WALTON. 361 



down in consequence of its having been too large 

 for the population ; and part of the nave only now 

 remains. On the eouth wall of the existing part of 

 the building is an inscription reminding us that in 

 1734, the building was shortened 38 feet ; and that 

 the original fabric was similar to York minster in 

 its formation, and equal to it in magnificence. Oa 

 the same wall is hung up a garland, made of hoops, 

 crossed at right angles, and covered with paper; 

 inside of which is paper cut in imitation of gloves, 

 on which is written Grace Porter, 178(5, aged 58. 

 This is the remains of an ancient custom, which was 

 intended as an honour paid to those females who 

 had lived a life of celibacy. 



In this nation, as well as others, by the abun- 

 dant zeal of our ancestors, virginity was held in 

 great estimation, insomuch as those who died in 

 that state were rewarded at their deaths with a gar- 

 land or crown on their heads, denoting their tri- 

 umph over the inclinations of nature. These gar- 

 lands were carried at the funeral of the deceased, 

 before the corpse, by two maids, and were after- 

 wards hung up in some conspicuous place within the 

 church, as memorials of the departed persons. In 

 many churches these garlands have been taken 

 down by order of the ministers and churchwardens, 

 being considered as unsuitable decorations for such 

 sacred places. 



The living of Old Malton* is a perpetual caracy * 



* la Camden's time, Old Malton and New were one 

 parish ; and the chapels at New Malton were chapels of 

 case to the mother church at Old Malton ; but now Old 



Z s 



