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0n tyt ggxtafeations on rtjr Site of IPalc 



By W. H. St. John Hope. 



HESE most interesting excavations were resumed on 

 July 2nd, 1879, and brought to a conclusion during 

 the first week of the ensuing month. The work done 

 comprised the clearing the site of the nave and its aisle, — at least, 

 as much as was included within the ground rented by the Society — 

 the following up of the western wall of the Transepts, and parts 

 of the Common House and Cloisters. The slype and western 

 portion of the Chapter House had been cleared during the spring 

 by the man in charge, under proper superintendence. The 

 discoveries include portions of the tile paving of the cloister alley, 

 at two different levels ; a drain and fire-place in the Common 

 House ; the two processional doors into the nave ; a very con- 

 siderable portion of the nave pavement in situ; and numerous 

 finely-carved and moulded stones. 



The ground plan is now complete, except on the south and west 

 sides, where gardens prevented more than trial holes being dug, 

 and even this could not be done on the west side, owing to the 

 unwillingness of the tenant to allow it. As it is, the plan of Dale 

 Abbey is one of the most remarkable in England, and the Society 

 is to be congratulated on having made so valuable an addition to 

 our knowledge of monastic arrangement. From documentary and 

 other evidence which has come to light since last year, we are 

 enabled to give a more accurate apportionment of the various 

 buildings. First as to the Church ; the six altars mentioned in the 



