xlv. 



one of the springs of the Stour rises the following lines by him are carved 

 beneath the sculptured sleeping nymph of the spring : 



Nymph of the grot, these sacred springs I keep, 

 And to the murmur of these waters sleep. 

 O, spare my slumbers, gently tread the cave, 

 And drink in silence or in silence lave. 



At a short distance is a model of the Pantheon of Rome adorned with 

 sculptured panels by Rysbraeck, and with statues. A "Temple of the Sun" 

 is another building in these grounds. The Bristol Cross was also visited. This was 

 erected about the time of Edward IV., on College Green, Bristol, whence it was 

 removed for want of space, and brought by a former Sir Henry Hoare to 

 Stourhead. The niches in it, formerly occupied by saints, now contain statues of 

 kings. 



On the way to Stavordale, Stourton Tower, which forms a landmark on top of 

 a hill, was passed. It is dedicated to Alfred the Great, and bears his statue. It 

 is 160 feet in height and triangular in shape, built of red brick. 



By the leave of the owner of Stavordale Priory, the Rev. L. R. M. Leir, rector 

 of Charltou Musgrove, the club inspected this interesting building, which is 

 now used as a dairy house. The party were received by Mr. Sweetmau, of 

 Wincanton, a local antiquary, who had brought photographs for exhibition. He 

 led the way into what was the church of the Priory, which was built in 1440 by 

 John, Lord Stourton. Only the nave can be seen, and it is now occupied by hay 

 and a cider press. The fine arch leading into the choir and chapel is filled up 

 with a wall. In the nave there is a piscina in the south, and in the north wall 

 an aumbry, or cupboard-like niche for keeping the holy vessels. Mr. Sweetman 

 afterwards conducted the party into the chapel, which has been intersected by 

 both walls and floors to form a number of rooms, one of which, like the chapel 

 at Woodlands, is used as a cheese store. The beautifully moulded groyned 

 vaulting tells of past magnificence. Mr. Sweetman stated the chapel was erected 

 a short time later than 1440, the date of the Priory church, offertories having 

 been made for the purpose throughout the diocese. The floors and walls 

 undoubtedly ought to be taken away, to show the original size of the chapel. 

 Leaving Stavordale Priory the party drove through Wincanton and Horsingtou 

 Park to Templecombe to catch the 5.57 p.m. and other trains. 



NEW MEMBEK. One was proposed. 



