140 THE AUTUMN EXCURSION. 



third state. Finally the quoins, mullions, and sill of the window 

 were removed, and left the grooves which were the cause of so 

 much discussion. 



Restormel, with its crumbling walls and its encircling trees, 

 was left with regret, and a return made to Lostwithiel. On the 

 road some of the party looked in at the Eoyal Eestormel Iron 

 Mines (Royal because honoured by a visit from the Queen), and 

 found good specimens of hematite, limonite, goethite, and wood 

 iron. Arrived in the town, after a handsome plaster ceiling had 

 been inspected, a visit was paid to the Guildhall, built by one of 

 the ancestors of Earl Mount Edgcombe, patron of the ancient 

 borough, in 1740. Here Mr. Foster and Mr. Pease, the town 

 clerk, had kindly set out the mace and seals of the borough, its 

 latest charter — ^that of James IT — and the massive silver oar, the 

 emblem of that maritime jurisdiction over the Fowey which Lost- 

 withiel still enjoys. Mr. Foster lucidly gave some explanations 

 relative to the corporate history of the town ; and Mr. Freeth 

 produced some most interesting documents which, for the first 

 time, shewed the connection of Restormel with the Cardinhams, 

 and the way in which it was acquired by the Duchy, as set forth 

 above. The church, with its singularly picturesque and quaint 

 spire, and its ancient memorials were next visited. Here the 

 chief features of interest were the spire aforesaid, octagonal, with 

 eight decorated lights at its junction with the tower, grotesque 

 figures of Norman character on a 14th century font, and an alto- 

 relievo in alabaster of the flaying of St. Bartholomew. This was 

 discovered in the course of some works of restoration which have 

 been carried on with good effect, and it is hoped that funds may 

 be raised to complete the restoration in a thorough and satisfac- 

 tory manner. 



Lostwithiel has been a place of importance. It was the town 

 where the Assizes and Sessions were held ; the polling-place 

 for the county before its division ; the seat of the Stannary 

 jurisdiction. It retains still the original Stannary Court, or Palace, 

 built by Earl Edmund, the old Stannary Prison, and of later date 

 the now disused Coinage-hall. Massive and even somewhat 

 stately these buildings look outside — one of the most noticeable 

 features being a very old Duchy Coat of Arms, with the 15 

 bezants, and the lion as a crest. 



All this made up a good forenoon's work, and the lunch which 

 was served at the Talbot was heartily welcome. Occasion was 

 taken after it to thank, on behalf of the Institution, Mr. Foster 

 and Mr. Pease for the courtesy they had shewn, and the interes- 



