280 REPORT OP MEETINGS FOR 1902 



where the Scottish host was encamped, near the spot where 

 we now stand, Barmoor is quite invisible." 



Captain Norman then read a memorandum by Mr Goodchild 

 on the well-known monument called "The King's Stone," 

 which is often identified with the place where King James fell, 

 though in reality it has no historical significance. Mr Goodchild 

 says that it was almost certainly a trysting or gathering stone, 

 which was placed where it is long before 1513, probably by 

 artificial agency. This megalith, Mr Goodchild explained, 

 consists of a thick slab of dolomitic or magnesian limestone, 

 identical in nature with that which occurs in the quarries 

 at Carham, and it must originally have been brought thence 

 either by human efi'orts, which is not very likely, or by glacial 

 transport, which is much more probable. 



We then moved through the fields south-eastward, through 

 Blinkbonny, towards Flodden Hill, on whose northern flank 

 we rested under the trees, whose plantation dates from forty 

 or fifty years ago. A visit was made to the so-called "Sybil's 

 Well," which, however, is not that well which is mentioned 

 in Marmion, the true well lying not far from Branxton Church, 

 as was seen by those who, earlier in the day, came by the 

 road from Cornhill. 



After a short walk up the hill to the site of the King's 

 Seat, we descended on foot eastwards, through an avenue of 

 trees, till we reached Flodden Lodge, upon the old coach road 

 from Wooler to Coldstream. Here the carriages were in 

 waiting, and members of the Club enjoyed a delightful drive 

 by Ford Bridge and the iron gates of Ford Castle, through 

 the villages of Etal and Duddo, each possessing its own ruined 

 castle, until they arrived at Twizel Bridge, the very bridge 

 over which the Admiral, Lord Howard, Surrey's son, led his 

 forces in the long flank and rear march against King James. 

 A halt was made here while Captain Norman gave a brief 

 history of the bridge; he quoted Leland, who, in his "Itinerary," 

 published in 1545, thus alludes to it: "So to Twisle Bridge 

 of stone, one bow, but great and strong, where is a townlet 

 and a towre." The span of the bridge is 90 feet 7 inches, 

 and it is 46 feet in height, measured to the top of the 

 battlement. The bridge is said to have been built by order 

 pf a lady of the Sal by family. 



