Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 3.djvu/119

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CHURCHES OF THE ARCHDEACONRY OF NORTHAMPTON.
97

Essex, and events of subsequent times, are carefully detailed, and illustrated by documents drawn from sources of information hitherto almost unexamined.

At the close of the volume an alphabetical list of names of the townlands of the barony is given, which may well serve to shew the value of such minor evidences, too frequently neglected by topographers. The popular name of some close, of an ancient track-way, or of some remote dell or eminence, traditionally preserved, or noticed in the title-deeds of estates, may often supply a link in the chain of evidence which has in vain been sought elsewhere by the local historian.

The Churches of the Archdeaconry of Northampton. Published by the Architectural Society of that Archdeaconry.—Number 1. Higham Ferrers.

Archaeological Journal, Volume 3, 0119.png

The Churchyard Cross, with the Bede house and Vicarage, Higham Ferrers.

The subject of this work can hardly be considered as one of mere local interest. The county of Northampton comprises specimens illustrative of the progress of Ecclesiastical architecture in England from the rudest and earliest efforts to the last decline of the art. Within sight of each other are the supposed Saxon tower of Earl's Barton and the beautiful Perpendicular church of Whiston, of the sixteenth century; and within a short distance of these, in the district which is now undergoing the careful survey of the Northamptonshire Architectural Society, are some of the finest examples known of the intermediate styles. Many of these churches are remarkable for a fine outline; and some of them have details of a richness and delicacy of execution not easily surpassed. Although they are mostly parochial,