BECKlLlMrrOX RELICS. 



247 



over calkins are particularly conspicuous. The other (fig. 

 83) is of larger size and more circular in shape, and shows 



fig. 82 



fig. 83 



a nail-heatl worn down to the surface of the shoe. Beck- 

 hampton, we must remember, is near the Druidical circle 

 or temple of Abury, the western avenue of that structure 

 extending towards this village ; and that the stupendous 

 mound of Silbury is within the plan of Abury, and may 

 have been a component part of the temple. It is some- 

 what remarkable that this portion of Wiltshire, so famous 

 tor its ancient British monuments, should furnish such a 

 number of these primitive horse-shoes. 



Three-fourths of a shoe, in excellent preservation, and 

 evidently of the same period, was found at Springhead, 

 near Gravcsend, Kent, some years ago, and is now in the 

 possession of Mr Sylvester of that place. It was found 

 imbedded in compact chalk, and, from its appearance, 

 has been scarcely worn ; it had broken through at one 

 of the nail-holes soon after being fastened on tiie hoof. 

 From the situation of this relic, and the acc()mj)anying 

 remains, there can scarcely be a doubt as to its belonging 

 to the Roman, or even pre-Roman, period. Its length 



