By Mr. Edward Kite. 277 



architectural fragments,* evidently thrown in at the time of the 

 destruction of the church, immediately after the Dissolution. 



In the course of the excavations some remains of stained glass, 

 and a mass of architectural fragments have been discovered. 

 Among the latter may be recognized some mouldings of the Norman 

 period, the Decorated ball flower (14th century), and an abundance 

 of Perpendicular remains (15th century), as crockets, finials, and 

 other enrichments, either from screen-work or canopied tombs ; 

 many of them bearing distinct traces of colour. A portion of a 

 monumental effigy of Purbeck marble in low relief, was also dis- 

 covered, exhibiting, above the robes, some traces of the stem of a 

 pastoral staflF. 



In concluding these remarks it is scarcely necessary to add that 

 the warmest thanks of the Wiltshire Archaeological Society, are 

 especially due to the Marquis of Westminster, as well as to Mr. 

 Batten, for the opportunity thus far afforded of investigating, by 

 excavations carefully conducted at his Lordship's expense and 

 under his immediate eye, the interesting remains of this celebrated 

 Benedictine Nunnery. 



Devizes, June, 1862. E. K. 



^ There were several portions of an arcade of Norman semicircular arches 

 about 18 inches in height, carved in Purbeck marble. Another fragment, of 

 perpendicular date, apparently from a tomb, exhibits a branch of a tree round 

 which is a scroll bearing the words " aia ifitt" in black letter, evidently part 

 of an inscription desiring a prayer for the soul of some individual interred in 

 the Abbey Church. The title of " dominus " may perhaps denote a priest. 



VOL. VII. — KO. XXI. 2 C 



