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which, according to Dr. Brewer, signified that a man was 
henpecked. He quotes the following passage from Scott’s 
“Fortunes of Nigel”:—‘ Harkye, Dame Ursley Suddlechop,” 
said Jenkin, starting up, his eyes flashing with anger, “remember 
I am none of your husband, and if I were, you would do well not 
to forget whose threshold was swept when they last rode the 
skimmington upon such another scolding jade as yourself.” 
Those who wish to look up the subject may consult Dr. Brewer’s 
“Dictionary of Phrase and Fable,” Butler’s ‘‘ Hudibras,” and 
‘State Poems.” 
The other rooms in the House are interesting, and contain 
some fine wood-carving and good portraits ; the library has a fine 
collection of old heraldic glass, some of the shields having many 
quarterings. The Phelips family have been at Montacute since 
1480. They seem to have come from Wales. The crest is 
curious, a square beacon, or chest on wheels filled with fire. 
The Church at Montacute is an interesting building, the 
earliest portion being Norman. There are several effigies, said to 
be of the Phelips family. The supporters of the organ gallery are 
quaint ; only one, however is ancient, the rest being clever imita- 
tions of old work. In the adjacent wall is some curious Norman 
moulding. 
In the Churchyard are the remains of a Cross, consisting of.a 
socket and shaft only. The West side is ornamented with a 
niche, with weather crockets and the finial, in which stands the 
very weather-worn figure of “an ecclesiastic wearing a mitre, and 
carrying a pastoral staff in his left hand, with the crook turned 
inwards, his right hand being raised in the act of Benediction.” 
It is not everyone who can make this out ! 
Close by is the Priory, founded in togz by William of Mortain. 
The foundation was Cluniac, and the third of these Priories 
founded in England, the first being that established by William 
de Warrenne, at Lewes, in 1077. The beautiful gatehouse of 
_ Montacute Priory was erected by Thomas Chard, Prior 1514- 
