"The rood-loft extends across the chancel arch, and is approached from the organ loft by a passage in the thickness of the wall. This loft is entirely of English oak, and consists of a centre doorway and six lateral divisions, each separated by a shaft, from which the overhanging groining springs, after the manner of several ancient examples in Norfolk, Suffolk, and Somersetshire. The front brestsumer is most artificially wrought with foliage, grapes, &c., and along it is this Scripture, Christus factus est obediens usque ad mortem: mortem autem crucis: propter quod et Deus exaltavit illum et donavit illum nomen quod est super omne nomen.'

"The sides of the loft are protected by pierced quatrefoils and carving, relieved by painting and gilding, and the lower part contains twelve panels, intended to be filled by images of the apostles. From the centre of the loft rises the great rood or crucifix, with the attendant images of our Blessed Lady and Saint John, which are placed on pedestals united to the foot of the rood with rich tracery. The cross is crocketed at the sides, and terminates at the extremities with quatrefoils containing emblems of the evangelists, and surrounded with foliage.

"The chapel of the Blessed Sacrament is divided from the south aisle by a stone arch and an open screen of wrought brass. The lower panels are filled with chased and perforated work, representing chalices, with the Blessed Sacrament and lambs alternately, and a pierced cresting surmounts the upper part, rising into crosses and crowns for tapers. Although light in appearance, this screen is of immense weight, and has occupied nearly two years in execution.

"The pavement in front of the arch contains the inscription-' Domine, non sum dignus,' &c., and on the risers of the two steps leading up to the chapel

Panem Angelorum manducavit homo; and Panem de coelo dedit eis.' Immediately over this arch a very rich cross is painted on the wall, with angels adoring, and this inscription

Adoremus in æternum sanctissimum sacramentum.'

"The chapel itself is entirely covered with gilding and decoration. The ribs of the groining, which is of stone, are richly diapered. The spandrils are filled with passion-flowers and foilage, and circles containing lambs, surrounded by running borders. The bosses are composed of vine leaves and grapes. The upper parts of the walls are powdered with crowns and rays, and crosses alternate; while the lower

portion is diapered with a continuous pattern of vine leaves.

"Thereredos of the altar is entirely composed of the finest tiles, heightened with gold. In the centre is the tabernacle of metal gilt, covered with enamels. The altar is carved in alabaster, and is divided into five compartments, filled with winged cherubim. The floor is laid with encaustic tiles, in appropriate patterns, such as the lamb and cross, with the word "sanctus " repeated within a border.

The east window is composed of three lights, in the centre an image of our Lord under a high canopy, terminating in a cross, with the Evangelists. Beneath the feet of onr Lord is this scripture :

Benedictio Fortitudo.' "The altar is furnished with rich candlesticks, linen, and ornaments, and every detail of this chapel has been designed with reference to the adorable mystery to which it is consecrated.

"The chancel is twenty-seven feet in length, and nearly the same width as the nave. The ceiling is of oak, arched and divided into panels by moulded ribs, with carved bosses at every intersection. The panels are powdered with gilt stars, with monograms of the holy name in the centres, surrounded by radiating borders. A stone string-course, richly moulded, runs along either side, immediately under the ceiling, with angels holding crowns, gilt and painted.

"The ground of the chancel walls is entirely gilt-angels bearing scrolls with scriptures from the Te Deum, Benedictus, &c. are painted at intervals-encircled by garlands, which are connected by a continuous diaper of quatrefoils and foilage.

"The great east window represents the Root of Jesse, or genealogy of our Lord. On each side of this window are two niches with projecting canopies, containing images of St. Giles and St. Chad. The high altar is carved in alabaster; the front is filled with angels seated on thrones under elaborate tabernacle work, playing divers instruments, relieved with gilding and colour. The reredos represents the Coronation of our Blessed Lady." This subject fills the centre compartment, while

three niches on either side contain angels bearing thuribles and tapers. A stringcourse, richly carved with angels, runs above the tabernacle work, surmounted by perforated brattishing level with the sill of the east window. At either end metal brackets support curtains of tapestry with cipherings.

"The sedilia are elevated one above the other on the three steps approaching the platform of the altar. The respective emblems of priest, deacon, and subdeacon, are carved in panels at the back of the seats, and the whole is surmounted by elaborate canopies and pinnacles. Immediately opposite the sedilia is the sepulchre for the Easter service, under a deeply-moulded inverted arch.

"The organ-loft opens into the church by six arches, three towards the chancel and three in the north, all filled with perforated brass screens. An ancient iron corona of most exquisite workmanship, brought from Flanders, is suspended in the centre of the chancel. It was executed in the 15th century, and, although considerably injured when originally purchased, it has been perfectly restored, and forms one of the most interesting and beautiful pieces of church furniture in this country. "The church is surrounded by a spacious garth, or church-yard, inclosed by a massive coped wall, and entered by two lich gates, the boundary of which will be planted with elm and other trees. In the south-west angle of the ground, and adjoining the porch, a lofty stone cross has been erected. It consists of a flight of steps, on which the base is raised; at every angle is an emblem of an evangelist, and on the four sides a chalice, with the blood flowing into it from the foot of the cross, symbolic of our Lord shedding his blood for the four quarters of the earth. A floriated shaft rises several feet above the base, from the stem of which are two projecting branches, sustaining images of St. Mary and St. John, with our Lord crucified between them, under a canopy. To the eastward of the church are the schools for the boys and girls, with a guildhall seventy feet in length by twenty in width, over them; at the end a schoolmaster's house, with a bell-turret and other conveniences. A rectory-house is in the course of erection, and some land adjoining the south side has been purchased for the purpose of erecting a conventual establishment, to be attached to the mission."

RESTORATION OF THE WEST FRONT OF ST. MARY'S CHURCH, NOTTINGHAM. We have seen a lithograph of the west front of this noble parish church in its

present state, and as it is proposed to be restored.

From a printed statement which accompanies it, we learn that in December 1842 the massive central tower was pronounced by Mr. Cottingham to be in imminent danger, and in the subsequent year the structure was reported to be in such a state of dilapidation that it was shut up.

In the following year measures were adopted for raising funds for the necessary repairs, the estimates of which amounted to 6,1751. exclusive of architect's commission and other incidental expences.

The repairs were found to be greater than at first contemplated, but nevertheless the Committee have been able substantially to repair the tower, under the direction of Messrs. Scott and Moffatt. The tower and piers have been strengthened with iron ties; large portions of the chancel, transepts, and aisles, have been rebuilt; the tracery of the clerestory has been reconstructed, and the roof of the nave partly restored; and in addition the debt incurred by shoring up the tower, amounting to 5557. 5s., has been liquidated.

The committee have, in consequence of the magnitude of their undertaking, been obliged to suspend the repair of the west front, the estimate for which is 1,380. The necessity for this restoration is forcibly shewn by the lithograph. The upper view shews an Italian alteration of the last century, in which the gable has been reduced to a pediment, the windows made into circular arches, with Doric fittings, and three Italian doorways inserted; the old buttresses still existing, as if to mark more plainly the anomalous design; below is Mr. Scott's restoration, in which a magnificent window, with three tier of mullions, is seen in the nave, and two subordinate ones in the same style in the aisles; a panelled parapet has superseded the pediment, and a Tudor porch and doorway take the place of the Italian interlopers. To accomplish this restoration, as well as minor repairs to be done to the church, 2,000l. is still required.

The Vicar, the Rev. F. W. Brooks, accompanies the whole with a circular, containing a plain statement, which appeals forcibly to the wealthy admirers of church restoration, to contribute to the completion of the repair of this magnificent parish

church.

No church-rate has been granted for the last twelve years, and there appears to be no possibility of obtaining one. In the year 1839 the sum of 3,000l. was contributed for the repairs then needed, all of which was lost in consequence of the unforeseen instability of the great tower.

Nearly 5,000l. have been raised by the same voluntary subscription, but, owing to the depressed state of the trade of the town, there appears to be little chance of the 2,000l. still required being raised in the parish. The necessary repairs of the present unsightly porch will require from 700/. to 2007., and the present appearance of the building will remain the same. The vicar, therefore, earnestly appeals to the

benevolent residing in other places. We cordially add our wish that he may be successful; and that he will, through this his simple but forcible appeal, be enabled not only to perfect the beautiful design shewn in the view, but to furnish the interior of the church with appropriate fittings and decorations to the full extent of his wishes. E. I. C.

SOCIETY OF ANTIQUARIES.

The first meeting of this Society for the Session of 1846-7 took place on the 19th of November, when the President, Lord Viscount Mahon, was in the chair. A letter was read from Mr. Way, announcing his intention to resign the office of Director, in consequence of the removal of his residence to the country. The Rev. John Edmund Cox, Curate and Sub-Lecturer of St. Giles's, Cripplegate, was elected a Fellow of the Society.

Edward Foss, esq. F.S.A. communicated a memoir on the Lord Chancellors and Keepers of the Seal in the time of King John; correcting the accounts of former writers, from Thynne down to Lord Campbell. It appears that the office of Keeper of the Seal existed in ancient times concurrently with that of Lord Chancellor; that the Keeper was, in fact, a deputy or vice-chancellor acting in the occasional absence of his principal. At the period when King John was abroad, one seal remained in England with the Chancellor Longchamp, and another was in the custody of the Keeper attendant on the King. The Keepers were frequently changed, and sometimes two persons were entrusted with the

charge.

Dawson Turner, esq. F.S.A. presented an impression of the seal of the abbey of Talley, co. Carmarthen, recently found near Norwich. It is round: its area divided into two compartments by a band, inscribed Ave Maria: in the upper compartment the holy lamb, in the lower the abbat kneeling on either side of the whole a lily. The legend in the circumference is S'abb'tis et conuent' b'e marie de talley.

ARCHEOLOGICAL INSTITUTE.

Nov. 6. This was the first meeting for the season. Mr. Hawkins, who took the chair, announced that, since the last public meeting, in June, seventy-nine subscribing members had been enrolled, and five honorary foreign members elected. During

the recess, the following elections had been made into the central committee:The Rt. Hon. the Earl of Verulam, Sir C. H. Anderson, Bart., Professor Philips, the Dean of Lincoln, Sir R. I. Murchison, Dawson Turner, and D. Gurney, esquires.

The subject appointed for discussion was, "Ancient Carving in Ivory, Stone, or Wood." It was illustrated by a paper from the pen of Sir R. Westmacott, who reviewed the state of the art from the period of the earliest known examples in England to the time of Gibbons; and adverted to the works of the schools of Nuremberg and Augsburg-to the latter of which he expressed his belief that we were more indebted than to the former for the supply of excellent wood-carvers who prac tised in England during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. It seemed to be Sir Richard's opinion, that no works of importance had been executed in England before the sixteenth century by native artists. A fine carving, by Giovanni di Bologna, was exhibited by Sir Richard, in illustration of the influence exercised by the German schools upon those of Italy; and numerous specimens of carving in wood and ivory were exhibited by Mr. Nichols, Mr. Hawkins, Mr. Tucker, and other members.

Mr. W. Brougham gave an account of the discovery of the supposed remains of a knight-templar, during the late repairs of Brougham church, Westmoreland. The sword (of which a drawing was shown) was in a perfect state; but Mr. Brougham stated that only one spur had been found; a circumstance which may possibly be attributed to the difficulty of adjusting the legs, which were, as usual, crossed, to the dimensions of the wooden coffin in which the body had been originally inclosed. It was remarkable that a fragment of glass of undoubted Phoenician fabric was found with these remains. The general opinion seemed to be, that it had been worn by the deceased as a talisman; and it, in some degree, corrobo

rated a tradition which, according to Mr. Brougham, had always associated the interment in question with an ancestor of the family, said to have joined one of the Crusades during the twelfth century.

A. Lawson, esq. communicated an account of the progress of his excavations at Aldborough, Yorkshire, where he has found several tesselated pavements of elaborate design; besides other important remains, which are most valuable additions to the evidences previously discovered of the ancient extent of the Roman station at that place (Isurium).

The Hon. Mr. Neville sent a report of the investigations which he is now making into Roman remains in Essex. He has uncovered a portion of a tesselated pavement at Hadstock, near Audley End, of which a drawing was exhibited; and found a quantity of pottery and other relics at Chesterford, in the same county. It is remarkable that among the lastmentioned objects was discovered a British coin, the type of which was not previously known. On the same site a few months back, Mr. Neville found a coin of Cunobelinus, also inedited; with a very curious inscription, which has been printed and commented on by Mr. Birch in the "Numismatic Journal."

Numerous presents were announced of books, impressions of sepulchral brasses, and miscellaneous antiquities. The chairman gave notice that the next meeting would be held December 4th: when an exhibition will be made of chasings and castings in metal.

CAVERN AT UPHILL.

An accidental discovery of Roman coins has been made near the limekiln, at Uphill, Somersetshire. On raising some stones a labourer observed an aperture in the rock, and on further examination a large cavern was discovered. The entrance was level with the bottom of the hill on the south side, and on the loose earth and rubbish being removed, quantities of bones were discovered. The entrance is rather low, but leads to a large vaulted chamber, branching off in different directions, which branches have not yet been explored. In the chamber there is a sort of shelving rock, somewhat in the form of a sofa, on which a quantity of sand and rubbish had accumulated, on removing which some small pieces of Roman pottery were found, and, scattered near the spot, the workmen picked up 129 silver and copper Roman coins, many of them in a fine state of preservation. Our informant has sent us for inspection three of Valentinian and one of Gratian, and says they GENT, MAG, VOL. XXVI.

are mostly of those reigns. The sand and rubbish near the place where the coins were found, were wheeled out into a field and thrown into a heap, and a number of persons from Weston and the adjoining parishes repaired to the spot, and found scores of these ancient coins. The cavern is only two miles from Weston, and is now open for exhibition. Its length from the entrance, as far as it is cleared out, is about 60 yards, but it is supposed that it extends much further. The workmen state they believe they are nearly under Uphill Old Church. The land belongs to the Payne family, who have agreed to let Bailey, who discovered the cavern, receive the profit to be derived from it for a year for clearing it out. Immediately over the place where the coins were found is a large fissure in the rock, through which it is supposed they may have fallen.

Some further Roman remains have been found in the parish of Wellow, co. Somerset. The labourers digging in a field came upon what appeared to be the remains of a Roman wall. The supposition was strengthened by the discovery, amongst the stones, of a silver coin of Augustus Cæsar, in an excellent state of preservation. The situation of the field is about half a mile from the well-known Roman pavement, which has long been an object of curiosity in the parish. There is every reason to believe that the wall above mentioned forms part of the remains of a Roman villa, as adjoining it have been found pavements indicative of the vicinity of a building of that description.

A short time since, some men, carting stones from among the soil washed down from the beach between Seacombe and Egremont, found the bones of a skeleton, and twenty gold coins of the reigns of Charles I. William and Mary, and George II.

Two very fine ancient statues, one believed to be of Apollo and the other of Ceres, have been found in a house near Vostizza, in Achaia. There has also been found in Sparta a sphinx of admirable workmanship.

4 M

The Minister of Public Works has received a general report on the ravages committed by a recent inundation of the Allier and Loire, from which it appears that it will require upwards of 65,000,000 of francs to re-establish the bridges, embankments, roads, &c. destroyed by the floods, and to execute the works necessary to prevent the recurrence of a similar disaster. In that estimate was not comprised the amount of injury suffered by private property. An entire village, in the department of Allier, the small town of St. Firmin, above Briare, containing about 600 souls, was entirely engulfed, and the whole population perished. Very great injury was done to the Orleans and Bordeaux Railway, and the station at Amboise was wholly swept away.

The Duc de Bordeaux has married the Princess of Modena, who is said to have a fortune of six millions sterling.

SPAIN.

Queen Christino, now that the marriages of her two legitimate daughters are accomplished, has turned her whole attention to the aggrandizement of her children of more spurious degree. Daughters never before spoken of are now brought forward, and honours are paid to them only inferior to those awarded to the daughters of Ferdinand. The Duke de Rianzares is to be created Prince of Antilles, while the husbands of his sisters are to be made grandees of Spain, and saddled upon the state for the funds to support their new titles.

PORTUGAL.

A general opposition to the new Ministry has appeared throughout the country, and some provinces have broken out into open rebellion, proclaiming Don Pedro V., and excluding the Queen from the throne. Oporto, on this as on former occasions, has been foremost in resistance. The Duke of Terceira, on proceeding thither as the Queen's lieutenant, was surrounded and made prisoner by the Democrats, who had suddenly armed them. selves. There is a general revolution in the northern provinces; indeed it appears as if Lisbon was the only part of the kingdom in which the Queen's authority

was at present acknowledged. The King, Ferdinand, has taken the command of the troops in the capital, with Saldanha as his aide-de-camp. The rebels have been defeated in two considerable actions.

THE PAPAL STATES.

The congregation of Cardinals having shown themselves systematically hostile to the measures of reform proposed by Cardinal Gizzi, the Pope has replaced that body by a Consulta di Stato, formed of the Under Secretaries of State, of the prelates occupying at Rome the highest administrative functions, and several distinguished lay members.

SWITZERLAND.

The advices from Geneva to the 10th Nov. state that tranquillity appeared to be completely restored. There were no apprehensions of further disturbance, and business had been resumed, The people had met in general council, and unanimously elected a Provisional Government.

INDIA.

The Nazim, or Chief of Moultan, has made terms with the Lahore Government by paying a large sum of money, and by admitting the Lahore police into his fortress. This settlement was brought about by the firm proceedings of Colonel Lawrence, who became guarantee for the safety of the Nazim, while the latter was induced to visit Lahore.

An insurrection has broken out in Cashmere, fomented, it is reported, by the Lahore Durbar; and a force sent against the insurgents by Gholab Singh was defeated with loss. Several English officers who were visiting the country were seized, and detained as hostages, but no fears are entertained for their safety.

MEXICO.

The city of Monterey, on the 24th September, capitulated to the American arms, after a severe struggle of three days; the terms of the capitulation being, that the garrison be permitted to march out with a portion of their arms beyond a distant line of territory; an armistice of eight weeks, subject to the decision of the national cabinets, being concluded. Such is the chief result of General Taylor's march from Camargo.