11 



decay, and hangs in loose flakes. Generally, one of the above-named 

 colours may be seen in an intermediate coat or stratum. In conse- 

 quence of the lower stage of the building having been filled in with solid 

 ashlar masonry on its removal to Stourhead, for the purpose of support, 

 the size of the original central column is uncertain. The present 

 appearance, however, assures us that the effect would be enhanced, by 

 its being made as light as is consistent with safe construction, bearing 

 in mind that the superincumbent weight is very considerable. 



The form of the arch in this stage is flat, being segmental, and 

 nearly approaching to a four-centred arch. The ogee-arch being high, 

 a large spandrel space is thus left for foliation. The crockets and 

 finial are unusually large, and very boldly carved ; the character of 

 the trefoil open panelling of the lower pedestals is late, and the whole 

 detail and design is quite late Decorated, almost approaching early 

 Perpendicular. The present outline is very elegant, and there is no 

 reason to doubt its being very near its original form and height ; for 

 the upper portion being the lightest, may have become first decayed, 

 and thus account for its present debased and heterodox character. 

 Some traces of a later taste are likewise discoverable in the lower 

 stages, some of the cusp terminations resembling Italian Cherubs' 

 heads. 



From the foregoing Notes we collect the following historical summary 

 of events relating to the Cross : — 



1. — The old Saxon Cross, erected Circa A. D. 950. 



2. — The High Cross, which succeeded it, to which reference has 

 been made in the Calendar, erected A. D. 1247. 



3. — The High Cross, described by Barrett, erected A. D. 1373. 

 The Cross is marked in Hoefnagle's Map, Circa A. D. 1575. 



4. — The same Cross, embellished, and raised higher, and other 

 statues added, A. D. 1633. Reign of Charles I. 



5. — The same Cross, fresh painted and gilded, A. D. 1697. 



6. — The Cross taken down, A. D. 1733, and 



7. — Re-erected in College Green. 



8. — Taken down again, A. D. 1763. 



9. — Removed to Stourhead, A. D. 1766. 



Having thus traced the history of the High Cross from the earliest 

 period in which any allusion is made to its existence, through all its 

 vicissitudes, to the time when it found sanctuary at Stourhead, we 

 cannot more fitly conclude the subject than by a brief notice of, what 

 may with propriety be designated, the New Cross, Nofaa Crux, now 

 standing on College Green, a not unworthy successor to the old Cross, 

 and a monument to the good feeling which prompted the citizens of 



