235 



porch, the outside details were inspected, wliich are equally 

 interesting with those in the interior. The arched panelling, 

 all round under the eaves, evidently cut out of the masonry ; the 

 flat pilasters, " stepped" now on one side of the base, now 

 on the other, here and there on both sides ; the irregularity 

 of the string courses and the general idiosyncrasy of the 

 structural details were remarkable. The west front has three 

 windows pierced in it, and on the inside beneath them it is 

 stated that they were not found there originally ; here, perhaps, 

 utilitarian purposes were a sufficient reason for breaking the 

 otherwise plain western wall face. Having thoroughly seen this 

 most instructive building the parish church adjoining was visited ; 

 and thus in a very small space were seen illustrations of church 

 architecture, from the eighth century (so some suppose) down 

 through all the ages to the present nineteenth century garter-like 

 bands with which some fanciful hand has girt the westernmost 

 pillars of the north aisle. Having thanked Mr. Adye for his 

 guidance, the party, taken in hand by Mr. Shum, were shown the 

 priest's chapel on Tory hill, admired the beautiful view o'er 

 woodland and vale below flecked with storm clouds and sunshine, 

 and descended to the beautifully situated manor house of 

 Belcombe Brook, and were there most hospitably entertained by 

 Mr. Shum. 



Amongst the walks that to Claverton Down, at the invitation 

 of Mr. Skrinc, to examine the Camp and excavations lately made 

 there by him, may be recorded. The meeting place was Sham 

 Castle, on October 26th. About twenty members were present. 

 Tlie day was fair, cold and bracing, and so nipping and eager was 

 the wind on that airy height that the party were fain to crowd 

 under the lee of the Sham Castle, which some must have wished 

 to have formed a little more real defence against the elements. 

 Here Mr. Skrine read his paper (Fide p. 236), which was listened 

 to with attention, and the whole party then ascended to the ram- 

 parts of the Camp, noting several longitudinal mounds, considered 



