DOCUMENTS ACCOMPANYING THE STAKE. 
The following are copies of documents accompanying the 
stake; the originals being deposited with it in the glass case in 
the Museum. 
It will be observed that J. B. Krrx, the auctioneer in a state- 
ment he made at the request of ALan Stewart, (barrister, son 
of Arruur Stewart, of Gloucester) says Hickman bought it 
direct from the workmen; but Covunsrt the historian, who as an 
archeologist resident on the spot, at the time, would naturally 
be more observant of the details, shews that it was sold by the 
finders to Jamus Pracu, and that Hickman bought it of the 
latter. Counsen wrote a parchment attestation, in due legal 
form, in 1842; while Kirx only speaks from memory, twenty- 
six years later; and twenty-three years after it had passed out 
of his possession. 
Joun Jonzs is one of the oldest members of the Cotteswold 
Club, and well known as a contributor to its published Pro- 
ceedings. 
The identical Stake here referred to marked by me the undersigned G. W. 
COUNSEL with the initials of my name was purchased by JAMES PEACH of the 
City of Gloucester Broker deceased and was afterwards sold to Mr. WILLIAM 
HickMAN of the same City Boot-maker in whose custody it now remains. 
I do hereby certify that the above statement is to my own knowledge true 
in every respect. As Witness my hand and seal this 15th day of August 1842. 
G. W. CouUNSEL, (seal) 
Attorney at Law—senior proctor of the consistory Court of the Diocese of 
Gloucester and Bristol—one of the Aldermen of the same City—and Author 
of the History of Gloucester. 
GLOUCESTER, May 15, 1858. 
ARTHUR STEWART, EsqQ., recently settled in Gloucester having purchased of 
GEORGE DINELEY GoopDYEAR, EsQ., the relic known to many persons as the 
portion of the stake at which Bishop HoopEr suffered martyrdom has applied 
to me as one acquainted jwith local history to give him an account of the 
manner and cause of its discovery and the reasons why the said relic should 
be presumed to be what it is reputed. 
