Friday, July 13th. 



133 



On arrival at BRINKWORTH the CHURCH was at once inspected, 

 Mr. Ponting, to whom the work of the greatly-needed restoration 

 is entrusted, furnishing an account of the building, which was read 

 by the Eev. E. H. Goddard. Canon Livingstone, the Eector, 

 also said a few words, inviting the opinion of the Meeting as to the 

 desirability or otherwise of retaining the present Queen Anne 

 gallery at the west end. As to this there was some difference of 

 opinion expressed, the majority of the Members, however, thinking 

 that the gallery should be if possible kept — but that it was still 

 more important that the remarkable Jacobean pulpit and reading 

 desk should be left unaltered, more especially as their retention will 

 in no way interfere with due regard being paid to modern require- 

 ments in the restoration. By the kind and thoughtful arrangement 

 of the Rector and Mrs Livingstone the party then adjourned to 

 the rectory garden, where, in the grateful shade of the elms, the 

 luncheon tables had been laid, instead of in the very confined 

 quarters at the village inn — which would otherwise have been the 

 fate of the party. Here luncheon first, and afterwards the roses, 

 and the fine and extensive view from this elevated site, over large 

 parts of Wilts and Gloucestershire, were much enjoyed. Before 

 leaving, Mr. Talbot expressed the thanks of the Meeting to their 

 architectural guides, Messrs. Ponting and Brakspear. 



The carriages then started again for BR ADEN STOKE, and on 

 arrival, Mr. Talbot briefly described the existing buildings of the 

 PRIORY, being followed by Mr. Brakspear, who arrived later on 

 the scene, in greater detail. It is greatly to be desired that this 

 interesting building and site may be some day fully investigated 

 and described for us by Mr. Brakspear, who, as his account of 

 'Lacock printed in this number of the Magazine shows, is making 

 a special study of monastic sites. The Members wandered all 

 over thehouse, and inspected the roof inside and out, by the kindness 

 of the occupiers, Mr. and Miss Shemilt, who undertook the ar- 

 rangements for the tea, under the lime trees in front, most kindly 

 provided for us by Sir G. Prior Goldney. This and a stroll down 

 through the fields to the station, taking on the way the very puzzling 

 little square EARTHWORK, with its deep ditch, and the mound in the 



