XXXV. 



originally was situated on the lew-lying part and below the Bar, or north gate, 

 which was the most important, and was enclosed by walls a mile and a-quarter 

 in length, in which were seven gates. On the outer face of this gate are eleven 

 escutcheons bearing the arms or crests of some of the kings and most notable 

 persons connected with the history of the borough. 



Many portions of the ancient wall have been pulled down and much of the old 

 building destroyed to make room for modern improvements. 



From the Bargate a short walk enabled the party to reach the Arundel Tower, 

 which formed the north -western, corner of the wall. A large portion of the 

 remains of this tower, however, has been quite shut off from public view from 

 the street by the erection recently of a red brick building, of which the ancient 

 wall forms the back. From this point nearly to the Royal Pier the old wall was 

 traced, and the many interesting historical features of it described by the well- 

 informed guide. In days of old the sea washed the foundations of the wall, in 

 which there was a water gate, which is still very clearly defined. A beautifully- 

 built and commodious chamber or vault is also entered through a doorway in 

 this wall, this communicating originally with the water gate by means of a 

 passage which ran to the ancient castle situated inside the walls on rising 

 ground. 



Having viewed Biddlesgate, a visit was paid to Simnel Street, in which are 

 situated ancient cellars, the vaulting and bosses in one of which are of 

 13th century work. Some old houses have been pulled down at Biddlesgate, 

 and there is a large gap in the wall at this place. 



Continuing in the direction of the pier, however, the wall is less broken and of 

 a more ornamental character, containing as it does eighteen arches with a wall 

 behind them, placed no doubt about 1340 in consequence of the incursions of the 

 French, who previously burnt a portion of the town and plundered the King's 

 house. Behind this wall is a remarkably fine old Norman house which has been 

 purchased by Mr. Spranger in order that it might be preserved as an antiquity. 

 The crude timber roof in the upper chamber of this building is most curious. 

 Mr. Spranger has placed a number of old relics in this room, which is of much 

 interest to lovers of English history. 



Sir TALBOT BAKER, on behalf of the Club, proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. 

 Spranger, for the service he had rendered in thus preserving such an ancient 

 feature of bygone history. 



In describing the Bugle Tower almost at the end of the existing wall, 

 Mr. MINNS drew attention to a very old wooden shed, and suggested that it 

 would be a good thing to form one into a borough museum, whilst the tower 

 rooms would be suitable for a caretaker. 



French Street was also visited and Canute's House, and the little church of 

 St. Julien and the almshonse were also inspected. In this church is a tablet 

 recording the trial and execution of Lord Scrope and Earl Grey who were 

 buried near this spot for conspiring to murder Henry V. in the town of 

 Southampton. A very handsome brass culverin presented by Henry VIII, 



