75 



companion of his sketcliing rambles. Corsham and Castle 

 Combe ; the Almshouse in the former village, built by the 

 Hungerfords, contains many things worthy of remark. In the 

 chapel (with its music gallery attached) is a black letter Bible, 

 date 1617, and a copy of the original foundation deed, with 

 many quaint rules and regulations for the six aged women who 

 enjoy the benefits of the charity, and need not necessarily 

 have been residents of Corsham. The coat of arms over the 

 doorway shows a marriage of the Hungerfords with the 

 Hallidays. The Church, with its central tower on Norman 

 piers and arches, is a strange mixtui*e of various styles, 

 Norman, Early English, Perpendicular, and " Churchwarden 

 Gothic " predominating. The south porch has a Parvise ; 

 the north doorway is a good specimen of Norman zig-zag, 

 and some portions of a wooden screen remain. The Consis- 

 tory Court was formerly held here, and has only lately been 

 removed, the Vicar having still in his possession the ancient 

 seal. The altar tombs of the Trepenell family, the supposed 

 builders of Great Chalfield ]\Ianor House, during the reign of 

 Henry V., are in the North Chapel, which is surmounted by 

 a curious pinnacle at the eastern apex, and several quaint 

 Latin and English inscriptions are on the north wall of the 

 chancel and on the floor before the altar steps The well- 

 known picture gallery at Corsham Court, principally the 

 collection of Sir Paul Methuen, ambassador to Portugal, and 

 author of the " Methuen Treaty," was next visited, and some 

 time spent amongst the gems of ancient and modern masters 

 which adorn the walls. 



Some of the Members afterwards walked on to Castle 

 Combe, where the Rector, Mr. Clu-istie, Idndly gave every 

 fjacility for the inspection of the House, with its picturesque 

 grounds, and the Church. 



On Tuesday, June 11th, fourteen Members formed 

 an Excursion to Witham, and from thence to Alfred's 



