Thursday, July 16th. 93 
building was saved from practical destruction some twelve years 
ago by the efforts of the Rev. HE. G. Wyld (then Vicar of Mere) 
and Mr. C. E. Ponting, F.S.A. A Manchester surveyor had 
actually prepared a specification providing for various alterations, 
such as “Take out old stone windows and insert new ones with 
deal frames 5 X 3, with oak sills, &c.” ! This was, however, 
happily set aside through the efforts of the gentlemen named above, 
and the chapel retains the fine tracery of its windows to this day. 
From this point a, walk across the fields brought the party to 
MERE CHURCH, where Tue Vicar, the Rev. J. A. Lloyd, had 
been for some time waiting for them. He described shortly the 
chief features of the Church—the magnificent rood-screen, the 
sereen on the south and north sides of the chancel, the curious 
bridge (lately restored) by which access is supposed to have been 
gained to the rood-loft, the Jacobean seats, the two fine brasses, 
and many other objects of interest which the short time at the 
disposal of the company (owing to the breakdown already men- 
tioned) made it impossible to inspect with the attention that they 
deserved. ‘The utilization of the chamber over the north porch as 
a museum for the preservation of objects of interest connected with 
_ the Church and town is an admirable idea. Amongst the most 
interesting objects here exhibited are the remarkable church- 
wardens’ accounts and an alabaster slab sculptured with the 
adoration of the Magi—found on the site of the castle. 
Leaving this interesting Church all too soon and driving under 
the grand ironwork sign of the Ship Inn, the party proceeded to 
STOURTON, where the BRISTOL CROSS was first inspected, Tux 
_ Rev. E. H. Gopparp reading some notes upon it prepared by 
Mr. OC. E. Ponrine, F.S.A., under whose direction it has been 
lately repaired and restored at the expense of Sir Henry Hoare. 
The company were unanimously of opinion that the way in which 
this work had been carried out reflected the greatest credit upon 
owner and architect alike. 
A move was then made to the adjacent “Stourton Arms” for 
luncheon, after which Mr. W. Hewarp Bet expressed the 
thanks of the Society to Sir Henry Hoare for the kindness with 
