Abstract of Proceedings 1898 - 1900

-•• ABSTRACT OE PROCEEDINGS, 1898—1900. THE Council met ou the 28th of December 1898 in Canterbury Cathedral Library, by permission of the Dean and Chapter. There were five members present, presided over by Canon C. F. Routledge. After discussion, it was resolved that the next Annual Meeting be held at Bromley. The Rev. Waterman Q-ardner-Waterman, Rector of Bicknor, and T. Colyer Fergusson, Esq., of Wombwell Hall and Ightham Mote, Kent, were unanimously elected Members of Council, in room of the late Rev. J. Oave-Browne and the late Lieut.-Colonel J. Hartley. The following new members were elected: F. Church, Esq., A. B. Earn, Esq., Harry Muller, Esq., F. A. Barrett, Esq., W. Wylie Lord, Esq. The Council met on the 80th of March 1899 in the Society's Rooms at Maidstone. There were five members present, J. D.Norwood, Esq., occupying the Chair. Letters were read from the Rev. W. Q-ardner-Waterman and Mr. Colyer Fergusson, thanking the Council for electing them members of it. I t was resolved that the Bromley Meeting take place on the 25th and 26th of July. It was decided to visit Bromley College, Eltham Palace, Keston, Holwood, High Elms, West Wickham Church, and Wickham Court. The following new members were elected : The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Dean of Canterbury, Rev. J. Halloran, Rev. 0. W. Bancks, Rev. 0. Tancock, D.D., R. Wingate, Esq., J. J. Alexander, Esq., W. Ruck, Esq., Dr. 0. R. Walker, T. J. Carter, Esq. xl PROCEEDINGS, 1899. The Council met on the 26th of June 1899 at the house of the Noble President in Grosvenor Place. Twelve members were present, presided over by the Earl Stanhope. The Programme of the Annual Meeting, to be held at Bromley, was approved. I t was resolved that the alteration of Rule 9, which was proposed and adopted at the Annual General Meeting of the Society on the 10th of July 1862 at Hythe, be from this date made and printed in all future volumes of the Society's Transactions. I t was resolved that the Honorary Secretary be requested to procure a return or lists from the Local Secretaries, the London Agent, and the Bankers, of all subscriptions due from members in their respective districts which may be in arrear at the date of the next annual audit; and that a copy of such return and of the Balance Sheet, as certified by the auditors, be laid before the next Meeting of the Council; also that the List of Members, as published in the volumes, be corrected up to date as far as possible. The following new members were elected: Rev. W. D. Fanshawe, F. T. Cutbill, Esq., 0. F. J. Jennings, Esq., Rev. R. Swan, E. R. Taylor, Esq., C. Igglesden, Esq., Miss S. Caught, A. Blades, Esq. The Annual Meeting commenced at Bromley on Tuesday, the 25th of July 1899. The Business Meeting was held in the Assembly Room at the " Royal Bell Hotel." A letter was read from the Noble President, in which he expressed his regret at not being able to be present in consequence of an acute attack of gout, which was a great disappointment to all present. In the absence of Lord Stanhope, J. F. Wadmore, Esq., the senior Member of Council present, occupied the Chair. The Honorary Secretary was then called upon to read the Annual Report, which was as follows:— REPORT, 1899. The Counoil has much pleasure in presenting the Porty-Second Annual Report, as the Society still maintains its high position and continues in a flourishing state. In meeting for the second time at Bromley, after a lapse of twenty-one years, with a slight change of programme, we may anticipate a very instructive and pleasant time. It will be noticed that the country immediately around Bromley has undergone great changes since 1878, but happily building operations have been carried on with due regard to the retention of trees and hedgerows. Since the last Annual Meeting we have lost several valued members by death and other causes, which we all deeply deplore. By the death of Lord Hersohell, G.C.B., the Sooiety loses one of its most distinguished Vice-Presidents. His Lordship joined our Sooiety on becoming Captain of Deal Castle, which he kindly PROCEEDINGS, 1899. Xii allowed us to inspect last year. The familiar face of Mr. W. T. Neve will, alas, be no longer seen at our annual gatherings. He joined our ranks iu 1859, and for the past sixteen years had been a Member of the Counoil and Honorary Local Secretary for the Cranbrook district. We all remember with pleasure the kindly help he rendered in 1873 and 1895, when we visited Cranbrook, and the hospitality he so liberally dispensed on the latter occasion. Another of our Vice-Presidents has also passed away, namely, Sir Stuart Knill, Bart. He had been a member for twenty-seven years, and was elected a Vice-President by the Council as a mark of its high appreciation of his kindly courtesy in inviting the Sooiety to the Mansion House on the 12tfi of July 1893, when he was Lord Mayor of London. We have likewise lost a staunch friend and supporter by the death of Mr. W. Laurence of Maidstone. He was an original member of the Society, and for forty years he or some member of his family have been present at our Meetings. Since we last met thirty-four new members have been elected, and others await election at your hands to-day. During the past six months the twenty-third Volume of Archaologia Oantiana has been issued. This is a valuable Volume, and will be greatly prized as containing Mr. St. John Hope's learned and exhaustive monograph on Rochester Cathedral. The cost of this Volume has been defrayed, which leaves us with a balance at our Bankers of £682 Os. 3d. In the course of the year the Counoil has made a grant from our funds of £20 towards the much-needed repairs to the ancient Court Hall at Fordwich. These have been carried out under the superintendence of your Honorary Secretary to the entire satisfaction of the Fordwich Town Trust. A grant of £25 has also been made towards the purchase of Mr. Benjamin Harrison's well-known collection of Flint Implements for the Maidstone Museum. They are all now in that Institution, and it is hoped that the fund now being raised will in some degree compensate Mr. Harrison for his indefatigable labours in the cause of science. The Council learns with profound regret of the very extensive alterations which have been in progress for some time past at Hever Castle, and more especially of the entire demolition of the ancient Guard House. From the Annual Report (just issued) of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings it appears that the Society offered to advise the owner as to the best means of dealing with this precious heritage, bequeathed to us from antiquity, but that offer was declined. The Rev. C. E. Woodruff moved the adoption of the Report, which was seconded by Captain Thornton Downe and carried. The Rev. F. Haslewood moved that the retiring auditors be re-elected. This was also seconded and carried. The Rev. A. G. Hellicar moved that the following retiring Members of Council be re-elected: J. J. Howard, Esq., LL.D., Oanon C. F. Routledge, Henry Stringer, Esq., Kenyon W. Wilkie, Esq., George Wilks, Esq., and Dr. E. F. Astley. This was likewise seconded and carried. The following were then duly elected to membership : Charles Creiner, Esq., John Waddington, Esq., F. F. Smith, Esq., and F. J. East, Esq. The Business Meeting having concluded, the members then proceeded to the Parish Church, where they were welcomed by the Vicar, the Rev. A. G. Hellicar, M.A., who described it. An adjournment was then made for light refreshment, after which the company xlii PROCEEDINGS, 1899. proceeded to Bromley College, which the Chaplain, tbe Rev. James White, M.A., described, and subsequently conducted the party round the interesting buildings. Progress was then made to Eltham Palace, which, together with the charming gardens, were courteously thrown open to the Society by Mrs. Bloxam. A. G. Milne, Esq., read a very bright and interesting Paper on its history. After a vote of thanks had been accorded Mr. Milne, the gardens were inspected and the remains of the moat, all passing out through the garden of Mrs. Crundwell by kindly permission. Eltham Lodge was next visited, and its fine Flemish tapestry inspected, under the guidance of Mr. Milne, by permission of the Eltham Golf Club Committee. After the members had returned to Bromley the Annual Dinner took place at the "Royal Bell Hotel." Gerard Norman, Esq., occupied the Chair, being supported by the Rev. A. G. Hellicar, Mr. and Mrs. Burch Rosher, Philip Norman, Esq., F.S.A., Mrs. Gerard Norman, the Rev. C. E. Woodruff, the Rev. WGardner- Waterman, the Honorary Secretary aud Mrs. George Payne, F. T. Cutbiil, Esq., and many others. The usual loyal and other toasts were in the hands of tlie Chairman, Mr. Burch Rosher, and Mr. George Payne. The Evening Meeting was held in the Hotel, when Mr. Philip Norman read a very interesting Paper on " Recollections of Old Bromley," illustrated by numerous lantern slides. Witli a cordial vote of thanks to the lecturer the meeting terminated. On Wednesday the members were conveyed in carriages to West Wickham Court, the seat of Sir John Farnaby Lennard, Bart. The Honorary Secretary read a short Paper on the history of tbe house, abstracted from one already printed in Archceologia Oantiana. After this Lady Lennard, in the unavoidable absence of ber husband, personally conducted the company over the more interesting parts of the house. On the lawn, before leaving, the best thanks of the company were given, on the proposition of Mr. Burch Rosher, to Lady Farnaby Lennard for her courteous attention, and to Sir John for his kindness in allowing the Society to visit Wickham Court for the second time. After three hearty cheers had been given the large party adjourned for luncheon, which was served in a marquee in the Park by permission. During the halt the Church was inspected, under the guidance of the Vicar, the Rev. H. B. Roberts. By the kindly sanction of Mary, Countess of Derby, the great British Camp in Holwood Park was examined, under the leadership of Sir John Lubbock, Bart, M.P., F.R.S., etc., who read a short Paper on the earthworks, in which he also referred to the field near by, known as War Bank, where Roman foundations exist, and stone sarcophagi and other remains have been found. PROCEEDINGS, 1899. xliii High Elms was next visited, where Sir John and Lady Lubbock hospitably entertained the members with tea and other refreshments. During the interval Sir John's collections were carefully examined, the fine series of flint and stone weapons attracting considerable attention. Before leaving, the Rev. Dr. Haslewood called for a vote of thanks to Sir John and Lady Lubbock for their kindness and profuse hospitality, which was cordially given. After a pleasant drive to Bromley the Annual Meeting of 189!) terminated. The Council met on the 29th of September in the Society's Rooms at Maidstone. Eight members were present, presided over by J. F. Wadmore, Esq. Before the proceedings commenced the Chairman alluded in feeling terms to the lamented death of George Dowker, Esq., F.G.S., who had been for several years a Member of the Council, and one of the Society's most valued and energetic members. It was unanimously resolved that a vote of condolence be accorded to Mrs. Dowker and her family in their deep affliction. After due discussion it was agreed to hold the next Annual Meeting at Ramsgate. Votes of thanks in connection with the Meeting at Bromley in July last were passed to the Rev. A. G. Hellicar, the Rev. Jas. White, Philip Norman, Esq., and the Rev. H. B. Roberts, for reading Papers and other valuable help; to Mrs. Bloxam for permission to view Eltham Palace; to Mrs. Crundwell for allowing the party to pass through her garden at The Moat; and to A. G. Milne, Esq., tor kindly describing Eltham Palace and Eltham Lodge; to the Eltham Golf Club Committee for permission to visit Eltham Lodge; to Sir John and Lady Farnaby Lennard for allowing the Society to inspect West Wickham Court; to Mary, Countess of Derby, for permission to visit the British Camp in Holwood Park; to Sir John Lubbock for describing it; to Sir John and Lady Lubbock for their hospitable reception at High Elms; to A. Walker, Esq., and Miss Walker for kindly issuing the tickets; to the Eev. W. Gardner-Waterman for kindly superintending the carriage arrangements. Other votes of thanks were passed to W. M. Bywater, Esq., for the valuable gift of a hundred and sixty photographic negatives of Kentish Churches; to Mrs. A. J. Law for her book entitled The Parish Ohurch, of St. Andrew's, Shalford; to the National Historical Museum, Stockholm, for the gift of fifty-four parts and volumes of its Transactions ; to J. F. Wadmore, Esq., for Manuscript copies of Exchequer and other documents relating to the Order of the Knight Templars of St. John of Jerusalem. The Rev. J. A. Boodle brought forward the subject of completing the Inventory of Kentish Church Plate, commenced some years ago by the late Canon Scott-Robertson. It was deemed most necessary that this should be done. The Honorary Secretary stated that the xliv PROCEEDINGS, 1899. whole of Mr. Scott-Robertson's note-books and manuscripts were in the Society's possession, and he would look up the returns relating to the matter and send them to Mr. Boodle. Mr. Boodle proposed " That in future the dates of the Council Meetings be fixed at each December Meeting for the year ensuing, except the June Meeting, and that a card of the fixtures be sent in January to each Member of the Council." This was carried unanimously. An application was read from Dr. A. Blomberg, the Librarian of the National Historical Museum at Stockholm, for an interchange of publications. The Honorary Secretary strongly recommended that sanction should be given, as the Swedish Transactions were well illustrated, and would be invaluable to the student of antiquities commonly called Anglo-Saxon. The application was granted accordingly. I t was resolved that the new Sistory of Ohislehurst, by Webb, Miller, and Beckwith, be purchased for the Society's Library. The Honorary Secretary announced that, agreeably to the wishes of Mr. Oldrid Scott and Mr. Henry Taylor, he had employed a Surveyor to prepare plans of Ightham Mote, to illustrate the joint Papers by those gentlemen on the building for the forthcoming Volume. The following were duly elected to membership : T. 0. Dewey, Esq., D. Grinsted, Esq., C. G. Hughes, Esq., E. E. Wells, Esq., and Sidney Harvey, Esq., F.C.S. The Council met on the 29th of December in Canterbury Cathedral Library, by permission of the Dean and Chapter. There were five members present. Canon C. F. Routledge occupied the Chair. The lamented death of Sir John Farnaby Lennard, Bart., one of the Society's Vice-Presidents, was sympathetically referred to by Mr. Burch Rosher, who proposed that a letter of condolence be sent from the Council to Lady Lennard. This was carried unanimously. The routes for the next Annual Meeting, to be held at Ramsgate, were discussed and agreed to. The Honorary Secretary reported that he had sent to the Rev. J. A. Boodle the notes gathered by the late Canon Scott- Robertson relating to the Inventory of Kentish Church Plate, but nothing had been found which seemed to remain unpublished. It was, however, agreed that steps should be taken to complete this desirable work, which it was hoped Mr. Boodle and the Rev. 0. E. Woodruff would jointly undertake. Canon 0. F. Routledge referred to the very large sum which had always stood to the Society's credit at the Bankers, and suggested that some portion of it should be either invested or placed on deposit. After due discussion, Mr. Burch Rosher proposed " That the sum of four hundred pounds be forthwith placed on deposit, PROCEEDINGS, 1900. xlv namely, two hundred pounds at Messrs. Wigan, Mercer, and Co., and a like amount at Messrs. Hammond and Co." This was seconded by Mr. Giraud, and carried unanimously. The following were duly elected to membership : E. D. Till, Esq., and the Rev. J. H. Palmer. The Council met on the 30th of April 1900 in the Society's Rooms at Maidstone. There were seven members present, A. A. Arnold, Esq., occupying the Chair. After due discussion it was decided that the Annual Meeting should be held at Ramsgate on the 24th and 25th of July. A letter was read from the National Trust for Places of Historic Interest soliciting the co-operation of the Society. It was resolved that the Society become a member of the Trust. The following new members were elected: W. J. Homewood, Esq., E. J. Homewood, Esq., S. G. P. Philpott, Esq., Rev. C. R. Perry, Beauchamp Wadmore, Esq., C. B. Wolley, Esq., and the Rev. F. M. Crapper. The Council met on the 19th of June at the Metropole Hotel, London, by the kindly invitation of the Earl Stanhope. Seven members were present, presided over by the Noble President. The following elections took place: Sackville Cresswell, Esq., Hole Park, Rolvenden, Honorary Local Secretary for the Cranbrook District, vice W. T. Neve, Esq., deceased; Charles Cotton, Esq., F.R.C.P., Ramsgate, Honorary Local Secretary for the Ramsgate District, vice Kenyon W. Wilkie, Esq., deceased; Dr. Francis Grayling, Sittingbourne, Honorary Local Secretary for the Sittingbourne District, vice G. E. Elliott, Esq., deceased; Lieut.-Colonel Copeland, F.S.A., a Member of Council, vice George Dowker, Esq., deceased; Major John Roberts Atkin Roberts, Glassenbury, Cranbrook, a Member of Council, vice the late Mr. Neve. A letter was read from Canon C. F. Routledge resigning the office of Honorary Editor of Archceologia Oantiana. The Noble President moved the following resolution : " That while greatly regretting the resignation of Canon Routledge as Editor of the Arohcsologia Oantiana, which he has conducted for some years with conspicuous ability, the Council beg to tender him their best thanks for his past services." This was seconded by the Rev. J. A. Boodle and carried unanimously. The Honorary Secretary brought forward the subject of the forthcoming sale by auction of the ancient College at Maidstone, and announced that he had interviewed the owners of the property, and several other persons of importance in Maidstone, in the hope x l v i PEOCEEDINGS, 1900. that some steps would be taken to prevent the building from being acquired for commercial purposes. The Earl Stanhope suggested that the Society should grant a sum of twenty-five pounds towards the projected excavations at Riehborough. The Council agreed to this, subject to his Lordship enquiring as to the nature of the proposed researches. The following new members were duly elected : E. S. Ford, Esq., E. S. Houlder, Esq., W. M. Hitchcock, Esq., F. Marsden Cobb, Esq., W. Hills, Esq., E. G. Percy, Esq., and Edwin Harris, Esq. The Annual Meeting was commenced at Ramsgate on Tuesday, the 24th of July 1900. The Business Meeting took place in the Technical Schools, by kindly permission of the Mayor aud Corporation. The Earl Stanhope presided. After the Worshipful the Mayor (Alderman J. B. Hodgson) had welcomed the Society to the Isle of Thanet, the Honorary Secretary read the Annual Report as follows :— REPORT, 1900. The Council has much pleasure in submitting its Forty-Third Annual Report at this second meeting of the Society in the Isle of Thanet, after a lapse of twenty-three years. Since our last Annual Meeting death has removed from our ranks several valued members, whose presence with us at these gatherings and elsewhere was always a source of pleasure and distinct gain to all with whom they came into contact. Of our Vice-Presidents two have passed away, the Venerable Archdeacon B. F. Smith and Sir John Farnaby Lennard, Bart., both of whom were firm supporters of the Sooiety. The former was an original member of it, while the latter joined in 1861. The late Archdeacon often presided at our Council Meetings at Canterbury, and hospitably entertained the Council on many occasions. The courteous owner of West Wickham Court twice received the Society at his interesting domain, dispensing hospitality and shewing us every possible kindness. "We have sustained an irreparable loss by the removal of Mr. George Dowker, F.G.S., from our midst. That indefatigable labourer in the cause of science had been a member of the Society for forty years, during fourteen of which he served on the Council. Mr. Dowker was a singularly able man, and an acknowledged authority on all branches of natural history and archaeology. He was an excellent draughtsman and an expert microscopist, and one of the best field geologists known. This Society for a long series of years reaped great advantage from the valuable help rendered to it by Mr. Dowker in the pages of its Transactions, in the field, and at the evening meetings. It is most fitting that we should pay a tribute to the memory of our lost colleague here in Ramsgate, where his life ebbed out with the tide in the autumn of last year. George Dowker's knowledge of the Isle of Thanet was unsurpassed, and at every point of it during our brief sojourn here we shall be reminded of his absence. Dr. Hicks and Mr. Kenyon Woods Wilkie, both well-known residents of Ramsgate, and much interested in the local antiquities, have too passed away. The former had been a member thirty-six years ; the latter joined us in 1874, acted as Honorary Local Secretary since 1889, and was elected on the Council in 1892. The painfully sudden death of Mr. George E. Elliott deprived the Society of another valued co-operator. He became a member in 1862 and Local Secretary for Sittingbourne in 1886, and rarely missed attending these meetings. Major Heales, F.S.A., who entertained the Society so hospitably at Leesons, near PROCEEDINGS, 1900. xlvii Chislehurst, in 1889, has also gone from us; likewise Mr. George Wilks, for many years Town Clerk of Hythe. He was a staunch supporter of the Society, which he joined in 1861, becoming Local Secretary in 1892, and a Member of Council in 1889. Mr. Wilks wrote and published a valuable worlc entitled The Barons of the Cinque Ports and the Parliamentary representation of Hythe. He was also instrumental in rescuing from oblivion and decay the ancient archives of the Borough of Hythe. Mr. Wilks held several prominent public appointments, which he filled with consummate ability. He took an active interest in the development of Hythe, and was one of those men of sterling worth which no Society, town or county, could afford to lose. During the past year twenty new members have joined our ranks, while several await election at your hands to-day. The large sum of money to the credit of our Society has recently prompted the Council to cause the sum of £400 to be placed on deposit at the bankers. Besides this amount, the balance at the present moment stands at £318 7s. ld. The next Volume of our Archceologia is nearly completed and will be ready for issue in the autumn. It contains much valuable matter, is well illustrated, and will form a valuable addition to its predecessors. Unfortunately its publication will bring to a close the editorship of Canon C. F. Routledge, who finds that he is unable to continue the work, which for the past Ave years he has conducted with such marked ability. On behalf of the Society, Mr. Routledge has been cordially thanked by the Council for his valuable services in editing the last four volumes of Transactions. The Council has the gratification to announce that the Honorary Editorship has been jointly accepted by the Rev. 0. E. Woodruff, M.A., Reotor of Otterden, and his brother, Cumberland H. Woodruff, Esq., M.A., B.C.L., F.S.A., of St. Lawrence, Thanet. The extensive knowledge of arohajology »nd the scholarly ability of these gentlemen, are sufficient guarantee that the work which they have kindly consented to undertake will be efficiently carried out. During the past few months some extremely interesting revelations have been made in the keep of Rochester Castle. It has been ascertained that the entire area of the keep has been filled in, in recent times, to a depth of 14 feet with loose earth and rubbish. Shafts have been sunk through this debris to the bottom, which consists of a stone floor 15 inches thick, laid upon the natural gravel. The floor is composed of large blocks of Kentish rag, grouted with strong mortar. It is hoped that the authorities will see their way to clear out the entire area of the keep, so that this basement chamber may be exposed to view. They have already caused the dungeon, which was also filled up to a depth of 10 feet, to be cleared, thus shewing the true nature of a Norman dungeon. A pretty two-light window, looking out over the roof of the fore-building, was found blocked up "and plastered over. This has been opened and forms an additional feature of interest in the building. A beautiful half-arch in the east wall of the uppermost floor, which was filled in during the rebuilding of the south-east angle by Henry HI., has also been opened, revealing its columns with their beautifully carved capitals in perfect preservation. Other interesting chambers and recesses, to which access has not been gained since the floors were removed, have been entered from the scaffolding during the reparation of the keep; these have been planned and, together with drawings of the other things we have mentioned, will in due time be reproduced iu our Archceologia. One other discovery may be mentioned of peculiar interest, namely, that or a Celtic burial-place at Shorne-Ifield, near the Rochester and Gravesend roau. A circular trench 60 feet in diameter was found to contain five skeletons buneo. in a contracted position, and in the centre of the encircled space another skeleton was found interred in a neat cist cut in the chalk in a similar manner. J-ue mound that originally covered this central deposit had been cast back a ^ m . I ? 1 : ° the trench. This exploration was carried out with the kindly consent and at tne expense of the Earl of Darnley. . In assembling at Ramsgate this year a pleasant time is anticipated, anci our enjoyment will be greatly enhanced by the kindness of the Mayor, ot on members, and of other friends in Thanet, xlviii PROCEEDINGS, 1900. The Rev. F. B. Blogg moved, and H. Mapleton Chapman, Esq., seconded the first resolution, which was carried unanimously, " That the Report as read be adopted." I t was moved by E. J. Wells, Esq., seconded by Dr. Cotton, and carried unanimously, " That Herbert Hordern, Esq., and Capt. C. F. Hooper, the retiring Auditors, be re-elected for the ensuing year." I t was moved by the Rev. Dr. Haslewood, seconded by W. J. Mercer, Esq., and carried unanimously, " That the six retiring Members of Council be re-elected." The Noble President then proposed that the Rev. C. E. Woodruff, M.A., and his brother, Cumberland H. Woodruff, M.A., B.C.L., F.S.A., be appointed joint Honorary Editors of the Society's Transactions, viae the Rev. Canon Routledge, resigned; this was seconded by W. H. Burch Rosher, Esq., and carried unanimously. The Earl Stanhope, as one of the Trustees of Riehborough Castle, applied for a grant towards the excavations now going on there under the direction of Cauon Routledge and others. It was unanimously agreed that a sum of £25 be forthwith voted. A cheque for that amount was accordingly drawn and handed to Mr. Routledge. The following were duly elected to membership :—Miss M. J. Hurst, C. G. Walker, Esq., F. Raven, Esq., L.R.C.P., A. F. Kidson, Esq., F. P. Wightwick, Esq., M.D., Lieut.-Col. E. E. Pyne (Royal Marines), John Welford, Esq., Mr. and Mrs. Greenwood, Alderman J. B. Hodgson (Mayor of Ramsgate), and the Ramsgate Free Library. The Meeting having concluded, progress was made in carriages to St. Lawrence Church. In the unavoidable absence of the Vicar, the Rev. T. G. Crosse, M.A., his Curate, tbe Rev. E. S. Burgess, received the Society. Dr. Charles Cotton read a Paper on the history of the church. In the vestry the parish registers and church plate were placed for inspection. An adjournment was subsequently made to the residence of the Mayor's son at St. Lawrence, where his Worship hospitably entertained the company with light refreshments. The Mayoress was present with other members of her family to meet the Society. Before leaving the Noble President called for a hearty vote of thanks to the Mayor for his kindness and hospitality, which was very cordially given. The Mayor in replying shewed that it had been a great pleasure to him to entertain the Society. Ebbs Fleet was next visited, to give the members an opportunity of seeing the Memorial Cross erected by Earl Granville near the spot where St. Augustine is believed to have landed. Canon Routledge read a short and interesting Paper on the supposed site of the landing-place of the great missionary. Thanks were accorded Mr. Routledge on the proposition of Mr. Giraud. Progress was then made to Minster Church, which was described by the Vicar, the Rev. A. F. Molineux, M.A. The company then walked down the village to the ancient manor-house of Minster, PROCEEDINGS, 1900. xl ix commonly called " Minster Abbey," which was inspected throughout by kindly permission of F. de B. Collard, Esq. The Honorary Secretary described the existing buildings which stand on the site of Edburga's Monastery of Saints Peter and Paul. Lord Stanhope called for thanks to Mr. Collard for his kindness in allowing the Society to visit his house, which was heartily responded to by all present. The company afterwards partook of tea and other refreshments in the Vicarage garden by the invitation of the Vicar and Mrs. Molineux, who were subsequently thanked for their kindly hospitality by the Noble President. On returning to Ramsgate those who intended to stay the night dined together at the " Royal Hotel." The Earl Stanhope occupied the Chair for a short time, but on leaving to catch the train his Lordship asked the Mayor to take his place. Supporting the Chairman were the Vicar of Ramsgate (Canon H. Bartram), F. F. Giraud, Esq., and Mrs. Giraud, W. H. Burch Rosher, Esq., and Mrs. Burch Rosher, Rev. C. E. Woodruff, Cumberland IT. Woodruff, Esq., Col. and Mrs. Bennett, Mrs. George Payne, the Honorary Secretary, and others. The usual loyal and other toasts were proposed or responded to by the Mayor, Mr. Giraud, Mr. Boulter, and Mr. George Payne. The Evening Meeting was held in the Town Hall, the Mayor presiding. The Honorary Secretary delivered a lecture on the "Archaeology of the District," illustrated by a fine series of lantern slides, chiefly of objects discovered at Sarre in the Anglo-Saxon cemetery explored many years since for the Society by the late Mr. John Brent, F.S.A. At the conclusion of the address Canon Bartram proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. George Payne for his interesting lecture, and spoke in high praise of the beauty of the lantern slides, the work of Mr. E. C. Touens of Dartford, Honorary Photographer to the Society. Mr. J. P. Barrett seconded the proposition, which was carried unanimously. With a vote of thanks to the Chairman the Evening Meeting terminated. On Wednesday,the 25th of July, carriages were in readiness at the railway stations and the Technical Schools. After waiting nearly an hour at the L. C. and D. R. Station for the arrival of the tram, progress was made to the Parish Church at Margate, which was described by Dr. Charles Cotton. Luncheon was afterwards partaken of at Munn's " Terrace Hotel" in the High Street. Salmestone Grange was next visited, by permission of Captain Hatfeild, the tenant, Mr. Wm. Orchin, kindly allowing the bouse portion to be inspected. Mr. George Payne described the various buildings and conducted the company through them. It was intended to visit the ancient gateway of Dent de Lion and Birchington Church, which were to have been described, respectively by the Rev. C. E. Woodruff, M.A., and the Rev. H- A. vaii, r$rv, d 1 PROCEEDINGS, 1900. Serres, M,A. Unfortunately these had to be cut out of the programme in consequence of the lateness of the morning train. After a long drive in tropical heat the Vicarage of St. Nicholas-at- Wade was reached, where the Vicar, the Rev. F. R. Allfree, M.A., and Mrs. Allfree courteously welcomed the members, and in conjunction with several ladies of the parish entertained the numerous guests with tea and other refreshments. Before leaving, Mr. P. F. Giraud, iu behalf of those present, cordially thanked their hospitable entertainers for such kindly attention, his remarks being endorsed with hearty applause. The company then proceeded to the Parish Church, which the Vicar kindly described. After a pleasant drive to Ramsgate in the cool of a summer evening, the Annual Meeting of 1900 terminated. A full account of most of the places visited during the Meeting may be found in Archceologia Oantiana, Vol. XII.