Ixxvi. FiFEHEAb NEVILLE MEETINC^. 



rooms of the building being on three sides only. Possibly this 

 will be shown to be the form of the house at Fifehead when the 

 excavations are complete. 



Some members accepted Major Dugdale's invitation to the 

 manor house to see the Roman column brought from the villa 

 which had been set up in the grounds. This column was of the 

 usual character of the period, debased Roman, very similar to the 

 pillars found amongst the remains of the Roman temple on 

 Jordan Hill, Weymouth. 



On the way to the carriages the ancient bridge was inspected, 

 which, it is commonly believed, dates from Roman times. 

 Nothing, however, can be definitely determined as to its age, 

 except that it is not likely to be of later date than the 13th 

 century and that the core of it may be Roman. 



Excellent photographs of the column and bridge will be 

 found in the September number of " Somerset and Dorset 

 Notes and Queries " (subscription five shillings a year to the 

 Rev. Canon Mayo, Longburton). 



Sturminster Castle. 



Leaving Fifehead the party drove on to Sturminster Newton, 

 and, halting at the head of the picturesque old bridge which 

 spans the Stour, alighted from their carriages, and climbed the 

 hill which was the site of the Castle. Here the Rev. J. C. M. 

 Mansel-Pleydell, Vicar of Sturminster and son of the late 

 President of the Club, conducted the party to the portion of a 

 stone building with 13th century arcading in its base, the only 

 remnant of the Castle, and stated that some years ago it was 

 slightly repaired by the late General Pitt-Rivers to keep it from 

 tumbling to pieces. He then proceeded as follows : — 



Sturminster derives its name from the River Stour that flows around and below 

 the town, and from the church that stands on its hill. The river divides the town 

 into two parts: — (1) Sturminster proper on the N. side of the river, and (2) 

 Newton (New Town), or Newton Castle, on the S. side. As the fine and 

 picturesque bridge with its six arches unites these two parts, making them into 

 one town, so the distinct names have by common consent become joined to form 



