62 Notes on the Corporation Plate and Insignia of Wiltshire. 



Tho modem endorsing stamp lias the town arms with a buckled 

 band inscribed : — 



"BOROUGH OF WOOTTON BASSETT." 



Constable's Staff. This is of wood, 4ft. lOin. long, with a 

 plain gilt head on which, in relief, .are the initials C. R. and the 

 date 1678. 



Of the other old Wiltshire boroughs which have not been men- 

 tioned, three were disfranchised before 1832, viz., Bradford, Mere, 

 and Highworth. Great Bedwyn, I) own ton, Heytesbury, Hindon, 

 Ludgershall, Old Sarum, as well as Wootton Bassett, were dis- 

 franchised in 1832. 



The common seal of (treat Bedwyn is figured in vol. vi., p. 271 

 of this Magazine. It is circular, bearing a shaped shield with 

 elaborate moulding, azure, a tower domed argent. Crest, a griffin 

 passant or, with the legend : — 



"THE * COMMON • SEALE • OF • THE • CORPORATION ■ OF 

 GREAT • BEDWIN." 



I have not been able to discover any remaining insignia of the 

 other boroughs. 



[For many of the details as to the history of the corporations, 

 and the seals, I have to acknowledge my indebtness to the proof 

 sheets of Mr. St. J ohn Hope's forthcoming work, " The Corporation 

 Plate and Insignia of England and Wales" which I have had the 

 advantage of consulting. I take this opportunity, also, of expressing 

 my thanks to the mayors, town clerks, and other officials of the 

 various towns for the very great courtesy and kindness with which 

 they have answered enquiries and have allowed me to see and take 

 notes of the various insignia in their custody. I have, in addition, \ 

 to thank Mr. C. W. Holgate, Mr. W. F. Parsons, and others, for l 

 help readily given. — E. H. Gr.] 



