The spirit of antiquarian research is diffusing itself in a remarkable manner among the intelligent classes of the community, especially in provincial districts. In our present Magazine we give the report of a most successful and gratifying meeting of the Somersetshire Society held at Bath, and we also record the proposition of the West Suffolk Society to extend its operations to the whole of that county.

An Archæological Society has already been in existence for about two years in Colchester; but we have to announce that its leading members have now formed themselves into a provisional committee, in order to constitute an Essex Archæological Society. It is proposed to be of that ambulatory disposition which has been proved so serviceable in other districts, and to hold meetings periodically in the principal towns of the county but its head-quarters will still be at Colchester, where it is hoped to unite its museum with the valuable collection of antiquities recently left to the town by the late Mr. Vint. John Disney, esq. of the Hyde, has been nominated its President; and Lord John Manners, the Hon. Richard C. Neville, Archdeacon Burney, and the Rev. John Howard Marsden, (Disney Professor of Archæology at Cambridge,) as VicePresidents.

We have also received an announcement of an intended Archæological Society for the County of Surrey, but of the progress of this scheme we are not at present enabled to give any satisfactory ac

count.

The monthly meetings of the Archeological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland recommence at its rooms in Suffolkstreet on Friday the 5th of November; and the weekly assemblies of the Society of Antiquaries at Somerset House on Thursday the 18th. On that evening the members of the latter body will be required to decide upon the proposal which has been made to reverse their decision of last session for the reduction of the Annual Subscription from Four Guineas to Two. (See the notices stated in our July number, pp. 79, 80.) We feel it necessary to remind those Fellows of the

Society who may entertain a sincere interest in its welfare, and yet are imperfectly informed with respect to its recent politics, how requisite it is that they should make themselves properly acquainted with the real merits of this vital question, and that they should take part in its decision rather than abandon it to the chances of a party struggle.

The excavations at Pevensey Castle, or Anderida, the commencement of which we announced in our Magazine for September, have been proceeding during the past month under the superintendence of Mr. Lower and Mr. Roach Smith, supported, we are happy to add, by an encouraging subscription-list. The ground

plan of the chief or western entrance has been laid open; two entrances, on the north and south sides, have been discovered; and the great wall, contrary to the general opinion, is proved to have been carried along on the low ground facing the sea.

Excavations on the line of the Roman Wall in Northumberland are also in progress, under the care of the Rev. Mr. Bruce and Mr. Clayton. At the station Borcovicus a fragment in sculpture of a Victory, winged, and standing upon a globe, has recently been found, together with intaglios, pottery, and coins. In addition to the inscription found in August at Bremenium, another has lately been turned up which records the first Cohort of the Lingones and the Proprætor Collius Urbicus, and some sculptures. They have all been engraved, we are informed, for the second edition of Mr. Bruce's Roman Wall, to be published in the present month. Among other Antiquarian Works in progress we have also to announce

Crania Britannica,-being engravings of the best-preserved skulls discovered in the primæval sepulchres of this island, as well as those of the Anglo-Saxon period. By Mr. J. B. Davis and Dr. Thurnam.

The Rivers, Mountains, and Sea-coast of Yorkshire, with Essays on the Climate, Scenery, and Ancient Inhabitants of the County. By John Phillips, F.R.S. author of" Illustrations of the Geology of Yorkshire." In 8vo.

A History of Great Yarmouth, compiled

A new and popular History of the County of Nottingham, including the Borough. By Thomas Bailey. To be published in monthly parts, in royal 8vo.

An interesting work on miscellaneous antiquities occurring in the county of York has already been published under the title of Vallis Eboracensis, by Mr. Thomas Gill, of Easingwold: to which we shall pay further attention next month.

We may here also notice another interesting instance of the diffusion of a taste for antiquities. At a recent meeting of the Bridgend Mechanics' Institute, a prize, which had been offered by Sir J. D. Harding, for a "History of Ogmore Castle,' was awarded to Mr. Evan Davies, a compositor in Mr. Leyshon's printing establishment, Bridgend. Another printer was equally successful at the Newport Eisteddvod, when the first prize was awarded to Mr. William Morris, of the Stamp-office, Swansea, for the best English Essay on "The Press, as a means of National Enlightenment." There were seven competitors.

Mr. J. T. W. Bell, engineer and surveyor at Newcastle-upon-Tyne, has just published a Plan of the Auckland Coal District, in the county of Durham, being the fifth of a series of plans of the Great Northern Coal Field. It comprises an area of 180 square miles, on a scale of 24 inches to a mile. The former maps of this important series are-1. the Hartlepool district; 2. the Tyne and Wear district; 3. the Newcastle district; and 4. the Blyth and Warkworth district; and the Western Coal district of Northumberland and Durham will shortly follow, in continuation of the design.

The example of the Great Exhibition of 1851, extending itself beyond metropolitan capitals, begins to be emulated even in provincial cities. An Exhibition of Local Industry, Works of Art, Antiquities, &c. was opened in the Council House at Salisbury on the 10th of October. It makes a handsome display of Axminster carpets, from the looms of Wilton, of Wiltshire cloth, silver wares, upholstery, saddlery, musical instruments, &c. &c. Cutlery is also to be found, but none of that local manufacture for which Salisbury was formerly famous. Mr. Payne, of "the Halle of John Halle," exhibits a tasteful selection of the manufactures in earthenware and glass; and Messrs. Osmond and Son, so well-known for their skill in monu

adaptations of medieval taste. Another branch of this exhibition is a museum of antiquities, which includes many relics derived from the Wiltshire barrows, contributed by the Rev. E. Duke; some AngloSaxon relics found in the College grounds at Salisbury, from J. H. C. Wyndham, esq.; an interesting collection of Roman pottery from the New Forest, from the Rev. P. Bartlett; and many miscellaneous curiosities, English and foreign, natural and artificial. The personal relics are especially remarkable. A lock of Nelson's hair, the medals and orders which he wore, a document in his hand-writing, and a letter by his father, are exhibited by the Earl Nelson; and Mr. Matcham contributes the jewelled sword presented to the hero by the corporation of London, the knife and fork used by him after the loss of his right arm, and the jewelled cane presented to him by the inhabitants of the Isle of Zante. Lady Lees exhibits the ring presented to Petrarch by Boccaccio ("Anello dell' amico ben' amato "); Mr. Hayter, a silver tankard formerly belonging to Bishop Ken; Mrs. A. Hussey, a snuffbox made from Shakspere's mulberry tree; Miss Wickins, the flagon used by Sir Isaac Newton, at Cambridge; Dr. Grinfield, a collection of autograph letters; Mr. J. H. Jacob, a pocket dial given by Sir Isaac Newton to Dr. Samuel Clarke; and Mr. Wilkes, a walking stick formerly belonging to the noted John Wilkes. The rooms are, in addition, hung with several excellent pictures by old masters from the houses of the neighbouring gentry. The merit of originating this exhibition belongs to Mr. James Smith and Mr. Walter F. Tiffin, who have acted as its honorary secretaries.

The Ray Society held its ninth anniversary during the meeting of the British Association at Belfast,-Prof. Owen taking the chair. The Report stated, that during the past year the number of members had increased, and that the Council were induced to promise the publication of works of even greater cost and interest than those already published. The first volume of Mr. Darwin's work on the Cirripedes was in course of distribution,-with the third volume of Agassiz and Strickland's Bibliography of Geology and Zoology. The former will be completed by the publication of another volume in 1853, and the fourth and remaining volume of the Bibliography will be published in 1854. The remaining part of Alder and Hancock's great work on the Nudibranchiate Mollusca will be published for this year. The Council have engaged with Professors Williamson and Carpenter for a complete work on re

cent Foraminifera; and with the Rev. W. A. Leighton for the completion of a work on the Microscopic Characters of the Lichens of Great Britain. In answer to a question why the Society published two annual volumes instead of three, the Secretary replied that it did not arise from want of funds, but from the increased number of plates which had been given. The inauguration of Neville Hall at Newcastle, a College of Medicine in connexion with the University of Durham, took place on the 1st of October. The building is situated immediately behind the old mansion of Westmerland House in Westgate Street, which is destined itself for the residence of students, under the Principal, the Rev. William Greenwell. The name of Westmerland House is only of recent date, but the property and mansion of the Nevilles was immediately adjoining, on the site now occupied by the Literary and Philosophical Society. The new Medical College fronts towards the east end of the Central Railway Station. It presents a front 113 feet long, and its south-east end abuts upon the Museum of the Natural History Society, so that, with the Hall and the Literary and Philosophical Society, a large pile of buildings is formed in the centre of the town, devoted to the cultivation of literature and science. The character of the building is that of the Tudor period, with a dash of the later collegiate style, and, though there is remarkably little external ornament, the general effect is peculiarly pleasing, even contrasted with the magnificent railway station designed by the same architect, Mr. Dobson, in the immediate vicinity. The lecture-room is capable of accommodating more than 100 persons, and adjoining it are excellent examination rooms and a museum; the whole being lighted by large glass plates, introduced into an elegant open timber roof.

It is

The opening of the Free Library at Manchester has been soon followed by that of the Free Library of Liverpool, which took place on the 18th of October. stated that Mr. J. A. Picton, in April 1850, first brought under the notice of the town council the desirability of establishing a free library, when a committee for the purpose was formed, which reported favourably, but difficulty was found as to suitable premises. In 1851 the late Earl of Derby proposed giving his fine collection of natural history if a museum were established, when the corporation purchased the premises in Duke-street known as the Union Newsroom, with an adjoining piece of land, upon which an extensive wing has since been erected. Subscriptions were solicited, and the sum of 1,3897. obtained,

for the purchase of books. Ten thousand volumes have been collected. The committee intend adding four thousand more volumes this year. The library will be opened from nine in the morning to ten in the evening, and the committee intend recommending, at the earliest practicable period, the establishment of one or more lending libraries. The museum, numbering 18,700 specimens, is in the course of classification, and it is hoped will be shortly in a position to be thrown open to the public.

The same excellent principle is making its way elsewhere. The townsmen of Oxford have voted a local rate for this purpose by a majority of more than ten to one and a similar scheme is in progress in the borough of Marylebone, suggested by Mr. Benjamin Oliveira, and set forward by a very munificent donation from Mr. Peto, the eminent contractor.

Our readers will be interested to learn of the existence and preservation of a Portrait of Dr. Samuel Johnson, painted by the father of the late Historian of Durham, Mr. Robert Surtees, who was an amateur artist of no mean skill. He was once at Bath, and Dr. Johnson being there at the same time, they became acquainted with each other, and during their stay the Doctor sat to Mr. Surtees for his portrait. Mr. Surtees afterwards gave the picture to the Rev. Samuel Viner, Vicar of Heighington, &c. in the county of Durham. Mr. Viner died in 1815, and the portrait, after having been ever since in the possession of his daughter, who now resides at Highgate, near London, has just been given to the Rev. James Raine, of Durham. It is a side face, and full of character, measuring 11 inches by 8, and is highly finished.

A monument has been erected to the memory of that eminent judge Lord Mackenzie in the Greyfriars' burial-ground, Edinburgh. The tomb consists of a narrow slab of white marble, with a stone border, and is placed to the east of the tomb of his lordship's father, the "Scotish Addison." The inscription is simple, but exceedingly impressive: "Within this inclosure is laid, until the awakening of them that sleep, the mortal part of Joshua Henry Mackenzie, eldest son of Henry Mackenzie, author of The Man of Feeling,' &c.; one of the senators of the College of Justice in the Court of Session, and Justiciary and Jury Court. He died on the 17th November, 1851, aged 74 years. After labouring, with varied but unobtrusive learning, and ever patient courtesy, in the conscientious and untiring discharge of duty, he was led, during two years of suffering which closed his life, to

lean more securely on the pardoning love of God, as a reconciled Father in Christ." Beneath, the following texts are given in full: Psalm xxv. 9; John vii. 17; 1 Thes. v. 8, 9, 10.

The fine triple-lancet window in the south transept of St. Mary's church, Shrewsbury, has been enriched with a beautiful collection of stained glass, forming an appropriate and commemorative memorial to the late revered minister of that church, the Rev. William Gorsuch Rowland, M.A. The middle part of the central lancet opening is occupied with an old representation of the infant Saviour in the arms of his mother, having, on a scroll beneath, the inscription "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." The lateral lights contain ancient and wellimagined figures, as to expression and character, of St. Thomas and St. Bartholomew. A scroll under each of these contains a scriptural text,-the former one, "The memory of the just is blessed;" and the latter, "He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord." The several figures stand on a mosaic ground before a diapered curtain, and are surrounded by elaborate canopies entirely of new glass. At the apex of the centre lancet, is a group of three angels kneeling upon an aureole of clouds; the principal one bears a scroll, on which is written, "The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all sin." Those on either side hold a cross and a book encircled by a crown of thorns. In the head of each of the accordant openings is a single angel sustaining a continuous scroll, on which is inscribed, "The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in

the way of righteousness." A bold line immediately beneath the figures contains the following inscription: "IN MEMORIA. GULIELMUS GORSUCH ROWLAND,

A.M. HUJUS ECCLESIE JUDEX OFFICIALIS ET MINISTER, ET PREBENDARIUS DE LICHFIELD, OBIIT MENS. Nov. DIE 28, A.D. 1851. ÆTAT 81." On a pedestal at the foot of the central lancet is a shield of the arms of Rowland, Or, three pales gules, and the motto, Vitæ via Virtus: and under the side figures is the crest of Rowland,-A demi talbot proper issuing out of a ducal coronet Or. The window is a gift-offering of Daniel Rowland, esq. of Grosvenor Place, London, brother to the esteemed clergyman whose memory it is intended to commemorate, and was designed and executed by Mr. Charles Evans, son of Mr. D. Evans of Shrewsbury. A memoir of Mr. Rowland appeared in our Magazine for January.

The Dutch government has just taken possession of a legacy left it for public use by the late Baron Wertreenen van Tiellandt, an eminent Dutch bibliophilist, consisting of pictures by some of the old masters, of Grecian and Roman Antiquities, of a great number of old Greek, Roman, and Asiatic coins, of nearly 400 manuscripts, all of an earlier date than the fourteenth century, and finally of a library of ten thousand volumes, amongst which are several rare and curious works on Typography, Archæology, and Numismatics, and upwards of 1200 volumes printed in the fifteenth century in different languages.

The Baron's valuable donation is to be placed in a special museum, which will bear his name.

The Ancient British, Roman, and Saxon Antiquities and Folk-Lore of Worcestershire. By Jabez Allies, Esq. F.S.A. Second Edition. London.-In our review of the first edition of this work (1840) we remarked that it is just the kind of book of which we should carry an interleaved copy in our pockets in visiting the county, making it the point or nucleus whereon to construct our personal observations; and we further observed, that if every important locality should be as carefully surveyed as that of Worcestershire in the work before us, the topography of Britain would receive valuable illustration. The second edition has been amplified considerably in the Medieval and Folk-lore divisions, and further improved by the omission of several etymologies of at least

questionable soundness and leading to unsatisfactory deductions.

Worcester, which there can be no reason to doubt occupies the site of a Roman town, seems singularly deficient in those evidences which the antiquary seeks for to confirm a Roman origin for a town which possesses almost every claim except existing remains. The few coins and other objects of Roman parentage which have been found at Worcester are not more than are usually picked up from the debris of a third-rate villa or farm-house; not a trace of any building, public or private, appears to have been noticed, and not a fragment of the town walls to which Camden refers as, in his time, traditionary, can in our days be detected to prove that Worcester was once a Roman walled city. The

cause of this remarkable absence of archæological materia must probably be sought for in the fact that up to the present day no local antiquary has made it his business to avail himself of opportunities for instituting researches. No one to walk through the city of London would dream of the vast architectural remains which still lie buried far beneath his feet. Neither would he suppose that portions of the great Roman Iwall ten feet thick, and once from twenty to thirty feet in height, still exist shrouded in modern walls and houses. Yet such is the fact. We ourselves noticed a few weeks since a remarkably fine specimen of the wall of Roman London,* which for many generations had been completely hidden, exposed once more, for a brief time, to daylight; it was soon again covered in by the walls of a stable.

The Roman remains found at Kempsey, including the inscription to Constantine, found upwards of thirty years since, do not appear to have excited any local antiquary to make excavations, although it is very probable such researches would lead to interesting if not important results. The same remark may be applied to numerous other localities mentioned in Mr. Allies's work, the real character of which cannot be said to be ascertained, although we find the mounds, camps, and earthworks with which they abound called British, or Roman, or Saxon.

Many of our numismatists, we expect, will still suspend their judgment on the asserted discovery of Greek coins at the White Ladies and at Cruck barrow Hill, without more positive and unquestionable authentication; neither will they easily recognise the emperor Constans protecting the Christians in the well-known reverse of the coin, which is accepted to be intended to represent a Roman soldier dragging a barbarian from his hut.

Mr. Allies has chronicled discoveries of antiquities in various parts of the county in a very painstaking manner, and the attention he has paid to details will render the volume very useful for reference; occasionally, perhaps, (but in such cases he has usually relied more on the opinion of others than on his own,) it may be considered by some that he has given an undue importance to circumstances or to objects; as, for instance, in the little British drinking-cup found on the top of the Worcestershire Beacon. It is worth the woodcut, but it is not of a class by any means so rare as asserted; cups equally diminutive have been frequently discovered in

*It is connected with the wall on Tower Hill, which is medieval engrafted upon the Roman.

GENT. MAG. VOL. XXXVIII.

barrows in various counties. Of the value of the collections of ancient names of fields, ridgeways, portways, streets, &c., there can be no doubt; they form one of the most useful chapters in the volume.

Under the head of Folk-lore, Mr. Allies has gathered much that is curious and interesting. The ballad of the Jovial Hunter of Bromsgrove, (first published by him in 1845,) will take place in our national ballad literature. The recurrence of the second line, "Wind well thy horn, good hunter," in each verse, the treatment of the subject, and other peculiarities, stamp it of considerable antiquity, although it has evidently lost some of its original construction, and the last verse may have been added to explain some monuments in Bromsgrove church, in the popular habit of invention and adaptation, as instanced in the whimsical illustration of etymology in the middle ages cited by Mr. Allies from the "Rambler in Worcestershire," in reference to the word Kidderminster : King Cador saw a pretty maid;

King Cador would have kissed her; The damsel slipt aside, and said,King Cador, you have missed her.

(i. e. Cador, or Keder-mister.) Mr. Allies has added considerably to the collection of local popular superstitions printed in the first edition, and they are well classified and indexed; indeed were the materials which compose this volume less valuable than they really are, the excellent arrangement for reference would render it well worth a place on the shelf of any antiquary.

Boldon Buke; a Survey of the Possessions of the See of Durham, made by order of Bishop Hugh Pudsey, in the year M.C.LXXXIII. With a Translation, an Appendix of Original Documents, and a Glossary. By the Rev. William Greenwell, M.A. Fellow of University College, Durham. (Published by the Surtees Society.) 1852. 8vo.-The general survey of the kingdom, made by royal authority, which is known under the name of Domesday, does not extend into the county of Durham. "Boldon Buke," a survey of that county-palatine made about a century later, may be regarded as its "Domesday.” "It is impossible (as remarked by its present editor) to overrate its importance to the historical inquirer, whether he be interested in the nature of early tenures, the descent of property, or the social condition of the tenants, in whatever rank, of that day. No one can go carefully through the record without attaining a considerable insight into the state of the country and its inhabitants, as far as the palatinate iş 3 S