By C. E. Ponting, F.S.A. 51 
from this, and the entries that follow, that the south clerestory was 
leaning outwards. The remedy does not appear to have been 
sufficient, and this part of the Church continued to be a cause of 
anxiety :— 
1708. Itm. paid to a free mason and his son for advice 4/-.” 
It seems that in 1710 the Dean ordered the south side, which 
was in danger of falling, to be repaired, and in the same year the 
following entry occurs :— 
1710. Itm paid to a Surveyor for his journey and advice and expences upon 
him and horse £1. 6. 6.” 
But in the following year, nothing further having been done 
the Dean strictly enjoined that the work must forthwith be carried 
out sub pano excommunicationis, and then we find the entries continue 
as follows :— 
“1711. Itm pd. Leisster the Surveyo' for his coming to Mere. 10/-.” 
Itm p‘ in expence and fees to Goslyn the Surveyor. 17/6.” 
After these preliminary expenses for advice (and probably 
estimates of cost) the vicar and churchwardens called in another 
surveyor, by whose advice the partial re-building of the three 
western columns of the south arcade was taken in hand, and the 
_ arches and clerestory of this part were taken down and re-built, 
Tisbury stone being used in this work—the Doulting stone remaining 
in the bases and lower parts of the columns. Two medallions on 
the wall record this event as follows :— 
“1712. 
This south side wall and roof was repaired 
Mr. John Hardcastle M.A. 
being Vicar William Harding & William Forward Churchwardens.” 
“1712. 
At the cost and charge of the Parishioners 
of Mere and performed by Mr. Charles 
Stoakes of London, Surveyor of Buildings.” 
The following entries in the churchwardens’ book relate to it :— 
“1712. These Accomp* doe crave allowance of one Bill paid to Mr. Stokes 
who undertook the South side of o° parish Church to secure it 
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