The Eleventh General Meeting. 



25 



years ago. The party then visited the church of Coombe Bissett, 

 which contains some very interesting specimens of Norman archi- 

 tecture. 



On leaving Coombe, the archaeologists proceeded to Bishopston, 

 where they were most hospitably received by the Rev. Precentor 

 and Mrs. Lear, who had kindly provided refreshments for them, 

 and who had a cordial welcome for all. Much gratification was 

 expressed at the fine view of the church obtained from the charm- 

 ing grounds of the rectory, which are most tastefully laid out. 

 The variety of the outline, and the exquisite proportion and tracery 

 of the windows, as seen from this spot, afford a rare example of 

 ecclesiastical taste and munificence. We know of no finer church 

 than Bishopston, in any part of South "Wilts. 



The Rev. Presentor Lear having expressed his gratification at 

 seeing so many visitors present that day, and having welcomed them 

 heartily to Bishopstone, read a paper which he had prepared upon 

 this remarkable Church, wherein he called attention to its principal 

 features, and invited the careful examination of the Archaeologists. 

 This interesting paper will be found in another portion of the Mag- 

 azine. At its conclusion, the party repaired to the Church, and 

 the chief objects of interest were pointed out : its cruciform shape ; 

 its highly decorated windows ; its pulpit with a wood carving 

 bronzed, brought from Spain ; its Chancel, with wood carvings and 

 communion plate ; and above all, the singular building attached 

 to the outside of the South Transept. 



Mr. J. H. Parker, who was called for, said a few words res- 

 pecting the edifice. It was a good specimen of the architecture of the 

 time of Edward III. He considered that the portion attached to the 

 southern exterior of the south transept was a chapel, erected to the 

 memory of some person ot importance who was connected with the 

 church. The chancel was a really beautiful specimen of the 

 architecture of the period, and the canopies of the sedilia were most 

 unique in design, and resembled one at Dorchester, in Oxfordshire. 

 The whole church was a most valuable specimen of the architecture 

 of the 14th century, and had been well preserved. While he was 

 addressing the members of the Wiltshire Archaeological Society, he 



