By J % E. Nightingale, F.S.A. 



371 



Dinton. Chalice and paten-cover. A very good example,, though 

 somewhat worn, of the Elizabethan form of chalice with its paten- 

 cover. An engraving is given of this specimen, which illustrates 

 the style which prevailed, and of which so many examples still exist, 

 of the vessels of uniform shape and decoration made during the 

 reign of Queen Elizabeth. The same ornamental band of scroll 

 foliage within two narrow fillets, which interlace or cross each other, 

 is found on all these chalices. This style of decoration, but more 

 roughly executed, is frequently found on the larger and more cum- 

 brous vessels of the succeeding century. The chalice with its cover 

 measures 6Jin. in height. The maker's mark, the sun in splendour 

 within a plain circle. The date-mark, 1576. 



Flagon, large, with handle and cover, a broad base tapering 

 upwards, measuring 13in. including cover. The date-mark is 1730, 

 and the maker's mark I. S., under a crown. It is inscribed : "In 

 Honor em, Dei Opt. Max. Patris Filii et Spiritus Sancti ei in usum 

 Mcclesim parochialis de Linton in com. Wilt. A.D. 173 -J" 



Fuggle stone St. Peter cum Bemerton. The Chalice, without 

 a cover, is a well-preserved example of the ordinary Elizabethan 

 type, with the usual engraved belt and foliated scrolls. Height, 

 5|in. The date-mark is the Roman capital D., indicating the year 

 1581. The maker's mark is apparently E.L. within a shield. 



There is a special interest connected with the chalice of this parish, 

 as it was the one used by the saintly George Herbert, who was 

 made rector in 1630, on the promotion of the previous incumbent, 

 Dr. Curl, to the bishopric of Bath and Wells. The only other relic 

 of George Herbert in the old Church at Bemerton is the single bell 

 in the bell-cot. Izaac Walton, in his " Life/' mentions the circum- 

 stance of his remaining a long time at prayer in the Church after he 

 had gone through the_ customary ceremony of tolling the bell at his 

 feiduction. This bell is of pre-Reformation date, sometimes called an 

 " Alphabet Bell/' from the fact of having certain black-letter capitals 

 irregularly placed instead of an inscription. These alphabet bells have 

 been said to have some special significance of their own, but their 

 origin is, perhaps, rather due to the bell-founder using up his type 



