[ 290 ] XXVII. A Defcription of the Church of Melbourne in Derbyfhire, with an Attempt to explain from it the real Situation of the Porticus in the ancient Churches. By William Wilkins, Efq.-F. A. S. Read May ioth, 1 7th, and 24th, 1798. THERE are but few fubje&s of architectural art to be met with in this kingdom which were executed from the period of the departure of the Romans to the reign of king Alfred ; and indeed the records are but few, and rather barren, to which any reference can be made, or which are to be relied upon with refpecl: to them. The writings of venerable Bede, the Book of Domefday, and a few others, have, however, tranfmitted authorities on which fbme de- pendance may be placed. With refpecl: to buildings, their defcriptions are generally fhort, and leave much room for conjecture; yet a fuffi- ciency may be gathered from them in feveral inftances to affift the Antiquary in his refearches. The following extract from Domefday Book mews that the manor of Melbourne in the county of Derby (which lieth in the hundred and deanry of Repton, and is in the diocefe of Litchfield and Coventry) [a], is an ancient dememe of the crown, under the head of TERRA REGIS. " In [] Extra R from a Court Survey made in the year 1623, in the Archives of Donlngton Park, belonging to the earl of Moira. " That the Manno r and LOPP. of Melborne, butteth upon the LoPP. of Dunington, " Wilfon and Beedon eaftward, uppon Staunton and Cnulke fouthward, uppon Der- 3 " bie
