150 



The Sixteenth General Meeting. 



introduced therci to bis church. From Sutton, they drove toj 

 Christian Malford, or, as it was carefully explained by Mr. Jones, 

 Christ- Mai- Ford, or Christ- Cross-Ford ; from the cross or crucifix! 

 which once must have stood near the dangerous ford over the deep 

 river Avon. Here the church and its elaborate screens caused 

 much discussion, as did many other details of the fabric, and its 

 history as traced in the mouldings and arches which remain. Then 

 by the large poplars for which this well-watered and rich 

 cheese vale is notorious, and skirting the hill, on the summit of 

 which stood out conspicuously and grandly against the sky the 

 picturesque Abbey of Bradenstoke, our excursionists climbed up to 

 the quaint old village of Clack, and first visited the beautiful new 

 church, built but a very short time back by the munificence of 

 Mr. Goldney. This is really a little gem of ecclesiastical design, 

 admirably executed, and called forth loud expressions of admiration 

 on all sides, as well as of commendation of the liberal founder. 

 Thence the party proceeded to the earthworks which stand at the 

 extreme west of the village, and which consist of a central mound, 

 flanked by banks and ditches; but whether they betoken an ancient 

 British or Roman camp, or a beacon, or whatever fancy may 

 suggest, certain it is that they occupy a most commanding position, 

 overlooking the vale which spreads to the north, and above all to 

 the west to an almost interminable distance, while on the east they 

 are within sight of the famous Barbury camp which overlooks 

 Swindon, and to the south the range of downs above Cliffe Pypard 

 stretches along the horizon on either hand. Hard by, and in this 

 remarkably elevated position, stands the ruined Abbey of Braden- 

 stoke, on an eminence but seldom affected by the monastic orders, 

 who usually planted their residences in the depths of fruitful 

 valleys, in the neighbourhood of streams and fishponds, with which 

 they were generally girt : and here the company wandered at 

 leisure, and under guidance of the friendly occupier (Mr. Freegard) 

 through the many vaulted cellars, and up to the massive roofs, and 

 even out on the leads, marking the strength and solidity of the 

 structure, the peculiar arrangement of the roof timbers, and other 

 interesting details. But archaeologists may be generally termed 



