Inaugural Meeting
To the Members of the Kent Archaeological Society, the history of its origin and early progress must necessarily be a subject of interest. We cannot, therefore, commence our first Volume better than by recording, step by step, the annals of the Association, from the day when its first promoters assembled at Mereworth, until its organization was completed at the Inaugural Meeting of April last.
On the 19th of September, 1857, the Viscount and Viscountess Falmouth invited a few friends to Mereworth Castle, for the purpose of laying the foundation of an Archaeological Society for the county of Kent.
That party consisted of the following Noblemen and Gentlemen:-
The Viscount FALMOUTH, in the Chair.
The Marquess CAMDEN, K.G.
The Earl AMHERST.
The Honourable and Reverend Sir F. J. STAPLETON, Bart.
CHARLES WYKEHAM MARTIN, Esq., M.P.
JAMES WHATMAN, Esq., M.P.
EDWARD HUSSEY, Esq.
GEORGE WARDE NORMAN, Esq.
Rev. MIDDLETON ONSLOW, Rural Dean.
Rev. WILLIAM JOHN MOORE BRABAZON.
Rev. LAMBERT BLACKWELL LARKING.
On this occasion, after a short discussion, the following Resolutions were adopted:-
1. That a Society be formed, to be called "The Kent Archaeological Society."
2. That the Marquess CAMDEN, K.G., be President thereof.
3. That Members of either House of Parliament shall, on becoming Members of the Society, be placed on the list of Vice-Presidents.
4. That the Rules of the Sussex Society, having been already tested by experience, be adopted by this Society.
5. That a Committee be formed, with instructions to apply to all those who are supposed to be favourable to the objects of this Meeting, to invite them to become "original Members" without the Ballot.
6. That the said Committee consist of the Viscount FALMOUTH, Sir EDWARD DERING, Bart., M.P., Sir BROOK BRIDGES, Bart., M.P., CHARLES WYKEHAM MARTIN, Esq., M.P., JAMES WHATMAN, Esq., M.P., EDWARD FOSS, Esq., and the Rev. BEALE POSTE, with power to add to their number. The President and Honorary Secretary of the Society to be ex officio Members of this Committee.
7. That the said Committee be instructed to consider and report to a General Meeting any alterations in the Rules which may appear to be necessary for the success of the Society.
8. That the said General Meeting be summoned as soon as the Committee are prepared with their Report; and that the Rules be then submitted for final approval.
9. That the Rev. LAMBERT B. LARKING be Honorary Secretary.
The thanks of the Party were subsequently most cordially tendered to Viscount FALMOUTH, for his kindness in allowing them to meet at Mereworth Castle to originate the Society, and for his able and impartial presidency at this their first effort to organize an Archaeological Society for the county of Kent.
It will be needless to insert here the Rules of the Sussex Society, which were provisionally adopted at this Meeting. They will be found in the form in which they were finally accepted by the Inaugural Meeting, as recorded at page xiii.
The Resolutions adopted at the Mereworth Meeting were immediately circulated in all parts of the county, with such successful results, that within two months, on November 24, 1857, the Secretary reported that the Society already consisted of 367 Members, of whom twenty-four were Life Compounders.
On the 24th of November the Committee held their first Meeting at Maidstone for revision of the Rules, etc., when EDWARD KNATCHBULL HUGESSEN, Esq., and CHARLES MERCER, Esq., were elected additional Members.
Two more Meetings of the Committee were subsequently held at the Charles Museum, Maidstone, viz. one on the 17th March, 1858, and the other on the 8th of April following. At these Meetings the Rules were carefully revised, and a Report prepared for presentation to the Inaugural Meeting, summoned to be held at the Charles Museum, Maidstone, on the 14th of April following, for the purpose of ratifying the proceedings of the Committee, and completing the organization of the Society.
Having thus briefly recorded the consecutive steps in the progress of the Society, from the day on which it was first called into existence at Mereworth Castle, till it had attained sufficient maturity for regular Inauguration, we turn to the Transactions of the Meeting which was held, for that purpose, at the Charles Museum, Maidstone, on the 14th of April, 1858.
Among a numerous body of gentlemen interested in Archaeology, and especially in Kentish antiquity, there were present on that occasion:-
The Viscount Sydney, Lord Lieutenant of the County; The Marquess Camden, K.G., President; The Earl Amherst; Viscount Falmouth; The Hon. and Rev. Sir F. J. Stapleton, Bart.; Sir Brook Bridges, Bart., M.P.; Sir Walter James, Bart.; Sir Walter Stirling, Bart.; The Venerable the Archdeacon of Maidstone; The Rev. Professor Stanley, Canon of Christ Church, etc.; Alexander J. B. Beresford Hope, Esq., M.P.; James Whatman, Esq., M.P.; G. Wickham, Esq., Mayor of Maidstone; G. P. Ackworth, Esq.; Rev. J. L. Allan; Rev. F. St. Leger Baldwin; F. Barrow, Esq.; J. H. Baverstock, Esq.; Captain Belfield; W. H. Bensted, Esq.; H. Blandford, Esq.; Rev. W. Moore Brabazon; J. Bruce, Esq., V.P.S.A.; Rev. G. Bryant; M. Bulwer, Esq.; Rev. E. K. Burney; Rev. F. Buttanshaw; W. Clayton, Esq.; Mr. C. J. Cooke; J. Crosby, Esq., F.S.A.; F. Dashwood, Esq.; E. G. Culling Eardley, Esq.; Rev. W. Edmeades; E. Foss, Esq., F.S.A.; J. Fry, Esq.; Rev. C. Harbin; B. Hatch, Esq.; A. Havers, Esq.; J. Hodsoll, Esq.; Rev. J. Hooper; Rev. W. Horne; Edward Hussey, Esq.; Rev. A. C. Jenkins; Mr. Kadwell; Rev. W. Keith; Dr. King; W. Lambarde, Esq.; Rev. J. Latham; R. B. Latter, Esq.; Rev. E. H. MacLachlan; Rev. W. Smith Marriott; Mr. J. Marsh; Rev. J. J. Marsham; C. Mercer, Esq.; Rev. H. Milligan; Rev. G. B. Moore; J. Monckton, Esq.; W. A. Munn, Esq.; G. W. Norman, Esq.; The Rev. M. Onslow, Rural Dean; Rev. C. Parkin; Dr. Plomley; Rev. Beale Poste; C. Powell, Esq.; Rev. J. C. Robertson; J. Rogers, Esq.; J. Savage, Esq.; Rev. T. Sikes; W. Masters Smith, Esq.; Colonel Stanton; J. Steele, Esq.; Rev. H. Stevens; N. E. Stevens, Esq.; W. J. Thoms, Esq., F.S.A.; Rev. J. F. Thorpe; T. Thurston, Esq.; E. Twopeny, Esq.; Rev. R. Vincent; T. Webster, Esq., R.A.; Alderman Whichcord; J. Whitehead, Esq.; L. D. Wigan, Esq.; H. A. Wilde, Esq.; Rev. D. Winham; Dr. Woodfall, etc. etc. etc.
Several Ladies also honoured the Society by attending the Meeting, viz. :-
The Countess of Abergavenny; Lady Mildred Hope; Viscountess Nevill; The Honourable Lady Stapleton; Mrs. Betts; Mrs. Mercer; Mrs. Wigan; Mrs. Randall; Miss Wickham; Miss Ackworth, etc. etc. etc.
At one o'clock the Chair was taken by the Marquess CAMDEN, K.G., President of the Society, who spoke as follows:-
Before I call upon the Secretary to read the Report of the Committee appointed to revise the Articles, and to lay before you the best means of carrying on this Association; I would beg permission to congratulate you, not only upon the large assemblage which I see here this day; but also, upon the great success which has attended the formation of the Society, the Members of which already number about five hundred.
It is also a matter of congratulation that there should be so many ladies present today, and that such a large number of them are among the Members of the Society, because I am sure that they will be very instrumental in promoting its welfare; and many of them will assist it by recording with their pencils the features of old buildings and other ancient objects of interest. The formation of Societies similar to this, in many other counties of England, has been attended with great success, their researches contributing in no small degree to a truer knowledge of the history of past ages, and awakening an interest in the preservation of the relics of old times. I can see no reason why the same success should not attend your efforts, especially as Kent is a county which, for its ancient buildings, is not surpassed in the whole kingdom,-a county which can boast of such cathedrals as Rochester and Canterbury,-of such ancient remains as are to be found at Richborough, Dover,-and of such baronial mansions as those of Knole, Cobham, Leeds, and Penshurst.
Before I sit down, I wish to communicate to the Meeting that I have received letters from the Earl of Darnley and Sir Walter Riddell, regretting that severe indisposition prevents their attendance today, and from Earl Stanhope, Mr. Deedes, M.P., Wykeham Martin, Esq., M.P., and Mr. Knatchbull Hugessen, M.P., who are detained in London by Parliamentary business.
I will now call upon the Secretary to read to you the Report of the Provisional Committee.
The Rev. LAMBERT B. LARKING, the Honorary Secretary, then read the following Report, and the Rules as recognized by the Committee, as at p. xiii. :-
"By a reference to the Resolutions passed at the original Meeting for the formation of our Society, you will be reminded that a Special Committee was formed, to whom certain duties were assigned. In pursuance of this charge, the Committee immediately after their nomination issued a large number of circulars to those in every part of the county who they supposed might be favourable to the objects contemplated; and they have much pleasure in reporting that their applications have been so successful, that before the close of the year they had enrolled nearly four hundred and fifty Members; and at the present moment, in little more than six months from its formation, the effective strength of the Society exceeds five hundred Members. Of these, no less than thirty-nine have shown their desire to make it a permanent institution, by becoming life subscribers of £5 each; and fourteen individuals of high literary distinction have honoured the Society by permitting their names to be enrolled as Honorary Members-many of them, further, promising contributions to our projected publications.
"In pursuance of the instructions they received, the Committee have held various meetings, at which they have taken into consideration the Rules of the Sussex Archaeological Society, as originally adopted by us, with the view of judging whether any alterations therein were expedient for the management of this Society; and they beg to report that they have suggested some few alterations therein, and additions thereto, which they conceive will be conducive to the success of the Society, and likely to prove more effective in furthering its objects than if the Rules had been left altogether in their original form. These alterations and additions the Committee have consolidated in the Rules which they have appended to this Report, and which they now submit to the Society for adoption.
"In the performance of these duties the Committee have necessarily been obliged to incur some expenses, the account of which will be laid before this Meeting, together with a balance-sheet showing the present state of the Society's finances.
"Although a very large amount of subscriptions are still unpaid, yet, in order to avoid any delay in the prosecution of the Society's undertakings, and in full reliance on the immediate receipt of the arrears of subscriptions now due, arrangements have been made, subject to the sanction of this Meeting, for the issue, soon after the Annual General Meeting in the summer, of the Society's first volume, which, from the papers already supplied, and those which are promised, the Committee feel confident will do honour to Kentish antiquaries, and at once establish the character of the Society as an effective and zealous promoter of the science of Archaeology.
"The Committee have further to report to you that the Committee of the Charles Museum have offered to our Society the use of rooms, with the services of their Curator as assistant-secretary, provided that we are willing to contribute £25 per annum for the same. They have readily accepted the offer, subject, however, to the sanction of this Meeting.
"The Committee have also the gratification of reporting that James Whatman, Esq., M.P., William Oxenden Hammond, Esq., and the Rev. Beale Poste have kindly consented to act as Auditors for the year.
"Messrs. Randall, Mercer, and Co., of Maidstone, and Messrs. Hammond and Co., of Canterbury, having consented to receive our deposits, the Committee recommend that they be appointed Bankers of the Society.
"Although the accounts of the Society will not necessarily be audited and presented till the Annual General Meeting takes place, yet, as it may be satisfactory to subscribers to have some information on the present state of our finances, the Committee beg to lay before the Meeting the following general summary of receipts and expenditure up to the present day, leaving the particular details till the annual audit :-
Receipts .
Expenditure
Leaving a balance in hand of
£329 1 6
59 19 3
£269 2 3
"Of this sum £195 must be funded, being the amount of thirty-nine life compositions.
Balance at Mercer and Co.'s £217 8 1
Balance at Hammond and Co's £51 14 2
£269 2 3
Deduct Life Compositions £195 0 0
Balance available for current expenses £74 2 3
"As far as our present returns show, two hundred and twenty-three Members have not yet paid their subscriptions. These, when paid, which we may expect immediately, will produce £111, to be added to the £74 as above, which will make our available balance for current expenses £185.
"It now only remains for the Committee to congratulate you on the auspicious prospect before you. These congratulations are founded not so much on your numerical strength, large though it be, as on the hopes which may well be entertained of the hearty co-operation of all your learned and distinguished Members, with the young and ardent among you who have yet to win their renown in elucidating the antiquities of our county and in promoting the science in whose cause we are enlisted.
"In conclusion, they present to you their Report, trusting that the results of their mission may be deemed satisfactory, and obtain your approval and confirmation. CAMDEN, President."
Viscount SYDNEY (the Lord Lieutenant), in moving the first Resolution, said:-
Although I am not the right man in the right place to take a leading part in the proceedings of an Archaeological Society, yet, however unworthy I may be, I trust to profit by the learning and experience of the distinguished men I see around me. I may, without fear of contradiction, remark that you have commenced operations this day most auspiciously; and I trust that you will adopt the Report unanimously. It shadows forth a prosperous future. Not only is our list of Subscribers numerically large, but many of them are distinguished by learning and profound Archaeological knowledge. The advantage that the county of Kent will derive from the existence of such a Society as this will be found in the opening of men's minds to the observation and knowledge of what our ancestors have in former days effected, and in the improvement in taste which we may anticipate from the development and investigation of historical remains, abounding as they do to such an unlimited extent in this county.
I think you will agree with me that our gratitude is due to those gentlemen who have taken so much trouble and interest in the formation of the Society, and to whom the county is assuredly much indebted. The Report of their proceedings, and the Rules for the government of the Society, which have just been read to us (and which, of course, can be modified, if necessary, at any future Meeting) appear to me to meet the views and requirements of the Society, and to merit your unanimous adoption,-a result which I fully anticipate in proposing the first Resolution.
"That the Report just read, be adopted, with the Rules for the government of the Society which are appended thereto."
[Carried unanimously.]
Earl AMHERST, in proposing the second Resolution, said:-
I have the honour to propose a Resolution which adds several names to the list of Vice-Presidents. There are also one or two names already published as Vice-Presidents, which it is necessary to submit to this Meeting for re-election, in consequence of an alteration of the Rule which stated that all Members of Parliament who subscribed, wherever they might reside, should be ex officio Vice-Presidents. In the revision of the Rules, it has been thought better to limit this privilege to proprietors and residents in the county. The Resolution, therefore, which I now submit to you, includes the name of the Hon. Thomas Mostyn, M.P., who has no residence in the county, and that of Sir Edward Dering, Bart., who has ceased to be a Member of Parliament since the first list was published, but who it is very desirable, for many reasons, should be among our Vice-Presidents. As so many gentlemen who have a more extensive knowledge of Archaeology than I can boast, have to address the Meeting, I shall conclude by at once proposing the Resolution which has been placed in my hands.
"That the following gentlemen be elected Vice-Presidents of the Society:-
The Very Reverend the Dean of Canterbury.
The Very Reverend the Dean of Rochester.
The Venerable the Archdeacon of Maidstone.
The Venerable the Archdeacon of Rochester.
The Hon. Thomas Mostyn, M.P.
Sir Edward Dering, Bart.
Sir Norton Knatchbull, Bart.
Sir Thomas Maryon Wilson, Bart."
[Carried unanimously.]
Sir BROOK BRIDGES, in moving the third Resolution, said:-
Most of us who are gathered together on this interesting occasion, have been accustomed from our earliest years to congratulate ourselves in belonging to one of the most important counties in England. We have always felt proud of being "Men of Kent," and I am astonished, not that we have met together on this occasion in such numbers, but that a Society of this nature has not been formed long ago. In ancient times Kent occupied a prominent position on many important occasions. In the time of the Saxon Heptarchy, Kent itself was one of the seven kingdoms,-a distinction possessed by no other county. With all the interesting materials scattered throughout the county, too many for me now to enumerate, it certainly is surprising that the formation of such a Society should have been so long delayed,-a circumstance which is probably attributable to the fact, that "what is everybody's business is nobody's business." Nobody attended to that which everybody occasionally displayed great interest in. For the establishing of this Society, we are deeply indebted to my friend Mr. Larking, to whom our thanks are due, not only for his previous exertions in the cause of Archaeology, in which he has displayed great ability and skill, but particularly for the interest which he has taken in this Association. It must be manifest that such a Society as this depends upon those who take an active part in its operations; they will have to devote a large portion of their time to it; they will require considerable judgment and discrimination; and in proposing the appointment of the twenty-four gentlemen named in the Resolution as our Council, I shall only be paying them a fair and proper compliment in saying that I am sure they will discharge their duties to the satisfaction of the Members. You will observe that great care has been taken that there should be a fair distribution of those selected for the Council all over the county.
It is manifestly most desirable to secure the co-operation of gentlemen in different parts of the county who are likely to devote their time and attention to local objects of interest, and who already possess considerable knowledge on these points.
As many gentlemen are dependent upon the rail for their return, I will not detain you longer, but at once propose the Resolution which has been entrusted to me:-
"That the following twenty-four gentlemen be requested to act with the President and Vice-Presidents and Honorary Secretary, as Council of the Society." [Names as at page xi.]
[Carried unanimously.]
ALEXANDER J. B. BERESFORD HOPE, Esq., moved the fourth Resolution, and spoke as follows:-
I am sure that all of us here must have been struck with the truth of what Sir Brook Bridges said, that the only wonder is, that Kent has so long lagged behind, while so many other counties were founding associations of this sort, instead of hurrying forward and being the first in the field to incorporate by its united voice a body of its faithful and devoted sons, sworn together to preserve the records of its glorious past. This growing feeling in favour of the science of Archaeology-growing, I say, although it has already spread far and wide, and struck its roots deep into the ground-is one of the most pleasing signs of these days. The antiquarian is not now, as in the times of our grandfathers, made the subject of the witless jests of every booby who had nothing to do but to crack his jokes against those who were wiser and better than himself. Now in these "days of progress," as they are called,-now that our advancement in science has gone ahead beyond the example of any former times,-there has, as it were, providentially grown up by the side of that bold and daring spirit of development a feeling of admiration for what is good and beautiful of past times-a desire to preserve, to chronicle, and to record all that we can cull from the past. This seems implanted in us side by side with our aspirations after progress, in order that, while our posterity may reap the utmost benefits of the learning and intellect of our day, they may also know the progressive stages by which our present knowledge, our present growth in science, have been attained. To this end we have founded this Society; and when we remember what the county is in which it has been founded, we cannot but foresee a rich crop of golden treasures to reward our husbandman's care. Kent is that county which in our history earliest looms through the mists of long-forgotten ages,-that district of Britain the first known to the civilized world by the invasion of Julius Caesar and his landing on its shores,-that county which, from his day downwards, has ever played a prominent part in the history of England: Kent, which yields us fruits of antiquity as long ago as the Druidical times in that curious monument which exists within a few miles of this spot, Kit's Coty House,-which, coming down to the times of the Romans, supplies us with the ancient structure in Dover Castle and the Roman city, for such it was, of Richborough,-which furnishes us with Norman monuments in the cathedral of Rochester, and of a grander style of architecture in that of Canterbury. In this county also we have ancient manor-houses of the most important period of English domestic architecture, already alluded to by the Noble Chairman. Kent, in those days, contained in itself the Manchester, the Wolverhampton, and the Bradford of modern times, producing the grey cloth which clothed the hardy yeomen of England, and the ironworks which supplied her traders with that most useful metal. All those who have travelled through the towns and villages of the Weald, will have observed traces of this in the old manors and farmhouses which abound in that part of the county of Kent, and indicate the time when the abundance of timber had created a peculiar style of architecture-quaint, graceful, and beautiful-the remnants of which are still objects of interesting study, and the features of which this Society no doubt will record. Upon the number of interesting old churches in Kent I need not dilate. Then, again, there is that branch of antiquity which has reference to traditions, to legal privileges, and to various rights and usages which can be most fitly studied in a district where one of them-the law of gavelkind-has existed from the times of the Saxons until the present day. This county also has a large number of corporate towns, and the records they possess will, no doubt, yield a large store of treasure to those who may undertake to unravel them. With respect to architectural antiquities, I need not dwell upon them, assembled as we are today in one of the most curious of those ancient buildings which abound in this county, and which, having been fortunately preserved through the chances of time, has now become the receptacle of the County Museum, itself being one of the greatest curiosities of that Museum. It cannot be said that our county has been heretofore neglectful of its antique relics. I believe that Lambarde's 'Peregrinations through Kent' is one of the oldest county histories extant, and it is still of great value. At a later date, Hasted's 'Kent,' written at the close of the last century, is the most full of matter, and one of the most valuable works of its class; and we have now one of our Members collecting materials for a still more elaborate and valuable county history. Upon Canterbury Cathedral we have several valuable works. Dart's history of that cathedral is a work of great research, and one of standard authority. In later days we have that ingenious treatise of Professor Willis on its architectural history; and still more recently the picturesque essays of one whom, although he has been but a sojourner among us, we all cherish and respect-Canon Stanley. These are only the records of one building in one town; but there are many other boroughs which have had their local annalists, and have enlisted from time to time the patient research of those who have felt it to be a duty to preserve a record of the fleeting day before it is altogether lost. But something more than these isolated efforts is required. The spirit of copartnership must be called into action-there must be an interchange of ideas-a mutual communication of researches and of theories-in order that what is valuable may be sifted from what is merely visionary and worthless, except in the eyes of its own too ardent and partial discoverer. For a work of that sort a Society of this kind is required, and I am glad that we have at length girded up ourselves to the good work of establishing it. Most fortunately, at the same time that we came forward to do that, the good borough in which we are assembled made a similar effort, by founding the Charles Museum for the antiquities of Kent; and I am happy to see that, by a generous spirit on both sides, an arrangement has been made by which the two institutions will mutually subserve to the interests of each other; so that, while this Museum becomes the head-quarters of this Society, our meeting here will give value and reality to the collection of antiquities found within this building. There is one word which I do not see in this Resolution, but which I am sure was in the minds of those who drew it up. This Resolution calls upon Members to contribute original papers, drawings, etc. Under that "etc." is concealed something which is more valuable than all the original drawings in the world-I mean photography. The invention of this art gives a new life and a new meaning to the study of Archaeology. The very best drawing is infinitely inferior to the realities of any building; and many of the most interesting questions may hang on what no draughtsman's skill can give-some peculiarity in the geology of the material, something in the masonry, some small change in the tone of the material. Now all these things come within the range of photography-that art which tells the truth, whether we wish it to be told or not. Artists "were deceivers ever," whether depicting fair ladies or old buildings, but photography is the honest friend who always comes out with the whole truth. Therefore I hope that while people obey this Resolution by sending original papers, they will contribute the "etc." -namely, photographs-before they contribute drawings. Indeed, any building, of however little value, if it be but a farmhouse of a hundred and fifty years old, or one of those substantial buildings of bright red brick, with stone quoins, and a little pediment over the door, of the time of Queen Anne-ought to be photographed. It may not be of sufficient value to be kept standing, but there are few of these old buildings which have not something about them worthy of preservation; and if the Members of this Society, each in his own district, will procure photographs of any such building or curiosity-and particularly not to allow changes to be made without first obtaining an accurate photograph of buildings as they were before the alterations were commenced, as well as any interesting discoveries made in the process of the change which future progress may conceal, and at its ultimate completion, in order to guard against future change-we shall have such a mass of genuine, truthful, unquestionable archaeological photographs as the world never before possessed. Photography has given a new life to Archaeology, and so I trust that this Society will not fail to make that use of its resources which it would be a shame and disgrace to it not to do. I now beg leave to move the Resolution which has been placed in my hands, viz. :-
"That the Honorary Secretary be requested to solicit Members of the Society, and others distinguished for their learning in Archaeological science, to contribute original papers, drawings, etc., with a view to their preservation among the records of the Society's operations, as well as their publication and subsequent distribution amongst the Members."
[Carried unanimously.]
The Rev. W. M. SMITH MARRIOTT, in moving the next Resolution, said :-
Although I cannot pretend to any knowledge of Archaeology, I have a great respect for all that pertains to "the olden time," and shall have great pleasure in doing all that lies in my humble power to assist a Society which refers so usefully to bygone days. The present are said to be days of progress. It is impossible to deny it. We boast of "the march of intellect"; and though far be it from me to speak lightly of that presumed march, I am not sure that we have not reason to be afraid that too much of our boasted knowledge is superficial: just as in our modern system of travelling we speed so fast that we miss many beauties which gave great pleasure to our ancestors.
We certainly are prone to be over-proud of modern achievements, and to suppose that those who have gone before us knew nothing. Now if this Society-the inauguration of which we are met in such numbers to celebrate this day-should teach us that our forefathers really were not totally ignorant, and not to suppose that "no doubt we are the men, and wisdom will die with us," perhaps it will have the good effect of making us a little more humble and more truly wise.
In architecture, for instance,-a subject which will form one of the studies peculiarly belonging to a Society such as this,-our ancestors, I suspect, knew as much as ourselves, and probably a good deal more. We need not go back to the classic times of Greece and Italy; but if we confine our view to our own country, we shall find many grey old specimens of exquisite beauty, worthy studies for our best architects and painters; and one of the latter I now see near me (T. Webster, Esq., R.A.), whose pencil could do ample justice to the beauties of such a structure. It has been said, that however much the buildings of the past may excel in the picturesque, they cannot be compared with modern structures for comfort and convenience. I admit that. But I contend that our ancestors knew well how to build abodes suitable to the times in which they lived, suitable in magnificence to the stern grandeur of the period, and that our old English barons, with their trains of feudal retainers, had acquired in their festive halls and strong towers the knowledge of combining a splendid hospitality with due security. They have left us, too, ecclesiastical edifices, not in ruins, but still existing in their pristine glory-far excelling all the erections of the present day. If we look merely at the exterior of some of our noble cathedrals; let me mention two: (I except Canterbury, in our own county, which has already been eloquently commented on.) I will mention two which afford examples in different styles, not to be surpassed in the world,-Salisbury and York,-whether we regard the light and beautiful elegance of the one, or the noble grandeur of the other; and if, when we have delighted ourselves sufficiently with the contemplation of the wonderful proportions of the exterior, we pass the portals and behold, entranced, the varied and solemn beauties of the interior,-the clustered columns, the interminable vista of exquisite arches stretching far away until the view is lost in the bewildering play of light and shadow reflected from the beautifully painted windows, with feelings of reverence in our hearts, although we at the same time may admit that the great Deity can be acceptably worshiped by His people where there is no canopy but the heavens; yet we are constrained to use the sublime language of the old Patriarch, and cannot help exclaiming, "Surely this is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of Heaven!" and the feelings of our souls find vent in the warmest prayer,-
"Long may our spiry abbeys, high cathedrals, stand!
The arks of God! the bulwarks of the land!"
Many churches have recently been erected, at which we may well rejoice; and though of course the first object is to obtain the means of public worship for the people, it is still an important though a secondary consideration that they should be constructed in a style worthy of the solemn service for which they are built, and worthy in some degree of the great Being to whom they are dedicated; and in this respect it is gratifying to admit that better principles than once prevailed are now generally acted upon, and the ecclesiastical architecture which most pleases the eye is undoubtedly that which is borrowed from the models of former days. Nothing shows more our obligations to bygone taste and skill than the modern term "restoration" as applied to the work now going on in many of our parish churches. I recollect being a few years ago in a church undergoing this process, and observed a notice emblazoned on the walls in a kind of triumphal wreath, to this effect: "This church was repaired and beautified in 17-;" and the beautification consisted in daubing the walls and pillars with whitewash, blocking up a splendid arch, and completely hiding a magnificent western window. A friend who was with me made this observation: "When these restorations are complete, the proper inscription will be, 'This church was unbeautified anno Domini 1850.'"
With regard to sculpture also, which is so closely united with architecture: though we may be justly proud of the works of some of our own sculptors, yet they invariably succeed best when they most closely adhere to the noble works left by the artists of antiquity. I remember, some years ago, when taking a tour amongst other scenes of interest, I visited the seat of that eminent antiquary, the late Sir Richard Colt Hoare, and whilst walking in his beautiful grounds, suddenly came upon a statue which riveted the attention of my untutored eyes. I found it was the statue of Livia Augusta, brought from Herculaneum; and the impression made upon my mind was, how proud might an artist of the present day be, could he produce such a work as this, chiselled by a hand cold in the grave for more than two thousand years! In all ages of the world, one of the keenest pursuits is that for gold. I know not whether the present is more distinguished in this respect than others, but I am certain it is not less so; and I believe if the Arch of Titus stood in the way of the worshipers of gain, it would be no more respected than old Temple Bar, which I grieve to hear is to come down because it a little impedes the traffic towards the head-quarters of Mammon, the City of London. Steam is the great innovator. I do not mean to depreciate its use; but it is no respecter of antiquity. In our own county it has ruthlessly swept from the earth the remains of the old Priory at Tunbridge, and the Castle would have shared no better fate had it happened to stand in the way. In a county with which I am well acquainted (Dorsetshire), it was with great difficulty that the relics of a splendid Roman amphitheatre were wrested from the "appropriation clause" of a railway company; and memory, in calling back the patience and courage of the venerable martyr awaiting his fate from the wild-beasts of the Circus, and shuddering not at their roar,-memory, I repeat, would be put to the blush on the same spot in hearing the shrieks and groans of a much more powerful monster, the railway engine.
I have not pretended to treat this subject in a scientific manner. I leave that to others much better acquainted with the matter, and especially to my worthy friend, our excellent Secretary, who has spared neither time nor exertion, nor the ability which he eminently possesses, in forming this Society, and in bringing it so successfully to the inauguration of this day; and with reference to the Resolution which I have the honour of proposing, from his Archaeological knowledge is well calculated himself to compose a work which would reflect equal honour on the name he bears, on the science of which he is so keen an admirer, and on the county to which he belongs.
I cannot sit down without congratulating you, my Lord Marquess, and all here assembled, on the formation of a Society which will effect much if it only teaches us to acknowledge the obligations which we owe to Antiquity; and if it should convince some precocious youth of New England who assumes the toga virilis before he comes to years of discretion, that his grandmother really was not ignorant of that problem which he takes upon himself to teach her, before he was born.
I thank this great Meeting for the courtesy with which they have listened to my crude remarks, and beg to submit the Resolution I have proposed for their adoption :-
"That, in compliance with the foregoing Resolution, and in conformity with the wishes expressed by the Committee in their Report, every effort be made for the publication of the first Volume of the Society's Transactions before the 1st of next September; and that each Member be entitled to one copy thereof, provided his subscription be not in arrear."
[Carried unanimously.]
The sixth Resolution was proposed by G. WARDE NORMAN, Esq., who said :-
A Resolution has been placed in my hands which I have great pleasure in submitting to the Meeting. Its object is to suggest the propriety of establishing a special fund for the purpose of defraying any extra expense which might be beneficially employed in the woodcuts and engravings required in the illustration of the Society and publications. Any contributions towards this fund would of course be voluntary.
In order that a Society such as ours should create a widely extended interest, and enrol in its ranks a numerous body of subscribers, embracing, as we hope ours may, persons of various conditions as to station and fortune, it is essential that the ordinary subscription shall be moderate in amount. The sum proposed in our Rules is fixed in conformity to this consideration, and might suffice for the necessary expenses of the Society, including the publication of a yearly Volume of very modest pretensions; but it would undoubtedly be insufficient for the production of a volume in point of typography and illustrations such as the Kentish Archaeological Society would wish to present to its Members and to the Public.
It seems to me, then, that we adopt a wise course in appealing to the liberality of those who may feel disposed to add to the ordinary income of the Society by contributions in addition to their subscription, with a view to increase the usefulness and attractiveness of its publications; and I feel convinced that I shall carry with me the general opinion of the Meeting, when I submit to it the formal Resolution which I hold in my hand.
Before I sit down I will venture to say a few words with respect to the general objects of our Society.
Some persons seem to consider Archaeology as a mere matter of amusement, indeed, of trivial amusement, and that it possesses no actual value in its influence on the mind, and has no tendency to make those who study it wiser and better. Such, however, was not the opinion of a man who was himself not only wise and great, but also good. I allude to Dr. Johnson, who thus expresses himself in his 'Tour to the Hebrides,' after describing the island of Iona: "To abstract the mind from all local emotion would be impossible, if it were endeavoured; and would be foolish, if it were possible. Whatever withdraws us from the power of our senses; whatever makes the past, the distant, or the future, predominate over the present, advances us in the dignity of thinking beings. Far from me, be such frigid philosophy as may conduct us indifferent and unmoved over any ground which has been dignified by wisdom, bravery, or virtue! That man is little to be envied whose patriotism would not gain force upon the plain of Marathon, or whose piety would not grow warmer among the ruins of Iona."
I can add nothing to this eloquent passage, and will conclude by saying that I have obtained much pleasure, and some advantage, by the slight attention I have been able to bestow on the monuments of the past; and that I look forward with pleasure to the increased knowledge which I hope to obtain under the auspices of the Kent Archaeological Society.
The Resolution which I have to propose is this-
"That in order to enhance the value and interest of the Society's publications, a fund be established, to be supported by voluntary donations and subscriptions, for the special purpose of supplying woodcuts, engravings, etc., for the illustration of papers that may appear therein; and that all the Members, whether contributors to this fund or not, shall have an equal right to these embellishments."
[Carried unanimously.]
The Venerable B. HARRISON, the Archdeacon of Maidstone, in moving the seventh Resolution, said-
I feel it a privilege to move that the first General Meeting of this Society be held at Canterbury; and I am sure that the Dean and my brethren of the Chapter will give you a hearty welcome to our ancient Cathedral. My friend Mr. Larking will confirm my statement, when I say there are several new antiquities (if I may venture so to designate them) lately brought to light in the Cathedral, and which have never been noticed in any history. Connected as I am, by the office I hold, with the parish churches of a large part of this county, a department of its antiquities to which scarcely any reference has yet been made, I cannot but express the great gratification I feel, that a Society has been formed which will help to preserve the literary, antiquarian, and artistic memory of those sacred and interesting edifices.
It is my duty to see to the maintenance and preservation of the material fabric, and I cannot but regard our churches as the best and most important legacy we can leave to those who come after us, even as they have been handed down to us by our forefathers.
The Resolution which I have the honour to move is-
"That the First Annual General Meeting of this Society be held at Canterbury, on or about the 29th day of July next."
[Carried unanimously.]
Professor STANLEY (who had arrived but a few minutes previously, and on being introduced to the Meeting by the Noble Chairman was received with loud cheers) moved the eighth Resolution, and said-
Though I am just upon the point of leaving Kent, and therefore cannot be expected to feel such an interest in this Society as I otherwise might have done, yet I sincerely wish that its efforts may be attended with every success, and that it will be a benefit to the county at large.
Let me speak of it-first, in connection with Archaeology, and secondly, in connection with Kent.
Nothing impresses the mind with the reality of past events so much as visiting the localities with which any historical incidents are connected, and on visiting the spot in Canterbury Cathedral where Becket was murdered, that terrible tragedy is presented in all its vividness to the imagination of the beholder. Many things in history which now are perplexed and doubtful would have been rendered clear, had the places in which the circumstances occurred been preserved; such as the complicated and difficult story of the Gowrie conspiracy. I have always felt, that had Gowrie House been preserved, we might have unravelled doubts which now can never be made out to the end of time. The importance of societies like this is especially manifest at the present time, when such extensive changes are taking place in all parts. As Sir Francis Palgrave observed to me only a few days since, this spirit of change is rapidly obliterating many places and objects of interest, and it is a duty to the cause of history to preserve the ancient records of the country, and the scenes of its great events, from entire destruction, by embodying them in a history of the county, even if we cannot prevent their material decay. Now in connection with Kent, as one who has only for a few years resided in the county, I must say that I have felt peculiar interest in that branch of history and antiquity which is connected with the Cathedral and the See of Canterbury. I am thankful that the subject of the changes which time has brought about in the building has been taken up by such men as Professor Willis and Mr. Ashpitel, who have lately thrown great light upon the transformations through which Canterbury Cathedral has passed. If any of the Members of this Society should take this matter up, there is a fine subject open for investigation in tracing out the changes in the position of Becket's shrine, as these will illustrate many things hitherto unintelligible in the history of the middle ages. Among other localities that have interested me, there is one near Maidstone to which I have devoted some attention, and where a church has lately been erected for the benefit of a population of six thousand persons. I allude to the village of Barming. There was at Barming, in the days of the Saxons, one of those wooden churches of which, I believe, not a single specimen is now remaining in England, though some still exist in Norway and Denmark. If any one could discover any information respecting these wooden churches, it would be an interesting contribution to the early ecclesiastical history of England.
It is only necessary for me to add, that I sincerely wish prosperity to this Society, and that I beg leave to move the Resolution which has been entrusted to me, viz. :-
"That the thanks of the Society be given to the Committees of the Maidstone Museum, and to the Mayor and Corporation of the Borough, for their kind permission to hold this Meeting within the precincts of their Museum."
[Carried unanimously.]
Lord AMHERST, in proposing the next Resolution, said :-
I have been requested to move a vote of thanks to our most noble President. I think it would be out of place in me to say anything in support of this Resolution, because we have known him from our boyhood as a distinguished nobleman, ready at all times to promote the objects which have in view the benefit and advantage of this county; and I am sure it is a matter of great congratulation that he has undertaken to be the first President of this Society. I am sure we all feel most deeply obliged to him for his services today; and we hope that he may be enabled, by the blessing of Providence, to remain with us in health and strength for many years, to witness the success of the Society in which he has taken so prominent a part.
I beg to move:-
"That the thanks of the Society be given to the Marquess Camden for his kindness in presiding on the present occasion."
[Carried unanimously.]
The Marquess CAMDEN, in acknowledging the compliment, said :-
Before I put the next Resolution, I wish to return my best thanks for the kindness with which you have received my humble efforts to assist the formation of this Society. I consider it an honour to have been placed in the chair, and I beg to tender you my warmest acknowledgments for the flattering vote which you have just passed. I will now put the concluding Resolution, which I am sure you will all agree with me in approving, viz. :-
"That the thanks of this Society be presented to the Noblemen and Gentlemen who took the initiative in forming the Society, and who have composed the Provisional Committee."
[Carried unanimously.]
Viscount SYDNEY, in moving a vote of thanks to the Honorary Secretary, the Rev. Lambert B. Larking, for his exertions in the formation of the Society, expressed his gratification at being able to propose the Resolution.
The Rev. LAMBERT B. LARKING returned thanks, and the proceedings terminated.
During the Inaugural Meeting a vote of thanks was presented to Mr. James Whatman, M.P., for his liberality in placing at the disposal of the Society a room at the Maidstone Museum, as their temporary head-quarters. His exertions in securing this first object, essential to their establishment, were warmly acknowledged by the numerous Members assembled.