97 
SELBORNE SOCIETY NOTICES 
WINTER MEETINGS OF THE SOCIETY. 
Saturday , March 17. — Ironmonger’s Hall, Fenchurch Street, was visited by 
about eighty members, who were received by Mr. Bertram Stedall, one of the 
Wardens, and Mr. Edward H. Nicholl, the Hon. Librarian to the Company, 
this latter gentleman acting as guide. In the Court Room Mr. Nicholl gave a 
brief but interesting sketch of the Company’s history. It was founded in 1300, 
when complaint was made to the Mayor and Aldermen of London, by dealers in 
iron, of defective work brought to the City by the smiths of Kent and Sussex, 
The Ironmongers were noticed as a guild in 1363, and in 1456 obtained a grant 
of arms, and seven years later the Charter, which was shown and is still in excel- 
lent preservation. This Charter was confirmed by Philip and Mary in 1 5 58, 
probably for no other purpose than to extract money. Charles II. compelled the 
surrender of the Company’s rights, which were restored in 1688 (on payment of 
a heavy fee) by the notorious Judge Jeffreys, whose note commanding the atten- 
dance of the Master and Wardens was exhibited. To satisfy Henry VIII. ’s 
demands for money in 1523 the Company had to sell or pawn all its plate. 
The Court Room, with its beautiful carving and decoration, its magnificent 
fireplace and many interesting portraits, was thrown open for inspection, and the 
Company’s collection of plate and ancient muniments was also displayed. The 
“ Presentment Book,” really the apprentice roll, started in 1680, is still in use. 
After tea, which was provided by the Company and was served in the vesti- 
bule, a hearty vote of thanks to the Company for its kindness and hospitality, 
and to Mr. Nicholl for his valuable services as guide, was duly accorded. 
March 24. — A very interesting visit was paid to the Horniman Museum 
on this afternoon, when Dr. Harrison and his assistants were good enough to 
conduct twenty-eight members over the building and point out many particulars 
in connection with the exhibits, which are being rearranged in a way which 
brings out their true value. 
The development and improvement of weapons, for instance, is illustrated by 
one series of specimens, and the more peaceful arts of basket-making, cloth- 
weaving and so on, by others ; while there are further exhibits tracing the evolu- 
tion of ornament. The gallery, full of aquaria containing marine and fresh-water 
organisms, proved very attractive, as did also the museum lecture — given by Mr. 
Edward Lovett, the well-known student of survivals, on “ Dolls,” which the 
party was privileged to attend. The lecturer showed slides from photographs of 
dolls brought from all parts of the world, some of which had a bearing on 
religious questions, while others, as may be imagined, were merely produced for 
the amusement of children. The thanks of all who were present are due to Dr. 
Harrison, his assistants, and Mr. Lovett, for a very enjoyable visit. 
Saturday , April 7. — By the kind permission of His Grace the Duke of 
Northumberland, a party of eighty-four, under the leadership of Professor 
Boulger, were able on this afternoon to visit the celebrated arboretum of Syon 
House. Favoured with exquisite weather, the party traversed the grounds from 
the Brentford to the Isleworlh entrance, pausing ever and anon before one or 
other of the exceptionally fine specimen trees, especially the lofty Bald Cypresses 
( Taxodium distichum ) from the Mississippi, which here develop the “knees,” 
or ascending aerating roots, characteristic of their natural habitat, the large 
Walnuts and Fulham Oaks (Quercus Cerris Fulhamensis ), the ancient Mulberries, 
dating most probably from the time of William Turner, physician to the Pro- 
tector Somerset, and the magnificent Cedars of Lebanon, the largest of which 
was probably planted at the close of the 17th, or very early in the 1 8th 
century. 
At a convenient spot Professbr Boulger gave an account of the history of the 
Convent, of William Turner, the most interesting personage associated with the 
spot, and of the arboretum. 
In 1414, Henry V. founded a convent of Bridgetines, probably at Twicken- 
ham Park. In 1432, Henry VI. permitted its removal to the present site, 
subsequently bestowing upon it the manor of Isle worth. In 1532 the convent 
was suppressed for “harbouring the King’s enemies” and being accomplices of 
the Maid of Kent. Katherine Howard was detained there for three months 
