Page:Sussex Archaeological Collections, volume 6.djvu/319

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RECENT EXCAVATIONS THERE.
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The flooring, which has been removed, appears to have been laid upon a bed of sea-beach or shingle. A single stone step forming the ascent into the chancel remains. A few fragments of Roman tile from the old work were found imbedded in the foundation walls.

Below the level of the floor of the chancel several skeletons were exhumed. This part of the edifice had been divided longitudinally into three cells or graves. In the northernmost of these was the skeleton of a man five feet below the surface. The fore-arms were crossed over the breast, perhaps indicating a priest. At the feet of this skeleton was another of a child. The middle compartment was occupied by a skeleton with the arm-bones parallel with the body; this interment was only two feet below the floor. In the southernmost compartment there were three skeletons at the depth of five feet — one adult and two children. To the right and left of the chancel step were two small irregular inclosures of stone which may have supported the pulpit and reading desk.

Opposite the south door, at the distance of 11 feet 6 inches from the west end of the building, erect, and in situ, but much fractured, we found the font. It consists of a plain

basin of rude workmanship raised upon a circular step 4 feet 10 inches in diameter, as shown in the above wood engraving; the material is a rough, friable, white stone resembling