Short Notes. 193 
part, it was placed at the east end in the north aisle. It is considered to be 
a good specimen of the style (Decorated) to which it belongs, and has now 
formed part of three or perhaps four different Churches, as the chancel 
which was taken down was of a kind of debased architecture and inferior 
workmanship, and may have been erected by Lawrence Hyde, Earl of 
Rochester, at the same time as the Town Hall, as the columns or pillars 
were apparently about the same pattern and size. 
“On the left-hand side of the south door on entering the Church was the 
remarkable fresco or mural painting representing the assassination of Thomas 
& Becket. About 1856 this interesting relic of antiquity was destroyed by 
a monument being placed over it, the place being between the large doorway 
and the staircase leading to the parvise. It is thus described in a newspaper 
of the date of the discovery, viz., 1823 :—‘The curious discovery of an 
ancient painting in the Church at Wootton Bassett.—On clearing the south 
wall, which is a more ancient part of the Church than the rest of the 
structure with which it is now united, the workmen here accidentally brought 
to light a very curious painting, executed in the rudest style, but evidently 
illustrating the subject which it represented. In the act of brushing, a 
piece of plaster fell off and discovered underneath the armed foot of a man 
with aspear. Gradually removing the plaster away, the workmen found a 
painting in water colours (red) of the murder of Archbishop’ Becket. The 
four knights in armour are nearly perfect, the two foremost are pressing on 
him with their swords drawn, the latter in the act of drawing. The arch- 
bishop is kneeling before the altar; between his hands, which are raised in 
a pious attitude, is the wafer. The cup and the book are placed on the 
table before him, the crucifix and the mitre are by his side. The cardinal’s 
red robe with golden bands is distinct. His features are a good deal 
obliterated, but there is sufficient to distinguish that his head is turned in 
sudden surprise. The picture is evidently painted on the first coating, as 
the bare stone is immediately underneath ; and below is sketched what was 
intended as the Cathedral itself. The picture is highly worth the inspection 
of the curious.’ The writer can remember seeing this on the very day on 
which it was discovered. It was in the first year he went to school, and on 
going home past the Church he went inside to see it. 
“On the north wall of the nave, just opposite the large door was the royal 
coat of arms placed by law in every Church at the Restoration. It was 
painted on the wall in red colours, and there were these words on the upper 
part, ‘God save King Charles,’ and at the bottom, ‘God save his Grace.’ 
“‘The handsome chandelier was presented about 1780 by Mrs. (or Miss, 
for she was never married) Jane Hollister, daughter of Mr. Charles Hollister, 
who was then steward or bailiff to Lord Clarendon. 
“In a Terrier dated 28th July, 1783, the furniture of the Church is thus 
described :—‘ five large and one small bells, a clock, one silver chalice and 
cover gilt, the gift of Mr. William Joburn to the Church at Wootton Bassett 
in the year 1631, on the cover is engraved the letters W.J.; one small ditto 
& cover weight 11 os., one silver salver weight 113 ozs., one ditto 10 ozs., 
one chandelier and two scones, one in the minister’s desk and one on the 
clerk’s, the gift of Mrs. (or Miss) Jane Hollister of Wootton Bassett ; and 
