216 Memoir of the late George Tate, by Mr R. Middlemas. 



not appear until 1864. In the meantime, he had surveyed 

 the entire district — examined the old Celtic town of Greaves 

 Ash — superintended diggings on Yeavering Bell, and laid 

 bare the hut circles, forts, and fortlets, scattered over that 

 hill. He had examined every sculptured rock in the neigh- 

 bourhood, many of which had just been discovered by the 

 industry of his friends — his extensive reading and corres- 

 pondence gave him information of what had been noticed 

 elsewhere ; — so that when his account of the sculptured rocks 

 appeared, it was found to be a condensed record of all that 

 was known upon the subject. 



For archaeology he had an extended reputation ; and many 

 works bearing upon this subject were sent him to review for 

 various scientific publications. In this respect he was most 

 conscientious ; he never let fly the shafts of criticism at 

 random, but when he differed from the author, gave his 

 reasons in detail. The most elaboiate review that I have 

 been able to trace, was of " Keller's Lake Dwellings ; " 

 wherein he shews a complete acquaintance with the subject, 

 and a mastery of details, that stamp the review as the work 

 of one well qualified to judge. 



Mr Tate had purposed to write the history of his native 

 town, and for many years had been collecting materials. It 

 was in furtherance of this design that he applied for the 

 clerkship to the Common Council, and was appointed on the 

 30th December, 1850. He held this office until 1858. His 

 appointment gave him access to the Borough Records, which 

 he patiently and industriously inspected. For the same 

 purpose, he spent some time in London inspecting the records 

 and state papers. He was indefatigable in collecting materials 

 from every available source ; which he prepared and con- 

 densed into a full and complete history of Alnwick — wherein 

 he flatters none, but exposes and censures every act of mean- 

 ness, tyranny, or aggression ; and rescues from oblivion the 

 memory of those who lived and laboured for the public weal 

 — an impartial record of events, and of the rise and progress of 

 the public institutions of the town; — an enduring memorial of 

 his perseverance and talents for scientific and antiquarian re- 

 search, and a most valuable contribution to Border Literature. 

 The first volume appeared in 1866 ; the second in 1868. 



On the completion of this valuable work, it was considered 

 that some suitable memorial should be presented to Mr Tate, 



