peculiar to Ireland, and the example here given is one of the largest of the kind. The diameter of the ring is 412 inches; length of the acus, 714 inches. It had evidently been much worn. The precise mode of use of these singular ornaments has been often a matter of discussion; Mr. Hoare expressed the opinion that they might have been worn in the hair, to fasten the luxuriant tresses for which the Celtic race of the Irish women are still remarkable, and have served the same purpose as the spintro commonly used by the females of Italy. The peculiar form of these ancient fibulæ, of which several specimens of extreme richness have been figured by Mr. Fairholt, in the Gloucester Volume of the Archaeological Association, may seem to present some analogy to that of the various "penannular" ornaments found in Ireland.
By the Cambridge Antiquarian Society.—Several ancient signet rings, found in Cambridgeshire; the cross-bar, or frame, of an aulmoniére, of metal curiously inlaid with niello; and other relics found near Cambridge.
By the Rev. William Gunner.—Three ponderous iron hammers, and two objects described as small anvils, supposed to have been used by armourers, and found in the ancient entrenchment at Danebury Camp, near Stockbridge, Hants. Mr. Hewitt, however, stated that these relics presented no indication of having been destined for the purpose conjectured.
Numerous impressions of sepulchral brasses were exhibited, and presented to the collection of the Institute, comprising the following.
By Mr. Lowndes.—From Dunstable Church, Bedfordshire.—Lawrence Cantelowe and six sisters; circa, 1420. A figure of a lady, concealed by a pew; circa, 1480. Henry Fayrey and his wife, shrouded figures, 1516. Richard Pynfold and his wife, 1516. A shrouded figure, early sixteenth century; and a woman with her two husbands; circa, 1600.
From Luton Church.—Figure of Hugh atte Spetyle, inscription to the memory of himself, his wife, and son, a priest; circa, 1410. A lady, veiled and barbed; the figure is placed under a triple canopy; circa, 1430. Edward Sheffeld, canon of Lichfield, 15. John Acworth, Esq., and two wives, 1513. John Lylam and two M-ives, 1513. Robert Colshill and wife, 1524.
By Mr. W. W. Wynne.—From Puttenham, Surrey.—A small figure of Edward Cranford, Rector, in the mass vestment; 1431.
By Mr. Charles Long.—From Lambeth.—A figure of a man in armour; circa, 1520. Lady Catharine Howard, in an armorial mantle, 1535.—From Draycot Cerne, Wilts.—Sir Edw. Cerne and his wife; circa, 1395, hands conjoined.—From Dauntsey.—Sir John Danvers and his wife, 1514. A figure in secular costume, and his wife.
By Mr. C. Desborough Bedford.—A MS. volume, containing genealogical and heraldic evidences relating to the ancient French family of the Comte de Lentilhac Sediére.[1]
By Mr. W. Jenvey, Churchwarden of Romsey.—A small jewelled cross, appended to a chain, found in September, 1839, amongst some rubbish taken from the roof in the south transept of Romsey Abbey Church, Hants.
- ↑ A French nobleman, who took refuge in England in the first French Revolution. The pedigree is particularly interesting, being subscribed by numerous distinguished refugees, his friends, at that time in London. The volume contains various personal and family memorials. The volume had been deposited many years since, with the late Charles Bedford, Esq., and all inquiries to discover the present representative of this ancient race of Lentilhac Sediére have been fruitless.
