By C. E. PonUng, F.S.A. 



51 



from this, and the entries that follow, that the south clerestory was 

 leaning outwards. The remedy does not appear to have been 

 sufficient, and this part of the Church continued to be a cause of 

 anxiety : — 



" 1708. Itm. paid to a free mason and his son for advice 4/-." 



It seems that in 1710 the Dean ordered the south side, which 

 was in danger of falling, to be repaired, and in the same year the 

 following entry occurs : — 



" 1710. Itm paid to a Surveyor for his journey and advice and expences upon 

 him and horse £1. 6. 6." 



But in the following year, nothing further having been done 

 the Dean strictly enjoined that the work must forthwith be carried 

 out sub pano excommunicationis, and then we find the entries continue 

 as follows : — 



" 1711. Itm pd. Leisster the Surveyo r for his coming to Mere. 10/-." 

 Itm p d in expence and fees to Goslyn the Surveyor. 17/6." 



After these preliminary expenses for advice (and probably 

 estimates of cost) the vicar and churchwardens called in another 

 surveyor, by whose advice the partial re-building of the three 

 western columns of the south arcade was taken in hand, and the 

 arches and clerestory of this part were taken down and re-built, 

 Tisbury stone being used in this work — theDoulting stone remaining 

 in the bases and lower parts of the columns. Two medallions on 

 the wall record this event as follows : — 



" 1712. 



This south side wall and roof was repaired 

 Mr. John Hardcastle M.A. 

 being Vicar William Harding & William Forward Churchwardens." 



" 1712. 



At the cost and charge of the Parishioners 



of Mere and performed by Mr. Charles 

 Stoakes of London, Surveyor of Buildings." 



The following entries in the churchwardens' book relate to it : — 



" 1712. These Accomp ts doe crave allowance of one Bill paid to Mr. Stokes 

 who undertook the South side of o r parish Church to secure it 



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