87 
for the natives around. There isa north transept to the building, 
which archeologists state to have been originally the residence of 
the Chantry priest. This chapel in the 17th century, standing 
close to the junction of five roads, was the haunt of a notorious 
highwayman, John Baxter, who ended his career by being hung 
on Claverton Down. 
Returning to Box the Field Club restored their energies by 
visiting the Bear Inn, and thence walked half a mile to the little 
village of Ditteridge, formerly styled Ditchridge. This little 
- church, dedicated to S. Christopher, is one of the “ sights” of the 
neighbourhood. Restored by the last Rector, Mr. Heathcote, it is 
now in excellent repair, and has not been transmogrified out of 
all resemblance to its ancient self. It has the credit of being 
antecedent to the Conquest on account of its font and piscina 
which may be Saxon, The south porch has peculiarly sculptured 
imposts ; the western representing a dragon with long intertwined 
tail beaded the whole length ; the eastern is an unknown animal, 
which may have been improved by later jokers. It has some 
resemblance in its feet to a camel. There are well sculptured 
faces on the inner sides of the imposts. 
Mr. Edwin W. Godwin, architect, in the ‘‘ Wilts Avchasolbaeet 
Magazine,” vol. iv, p. 148, states these carvings are similar to 
some in Westminster Hall and Canterbury Cathedral, and fixes 
their date at 1097. The nave of the church is Norman, one 
original window remaining, the others are of the Decorated and 
Perpendicular styles. The porch to the south door is Decorated. 
The chancel arch is but 5ft. 74in. wide, and bears externally a 
gable of the 13th century with a bell. On the north wall of the 
chancel is a quaint epitaph. 
ANNE SIMSON 
WIDDOW DE 
CEASED ANNO 
po 1624 
DISCE AMESI 
CUT SUM ERIS 
27 OF MAY 
E Ss. 
