t 
REPORT ON EXCAVATIONS IN S. MARY’S ABBEY. 77 
blue bricks having been used for the nth century work and 
red for that of later date. 
The result has given rise to much comment and criticism 
on the part of many who do not clearly understand the real 
nature of the case, and the difficulties to be contended with. 
The excavations were not undertaken with the expectation of 
discovering picturesque ruins, but chiefly to ascertain as far as 
possible from such remains as lay below the surface the history 
and type of the different Churches that have occupied the site. 
The result is most instructive and interesting, and it is our 
duty to hand it on to future generations free from spurious 
imitations of old work or from additions which would, when 
weathered with age, only deceive and puzzle the observer. It 
has also to be borne in mind that in this instance we are 
dealing not with ruined walls, which tell their own tale, 
but with the ragged stumps and foundations of walls, 
underground work, constructed chiefly of rough material, and 
. never intended to be seen, and which had to be interpreted 
if it was to interest or instruct the casual visitor. 
117 JUL1303 
