232 On Fragments of Saxon Cross Shaft, and Silver Ornament. 
middle-sized stone being a little darker in colour and harder than 
the other two. 
The discovery is interesting as adding to the number of pre- 
Norman stones now known in Wiltshire, which only a few years 
ago was supposed to be outside the area in which such crosses were 
found; and also as impressing upon all who have to do with the 
repair or alteration of the fabric of our ancient Churches the great 
importance of carefully examining all stones taken from their walls. 
The other object here illustrated is a small bit of thin silver 
engraved with a dragon-like beast which was found recently in 
the churchyard of St. Sampson’s, Cricklade, and is now in the 
collection of Mr. A. D. Passmore, of Swindon, who has kindly allowed 
me to draw and describe it. It has apparently formed part of the 
silver mounting of some object. It has been submitted to Mr. 
Romilly Allen and to Mr. Read, of the British Museum, both of 
whom are of opinion that it is of late Saxon date. Cricklade was 
of course an important locality in Saxon times, and part of a Saxon 
cross and a coped grave slab are preserved in the porch of St. 
Sampson’s Church. 
[A short note on the stones and the silver object, with the illustrations 
accompanying, appeared in The Reliquary for April, 1899.] 
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