By C. H. Talbot. 49 
A very fine cauldron of bell metal, cast at Mechlin (Malines, in 
Belgium) in 1500, by Peter Wagheuens, stands on a pedestal in the 
grounds. It was probably in the possession of the nuns. It was 
removed, from the house to its present situation, in 1747,) having 
probably remained, up to that date, in the kitchen? of the abbey. 
The inscription on this cauldron, which is traditionally known as 
the “The Nuns’ Boiler,” is not correctly given by Bowles and 
Nichols and has frequently been inaccurately printed. In the 
Journal of the British Archeological Association, vol. xxxvii., p. 178, 
I got? it correctly printed, as follows :— 
A PETRO VVAGHEVENS IN MECHLINIA EFFVSVS FACTVS VE FVERAM 
ANNO DOMINI MILLESIMO QVINGENTESIMO DEO LAYS ET GLORIA 
CRISTO. 
Translation. I was cast or made by Peter Wagheuens, of 
Mechlin, in the year of our Lord 1500. Praise to God and glory 
to Christ. 
The earliest known view of Lacock Abbey was taken, from the 
south-west, by Dingley, 1684. It is in his History from Marble, 
photolithographed and published in fac-simile, by the Camden 
Society, 1868 (vol. 2, p. ecccciii.). 
__ The view, from the south-east, drawn and engraved by Samuel and 
Nathaniel Buck, 1782, is interesting but not accurate, 
1Dr. Popham says :—* In the year 1747, when the window tax was imposed, 
John Talbot, Esq., caused it to be placed where it is” ; and adds that he wrote 
for it the “indignant,” inscription, given in Jackson’s Aubrey, p. 90, note 2. 
It does not appear that the inscription was ever put up. 
2 Tt is described by John Aubrey and Thomas Dingley as being in the kitchen. 
where it was also seen by a friend of Hearne, in 1712 (Stevens, vol. 2, p. 143), 
Iam not quite certain, however, what place is meant. 
3T corrected and expanded matter, sent me by the Editor. 
VoL. XXVI.—NO. LXXVI. B 
