Abstract of Proceedings 1897 - 1898

http://kentarchaeology.org.uk/research/archaeologia-cantiana/ Kent Archaeological Society is a registered charity number 223382 © 2017 Kent Archaeological Society f ABSTRACT OF PROCEEDINGS, 1897—1898. TEE Council met in the Cathedral Library at Canterbury, by permission of the Dean and Chapter, on the 29th of December 1896. Eleven members were present, presided over by Canon W. A. Scott Eobertson. It was resolved that during the Annual Meeting, to he held at Sevenoaks in 1898, the following places should be visited : Knole, Chevening, Ightham, and Kemsing. A letter was read from the noble President, in which he kindly intimated that he would be pleased to receive the Society at Chevening. W. A. Lochee, Esq., and the Rev. E. C. Timin were duly elected to Membership. The Council met on the 29th of March 1897 in the Society's Rooms at Maidstone. Nine members were present, J. E. "Wadmore, Esq., occupying the Chair. Before proceeding with the business of the Meeting the Chairman referred to the great loss the Society had sustained by the death of Canon "W. A. Scott Robertson, who was for so many years its Honorary Secretary and Editor. A vote of sympathy with Mrs. Scott Robertson in her sad bereavement was then unanimously passed, and the Honorary Secretary was requested to forward the same to her, accompanied by the Council's deep regret at having lost so valuable and able a colleague. Mr. G-eorge Payne brought forward the subject of the protection of Historic Monuments and Ancient Houses in Kent, at the same time calling attention to the fact that there was nothing to prevent many of them being either destroyed, defaced, or denuded of all xxxviii PROCEEDINGS, 1897. their most interesting features. Mr. Payne, while taking into consideration that every one could do what he liked with his own, thought that occasionally very important examples of architecture (domestic and otherwise) might be saved if owners of such were made acquainted with their historic value. He suggested that, as a preliminary step, a schedule might be made of the houses and buildings in the county worthy of preservation. After a lengthy discussion it was agreed that the Local Secretaries be requested to co-operate in the matter. A vote of thanks was passed to Clement Tate, Esq., for the gift of two Photographs of the foundations of the Roman Pharos at Dover, known as the " Bredenstone;" and also to E. "W. Prescott, Esq., for kindly offering to defray the cost of framing them, and of reproducing them for Archceologia Cantiana. A letter was read from "W. J. Nichols, Esq., resigning the Local Secretaryship of the Bromley district in consequence of the serious state of his health. The Council heard this with much regret, as Mr. Nichols had been a most active Local Secretary for many years. A vote of thanks was unanimously passed to him for his valuable services. T. N. Crafer, Esq., was duly elected to the vacant office on the recommendation of Mr. Nichols and the Honorary Secretary. Instructions were given for the investment of four Life Compositions, amounting to £26. J. T. Welldon, Esq., E. J. Hawkes, Esq., L.R.C.P., Alderman Horatio D. Davies, M.P., and W. B. Prosser, Esq., were duly elected to Membership. The Council met on the 30th June at the house of the noble President in Grosvenor Place. The Earl Stanhope presided, and there were nine members present. The following letter from Mrs. Scott Robertson was read, and ordered to be entered upon the Minutes :— CANTEBBUBY, April Wth, 1897. DEAE ME. PAYNE, Will you be so kind as to convey to the Council of the Kent Archseological Sooiety my grateful thanks for its kind sympathy with me in my deep trouble. Believe me, Yours sincerely, MAEY J. EOBEETSON. PEOCEEDINGS, 1897. xxxix The Programme of the Annual Meeting, to be held at Sevenoaks, was read and approved. A letter was read from the Mayor of Maidstone asking for a Donation towards the extension of the Museum of that Borough. Instructions were given to reply that the Council did not see its way to establish a precedent by subscribing to the fund. The following were duly elected to Membership .• Rev. T. Harrison, The Earl of Darnley, A. Laurie, Esq., A. D. Hall, Esq., li. Gordon, Esq., Miss B. Noakes, E. S. M. Perowne, Esq., Captain Alurcd Denne, R.A., T. Butler-Cato, Esq., Miss L. T. Bloxham, R. M. Mercer, Esq., A. G. Boseawen, Esq., M.P., Dr. G. T. Abbott, Rev. W. H. Churchill, Rev. Canon S. Joy, Rev. Townsend W. Mylne, Rev. A. H. Powell, LL.D., Rev. S. Egerton Phillips. The Annual Meeting was commenced at Sevenoaks on Tuesday, the 27th of July 1897. The Business Meeting took place in the Hall of the Conservative Club, by kindly permission of the Directors of the Club Hall Company. The Earl Stanhope presided. The Honorary Secretary read the Annual Report as follows:— EEPOET. The Council presents to-day its Fortieth Annual Eeport with much gratification, as the Sooiety still maintains its high standard of excellence, while its valuable transactions are still highly treasured by all who possess them. This is the third occasion on which the Society has visited Sevenoaks, the first being in 1871 and the second in 1884«. Each time there was a change of programme, aud that drawn up for our Meeting this year the Council hope will prove of exceptional interest to the members. Since the last Annual Meeting we have lost several valued members by death and other causes. Of these two must be especially mentioned, namely, Canon AV. A. Scott Eobertson and Sir Augustus Wollaston Pranks, K.C.li. It is a singular but sad coincidence that when the Society met at Sevenoaks twenty-six years ago the former was elected Joint Secretary with the late Mr. T. G. Godfrey Faussett, and now we are called upon to deplore his lamented death, which occurred during the present year. Mr. Scott Eobertson's eminent services to the Sooiety are fresh in the memory of us all, and have been frequently alluded to since his retirement from the Secretariat in 1889. His indefatigable labours in the Society's behalf will be especially dealt with in the next Volume of our Archaologia, but mere words cannot possibly convey an adequate oxpression of the value of his long and devoted services. In him we have lost a firm friend, a brilliant Archajologist, and a Prince of Guides. By the death of Sir Wollaston Pranks, who was for many years an Honorary Member of the Sooiety, arohceology has sustained an irreparable loss. His profound knowledge of ancient art brought him into olose contaot with men xl PEOCEEDINGS, 1897. from all parts of the world, who constantly sought the opinion of the great master. Of the wealth of his mind he gave freely to every one who asked, and to the British Museum, to whom he was a munificent donor, he devoted his whole life. Although our ranks are being continually thinned, it is satisfactory to find that the gaps are speedily filled. Since the last Annual Meeting thirty-four new members have been elected, while twenty candidates await election at your hands to-day. The finances of the Society are in their usual healthy state, the balance at our Bankers at this moment being £743 15s. 9d. Since we last met a new Volume of our Archceologia has been issued, and another is in course of preparation. We have no new startling archseological discoveries to announce, but several of minor importance have been made during the past twelve months in the neighbourhood of Eochester, all of which will be recorded in the next Volume. You will be pleased to learn that the Council is now considering the important question as to what steps can be taken towards ensuring the preservation of ancient and historic houses in Kent which might possibly be threatened with destruction. With this object in view, the Honorary Local Secretaries will shortly be asked to kindly furnish a list of the houses of exceptional interest in their respective localities that are worthy of preservation. Every one will hear with pleasure that one fine old house at least has been rescued, namely, Eastgate House at Eochester. This has recently been purchased by the Corporation of that City for the purpose of a Public Library and Museum in commemoration of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. The Rev. J. Cave-Browne moved and Dr. C. Cotton seconded the first resolution, which was carried unanimously, " That the Report as read be adopted." It was moved by the Rev. J. A. Boodle, seconded by R. Hovenden, Esq., and carried unanimously, " That Herbert Hordern, Esq., and Captain C. P. Hooper, the retiring Auditors, be re-elected for the ensuing year." It was moved by W. H. Burch Rosher, Esq., seconded by R. Cooke, Esq., and carried unanimously, "That the six retiring Members of Council be re-elected." The following were then duly elected to Membership: G. C. Solly, Esq., Rev. Jas. White, H. Wilson, Esq., C. Essenhigh Oorke, Esq., Gibson Thompson, Esq.,Lieut.-General Wentworth Eorbes, E. Evans Cronk, Esq., D. M. Birkett, Esq., Rev. R. E. Spencer, E. Hudson, Esq., E. A. Forbes, Esq., J. D. Laurie, Esq., Harman Keble, Esq., R. Dalby Reeve, Esq., F. Stanley, Esq., R. Wyndham Vaughan, Esq., Mrs. Lowndes, Miss Lansdell, and T. Eisher, Esq. With thanks to the noble President for presiding the Business Meeting terminated. The company then proceeded to the Parish Church, where, in the unavoidable absence of the Rector (the Rev. T. S. Curteis), a PEOCEEDINGS, 1897. xii hearty welcome was accorded the members by A. Laurie, Esq., one of the Churchwardens. A Paper was then read on the History of the Church by the Rev. E. A. Brown (Senior Curate) for the Rector. After inspecting the Church an adjournment was made to the " Royal Crown Hotel" for luncheon. Early in the afternoon progress was made to Knole, the famous seat of Lord Sackville, G.C.M.G., which his Lordship kindly allowed the visitors to inspect free of charge. Fearing for the safety of the floors of the mansion, Lord Sackville deemed it necessary that only fifty should be admitted at one time into the building. When the company, which numbered upwards of four hundred ladies and gentlemen, had assembled in the Stone Court, Philip Norman, Esq., E.S.A., Treasurer of the Society of Antiquaries, read a Paper descriptive of the house and the historic treasures it contains. On its conclusion the small parties were counted out, and a move made to pass through the state rooms. In course of time the whole of the vast company found their way into Knole, and greatly appreciated the opportunity thus afforded them of viewing the magnificent apartments and their priceless contents. At a late hour progress was made to Chevening Place, the seat of the noble President, where his Lordship and the Countess Stanhope cordially received their numerous guests upon the lawn, and at once hospitably invited them to partake of afternoon tea, which was served in a large marquee by the margin of a beautiful lake, the Sevenoaks Town Band meanwhile playing a selection of music. Lord Stanhope subsequently very courteously conducted as many as it was possible, in the short time available, over°the house, which contains a fine collection of ancient and modern weapons of war, paintings, etc. Much interest was also taken in the famous library of seventeen thousand volumes, which occupy five large rooms. Before leaving Mr. Swaffield called for a hearty vote of thanks to the Earl and Countess for their hospitality and kindness, which was enthusiastically accorded. On returning to Sevenoaks, about a hundred remained for the Annual Dinner, which took place at the " Royal Crown Hotel." The noble President occupied the Chair, being supported by Mr. and Mrs. Burch Rosher, Lieut.-General Wentworth Forbes, Mr. Lowndes, Mr. G. F. Carnell, the Honorary Secretary, and Mrs. George Payne. After dinner the usual loyal and other toasts were proposed or responded to by the Eai-l Stanhope, Mr. Carnell, Mr. Burch Rosher, and Mr. George Payne. The Evening Meeting was subsequently held in the Club Hall, when Mr. W. J. Lewis Abbott, F.G.S., gave a fine display by lime-light illustrative of xlii PEOCEEDINGS, 1897. " What Kent has done for Pre-historic Anthropology." Mr. G. F. Carnell (Local Secretary) followed with an interesting Paper entitled " Old Sevenoaks." The proceedings terminated with a vote of thanks to those gentlemen on the proposition of Earl Stanhope, who presided. On Wednesday the 28th of July upwards of two hundred participated in the proceedings of the day. Kemsing Church was first visited, under the guidance of the Rector, the Rev. T. C. Skarratt, M.A., the chief feature of interest in it being the fourteenth- century rood screen, which has recently undergone restoration. In the south window of the chancel is a representation of the Virgin and Holy Child, tempo Richard I. After thanks had been given to Mr. Skarratt the party left for Yaldham Manor, to which the Society had been invited by Major- General Golds worthy, M.P., and Mrs. Goldsworthy. Mr. George Payne read in the old hall a short Paper on the " History of the Manor," after which Mrs. Goldsworthy personally conducted the members through the rooms of the interesting house, and also kindly offered light refreshment. Before leaving Mr. Payne asked the company to testify thanks to General and Mrs. Goldsworthy by a round of applause, which was very heartily responded to. Progress was then made to Ightham for luncheon, after which Ightham Mote was visited, by kindly permission of T. Colyer Fergusson, Esq., who, with Mrs. Colyer Fergusson, came over from their residence, Wombwell Hall near Gravesend, expressly to receive the Society. After they had shewn the members over every part of the ancient house, J. Oldrid Scott, Esq., F.S.A., read a Paper on its history in the quadrangle. Before leaving Canon Murray proposed a vote of thanks to the courteous owner for his kindness in permitting the Society to inspect his beautiful seat. This was carried by acclamation, and gracefully acknowledged by Mr. Colyer Fergusson. Very cordial thanks were also given to Mr. Oldrid Scott for his interesting Paper. The company then proceeded to Ivy Hatch, the charming residence of C. G. Hale, Esq., to which they had been invited to partake of afternoon tea. The genial owner received the party upon the lawn, and he and his daughter were most assiduous in hospitable attention to their numerous guests. During the pleasant hour spent here a close inspection was made of a large collection of flint implements which had been found by Mr. Benjamin Harrison in the locality, and which were spread out upon tables for the occasion. PROCEEDINGS, 1897. xliii Mr. Hale also exhibited for comparison a fine series of flint and stone weapons from Scandinavia and Denmark. The former gentleman read a Paper on his discoveries, drawing especial attention to the implements of " plateau" type, with which his name has become so closely identified. The Rev. A. J. Pearman subsequently proposed a vote of thanks to him for his Paper, and to Mr. Hale for his kindness and unbounded hospitality, which was enthusiastically accorded. The latter briefly responded in the kindest terms. The party returned by a gloriously picturesque route to Sevenoaks, thus bringing to a close the Annual Meeting of 1897. The Council met on the 30th of September in the Society's Rooms at Maidstone. Seven members were jiresent, presided over by J. F. Wadmore, Esq. After due discussion it was resolved to hold the next Annual Meeting at Deal, A letter was read from the Mayor of Maidstone asking the Council for a donation towards the purchase for the Maidstone Museum of the important collection of Flint Implements formed by Mr. Benjamin Harrison of Ightham. After an inspection had been made of a portion of the collection on view in the Museum, the Council unanimously came to the conclusion that it was desirable to retain the collection in its entirety in the county if possible. It was finally agreed upon that a grant of twenty-five pounds be made towards the object on condition that the purchase include the entire series of implements gathered together by Mr. Harrison. The following votes of thanks in connection with the Sevenoaks Meeting were accorded: —To the Club IJall Company for the free use of its Hall on the 27th of July; to Lord Sackville for courteously allowing the Society to inspect Knole; to the Reverends T. S. Curteis, E. A. Brown, and T. C. Skarratt for much valuable help ; to the Earl and Countess Stanhope for their great courtesy and kindly hospitality at Cheveiring; to Messrs. Philip Norman, Lewis Abbott, .1. Oldrid Scott, and G. F. Carnell for contributing Papers; to Mr. and Mrs. Colyer Fergusson for their kindness and co-operation at Ightham Mote ; to Mr. C. G. Hale for his cordial reception and hospitality at Ivy Hatch ; to Major-General and Mrs. Goldsworthy for their kindness and hospitality at Yaldham Manor ; to Mr. Benjamin Harrison for his exhibition of Flint Implements, his Paper on their discovery, and other valuable assistance; to Mr. G. E. Carnell x l i v PROCEEDINGS, 1897-98. and Mr. Cyril Carnell for issuing the tickets and kindly co-operation generally; to the Rev. W. Gardner-Waterman for kindly superintending the carriage arrangements on both days of the Meeting; to Mr. Potter for help in arranging the Club Hall for the various Meetings ; and to Mr. Laurie for kindly co-operation. Votes of thanks were passed to Sir John Evans, K.C.B., etc., for the gift to the Library of his new edition of Ancient Stone Implements of Great Britain, and also to Mr. E. C. Youens for a set of excellent Photographs of the various places visited during the Sevenoaks Meeting. The following new members were elected: C. Henman, Esq., J. Shawyer, Esq., L. 0. Eagleton, Esq., W. Mascoolyn, Esq., Miss F. E. Seale, Z. E. G. de Montmorency, Esq., LL.B., the Rev. R. Woodgate, and the Honourable A. Bligh. On the recommendation of the Honorary Secretary, Mr. E. C. Youens, of 17 Tower Road, Dartford, was appointed Honorary Photographer to the Society. A cordial vote of thanks was passed to Samuel Mercer, Esq., for his liberality in defraying the cost of alterations to the fire-place, and backing it with Dutch tiles, in the Society's Rooms at Maidstone. The Council met on the 29th of December 1897 in the Library of Canterbury Cathedral, by permission of the Dean and Chapter. Nine members were present, presided over by Canon C. F . Routledge. The routes to be taken during the Annual Meeting, to be held at Deal in 1898, were discussed and agreed to, subject to their being found practicable. The following were duly elected to Membership: Mrs. E. F. Richards, T. H. Duffield, Esq., George Patrick, Esq., the Folkestone Public Library. The Council met on the 31st of March 1898 in the Society's Rooms at Maidstone. There were seven members present, presided over by Samuel Mercer, Esq. The date of the Annual Meeting, to be held at Deal, was fixed for the 27th and 28th of July. A letter was read from T. N. Crafer, Esq., resigning the office of Honorary Local Secretary for the Bromley district, as he was leaving the county. A vote of thanks was passed to Mr. Crafer for his past services. PROCEEDINGS, 1898. xlv Mr. Burch Rosher, the Society's representative on the Fordwich Trust, reported that at the last Meeting of the Trustees the question again came before them of repairing the ancient Court Hall at Fordwich. The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings had already advised the Trustees as to what was necessary to be done to the building, and the manner in which the work should be carried out. Mr. Burch Rosher stated that he had requested the Trustees to take no steps in the matter until he had consulted the Council of the Kent Archseological Society. After considerable discussion it was resolved, " That Mr. Burch Rosher, Mr. George Payne, and a Builder pay a visit to Fordwich and examine into the condition of the Court Hall, and report thereon at the meeting of the Council." Mr. Burch Rosher expressed a hope that the Council would make a grant towards the work of reparation, if necessary, when taken in hand, to which those present seemed favourable. Mr. George Payne submitted the draft of a circular letter and form, to be sent to the Local Secretaries in connection with his scheme for obtaining a list of all the ancient monuments and the principal houses of historic or architectural interest remaining in the county, which was brought before the Council in March last. After a long and interesting discussion it was agreed that the following letter, together with the annexed form, should be printed and submitted for approval at the next Meeting:— The Council is desirous of preparing a schedule of all ancient monuments, ruins, houses of historic interest, and those possessing noteworthy architectural features remaining in the county of Kent. An appeal is made to the Honorary Local Secretaries to secure the co-operation of the Members in their respective districts to enable them to fill up the accompanying form. It is hoped that by calling the attention of owners to the interest attaching to any special monuments or houses they possess, it will be the means of their being preserved as landmarks of Kentish history. DEAFT OF POEM. (1) Parish. (2) Near what Village. (3) Name of Monument, Euin, or House. (4) Probable date of construction. (5) Brief description. (6) Name and Address of present Owner. (7) General remarks. The following new members were elected : T. W. Burden, Esq., T. Shindler, Esq., J. H. Gill, Esq., W. Badeock, Esq., Rev. A. L. Brine, and Miss Horsley. xlvi PROCEEDINGS, 1898. The Council met on the 22nd of June 1898 at the house of the noble President in Grosvenor Place. There were eight members present, presided over by Earl Stanhope. Before proceeding with the business his Lordship referred in feeling terms to the loss the Society had sustained by the death, since the last Meeting, of the Rev. J. Cave-Browne, who was a zealous antiquary and a prolific writer on Kentish Archaeology. He was a valued Member of the Council, and had rendered active service at several of the Annual Meetings. A programme in proof of the Annual Meeting to be held at Deal was read, discussed, and agreed to. The Honorary Secretary reported that he had been twice to Fordwich in reference to the repairs to the Court Hall there—once to meet the Trustees, and a second time to go technically over the reparation scheme with Mr. Jezzard, a builder at Sturry, in order that the latter might prepare an approximate estimate of the cost thereof. That estimate had been obtained, which shewed that the amount to carry out the necessary work would probably not exceed fifty pounds. After much discussion Mr. Burch Rosher moved, " That the Kent Archseological Society grant the sum of twenty pounds to the Fordwich Town Trustees towards the reparation of the Court Hall as contemplated, upon the condition that the Timber and Brickwork be effectually restored without being re-covered with plaster and cement, and the work be executed to the satisfaction of Mr. George Payne, the Honorary Secretary of the Society." This was seconded by the Rev. T. S. Frampton and carried unanimously. Adam Walker, Esq., Barrister-at-Law, of Bromley, and 2 Essex Court, Temple, was duly elected Honorary Local Secretary for the Bromley district vice T. N. Crafer, Esq., retired. Instructions were given for the investment of four Life Compositions amounting to £26. The following new members were elected : A. H. Boissier, Esq., Rev. S. P. H. Statham, Miss Mary Stewart Gow, Canon E. Josselyn Beck, E. L. Tomlyn, Esq., Miss E. J. Stevens, the New York Public Library, E. M. Worsfold, Esq., and the Rev. Malcolm C. Baynes. PROCEEDINGS, 1898. 'xlvii The Annual Meeting commenced at Deal on Wednesday the 27th of July 1898. The Business Meeting took place in the Town Hall by kindly permission of the Mayor and Corporation. The Earl Stanhope presided, being supported by the Mayor (Alderman C. W. Thompson), several Members of the Corporation, and Members of the Council. The Mayor in graceful terms welcomed the Society to the Borough, and expressed a hope that the members would have an enjoyable visit. The noble President then called upon the Honorary Secretary to read the Annual Report, which was as follows:— EEPOBT. The Council has much pleasure in presenting to-day its Forty-first Annual Eeport, as the Society is still in a flourishing condition, and continues to maintain its high prestige. Since the last Annual Meeting several valued members have passed away, and we deeply deplore their loss. Of these we may espeoially mention the name of the Eev. J. Cave-Browne, M.A., who was a loyal supporter of the Sooiety, a ready helper, and an able and industrious writer. He wrote histories of Lambeth Palace, Boxley, All Saints' Ohurch, Maidstone, Brasted, Detling, HoUingbourne, and East Sutton Church. He also contributed several Papers to our Archceologia and the Journal of the British Archceological Association. Mr. Cave-Browne was a Member of our Council, and his genial presence will be much missed at its Meetings. Lieut.-Colonel Hartley, D.C.L., LL.D., was also one of the Council. He died suddenly during the present month, a few months after the death of his wife. Colonel and Mrs. Hartley were familiar faces at our annual gatherings, and for twenty years they were rarely absent, always shewing the keenest interest in our proceedings. Mr. John Wood, formerly of Chatham, has, too, been taken from us. He was a firm friend to the Society for upwards of thirty years, and presented to our Library a complete set of the Gentleman's Magazine Library and other works. The aged Canon Jeffreys, who was for upwards of sixty years Eector of Hawkhurst, and so munificent a benefaofor to the parish, has also been laid to rest. He joined the Society in 1876, and rendered valuable assistance at two of our Meetings held at Cranbrook, and wrote for the Ninth Volume of our Transactions a history of his Church. Since the last Annual Meeting twenty-seven new members have been elected, while six await eleotion at your hands to-day. The financial position of our Society is most satisfactory, the balance at the Bankers at this moment being £758 Os. 4d. During the autumn the Twenty-third Volume of Archaologia Cantiana will be issued, whioh promises to be one of the handsomest volumes ever printed by the Society. Your Honorary Seoretary has propounded a scheme for obtaining a complete list of all the anoient monuments, ruins, houses of historic interest, and those possessing noteworthy arohiteotural features remaining in the oouuty of Kent. The Honorary Secretaries will shortly be asked to secure the co-operation of xlviii PROCEEDINGS, 1898. members of the Society to enable the forms which will be supplied them to be filled in, with a view to the returns being finally printed in our Archasologia. The Council has approved of the scheme, and it is earnestly hoped that by drawing special attention to these landmarks of Kentish History that it may be a means to their preservation. Some very interesting discoveries have been made in the oounty during the past twelve months illustrative of the Eomano- British period, which will be recorded in our forthcoming Volume. Important researches are also being conducted at Boxley Abbey by Major Best, the owner of the property, particulars of which, when completed, will be prepared for our Transactions. In assembling at Deal this year for the first time, the Council feel confident that the members will thoroughly enjoy their two days' sojourn in a district so full of archseological interest. The Rev. J. A. Boodle moved: " That the Report as read be adopted." This was seconded by J. F. Wadmore, Esq., and carried unanimously. It was moved by the Rev. A. J. Pearman, seconded by George Dowker, Esq., and carried, " That the retiring Auditors be re-elected for the ensuing year." It was moved by E. W. Fry, Esq., seconded by T. F. Peacock, Esq., and carried, " That the six retiring Members of the Council be re-elected." The following were elected to Membership: The Rev. J. Marling Apperly, C. W. Thompson, Esq., Miss Stokes, Alderman Cottew, and Miss A. J. Chambers. The Business being concluded, progress was made to Deal Castle, which, by the courtesy of Lord Herschell, G.C.B., etc., was opened for the Society's inspection. W. L. Rutton, Esq., F.S.A., kindly read a Paper on the history of the fortress, after which the company perambulated the interior and the ramparts, subsequently proceeding in carriages to Betteshanger, the seat of Lord Northbourne, who had most kindly invited the members to partake of light luncheon. During the repast the noble President, on behalf of the Society, cordially thanked Lord Northbourne for his generous hospitality. After luncheon the company divided into parties, which were conducted over the house by Lord and Lady Northbourne, Miss James, and his Lordship's Land Agent. Ample time was allowed for those who wished to pay an informal visit to Betteshanger Church, which stands within the park. Ash Church was next visited, under the kindly guidance of the Vicar, the Rev. T. S. Woods, M.A., who read a Paper on its history. After an examination had been made of the many fine monuments the Church contains, the party returned via Sandwich to Deal, where PROCEEDINGS, 1898. xlix the Annual Dinner took place in St. George's Hall. The Earl Stanhope presided, and was supported by the Worshipful the Mayor, the Rev. A. J. Pearman, W. H. Burch Rosher, Esq. and Mrs. Burch Rosher, Alderman Cottew, the Rev. T. S. and Mrs. Frampton, R. Cooke, Esq., the Honorary Secretary and Mrs. George Payne, and about fifty other ladies and gentlemen. Dinner being concluded, the noble President was obliged to leave in order to catch the train, having previously requested the Mayor to take his place at the head of the table. The usual loyal and other toasts were proposed or responded to by the Mayor, the Rev. A. J. Pearman, Mr. Burch Rosher, Mr. G. Norman, and the Honorary Secretary. The Evening Meeting took place at the Town Hall, Mr. Burch Rosher occupying the Chair. A valuable Paper was read by George Dowker, Esq., E.G.S., on " Deal and its Environs," and the Rev. T. S. Frampton, B.C.L., M.A., F.S.A., followed with "The Journal of a Bailiff from Sandwich to Yarmouth," which proved very interesting and amusing. Mr. Dunn kindly exhibited at the Meeting a few Anglo-Saxon antiquities which had recently been discovered in graves at Deal. Mr. Dowker alluded to these in his Paper, and the Honorary Secretary subsequently offered a few remarks upon them. With a vote of thanks to the Chairman the Meeting terminated. On Thursday the 28th of July the members were conveyed in carriages from Deal Railway Station to Walmer Castle, which was thrown open to the Society by the courtesy of the Marquess of Salisbury, K.G , etc., Lord Warden of the Cinque - Ports. When all had passed through the portal Mr. Rutton read a Paper on its history. Small parties were afterwards conducted through the vai'ions apartments by the official guide, who described with a stentorian voice the objects of National interest it contains. After a long and profitable time had been spent there progress was made to St. Margaret's-at-Cliffe, where luncheon was partaken of at the hotel. After luncheon the company proceeded to the Church, where the Rev. G. M. Livett, Vicar of Wateringbury, gave an interesting address on its architectural history. While this was being listened to a thunderstorm passed over the immediate locality, which prevented the company from leaving the Church for upwards of an hour, and perhaps fortunately, as it gave Mr. Livett an opportunity of doing full justice to this gem of Kentish Churches. VOL, XXIII, d 1 PROCEEDINGS, 1898. The delay thus occasioned frustrated the intended visit to East Langdon Church for the purpose of seeing there the Mediseval Embroidered Cope of the fourteenth century, which is described in ArchcBologia Oantiana, Vol. XI., pp. 10, 222. When the rain had ceased the party returned to Walmer, where they inspected Avhat remains of the ancient Parish Church, which has been converted into a mortuary chapel. The Vicar, the Rev. H. Venn, M.A., welcomed the members to Walmer, after which George Patrick, Esq., A.R.T.B.A., Honorary Secretary of the British Archseological Association, kindly gave a brief account of the history of the fabric, and described the alterations which were carried out according to his designs. The day's proceedings were brought to a very pleasant termination by Mr. and Mrs. Burch Rosher inviting the company to afternoon tea at their residence, Wigmore, Walmer. The excessive rain in the early part of the afternoon prevented the garden from being used, which seriously interfered with the comfort of the host and hostess, but ample provision was made for their numerous guests in the house. Before leaving the Rev. Dr. Haslewood called for thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Burch Rosher for their bountiful hospitality and Icindly courtesy, which was responded to with hearty applause by every one present. Mr. Burch Rosher having replied in the kindest terms, the company returned to Deal in time for the train, bringing satisfactorily to a close the Annual Meeting of 1898. The laborious task of conducting the carriage arrangements on both days was kindly and most efficiently carried out by the Rev. Waterman Gardner-Waterman, M.A. The Council met on tbe 30th of September at the Bridge Chambers, Rochester, by permission of the Bridge Wardens. There were four members present, presided over by Samuel Mercer, Esq. As several members were ill, and others away from home, there was not a quorum, hence ordinary business only was transacted. The following votes of thanks in connection with the Deal Meeting were accorded:— To the Mayor and Corporation of Deal for the use of the Town Hall; to the Lord Herschell for permission to view Deal Castle; to the Marquess of Salisbury for permission to view Walmer Castle ; to the Lord Northbourne for generous hospitality and kindness at Betteshanger; to W. L. Rutton, Esq., the Rev. T. S. PROCEEDINGS, 1898. li Woods, the Rev. T. S. Frampton, the Rev. G. M. Livett, George Dowker, Esq., and George Patrick, Esq., for kindly giving papers or addresses ; to W. H. Burch Rosher, Esq., and Mrs. Burch Rosher, for their kindly hospitality at Wigtnore ; to W. H. Burch Rosher, Esq., for much valuable help generally; to the Rev. IT. Venn and the Rev. F. Case for kindly assistance ; to E. W. Fry, Esq., for kindly issuing the tickets ; to the Rev. W. Gardner-Waterman for his valuable aid in kindly superintending the carriage arrangements during both dajs of the Meeting. The following new members were elected :—Stephen Manser, Esq., T. H. Collyer, Esq., E. R. Courtney, Esq., A. W. T. Bean, Esq., Major E. A. U. Price, H. W. Tiime, Esq., the Rev. E. W. Carpenter, H. Brooke, Esq., F. W. Cock, Esq., M.D., and Henry Taylor, Esq. d 2