THE ANNUAL EXCURSION. 



229 



ancient font on clustered supports, sculptured with, a variety of 

 curious figures, an alabaster carving of the flaying of the patron 

 saint, the brass'^' of Tristram Curteys in armour, 1423, removed 

 from the floor to the wall, old monuments of Kendall, Waite, &c., 

 and many handsome modern memorials, including the carved 

 pulpit and stained-glass windows. The Vicar exbibited the 

 handsome altar vessels, and also a rubbing of an incised cross, 

 found on the reverse of an armorial slab — showing that it was a 

 palimpsest. The Eev. W. lago, in a short address, directed 

 attention to the objects to be chiefly observed, and spoke of the 

 desecration of the church, the cbristening of a horse, as 

 "Charles," at the font, and the attempt made with fire and 

 gunpowder to dislodge from the tower some refugees during the 

 great rebellion. Beside the south porch, was seen the old 

 Grothic Cross, restored to the churchyard by Mrs. Thomas 

 Hext, of Trenarren, and lately erected with new base, shaft, 

 and pinnacles, through the liberality of Miss M. F. Hext, of 

 Lostwithiel. 



At the town hall, the mayor showed the corporate seal, the 

 silver oar, &c., and the portrait of Lord Mount Edgcumbe's 

 ancestor, the founder of the building, — E-ichard Edgcumbe, of 

 Mount Edgcumbe, Esquire, formerly M.P. for Lostwithiel, 

 created a Baron in 1742, — whose son Greorge, Earl of Mount 

 Edgcumbe (the present Earl's great-grandfather), presented to 

 Lostwithiel its Market House. 



Eestormel Castle proved eminently attractive and was fully 

 explored — from the bottom of the dry moat and subterranean 

 hollows, to the tops of the ivy-clad battlements. The guardroom, 

 kitchen, banqueting hall, chapel, with its piscina, were all 

 examined. The upper chamber in the south wall near the gate, 

 with its narrow passage and prison-like prospect, appeared in 

 striking contrast with those rooms which had windows command- 

 ing extensive and beautiful views. Wild imaginings were the 

 result. The chief portion of the Castle is a circular Norman 

 structure, now roofless. Documentary evidence proves that 

 Edward, the Black Prince, resided in it. 



The Bishop and some other members of the excursion were 

 obliged to leave by train at this stage of the proceedings. The 



* Figured in Dunkin's Monumental Brasses of Cornwall, — plate IX. 



