DERBYSHIRE FONTS. 43 



In the case of Somersall Herbert the piers of the arcade 

 are of proportionately enormous width, which quite ruins the 

 general effect. The capitals, also, are much too heavy, while 

 the bases, to all intents and purposes, are practically non- 

 existent. The arches are of a light order and nicely cut. 

 The interlacing arcade was no doubt the origin of the lancet 

 windows of Early English times. Arcading was often used on 

 the towers of churches, and, most probably, at some time an 

 enterprising Norman mason cut the stone out from one of these 

 pointed arches, and thus created the first pointed headed 

 window. 



The band of ornament running round the top of the font 

 is best explained by references to the illustration, fig. i. It 

 consists of a series of attached squares set on their points, 

 round each alternate junction of squares being a circular ring 

 of moulding. An exactly similar ornament is cut on a Norman 

 lintel stone at St. Bees. There is no doubt that this font is 

 not placed as it should be, as below the arcade is a flat 

 moulded band under which is a groove. The stone below the 

 groove is rough and unfinished, hence doubtless, the font was 

 originally inserted in a base stone up to the groove.* This 

 should again be done, as at present the general effect is spoiled, 

 for if this part is covered over in the illustration the improve- 

 ment in the effect is marked. The untooled portion is 6h in. 

 deep. The dimensions are : — 



Total height 2 ft. 6 in. (including 6£ in. of 



Width across top 

 ,, of interior 



Depth of „ 



It has both drain and lead lining, which last seems to be 

 original. 









untooled 



stone). 





2 



55 



9 



J? 







I 



55 



9 



„ to 1 ft. 

 bottom. 



4$ in. 



near 



I 



55 







>5 







* I believe I am justified in saying that this also represents the views of the 

 Rev. Reginald Fitz-Herbert, the Rector of the parish. 



