By the Rev. R. K. Anketell, Vicar. 



81 



descendants, the Haywards. The Hollis family built a large house 

 in Upper Seagry, now belonging to their descendants, the Teagles, 

 and Mr. Robert Stratton built in 1700 the house opposite the Church. 



Ecclesiastical History. 



The Heathen Burial Ground. The field contains about ten acres 

 and presents a very singular appearance. In removing the sods, 

 about 2ft. from the surface we discovered extensive stone foundations, 

 extending for a considerable distance over the field. From the 

 charred appearance of the stones they had evidently suffered from 

 fire, thus supporting the tradition of some of the oldest inhabitants 

 that the ancient Church (said to be situated here) had been destroyed 

 by fire. On continuing the search we found, about 2ft. below these 

 foundations, a quantity of Early British pottery, the remains of 

 broken urns, some charred bones, and small arrow-heads. The 

 excavators, unfortunately, did not take sufficient care, and one of 

 the most perfect specimens, with a border round the neck, was 

 broken. Still, however, several fragments have been collected, and 

 are now preserved in a glass case, together with copies of the old 

 deeds relating to the parish and its boundaries. 



The following is an extract from a letter which I have received 

 from a gentleman 1 whose family has been connected with this parish 

 for over two hundred years, and who has given me great assistance. 

 He says : — " My father was born at Startley in 1784, and remained 

 there until about 1810. Both he and my grandfather were deeply 

 imbued with old folk lore. I well remember them constantly 

 speaking of the firm belief handed down to them of the heathen 

 burial places at Seagry, and of the supposed ruins of a Church and 

 some religious house at Upper Seagry." I think the discoveries 

 made (on the very spot mentioned by tradition) in August, 1882, 

 are abundant proof that after the lapse of more than nine centuries 

 actual verification of the carefully-transmitted tradition has at last 

 been found. 



The Church. 



The profits of the benefice were shared between a vicar and the 



~uir. J. T. Hand, of Halifax. 

 VOL. XXIII. — NO. LXVII. G 



