90 
stages and reaching a height of 51 feet. Each division has 
canopied niches and crocketed pinnacles at the angles, and the 
apex is surmounted bya cross. Judge Jeffreys, after Monmouth’s 
rebellion, hung 12 inhabitants who had joined the Duke, at this 
cross. The Duke himself had twice visited Longbridge house in 
the parish in 1685. Ona brass plate affixed to the central column 
is this quaint inscription :— 
Of your charitye pray for 
the Soules of Walter Buckland and Agnys hys wyfe 
wh whoys goods this Crosse was made 
in the yere of our LORD GOD MD 
whoys obytt shall be kepte for ever 
in the parishe Churche of Shepton Mallet 
ye xxviii day of November. 
on whoys soules Jhu pardon. 
The Grammar School lies close to the north of the churchyard, 
and retains much of the original structure, endowed by George 
Strode in 1699, and the almshouse given by the same family for 
four old men, now increased in number, and with new buildings 
close by to the eastward of it. Having viewed thus all the sights 
of Shepton, the members of the Field Club took train five miles 
to Wells, where, before renewing antiquarian investigations, 
Mrs. George, at the Swan Hotel, provided the necessary luncheon. 
After giving sufficient attention to the repast the Deanery was 
first visited by invitation of Dr. Jex Blake, who conducted the 
members over the exterior and interior of his residence. The 
north front is very beautiful, and still bears the rebus of the 
builder, Dean Gunthorpe, 1472-88, on several shields, also the 
Rose in a Sun of Edward IV. The large banqueting hall on the 
first floor of the house is now divided into several bedrooms, and 
the original flat leaden roof is now replaced by a lofty slated roof, 
giving more room for the domestics of the establishment, but. 
dwarfing sadly the handsome tower on the west front of the 
housé. 
Se eee en ee ee ee 
asl ellie ie 
