Ixxiv. NElGHBOURHOOt) Ofr SALISBURY MEETING. 



ancient triangular castle can still be plainly traced in the 

 enlarged building, though the open triangular court in the 

 centre, with its three circular staircases, is now covered in, and 

 is known as the triangular hall. 



Leaving Longford, the party drove to Downton through 

 Trafalgar Park. The Hon. Secretary had announced at Britford 

 that Earl Nelson, who had kindly given leave for the Club to 

 drive through the park, thought that some of the party might 

 have seen Longford Castle already, and might like, therefore, to 

 drive on and see a little of Trafalgar House. He invited any to 

 do so, and promised to lead them through his flower garden and 

 to show them a little ancient chapel. Lord Nelson's kindness 

 was appreciated by the Club, and it was a matter for general 

 regret that, as all the party wished to go over Longford Castle, 

 time did not allow of their accepting Lord Nelson's invitation 

 also. Lord Nelson met the carriages near his house, and Lord 

 Eustace Cecil and the Hon. Secretary alighted for a minute to 

 express the Club's salutations and their regret that imperious 

 time did not admit of a halt. 



DOWNTON. THE CHURCH. 



The party were received at Downton Church by the Rev. R. G. 

 Plumtree, the Vicar. After a few preliminary remarks by the 

 Vicar, who thought it probable that the first church at Downton 

 was consecrated by Bishop Birinus, cir. 648, on the invitation 

 of the Vicar, Lord Eustace Cecil called on Mr. Doran Webb to 

 describe the architecture of the church. 



Mr. Doran Webb observed that the earliest part of it is the 

 west end. The cylindrical columns with square caps date from 

 early in the izth century, being early Transitional Norman work. 

 The church at that time doubtless only reached to the western 

 arch of the tower. The present chancel is Decorated in style. 

 He called attention to the good Early English work of the caps 

 opening into the south transept. The tower again is early i jth 

 century work. The great interest about Downton Church, Mr. 

 Webb continued, is that William of Edyngton, the architect of 



