII.
ORDER. LENTIBULARIACEiE. (RICH.)
Pinguicula, (Linn.) Butterwort.
Linn. CI. ii., Ord. i.
Name. From pinguis (Lat.) fat; in allusion to the viscid leaves ;
hence too the English name Butterwort.
1. P. lusitanica, (Linn.) pale Butterwort. Engl. Bot. t. 145.
Locality. Marshy places and wet moors. P. Fl. June, Sep-
tember. Area, 1. * * *
South Division.
1. South-east District, "Marshes on Alderbury Common," Dr.
Maton. Bot. Guide.
This locality has been recently verified by Major Smith and
Mr. James Hussey, but the plant has now become very scarce.
Flowers small, pale yellowish.
TTtricularia, (Linn.) Bladderwort.
Linn. CI. ii. Ord. i.
Name. From utriculus, (Lat.) a little bottle ; in allusion to the
circumstance of the stem or leaves bearing little compressed
bladders, which, during the season of flowering, contain air, at
other times water : so that the flower-spikes when in bloom, are
By Thomas Bruges Mower, Esq. 325
by a beautiful provision of nature, raised above the water to favour
the proper action of the pollen, but sink to ripen the seed.
1. IT. vulgaris, (Linn.) common or greater Bladderwort. Engl.
Bot. t 253.
Locality. In deep pools and watery ditches, rare. P. Fl. June,
August. Area, * 2 * * 5.
South Division.
2. South Middle District, " Ditches near Stratford Castle, very
rare," Mr. James Hussey.
North Division.
5. North-east District, Canal between Swindon and Purton,
sparingly.
Corolla large, bright yellow, with purplish-red streaks ; spur
bent downwards.
2. U. minor, (Linn.) smaller Bladderwort. Engl. Bot. t. 254.
Locality. Ditches and pits. P. Fl. June, August. Area,
i * # * #
South Division.
1. South-east District, "In rivulets near the Milk-maid's Grove,
close to Salisbury," Dr. Maton. Nat. Hist. Wilts.
The only locality at present recorded in Wilts for this species,
which should be again verified. I have seen no specimen, and
would be obliged for examples from any correspondent.
ORDER. PRIMULAXTEiE. (VENT.)
Primula, (Linn.) Primrose.
Linn. CI. v. Ord. i.
Named from primus, first; on account of the early appearance of
the flowers in the most common species ; in France primevere.
1. P. vulgaris, (Huds.) common Primrose, from Pry me-rolles, the
name it bears in old books and MSS. Engl. Bot. t. 4. St. 14. 6.
P. acaulis-Jacq.
Locality. In woods, hedge-banks, meadows, and the borders of
fields, and by the sides of streams. P. Fl. April, May. Area, 1.
2. 3. 4. 5.
Very common and generally distributed throughout the districts.
2a2
32(3
The Flora of Wiltshire.
Corolla large, sulphur coloured, sometimes more or less purple1 or
rarely white, with a dark radiating spot in the middle ; their scent
agreeable though slight. If the peduncles are traced to their very
base, they will be found to spring from one common point and to con-
stitute a sessile umbel. The variety in which the umbel is raised on
a scape, the pedicel shorter, the calyx-teeth shorter, the corolla-limb
smaller, more concave and deeper in colour, with the segments
narrower is the P. variabilis Goupil, which is not unfrequently
distributed throughout Wilts, generally occuring, whenever P.
vulgaris, and P. officinalis grow together, but never found in any of
the districts inhabited by one of the parents. This form is often
taken for the true Oxlip, P. elatior, Jacquin, found only in the
Eastern counties of England, particularly about Bardfield in Essex.
2. P. veris, (Linn.) common Cowslip, or Paigle. Engl. Bot. t. 5.
St. 14, 4. P. officinalis Jacquin.
Locality. On banks, meadows, pastures, and downs, especially
in chalky and clayey soils. P. Fl. April, May. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Generally distributed throughout all the districts. Flower-stalks
rising above the leaves, bearing an umbel of flowers. Calyx-teeth
usually broad and obtuse. Corolla very much smaller than in the
Primrose, but varying in size. Linnaeus considered the Cowslip,
Oxlip, and Primrose, as varieties only of the same plant, though
most modern Botanists have usually separated and described them as
two, and sometimes three distinct species. More recent investiga-
tion has shown that Linnaeus's views were correct. The Polyan-
thuses of our gardens are cultivated varieties of the same species.
Hottonia, (Linn.) Water- Ytolet.
Linn. 01. v. Ord. i.
Name. After P. Hotton, Professor in the University of Leyden ;
ob. 1709. The English name featherfoil refers to the elegant
1 This beautiful variety, with, flowers bright purplish-red, I have occasionally
found in woods about Kingsdown ( North-west District )} and sometimes having
a petaloid calyx ; this form is well known under the name of P. calycanthemum ;
it has a oertain interest as illustrating the theory of morphology, being one of
the less common forms of monstrosity. — T. B. F.
By Thomas Bruges Mower, Esq.
327
light foliage, which resembles a feather in its deeply pinnatifid
sections.
1. H. palustris, (Linn.) Marsh Feather-foil, or Water Yiolet.
Engl. Bot. t. 364.
Locality. In ditches and ponds, on a gravelly soil. P. El. May,
June. Area * * 3. * *
South Division.
3. South-west District, " In the Stour at Stourton," Miss Meredith.
The Hottonia is one of the most beautiful of our native plants, and
is highly deserving a place with Nymphaia, Nuphar, Butomus,
Sagittaria, Villarsia, and Menyanthes, in the Aquarium. The
flowers are numerous, and very elegant, and are produced in
whorled clusters, raised above the water.
Lysimachia (Linn.) Loose-strife.
Linn. CI. v. Ord. i.
Name. From (lusimachia), in honour of Lysimachus. Loose-
strife, is merely a translation of the word.
1. L. thyrsiflora, (Linn.) tufted Loose-strife. Engl. Bot. t. 176.
Naumburgia Duby.
Locality. Wet marshes and watersides, very rare. P. EL June,
July. Area, * * * 4. *
North Division.
4. North-west District, " In a marsh to the right of the foot-path
from Wraxhall to the Horse and Jockey," Flor. Bath. This
locality cannot I fear be considered an indigenous one, for there is
every reason to believe that this very local and interesting plant
has been introduced in the above station, probably by the late
Mr. William Sole of Bath, having been informed more than once
by persons who were well acquainted with him, that he was fre-
frequently in the habit of bringing plants into this locality
with a view of introducing them into the neighbourhood.
2. L. vulgaris, (Linn.) common, or great yellow Loose-strife.
Engl. Bot. t. 761.
Locality. Sides of rivers, and wet shady places. P. El. July.
Area, * * 3. 4. 5.
328
The Mora of Wiltshire.
South Division.
3. South-west District, "Riverside near West Ilarnham," Dr.
Maton. Nat. Hist. Wilts. More recently confirmed in the same
station by Major Smith and Mr. James Hussey. "Neighbourhood
of Warminster," Mr. Wheeler.
North Division.
4. North-west District, By the side of the river Avon at Chip-
penham, Lacock, and Melksham.
5. North-east District, Canal-banks at Marden and Purton.
A very local plant in Wilts. An elegant ornament of watery shady
places, and the reedy banks of rivers. The stems rise above 3 feet
high ; the leaves, although generally opposite, often grow 3 or 4
in a whorl.
3. L. Nummularis (Linn.) Money- wort. Nummulus is Latin for
a small coin. " Herb-two-pence " was an old name of this plant,
given in allusion to the opposite round leaves. Engl. Dot. t. 528.
Locality. On wet ditch-banks, in low moist meadows, and wet
clayey pastures ; also by the sides of the Kennet and Avon Canal.
P. Fl. June, July. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Generally distributed throughout all the Districts. Flowers much,
larger and more showy than those of L. nemorum, though of a
paler yellow, and more resembling the blossoms of L. vulgaris, or
rather of L. punctata. Occasionally naturalized in shrubberies,
emd on banks near gardens.
4. L. nemorum, (Linn.) wood Loose- strife, Yellow Pimpernel.
Engl. Dot. t. 527.
Locality. In the black vegetable earth about springs and rills
in woods, and on moist shady hedge-banks. P. Fl. June, August.
Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Recorded in all the Districts. Stems branched, square, smooth,
red and pellucid. Flowers golden yellow. Corolla fringed with
minute glandular hairs. As the capsule ripens, the pedicels roll
round as in the common Pimpernel.
Anagallis, (Linn.) Pimpernel.
Linn. CI. v. Ord. i.
Name from (anagelao) to laugh; probably in allusion to the
By Thomas Bruges Mower, Esq.
329
delightful anticipation of fine weather experienced on beholding
the brilliant appearance of the delicate petals, which expand only
in dry states of the atmosphere.
1. A. arvensis, (Linn.) corn or scarlet Pimpernel; poor man's
weather glass. Engl. Bot. t. 529.
Locality. In cornfields, gardens, and waste places. A. Fl. June,
July. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
In all the Districts. A very common weed of cultivation.
Pedicels considerably longer than the leaves, and rolled back as the
capsule ripens. Corolla rotate, usually of a bright red. 0. A.
ccerulea, Sm. blue Pimpernel. Engl. Bot. t. 1823. Yery like A.
arvensis in every part except the corolla, being smaller, of a most
vivid blue, paler beneath, but generally more robust and more
upright ; it occurs in light and chalky soils, but is more rarely
distributed throughout Wilts. The late Professor Henslow has
proved by cultivation from seed, that A. ccerulea and A. arvensis
are varieties of the same species ; on the other hand, Mr. Borrer
is of opinion that our two varieties are distinct species, but that
each varies with the same tints of colour.
2. A. tenella, (Linn.) Bog Pimpernel. Tenellus (Lat.) means
delicate, a term well applied to this elegant little plant. Engl.
Bot. t. 530.
Locality. On wet mossy banks and bogs. P. Fl. July, August.
Area, 1. * 3. 4. 5.
South Division.
1. South-east District, "Bogs on Alderbury Common/' Dr. Maton,
Nat. Hist. Wilts. " Salisbury," Mr. James Hussey. " Earldom's
Wood, Whiteparish," Rev. E. Simms. " Boggy ground in a
meadow at West Dean," Major Smith. " Amesbury," Dr. Southby.
3. South-west District, Boggy ground at Stourhead.
North Division.
4. North-west District, Bogs on Kingsdown, Spye Park, and
Bowden Hill. "Chippenham," Dr. Alexander Prior.
5. North-east District, Banks of the Canal between Swindon and
Purton. " Great Bedwyn," Mr. William Bartlett.
Bather rare in Wilts. A beautiful delicate little plant only a few
inches long. Flowers very elegant, large in proportion to the
330
The Flora of WilUUrc.
size of the plant, of a pale pink, on long slender pedicels..
Samolus, (Linn.) Brook- weed.
Linn. CI. v. Ord. i.
Name, Diminutive of Samos, a Grecian island, in which this
plant is said to have been found by Yalerandus.
1. S. Valerandi, (Linn.) Yalerand's Brook-weed. Engl. Bot. t.
703. Anagallis aquatica rotundifolia. Johnson's Gerarde.
Locality. Marshes, wet ditches, and watery places, especially in
a gravelly soil. P. Fl. July, August. Area, 1. * * 4. *
South Division.
1. South-east District, " Watery places about Amesbury," Dr.
Southby.
North Division.
4. North-west District, " Damp places in the neighbourhood of
Bromham, Miss Meredith. " In Bowood Park, near Calne," Dr.
Stokes. " Chippenham," Dr. Alexander Prior.
A very local and rare plant in Wilts. Plant bright green, gla-
brous and with a somewhat greasy lustre. Flowers small, white.
Additional localities for this species would be desirable.
ORDER. PLANTAGINACE2E. (JUSS.)
Plantago, (Linn.) Plantago.
Linn. CI. iv. Ord. i.
Name. A word used by Pliny from planta, the sole of the foot,
in allusion to the flat shape of leaf,
1. P. Coronopus, (Linn.) Crow's-foot or Buck's-horn Plantain.
Both names refer to the form of the leaf. It is also called " Star
of the Earth ; " a name well describing its manner of growth.
Engl. Bot. t. 892.
Locality. Dry gravelly ground on commons, and by roadsides.
A. Fl. June, July Area, 1. * * 4. *
South Division.
1. South-east District, "In the neighbourhood of Salisbury,"
Mr. James Hussey.
North Division.
4. North-west District, " Sand-pits at Spye Park," Dr. Alexander
Prior.
By Thomas Bruges Flower, Esq.
331
Rare in the County. Very variable in size and also in the
lobing of the leaves, which are from 1 to 12 inches long. Scape
hairy. Spike mostly cylindrical and slender.
2. P. lanceolata, (Linn.) lance-leaved or Ribwort Plantain.
Engl. Bot. t. 507.
Locality. Meadows and pastures often too abundant. P. Fl.
June, Inly. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Recorded in all the Districts. A very variable plant. Leaves
erect, or spreading lanceolate, varying much in size. Peduncles
longer than the leaves, erect, and angular. Sqrike ovoid or oblong,
sometimes very small and globular, or in very luxuriant specimens
becoming cylindrical and exceeding an inch.
3. P. media, (Linn.) intermediate or hoary Plantain ; Lamb's-
tongue. Engl. Bot. t. 1559. St. 87, 8.
Locality. Pastures and dry meadows. P. Fl. June, September.
Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Frequent in all the Districts. Stamens long, with dark purple
filaments. Spike shorter than in the next species P. major, and
more silvery from the shining scarious corollas ; but an essential
difference exists in the cells of the capsule, which are only 1-seeded.
4. P. major, (Linn.) greater Plantain ; Way-bread. Engl. Bot.
t. 1558. St. 87, 6. Reich. Icones xvii., 1127.
Locality. Pastures and roadsides. P. Fl. June, August. Area,
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Recorded in all the Districts. Leaves erect or spreading, entire
or toothed, glabrous or downy. Peduncles usually longer than the
leaves, bearing a long slender spike of sessile flowers. Capsule
2-celled, with from 4 to 8 seeds in each cell. It varies much in
size ; the spike of the flowers is seldom less than 2 inches, some-
times as much as 6 inches long.
[ORDER. AMARANTACEiE. (JUSS.)]
Amaranths, (Linn.) Amaranth.
Linn. CI. xxi. Ord. v.
[Name. From amarantos, Gr. everlasting) the flowers being
little subject to decay.
332
The Flora of Wiltshire.
1. A. BUtum, (Linn.) wild Amaranth, Blite. Engl. Bot. t. 2212.
Locality. Low waste grounds, and near dung hills. A. Fl.
August. Area, 1. * * * *
South Division.
1. South-east District, "Abundant in cultivated ground near
Clarendon," Mr. Header. A coarse plant, with somewhat the
habit of Chenopodium polyspermum. Very local in Wilts, and not
even perfectly naturalised.]
ORDER. CHENOPODIACE^E. (JUSS.)
Chenopodium, (Linn.) Goose-foot.
Linn. CI. v. Ord. ii.
Name. Chenopus is a word used by Pliny ; from (chen) a goose,
and (pons) a foot ; whence the modern name Chenopodium. The
leaves are supposed to resemble in form a goose's foot.
1. C. Vulvaria, (Linn.) stinking goosefoot. Engl. Bot. t. 1034.
C. olidum Curt.
Locality. Dry waste places near houses. A. Fl. August,
September. Area, * * * 4. *
North Division.
4. North-west District, " Under old walls and waste places about
Box and Kingsdown," Mr. Sole, MS. " In the neighbourhood of
Chippenham/' Dr. Alexander Prior. Also reported to have been
found at Bromham, near Devizes, but I have seen no specimen.
Plant greyish green, greasy to the touch, and covered with a
pulverulent substance, which, when bruised, yields a detestable
odour, resembling that of putrid fish.
2. C. polyspermum, (Linn.) many -seeded, or round-leaved goose-
foot. Engl. Bot. t. 1480. Leight. t. 5. St. 75, 12, and 83.
Locality. Damp waste places, and amongst rubbish. A. Fl.
August, September. Area, * * * * 5.
North Division.
5. North-east District, Abundant in a rick-yard at Windmill
Leaze Farm, Lydiard Tregoz. Very local in Wilts, usually a
procumbent or spreading, much branched plant, with all the leaves
quite entire, but without the granular mealiness or the nauseous
By Thomas Bruges Mower, Esq.
333
smell of C. vulvaria. It is remarkable for its very numerous dark
brown, shining, minutely dotted, seeds, in part only enveloped by
the perianth.
3. C. album, (Linn.) white Goose-foot. Engl. Bot. t. 1723.
St. 75, 6. C. candicans, Lam. Flor. Fr. Yol. iii., p. 248.
Locality. Cultivated and waste places. A. Fl. July, August.
Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. The most common of its genus. Recorded in
all the Districts. /3 leaves green more entire — spikes elongated —
more branched, 0. viride, Linn. \. lower leaves irregularly sinuate
serrate ; spikes combined into a lax pyramidal panicle. C. paganum
Reich. Vars, /3 and Y are usually larger plants, often 2 or 3 feet
high, much deeper green, more branched, and with the branches
less erect, both the above forms are not uncommon in Wilts. The
paganum variety is not unfrequently mistaken for Chenopodium
ficifolium.
[C. murale (Linn.) This plant is mentioned in Flor. Bath, p.
88, as having been found on King's-down (North-west District),
by the late Mr. J. Jelly, but not finding any mention of it in his
M.S. "Flora of Bath," I fear some mistake has been made. I
have repeatedly sought it unsuccessfully.]
4. C. hybridum, (Linn.) hybrid, or maple-leaved Goose-foot.
Engl. Bot. t. 1919. St. 75, 2.
Locality. Garden ground and dung-hills. A. FL August.
Area, 1. ****
South Division.
1. South-east District, " Gardens in the neighbourhood of Salis-
bury," Mr. James Uussey. " In a field by the roadside between
Salisbury and Alderbury, on a rubbish heap," Mr. Reader.
Rare in Wilts, and very uncertain in its stations. A well
defined species with the leaves somewhat resembling those of
Datura Stramonium, the panicle nearly destitute of leaves, those at
the base of the upper branches being very minute and strap-shaped.
Seeds very large.
5. C. rubrum, (Linn.) red Goose-foot. Eng. Bot. t. 1721.
Locality. On heaps of manure and in rich cultivated ground
where the soil has been recently disturbed, but uncertain in its
334
The Flora of Wiltshire.
appearance. A. Fl. August, September. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
In all the Districts but very local. The stem is striped and often
tinged with red, as are also the calyces, though occasionally green.
Leaves always more or less attenuate at the base, not truncate.
Spikes very compound, thick. Seeds smooth, shining, erect, not
horizontal.
6. 0. Bonus- Henricus, (Linn.) Mercury Goose-foot, or good King
Henry, Engl. Bot. t. 1033. St. 74, 13.
Locality. In waste places, by roadsides, principally near villages,
and by farm-yards. P. Fl. August. Area, 1.2. 3. 4. 5.
South Division.
1. South-east District, "Neighbourhood of Salisbury," Mr. James
Hussey. " Amesbury," Dr. Southby.
2. South Middle District, About Imber, Westbury, Trowbridge,
and Devizes.
3. South-east District, Near Hindon and Warminster. " Ham-
ham," Mr. James Hussey.
North Division.
4. North-west District, Farm-yards in the neighbourhood of
Bradford, Melksham, Chippenham, and Malmesbury.
5. North-east District, In the vicinity of Swindon, Marden,
Purton, and Cricklade. " Near Marlborough," Flor. Marlb.
Yery unlike all the other species of Chenopodium in habit, and
differing from them by its perennial rootstock. Stems about a foot
high, scarcely branched. Leaves like those of Spinach, broadly
triangular, and of a dark green. Flowers numerous, in clustered
spikes.
Atriplex, (Linn.) Orache.
Linn. CI. xxiii. Ord. i.
Named from a, not, and trepho, I nourish. The English name
Orache is a corruption of aureumolus, (Orage or Orache), golden
potherb. Some of the species are eaten occasionally as potherbs.
1. A. angustifolia, (Sm.) narrow-leaved Orache. Engl. Bot. t.
1774. St. 79, 5. A. patula Wzhl.
Locality. Cultivated and waste ground. A. Fl. July, October.
Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
By Thomas Bruges Mower, Esq.
335
Distributed throughout all the Districts. Stem spreading or
decumbent. Leaves mostly lanceolate, or the upper ones linear.
Spikes elongate, rather lax, very -long, arranged in slightly branched
panicles. Fruit perianth entire, usually not muricated on the back.
2. A. erecta, (Huds.) upright Orache. Engl. Bot. t. 2223.
Koch in St. 79, 6.
Locality. Cultivated land. A. El. July, October. Area, * * * 4. *
North Division.
4. North-west District, "On cultivated land in Spye Park,"
Professor Babington. Rare in Wilts. Stem erect. Leaves lan-
ceolate, the lower ones broader and hastate. Perianth of the fruit
rhomboidal, denticulate, usually tuberculate on the back. Spikes
branched, dense, many-flowered. It has much the habit of
" Chenopodium ficifolium."
3. A. delto'idea, (Bab.) triangular-leaved Orache. Engl. Bot.
Suppl. t. 2860.
Locality. Cultivated and waste land. A. El. June, October.
Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Not unfrcquent in all the Districts. Stems erect, or spreading.
Lower leaves broadly triangular or hastate, often coarsely and
irregularly toothed. Perianth toothed, muricate on the back.
Seed all shining, smooth, some about the size of rape-seed.
4. A. haslata, (Linn.) Halberd-leaved Orache. Engl. Bot. t.
936. A. patula, Sm. A. latifolia, St. 79, 7.
Locality. Cultivated and waste ground. A. El. June, October.
Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Recorded in all the Districts. A very variable plant in the shape
of the leaf, and in the fruiting perianth. Flowers in small clusters
on long interrupted axillary spikes. Perianth of the fruit variable,
larger seeds, dark brown, rough, compressed, smaller seeds black
and shining.
ORDER. POLYGONACE2E. (JUSS.)
Rumex, (Linn.) Dock, or Sorrel.
Linn. CI. vi. Ord. iii.
The name of this genus of plants is derived from a Roman name
330
The Flora of Wiltshire.
for a sort of spear, the shape of which the leaves of the species are
said to resemble.
1. R. con glomerulus, (Murr.) sharp Dock. Engl. Boi. I. 724.
R. acutus, Smith. R. glomeratus, Reich. Icones, f. 552.
Locality. By the sides of ditches and ponds, and in wet meadows
by roadsides, and in waste places. P. Fl. June, August. Area, 1.
2. 3. 4. 5. Distributed throughout all the Districts. Enlarged petals
narrow, oblong reticulated obscurely toothed, each bearing a tuber-
cle ; unopened anthers white. Whorls distinct leafy. Leaves
oblong, acute cordate at the base, minutely crisped and wavy at
the edges. Plant dull and rather pale green, the stem and veins
of the leaves often tinged with red in Autumn, when it is some-
times mistaken for the next species.
2. R. sanguineus, (Linn.) bloody veined Dock. Engl. Bot. t.
1533.
Locality. Shady pastures, woods, and roadsides. P. Fl. June,
August, Area, 1. 2. 3.4.5. Sparingly distributed in Wilts. En-
larged petals small, linear, oblong, quite entire, reticulated, one
only bearing a tubercle. Whorls distinct in elongated leafless
branches. Leaves ovate lanceolate, acuminate, subcordate at the
base. Yeins of the leaves bright red. /3. R. viridis, (Sibth.) veins
of the leaves green. Unopened anthers pale yellow. R. nemorosus
Schrad. This appears to be the more common form in the county.
3. R. pulcher, (Linn.) fair, or fiddle Dock. The vulgar name
fiddle refers to the leaves, which are more or less contracted below
the middle, so as to resemble the body of a guitar or violin. Engl.
Bot. t. 1576.
Locality. By roadsides, and in waste places, particularly in sandy
and chalky soils. P. Fl. August, September. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. In
all the Districts but sparingly distributed. Enlarged sepals, triangular,
ovate, reticulate, with prominent veins deeply toothed, one of them
principally bearing a tubercle ; lower leaves panduriform or cordate
oblong, obtuse ; upper ones lanceolate, acute ; stem spreading.
4. R. obtusif alius, (Linn ?) obtuse or broad-leaved Dock. Engl.
Bot. t. 1999. R. Friesii (Grenier). R. divaricatus (Fries).
Locality. By roadsides and on waste ground, cultivated fields
By Thomas Bruges Flower, Esq.
337
and pastures. A. Fl. July, September. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Very common and distributed throughout all the Districts. Enlarged
petals, oblong triangular, reticulated, toothed at the base, with an
entire point, one principally tuberculated. Whorls approximate,
nearly leafless. Radical leaves ovate, cordate, obtuse, wavy and
crisped at the margins. Distinguishable by its broad obtuse radical
leaves, and the oblong triangular form of the enlarged petals.
Professor Babington thinks that all the British specimens that he
has seen are R. Friesii, (Gfren.) and are probably not the true R.
obtusifolius, (Linn.)
5. R. crispus, (Linn.) Curled Dock. Engl Bot. t. 1998.
Locality. By roadsides, in waste places, and cultivated ground.
P. Fl. June, August. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Recorded in all the Districts. Enlarged petals, broadly cordate,
entire or crenulate, reticulated ; one only bearing a perfect large
coloured tubercle. Whorls approximate, the upper ones leafless.
Leaves lanceolate, acute, waved and crisped at the margins. One
of the most common of the English Docks.
6. R. Hydrolapathum, (Huds.) Great Water Dock. So named
from (hudor) water, and (lapathon) a dock or herb, which is a
strong purgative. Engl. Bot. t. 2104. R. aquaticns, Sm. (non
Linn.)
Locality. Banks of the Avon, Kennet and Avon Canal, and by
the sides of streams and ponds. P. Fl. July, August. Area,
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Distributed throughout all the Districts, but rather local. Enlarged
petals, ovate-triangular, reticulated, nearly entire, each bearing a
tubercle. Whorls crowded, mostly leafless. Leaves lanceolate,
acute, tapering at the base, minutely crisped at the edges. The
largest of our docks, 3 to 5 feet high, some of the lower leaves a
foot-and-a-half long.
7. R. Acetosa, (Linn.) common Sorrel. Engl. Bot. t. 127. St.
74, 7. R. Pseudo- acetosa, (Bert.)
Locality. Meadows and pastures. P. Fl. May, June. Area,
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Frequent in all the Districts. Enlarged petals, roundish, cordate,
338
The Flora of Wiltshire.
membranous, reticulated, scarcely tuberculated. Sepals rcflexed.
Whorls approximate, leafless, leaves oblong, sagitate. The leaves
are very variable in shape, but the lateral lobes are never divaricate,
though sometimes they are separated by an obtuse instead of acuto
angle.
8. R. Acetosella, (Linn.) Sheep's Sorrel. Eng. Bot. t. 1674.
Locality. Hedge-banks and dry gravelly places. P. Fl. May,
July. ' Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Recorded in all the Districts. Enlarged
petals ovate, not tuberculated. Lower Leaves lanceolate hastate,
lobes entire, very variable in breadth. Smaller in every part than
the last, acid, and turning in the autumn of a rich red colour.
Polygonum, (Linn.) Polygonum, or Knot- Grass.
Linn. CI. viii. Ord. ii.
Name. A word used by Pliny, compounded of (polus), many,
and (gonu), a joint, from the numerous joints or knots in the
species.
1. P. Bistorta, (Linn.) great Bistort Snakeweed. Bistorta is a
Latin noun, compounded of bis, twice, and tortus, twisted ; hence
the English Snakeweed. Engl. Bot. t. 509.
Locality. In woods and moist meadows. P. Fl. June. Area,
* * 3. 4. 5.
South Division .
3. South-west District, "Near Dinton," Mr. James Hussey. "In
a deep cutting going up Black Dog Hill, near Warminster," Rev.
E. Peacock.
North Division.
4. North-west District, By the side of the stream near the " Mill,"
at Rowdeford, Devizes. " Wet woods on Kingsdown, and Monkton
Farley Avenue," Flor. Bath. "Meadows near Ford," Dr. Alexander
Prior.
5. North-east District, "Between the Forest and Martinsell
Hill," Mr. Reebs. "New Mill," Flor. Marlb. Rather a local
plant, and not frequently distributed in Wilts. Flowers fresh-
coloured, on short foot-stalks, with small bracteas at their base.
Root large, tortuose very astringent.
By Thomas Bruges Flower, Fsq.
339
2. P. amphibium, (Linn.) amphibious Persicaria. Engl. Bot.
t 436.
Locality. In the Avon, canal, margins of ponds, ditches,
and damp ground, frequent. P. Fl. July, September. Area,
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Recorded in all the Districts. Stems various in length, more or
less branched. Leaves alternate, bright green. Spikes solitary,
raised above the water on peduncles, proceeding from the
extremities of the stem and branches. Flowers crimson,
very elegant. Variable in the form of its leaves according to its
habitation.
3. P. lapathifolium, (Linn.) dock-leaved Persicaria. Lapathus
is a dock. Engl. Bot. t. 1382.
Locality. On rubbish, and in damp cultivated ground. A. Fl.
July, August. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Distributed throughout all the Districts. A very variable species.
Stem 1 to 2 feet high, sometimes spotted, glandular, or glabrous.
Leaves lanceolate or ovate- lanceolate, shortly stalked. The flowers
are either pale green, almost white, or of a reddish tint. Spikes
dense, terminal, and lateral.
4. P. Persicaria, (Linn.) Persicaria, or spotted Polygonum ; so
named from Persica, (Lat.) a peach tree, in allusion to the resem-
blance which the leaves of this species bear to those of a peach,
tree. Engl. Bot. t. 756.
Locality. Moist ground and waste places. A. Fl. June, Sep-
' tember. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Recorded in all the Districts. Stems erect, branched, 1 to 2 feet
high. Spikes terminal and lateral, dense, greenish, the tips of the
i flowers rose-coloured. Leaves nearly sessile, usually glabrous,
sometimes woolly beneath, when it is P. incanum of authors. It
varies much in stature and in colour, in the number and density
of the spikes, and in the achenes more or less concave or convex
on one or both sides.
5. P. Hydropiper, (Linn.) biting Persicaria. Water Pepper,
from hudor water, and peperi, pepper; in reference to its acrid,
pungent flavour, which is due to an essential oil contained in
VOL. XII. — NO. XXXVI. ^ B
310
The Flora of Wiltshire.
numerous dotted glands scattered over the surface of the whole
herb. Engl Bot t. 989.
Locality. In wet places, particularly by ditches and in hollows
filled with water in winter, especially in the shade. A Fl. August,
September. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Recorded in all the Districts, but scarce in the south middle. Stem
1 to 3 feet high, erect. Remarkable for its slender, long, more or
less drooping spikes of distant reddish flowers', they are lateral and
terminal, and are sometimes at length erect. Whole plant more or
less acrid or biting to the taste.
6. P. aviculare, (Linn.) small birds' Polygonum, or Knotgrass;
so named from avis, (Lat.) a bird. The seeds of this species supply
an abundance of food for small birds. Engl. Bot. t. 1252.
Locality. In cultivated and waste places. A. Fl. May, September.
Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Very common in all the Districts. A much branched wiry annual,
prostrate when in the open ground, erect when drawn up amongst
corn or grass, often a foot or two long. Leaves narrow-oblong,
small, very rarely attaining an inch in length. Flowers small,
shortly-stalked, in clusters of 2 to 5 in the axils of most of the
leaves. It varies much in its branches, sometimes very long
and slender with very few distant leaves, sometimes short and
densely matted, with the small leaves much crowded. Some
botanists think that it includes several species.
7. P. Convolvulus, (Linn.) climbing Buckwheat, Black Bindweed.
Engl. Bot. t. 941.
Locality. In cultivated and waste land. A. Fl. July, September.
Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Distributed throughout all the Districts. A glabrous annual, with
the twining stem of a Convolvulus. Leaves stalked, heart-shaped,
or broadly saggittate, and pointed. Floivers in little loose clusters,
the lower ones axillary, the upper ones forming loose, irregular,
terminal racemes. [P. Fagopyrum, (Sm.) Engl. Bot. t. 1044.
Fagopyrum esculentum, (Moench.) is an Asiatic plant, occasionally
observed in many parts of the county, where it has been sown as
food for game.]
By Thomas Bruges Mower, Esq.
341
ORDER. THYMELACEJE. (JUSS.)
Named after Thymelaa, a word used by Pliny for a kind of
wild olive.
D'aphne, (Linn.) Daphne.
Linn. CI. viii. Ord. i.
Name. After the Nymph Daphne, who, in fabulous history, was
changed into a laurel or bay tree; some of the plants of this genus
have the habit of laurels.
1. D. Mezereum, (Linn.) Common Mezereon. The name is of
Arabic extraction, the plant having long been famous for its me-
dicinal qualities, which are intensely acrid. Engl. Bot. t. 1381.
Locality. Woods. Shrub, El. March. Area, 1. * * 4. 5.
South Division.
1. South-east District, " Woods about Amesbury," Mr. Sole, IIS.
North Division.
4. North-icest District, Limpley Stoke Woods, sparingly.
Woods near the Horse and Jockey, Kingsdown, Bury-ditches near
Lucknam Grove.
5. North-east District, "In a large wood at Froxfield, con-
tiguous to the estate of General Popham at Littlecot," Mrs. Bartlett.
Very rare and local in the County and probably introduced by the
agency of birds. The well-known Mezereon of our gardens, where
its early blossoms and delightful fragrance attract general favour.
It forms a bushy shrub, bearing numerous purple flowers, which
appear before the leaves, and red berries nestled among the foliage.
Elowers sometimes white.
2. D. Laureola, (Linn.) common Spurge Laurel. Laureola is a
diminutive of Laurea, a laurel or bay tree. Engl. Bot. t. 119.
Locality. Woods and thickets, chiefly on chalk. Shrub, El.
February, April. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
South Division.
1. South-east District, "Plantations near Winterslow," Dr. Maton.
Nat. Hist. Wilts.
2. South Middle District, "Thickets in the neighbourhood of
Westbury," Mrs. Overbury.
2b2
842
The Flora of Wiltshire.
3. South- west District, In thickets at Boy ton. " Warminster,"
Mr. Wheeler.
North Division.
4. North-west District, Limpley Stoke woods, formerly in plenty
but now become scarce. In woods at Colerne.
5. North-east District, " Copses at the foot of Martinsell Hill,"
Flor. Marlh. " Great Bedwyn," Mr. William Bartlett.
Very local and sparingly distributed throughout Wilts. Stem 1 to
3 feet high, or rarely more, rather stout, erect, but little branched,
naked below, leafy above, and hence bearing some resemblance to
a palm. Flowers drooping, fragrant, yellowish green, funnel-
shaped. Berries bluish- black, said to be poisonous to all animals
except birds.
ORDER. SANTALACE2E. (BR.)
Plants resembling their type Santalum, Sandal- wood, in several
important characters. They are chiefly natives ef the Cape, New
Holland, and India, a few only being found in Europe. Thesium
is the only British genus.
Thestum, (Linn.) Bastard Toadflax.
Linn. CI. v. Ord. i.
Named in honour of Theseus, the mythic Grecian hero.
1. T. humifusum, (D.C.) trailing Bastard Toadflax. Engl. Dot.
t. 247. Reich. Icones xi., 542. T. linophyllum, Sm.
Locality. Elevated chalky and limestone (oolite) hills. P. Fl.
June, July. Parasitical. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. *
South Division.
1. South-east District, Plentifully on the chalk downs around
Salisbury. " Amesbury," Dr. Southby. " Near the barrows Pewsey
Downs," Flor. Marlh.
2. South Middle District, About one mile south of the Druid's
Head, on Salisbury Plain, Westbury Downs, and Downs near
Heytesbury.
3. South-west District, Chalk hills in the neighbourhood of War-
minster. " High chalky grounds above Odstock," Dr. Maton, Nat.
Hist. Wilts.
By Thomas Bruges Mower, Esq.
343
North Division.
4. North-west District, Roundway Downs, near Devizes in plenty.
" Castle Combe," Dr. Alexander Prior.
Not unfrequent in Wilts. Root parasitic on various plants. Stems
very numerous, 6 or 8 inches long. Leaves narrow-linear, or,
when very luxuriant, rather broader, and above an inch long.
Flowers small, in a terminal raceme, leafy, and sometimes branching
at the base ; each flower on a distinct peduncle, with 3 linear
bracts close under it. Fruit ovoid.
ORDER. ARISTOLOCHIACE^E (JUSS.)
Asarum, (Linn.) Asarabacca.
Linn. CI. xi. Ord. i.
Named from a, not ; and sairo, to adorn ; because the plant was
not admitted into the ancient coronal wreaths.
1. A. Eurojoceum, (Linn.) European Asarabacca. Asarabacca is
compounded of asarum, and baccar (Lat.) a word used by Pliny to
signify a sweet herb, yielding spikenard. Engl. Bot. t. 1083.
Locality. Shady places. P. Fl. May. Area, 1. * * * *
South Division.
1. South-east District, "Under the hedge on the right hand side
of the road leading from Redlynch towards Standlynch, just
beyond the large chalk-pit, " where it was first discovered by Mr,
Bopliam in 1830. " In the Duke of Queensberry's woods near
Amesbury," Mr. Sole, M.S. Truly wild in Wilts, according to the
opinion of the late Mr. Borrer who had visited the locality. For
this interesting addition to the " Wiltshire Flora," botanists are
indebted to the late Mr. F. Popham of Bagborough near Taunton,
who formerly resided at Clarendon. The soil the Asarum grows in
is chalk, where it runs amongst the roots of the bushes of the
wild Cornel, the shrub which generally forms our hedges. The
Amesbury station has not been verified of late years ; it has been
repeatedly searched by the Rev. E. Duke, Mr. James Hussey, and
myself. For further remarks on the Wiltshire locality for the
Asarum, I would refer to my observations in the " Phylologist,"
vol. iii.,^. 868.
344
The Flora of Wiltshire.
ORDER. EUPTIORBIACEiE. (JUSS.)
Euphorbia, (Linn.) Spurge.
Linn. CI. xxi. Ord. i.1
Named from Euphorbus, physician to Juba, King of Mauritania,
who brought the plant into use. Spurge is from purgo, (Lat.) to
purge, French espurge, the plant being purgative. Spurge is a
general name in English for all milky purgative plants.
1. El Helioscopia, (Linn.) sun-observing Spurge; from Helios
the sun, and scopeo, to observe; in allusion to its turning to the
sun. It is also called in Wiltshire Wart-wort, from its supposed
efficacy in removing warts. Eng. Bot. t. 883.
Locality. In waste and cultivated ground. A. Fl. June, Sep-
tember. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Common throughout all the Districts. Umbel of five principal
branches, bracteas and leaves membranaceous, obovate-cuneate,
serrated upwards, capsule glabrous, seeds reticulated and pitted.
2. E. Platyphylla, (Linn.) broad-leaved warted Spurge. Platy-
phylla is from flatus, broad, and phu lion, a leaf. Engl. Bot. t. 333,
(starved specimens). E. stricta, Sm. (non Linn.).
Locality. Cornfields. A. Fl. June, August. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Observed in all the Districts but sparingly. Umbel of about five
principal branches and with frequently scattered peduncles beneath,
bracteas cordate, leaves membranaceous, broadly obovate-lanceolate,
acute, finely serrulated, hairy beneath, glands of the involucre
oval ; capsule warted ; seeds smooth, shining.
3. E. amygdalo'ides, (Linn.) Wood Spurge; amygdalos is an
almond tree, which the leaves of this species resemble. Engl. Bot.
t. 256. E. sylvatica, Linn. Jacq.
Locality. Woods and thickets, especially in a claj'ey soil. P.
Fl. March, April. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
1 The structure of the flowers of this genus was completely misunderstood by
the early botanists of the Linnoean school, in whose arrangement Euphorbia
occupied a very different place to that which is allotted it at present, viz.,
Dodecandria Monogynia. The discovery of its true position is due to the
accurate judgment and research of the late Robert Brown. Few genera are so
widely distributed ; some of the species which probably amount to 400 or more,
being found in almost every part of the globe.
By Thomas Bruges Flower, Esq.
345
Generally distributed throughout Wilts. Umbel of about six
principal branches, and several scattered peduncles below ; leaves
nearly membranaceous, obovate-lanceolate, hairy beneath, attenu-
ated at the base, entire ; bracteas perfoliated, glands lunate,
capsules minutely dotted ; seeds smooth. Stems red, almost
shrubby.
4. E. Peplus, (Linn.) Petty Spurge. Engl. Bot. t. 959.
Locality. A weed in cultivated fields, waste ground, and gardens.
A. Fl. July, August. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Generally distributed throughout the County. Umbel of about
three principal branches, bracteas ovate, leaves membranaceous,
broadly ovate, on short stalks, entire, glabrous, glands of the in-
volucre lunate, the horns very long, germen somewhat winged and
scabrous, seeds dotted.
5. E. exigua, (Linn.) dwarf Spurge. Exiguus (Lat.) is small
or little. Engl. Bot. t. 1326.
Locality. Cornfields, especially on a light soil. A. Fl. June,
August. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Common in all the Districts. Umbel of generally three principal
branches; leaves linear-lanceolate as well as the bracteas ; rather
rigid, entire, glabrous ; often truncate and mucronated ; glands of
the involucre with two horns ; capsules nearly smooth. Seeds
small, white.
6. E. Lathyris, (Linn.) Caper Spurge. Lathyris is a word used
by Pliny for a kind of spurge. The English name caper, refers to
the fruit, which closely resemble that of the caper tree, capjoaris.
Engl. Bot. t. 2255.
Locality. Sub-spontaneous in gardens, really wild in dry gravelly
copses, where, being biennial, it appears only in the second and
the fourth years after they are cut.1 B. Fl. June, July. Area,
jt * * * *
1 This species presents one of the most marked examples of a tribe of annuals
and biennials familiarly known as Copse Plants. Some of these are pretty
sure to spring up in great profusion the second or third year after the cutting
of copses, upon our dry gravelly soils ; but being soon overpowered by the
growth of the underwood, they may afterwards be sought for in vain for some
years, till the clearing of the copse again lets in the influences of the light and
310
The Flora of Wiltshire.
South Division.
1. South-east District, " Clarendon wood where it was very
plentiful in the autumn of 1867," Mr. II. Reader. (Perhaps only
naturalized.)
Bare and local in Wilts. Stem 3 feet high, glaucous, purplish
red, smooth as is the whole plant. Leaves dark green, glaucous,
pointing four ways ; sometimes tinged like the stem with purple.
Umbel rarely 2-or-3-stalked. A stately and ornamental plant
long cultivated in gardens in many parts of the county.
\_Buxus sempervirens, common Box, Engl. Dot. t. 1341, has long
been planted in shrubberies, and has occasionally become naturalized
in hedges, but is nowhere truly wild in Wilts. J 1
Mercurialis, (Linn.) Mercury.
Linn. CI. xxii. Ord. vii.
So named because the god Mercury is said to have discovered the
virtues, of what kind soever they may be, of this plant.
1. M. perennis, (Linn.) perennial or Dog's Mercury. Engl.
Dot. t. 1872.
Locality. Woods and shady places. P. El. April, May. Area,
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Common in all the Districts. About 1 foot high. Leaves mostly
on the upper part of the stem, ovate or lanceolate serrate. Both
kinds of flowers are in axillary lax spikes. The plant when drying
often becomes of a bluish or blackish green.
2. M. annua, (Linn.) annual Mercury. Engl. Dot. t. 559.
St. 29, 16.
air upon their dormant seeds. This has before been alluded to, and students
will do well to hear it in mind when searching in their recorded stations for
any of the following species: — Turritis glabra, Reseda Luteola, Dianthus
Armeria, Lychnis diurna, Geranium columbinum, Ervnm hirsutum and tetra
spermum, Conium Maculatum, Arctium majus, Senecio sylvaticus, Erythrcea
Centaur eum, Myosotis arvensis (the wood variety), Verbasam Thapsus,
Digitalis purpurea, Melampyrum pratense, Chenopodium polyspermum, and
Euphorbia Lathyris.
1 " Box, a parish so-called in North Wilts, neer Bathe, in which parish is our
famous freestone quarre of Haselbery : in all probability tooke its name from
the box trees which grew there naturally, but now worne out." Aubrey, Nat.
Hist. Wilts, p. 55.
By Thomas Bruges Flower, Esq.
347
Locality. Waste and cultivated land. A. Fl. August, September.
Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Frequently distributed throughout the County. Leaves stalked,
ovate or oblong, rather coarsely toothed, of a thin texture. Male
flowers clustered as in the perennial Mercury along slender
peduncles, nearly as long as the leaves. Female flowers either
sessile or shortly stalked, usually on separate plants. Whole
plant bright green.
ORDER. CERATOPHYLLACEiE. (GRAY.)
Ceratophylltjm, (Linn.) Hornwort.
Linn. CI. xxi. Ord. vii.
Name. From ceras, ceratos, a horn, and phyllon, a leaf ; in
allusion to the stiff divisions of the leaves and fruit, which latter
has two spines near the base, terminated by the curved tubulate
style ; hence, too, the English name Hornwort.
1. C. demersum, (Linn.) common Hornwort; demersum (Lat.
signifies sunken, and is applied in allusion to the stems which are
long, slender, and floating under water. Engl. Bot. t. 947.
Locality. In ponds, ditches, and slow streams. P. Fl. July,
August. Area, * * * 4. 5.
North Division.
4. North-icest District, In the Wilts and Berks Canal at Melk-
sham, Chippenham, and Wootton Bassett.
5. North-east District, In the canal between Swindon and
Cricklade.
Stems long, slender, floating under water. Leaves more or less
densely whorled, their segments setaceous. Flowers small, sessile,
verticillated in the axils of the leaves. Fruit elliptical. I have
no note of the occurrence of this species in the south of the county,
where it can scarcely be absent.
ORDER. CALLITRICHACEiE. (LINDL.)
Callitriche, (Linn.) Water Starwort.
Linn. CI. i. Ord. ii.
Name. From (callos), beauty, and {thrix), hair, in allusion to
its very fine leaves.
,*$ i s
The Flora of Wiltshire.
1. C. verna, (Linn.) vernal Water Starwort. Engl. Bot. I. 722.
Locality. In ponds and slow streams. A. or B. FL April, Sep-
tember. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Observed in all the Districts. This varies much, as do most all
aquatic plants in its foliage. Upper and floating leaves generally
oval and stalked, 2-ribbed ; lower ones single-ribbed, linear. Fruit
small; keels of each pair of lobes converging. In muddy places,
where the water is nearly dried up, there are no submerged or
linear leaves, all being oval or obovate.
2. 0. platycarpa, broad-fruited Water Starwort, platms signifying
broad, and carpos fruit. Engl. Bot. Suppl. t. 2864. R. v. 129.
Locality. In ditches, ponds, and on mud. A. or P. FL May,
September. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Distributed throughout all the Districts. Yery similar to 0.
verna, but with the fruit nearly twice as large, and considerably
broader in proportion. When the plant grows out of the water
the leaves are frequently all obovate, but smaller than when they
are floating.
ORDER. URTICACE^E, (JUSS.)
Pametaria, (Linn.) Wall Pellitory.
Linn. CI. iv. Ord. i.
Named from paries, a wall ; the species frequently growing on
old walls.
1. P. officinalis, (Linn.) common Wall Pelitory. Engl. Bot. t.
879. P. diffusa, Koch. P. ramiflora. Mcench.
Locality. Old walls and waste places among rubbish. P. FL
July, September. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Distributed throughout all the districts, hut not common. Stem
prostrate or ascending, simple or branched below. Leaves stalked,
varying from ovate to oblong, quite entire. Flowers in sessile
clusters, purplish in the axils of the leaves ; the involucre very
small, consisting of 2 or 3 divided bracts. For a curious and
interesting account of the mode of fructification in Barietaria see
Baxter's Gen. of Br. Flow. Plants, Yol. iii., No. 224.
By Thomas Bruges Flower, Esq. 349
Urtica, (Linn.) Nettle.
Linn. CI. xxi. Ord. iv.
Name. From uro, (Lat.) to. burn, in allusion to its stinging or
smarting properties.
1. U. urens, (Linn.) burning or small Nettle. Engl. Bot. 1. 1236.
Locality. Waste ground, gardens, and about dung-hills. A.
Fl. June, September. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
In all the Districts, but not common. Leaves ovate or elliptical,
deeply and regularly toothed, more tender than in the next species.
Mowers, male and female intermixed, in small, loose, almost sessile,
axillary clusters. It is of a brighter green than the other British
nettles, and is also more glabrous, having scarcely any hairs except
the stinging ones.
2. U. dioica, (Linn.) dioecious or great Nettle. Engl. Bot. t.
1750.
Locality. Waste places, under walls and hedge-banks, frequent.
P. Fl. June, September. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Common in all the Districts. Whole plant of a dark green, and
more or less downy. Lower leaves cordate-ovate, the upper ones
more or less lanceolate, coarsely toothed. Flowers usually dioecious,
both the males and females clustered in axillary branched, spreading
spikes usually about the length of the leaves.
Humulus, (Linn.) Hop.
Linn. CI. xxii., Ord. iv.
Name. From humus, (Lat.) the ground, which if not supported,
it creeps along. Or, perhaps, it may be a corruption of ulmus, the
elm tree, because it grows in similar situations. The English
name Hop is said to be derived from the Anglo-Saxon hoppan,
signifying to climb.
1. H. Lupulus, (Linn.) common Hop. This is the only known
species. Engl. Bot. t. 427.
Locality. In damp woods and thickets, and in hedge rows. P.
Fl. July. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Recorded in all the Districts, and possibly truly wild in Wilts.
Well known by its long twining stems, broadly heart-shaped
leaves, deeply 3-or-5-lobed, and sharply toothed. Flowers dioecious,
850
The Flora of Wiltshire.
Inflorescence of the barren plant in small yellowish -green panicles ;
of the fertile one in axillary catkins. The fragrant bitter quality
for which the hop is chiefly valued, resides in the catkins of the
fertile plant ; an active principle has been obtained from these
called Jjupulin, which as well as the hop itself, is sometimes used
medicinally as a sedative.
ORDER. ULMACE2E. (MIRR.)
Ulmus, (Linn.) Elm.
Linn. CI. v. Ord. ii.
Named, according to Theis, from the Anglo-Saxon Elm; and
Olm is still the Dutch, and JJlm the German word for this tree ;
but all these are derived from the Hebrew id, to be strong, or
vigorous, from the growth of the tree and quality of the timber.
1. U. suberosa, (Ehrh.) common Elm. Engl. Bot. t. 1866. U.
canipestris, Sm. (and most authors, not Linn.) U. suberosa, (Ehrh.)
Engl. Bot. £2161.
Locality. Woods and hedges. T. Fl. March, May \ Area 1. 2. 3. 4.5 .
Common in all the Districts. The most common timber- tree in
our hedge rows, and one of the first magnitude, from 60 to 80 or
100 feet high, emitting copious suckers from the root, and even
from the trunk at a considerable height, the branches spreading
irregularly, and much divided, hairy at their tips, covered, as well
as the trunk, with a rough deeply cleft, or chapped bark, which on
very small and young trees often forms winged appendages of a
corky texture. Leaves shortly accuminate, doubly or somewhat
simply serrate. Flowers produced long before the leaves, (small)
4-5-cleft, segments ciliate, samara broadest above the middle,
glabrous, shortly bifid at the apex, the seminiferous cavity chiefly
above the middle, and extending almost to the notch.1
2. U. montana, (With.) broad-leaved Elm or Wych Hazel.
Engl. Bot. t 1887. IT. major Smith ?
1 In Wiltshire we have some fine examples of this tree ; perhaps the largest
is at Holt near Bradford, measuring on the ground round the " claws" 42 feet,
while five feet from the ground the hutt only measures 22 feet ; and there are
several others in the immediate neighbourhood of nearly equal size, as I am
informed by the Rev. Prebendary "Wilkinson. In Spye Park noble specimens
of the common elm may be likewise found, from 80 to 100 feet high — also in
Charlton Park, Erie Stoke, and in the Close at Salisbury.
Notes on the Common 'Primrose.
351
Locality. Woods and hedges. P. Fl. March, April. Area,
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Distributed throughout all the Districts. A tree of considerable
size and picturesque form ; the large branches spreading from near
the base, unless when drawn up in its youth. Leaves nearly sessile,
broadly ovate, bordered with double teeth, and very unequal or
oblique at the base, usually rough on the upper side and downy
underneath. Flowers reddish, in dense clusters, surrounded by
brownish bracts which soon fall off; the pedicels scarcely as long as
the perianth. Fruit green and leaf-like, broadly ovate or orbicular
6 to 9 lines long, with a small notch at the top ; the seed suspended
in a small cavity near the centre of the fruit. There are several
handsome specimens of this species in the county. In Spye Park
are some remarkable fine old Wych Elms with trunks of great
circumference ; also in the neighbourhood of Devizes and Rowde-
ford house, with branches weeping gracefully to the ground. The
wood of this species is of very inferior quality to that of U. suberosa
and its varieties. The Wiltshire Elms require to be very carefully
studied by some one who can observe the species in different states
of growth, and also ascertain the quality of their timber. Let it
always be remembered, however, that it is not from dried specimens
that such a genus as this can be understood.1
IJotes on ttje Common ^tmm*
{PRIMULA VULGARIS, HUDS.)
(See page 325J
By Thomas Bruges Flowek, M.E.C.S., F.L.S., &c, &o.
|p^HE common Primrose [Primula vulgaris, Huds.) belongs to
iPtflf the natural order Primulacese, or Primrose tribe, by which
is meant that in all essential particulars of the structure of its
flower, as well as in its general habit and properties, it resembles
the individuals of an assemblage which have the Primula for
their type; in Linnseus's artificial system it is placed in the
1 For a very full account of the varieties of this and the other species see
Loudon's Arboretum Brit.
352
Notes on the Common Primrose.
Class Pentandria, from pente five, and oner a Greek word, which
in Botanical works is used to signify a stamen — having five sta-
mens. Order 1st, Monogynia, from monos single, and gune, which
in like manner is translated a pistil — having one pistil. This
simple and elegant flower, which is very abundant in all our woods,
hedge-banks, and thickets, throughout the County, is of considerable
interest to the scientific Botanist. This interest is derived from
the circumstance that it offers an apparent exception to the truth
of that general and important law of the alternate disposition of
vegetable organs. I trust I shall be able to prove that the excep-
tion is only apparent, and that although this circumstance has been
quoted against the Natural system, yet it is in reality an excellent
proof of its truth. If we attentively examine the arrangement of
the different parts of a plant, we shall find that they are for the
most part disposed in whorls whose parts are respectively alternate.
Thus the parts of the calyx (sepals) alternate with the floral leaves
(bractea). The parts of the corolla (petals) with those of the
calyx — the stamens with the petals, and the pistils with the
stamens. The scientific Botanist will readily understand this to
be owing to the shortening of the central axis of the plant, around
which the several parts are spirally arranged, and which therefore
necessarily become alternate. On opening the tube of the flower
of the Primrose, however, we find that the stamens are in fact
placed so as to correspond with each of the portions of the border
of the flower, instead of being alternate with them ! This then is
the anomaly to be explained. It is sometimes found that the
organs of plants have altered in their appearance, and losing their
original functions, acquire new ones. This transmutation occasion-
ally proceeds to a perfect abortion and final obliteration of the
part in question. Thus, in most of the flowers of the Nightshade
tribe (Solanacece) there are five perfect uniform stamens ; but in
the flowers of Mullein (Verlascum) , which is a genus of this tribe,
they are irregular, three being shorter than the rest, exhibiting
the first stage in the process of obliteration. In the Figwort tribe
(ScropJmlariacetf) , which is closely related to the Solanacece, the
process is continued but chiefly affecting the fifth or odd stamen,
By Thomas Bruges Mower, Esq.
353
which is situated next the axis of the plant. Thus in Pentsteraon
the 5th anther is converted into a bunch of hairs, and Chelone has
the fifth filament naked, whilst in Linaria Cymbalaria {Ivy-leaved
Toad-flax) this stamen is reduced to so minute a size as to require
a magnifying power to detect it, in consequence of which it is
always overlooked. In Scrophularia nodosa (Knotted flgwort) , &c,
the fifth stamen is converted into a coloured scale occupying its
proper situation in the flower, whilst in Scrophularia vernalis
(yellow Figioort), this scale is wanting, the obliteration of the fifth
stamen having been completed. In Antirrhinum majus (greater
Snapdragon), &c, the abortive process has effected two other sta-
mens, which are therefore shorter than their fellows, thus consti-
tuting the Didynamic character of the genus, whilst in Hedge
Hyssop (Gratiola) these two additional stamens are almost gone,
their imperfect filaments alone remaining to indicate their situation.
Finally in Slipperwort (Calceolaria), and in Speedwell (Veronica)
the obliteration of the three stamens is perfected, only two remain-
ing to constitute the Diandrous character of these plants. That
the above is the true theory of the varying character of flowers as
respects the number and proportion of their stamens, is proved by
the fact that occasionally an alteration from the ordinary structure
in these organs takes place in a retrograde direction; the abortive
organs being completely restored, and then always occupying their
proper relative situations. Thus Gratiola, Herpestis Monnieria,
(thyme-leaved Hedge Hyssop), differs from the rest of the genus in
having four stamens ; and Antirrhinum majus, which is a Didy-
namous flower, having only four stamens of unequal size, I once
found to possess an imperfect fifth stamen next the axis, which is
its normal situation, and thus tending to render the plant truly
Pentandrous : now to apply these principles to the Primrose in
which the stamens occupy an apparently anomalous situation. If
we examine the flower of a plant belonging to the Primrose tribe
(Primulacece) , the Samolus Yalerandi (common BrooJcweed), we find
five scales at its mouth, alternating with the stamens and the lobes
of the flower : these the scientific Botanist will recognise as an
outer whorl of abortive stamens, which being entirely absent in
354 Inventories of Church Goods, and Chantries of Wilts.
the Primrose, prove the five stamens of the latter to belong to an
inner whorl, which alternating with the situation of the absent
outer whorl, are in their proper relative situations by being opposite
the segments of the corolla. Thus then is the consistency and
truth of the modern mode of Botanical investigation established,
and I presume enough has been said to demonstrate to the student
the necessity of attentively examining eve^ variety of form and
structure of the organs of plants, in order that he may be enabled
to acquire correct ideas of the laws of Vegetable development.
§n&£ntows of Cjravdj (look?, aabr Cjjsntrtes
of Milk
Annotated by Mackenzie E. C. Walcott, B.D., F.R.S.L., F.S.A.
Prsecentor and Prebendary of Chichester,
Hon. Member Lancashire and Cheshire, Essex, Worcestershire Arch. Soc, etc.
£0 Inventories of church goods for parish churches in "Wilts
remain as in the case of Somerset, Devon, and Sussex. I
have found, however, some few relating to Monasteries and Priories.
Ambrosebury Benedictine Nunnery.
Malmesbury Benedictine Abbey.
Marlborough Carmelite Friary, with a sale catalogue.
Salisbury Dominicans at Fisherton Anger, the site granted 36
Hen. VIII., to John Pollard and William Byrte.
Salisbury Franciscans.
They present us with a list of the conventual buildings, and in
three instances with the furniture of the churches and domestic
offices. The pensions granted to the Benedictine Nuns and Monks
are also given.
The certificates of chantries are contained in three rolls, two of
37 Hen. VIII., one on vellum, the second of paper ; the third of 2
Edward VI. An act was passed 1 Edw. VI., c. 14, giving chantries,
Free Chapels, and Colleges, to the Crown. In 1552, a Commission
Annotated by Mackenzie E, C. Wafcott,
355
was issued for the survey of church goods, "to cause inventories to
be made by bills or books indented of all manner of goods, plate,
jewels, bells and ornaments, as yet remaining or any wise forth-
coming and belonging to any churches, chapels, fraternities, or
guilds, and the one part of the same inventories to send and return
to our Privy Council, and the other to deliver to them in whose
hands the said goods, plate, jewels, bells and ornaments, shall
remain to be kept preserved. And they shall also give good
charge and order that the same goods and every part thereof be at
all times forthcoming to be answered, leaving, nevertheless, in every
parish church or chapel of common resort, one, two or more
chalices or cups, according to the multitude of the people in every
such church or chapel, and also such other ornaments as by their
discretion shall seem requisite for the Divine Service, in every
such place for the time." The indentures for Wilts as for Devon,
Somerset, Leicestershire, etc., are not forthcoming ; the niggardly
grant of a single " cup " and the bells to each parish will be found
below. The Commission were also to enquire into the embezzle-
ment of such ornaments by " certain private men," hence the
return in the second list of chantries. The Commissioners were
required to use " wise persuasions in all places of their sessions,
and such sober and discreet manner of proceeding as the effect of
the Commission may go forward with as much quiet and as little
occasion of trouble or disquiet of the multitude as may be ; " a
politic injunction showing that the English people did not view
with favour the sacrilegious harrying of their churches, and the
suppression of additional services within them.
We find that the chantry priests (cantaristse) or stipendaries,
were often elective by the parishioners, as their own ministers were
by a guild, and removeable. Without their aid large cures could
not have been served, and a regular form of petition stating this
fact is frequently appended to the certificate. They also kept
school ; in some instances the vacancies remained unfilled, and in
other places young laymen held the post as an exhibition or main-
tenance for study. The incidental notices of the number of
communicants and clergy in large parishes in the time of Edward
VOL. XII. — NO. XXXVI. 2 c
Inventories of Church Goods, and Chantries of Wilts.
VL, arc of primary interest ; and a few dedications of churches
and low altars are also given in these documents. The private
masses were said by the chaplains (cantaristso) or chantry priests,
at a low altar with only a serving boy, and perhaps some relations
of the departed ; but on the anniversary numbers attended to
receive the dole then given, and so if the chapels were too small,
then at the high altar with leave of the parish priest ; the mass of
requiem was sung in the forenoon, and in the afternoon a dirige.
The commemorations were called week's mind, month's mind, and
year's mind. These chaplains held lands in free alms and freehold,
and were instituted and inducted. It will be observed that at the
time of the last Survey, many names of the founders of obits and
donors of lands had died out of memory. I have not added
archaeological annotations as they would have been simply cuttings
from my " Sacred Archaeology."
Ambresbury
surrendered iii day of Dec. 31 Henry VIII., and the same daye
clerely dissolved and suppressed.
The clere yerely value of all the Possessions belonging to the Monastery
spirituall and temporal over and besides lix11. xijs. in fees, annuytes, pencyons,
and corodies, graunted to diverse parsons by lettres patents of the said House,
exxv11. ixs. vijd. q.
Johanne Darell late Priores of the seid Monastery, cH.
Cristian Ildersley late Priores of the Cloister, vjn. xvjs. iiijd.
Johanne Horner sumtyme high Prioress, vjK, xiijs. iiijd.
Edith Curtens late Subpriores, vju.
Margery Hunter .... cs.
Anne Newman cs.
Anne Predrany .... c\
Margaret Warder .... cs.
Elizabeth Alen cs.
Agathe Sidnam vj11.
Johanne Dawse iiiju=
Elizabeth Phetiplace cs.
Johanne Antell iiij11.
Anne Bulkeley cs.
Agnes Kingesmyll . . c9.
Johanne Rolando .... iiiju.
Elizabeth Exhurst . . viu.
Margaret Baynbrugge cs.
Sibell Ingleffeld .... o\
Julian Aprice iiij11.
Alis Gifford vju.
Margaret Beche .... vj11. xiij'.
Dorothe Goderd .... iiij11.
Brigett Popeley . . . vj11.
Katheryn Llewellen iiij11,
Margaret Acton iiijH.
Cecily Ayers iiij11.
Mary Curson iiij1'.
Mary Peerse iiij11.
Briget Chuton iiij11.
Alis Hogan iiij 11 .
Johanne Spadard . . iiij11.
Anne Yate iiij11.
Sibell Antell iiij11.
-cclxu.
And so remayneth clere eclx11. ixs. iijc
Annotated by Mackenzie E. C. Walcott.
357
Recordez and evydences. Remayne in the Threasury there salfely to he kepte
to thuse of the Kings Magestie the keyes wherof bene delivered to the Charge
and custodie of Richard Paulett Esquier, receyver.
Houses and Buyldings assigned to remayn undefaced The Lodging called the
late Priorey lodging, the Hall, Buttre, Pantre, Kytchyn, and Gatehouse as it
was enclosed within oon Quadrante unto the Convent Kitchyn, The Longe Stable
with the Hey Barne adjoynyng, The whete barne, the Baking house, and the
Gate with the Gatehouse in the Base Court, comytted to the custodie of John
Barwik servaunte to therle of Hertford.
Deemed to be superfluous The Church, Cloister, Ffrayter, Dormytory, and
Chaptrehouse, The Convent Kitchyn, with all the houses adjoyning to the same,
The Okie Infirmary with the Chapele, Cloister, and lodgings adjoyning, the
Sextery with houses joyning othe same, The Stywards, Receyvors, Auditors,
and Preests lodgings, and all oder houses in the base Courte, above not reserved.
Comytted as above scid.
Leades remaynyng upon the Church, Quere, Ilez, Steple, Chapelles, Revestry,
Cloisters, Ffraytor, Hall, and Chambres, with the gutters belonging to the same
estemed to be ccxxx ffoders qui venduntur per cancellar.' Cur' Augment.'
Comiti Hertf. ex recognit. ejusdem Cancell. coram Audit.'
Belles remayning in the Steple iiij poz. by estimacon Mcccc li weight.
Juelles reservyd none. Ornaments reserved none.
Plate of silver reserved to the Kings magestie' s use. Silver gilte ccvj oz. di.
Silver parcell gilte cxl oz. di. Silver white cccxii oz. cclix oz.
Sum of all the ornaments goods and cattales solde by the seid Comyssioners
redy to be shewed, cxlvij1'. vs. ijd.
Payments to the late religious and servauntes dispatched, to xxxiv late reli-
gious women of the Monastery of the King's Magesties reward lxx iiiju. iijs.
iiij J - To xxxvii persons viz. iiij preests and xxxiij servaunts for their wagez
and lyveres xxxj11. viijs. iiijd., c1'. xjs. viijd.
For debtz owing by the seid late monastery to diverse parsons for victuallez
and oder necessaries hadde of theym to theus of the late Monastery xxu.
xiijs. \d. ob. So remayneth clere xx11. xixs. ob.
Debtes owyng by the late Monastery to the Late Monastery discharged by the
seid late Prieres there by covenaunte made betwene the seid Comyssieners and
her viz., she to receyve the dettes owyng to the house and pay the dettez owyng
by the house.
Patronage of Churches belongine to the late monastery. Wiltes. Parsonage
of Ludgersall, Vicarages of Wanborough and Alborne. Berks. Yicarages of
Kentbury, Argaston and Letcombe Regis.
Malmesbury
surrendered and dissolved and suppressed, Dec. 15th, 31 Hen.
VIII.
The clere yerely value of all the possessions belonging to the seid late
monastery, spiritual and temporall, over and besides lxxvij11. xiijs. iiijd., in
ffees, annuytees and corodez, graunted to diverse patentez by lettres patents for
term of liff ccccxxx11, xvs. ob.
2 c2
358 Inventories of Church Goods, and Chantries of Wilts.
Whereof
Pencyons assigned to the late lieligious despatched
Eobert ¥ Crampton al Selwyn late abbott cxxxiij1'. vj\ viij'1.
John Coddrington bachelor of Diviny tie and Prior xu.
Thome Tewksbury Terrier vj". xiijs. iiijd.
Half Sherwood vj1'.
Phillip Bristoll vj11. xiij*. iiij'1.
Eichard Ashton vju.
John Gloucester vju. xiii8. iiijd.
Walter Jay e, Steward of landes , , . . xiiju. -vj3. viij'1.
Eichard Pilton, Steward to thabbot vju. xxx8, iiijd.
Anthony Malmesbury vju.
William Alderley vju.
John Cawline, Warden of the Chappell viiju.
Thomas Dorseley vjH.
Thomas Gloucester vjH.
Walter Sutton, Bachelor of Divinytie and Subprior .... xM.
John Horseley, Chaunter vj".
Thomas Stanley vjn.
William Bristowe > vj1'.
Thomas Fforster vju.
Eobert Elmore vju.
William Winchecombe vp.
William Besley vj1'.
cclxxix1'. vj3. viiid.
So remayneth clere cF. xiii3. vijd. ob.
Eecords and Evydencs remayne in the Threasury there salfely to be kept to
thuse of the King's Magestie. The keyes therof bene delevered to Eubard
PoulettEsquier, receyvor. Houses and buyldyngs appointed to remaynundefaced.
The late Abbott's lodging with the New lodging adjoyning, the Kitchyn, larder,
Buttre, and Payntre, with the lodgings under the same. The late Abbott's
Stable, the Woolle house, the barne at Spetteli gate, the Gatehouse which
encloseth the Inner Courte, and the Gatehouse which encloseth the Utter
Courte, the custodie and ferme therof graunted to Sir Edward Bayntun, Knt.,
demed to be superfluous. The Chursh, cloister, and chapelles adjoyning, the
Dormytory, Chaptrehouse, Ffrayter, Barbary [shaving house], Infirmary, with
all the lodgings to them adjoyning, the Cellarers chambre, the Squiere Chambre,
Seint Maryhouse, the Chauntry, the Convent Kitchyn, all the houses in the
Sentrey ende, the Styward's lodging, the Storehouse, the Slattehouse, the
Gestyn Stable, and all the oder houses in the Utter Court, comytted unto the
custodie of William Stumpe deputie to Sir Edward Bainton Knt., there salfely
to be kepte thuse of the King's Magestie.
Leades remayning upon the Church [nave], Q,uere, Ilez, Steplez, ffrayter,
Chaptrehouse, Our Lady Chapell, the late Abbott's lodging, and oder houses
there estemed to be cxx ffoders. ml
Belles remayning in the Steplez there ix poz. by estim. xv weight.
Juelles reserved to the use of the King's magestie, myters garnesshcd with
silver gilte, small peerles aud counterfette stoones. Ornaments reserved
none.
Annotated by Mackenzie E. C. Walcott.
359
/ Silver gilte clxxiiij oz.
Plate i of silver reserved J }} parcell gilte ccv. oz.
to the King's Majesties use ) xx
. \ ,, whyte ciiij. oz.
Sura of all the ornaments, godes and catalles solde by the seide Comyssioners
as by a boke of the particler sales therof made redy to be shewed more at large
may appere ccxiu. [ccviii. erased] xiiij8. iiijd. with liis. for iij oxen taken by
Sir Anthony Hungerford Knight, Sheref of Wiltes by way of distresse.
Payments to xxj late religions persons of the same late monastery of the
King's Majesties reward xlvij vj viij. to liiij parsons, being officers and ser-
vauntes in the seid late monastery for their wagez and lyveres xxxiiip. xvjs.
XX
iiij11. ijs. viijd.
Ffor debtez owing by the seid late monastery to deverse persons as well for
malte and other victualles hadde of theym as for other necessaries to thuse of
the late house viij1'. viij1'. and to the late Abbott there for the residew of all
the dettes owing by the late house by hym to be paid and discharged the dettes
owing to Katheren Audelett, Anthony Hungerford, Knight, and Will. Button,
oonly accepted by covenaunte made betwene the seid Comyssioners and the seid
Abbott in greate lxx1'. vijs. iiijd. lxxviij1'. vs. Soo remayneth clere li11. v3.
viijd. [xlviijd. v. viij. erased] dettes owinge to the late monastery, Henry
Large, Knyght, by obligacon with condycon endorsed being date Oct. xxix in
the xxix yere of K. Henry the YIIIth. ffor the payment of ccx11,, wherof was'
confessed to be receyved by the late abbott of the late monastery and remayneth
unpaid clxu. which sum the same Sir Henry is assigned to pay to Katheryn
Audelet, widow.
Dettes owing the late monastery to Katheryn Audelett, widow, late wyff of
Thomas Audelett by the severall obligaconz cont' the sume of cccxu. wherof
paid cxxx1'. and rem' unpaid cxxiiij".
Anthony Hungerford, Knight,* by oblegacon xxiij11., Will. Button, gent, as
well for arrergez of annuytes xxxij1*. and corrodies as ffor money borowed
xxxju. as is confessed by the late abbott lxiij1'.
cclxvj11.
The Inventorye of the Whyet Frerys of Marlborow f praysyd
by Rob. Brown, AVylliam Symonds assigned by mayster Mayre
there at the request of the Vysytor.
ij candelstycks vijs. vjd., iij crewitts ijd., a holy water stop and a sacryng bell,
vjd., iiij laten candelstycks and a sensore ijs., a Crosse with a staffe, coper and
amylde vjs. viijd., a paxe, coper and gylde xijd., a fruntlet forye hye aulter iiijd.,
iiij alter clothes iij3. iiijd., iij corporax with ix casys xxd., a cheasable with
deakyn and subdeakyn and cope with j albe vjs viijd., a chesable with deakyn,
subdeakyn and cope lackyng albys vjs. viijd., a chesable and ij tunakles with-
out albys v3., a hangyng of sylke for ye Sepulcre ijs., ij Coops of bustyan with
red garters vj9. viijd., a chesable of dornyske vjd., a chesable and ij tunakles of
♦Sir Anthony of Black Bourton, Oxon, Knt. his son Sir Giles is buried in Salisbury Cathedral.
(See Antiq. of Salisb. 59.)
+ Carmelite friary founded by John Goodwin and William Reine&bech in 1316, the site granted
24 Hen. VIII. to John rye and Robert Brown.
360 Inventories of Church Goods, and Chantries of Wilts.
bawdkyn xxd., a chesablc and ij tunaklcs of red sylke with a cope of the same
vjH., viijd., a cope of grene sylkc ijs., a syngle vestment with yu albe xxd., a pall
of sylke ij3., ij old chcsabuls xija., an old chesable with ye albe viij'1., an auter
clothe with ye fruntlet xij'1., a cope of blew silk ij8. ij old chcsabuls viij'1., a cope
of bawdkyn xijd. ij hangyngs for ye auter with yc fruntlet xijd. an olde chesabull
viiid., a vayle ijs, ij baasons and an ewer of latyn xvjd., a braasyn morter with
ye pestell iijs. iiijd., ij aundyrens of yron xxd., a fryyngpan and a sclyesse [slice]
vjd., ij broochys xijd., ix old platters ij dysshes and a saucer ij8., vijd., a chaifyng
dysshe iiijd., a grydyron iiijd., a great kettell and ij great pannys and a small
kettell xs., iij brass potts vs,, a bras panne stonding in ye furneys v8., ij hangels
ij payr of hooks and a fyre shovell viijd., j broken candlestyck jd., a bell v8., iij
fayer tabyls of alabaster vjs., viijd., the books ly tell in vallew, a gret pott
vijs. vjd., in wodd. vjs., vjd., in tymber viijs. iiijd., old tubbys xxd., a challeys
with the patteyn xj unc. and iij quarters xls., sum totales ixu. vjs. iiijd.
Dettes. To Mayster Yorke, [visitor] xxs. by the Pryor borouyd to a chaundeler
for waxe vjs. viijd., to ij badkers iijs. viijd., to ij smythys viijs. xd., to yecookeys
ij8., to the caryar of wodde vjs. vjd., to the Yysyter for the accountomed taxe
XXs., for ye costs at ij tymes there xiijs. iiijd., to a buchear for fleshe vjs. viijd.
Sum iiiju. vijs. vijd.
The Blacke Freers of Salisbury.
This Indenture maketh mencyon. of all the stuffe of the Grey Freereys of
Salisbury recyved by the lorde Visitor under the lord Prevy Seale for the King's
Grace and delyvered to Mr. John Shaxton gentleman and to John Goodale baly
of Salisbury to see and order to ye King's use with the house and all the app-
ertenaunce till the Kingis pleasure be further knowen.
The Quere at the hei alter a tabill of alabaster, iiij small candlestikkes laten,
ij alter clotheis ye on nowthe, iiij pore pelowys with ij small curtyns, a clothe
before ye alter white and red with rokis, another alter clothe before ye alter with
garterys lyning clothe, a canapey over ye sacrament, a vestment blewe werstede
a goodly fertor copper and gilt for reliks, in the quere a littil lampe laten, an
Egill and ij gret candlestiks late ye which father Browne cleymethe but therys
xij yeris thei have be ther in ye Inventory of the Convent before whersfore I
wolld not allow y* he had ym awey but I causeid him to bring them ageyne, a
lecterne clothe of damaks on ye lecterne of timber, j holy water stopper, v
cruetis stollen, ij branchis of iron for tapers, a sacry bell, a payer of organys
stallys, and organ soler sileid [ceiled], ij formeys.
The Chirche xj alters ij of ym tabilles, iij ymagery on dobill tabill of alabaster,
another large alter with Sainth Barbara in ye mydds alabaster, iij other tabillis
of allabaster, iiij sacry belles, a feyer candelbeme, feyre setis before ye altaryes,
feyer setis before every alter in ye Chirche, certeyne setis before every alter in
ye Chirch, certeyne tubbis in ye Chirche on of them barryd aboute with yron.
In the Chapell by ye Quere* an old chest, and a frame for the sepulchre, a
bere and a frame, in the Stepill ij bellis.
The Vestre ij feyer chestes, ij stoles [stools] for chaunters with bully ans
coper vj cushynis a crosse of coper with Mary and John with a staff, a tabill and
* The chantry of six priests and the fraternity of our Lady St. Anne and AU Saints, founded by
Mary, Countess of Norfolk 28 Edw. III. (Dugd. Baron, ii., p. 64.)
Annotated by Mackenzie U. C. Walcott.
361
on y* a sute of vestments prest decon and subdecon velvet with many small
perles on yl ye offeras with hers [sic] and castells very precious with diverse
olid buckrams on the tabill, Prist decan and subdecun redde silke with garters
and seinthe Georgs crosseis, a sute white silke prist, decon, and subdecon, with
blwe offeras, ij other sutis prist, decon, and subdecon, white silk prist, decon and
subdecon, diverse white bustian. Prist, decon, and subdecon, diverse colors
silke. Prist, decon, and subdecon darneks. Prist, decon, and subdecon, blacke
worstede the prist damaske.
Seingill Yestmentes., ij white sengell and ij blewe sengeill, another sengeill,
a black seingell brancheid velvet, iij sengeill for lent fustian, vj olid chesabills
witbowt albis or other xvij copis of diverse colors as yei ley on ye presse, xxij
corporas cases with viiij corporas, ix surples good and badde with iij rockets,
v pere alter clotheis to hange before ye alter, v olid auter clotheis to hange . .
ij olid coverlets, ij auter clotheis, red silke with stripis gold, iij small corse
auter clotheis to hange before altars, a gret meny of clotheis for lent, a grit
clothe to hange before ye rode. In the Lowe Vestre, ij basens with other
haberdasthe of litil value.
The Kechin, iiij small brasse potts, iij brasse parmys, ij ketells, j cobiron,
ij rackes, a barre of yron with iij hengills for pottes, ij brachis small, a chafer
and a grediron, a payer pothokis, a colender.
The Bakehowse and kneding trowe, a boilling hutche, a buschylle, an olid
hutche.
The Hall, ij tabills with ij payer of trestelles, a calborde, ij formys, a feyer
benche at ye hye horde [table], sileid and a portall*
The Buttery, iiij tabillclothees, ij towelles, a bason, an ewar pented, ij salt
sellars pented.
The Chamberis, a cownter and a yoynyd f forme, ij olid cofers, iij cussheyns
in ye Ynner Chambre, a cownter, iij formys, chayer, a round tabill, shetis or
blankets new.
Beside all ye stuffe before wretin war solid to paye the dettis and chargis,
iiij olid fetterbeddis with vj pore cusshengs with certeyne pore stuffe of ye
Keechin with oder abrode of litill value for ye which was take iiju. xvs. ixd.,
the dettis dewe as by ye accountis did appere above but all the
subitans was to the Prior, so yf ye Prior and all was satisfeid with viiju. xvjs.
so y* ys noted y* all ye evidens of ye howse be suarly leid in a chest, alofte, in
the Yestre, and further yl ys to be rememberyd y* ye visiter hathe laid owt
abowt ye money here receyved vu. iijd. for ye wch he hathe with him to ye
Kingis use of silver y* longed to y* howse xxxv unc. and iij unc. and so payde
his oune chargis and thus ys departed after iij dayes being here per nos Jo,
Saxton, Jo. Goodale.
The Grey Friars Salisbury. $
The Quere, the high alter, a tabill of ymagery giltt, a lampe, laten bason,
feyer stallys well sileid with an organe lofte, ij lecturnys timber.
The Churche, Pore auterys, j alabaster, feyer formys.
* Portable seat. + Joint.
X A Franciscan friary, founded by Richard Pude in the reign of Henry III, the site granted to
John Wroth, 36 Hen VIII. (Tanner, 608.)
3G2 Inventories of Church Goods, and Chantries of Wilts.
The Step-ill, ij belles, the j a feyer bell.
The Vestre, v laten candelstickcs small, vj cruetts and holy water stoppc.
Copis, a golden cope with ye offeras ymagery, iiij white saten with y,; offeras
red saten, v blewe copis, ij with starys, ij with flowerys and j with golden birdis,
iij grene copis, ij dorneks and j silke, iij white copis, iij dorneks and j bustian,
j blacke cope silke, iiij litell copis for chelderne, ix small alter cloths for lowe
alterys, vj for ye hey alter, vj towellys, x albys y* bo not occupeid, ix surples,
xx corporas casis with x corporas in ym, ij olid grene chesabullys, iiij tunakels,
a blacke cope with a sute of blacke vestment, a sute of white for our lady, ij
sutes of -grene, a sute of blacke, a sute of white, a sute of redde, iij sengeill
redde vestments, j sengeill vestment, halfe blewe and half yelawe, j of chamlete,
vj grene sengeill vestments, iij redde sengeill vestments, iiij sengeill vestments
for Lent, ye j yelawe, j alter clothe for ye hey alter, with a frontlet, a grene
auter clothe with ij frontletis, a golden pawell, [pall] with ij fronteletis, a blewe
alter clothe with ye fronteletis, a sute of hanging for the hey alter white and
grene velvet, j sute of redde, ij pally s, with j white and ye other redde, j hangin
alter clothe, ij olid grene pallys, ix frontletes on with an other, iiij blewe clotheis,
viij olid broken vestments, cheasabills and tunakells, vij chests new, j good, an
olid blacke clothe, a borde, ij trestells, a feyer presse.
The Freyter, ix tabilles and iiij formys.
The Parlar, ij tabills, iiij trestills, ij formys, feyer benches well seleid, a par
portall.
The Hall, iiij tabills, viij trestellys, iij formys, 1 olid culborde well benchid
and doble sileid.
Mem. Beside ye stuffe y* still remayneth ther ys solid to pay the detts iij
sutes of Vesments, iiij copes pore all for ix11., also a payer organnys broken, ii
candellsticks the snuffers of the chamberys ye which was very pore, with other
small things abrode for iiij11 ijs., the dettes dew xix11. and abrode of the which
a gret parte was to brewerys and diverse other for necessareis and ye rest to the
Warden, the end was xij11 xijd. satisfied every man, so ys howse ys out of dett
clere and the Visitor hathe in his handis to ye King's use above yese payements
lixs. and besid yt in silver ^ unc. and xviij unc.
And y* ys to be notyd y* ye evidens of ys howse be in ye Yestre under ye
Kepary's hands and ye Visitor payde his owne chargis and so departed after iii
days being here. Per nos Jo. Shaxton, Jo. Goodale.
7 Edw. VI. Commissioners: Sir Anthony Hungerford (of Black
1553. Burton, Oxon, Knt.),
Willm. Sherrington, Knt.,
Will. Wroughton, Knt.
Hundreds of Heigham, Cricklade and Staple.
Goods to be safelie kept.
A Chalice or Cuppe.
Bells.
In Plate to
the King's
Use.
Polton
Pirton
Assheton Keynes
v oz.
iiij oz. di
xi oz.
liii
j oz. di
j oz. di
ij oz. di
Annotated by Mackenzie E. C. Walcott.
363
Leighe
Castell Eaton
Hannington
Cricklade Sci. Sampsonis
Stratton Sci. Margaretts
Staunton Ffytswaren
Somerfordc Kaynes
Cricklade Saincte Maryes
Inglessham
Bloundesdone Androwes
Lidiarde Millicente
Seven Hampton
Sherncotte
Latton
Heighworthe
Brode Blennesdon
Rodbourne Chaynes
Easte & Water Yetton
Southe Maston
A Chalice or Cuppe.
VI oz.
xij oz.
X oz.
xii oz.
xvi oz.
v oz.
viii oz.
ix oz.
viii oz. di
no plate
ix oz. di
ix oz.
no plate
viij oz.
hole gilte xvi oz.
ix oz.
ix oz.
vi oz.
vii oz.
Bells.
lllj
"\j
iij
iiij
iij
i"j
"j
"J
vj
ij
"j
iij
ij
iii and Sanctns bell
iij
iij
iiij
ii and Sanctus bell
In Plate to
the King's
Use.
lj unc f q.
iij oz.
iij oz. di
xvi oz.
j oz.
ij oz.di
ij oz.di
ij oz.
ij oz.di
ij oz.
ij oz.
vi oz,
ij oz.di
ij oz.di
j oz.di
j oz.di
HUNDERDE OF SwANBORO.
Littell Cheverell
Styplelavington
Great Cheverell
Chyrton
Northenewnton
Woodboro
Manninforde Barnis
Manningforde Abbatts
Sterte
Alkannings
Uphavine
Russalle
Staunton Barnarde
North Willisf'orde
Hewishe
Beching Stoke
Alton Barnes
Eehilhampton
Charlton
Willcotte
Harden
Orchesfounte
"Westlavington
di
Xll oz.
xiij oz.
ix oz.
viij di
viii oz.
xiii oz.
viii oz.
viii oz.
xii oz.
viij oz.
x oz.
ix
vj
mj di
ix
viij
viij
viij
no plate
xiij
xiiij
xij
iiij and Sanctus bell xxxix oz.
iij
iij
ij
ij
ij
ij
ij
m iij [bell
iiij one being a Sanctus
iij
iij
iiij and a Sanctus bell
ij
!j
ij
ij
nj
iij
"j
iiij
nj
IX oz.
xvii oz.
ij oz.
ij oz.di
ij oz.
j oz.di
iij oz.di
xviii oz.
ij oz.
vij oz.
xxiii
j
ij di
ij
ij di
ij di
xxiij
xxxv
iij
Hundred of Kynwarstone.
"Westbedwyne
xiij
Eestbedwyne
xi
Shiltone
vj di
Tyltcome
ix
Ffroxfelde
xi
VOL. XII. — NO. XXXVI
V
iiij
iij
iij
ij
2d
3G4 Inventories of Church Goods, and Chantries of Wilts.
Chewto
Powysse
"Wotton Riveris
Collingborne Kingestone
Burbage Savage
Eastone
Millton
Buttermeare
A Chalice or Cuppc.
Bells.
III I']:it'- t'l
the King's
Vhh.
ix
ij
xj
V
»j
jdi
xi
iij
3. dl
ix
iij
xxiiij
x di
xj
vij di
iij
xj di
viij
iij
ij
V
ij
xmj
Hundred of Milkesham.
Hylperton
Whaddon
Powlesholda
Milkesham
Seynde
Ewellstoke
Chappell of Bulkington
Trubridge
xj
xi
ix
x di
xv di
ix
ix di
xiiij
ij
iij
iiij
iij
iij
ij
v and Sanctus bell
xvij
jdi
x di
xiij
ij di
jdi
ij di
XXV
Hundreds of Elstobe and Ellerleighe.
Wroughton
Stockton
Rowlleston
Alton Prioris
Westwode
Patneye
Hame
Netherhampton
Overleighe
Enfforde
Overton
Henton Parva
Collingbourne Duces
Ffyfelde
Ffittelton
xvi di with a patent
viij
x
x
ix
x
xviij
xviij
viij
viij
xiiij
ix
iiij and Sanctus bell
iij
ij
iiij and a Sanctus bell
i]j
iiij and Sanctus bell
iij
iij
iij
iij
iij
xvj di
ij
ij
j
iij
xv
ij
xviij
iiij
xxiij di
viij di
jdi
xvii
Hundred of Selkletgh.
Albourne
West Keivalle
Winterborne Bassett
Mouncton
Oxbournes Georgii
Brode Henton
Mildenhalle
Presshette
Osbourne S. Andrewes
Alberye
Marbrughe S. Peter's
S. Maris
Wotton Bassett
viij di
xj
xj
xiij
xi di
xi di
ix
xij
xvij
viij
iiij and Sanctus bell
ij
nj
"j
iiij
ij
iij
iij
iiij
ii'j
v
v
iiij and Sanctus bell
jdi
ij
ij di
y
iij
X
ij
di
xvj
XX
xiij
di
Annotated by Mackenzie E. C. Walcott. 365
Hundreds of Ramisbury, Potterne, and Cannings.
A Chalice or Cuppe.
Bysshopps Cannings
Pottorne
Bey don
Bussipston
Ramisburye
S. Maris in the Devizes
S. Jonis ., ,,
The Vyse Grene
xxvij
vj
vj
xj
x
xiiij
di
iiij and Sanctus bell
iiij and Sanctus bells
iij
iij and Sanctus bell
iiij and Sanctus bell
iiij and Sanctus bell
iiij and Sanctus bell
iij
LlBETTYE OF RoWDE AND BrOMEHAME.
Roude
Bromhambe
Xlllj
xvj
HUNDREDE OF WARMINSTER.
Norton Bevente
Warraister
Fyssherton Delamare
Overtevente
Upton Skydmare
Portwarde
Vermes Sutton
Coveslye
Dynton
Bysshopstrow
IX
xij di
xj
xj di
ix
vij di
ix di
xiij di
"J
v and Sanctus bell
iij
ij
"j
ij
"ij
iij
"ij
nj
HUNDREDE OF BrADFORDE.
Mouncton Ffarleighe
Bradfforde
Hanningestoke
Chawtilde Magna
Wraxhall
Attworthe
"Wine si eye
Wynckssilee
Holtte
Broughton
vnj
xvj
ix
vij
xij
ix
«J
iij
Jj
iiij
"ij
«j
nj
iij
nj
Heitesburye
Chitterne S. Maris
Horningshame Magna
Tytherington
Imber
Knoke
Codferd S. Marye
Depfforde
Hiidensell
Hundrede of Heitesburie.
x di iiij
xj ijj
V HI]
vij ij
ix UJ
x di ij
viij iij
vij di j
vij iij
% D
36G Inventories of Church Goods, and Chantries of Wilts.
Wcstccodforde
Upton Lovell
Chitternc Oran. Sanctorum
Orcheston S. Goorgii
Birglieston Deverell
Boyton
A Chalice or Cuppe
x di
viij di
ix
viij
Bells.
in Mate to
the Kiag'i
Use. _
ij di
ij di
ij di
ij
ij di
HlJNDREDE OF HoRWELESDOWNE.
North e Bradleighe
Cadlleston
Edington
Revell
Styppelaeston
Semyngton Cliappell
ix
viij di
xiij di
ij
iiij and Sanctus bell
iiij and Sanctus bell
v and Sanctus bell
ij
viij di
xv
xxiij di
iiij di
iij
HUNDREDE OF MeARE.
Maydon Bradleigb.
Stourton
Kingeston Deverell
West Knoyle
Meare
xvj di
ix
viij
iiij
mj
iij
v
XVJ
iiij xv di
HUNDERDE OF WoNDERWIGH.
Stratforde
Woodforde
Wylleforde
viij
HUNDERDE OF DAMERHAM.
Netellton
Grettilton
Chryston Mallsfforde
Dammersbani
Martyne
Compton Chamberlayne
Deverelle Langbridge
Mouncton Deverell
Michells Kingston
ix di
xi
xix
xvj
xi
vij di
ix di
vj di
vij di
"J
iij
i«j
nj
"j
iy
mj
ij
iiij and Sanctus bell
y
vi
iiij
xvij
x
xviij
i di
idi
HUNDERDE OF BrENCHE AND DoULLE.
Tyllyshead
Steple Langeforde
Dichampton
Sowthe Newton
Efyssherton Aungere
Efouleston
ix di
xij
viij di
viij di
x
[silver] viij di
m
"j
y
«y
ij [small bells witb tlie
MS. Iny. June 1, 7
xvnj
ij
nj di
jdi
ir clapper.
Edw. VI.]
Annotated by Mackenzie E. C. Walcott.
367
Orcheston Marye
Barwike S. Jacobie
Staplforde
Bi miner ton
Littellangforde
Wylton
Shrewton
Maydenton
Sheringdon
Willesiorde Magna
Weyleye
Winterborne Stoke
A Chalice or Cuppe.
ix di
*j
X)
vij di
ix di
xij di
viij
ix
x
xi j di
viii
Bells.
11J
uj
iij
y
ij
iij
"j
iij
iij
ij
«j
iuj
HUNDERDE OF DoUNWORTHE.
Tysburye
xiij
uij
xxxj di
Dunhede Andrewe
xiij
mj
iij
Chappell of Eastone
ij
Sedghill
viij
"j
ij di
Chappell of the Hatclie
ix di
ij
ij
Cole Barwike
X
ij
ij
Dunhede Marye
vij di
iij
ij
Chappell of Charlton
X
y
ij di
Chilmarke
ix di
iiij
ij
Avesbye
vj
ij
ij
Tevaunte Evias
X
ij
ij
Swallowclyffe
vij di
iij
j
Ffoun telle Gyfforde
xj di
ij
iiij
Chiklade
iiij di
ij
j
Dulton
Bratton
"Westburie
HUNDERDE OF WeSTBURYE.
viij di ij
xj iiij
xj di vj
HUNDERDE OF KYNBRIDGE.
Tokenhanrweke
Helmarton
Luddington
Clyvpeper
Swyndon
Lyiiham
Lydyard Heygose
Dreycott Ffoliat
Wanboroughe
Cheasseldeane
Asheleighe
Crundwell
Kemble
vj
x
vj
Xlllj
xij
vij
xu}\
xiiij
vij
X1j
di
x di
"j
iij
iij
inj
nj
mj
ij
iiij and Sanetus bell
iiij and Sanetus bell
iij
ij
iij and Sanetus bell
368 Inventories of Church Goods, and Chantries of Witts.
Brokenborowe
Bonleighe
Summerforde Matreface
Mawditts
Norton
Longnewton
Garsden
Charrelton
Staunton Quinten
Westporte
Poule
Hullavington
Seugre
Sutton
Pole
Erin ck worth
Dauntece
The Leighe
Okessheye
Hanckerton
Myntye
Rodbouron
Coston
A Chalice or Ouppc.
i'.j
di
vij
di
n.i
Ai
0.1
viij
xi
xj
di
X
V
V
di
xiiij
X
di
xi
di
ix
di
xij
di
X
vij
viij
vij
Yllj
di
Hells.
ij and Sanctus bell
j
"'j
!'j
]j
U1J
iiij and Sanctus boll
iij and Sanctus bell
y
iij and Sanctus bell
v and Sanctus bell
iij and Sanctus bell
ij
i«j
J
ny
»j
"y
y*
y
y
XXXlj
y di
ij di
HUNDERDE OF CHIPPENHAM.
Eston Graye
Leigh Delamere
Langle burnell
Alderton
Luckington
Yeatton
Tytherton
Boxe
Dichriche
Cossgrave
Weste Kington
Sherstone
Harden Hewyse
Sapperton
Bidston Sci. Peters
Littleton Drewe
Chippenham
Brenchill
Boxham Chappell
Northwraxall
Castell Combe
Bvddiston Sci. Nicholas
Slawtenl'orde
Coll erne
Lacocke
ix
ix
xmj
ix di
ix
xi
x
vj
viij
viij di
xviij
vj
vy
vj
XJ
IX
^ A'
ix di
viij
*y"
X1j
xnj
XX
di
iij and Sanctus bell
ij
i"j
ny
iy
y
ny
y
V
iiij
iiij and Sanctus bell
ij
y
.ij
iij
"y
i»j
y
iij and Sanctus bell
ij
y'
iiij and Sanctus bell
wone greate bell and
a Saunets bell
Annotated by Mackenzie E. C. Walcott. 369
HUXDERDE OF CaLXE.
In Plate to
A Chalice or Cuppe.
Bells.
the King's
Use.
J fijXXj \\ I Ullt 1 c
Yeattist)urye
Heddington
Barwike Bassette
Calne
Compton Bassette
Calleston
Cherrell
vj
vnj
vj di
vij
XV
ix di
A
iiij and Sanctus bell
iij
!j
iij
ij
"J
u
iy
il
iij
Huxderde of Erode Chalke.
Semleinjhe
|fyffelde Bovente
Bu chalke
Chap pell of Knighton
Elyshourne
Brode Chalke
Barwik S. John
Tollarde
Alweston
viij
XV
V
vj
xi
viij di
i di
ij
iy
ij
»j
"ij
iiij
iij and Sanctus bell
iiij
.1 di
J di
y
XV
jdi
ij
Huxderde of Raxdex axd Cadworthe.
Birdcombe
Netherhampton
Burtforde
Horamin^ton
Babestocke
Ddstocke
Bartfforde Sci. Martins
Combissate
"Westell arnara
Sutton Maynfelde
Shalford Toneye
Ffovente
x di
x di
vij
iiij
xnj
XV
xvij di
viij di
viij
vij di
x
y
»j
"ij
»y
jy
«j
iij
iij
y
iy
ij
iij
y
iy
xxvj
ii di
Hi
xiij
xiiij
iiij di
ii di
y di
iij
Whyte Perysshe
Luliorde
Huxderde of Frustfylde.
I v!lJ I
I viij
Huxderde of Delwardburie.
Weastedeane [steade
Chappell of Easte Grim-
"YVinterslowe
Porton
Laverstocke
Weaste Grimsteade [ugh
Winterbourne Sherboro-
Errells
ix
v di
x
vij di
ix di
ix
ix
xj di
.J
UJJ
y
y
y
ij
y
y di
ij
.ij
"J
370 Inventories of Church Goods, and Chantries of Wilts.
Playttefforde
Alwardburye [shye
Winterbourne Downtes-
Idmyston
Pytton
A Chalice or Cuppe.
X
X
X
^ A'
x di
Bells.
Hunderde or Ambrosburye.
Newton Tonye
Dorrington
Allingdon
Bulfforde
Dornfforde
Tydworthe
Ambysburye
Lurgethall
Okingame
Ffysseldeane
Chaldrington
Brickmeston Millestone
Bosomme
IX 11J
xiij iij
ix di iij
xv di iij
xv iij
xv iij
xiiij iiij
x iij
xiij
xiiij
viij
x
iiij and Sanetus bell
"J
y
Dounton
Knoyle
Nownton
Busshopps F fou n tell
Hindon S. Luci
Huntwortbe Chappell
Busshepston
HlJNDERDE OF DoUNTON.
v di
vnj di
vj di
ix
vj
iij
ij
y
iij
The Cathedrall Churche oj Sarum. deliverede to my lorde of
Sarum 1 and to [Richard] Arche, treasurer of the same churche, a
challis with a pattente duble gilte weunge xxvij ounces, and also
won other challis of silver withoute a pattente parcell gilte, con-
taining vij ounces and x bells by indenture. In plate to the King's
use viij ounces.
Anthony Hungerford
Wyllyam Broughton.
Certificate made of various particulars concerning Chantries, Guilds,
Hospitals, Colleges, Free Chapels, fraternities and stipendiaries, and names of
the founders, object of their institution, distance from parish church, annual
value, nature of abuses, value of jewels and goods, catalls and plate, the date
1 John Salcot al. Capon, trans, from Bangor July 31, 1539.
Annotated by Mackenzie E. C. Walcott.
871
of their dissolution or purchase without the King's special licence since Feb.
4, 27 Henry YIIL, in virtue of the Statute passed xxxvii. Hen. VHL, and a
commission issued Feb. 13, 37 Hen. 8., to John Bishop of Sarum, Sir Thos.
Seymour, [Baron Seymour of Sudley, lord Admiral, beheaded March 4th 1548-9.
(Hoare's Mod. Wilts, i., 117.)] Rob. Cheydley, Esq., Thos. Leigh and Wm.
Grene, Gent.
I. Report of the Survey of all Collegs, Chauntries, ffree chappells, fraternyties,
Brotherheddes, Stypendaryes, Obbitts, lyghts, lampes and Anniversaryes,
havinge beynge within v yeres nexte before the iiij daye of November with all
maner of landis, possessions, hereditaments, stockes of money, stockes of cattail,
goodis, jewells, plate and ornaments to them belongyng, taken by John Thynne,
[Secretary to the Protector Somerset, Knighted 1547, after the battle of Mussel-
burgh, d. 1580 (Hoare's Mod. Wilts i., 64)], and Wm. Broughton, Knts.,
Chas. Bulkeley [of Burgate, Hants, (Hoare's Mod. Wilts, v., 28, and i., 12)],
Jo. Barwyeke and Thos. Chaff yne [of Seales (Hoare's Mod. Wilts i., 12)],
Esqrs., Will. Thornhill and Laurence Hyde [of West Hatch, d. 1590 (Hoare's
Mod. Wilts iv., 32)], gent, by virtue of the King's Maiestie his letters of
Commissyon the xiiij daye of Feb. in the ijdi yere of his reigne.
Cathedral Church. Chantry of Henry Blonsdon,* for 2 chaplains, only
one is maintained ; clear value ixu. xvijs. vjs. (ix. ix. ix. 2 Edw. YI.)
Plate, etc. Is. viijd. (xii oz. goodis iiijs. Ibid). Among the endowments the
church house of West Willowe is mentioned 2 Edw. VI., the incumbent
was John Burcham who had an annuity of lxvj9. viij from Wilton by
grant of Hen. VIII.]
Chantry of Andrew Holse,t for 1 chaplain at a stipend of viju. vjs. viijd. and
for an obit xls. paid by the " Master and fellows " of St. Mary, Winton College.
Value ix. yj. viijd. p. Plate, etc. xxx«. [vi oz. goodis vs. vjd. Rychard Dunstale
incumbent.]
Roger Clownes,t Chantry for 1 chaplain at a salary of vju. xijs. ; clear value
vju. xs. ijd. ob. [£vi. xvis. xd.] of Plate, etc. lxvjs. [xiii oz. goodis ij8. vjd. John
Deny sincumbent, 2 Edw. VI.]
Chantry of Sir Robert Hungerford § for 4 chaplains by licence of Edw. IV.,
to be endowed with £50 a year, but he died before he could carry out his design,
and there is but 1 chaplain at a salary of £8 ; clear value £xvj. iiij9. iiijd. of
plate, etc. £iiij. xiiijs. Sir Jobn Cheney and John Martyn, and the Lady
Margaret had licence from Edward IV. to grant lands at Immer, to the dean
and chapter, yielding xxxiip. xvs. jd. to maintain ij preists : they had a man-
sion house in the Close. Thomas Boxe, chaplain.
Chantry of Sir Robert Hungeriord for ij chaplains, supported on a salary of
£8 to each, paid out of lands granted to the dean and chapter ; clear value of
xxxirp. xvj*. jd., of plate, etc., [ccxxvi oz.] £xlvj. xv*. vijd. [goodis xxvis. vid.]
Chantry of Sir Walter Hungerford, for ij chaplains at the stipend of £8
each, paid out of lands bequeathed to the dean and chapter ; clear value
* Archdeacon of Dorset, 1297. + Chancellor of Salisbury, 1438.
% Archdeacon of Salisbury, 1361.
? Margaret his relict, built a chapel on the south side of the Lady Chapel which was destroyed by
Wyatt c. 1783; a view of it occurs in Hearne's and Byne's " Antiquities " and Gough's " Sep.
Mon." vol. ii. Robert Lord Hungerford died 1458 ; his wife Mary Margaret Botreaux died 1477.
VOL. XII. NO. XXXVI. 2 E
372 Inventories of Church Goods, and Chantries of Wilts.
£xxx vj9. ijd., and of plate, etc. liijs. viijd. [viii oz. goodis xij8. iiijd.] *
Hen. VI. gave licence to "Walter Lord Hungerlord to endow a chantry with
lands, valued at xxx11. yjs. ijd. in Cricklade, and the manor called Airyndon's
Courte, and the advowson of S. Sampson's Church, granted to the dean and
chapter who were to find a helper at xiij\ iiijd. a year, and xiij". iiijd. for wine
and wax over their stipend. Giles Crockford,f incum.
The Chantries of Gilbert Keymer,J of which Thos. Mauley was the last
incumbent, was dissolved without the King's license A0, xxx0., the possessions
were worth £xi xis. and the goods and cattails cxiij8. iiijd. The lands and
tenements came into the hands of Sir Edward Baynton,§ and are now in pos-
session of Richard Snell.
Chantry of Edward Audley late bishop of Salisbury, || for one chaplain at a
stipend of £xi. ; clear value xiiiju. ijd., and of plate, etc. xxxij8. vid. [xxs.
yerely given to the poor in Salisbury. Plate xxx oz. goodis xxjs. Richard
Tumbrell holdith the mansyon of the chantre with a garden wythyn the Close,
2 Edw. VI.]
Chantry of Giles, ^[ sometime bishop of Salisbury, for i chaplain at an annual
portion of lxvjs. viijd. [lxixs. viijd.] issuing from the possessions of the late
College, called Scholars Devawse; value of plate, etc., lxix3., xvi oz. goodis ijs.
[There was a mancyon house in the Close. Win. Foxall, incumbent.]
Chantry of John Waltham,** sometime bishop of Salisbury, for one chaplain
at a salary of cxiij8. iiijd., paid out of lands bequeathed to the dean and chapter ;
clear value £xi. vs., of plate, etc., xlvs. xd., ix oz. di. goodis xiij8. ijd., John
Uppington, incumbent. [The streets in Salisbury mentioned, are Castell Strete,
St. Edmundis Strete, Mylwarp Strete, Lygans Strete, and Carter Strete.]
II. Church of St. Thomas the Apostle. Two Chantries founded by Robert
Goodmanston,-\f for 2 chaplains, each to receive a stipend or salary of £xiij8.
iiijd., the one from the manor of Bulford, parcell of the possessions of the late
monastery of Ambresbury, now in the possession of the Earl of Hertford, \\ and
the other from the manor of Hannington late belonging to the monastery of
Maiden Bradley ; value of plate, etc. ixu. xvijs. xjd. ob., xl. oz. goodis iiijs.
clear value xiiij11. xixs. iiijd. [Henry Keylway and Henry Walronne, incum-
bents, the mansion and garden were in St. Thomas' churchyard.]
* The Iron Chapel was removed from the nave into the choir in 1778, at the expense of the Earl of
Badnor in the episcopate of Bishop Hume. (Dodsworth, 177.) Walter Lord Hungerford died
1449. For a view of the chapel, see Gough's " Sep. Monum." vol. ii.
+ He had been Canon of Tichfield, and Lord Southampton gave him this promotion and the free
chapel of Edmyston lis. yearly value.
t Treasurer of Salisbury, July 11th, 1427 ; dean June 28th, 1449 ; died May 16th, 1463.
\ Sir Edward of Bromham, Vice-chamberlain, died in France : his daughter married James
Stumpe who battened on the wreck of Malmesbury.
|| Died 1524. This beautiful Chantry Chapel remains on the south side of the Presbytery ; a view
is given in Britton's " Salisbury," pi. xiii, it is described p. 98.
T Giles de Bridport d. 1262. The Chantry Chapel is figured in Britton's Salisbury, pi. xxvi., and
described p. 95. It stands between two pillars in the south choir transept. In 1260 he founded the
College de Vaulx (in valle) for scholars between the Palace and Harnham bridge (Leland Itin. hi. 68)
** Died 1395, and was buried in Westminster Abbey.
++ At St. Bartholomew's Altar. (Hoare, New Sarum, 588.)
tt Edward Seymour, Earl of Hertford, K.G., d. April 6, 1621, buried in Salisbury Cathedral. See
bis epitaph, " Antiq. of Salisb.," 86—9.
Annotated by Mackenzie E. C. Walcott.
373
Chantry of "William Darwych, for i chaplain at a stipend of £vi. xiij3. iijd
from lands and tenements clear value £ix. xvj3. ixd. ob., ix1. vs. vd,, of plate
etc. lxxij3. ijd., xi oz. goodis ix^. ijd., Hen. Bryther, incumbent.
Chantry of William Swayne * for i chaplain at a salary of £xiij. vjB. vijd. ;
clear value xiiij1'. iij\ xd., xvu. xvijs., of plate xlvjs. ijd.
The Fraternity and Guild of the Mystery (ffelowship) of Tailors for j chap-
lain at cyjs. viijd. to celebrate for the souls of the Brethren and Sisters ; clear
value out of lands and tenements £ix. iij8. ijd., goodis yjs. viijd. Geo. Roggers,
incumbent.
III. College of St. Edmund. f One Master or Provost and four chaplains,
each having a stipend of £vi xiijs. iiijJ., j barber, j washerwoman (lautrix)
each at a stipend of x3. viijd., the residue of the profits £xxvi. xiijs. iiijd. go
to William Seyntbarbe esq., Master or provost. The founder is unknown.
The clear value ^ viiju. xiiij3. V1.
The Chantry of Reginald Tudworthe, first chaplain ; clear value £vi. vid.
[cviis. viijd.] [The stipend is stated to be £vj ; the plate weighed xix oz., and
the goods were appraised at xij3. iijd.] The plate iij3. vjd., goods xvd. [The
Masters of the Almeshouse of the Trynyties, Bucher rowe and Winchester
Street, and the Steward of Jesus Mass are mentioned.]
Chantry of the Art of Lez wevers for 1 chaplain; clear value xii1*. vijs. jd.
The Chantry £vij. xij3. viijd.
IV. Hospital of St. Nicholas,;}: founded by Robert, sometime bishop of
Salisbury, for a master or warden to maintain divers poor and infirm, and to
repair the bridge whereon is built the Chapel, in which two chaplains celebrate ;
clear value lixu. xiijs. The Hospital c3. jd. The above is that there were
intended to be by the foundation 3 chaplains, (now there is but one) besides the
warden and 1 2 poor folk.
Y. Hospital of St. Giles, Wilton,§ founded by Adelicia queen of England,
founded for the maintenance of the infirm and poor, distant one quarter of a
mile from the Parish Church. Income cxiiis. iiijd ; the Hospital xx6. vijd.
The Master only now resides, and there are no poor. \A Chappell standeth
covered with leade and the revenues amounte to vju. John Dowse is master
there, and iiij poore persons be releved.]
YI. The Hospital of St. John, Wilton, || for a prior and sundry brothers and
Sisters, number not specified ; clear value £viij ij3. vd. ob. There are a Master
a warden, a chaplain, and 4 poor brothers and sisters. The Hospital lxviij3.
viiid.
* At St. John's altar. Hoare, " New Sarum," 688.
+ Made Collegiate by Walter de la Wyle, bishop of Salisbury before 1270, for a provost and twelve
secular canons. (Tanner, 609.)
i Between the Close and Hamham bridge. Endowed by bishop Bingham, e. 1245, and restored
by James I, April 3, 1610. Tanner says it consists of a master nominated by the bishop, six poor
men and six poor women, (605).
\ Tanner says it was rebuilt in 1624 and is "in being for a prior or master and four poor folk who
receive 20s. apiece " (597). In.a patent of 5 Edward IV. it is called the Hospital of S.S. Giles and
Anthony.
|| Near the town gate. It existed in 1217. Tanner says it is being for a master or prior nominated
by the Dean of Salisbury, two poor men and two poor women having yearly £i 10s. 6d., (605).
2 e 2
374 Inventories of Church Goods, and Chantries of Wills.
VII. The Hospital of St. John, near Calne, founded by Lord Zouche * for
divers poor and infirm, clear value, lxvj8. vd. The Hospital £ij. The Master
Robert Blaze enjoys the revenue and there are no poor. [John Roberts, clerke,
master there perceiveth clere xviiju, iijH. vd. and no pore persons susteyned
thereby.]
VIII. The Hospital of St John, in Hateysbury, founded by Lady Margaret
Hungerford,t founded for 12 poor men and 1 women. But all the rents and
profits are in the hands of John Benet, servant to Will. Sherrington, Esq.
Clear value, xliju. xs, iijd. Hospital lxvijs. iiijd. There ought to be a grammar
school with a master at xu. a year but it does not exist. [Founded for a scole-
master, xij poore men and j woman ; clere valewe, xliju. xs. iijd. There be no
scolemaster for v or vj yers, but the poore persons only. Sir Will. Sherrington
perceyvith the issues.
IX. St. John Baptist Hospital \ in Creexade for poor folk. The Hospital
iiju. xis. (from lands.) [The Priorye or Free Chapell, Thos. Parham, incum-
bent, residente at a small benefyce in Dorsettshire ; clere iirp. xs. ijd., ijs. vjd.
to the dean and chapter.]
X. St. John's Hospital in M able burgh § for poor and infirm ; clear value
viijn. iij3. vijd. [xvjs* xid.] the master only resides. [The incumbent is ded,
the mayre and Comons desire the King to converte into affreescole.]
XL Chantry of William Burnell in Downton Church, for one chaplain ;
value iirp. iiijd. [lxxvs. iiij d. , Alen Meyrick, incumbent.]
XII. Chantry of Stephen Crionz in Feysherton Atjngere, Church for
1 chaplain ; clear value cxij3. xd. [cxviij8. iid., Jo. Powell hath it for exhybytion
to scole.]
XIII. Chantry founded by the Abbess of Shaetoet in Tysburye Church,
£xxvs. iiijd. [lxviij8. iiijd., Rich. Casemore, incumbent.]
XIV. Chantry of Sir Jo. Barkley in Meere Church || for iii Chaplains ; clear
value xviij1'. xijs. viijd. [xxiu. ix8. viijd., plate x oz., goodis lxxv3. xd., Jo.
Gelebron, Rich. Swayne and Jo. Ffefarde, incumbents.]
XV. Chantry in Wilton Minster granted to the Kingshands by John
Curtham late Cantarista, who received an annuitty of 5 marks from the
receivers of the minster lands; value lxvis. viijd. It was dissolved along
with the monastery.
XVI. Chantry of the foundation of Thos. Allerton in Holy Trinity Church,
Bradford, £xi. xiiij8. xi. [xi11. xiiij8. xid., plate xvij oz., goodis xxiij8. iiijd.]
There was a mansion, Wm. Ffurbrier, incumbent, bound by the fundacyon to
kepe scole and to gyve to the Clerk ther yerely xxs. to teache children to synge
• William Lord Zouche of Haningworth had lands? at Calne, held by the family in the reign of
Edw. IV. He died 5 Rich. II. (" Dugdale Baron, i. 691.")
+ Founded by the relict of Walter Lord Hungerford, John Cheyne Esq., and John Mervyn Esq., c.
1470. Tanner says the foundation consists of a warden appointed by the Chancellor of Salisbury, a
sub-warden, who reads daily prayers, twelve men and one woman nominated by the Lord of the
Manor.
X It existed in the time of Henry III. (Tanner 606.)
\ Built before 16 John. (Tanner 605.)
|] Elizabeth Zouche was abbess from 1504. " Hutchens' Dorset, ii- 415.
U Founded before 1408. " Hoare's Mod. Wilts, i. 13
Annotated by Mackenzie E. C. Walcott,
375
for the mayntenaunce of Devine Service, and also to destribute to the poore
yerely xiiis. iiijd. Bradforde is a greate parishe wherein be Dlvj people wiche
receive the Blessed Communyn, and no priests to help the vicar there saving
the Chauntry preeste, wherefore, etc.
XVII. Chantry of Adam Grenefeld in St. Geoege's, Ogbotjene, xxx*.
The " firmer " detains all the profits from March 25, 35°. Henry VIII. , since
the Chaplain's death.
XVIII. Chantry of Adam Grenefeld for one chaplain in the same £vj. vijs.
Plate xlj3. ijd.
XIX. Chantry of John Seyntloo, for one chaplain in St. Mary Magdalen's
Calnr ; clear value £viij vs. [ix3. x'1.] plate lxxij3. vijJ. [xiij oz. di., goodis ijs.
vj1'. Edw. Bruer has a pentyon cvjs. viijd. payd oute of the Courte of Augment-
acyon.
XX. Chantry of John Seyntloo, for j chaplain in St. Mary's Calne ; clear
value £iiij xviij3. iiijd. [xiij oz., goods ijs. Jo. Somerfield, incumbent.]
XXI. Chantry of Chippenham, £viij. [clear xju. vijd. plate x oz. f and a
chalesse sold by Mr. Snell for lxs., goods xiij3. viijd. 27. Our Lady's Chantry,
Rich. Whiginde, incumbent.
XXTI. Chantry of Shaldbeene, | mile distant from the Church, £iiij, plate,
lxxvj3 xd.
XXIII. Chantry of John Coventre, in St. Mary's, Devisez, forj chaplain;
clear value £vj xs. ijd., plate iij3. iiijd. The Mayor held the rents for the last
year and a half. [John Coventry the younger; clear value, ix11. xyjs. vijd.,
goodis iiij3. The Devises is a great towne wherein be but ij parishes and but j
person, in wiche be DCCC people which receave the Blessed Communion and no
preests besides the person to help in admiuistracyon of the worde of Godd and
Sacraments savinge the chantre preests, wherefore the Mayer and brethren etc.
They said the lands were given to them for ever.
Chantry of John Coventre in S. Mary's Devizes for i chaplain ; clear value
xiiij1'. xs. xjd [£vi. viijs. xd. Spent on repairs of the tenements in the Parisshe
Churche of Saynte John. Philippe Tyler incumbent ; clere viiju. ijs. ijd., goodes
iiij3. iiijd.]
Chantry of William Coventre for i chaplain in S. Mary's Devizes ; clear
value vj11. vj3. vjd.
Richard Cardmaker for i chaplain St. John's Baptists Devises ; value vi11.
iijs. iiijd., plate vis. viijd., [John Cardemaker's Chantry ; Thos. Hancocke incum-
bent occupies himself in the preehyng of Goddes worde. He was to sing at St.
Leonard's altar.
XXIV. Chantrey of John Westley, rents of Dccciiij., [M] sheep at xvjd. a sheep
for i chaplain, and to two men vij11. vij3. viijd., at ijd. a head at Eneorde, value
vij11. vijs. viijd. [Dciiijxii shepe dyed wherupon one person Birde gave Dlxxviii.
shepe toward the stocke which be now Dccciiiivj., praised at xvjd. the pese, and
letten for yerely rent of vij11. xviij8. vjd., plate xxx. oz J, goodis xxijd.
XXV. Chantry of Maiden Bradley, for i chaplain ; rents of dc sheep called
wether at ix11. a hundred, from Michaelmas xxxvi °Hen. VIII. during 5 years,
£vi. vj3. vjd., [Chapman's Chantry, John Larpole incumbent; xxxj11. of stock
were paid to the subsidies, xxxiij11. to remain.]
XXVI. Chantry of Geoffry Wrexall, for i chaplain to celebrate once in three
37G Inventories of Church Goods, and Chantries of Wilts.
weeks in North Wrexall, clear value xxxv8. William Spenser a student in
Oxford of xxtie yeres.
XXVII. Free Chapel of S. John by (under) the Castle of Old Sarum, i mile
from New Sarum ; foundation consists of 3 roods of pasture, 3 acres of arable
land on ffordfeld, and a close of the same near the Bishop's land, with 3 acres
vjs. viijd. [In the parishe of Stratford. Richard Dunstall incumbent, xii8.
Richard Eston of Winterborne Dauntsey hathe defaced the Chappell and solde
the tyles therein these ij monethes wiche was worthe xxvjs. viijd.]
XXVIII. Free Chapel, \ mile from Subpett, ; rents consists of tithes ;
value 1]X vjd. [In the Parish of Martyn, Jo. Holwayt, incumbent; clere ljs.
vjd., xxs. reprise to the bishop.
XXIX. Free Chapel of Escott, distant from the parish Church \ mile ; xls.
from lands let by Robert My lie Incumbent to Nich. Haris. [In the Parishe of
Urchfonte, Robert Hill, incumbent, xls., plate vij oz., goodis (iiijs. for a bell)
ixs.]
XXX. Free Chapel of Haywood, in Westbtjrt, and Acleton in Ffrytelton
parish, distant from those churches § and \ mile ; incomes from tenths let out
by the rector to Will. Heyward, and from lands £vj. [John Blythe * incumbent,
liijs. iiijd.]
XXXI. Free Chapel of Whelplat in Whytparysshe f -a-mile from the
Parish Church, from lands in Tuxhulfield, and offerings from Whelplay farm,
liijs. iiijd
XXXII. Free Chapel of Mounckton, | mile from the parish Church, from
lands late belonging to Glastonbury, £iiij. [Thos. Ymlott incumbent, a layman,
vju. viijX]
XXXIII. Free Chapel of Botjlham, \ mile from the Parish Church ; from
lands, tithes, and offnrings from Porton farm Idmeston, xls.
XXXIV. S. Martyn's Chapel, adjoining Chesebury Church; from de-
mesne lands, tithes of underwood and other property let to John Whytchurche,
liijs. iiijd.
XXXV. Coeton Chapel, distant from the parish Church, J m. ; from tithes
of Corton farm, let to Robert Coleman by the incumbent, lxvjs. viijd. [jn the
parishe o: ^lillmarton, Jo. Blysset incumbent, lxvjs. viijd. recedent on a benefice
in Northffolke.]
XXXVI. Norrige Chapel, a thousand paces from Warmyster Church ;
from land and tithes liijs. iiijd.
XXXVII. Sutton Parva Chapel, 500 paces from Sutton Magna, ; from
tithes of Sutton Parva, xxvjs. viijd. [John Shalden, incumbent, xxvj8. viijd.
XXXVIII. Bakyngton Chapel, from land and tithe, iiij". iiijs.
XXXIX. Alton Chapel f m. from the parish Church ; from tithes and land
let to Henry Mynte, vj11. xiijs. iiijd.
XL. Oeesy Chapel; from rent of " chauntry" messuage in Mannyngford
bounds, a stable and barn and mead, let to Thos Cave, xxx",
XLI. Whiteparyshe Chapel commonly called Uphaven, j m. from the
Parish Church ; from tithes of lands let to Rechard Huggens, vs.
XLII. Chalfield Chapel, f m. from the parish Church; from tithes of
farms let to Will. Westbury, gent, and Will. Thynne, Esq., xls.
• Archdeacon of Coventry 1510—68 prebendary of Hereford and Chiehester.
Annotated ly Mackenzie E. C. Walcott.
377
XLI1T. AssHERTOtf Chapel ; from the manor farm let to Will. Hilett, by-
Giles Thystelwaite incumbent, lxvjs. viijd.
XLIV. St. John Baptist Chapel, in St Mary's Deyisez, for one chaplain ;
from rents in the Mayer's hands, liij.s. ijd.
XLV. S. Mary's Chantry in Burport, Parish Malmesbury, for j chaplain ;
from lands and tenemets iiij11. xviijs.
XL VI. Chantry or Vicarage of Westport Malmesbury for j chaplain ; from
lands and tenements, iiiju. xviijs. [John Wymboll, stipendary ; clear cxiiijs.
ixd., goods lxs, out of the late Monastery and occupied himself in bringing uppe
younge children in learninge. He hath a pentyon of vu. Malmesbury is a
great towne and but ij parisshe churches, wherein be DCCCLX people which
receyve the Blessed Communyon and no preeste to heipe the vicars in admin-
istracon of the sacramentes saving the stipendary prestis, wherefore etc.
XL VII. Free Chapel of St. James, Whiteparishe ; from lands and tithes
from Rich. Lyghts copses, xxjs.
Sum Total of all possessions dccxx11. xs. ob. deductions and payments xlvjH.
xiiijs. xd. Clear value B-ciiij iiju. xs. ob. Clear annual value of the spiritual
promotions ccciiij iiju iijX xd. Value of the same in excess of the first certi-
ficate cxix11. xvjs. Value of other promotions omitted in the first certificate but
subject to payment of tithes and first fruits cxviij1'.
Annual value of promotions dissolved without the King's licence lxvju. xs. iid.
Sum total of the ornaments oxxix11, vijs. iijd.
Chantries dissolved without the King's licence.
I. Gilbert Keymer's Chantry. [See p. 372.]
II. Chantry in Highworthe, dissolved since Feb. IV., 2 of Hen. VIII., a
pension of viu. xiijs. iiijd. to j chaplain from Studley Grange, which the Earl of
Hertford acquired xxvi0. Hen. VIII. [John Parker, incumbent.]
III. Chantry of S. Katherines, Marlborough, from rents ix11. xijs. viij.,
the Earl of Hertford has them now.
IV. St. John's Chantry, Chippenham, profits iiij11. xixs. iiijd., in the hands
of the Earl of Hertford ; goodis iis. iiijd. (28) Robert Ledenton incumbsnt.
V. Chantry in Bromeham, rents xju. xvijs. xjd. in the hands of Andrew
Baynton, Esq.*
VI. Ralph Bereford's Chantry in Chtjet, bought from Thos. Brydges late
incumbent by Jo. Cock and Thos. Wrothe gent, rents were lxjs. iiijd. and are
now in the hands of Rich. Grove of Enperton, Southamptonshire gent, let by
the above ; value lxvj*. viijd. no incumbent for 4 years.
VII. Nicholas Woottens and Will. Yorkes Chantry, Ramsbtjry, rents viii11.
xiijs. ijd. now in lay hands after their resumption by Thos. Yorke dec.
VIII. Chantry in Estlavyngton, rents vju. ijs. iijd. now in the hands of
Isabella Baynton widow, f
Additional Particulars 2 Edward VI. in the 2nd or Paper Roll.
Bisshopp Beauchams's Chauntre in Salisbury Cathedral, Thos. Mack, incum-
bent ; a stipend was paid to the keeper of the Lady Chapel of xs., clear value
xixu. vjs. viijd. Plate xvi oz., goodis xxijs.
* Eldest son of Sir Edward, of Bromham.
+ Isabella Alley, of StockweU co. Surrey ; wife of Sir Edward Baynton.
378 Inventories of Church Goods, and Chantries of Wills.
Brotherhood and Preests of Jesus Service in St. Edmund's Church. Nicholas
Davyes, incumbent ; clear value viju. vjH. There was a College at S. Edmund's
the revenues wherof didd amounte to the 3'erely value of iiij ariip. xv8. iiijd.,
which was graunted to one Mr. Symberbe one of the Kynges Maieti<: his privey
chamber. Within the paroche is the number of M1. Dec people wiche receive
the Blessed Communion, and no vicar indowed nor any preest besydes the
Curate to helpe to mynyster the Sacrament savynge the said preests of the
chauntre and brotherhedd, all wiche togeyther with the ffellowes of the College
have been scantly able to serve in administration in the tyme of place, wher-
fore the parysshioners desire the Kinges most honourable Councell to consyder
hit accordinglye.
Jesus Masse in Seynt Thomas Church maintained out of lands bequethed by
Thomas Brodgate, clear value viju. ijs. vijd. Within the parisshe is the number
of mldcli. people wiche receive the Blessed Communion, and no vicar endowed,
nor any priest besides the Curate to helpe to mynyster the Sacrements savinge
the priests of the sayde Chauntrees and brotherhedds wiche to geyther be
scarcilly able to serve in administration. The Cytye is a goodly Cytye and well
peopled, as it is well known full of gentre, inconsideracyon wherof if hit myghte
plese the King and his hon. counsell to appoynt a scolemayster there for the in-
ducement of youthe it wollde not only serve the sayd cytye, but also the countre
adsonynge.
(19) Chantre at Ltjegeeshall. xviij11. x«. vd.
(21) Fforwardis Chantre Meee. Rich. Chafyn incumbent, clear value cxis.
viijd. plate xix oz. § goodis vs.
(23) Grenefred's Chantry North Bradley. Baltazar Segytte, incumber, viu.
vijs. Plate viij ox. di. Goodis ixs. iiii (viijs. iiij«i. for a bell).
(29) Brotherhood of S. Catherine's in the parish Churche of Chippenham,
Jo. Jeckett incumbent; clear value iiip.ixs. iijd., plate j challfre in the hds. of
Mr. Pye, goods xs.
In the said parisshe there be Dclxvij peopel wiche receyve the Blessed Com-
munion and no preest besydis the Vicar to helpe in the administracyon of the
Sacraments savinge the preests of the chauntrees and brotherhedds wherefore etc
(30) Priorye or ffre Chappell of S. John in Caliste ; clear value iiiju. iiijs. xid.
Rob. Blake incumbent, no preest but hadd it gyven unto hym for his exhybytyon
to ffynde hym to scole.
(31.) A Priest in St. Paul's Church, Malmesbury; clear vij1'1, xis. Thos.
Wassheborne, stipendiary.
(44) A preest in Coseham Church; clear lxxiiijs., Wm. Lewis, stipendiary.
Cosseham is a greate parisshe, wherein be Dlxvij people whiche receyve the
blessed Communyon and no prestes to helpe the Yicar saving the chantre preest,
because the Vicarage is so small levinge that he is not able to hyre a preeste
to helpe hym.
(45.) Terumberes Chauntre in Trowbridge Church ; clear xv11. xixs. jd#) goodis
iiijs. iijd, Robert Wheatacre incumbent hath occupied hymself in teachinge a
scole.
Trowbridge is a great paresshe wherein be the number of D people,
wiche, etc.
(46) Brotherhedde of Corpus Christe in the same, clear liiij8. vjd. goodis
Annotated by Mackenzie E. C. Walcott.
379
viij8. ijd. The Churchwardens say that the said land by the space of v yeres
was convertyd to the mendyne of highe wayes abowte Trowbrydge and where
as muche nede is.
(47) A Priest in St. Peter's, Marlborough, cvijs. iiijd>, goodis iiijs. ijd.
(48) A Priest in St. Peter's, Marlborowe by dede xix °Hen. VIII. for iiij
yeres. John Pottes stipendarye, clere yiiju. iijs. ix. after deductions for repair
of the Parish Church, goodis vs. iiijd.
(49) Preest in St. Mary's, Marlborough by dede Aug. 29, xix °Hen. VII. for
iiij yeres, clere viip. viijs. ijd.
(52) Jesus Service in St. Mary's, Marlborowe, xxvs. iiijd.
(53) St. Kateren's Chauntre in St. Peter's Marlborowe. Thos. Russell, in-
cumbent, clere viij11. xiij". viijd. after deduction or reprise of a yerely rent
goynge owte of the premisses to the Quene's Castell of Marleborowe iiijs.
(54) Chantry of Ffoster and Pengryve in St. Maryes, Marlborough. "Will.
Lewys incumbent, clere xli. iijs. iiij. (vs. were paid to the Castell.) The town
of Marlborowe is a great towne wherein be iij parisshe churches and in the
same Mlvi. people whiche receyve the Blessed Communion in every of whiche
there is a Vicar indowed, albeyt there lyvyngs be so small and their cures so
great that withoute helpe of some ministers they be not able to serve the cures,
and inconsyderashun thereof all the landis before mencyoned were gyven to
have contynuance werefore the Mayre and Comons, etc.
(55) Beak's Chauntre in Ogbourne St. George, clere xxxs. (vijs. vid. paid to
the King's College in Cambridge) there was a Chantry house.
(56) Our Lady's Ffraternitye in Alborne, Adam Heryll incumbente, clere
xvjs. (ix8. to the Duke of Somersett his grace) goodis iiij5. iiijd. In the parisshe
there be the number of iiijc people wiche receyve the Blessed Communion and
no priest to helpe the Vicar, etc.
(58) Free Chapel of Alton. Hemmyngs incumbent, clere viip. xiij3. iiijd.
(vjs. viiid. to Winchester Cathedral) plate x oz., goodis iijs. iiijd. the Vicar of
Ffygheldeane hathe xls. that he shulde minister the Sacramentis unto the
inhabitants of Alton.
(59) Free Chappell of Bernecourte in Whiteparishe. Thos. Symberd in-
cumbent, xiij5. iiijd.
(60) Free Chappell of Testewood in Whiteparish, Roger Gylporne incumbent Vs.
(61) Free Chappell or Parsonage off Bayclyffe in Mayden Bradleye xxvjs.
viijd. ther is no free Chappell but a parsonage.
(65) Free Chappell of Ffytelton, Jo. Blythe incumbent, lxvs. See xxx.
(66) Free Chappell of Chesebery in Lyttell Bedwyn, liijs. iiijd. reprise to the
Abbey of S. Denys in Hamshirc, vjs. viijd.
(67) Free Chappell of Standon Northe in Hungerforde, Berks. Edw.
Hungerforde incumbent, xxxiiij3. viijd.
(68) Free Chappell of Standon Southe, in the parisshe of Hungerford, Berks.
Will. Pette incumbent, xls.
(71) Hyndon Chappell or Bisshoppis Knoyle, distant from the parisshe
Churche of Knoyle ij myleles, and the toune of Hyndone is bothe a markett
toune, a borowe and a throwfare, the inhabitants wherof gave all the sayd
lande to the Chappell for their owne ease and opteyned lycence of the Kingis
noble progenytors so to doe, whereas the prieste is removable, atther pleasure
VOL. XII. — NO. XXXVI. 2 1?
380 Inventories of Church Goods, and Chantries of Wilts.
in consideraeyon of which, etc. . . . ffbr if they shulde be dryven to goe
to ther parisshe church of Knoyle the towne of Ilydon will uttlie dekeye,
clere lxxviiij3. iiid.
(72) A chnppell with cure of Shalborne Westwurte. Edward Blachall in-
cumbent, iiiju. plate, a chalesse, goodis iiijs. viiijd. diverse olde recordis testefye
the Cbappell to be a parishe Churche.
(73) Free Chappell of Saynt John Bapt. in the burrowe of the Devyses.
Robert Peade incumbent, clere lxxviij8. ijd., goodis (vjs. viijds for a bell) xiijs.
viijd.
(74) Free Chappell of Burdlyme in Idmyston. Gyles Crockforde incum-
bent, xls.
Free Chapels.
(75) Afferton in Barurck St. James. Gyles Theselthwayte incumbent, a
layman holding it as an exhibytyon at scole, vjs. viijd. A bell valued at xx8.
A chalesse and payre of vestements were sold before Mychelmas, xxxviii3.
Hen. 8.
(76) Norrege in Warminster. Will. Hill, incumbent, liij3. iiijd havinge a
lytell benefice in Wiltes of the value of viijn., goods (vs. ffbr a bell) vjs.
(78) Sherston Pynkeney, distant from greate Sherston J-myle, Symon
Shewer, incumbent resydente apon a benefyce in Somerset. The inhabitants
allege it to be a paresshe churche
(80.) Backehampton in Avebury, Jo. Warner, incumbent, Warden of
Alsowles College in Oxforde, iiij u. viijs.
(81) St. James in Whitparishe, xxjs., in the handis of Mr. Syonberbe.*
(82) Oxey, xxxs.
(83) Chalfeilde xls. in the handis of Jo. Thynne, Knyght.
(84) In the Paresshe of South Wroxall ; another in Byddesden.
(85) Obits in the Cathedral Church, maintained by lands and possessions.
Rychard Parsons xxiiij3. Stokis {John, Precentor, 1457 — 66,) and Cranborne,
xxvij8. iijd.
Jas. Havent, xxs. Jo. Gough and Rob. Phippayne, vijs. vjd.
Jo. Nugge, xxs. xd. Will. Tynbrell xxs. Rich. Netherhaven xiijs. iiijd.
Walter Bennet, xxvjs. Thos. Aylewarde, xiijs. iiijd.
Thos. Rupton, iijs. ixd. Robert Halam, {bishop, 1408—17) xiiij3. xjd,
Jo. Waltheham, (bishop 1388—95,) lixs. vjd. Henry Beweford,+ lxvjs. viijd.
Bisshopp Meddeforde, (1395—1407,) lxxvij3. iiijd. Will. Brebroke,J xjs. xjd.
Will. Sutten, vijs. j*. Will Elyotte, {chancellor, d. 1506,) xv3. vjd. Elys
Dureham, {de Dereham Canon, 1230) iiijs. jd, Symon Mychelham, {dean, 1287,)
xxs. Alex. Hennynglye, vijsc iijd.
Hen. Blouxton, xiijs. vjd. Will Corner, {bishop, 1289 — 91,) xij3. Raphe de
Eboraco, xs. vijd., {sub-dean 1256, chancellor 1288—1309.) Rob. Bingham,
{bishop 1229—46,) xjs. vjd. Bisshoppe De la Vyle, (bishop, 1263—
71,) xxvs. Bisshoppe Herbert, {Poore, 1194 — 1217,) xvjs. Nycholas de
Eboraco, xxvj8. viijd. Will, de Eboraco als. Wilte, {bishop, 1246 — 1256)
xijs. vd.
* Edward St. Barbe of Whiteparish, (son of William of the Privy Chamber to Henry VIII. and
Elizabeth, died 1562) ; died 1616. "G.M. ix. 414."
+ Cardinal Beaufort. t Bishops of London.
Annotated by Mackenzie E. C. Walcott.
381
Deane Herferde, (1238—57) xiijs. iiijd. Will. Shaftesbury iiijX iiijd.
Will. Ingram, xxvjs. viijd Bisshoppe Longspe, (1291—7,) xxvijs. ijd.
Erie Longspee, (d. 1226 Earl of Salisbury,) vijs. iiijd. Bisshoppe Eichard,
(Poore, 1217—28.) vijs. xde
Robt. Beaver, xvijs. iijd. Will. Lyme, iijs. ixd.
Elys of Saynt Albene, (chancellor, 1340—60,) xxvjs. xiijd. John Dacrye,
viijs. vjd.
Constantyne, xiijs. iiijd. Henry de la Yyle, xiiijs. ixd.
Jo. Osly, xiijs. iiijd.. Erie of Cornwayll xxs. Eobt. Huugerford iiij11. ixs.
vijd. Waltar Hungerford,* xxxvs. iijd. Jo. Hollbye xvs. vjd. Rob, Blousden,
(sub -dean, 1331,) xviijs. jd. Will. Edington iiiju xvs. iijd. Eob. Curville, xvs.
vd. Nicholas of St. duynteyne xiijs. iiijd.
liiju. xs. xd.
All the lyghts which were mayntened by the deane and chapter in any one
yere, iiiju.
All the residewe of the lyghts mayntenened by the Tresorer in any one
yere xlis. viijd.
(90) St. Thomas, Sarum. Prior of Eston's obit xiij3. iiijd.
Wm. Harrolde's obit out of a tenement in Bocher Eow xls.
(91) St. Marten's, Sarum. Thos. Yesye's obit (founded Michaelmas 5
Edw. III., owte of a tenement in Winchester St. viijs.
(92) West Deane. Wm. Andrewes founded iij lampes and j taper out of a
tenement xiiijd.
(93) Great Sutton. Sir Walter Abarrowe gave 5 acres in Northfielde for
V tapers before St. Mary's Image iiij3.
(94) Dynton. Will. Denge gave out of a medowe in Gustenfielde for j taper
before the Eode, xxd.
(95) Upton Kydmore for a yerely lampe out of ij acres, vjd.
(96) Broughton, Will. Kechyn for an anniversary out of a messuage and
close in Browed Mede, xs. xjd,
(97) Marden. For a yerely lampe out of land in Marden's fielde in the
Easte Sande and a cowe leyse in Horscroft, xxd,
(98) Chirton, for a yerely lyght out of lands, ijd.
(99) Wilforde, for a lyght upon the highe aulter out of land in Coxefurlonge,
viijd.
(100) Lacocke, Thomas Laurence's obit out of the Coem [common] feildis,
iiij8. vjd.
(101) Colerne, Eobert Bullock for a lampe owt of a cotage, xijd.
For the sepulchre light out of Churche mede, iiijs. iiijd.
(102) Yatton, Wm. Walker gave lands for to be prayed for in the Bead
roll, iiij a ,
(103) Ramesberye for a lampe out of the Lampe lande, ijs.
(104) St. Martens, Marleborowe. Eychard Croke's obit out of a tenement,
ijs. vjd.
Thos. Abothe's obit out of a tenement, vijs. iiijd.
* His effigy is on the south side of the naye removed from the Hungerford Chapel destroyed by
"VVyatt. The effigies of Walter Lord Hungerford and his wife are on the north side
2f2
382 Inventories of Church Goods, and Chantries of Wilts.
Rich, Austen's and John Goddarde's obit out of landis apperteyninge to the
chamber of the Burrowe of Marllborowe, xva.
Will. Seymour's obit out of a tenement in Newlande, vijd.
S. Marye's. Nycholas Ffryse's obit out of a tenement in Newlande, vs.
Thos. Seymour's obit out of a tenement in the Grene, vjs. viijd.
Jo. Malhewe for a lyght before the highe aulter out of a tenement in Sylver
Strete, ijs.
Jo. Bytheway's obit out of a tenement in Grenewarde, iijs.
Jo. Asale's obit out of a tenement in High Strete, iij«. ijd.
Jo. Esten's obit out of a tenement in Bayly Warde, ijs. jd.
St. Peter's. Jo. Loder's obit out of a tenement in Bayly Warde, xxd.
Jo. Winter's obit out of a tenement in Bayly Warde, ijs.
Rob. Nuttyuge's obit out of a tenement in High Strete, vjs. viijd.
(105) Calne. Jo. Swappe gave out of a pasture called " Scyls " for the
Pascall taper, vjs. viijd.
(106) Blacklonde. For a lampe out of Easte fyeld, iijd.
(107) Swyndon, for the Rode lyght out of lands in Escott Downe, iijd.
(108) Burnell Bassette for a lampe out of the coem. ffeilde, vjd,
(109) For a lamp out of the coem. ffeelde, viijd.
For a light by Wm. Maskelyn out of the Weste beeche feelde, vjd.
(110) High Worth. Jo. Curryer's obit out of tenements, xviij8. xd.
(111) Lydeard Mylsent. For a lampe out of Stone feelde, vd.
(112) Castell Yatton for a lampe out of Cley hill, iiijd.
Jo. Culey's obit and for repairs of the Church out of Coem. feeldis, ijs. vjd.
(113) Pyrton, for a lampe out of Gosty Mede called " Lampe acre," xvjd.
(114) Hannington, for the Sepulchre light* out of the Sepulchre half (feeld)
(115) For a lampe out of Overton feelde and Ffyfeildis feelde, xijd.
(116) Aveberye, for a lampe out of North fielde, yjd.
(117) Hanforde, for a lampe out of the coem feeldes, ijd.
(118) Bewycke S. James for a lampe out of the coem feeldis, xxd.
(119) Sheryngton, for a lampe out of the coem ffeildis held by Jo. Carter,
parson, xvjd.
Obit of the anceters of the lorde Broke, out of Tucke's medowe, viij3.
(120) Orcheston Marye, for a lighte before the highe aulter out of the Coem.
feeldis, xvjs,
(121) Westberye. Will. Aldman's obit out of lands, viijs.
Obit of the auncetters of Robert Leversage, Esq., viijs.
(122) Bratton. Richard Blatche gave for a lampe out of lands, xijd.
(123) Erlestoke, for a lampe out of Rickeman's pasture, iiijd.
(124) Est Bedwyn, for Judas lyght f out of Saynt Colles Close, xijd.
(125) Chilton, for the Paschall tapre out of a medowe, vjs.
(126) Stocketon, for a lampe out of landes, iiijd.
(127) Ffyserton, for a lampe out of Lockeridge feeld, vid.
(128) West Lavyngton, for a lampe out of Easte feilde, vjd.
* Used in the ceremonial of watching the Easter Sepulchre. [Sacr. ArchEeol., 243.]
+ The wooden core of the Paschal taper. [Sacr. Areheeol., 335.]
Annotated by Mackenzie E. C. Walcott.
383
(129) Sutton Benger, for a lampe out of Segreyes Southmede, xxd.
For the Rode lyght out of Langley's marshe, xd.
Jo. Rycheman gave out of lands to the Rode lyght, xiid.
(130) Myntye. Roger Capis gave for a lampe * out of Well Mede and Lang-
doles, iijs. iiijd.
(131) Warmester, for ij torches, ij tapers, and j obit out of the coem. feelds,
xxiij8. viijd.
For an obit and the high Crosse lyght f out of lands given by Rich. Ffyelde,
xvjX
For an obit and certeyn lyghts out of a tenement given by Jo. Chafynne of
Sarum, xxvj3. viijd.
For a preest in St. Laurence Chapell out of a cottage given by Jo. Sheperde,
xvjs.
For the same preest [Christopher James] out of a close given by the lordis of
Warmester, xls.
A lytell house was given by the parisshnners for the habitacyon of the
Chappell preeste, ijs.
For a lampe out of Longecrosse pasture, gyven by Elin Keldewe, wydowe
ijs. viijd.
There is a Chappell called S. Laurence Chappell, standinge in the mydell of
the towne, wherein the inhabitants flfound a preeste to synge for the ease of them
because the paresshe church a quarter of a myle oute of the towne and converted
all the lands aforewrytten in Warmester to that purpose, and bare the rest of
his wagis of there oune purses. Warmester is a very good market towne with
a greate paresshe wherein be viiic people whiche recey ve the Blessed Communeon
and no preeste besides the Yicar etc.
Sevynhampton Highworth. Lady Ryver's obit out of lands, xs., deteyned
by Jo. Warneford, gent. Adam de Purton, Knt. before the Conqueste gave
all his landes in Crudwell to the Yicar of Assheton Keynes to fynd a Preeste
to synge for the soule of the Adam Cycelye and Sare his wives, to the yerely
valewe of xxxvs. [The Yicar found no priest and took the money].
Some of all the issues, etc., and the praise of all j lands clxvu. vijX ijd.
XX {
the ornaments, Clere ciiijix11. xvjs. jd. ' ornaments xxiiiju.viijs. xjd.
Plate of chantries, etc., delyvered to Anthony Aucher, Knt., Master of the
Kyngs Jewellhouse clxvij.oz., iij. quart., gylte cciiij. vii.oz. iij. quart., parcell
gylte cclxiij.oz., whyteplate xj.oz.
Residewe remayning in the handes of Diverse persons, Mr. Snelle, Mr. Pye,
the feoffees of Cosseham, and the incumbent of Shalbourne, iiij challeses,
per nos, Jo. Berwycke, Thos. Chafyne of Mere, Laurence Hyde.
• The Sacrament lamp, or light before the high altar, [Const. Oxon. Lyndw. App. 7 ; Sacr. Archaeol.
342.]
tThe same as the Rood light above, "lumen ecclesiae coram corpore Cbristi crucifixo." (Lyndw.
196,) a light burning before the crucifix on the rood-screen. [Sacr. Aichseol. 512.]
384
an Act of Parliament, 11th and 12th of William III,
1609, it was enacted that any one who should apprehend
and cause to be convicted any person guilty of burglary, house-
breaking, or horse-stealing, should be entitled to receive from the
judge a certificate, usually called a " Tyburn Ticket" which should
exempt him from all manner of parish and ward offices. If
the owner of such certificate did not avail himself of the
privileges thus granted, he might assign it once over to another
person.
In the reign of Queen Anne, 1706, it was further enacted that
apprehenders of burglars, &c, should have an additional reward of
£40 for every conviction. Great abuses followed this enactment,
and many an honest man was sacrificed for the sake of the "blood-
money," as it came to be called. By the 58th of Geo. Ill cap. 70
the right to assign the certificates was abolished ; and by an act
passed June 1827, (7 & 8 Geo. IV., sec. I,) the section of the act
of Wm. III., by which they were originally granted was altogether
repealed.
The following document, (the original of which was lately pre-
sented to the Society,) is an example of a Tyburn Ticket, and as a
record of the past may be interesting.
" Wilts (to wit).
These are to certify that at the General Gaol Delivery held at New Sarum
in and for the County of Wilts, on Saturday the Sixth day of August Instant,
before me whose name is hereunto subscribed one of his Majesty's Justices
Assigned to deliver the Gaol of the County aforesaid of the Prisoners therein
being Josepb Cole was Tried and Convicted of privately stealing in the ware-
house of John Anstie of the Borough of Devizes on the Twenty seventh day of
March last one piece of Cloth made of Silk and Wool and other goods value
Thirty Six Shillings his property and that it doth appear to me that the said
John Anstie did apprehend and take the said Joseph Cole and did prosecute
him until he was convicted of the ffelony aforesaid and that for a Reward unto
the said John Anstie upon such Conviction by virtue of an Act of Parliament
made in the tenth and eleventh years of the Reign of his late Majesty King-
William the Third Intituled, an Act for the better apprehending prosecuting
Donations to the Museum and Library.
385
and punishing of ffelons that commit Burglary Housebreaking or Robbery in
Shops Warehouses Coachhouses or Stables or that steal Horses the said John
Anstie ought to be and is discharged of and from all manner of Parish and
Ward Offices within the Borough of Devizes aforesaid wherein the ffelony
aforesaid was committed and this I do hereby Certify in order to his being
discharged accordingly Given under my hand this eighth day of August one
thousand seven hundred and ninety one.
LOTJGHBOEOTTGH."
(0 f 1792' May the Seventh.
^ ° ( Entered and inrolled with me
( Clerk of the Peace
lurner [ of the County of Wilts.
It appears that Mr. Anstie did not avail himself of the privileges
conveyed by his certificate, for the year following he disposed of it
by deed of assignment, duly stamped, to John Rose, of Devizes,
Baker. The consideration money paid by Rose was ten pounds,
and the costs of " Drawing, Ingrossing, Assignment, Stamps and
Paper," paid to the lawyer in the case, Mr. E. Joye, amounted to
one pound, one shilling. The money value of a " Tyburn Ticket"
in those days is thus fairly shown.
The last of these certificates issued in Wiltshire was to the late
John Drewe, of Bishops Cannings, in July, 1818.
onattottg to % Htusam
The Council beg to acknowledge with thanks, the following Donations : —
"On the Superficial Deposits of Hampshire," &c: — By Thomas Codeington,
Esq., F.G.S. By the author.
" Flint Chips ":— By E. T. Stevens, Esq., 1 vol, 8vo. By the Trustees of the
Blackmore Museum.
" Collectanea Antiqua":— By C. Roach Smith, Esq., F.S.A., five vols., 8vo.
By the author.
Proceedings of the following Societies have also been received. " Soc. of Antiq.
of Scotland," one Part 8vo. " Soc. of Antiq. of London, three Parts, 8vo.
" Hist, and Archasol. Soc. of Ireland, three Parts. " Cotteswold Naturalists'
Club " for 1869.
Roman Coins and other objects in Bronze, found at Silchester. By Mrs.
Tannee, Yuteshury.
Eight Roman Coins ; small bronze Torque, and bronze ornament. By Rev.
Heney Haeeis, Winterbourne.
END OF VOL. XII.
H. F. & E. BULL, Printers, Saint John Street, Devizes.
WILTSHIRE
■ttjjjeologicsl & IJateal Jistwg Jkaetg.
DECEMBER, 1870.
Patron :
The Most. Honotteable the Mabqttis of Lansdowne.
President :
Chables Penetjddocee, Esq.
Vice-Presidents :
The Most Hon. the Marquis of Ailes- G. H. W. Heneage, Esq.
bury
Sir John Wither Awdry, Knt.
The Rt. Hon. T. H. S. Sotheron
Estcourt
E. C. Lowndes, Esq.
The Rt. Hon. the Earl Nelson
R. Parry Msbet, Esq.
G. Poulett Scrope, Esq,
General Secretaries :
The Rev. A. C. Smith, Yatesbury Rectory, Calne,
W. Cunnington, Esq., St John's Court, Devizes.
Financial Assistant Secretary :
Mr. William Nott, Savings Bank, Devizes.
Council :
T. B. Anstie, Esq., Devizes
Henry Brown, Esq., Blacklands Park
Robert Clark, Esq., Devizes
Richard Coward, Esq., Boundway
The Rev. W. Ewart, Bishops Can-
nings
The Rev. W. H. Jones, Bradford on
Avon
Alexander Meek, Esq., Devizes
Dr. Meeres, Melksham
H. A. Mere wether, Esq., Bowden
Hill
The Rev. W. H. Teale, Devizes
Dr. Thurnam, Devizes
S. Wittey, Esq., Devizes
Trustees :
Sir John Wither Awdry, Knt.
Sir Edmund Antrobus, Bart.
Sir F. H. H. Bathurst, Bart.
W. Cunnington, Esq.
The Rt. Hon. T.H. Sotheron Estcourt
Rev. Arthur Fane
H. A. Merewether, Esq.
The Earl Nelson
Charles Penruddocke, Esq.
G. Poulett Scrope, Esq.
ii
LIST OF OFFICERS.
Treasurer :
F. A. S. Locke, Esq.
District and Local Secretaries :
G. Alexander, Esq., Westrop House
Sigh worth
H. E. Astley, Esq., Hungerford
The Rev. E. C. Barnwell', Melksham
W. Forrester, Esq., Malmesbury
1ST. J. Iiighmore, Esq., M.D., Brad-
ford on Avon
H. Kinneir, Esq., Swindon
W. F. Morgan, Esq., Warminster
J. E. Nightingale, Esq., Wilton
G. Noyes, Esq., Chippenham
The Rev. W. C. Plenderleath, Cher-
hill Rectory
The Rev.T. A. Preston, Marlborough
College
J. Farley Rutter, Esq., Mere
E. T. Stevens, Esq., Salisbury
H. J. F. Swayne, Esq , Wilton
The Rev. E. Wilton, West Lavington
LIST OF SOCIETIES IN UNION" WITH THE
Wiltshire %u^k$^ mtir ffetal itetmrg Jtetetf;
jFbr interchange of Publications, fyc.
The Society of Antiquaries of London.
The Archaeological Association of Ireland.
The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland.
The Royal Archaeological Institute.
The Kent Archaeological Society.
Professor Jewitt.
JLtjSt of #t embers.
Life Members.
Ailesbury, The Most Hon. The Mar-
quis of, E.G., Savernake Forest
Awdry, Sir John Wither, Notton
House, Chippenham
Bruce, Lord Charles, M.P., Saver-
nake, Marlborough
Clarke, Henry M., 25, Mount St.,
Grosveuor Square, London
Duke, Rev. Edward, Lake House,
Salisbury
Estcourt, Rt. Hon.T. H. S. Sotheron,
Bstcourt, Tetbury
Fitzniaurice, Lord E., M.P., Bowood
Grove, Thomas Fraser, M.P., Ferne,
Salisbury [Calne
Heneage, G. H. W.,Compton Bassett,
Hoare, Sir Henry, Bart., M. P. ^tour-
head
Holford, R. S., M.P., Weston Birt,
Tetbury [mere, Chippenham
Jackson, Rev. Canon, Leigh Dela-
Lansdowne, The Most Hon. The
Marquis of, Bowood, Calne
Lowndes, E. C., Castle Combe, Chip-
penham
Merewether, H. A., Bowden Hill,
Chippenham
Morrison, George, Hamp worth Lodge,
Downton
Neeld, Sir John, Bart., Grittleton
Nisbet, R. P., Southbroom, Devizes
Penruddocke, C, Compton Park,
Salisbury [Corsham
Poynder, T. H. A., Hartham House,
Prior, Dr., R. C. A., 48, York Ter-
race, Regents Park, London
Selfe, H., Marten, Great Bechvyn
Scrope, G. Poulett, 25, Park Gate,
South, London
Wellesley, Lady Charles, Conholt
Park, Andover [Gifford
Wilkinson, Rev. John, Broughton
Annual Subscribers.
Adams, Rev. J., Stockcross Parson-
age, Newbury
Alexander, G., Westrop House,
Highworth
Anstice, Rev, J. B., The Vicarage,
Huugerford
Anstie, T. B., Devizes
Antrobus, Sir E , Bart., M.P., Ames-
bury
Astley, H. E., Hungerford
Awdry, Rev. E. C, Kington St.
Michael, Chippenham
Awdry, H. Goddard, Notton, Chip-
penham
Awdry, Justly W., Melksham
Awdry, West, Monkton, Chippenham
Bailward, J., Horsington, near Win-
canton
Baker, T. H., Mere, Bath
Barrey, H. G., Devizes
Barnwell, Rev. E. C, Melksham
Baron, Rev. J., The Rectory, Upton
Scudamore, Warminster
Bath, The Mest Hon. The Marquis
of, Longleat, Warminster
Bateson, Sir T., Bart., M.P., 32,
Grosvenor Place, London, S.W.
Bathurst, Sir F. H. H., Bart.,
Clarendon Park, Salisbury
Bellers, Capt. R.B., Devizes
Bennett, Rev. F., Shrewton
Bennett, F. J., M.D., Wilton, Salis-
bury
Bethell, S., The Green, Calne
Bingham, Rev. W. P. S., Devizes
Blackmore, H., Crane Street, Salis-
bury
Blackmore, Dr. H. P., Salisbury
Blake, F. A., Market Place, Salis-
bury
Bleeck, C, Warminster
Bolam, C. S., Savernake Forest,
Marlborough
iv
LIST OF MEMBERS.
Booker, Rev. J". K., Reading
Bouverie, The Rt. Hon. E. P.,M.P.,
Market Lavington
Brack stone, R. H., Lyncombe Hill,
Bath
Bradley, Rev. G. G., The Lodge,
Marlborough
Brewin, R., Cirencester
Brine, J. E., Rowlands, Wimborne
Britton, Mrs., 1, Gresham Yillas,
Croydon Grove, West Croydon,
Surrey
Brown, G., Avebury
Brown, H., Blacklands, Calne
Brown, J., Carnarvon Cottage, Lon-
don Road, Salisbury
Brown, Messrs., Salisbury
Brown, Mrs., South Yiew,Aldbourne,
Hungerford
Browne, T. P., Baydon, Hunger-
ford
Bruges, R. H. L., Seend, Melksham
Buckerfield, Rev. F. H.,The Rectory,
Collingbourne Ducis, Marlborough
Buckley, Rev. J,, Sopworth Rectory,
Chippenham
Buckley, Major General, New Hall,
Salisbury
Bull, Messrs., Devizes
Bythesea, S. W., The Hill, FresMord,
Bath
Caillard, C. F. D., Wingfield, Trow-
bridge
Galley, Major, Burderop, Swindon
Carey, Rev. T., Fifield Bavant,
Salisbury
Cholmeley, Rev. C. Humphrey, Din-
ton Rectory, Salisbury
Clark, Robert, Springfield House,
Devizes
Clark, T., Trowbridge
Clarkson, R., The Priory, Calne
Codrington, Thos., 6, Marlborough
Villas, Richmond, Surrey
Colborne, Miss, Chippenham
Colfox, Thomas, Rax, Bridport,
Dorset
Colston, Mrs., Roundway Park
Colwell, J., Devizes
Conolly, C. J. T., Cottles, Melksham
Cooper, Herbert, Wootton Basset
Cornthwaite, Rev. J., Walthamstow,
London, JST.E.
Cosway, Rev. S., Chute, Andover
Coward, Richard, Round way,Devizes
Cowley, The Rt. Hon. Earl, K.G.,
Draycot House, Chippenham
Cresswell, W.J H., Pinckney Park,
Malmesbury
Crook, Rev. H. S. C, Bath
Crowdy, Rev. Anthony, Titsey Rec-
tory, Redhill, Surrey
Crowdy, W. Morse, Macaulay Buil-
dings, Bath
Cunnington, H., Devizes
Cunnington, W., Devizes
Daniell, Rev. J. J., Langley Fitzurse,
Chippenham
Daubeny, Rev. John, Theological
College, Salisbury
De Lisle, Rev. G. W., The College,
Marlborough
Dixon, S. B., Pewsey
Dodd, Samuel, Hartland Row, Kent-
ish Town, London
Dowding, Rev. T. W., Marlborough
Dowding, Rev. W., Idmiston, Salis-
bury
Duncan, Rev. J., Vicarage, Calne
Dyke, Rev. W., Bagendon Rectory,
Cirencester
Eddrup, Rev. E. P., Bremhill, Calne
Edgell, Rev. E. B., Bromham, Chip-
penham
Edwards, Job, Amesbury
Ellen, John, Devizes
El well, Rev. W, E., The Rectory,
Dauntsey, Chippenham
Estcourt, Rev. W. J. B., Long
Newnton, Tetbury
Ewart, Rev. W., Bishops Cannings,
Devizes
Everett, Rev. E., Manningford Ab-
botts
Eyre, Charles, Welford Park, New-
bury
Eyre, Rev. D. J., Salisbury
Eyre, G. E., The Warrens, Lynd-
hurst
Eyre, G. E. Briscoe, 59, Lowndes
Square, London, S.W.
Fawcett, E. J., LudgershalL Andover
Fisher, F. R., Salisbury
Flower, T. B., 7, Beaufort Buildings
West, Bath
Forrester, William, Malmesbury
LIST OF MEMBERS.
Fowle, T. Everett, Chute Lodge,
Andover
Fowle, Miss, Market Lavington
Fuller, J. Bird, Neston Park, Melk- .
sham
Gee, William, Wood side, Freshford
Gibraltar, The Lord Bishop of
Goddard, Ambrose L., Swindon
Goddard, Rev. F., Hillmarton
Goddard, H. Nelson, Clyffe Pypard
Manor
Godwin, Charles, 13, Norfolk Cres-
cent, Bath
Goldney, Gabriel, M.P., Chippenham
Golclney, T. H., Rowden Hill, Chip-
penham
Good, Dr., Wilton, Salisbury
Gordon, Hon. and Rev. Canon,
Salisbury
Gore, Arthur, Melksham
Grant, Rev. A., Manningford Bruce
Graves, Robert, Charlton Ludwell,
Donhead St. Mary, Salisbury
Griffith, C. Darby, Padworth House,
Reading
Grindle, Rev. H. A. L., Devizes
Grove, Miss Chafyn, Zeals House,
Bath
Gwatkin, J. Reynolds, Nonsuch
House, Bromham, Chippenham
Halcomb, John, Chievely, New-
bury
Hall, Rev. Henry, Semley Rectory,
Shaftesbury
Hall, Marshall, 3, Cleveland Ten ace,
Hyde Park, London
Hanbury, Edgar, Eastrop Grange,
Highworth
Harris, George, Calne
Harris, Rev. H., Winterbourne Bas-
sett, Swindon
Hartley, Rev. Alfred Octavius, Steeple
Ashton, Trowbridge
Hayward, W. P., Wedhampton
Heathcote, Rev. G., 1, Northfield,
Ryde, Isle of Wight
Henly, R., Calne
Heytesbury, The Right Hon. Lord,
Heytesbury
Highmore, Dr. N. J., Bradford on
Avon
Hill, Miss, 16, Phillimore Gardens,
Kensington, London, W.
Hill, Jonathan, Devizes
Hill, W. Henry, The Green, Devizes
Hitchcock, Dr., Fiddington, Market
Lavington
Hodgson, Rev. J. D., The Yicarage,
Great Bedwyn, Hungerford
Hony, Yen. Archdeacon, Baverstock,
Salisbury
Horsey, Ralph, Corsham
Howse, T., 19, St. Pauls Church-
yard, London
Hughes, Rev. J. H.
Hulbert, H. H., Devizes
Hulse, Sir Edward, Bart., Breamore,
Hants
Hussey, James, Salisbury
Hutchings, Rev. R. S., Alderbury,
Salisbury
Inman, Rev. E., Wilton, Salis-
bury
Jackson, Joseph, Devizes
Jennings, J. S. C., Malmesbury
Jones, Rev. W.H., Bradford on Avon
Jones, W. S., Malmesbury
Kcmble, Rev. C, Bath
Kemm, Thomas, Avebury
Kemm, W. C, Amesbury
Kenrick, G. G, Melksham
King, Rev. Bryan, Avebury
King, Rev. C, Stratford sub Castle,
Salisbury
Kingdon, Rev. H. T., 71, Wells
Street, Cavendish Square, London
Kinneir, H., Redville, Swindon
Knight, Rev. J., Heytesbury, Bath
Lancaster, Rev. T. B., 11, Princes
Buildings, Clifton
Law, Rev. R. Y., Christian Malford,
Chippenham
Lawrence, W. F., 41, Great Pulteney
Street, Bath
Leach, R. Y., Devizes Castle
Little wood, Rev. S., Edington, West-
burv
Locke", F. A. S., Rowdeford, Devizes
Locke, John, Chicklade, Hindon
Long, Henry J., Lanthorne Hatch,
Farnham, Surrey
Long, R. P., Rood Ashton, Trow-
bridge
Long, Walter, Preshaw House,
Bishops Waltham, Hants
vi
LIST OF MEMBERS.
Long, William, West Hay, Wring-
ton, Somerset
Luce, Thomas, Malmesbury
Ludlow, H. G. G., Heywood House,
Westbury
Lukis, F. C, Guernsey
Lukis, Rev. W. C, Wath Rectory,
Ripon
Lyall, J. Blunsden Hall, Blunsden
St. Andrew, Swindon
Macdonald, W. H,, The College,
Marlborough
Manning, G., Jun., Wedhampton
Mansell, W., M.A., Marlborough
College
Marlborough College Nat. Hist.
Society, The President of
Martin, C. W., The Hill, Purton
Maskeylne,, E. Story, Bassett Down
House, Swindon LDury
Master, Rev. G. S., West Dean, Salis-
Matcham, G., New House, Salisbury
Matravers, J. H., Melksham
Mathews, R. G., Maple Croft, Frank-
leigh, Bradford on Avon
Mc. Niven, Rev. C, Patney
Medlicott, H. E., Potterne
Medlicott, Rev. J., Potterne
Meek, A., Hill worth, Devizes
Meeres, Dr. Melksham
Meredith, Capt., Rowde
Meiriman, E. B., Marlborough
Merriman, W. C, Marlborough
Methuen, Rt. Hon. Lord, Corsham
Court
Meyrick, Rev. E., Wyndersham
House, Amesbury
Miles, Col. C. W., Burton Hill,
Malmesbury,
Miles, E. P., Erlwood, near Bagshot
Miles, J., Wexcombe, Burbage,
Marlborough
Morrice, Rev. W. D., Longbridge
Deverell, Warminster
Morgan, W. F., Warminster
Morris, J. Fitzroy, Salisbury
Moulton, S., Kingston House, Brad-
ford on Avon
Mullings, Richard, Stratton, near
Cirencester
Nelson, Rt. Hon. Earl, Trafalgar,
Salisbury
Nelson, Lady, Trafalgar, Salisbury
Nicholls, J. G., Parliament Street,
Westminster
Nightingale, J. E., Wilton
Nott, William, Devizes
Noycs, George, Chippenham
Noyes, James, Chippenham
Noyes, John, Chippenham
Noycs, John, 9, Lansdowne Road, N.
Kensington Park, London
Olivier, Rev. Dacres, Wilton, Salis-
bury
Parfitt, Rt. Rev. Canon, Cottles,
Melksham
Parry, J., Jun., Allington
Parsons, W.F., Hunt's Mill,Wootton
Bassett
Peacock, Rev. E., Road Hill Par-
sonage, Bath
Peill,Rev.J. N,, Newton Tony, Salis-
bury
Perry Keene, Major, Minety House,
Malmesbury
Phillips, Jacob, Chippenham
Phipps, Charles Paul, M.P., Chalcot,
Westbury
Phipps, John L., Leighton House,
Westbury
Pickwick, Capt. C. H. S.,Frankleigh,
Bradford on Avon
Pinckney, G. H., Tawstock Court,
Barnstaple
Plenderleath, Rev. W. C, Cherhill
Rectory, Calne
Pooke, Rev. W. H., Keevil
Powell, W., M.P., Dauntsey House,
Chippenham
Pratt, James, Wootton Bassett
Preston, Rev. T. A., Marlborough
College
Price, R. E., Marlborough
Proctor, W., Rialto Villa, Redland
near Bristol
Pyper, Rev. R., Bratton Yicarage,
Westbury
Randell, J. S., Rudloe Lodge, Cor-
sham
Ravenhill,John, Ashton, Hevtesbury
Ravenhill, W. W., Greenhill, War-
minster
Ravenshaw, Rev. T. F. T., Pewsey
Rawlings, James, Shurnell Leaze
House, near Melksham
Rich, Rev. J., Chippenham
Rigden, R. H., Salisbury
Rogers, Walter Lacy, Rainscombe,
Marlborough
LIST OF MEMBERS.
Vll
Rolls, John E. W., The Hendre,
Monmouth
Rutter, J. F., Mere, Bath
Sadler, S. C, Purton Court, Swindon
Salisbury, The Very Rev. The Dean
of, The Close, Salisbury
Saunders, T. Bush, Bradford on Avon
Seymour, A., M.P., Knoyle House,
Hindon
Seymour, H. R., Crowood, Ramsbury
Simpson, George, Devizes
Skrine, H. D., "Warleigh Manor,
Bradford
Sladen, Rev. E. H. M., Alton Barnes
Sloper, Gr. E., Devizes
Sloper, S. W., Devizes
Smith, Rev. A., Old Park, Devizes
Smitb, Rev. A. C., Yatesbury
Soames, Rev. C, Mildenhall, Marl-
borough
Southby, Dr. A., Bulford, Amesbury
Spencer, J., Bowood
Speke, W., Monks Park, Corsham,
Chippenham
Spicer, Major, Spye Park, Chittoe,
Chippenham
Stallard, Rev. A. Q., Pewsey
Stallard, Rev. G., East Grafton Par-
sonage, Marlborough
Stancomb, J. Perkins, The Prospect,
Trowbridge
Stanton, Ven^ Archdeacon, Bur-
bage, Marlborough
Stevens, E. T., Salisbury
Stevens, Joseph, St. Mary Bourne,
Andover
Stokes, Robert, Salisbury
Stone, William, Bradford on Avon
Straton, C. R., The Square, Wilton.
Stratton, Alfred, Rushall
Strickland, Rev. E., Brixton Deverell
Strong, Rev. A., St. Paul's Rectory,
Chippenham
Suffolk, Rt. Hon. The Earl of,
Charlton Park, Malmesbury
Swann, Capt., Holy Street, Honiton
Swayne, H. J. F., Wilton, Salisbury
Swyer, R. N., Shaftesbury
Talbot, C. H., Lacock Abbey, Chip-
penham
Tanner, W. H., Rockley House,
Marlborough
Taylor, C, Trowbridge
Taylor, S. W., Erlestoke Park,
Devizes
Teale, Rev. W. H., Devizes
Thurnam, Dr., County Asylum,
Devizes
Tugwell, W. E., Devizes
Ward, Rev. H., Aldwincle, near
Thrapston
Ward, Col. M. F., Bannerdown
House, Batheaston, Bath
Warren, Rev. E. B., Marlborough
Waylen, R. F., Admiralty, White-
hall
Wayte, Rev. W., Eton, Windsor
Weller, Mrs. T., 22,Tamworth Road,
Croydon, Surrey
Whinfield, Rev. E. T., Woodleigh,
Bradford on Avon
Whitby, Rev. R. V., The Yicarage,
Lechlade
White, W. M., Springfield Villa,
Bath
Wickham, Rev. H. D., The Rectory,
Horsington, Wincanton
Wilkinson, Rev.Dr.,WestLavington
Wilmot, F. S., Chippenham
Wilson, J., M.A., Chippenham
Wilton, Rev. E., West Lavington
Winthrop, Rev. B., Hardenhuish,
Chippenham
Wittey, S., Devizes
Wyatt, T. H., 77, Great Russell St.,
London, W.C.
Wyld, Rev. W. T., Woodborough
Wyndham, C. H., Wans, Chip-
penham
Yates, S. P., Wilton
Yeatman, Rev. H. W., Elm Grove,
Salisbury
Yockney, A., Pockeridge, Corsham
Zillwood, F. W., Salisbury
H. F. & E. BULL, Printers and Publishers, Devizes.
AGENTS
WILTSHIRE MAGAZINE.
Bath R. E. Peach, Bridge Street.
Bristol T. Kerslake, 3, Park Street.
Bradford on Avon, J. Day, Old Market Place.
Chippenham .... GL Noyes, High Street.
Devizes . . H. F. & E. Bull, St. John Street.
Marlborough .... W. W. Lucy, High Street.
Melksham ...... A. Cochrane, Bank Street.
Oxford J. H. & J. Parker, Broad Street.
Salisbury, , Brown and Co., Canal.
Swindon J. New.
Warminster B. W. Coates, Market Place.
H. P. & E. BULL, PRINTERS, DEVIZES.
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