Abstracts of proceedings 1892-3

-¥ ABSTEACT 0 1 PEOCEEDINGS, 1892-3. THE Council met in London on the 20th of June 1892 at the house of the noble President in Grosvenor Place. The Earl Stanhope presided, there being twelve Members present. A printed proof of the Programme of the Annual Meeting at Dover was read and approved. Votes of thanks were passed to the Eev. Canon Puckle for his gift to the Library of his book, The Ohurch and Fortress of Dover Castle; and to G. M. Arnold, Esq., for the Life of Bobert Pocock, edited by himself. "W. J. Nichols, Esq., was elected an Honorary Local Secretary for the Bromley district, and Henry Stringer, Esq., for tlie Eomney district. The Honorary Editor laid upon the table the first bound copy of the General Index. I t was unanimously resolved that a special vote of thanks be accorded to Canon Scott Eobertson at the Annual Meeting for his indefatigable labours with regard to that Index. I t was resolved that the spare coloured plates of the Sarre Antiquities, in stock at Maidstone, be bound up, as far as they will go, in complete sets, with the Catalogue of the Society's Collections, such special copies to be presented to the noble President and the Council. Eive new members were elected. The Annual Meeting commenced at Dover on Tuesday, July 19th, 1892. The Business Meeting was held in the Maison Dieu, the noble President, Earl Stanhope, in the Chair, supported by the Mayor of Dover (Sir W. H. Crundall), the Bishop of Dover, the Archdeacon of Maidstone, Dr. Astley, and others. After the Mayor had said a few words of welcome to the Society, the following Eeport was read by George Payne, Esq. (Hon. Sec.) :— xxxviii REPORT, 1892. REPORT. The Council has much pleasure in presenting to-day the Thirty-fifth Annual Report of your Society, which shews that it is still in a prosperous state, and full of vitality. The Society visited Dover for the first time in the year 1860, and again in 1875 in conjunction with the Royal Archajological Institute, and the Council hopes that the members will appreciate the opportunity afforded them on the present occasion of a further examination of the antiquities of Dover and its vicinity. Since the last Annual Meeting the Society has lost by death and other causes many old and valued members. Twenty-one new members have been elected during the past year, while ten await election at your hands to-day. The Council has the gratification of announcing that the Nineteenth Volume of Archceologia Cantiana has been issued to the various Looal Secretaries, within the past few weeks, for distribution amongst the members. The volume contains a General Index to the Eighteen Volumes previously issued, together with a descriptive Catalogue of the Society's Collections at Maidstone, as well as a List of Books in our Library there. As the General Index has been sorely needed, its appearance will doubtless be hailed with satisfaction by every one. The Twentieth Volume of Archceologia Cantiana is passing through the Press, one hundred pages of it being already in type. The Council has to announce with profound regret that on the completion of that volume Canon Scott Robertson retires from the Editorship. The vast labour he has bestowed upon our Archceologia Cantiana, and the value of his past services as Honorary Secretary, cannot be over-estimated. The extraordinary ability he possesses for the work which he took in hand, was given to the Society to the fullest extent, and demands the grateful acknowledgment of every member, past and present. The members have twice testified to Canon Scott Robertson, in a substantial mariner, their recognition of the great value of his services to the Sooiety :—Once in 1884, on the occasion of his marriage; and, secondly, in 1890, on his retirement from the office of Honorary Secretary. The Council feel, however, that nothing could compensate Canon Scott Robertson for his devotion to the Society, and to the Science of Arohjeology, better than the knowledge that the work he has accomplished remains not only for our instruction and benefit, but for that of future generations. The Council has much gratification in announcing that the Rev. Canon C. P. Routledge, M.A., P.S.A., has kindly undertaken the duties of Honorary Editor. His ability, energy, and enthusiasm are well known to the members of the Society, and the Counoil feel confident that in the hands of Canon Routledge Archceologia Cantiana will maintain its high standard of excellence. Through the kindness of some of our members several valuable additions, either as gifts or on loan, continue to be made to our Collections at Maidstone. Richard Cooke, Esq., of The Croft, Detling, has presented to the Library all the sheets of the one-inch Ordnance Map of Kent. These have been marked in colours with the sites of archseological discoveries, British and Roman roads, etc., by your Chief Curator. That these Maps may become of the utmost value, it is earnestly hoped that members, on becoming acquainted with any discovery of ancient remains, will communicate with the Honorary Secretary. They will thus enable him to keep the Maps up to date. Members are reminded that with the exception of Volumes I. and II., sets of the Society's Transactions may be completed on application to the Honorary Secretary. The financial position of the Society leaves nothing to be desired, the balance at the Bankers being at the present moment £800. 9s. 5d. In conclusion, the Council ask for the hearty co-operation of every individual member in the Society's endeavour to save, to preserve, and to record. George Wilks, Esq., moved the adoption of the Eeport; this was seconded by A. Eandall Davis, Esq., and carried unanimously. PROCEEDINGS, 1892. XXxix I t was moved by Earl Stanhope, seconded by J. E. "Wadmore, Esq., and carried unanimously :—" That a special vote of thanks be accorded to Canon Scott Eobertson for his past services as Honorary Editor of Archceologia Cantiana, and for his indefatigable exertions in promoting the welfare of the Society; and that the deep sense of the Society's regret, at his retirement from the Editorship, be recorded." I t was moved and carried:—" That the retiring members of Council and the Auditors be re-elected." Ten candidates were elected members of the Society. This concluded the business of the Meeting. The company, numbering about two hundred, then proceeded to St. Mary's Church, in the town of Dover, where a paper on its architecture and history, prepared by the Vicar, the Eev. Canon Puckle, was read by his Curate, the Eev. A. M. Collett. Dover Priory was next visited, under the guidance of Dr. Astley. On returning to the Town Hall the members were hospitably entertained, with light luncheon, by the Mayor. In the afternoon a visit was paid to the Castle, where the General commanding the South-Eastern District (Lord William Seymour) received the company in the historic Banquetting Hall of the Keep. Colonel O'Brien, C.E.E., kindly acting as guide, led the members through the various apartments. The inclement state of the weather entirely prevented any examination of the exterior of the Keep, or other portions of the Castle. Some time, however, was spent in the ancient church of St. Mary-in-the-Castle, which was admirably described by E. P. Loftus Brock, Esq., E.S.A. (Honorary Secretary of the British Archasological Association). The Annual Dinner was served in the Connaught Hall, Dover, at 5'30 P.M. The Earl Stanhope presided, being supported by the Mayor and Lady Crundall, Major-General Lord William Seymour, Mr. and Mrs. Bugler, Lieut.-Colonel Hartley, Mr. Wadmore, Mr. Loftus Brock, the Honorary Secretary, and about eighty other ladies and gentlemen. The various loyal and other toasts were proposed and responded to by the noble President, the Mayor, Lord William Seymour, Lieut.-Colonel Hartley, Eev. E. Bab'ington Blogg, Mr. Wadmore, Mr. Bugler, Mr. G. E. Elliott, Mr. Alderman Ery, and Mr. B. Eosher. The Evening Meeting took place in the Maison Dieu, now the Town Hall, the Earl Stanhope presiding. Canon Puckle contributed a valuable paper on "Eoman Dover," which was read in his absence by the Honorary Secretary, who followed with an address on the roads of the locality, and their relation to the discoveries which have been made around Dover. Mr. Alderman Ery then gave an account of his recent excavations on the site of the destroyed church of St. Martin-le- Grand. Xl PROCEEDINGS, 1892. Mr. Loftus Brock read a paper on "Whitfield Church, which he believes to contain Saxon work. Votes of thanks were accorded for all these papers, on the proposition of the noble President, seconded by Lord William Seymour. On Wednesday, July 20th, while awaiting the arrival of the morning trains, those members who were already in Dover assembled in the Antiquity Eoom of the Museum, when the Honorary Secretary gave a brief description of the more interesting objects in the Collection. At 11'30 A.M., the entire company started in carriages for St. Eadegund's Abbey, where, under the able leadership of the Precentor of Eochester Cathedral (the Eev. Grevile M. Livett), an hour was spent in hearing a miuute description of the ruins, and examining the remaining foundations. Mr. John Sayer, of Charing, the owner of the property, was present to welcome the party. Progress was then made to the Hall of the Co-operative Society at Eiver, where luncheon was served. After luncheon, Temple Ewell Church was inspected under the guidance of the Vicar, the Eev. John Turnbull, M.A., some remarks being also offered by Mr. Loftus Brock. Alkham Church was next visited, the Vicar, the Eev. J. C. W. Valpy, M.A., receiving the company. The Honorary Secretary read a paper on the church by the Eev. W. E. Hobson, M.A., whose sad death occurred a fortnight before the Meeting. The Eev. G. M. Livett, who by the kindness of the Incumbent had been enabled to examine Alkham Church a few days previously, then drew attention to the features which marked its growth. The double respond in the arcade of the south aisle appeared to him, and to Mr. Brock, to point, not to a division of the church between the canons of St. Eadegund's and the parishioners of Alkham, but merely to an eastward addition made to the original building, when the south aisle and arcade were built. Mr. Livett hopes to be able at some future date to contribute to Archceologia Cantiana a paper on this church. The church of Capel-le-Eerne was the last place visited. This also was described by the Eev. G. M. Livett, who has supplied the following short account for insertion here :— The church consists of a long, aisle-less nave, and square-ended chancel, with a western tower and a southern porch. The tower has been rebuilt quite recently. The orignal tower-arch and western doorway, carefully preserved, shew that the tower was an addition to the church, in the Transition-Norman Period. The porch was a later addition. The walls of the nave and chancel, up to a certain height, are those of the first stone-church, built probably before or about A.D. 1100. The uppermost three or four feet of the walls were added to support a new roof, in the fourteenth century. Only one original Norman window remains; it is in the north wall of the nave. Later windows have replaced those of the chancel and south wall of the nave. The principal feature of interest in the church is the arcade, of three arches, which supports the east wall of the nave, and serves for a chancel-screen. This was inserted in the fourteenth century, and no doubt succeeded a narrow Norman ohanoel-aroh, in PROCEEDINGS, 1892. xi i the same position. The Norman material is chiefly Caen-stone ; that of the screen-arcade and of the later windows is Kentish rag. Between the heads of the arches of the arcade there are grotesque corbel-heads, which at one time carried the brackets of a wooden rood-loft. Above the central arch, standing on the level of the rood-loft, is a round-arched opening in the wall, which at first sight might be taken for Norman work. A closer examination proves that the wall was pierced and the arch inserted when the arcade was made. This upper arch is of two orders; the outer order plain-chamfered ; the inner order hollowchamfered; both chamfers being dagger-stopped. The outer order is all of chalk, once painted. The jambs of the inner order are of Caen-stone, the squared blocks clearly shewing the diagonal axe-marks, except on the hollow chamfer. They must have come from the destroyed Norman chancel-arch. These jambs rest upon rude bases of Kentish rag. The voussoirs likewise are of Kentish rag, excepting the three voussoirs at the crown, which are of re-used Caen-stone. The purpose of this arch, in the minds of the builders, is obvious : it was meant to form a frame, so to speak, for the rood, its width and consequent round head being necessary to allow room for the figures of St. John and the Virgin, one on each side of the rood. The total height of the opening is 6 feet; the span is 5£ feet. A horizontal line drawn just above the head of the Norman window in the north wall of the nave would give the height of the Norman interior. Continued eastwards this line would run just under a singular triangular window at the east end of the wall, made when the wall was raised. The purpose of this window was to give light to the gospeller reading from the rood-loft. The whole of these re-arrangements were probably carried out at one and the same time. Inside the south door there is something in the wall which possibly marks the position of a stoup for holy water. In the chancel are a curious sedile and a piscina. On the outside, the lines which mark the raising of the walls are clearly visible, all round the building. The original quoins are instructive : the lower quoin-stones are huge blocks of a purple-coloured ferruginous sandstone, while above them appear well-squared and properly-faced Caen-stone quoins. The change of material does not necessarily mean difference of date; it more probably marks the introduction of the Caen-stone into the country. The sandstone seems to have been brought over from the coast near Hastings. The flint-walling is characteristic. On the proposition of W. IT. B. Eosher, Esq., a cordial vote of thanks was given to Mr. George Payne for the admirable arrangements he had made for the instruction, pleasure, and comfort of members during the Meeting, to the Eev. G. M. Livett for his interesting descriptions, and to the Eev. Waterman Gardner- Waterman for his excellent arrangements connected with the carriages. A charming drive to Dover, along the Eolkestone road, within view of the Channel, brought the Annual Meeting of 1892 to a pleasant termination. The Council met on September 29th, 1892, in the Society's Eooms at the Maidstone Museum. The Earl Stanhope presided, and nine members attended. The following votes of thanks, in connection with the Dover Meeting, were unanimously passed :— To the Mayor and Corporation of Dover, for the use of their Municipal Buildings. VOL. xx. d xlii PROCEEDINGS, 1892. To the Mayor (Sir William Crundall), for kindly hospitality at the Town Hall. To Major-General Lord William Seymour, Colonel O'Brien, Canon Puckle, the Eev. A. M. Collett, Eev. G. M. Livett, the President and Council of Dover College, Dr. Astley, Eev. J. C. W. Valpy, Eev. John Turnbull, Mr. Alderman Ery (who kindly issued the Meeting tickets), and Mr. Loftus Brock, E.S.A., for much valuable help and hearty co-operation; also to the Eev. W. Gardner- Waterman for superintending the carriage arrangements. After due discussion, it was resolved to hold the next Annual Meeting at Edenbridge. Votes of thanks were passed for the following gifts to the Society's Library:— To the Eev. J. Cave-Browne for his Boxley Parish. To J. E. Wadmore, Esq., for a volume of Kentish Plays; and for three volumes of the Camden Society's Publications. To Eichard Cooke, Esq., for the Anglo-Saxon Poems of Beowvflf. To A.D. Weld Erench, Esq., for his Index Armorial. To Lieut.-General Pitt-Eivers, E.E.S., for his Fxcavations in Bokerly Dyke and Wansdyke, vol. iii. A special vote of thanks was passed to Algernon Brent, Esq., for his handsome donation of Eive Pounds towards the Illustration Eund, Mr. Brent accompanying his gift with expressions of pleasure at the receipt of the Index Volume of Archceologia Cantiana. A special vote of thanks was passed to Dr. Astley on his relinquishing the office of Honorary Local Secretary for the Dover district, after thirty years' valuable service to the Society. E. W. Ery, Esq., of St. Martin's House, Dover, was unanimously elected to fill the vacant office. The Honorary Secretary reported that he had drawn the attention of the military authorities at Chatham to the fact that discoveries of antiquities had been made during the construction of the forts, in the Thames and Medway divisions, and that the objects had been removed without the knowledge of the War Department. He appealed to Lieut.-General Goodenough, C.B., then in command, to intercede that it should not occur again, at the same time asking that information might in future be sent to the Society's Secretary of any future discoveries. All this having been most carefully and systematically carried out by General Goodenough, it was unanimously resolved that a special vote of thanks be accorded to him for his valuable assistance, and that he be presented with a copy of the Eleventh Volume of Archceologia Cantiana, and a bound copy of the Catalogue of the Society's Museum. The Honorary Secretay reported that, during building operations connected with the Mathematical School at Eochester, the north tower of the ancient east-gate of the city had been laid bare. This he had, at the request of the Mayor of Eochester, opened up to a considerable extent, revealing the massive foundations of an earlier tower. Having suggested the desirability of keeping this interesting laudmark of ancient Eochester permanently exposed, PROCEEDINGS, 1892. xliii by means of a subway, it had been intimated to him that the Corporation might be disposed to adopt the suggestion if half the cost of the work could be obtained elsewhere. The Council therefore resolved that Eive Pounds be voted towards the fund in the event of such a scheme being carried out. A letter was read from the Rev. G. M. Livett, to the effect that Malling Abbey had been sold to Miss Boyd for the residence of a Close Sisterhood of the Anglican Church, and, as alterations were contemplated, he suggested that an expert be appointed to measure up the existing building before anything was done. This was referred to the Honorary Secretary, who was directed to make further inquiries. A letter was read from the Eev. W. Gardner-Waterman with reference to the desecration of the ruined Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary at West Hythe, which was referred to Mr. George Wilks. Seven new members were elected. The Council met on December 22nd, 1892, in the Cathedral Library at Canterbury, by the kindly permission of the Dean and Chapter. Canon W. A. Scott Eobertson presided, and seven other members were present. The Honorary Secretary submitted his proposed Programme of the next Annual Meeting to be held at Edenbridge, which was agreed to. C. W. Powell, Esq., J.P., of Speldhurst, was unanimously elected a member of the Council, in room of the Eev. E. H. Lee, deceased. Thanks were voted to George Wilks, Esq., for having given to the Society's Library his books, The Barons of the Cinque Ports and The Parly History of Hythe, part i. The Honorary Secretary had issued the following private circular to the members of the Council, explanatory of this question upon the agenda paper: " Can anything be done towards the protection of the ancient monuments in Kent, and the preservation in Borough Museums of antiquities which may in future be found in the County ?" :— THE PEECINCT, ROCHESTEE. December 19, 1892. DEAE SIE, It seems to me that some special effort should be made, by the Corporate Towns possessing Museums in Kent, to arrest the outgoing of the antiquities and other objects of local interest which are constantly being brought to light. The magnificent Collections formed by the late Bryan Paussett from East Kent passed away to Liverpool, the Gibbs Collection to S. Kensington, the Gold Treasures from Faversham are in half-a-dozen hands, and my own Collection is at the British Museum, having been declined by the town of Sittingbourne as a free gift. I propose to bring the matter before the Council of the Kent Archseological Society on Thursday, asking the Society to initiate it, and at the same time to xliv PROCEEDINGS, 1892. offer myself for the work if an adequate remuneration could be ensured. The following ideas have suggested themselves to me as useful and practicable -.— 1. Examine periodically the historic monuments of each district and report on their condition and advise as to their preservation. 2. To assist the Museum authorities to acquire the antiquities discovered around each centre. 3. To advise as to the arrangement of Collections with a view to making them more educational. 4. To conduct researches when called upon to do so. 5. To explore the districts and supply archEeological maps with the results marked thereon, and record the same in Archceologia Cantiana. 6. To give lectures occasionally in the Museums if necessary. 1. To organize Public Meetings and Conversazioni once or twice a year in each Museum with a view to their popularization. I venture to hope that if this matter were brought under the notice of the Corporate Towns in Kent, where museums already exist or are likely to be established, they would each contribute towards the annual cost of so valuable a work, of which they would reap, to a large extent, the benefit. I am, Yours faithfully, GEOEGE PAYNE. Mr. Payne stated that, during a conversation with the noble President, he (Mr. Payne) had mentioned that if the Society could vote £50 per annum towards the stipend of an Inspector, the Corporate Towns where museums exist might be asked to contribute £100 more per annum. The following letter from the noble President was read :— CHEVENINA, SEVENOAKS, December 15, 1892. DEAE ME. PAYNE, I am sorry that, owing to the late hour of the meeting, I cannot attend the next Council meeting at Canterbury. I should be glad to see an Inspector of Antiquities appointed for the County to assist in further explorations and to aid in the enumeration of new collections. If the Boroughs of the County would co-operate in the scheme and would contribute £100 or £150 a year, there would be no person more fitting for the appointment than yourself. I think that in any case the Kent Archajological Sooiety would be very ready to augment your salary by £100 a year. With regard to the sale of surplus copies of Archceologia Cantiana, there can be no doubt that you should have authority to dispose of them at the rate of 10s, a volume. Tours very faithfully, STANHOPE. GEOEGE PAYNE, ESQ., P.S.A. Letters more or less favouring the scheme had been received from Mr. Lcveson-Gower, Lieut.-Colonel Hartley, Mr. Samuel Mercer, and Mr. Wadmore. After due deliberation the subject was adjourned for consideration at the next Council Meeting. The Chairman left, with Messrs. Boodle and Arnold, for an early train, at this stage of the proceedings, when the Archdeacon of Maidstone took the Chair. The subject of excavations at Eichborough was postponed. PROCEEDINGS, 1892-3. xlv I t was resolved that in future the stock of back volumes of Archceologia Cantiana may be sold to members at the rate of ten shillings per volume, as there was so little call for them at the price of fifteen shillings hitherto charged to members who had not originally subscribed for the back volume desired. The Council met on March 25th, 1893, at Maidstone. Eleven members were present, presided over by the Earl Stanhope. Charles Boyce, Esq., M.D., was elected Honorary Local Secretary for the Maidstone District, vice Mr. E. Bunyard resigned. The subject of the Preservation of Antiquities and the Protection of Ancient Monuments in Kent, which was adjourned at the last meeting, was further discussed. The Honorary Secretary explained that what he proposed to offer to do for the county was beyond the duties included in the Honorary Secretaryship, and it was for this additional work that he asked to be remunerated. The noble President read a draft letter, which he had prepared in connection with the scheme, to be sent to the Kentish Boroughs. The matter was debated in the absence of the Honorary Secretary. On being recalled to the room he was informed that the Council had resolved that the following letter should be lithographed and sent, as soon as completed, to the Mayors of all the Boroughs in Kent. CHEVENING, SEVENOAKS. March 27, 1893. SIE, The Council of the Kent Archaeological Society, in the interest and furtherance of Antiquarian Research, have the honour to ask your co-operation for the following object. I t appears to thorn very desirable that a competent Inspector should be appointed for the County, who should have full knowledge of its Antiquities and Archseological History. Such an Inspector could, if invited, very well become responsible in advising as to the preservation of Ancient Monuments and Buildings, and as to undertaking fresh explorations. He could also assist as to the arrangement and Cataloguing of New or of existing Museums, and could deliver Lectures on Local Archaeology. The Council of the Kent Archasological Society are prepared to recommend the Sooiety to make a yearly contribution of £50 out of their funds for this object, provided that the County Boroughs will meet them with an annual grant in the whole of not less than One Hundred Pounds. The present Secretary of the Society, Mr. George Payne (Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries), possesses adequate experience and full knowledge, and is ready to undertake such duties. If you are willing to make a contribution towards this proposal out of your Public Library, Museum Fund, or County Technical Education Grant, your Corporation would be entitled to the services of the County Inspector, and would receive all future volumes of the Archceologia Cantiana. The Council of the Kent Archaeological Society trust that you will have the goodness to take this matter into your favourable consideration, and will kindly let me have a reply at an early opportunity. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient Servant, STANHOPE, His Worship President K. A. Society. The Mayor of xlvi PROCEEDINGS, 1893. I t was resolved to insure the property of the Society which might at any time be in the hands of the printers at £300. The Honorary Secretary was permitted to make use of certain wood blocks with which to illustrate his Collectanea Cantiana. The following works were ordered to be subscribed for:—Cowper's Canterbury Marriage Licences; Duncan's Lewisham Church; Eielding's Memories of Mailing. A vote of thanks was accorded to Sir John Evans, K.C.B., for his valuable gift of Eichborough coins from the Eolfe Collection. Nine new members were elected. The Council met on June 27th in London, at the house of the noble President, in Grosvenor Place. The Earl Stanhope presided, and there were fourteen members present. The Programme (in proof) of the Annual Meeting to be held at Edenbridge in July was approved. The Earl Stanhope was elected a Trustee of the Society, vice Lord Brabourne, deceased. Eeplies from several of the Boroughs were read with reference to the appointment of an Inspector of Antiquities for the County, to the effect that they were unable to vote any funds for such a purpose. After some discussion, it was moved by Mr. A. A. Arnold, seconded by Canon Scott Eobertson, and carried, " That the Council, having heard the replies from the Boroughs respecting the appointment of a County Inspector, much regret that they can take no further action in the matter." I t was resolved that the sums received from Life Compounders for membership, amounting to £100, shall forthwith be invested in Consols. I t was resolved to subscribe twenty guineas towards the fund being raised for the purchase of the Eoman castrum at Eichborough. The Honorary Secretary laid upon the table the account of the Stock of Archceologia Cantiana at Maidstone, (not including copies in the hands of local Secretaries,) as follows :— No. of Volume. I. II. III. IV. V. VI. VII. VIII. IX. X. XI. XII. XIII. XIV. XV. XVI. XVII. XVIII. XIX. Total Royal Quarto. None. 1 1 2 2 — — 1 — 3 — — — — — — — — — 10 Large Octavo. None. — — — 1 7 15 13 12 15 13 7 3 2 5 7 15 13 14 142 Octavo. None. — 31 11 46 49 35 98 117 53 38 7 17 30 29 25 56 51 116 809 REPORT, 1893. xlvii A vote of thanks was passed to the Eev. C. A. Molony, for his gift to the Library of Simson's Historic Thanet. Three new members were elected. The Annual Meeting of the Society commenced at Edenbridge on Tuesday, July 25th, 1893. The Business Meeting was held in the Oddfellows' Hall, the noble President in the Chair. The Eeport was read by the Honorary Secretary (George Payne, Esq.) as follows :— REPORT. To-day, for the first time since its foundation, the Society visits Edenbridge; a locality full of interest, and especiaUy- rich in un-restored examples of ancient domestic architecture. It is hoped that the visit of the Society on this occasion to some of these old houses may induce the owners to take steps to arrest the progress of their decay, so that they may stand for many long years as valuable illustrations of the architecture of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, as applied to the dwellings of the yeomen of the Weald at that period. In presenting this, the Thirty-sixth Annual Report, the Council with much pleasure draw attention to the continued prosperity of the Society. The Council have, however, to announce with the deepest regret the deaths during the past year of two of its distinguished Vice-Presidents, the Earl of Derby and the Lord Brabourne, the latter being also one of the Society's Trustees. Other valued members have passed away. Since the last Annual Meeting twenty-seven new members have been elected. The Society now numbers eight hundred and seventy-two members, while twelve await election at your hands to-day. Members will be gratified to learn that at the last meeting of the Council the Earl Stanhope, the noble President, consented to act as a Trustee of the Society in the room of Lord Brabourne, deceased. The Council having heard with gratification of a scheme for the purchase of the celebrated Roman castrum at Riohborough, recently voted the sum of twenty guineas towards the fund, which still needs about £300 to complete the purchase. The spirited manner in which the whole matter has been taken up renders the final protection and preservation of this grand national monument an absolute certainty. I t is anticipated that in the course of the next three or four months the Twentieth Volume of Archceologia Cantiana will be issued. The completion of this volume will bring to a close the editorship of Canon Scott Robertson. This lamentable fact has already been announced, but the Council feel that they must again express their extreme regret at the retirement of one who has done so much for the welfare of the Society, and their deep thankfulness to him for his long and able services. As you are aware, Canon C. P. Routledge, M.A., P.S.A., has most kindly taken over the duties of Honorary Editor, and to him therefore material for future volumes should be sent. Since the last Annual Meeting your Honorary Secretary, assisted by the Rev. G. M. Livett, has been prosecuting researches in connection with the ancient mural defences of the City of Rochester. The discoveries made are of the first importance, and shed an entirely new light on the history of the city walls. The results are now being prepared for publication in the Twenty-first Volume of Archceologia Cantiana. The Counoil note with considerable satisfaction the action of the Corporation of Rochester with respect to the repair of the fine Norman Castle-keep in that city. The much needed reparation of the interior having recently been taken in hand, the north side being already completed in an efficient and conservative manner. xlviii PROCEEDINGS, 1893. The financial position of the Society is still highly satisfactory ; the balance at the Bankers to-day being £745 18s. lid., although a sum of £100 has been invested in Consols during the present month. In conclusion, the Council earnestly appeal to the members to assist in every way possible in the preservation of objects of antiquity or other material that may serve to elucidate the history of their respective districts or of the county. Lieut.-Colonel Hartley moved the adoption of the Eeport; this was seconded by A. A. Arnold, Esq., and carried unanimously. I t was moved and carried:—"That the Auditors be re-elected." I t was moved and carried:—" That the retiring members of Council be re-elected." The Earl of Eadnor was elected a member and Vice-President of the Society, and eleven other candidates were duly elected. The business being concluded, the company, which numbered some two hundred ladies and gentlemen, proceeded to Edenbridge Church, where they were welcomed by the Vicar, the Kev. E. C. Gore, M.A. John Oldrid Scott, Esq., F.S.A., described the church, the Secretary subsequently reading some interesting notes on the monuments, and curious extracts from wills relating to the church, which had been prepared by Granville Leveson-Gower, Esq., E.S.A. Members next adjourned to the Oddfellows' Hall for luncheon, and afterwards were conveyed in carriages to Hever Church, which the Eector, the Eev. E. C. Lathom Browne, kindly described. Hever Castle was then visited under the guidance of E. P. Loftus Brock, Esq., E.S.A. (Honorary Secretary of the British Archasological Association). After his valuable address in the quadrangle, the company, by the kind permission of Mr. E. Heard, inspected the rooms usually thrown open to the public. Progress was then made to Chiddingstone Church, where the members were met by the Rector, the Eev. J. T. Pearse, M.A. The Secretary read some brief notes on the church and ancient houses in the village, which had been kindly sent to him by Henry Taylor, Esq., of Braeside, Eusthall, Tunbridge Wells, who was unable to be present. Members were charmed with the picturesque village of Chiddingstone, and before leaving it many paid a visit to the quaint old hostelry and other houses, as well as to the great mass of rock in rear of them, called the " Chiding-stone." The Annual Dinner took place in the Oddfellows' Hall at Edenbridge, about 5-30 P.M. ; the Earl Stanhope presiding, supported by Sir Samuel Lewes, Lieut.-Colonel and Mrs. Hartley, the Eev. Salter Hartley, Eev. A. J. Pearman, Granville Leveson-Gower, Esq., George Wilks, Esq., J. Oldrid Scott, Esq., E. P. Loftus Brock, Esq., the Honorary Secretary and Mrs. George Payne. About eighty dined. The customary loyal and other toasts were proposed and responded to by the noble President, the Eev. W. H. Grove, Lieut.- Colonel Hartley, Mr, Leveson-Gower, and Mr. George Wilks. The Evening Meeting was held at 7'30 o'clock, the Earl Stanhope again presiding, supported by the Eev. C. E. Gore, Lieut.- PROCEEDINGS, 1893. xlix Colonel Hartley, Mr. Leveson-Gower, Mr. Oldrid Scott, and the Honorary Secretary. Mr. Leveson-Gower read an interesting paper entitled, " Jottings about Edenbridge;" after which Mr. C. E. Gildersome Dickinson contributed a paper on " Gavelkind;" followed by a paper from the Honorary Secretary on the " Iron Trade of the Weald." The proceedings terminated with cordial thanks to the noble Chairman and to those who had kindly contributed papers. On Wednesday, July 26th, the members assembled in drenching rain, which, together with the lateness of the arrival of the trains, caused a slight delay at starting. At 11'45 A.M., however, the party, exceeding two hundred in number, left the town in twentyone carriages, then the storm passed away, the weather remaining fine for the remainder of the day. It was decided to abandon the original intention of going to the ancient home of the Tichbornes at Crippenden, as the road to it for some distance is in wet weather impassable. Cowden was therefore the first place visited, where the Eector, the Eev. E. M. Burton, LL.D., E.S.A., cordially welcomed the company. Mr. Oldrid Scott gave an interesting description of the church, followed by Mr. Leveson-Gower, who contributed a large number of extracts from wills, and other particulars connected with the church and its monuments. Erom Cowden progress was made to Lingfield Mark Camp, which is situate on the borders of Kent and Surrey. The high position of this fine British oppidum renders it necessary to walk nearly a mile before the ramparts are reached. The whole party boldly and cheerfully faced the difficulty, and were rewarded on reaching the summit of the hill by seeing before them a vast expanse of the finest scenery to be met with in the south-east of England. On the green sward in front of the ramparts they found Beresford V. Melville, Esq., and Mrs. Melville, of Eord Manor, Surrey, awaiting their arrival. After greeting the members very cordially, they invited them to partake of a sumptuous luncheon which had been most hospitably prepared in a large marquee. After luncheon, and before the company left their seats, Mr. Leveson-Gower rose and warmly thanked Mr. and Mrs. Melville for the immense trouble they had taken to entertain the Society at such an interesting and delightful spot, in so kind and hospitable a manner. Mr. Melville, who was greeted with prolonged applause, replied in very pleasant terms, expressing a hope that he might be allowed to become a member of the Society. The company on dispersing were conducted by the Honorary Secretary to the magnificent tree, known as the " Mark Beech," which, at 3 feet 6 inches from the ground, measures 14 feet 2 inches in girth, and is growing upon the top of one of the ramparts. Erom this standpoint Mr. Payne gave an address on the cam]), describing vor,. xx. e 1 PROCEEDINGS, 1893. its mode of construction, comparing it with others in the immediate locality, and also referring to its position as related to the surrounding fortified sites and early roads. No time could be allowed for a perambulation of the camp, the company therefore strolled down towards the carriages. A few persons only paid a visit at the foot of the hill to Bazing and Scarlett's farm-houses as a thunderstorm seemed approaching, and time was precious. A general advance was therefore made to Oakdene, Cowden, where H. A. Darbishire, Esq., and Mrs. Darbishire, received the company, and invited them to partake of tea and other refreshments, which had been hospitably prepared for them in a tent upon the lawn. During tea the Edenbridge brass band played selections of music. Before leaving the pretty grounds of Oakdene, J. G. Talbot, Esq., M.P., on behalf of the Society, thanked Mr. and_Mrs. Darbishire for their hospitable reception, to which Mr. Darbishire replied in graceful terms. The Council met on the 28th of September, 1893, at Maidstone. Nine members were present, presided over by Canon W. A. Scott Eobertson. After some discussion it was decided that the next Annual Meeting shall be held at Eaversham. Votes of thanks were passed to the following gentlemen, for much valuable help and hearty co-operation in connection with the meeting at Edenbridge, in July last—Granville G. Leveson-Gower, Esq., E.S.A., J. Oldrid Scott, Esq., E.S.A., E. P. Loftus Brock, Esq., E.S.A., Eev. W. Gardner Waterman, Eev. E. Lathom Browne, Eev. E. M. Burton, LL.D., E.S.A., Eev. C. E. Gore, Eev. J. T. Pearse, Henry Taylor, Esq., Joseph Stanford, Esq., Mr. Shorter, Mr. Walder, Mr. Heard, Mr. Boddy, C. E. Gildersome Dickinson, Esq., Mr. G. Pullinger, Mr. E. G. Pullinger (for issuing the Tickets), and Mr. Benson. Special votes of thanks were also passed to Beresford V. Melville, Esq., and Mrs. Melville for their unbounded hospitality and very great kindness, and to H. A. Darbishire, Esq., and Mrs. Darbishire for their kindness and hospitable reception at Oakdene. I t was resolved :—" That the warmest thanks of the Society be tendered to the Eight Hon. the Lord Mayor of London for the kindly hospitality of his Lordship and the Lady Mayoress to its members at the Mansion House on the 12th of July, and that his Lordship be requested to accept the position of a Vice-President of the Society." W. H. Burch Eosher, Esq., was elected an Honorary Local Secretary for the Deal and Walmer District, vice the Eev. J. Branfill Harrison, deceased. Eesolved that from the surplus Anglo-Saxon antiquities of iron, in the Society's possession, about a dozen articles, including swords, PROCEEDINGS, 1893. li spears, knives, and umboes, shall be lent to the Corporation of Eochester for their City Museum. Eesolved that a glass-case be provided for the better display of the Society's collection of sulphur casts from ancient seals. The following new Kentish Works were ordered to be purchased for the Library:— Elvin's History of Walmer and Walmer Castle. Cotton's History of the Church and Parish of St. Laurence, Thanet. Wilkie's Parish Begisters of Kingston, near Canterbury. Barrett's History of Birchington. Cowper's Begisters of St. Paul's, Canterbury. Six new members were elected.