-95. 



The Vice-President, as usual at his post when Archeology is in 

 question, received a hearty welcome as he appeared over a Avail 

 with a neighbouring friend, and at once went in medlas res. 

 Standing on the top of a mound in the middle of the churchyard, 

 supposed to be one of the ancient barrows which had wandered 

 from its fellows to be seen dotting the north-east horizon with their 

 humpy backs, Mr. Scarth called attention to the Church tower 

 which was of the Decorated or Early Perpendicular style, and had 

 an external stau"-tiu'ret brought out on its north side. The south 

 porch contained an arch of Early Pointed date, but the structure 

 of the masonry courses corresponded with that of the tower, and 

 was in striking contrast with that of the walls of the nave which 

 are of later date. Entering through the porch which formerly 

 contained a jjarvise chamber — the interior of the Church, with its 

 open wagon roof and string of corbels beneath, from which an 

 earlier roof evidently sprang, its Early Enghsh piers apparently 

 built on Norman bases, its Norman font, ancient stone pulpit, so 

 constructed that there was only just room to stand up and deliver 

 from, evidently intended for a preacher of somewhat sparer habit 

 than that of a corpulent member of the Club who attempted an 

 entrance — contained features of interest Avhich were as unexpected 

 as agreeable. A light wooden Perpendicular screen ran across 

 the chancel, and the two aisles were continued up the east end on 

 either side. Thus, small as it was, this Church, formerly a 

 chapelry of Westbury, near Wells, and dedicated to St. Lawrence, 

 contained much of historical interest, and is capable at some 

 future day, Avhen the bleak an- of this elevated region is warmed 

 by a little more ecclesiastical zeal, of becoming quite a little gem. 

 The green mould on the walls and the dreariness of the interior 

 were too much even for the most simple-minded Protestant. 

 After Mr. Scarth had said his say about the Church, " Over the 

 walls to the barrows" was the word, and then the fun began. 

 This part of the Mendips is chequered by loosely built walls, 

 with so few gates that the cattle are seemingly first put in and 



