176 



PREBENDAL HOUSES AT LITTLE CHESTER. 



account for finding the choice bits of pottery in the dust hole, and 

 besides, here is (Fig. 4) a sketch of a stone now in tlie yard, 

 which looks like part of a Roman altar. Two iron loops have 

 been fastened into it, and it has been used by a wheelwright for 

 turning his wheels, or some such purpose. 



Since the above was written Messrs. C. Roach Smith and J. 



A/%- 



I. ' -^ ^ il:ii',,i'f- '' ■ 



Fig. 4. 



Collingwood Bruce have been communicated with as to the 

 probable Roman origin of this stone, and they, though not thinking 

 it a Roman altar, still think it may be Roman. Others who have 

 seen the drawing believe it to be certainly Roman. It has, then, 

 probably been one of the large stones placed at the angle of the 

 wall. There seems, however, to be no doubt among these 

 authorities that the stones by the steps (Fig. 3) are undoubtedly 

 Roman, and that they are a part of the city walls. This is borne 

 out by Stukeley's plan, which indicates that there would be a gate 

 just there, and this would account for the large stone mentioned 

 above (Fig. 4). 



We will now leave the Manor Farm for the other house. It 

 stands near the river, just opposite the Stone House prebend, 

 of which mention has been made at the commencement of 



