40 PAPERS, ETC. 



only be done by an examination of the contents of them 

 in different counties and difFerent situations by persona 

 whose learning, ingenuity and attention, qualify them for 

 the task. In searching, however, into these rüde memori- 

 als of our forefathers, the true antiquary will ever respect 

 their remains, by endeavouring to revive their memory. He 

 will also, as far as possible, consult their wishes, in leaving 

 to their bones their ancient place of sepnlture." 



This, indeed, is the true spirit of antiquarian research ; 

 but, alas ! nece3sity or cupidity has not left much choice 

 to the antiquary of modern times, as he too frequently 

 finds the sepulchre already violated, or agricultural im- 

 provement prepared to sacrifice what once was held sacred. 

 Ignorance has too often led to the total destruction of 

 what would have been a precious monument of primeval 

 customs. And this violation of tombs is of very ancient 

 date. Mr. Kemble quotes instances of it mentioned in 

 ancient Saxon charters. (See Codex Dip., No. 763, 1186, 

 1362), 3am bpocenan beopje. "I take this," says he, "as 

 well as the phrase in No. 1033, pejcan Sam beopje *8e 

 abolpen yaey, i to the west of the barrow that was dug 

 into,' as clear evidence of To/j,ß(opv%eia, that violation of 

 the graves of the dead, which has been far more general 

 than is usually imagined, and which no legislation pre- 

 vailed entirely to prevent." There are instances, however, 

 of the Romans in this country treating barrows with 

 respect, and turning the straight road aside to avoid it, 

 as occurs in course of the road from Old Sarum to Ad 

 Axium, opposite Brean Down — the Port on the Severn. 

 (See Sir H. C. Hoare, Vol. i.) 



With respect to the antiquity of barrows, we cannot 

 assign any precise date to their construction. We read of 



