256 



^tottrfji^ai CoKedioit. 



j^P^TNCE the Stourhead Collection has passed into the possession 

 of the Trustees of the "Wiltshire Museum, the Curator has 

 found that some of the articles have not been described in " Ancient 

 Wiltshire/'' and that others could not be identified, owing to the loss 

 or decay of the labels respecting them. Much information has, 

 however, been obtained by reference to the drawings and MSS. in the 

 possession of Mr. Cunnington^'s family. It is proposed to publish 

 some of these particulars from time to time in the Wiltshire Magazine, 



Note on an Ancient British Urn or Drinking Cup, found at 

 Mere, Wilts. In the Wiltshire Museum, Devizes. 



This cup was found by Mr. Fenton, a friend of Sir R. C. Hoare, 

 in a barrow on Mere Down. An account of the opening of this 

 barrow and a description of its contents are given in " Ancient 

 Wiltshire," as follows : — ' " At the depth of about three feet and a 

 half he found a cist six feet in length, from east to west, containing 

 the skeleton of a large man, with his limbs gathered up and crossed, 

 and that of a younger person by his right side. From the position 

 of their heads they seem to have been placed in the affectionate 

 attitude of embrace, as the two skulls nearly touched each other. 

 Close to them was a richly-ornamented drinking cup, and near the 

 left side of the adult was a small lance-head of brass [bronze], and 

 a piece of grey slaty stone, perforated at the ends. He also found 

 a small instrument of bone, and two circular ornaments of thin but 

 pure gold : these were also perforated, and used like the blue stone 

 as ornaments of dress. Towards the eastern side of the cist was a 

 great deal of charred wood, the use of which it is difficult to con- 

 jecture, as the tumulus presented no apparent signs of burning." 



^ " Ancient Wilts," vol. i., p. 44. 



