228 Compendium of County History.-Wiltshire. [Sept. Hawles, John, lawyer, Salisbury, 1645. Herbert, William, Earl of Pembroke, the most universally beloved and esteemed of any man of that age, Wilton, 1580. Philip Earl of Pembroke, brother of the above, Wilton (ob. 1649-50). Hobbes, Thomas, metaphysician, Westport, Malmesbury, 1588. Horman, William, divine and author, Salisbury (ob. 1535). Hughes, John, poet and moralist, Marlborough, 1677. HYDE, EDWARD, Earl of Clarendon, historian, Denton *, 1608. Alexander, Bishop of Salisbury, Salisbury (ob. 1667). Keate George, poet and writer of considerable eminence, Trowbridge, 1729 or 1730. Williain, brother of the above, and no less celebrated as a loyalist and musician (ob. 1645). LUDLOW, EDMUND, honest and independent republican, Maiden Bradley, 1620. Malmesbury, Oliver of, mathematician and astrologer, and the first English aërial voyager. (flourished in the eleventh century). William de, learned historian and librarian to the Abbey †, (flor. 12th cent.) Mann, John, divine and politician, Laycock, 1568. Marlborough, Henry of, historian (flor fifteenth century). Maschiart, Michael, Latin poet and able civilian, Salisbury (ob. 1598). Massinger, Philip, eminent dramatic poet, Wilton, 1585. Matthew, Sir Toby, celebrated Jesuit and politician, Salisbury, 1577. Maton, Robert, celebrated divine, North Tidworth, about 1607. Merriott, Thomas, divine and author, Steeple Langford (ob. 1662). NORDEN, JOHN, surveyor and topographer, about 1548. Norris, John, eminent divine, poet, and platonist, Collingbourne Kingston, 1657. PITT, WILLIAM, truly patriot Earl of Chatham, Stratford House, Old Sarum ‡, 1708. Potter, Francis, divine, and excellent mechanic, Mere, 1594. Raleigh, Dr.§ whose misfortunes during the civil wars were truly distressing, Downton (ob. 1645). Rudburne, Thomas, Bishop of St. David's, Rudburne (ob. 1442). Sacheverell, Henry, notorious political preacher, Marlborough, 1672. Salisbury, John of, Bishop of Chartres, one of the most eminent scholars of the day, Salisbury (ob. 1181). Scott, Dr. John, learned divine, Chippenham, 1638. Sedgwick, John, nonconformist divine, Marlborough, 1600. Obadiah, brother of John, and learned divine, Marlborough (ob. 1658). Squire, Dr. Samuel, learned Bishop of St. David's, and Greek scholar, Warminster, 1714. Stephens, Nathaniel, learned divine, Stanton Barnard (ob. 1677). Philip, physician and author, Devizes (ob. 1660). Tanner, Thomas, Bishop of Norwich, a most learned and useful antiquary, Market Lavington, 1674. Thornborough, John, Bishop of Worcester and excellent chemist, Salisbury, 1552. Webbe, George, Bishop of Limerick, Bromham, 1581. Willis, Thomas, eminent physician and author, Great Bedwin, 1621. Wilton, John of, sen. a learned and subtle disputant, Wilton, close of thirteenth century. Zouch, Richard, learned civilian, Anstey, 1590. MISCELLANEOUS REMARKS. At ALBOURNE King John is traditionally said to have had a hunting seat, part of which remains. This village is thought to have been described by Goldsmith in his "Deserted Village," but it is most probable that village was in Ireland. According to some at Purton. Seward's Anecdotes, vol. ii. where is a view of the house. The Editor of his Life, 3 + Some give him birth in Somersetshire. vols. 8vo. says he was born in St. James's parish, Westminster; and another writer says in Devonshire. § Grandson of Sir Walter. At 1825.] Compendium of County History-Wiltshire. 229 At ALDERTON died in 1684, Gore the antiquary, who was also born and buried here. (Mentioned before.) AMESBURY House was the residence of the celebrated Duke and Duchess of Queensberry, under whose patronage Gay spent the happiest years of his life, and wrote some of his best pieces here. At ANSTEY the Hospitallers had a house founded by Walter de Turbevill, temp. John. ASHCOMBE is situate upon an isolated knoll, in the centre of a circular amphitheatre, formed by the surrounding hills. "An inverted bason placed in the middle of a large china bowl will give a clear idea of this romantic spot. On the circular top of the inner bason stands the house." BEMERTON is interesting from its having been the residence and rectory of Bishop Curle, George Herbert, and John Norris, as it is now of Archdeacon Coxe, distinguished names in the annals of literature. In BISHOPSTONE Church are two stone coffins, generally supposed to have contained the relicks of two ancient Bishops. Amongst the curiosities at BowooD was a portrait of Oliver Cromwell, on leaf gold, by Walker, the Protector's favourite artist. Near the aviary is a remarkable echo, which repeats every word three or four times.-In the forest James I. amused himself and courtiers with hunting. In BOYTON Church are two antient altar tombs to the Giffards. On one we have the true origin of the label as a difference in armorial bearings. In the other Lady Margaret Giffard forgot the downfall of her family.-Here resides Aylmer B. Lambert, Esq. F. R. S. a gentleman well known in all our literary societies, and justly celebrated for his researches in botany and natural history. -Between Boyton and Corton is a remarkable place called Chapel or Chettle Hole; where, according to tradition, a Church was swallowed up by diabolical agency. It was probably named cetel a chaldron, from a spring rising at its bottom. The Corton beach is a vegetable curiosity. Of BREMHILL is Vicar the Rev. W. L. Bowles, the pathetic and eloquent poet. Many of his poems "were chiefly written here." At BROAD-CHALK, Aubrey possessed an estate, and here he occasionally resided. At BROMHAM was born the Rev. John Collinson, historian of Somersetshire. At CALNE the Kings of Wessex had a palace. Near Calne, on Cheril-hill, is large white horse, formed by paring off the turf on the side of the chalk hill; executed about 1780. a At CHARLTON Park are some very valuable original portraits by Vandyck, &c. CHERILL was possessed by the great king-making Earl of Warwick. CHIPPENHAM, a favourite residence of the Kings of Wessex. Alfred bequeathed the palace to his daughter Ethelfleda.-The origin of the extensive clothing trade is singular.-In Chippenham Church is a monument to Sir Gilbert Pryn, knt.-Here died Mr. Thorpe, author of "Registrum Roffense, &c." buried at Hardenhuish, where also is interred the late David Ricardo, Esq. At CHITTERNE ALL SAINTS are several memorials to the family of Matthew Mitchell, who was employed to defend Zealand against the French, and to assist the Dutch in restoring the Prince of Orange to the dignity of Stadtholder. At CLARENDON Priory, in the fifteenth century, were dug up the bones of a monster, in length 14 feet 11 inches.-Clarendon gave title of Earl to the famous Edward Hyde, Lord Chancellor.-Here the celebrated Stephen Duck pursued the humble employment of thrasher, and whether labouring at the plough, the reap-hook, or the flail, the poetical works of Milton were ever in his hands. His melancholy end was noticed under "Surrey."-Nothing now remains of Clarendon palace, the residence of some of our early monarchs, but ruined walls and heaps of rubbish. Of CODFORD ST. MARY was Rector the loyal Dr. Creed, who published a defence of Dr. Hammond's EXTEVECTEgo against Mr. Jeanes. The Vicar of CORSHAM possesses very extraordinary privileges, having episcopal jurisdiction within the parish.-At Corsham house is a valuable collection of paintings by Titian, Rubens, Vandyck, &c. &c. The river DEVERILL dives under ground like the Guadiana in Spaiu, and the Mole in Surrey. (See vol. xciv. p. 33), and pursues its subterraneous course upwards of a mile; then rising, runs onward toward Warminster. DEVIZES 230 Three Egyptian Sepulchral Stones described. [Sept. DEVIZES Castle, characterized as the strongest fortress in Europe by our early historians. In the market place, many years ago, was a pillar recording a singular mark of divine vengeance. (See Beauties of England, vol. xv. p. 430.) -Many curious Roman antiquities have been discovered here. S. T. (To be continued.) MR. URBAN, Taunton, Sept. 20. THERE have been HERE have been lately presented stitution, by John Quantock, Esq. three Egyptian Sepulchral Stones, brought from the ruins of Thebes. They consist of one sculptural stone, one painted, and one inscribed with hieroglyphical characters. The figures on these stones appear to represent the Worship of Osiris. On the sculptured stone there are two compartments; in the upper, the Egyptian god, Osiris, is represented naked, sitting in a chair, with a cap on his head, like a mitre, with two projections in imitation of horns; he holds a stick or rod in his left-hand, bended at the top similarly to the pastoral staff of our Bishops-an emblem, it may be supposed, of that fatherly protection of his people for which he is celebrated in history. In his righthand he holds a whip with three thongs, which may be regarded as a symbol of punishment in his character of a judge. There is an altar before him, on which is placed a vase, and over it hangs the Lotos. A figure stands in front of him, with a staff in his right-hand, something like a crutch, but with the crutched part sideways, and in his left, which is hanging dowwards, is an hieroglyphic, which Dr. Young, in his Treatise on Hieroglyphical Literature, gives as the emblem of life; it is the figure of the Hebrew Tau, with a ring at the top, which is held in the hand. In the Museum Worsleyanum, this hieroglyphic is said to be the symbol of Typhon, the brother of Osiris, and it is here placed, doubtless, to identify the figure of that personage. He appears as if addressing the god, and his countenance and attitude seem to breathe that defiance and violence which marked his character. Dr. Young says, that "the symbol for brother or sister appears to be the crook generally seen in the hand of Osiris." This strengthens the supposition that the figure addressing Osiris is that of Typhon, the former holding in his hand the symbol of his relationship. The lower compartment scems to be a representation of Isis, with an attendant. Both these figures are in a piece broken off from sitting in chairs, one behind the other. the right-hand corner, and from the appearance of the adjoining parts, it would seem that some figure had occupied the space. The second stone is painted, and contains a representation of the god Osiris, under another form. In this figure the head is that of a hawk. Osiris being sometimes represented with the head of that bird, which, by its quick and piercing eyes, is a proper emblem of the sun, of which Osiris was the symbol. The head has the cap, similar to a mitre, as in the sculptured stone. In the painting, the god, who is represented in the human shape, except the head, is in a standing posture, clothed, holding with both hands, before him, the bended rod and whip, and also the crutched staff which is spoken of above as being held in the right-hand of the figure, who appears to be addressing Osiris in the upper compartment. There are two female figures, one behind the other; the female in front of the god is holding up both her hands, as if in the act of adoration, whilst the figure behind her holds up only one hand. There is an altar of similar shape to that on the sculptured stone, with a vase or urn upon it, between the figure of Osiris and the two females. It has been suggested that the painted stone, and that which is sculptured, though both found in, and brought from, the same place, are of different ages. There are considerable patches of hieroglyphical writing on both stones. The third stone is wholly inscribed with hieroglyphical characters. It is divided into two compartments, upper and lower, and each compartment into seven columns. There are numerous symbols on this stone, similarly with those given in Dr. Young's work, which has been previously mentioned. Two or three observations appear to arise out of the posture of the hands of the two female figures which are represented on the painted stone. The figure in front of Osiris is holding up both 1925.] On Parochial Settlement.-State of Education in Ireland. both her hands, in the act of adoration, MR. URBAN, ship, expense, and inconvenience arises The moral character of the labouring classes, particularly in the country, is much affected by it, and any measure likely to benefit their morals is well deserving the attention of those enlightened Members of the Legislature, of whom this country has reason to be proud. In some instances farmers are bound by their leases not to make any settlenients in their parish; and if the master and servant are ever so well satisfied with each other, they are obliged to part before the end of the year; and even where no written agreement exists, the fear of increasing the number of paupers has the same effect. The servant is therefore compelled to seek another service, perhaps a worse; or finding good conduct of no avail, he has recourse to dishonest practices, Engraved in vol. xIx. p. 121. EDIT. 231 or returns a pauper to his own parish to live upon its scanty pittance, dragging out a miserable existence, when he might honestly and happily have eaten the sweet bread of his own industry. Labour is the only commodity the poor man can bring to market, and he has a right to its full value; but being restrained and shackled by this mode of gaining a settlement, he cannot obtain it; for those to whom his labour is now valuable, are afraid he should become a future burden. Out of these laws arise the greatest part of those expensive litigations between parishes, upon which so much money is unprofitably expended; as those country gentlemen, who are called upon as Justices to attend the Quarter Sessions, can well attest. From this source also spring those little arts and quibbling evasions, so much practised in hiring servants, to prevent their gaining a settlement. Perhaps this may meet the eye of some gentleman who may have power, upon due consideration, to propose the remedy-a repeal of those statutes by which a settlement is gained by hiring or service. Such a repeal I am sure would be a great blessing to the industrious lower orders, and a benefit to all. I am at a loss to know what objections can be made, but I think they can be of no greater weight than dust in the balance. Yours, &c. A TRADESMAN. STATE OF EDUCATION IN IRELAND. HE first Report of the Commissioners Tfor inquiring into the state of education in Ireland, which has lately issued from the press, extends to upwards of one hundred pages. The Commissioners are decidedly averse to the continuance of the present system, and recommend the establishment of Schools for the education of children of all religious persuasions. The school-rooms are recommended to be opened for the instruction of Roman Catholic and Protestant children alternately. The following facts gleaned from the Report will afford our readers some idea of the worth and respectability of Irish Schoolmasters in general. It is intended to dismiss many of them from their situations. But there are some who are likely to be visited with a severer punish ment: The School of Sligo was visited by two of the Commissioners, who found the schoolhouse and premises in very good order, and the appearance of eighty-two children, which it contained, favourable. It appeared, however, on inquiry, that the master was a man of 232 State of Education in Ireland. of violent and ungoverned passions, and that the boys were most severely and cruelly punished, not only by him, but also by his son, and by a foreman in the weaving department, and that these punishments were inflicted for very slight faults. The habitual practice of the master was to seize the boys by the throat, and press them almost to suffocation, and to strike them with a whip, or his fist, upon the head and face, during the time his passion lasted. One boy had black eyes at the time of our visit, caused by blows of the master's fist; and the punishment of another boy, who had received, many years ago, by an accident, a severe and permanent injury in his eyes, was attended with circumstances of peculiar violence. The anger of the master was chiefly excited by the boys performing less work than he expected in the weaving shop (of which the master had the profit), or by their not weaving well; they were obliged to get up at five, or sometimes four o'clock in the morning, when there was a pressing demand; one little boy had been severely punished for complaining of this violation of the rules of the society. The fear of the master generally deterred the boys from stating their grievances to the catechist, to the local committee, or to casual visitors. At the School of Stradbally, the boys, eighty-three in number, were accustomed to experience the same brutal treatment from the savage appointed to instruct them. They had been deterred from disclosing the practices of this barbarian from the fear of provoking his further vengeance. From the evidence taken on this occasion, it was sufficiently proved, that about three weeks before the first visit, one boy had been flogged with a leathern strap nine times in one day, his clothes being taken down each time, and that he received in the whole near a hundred lashes, all for "a sum in long division." On the same day another boy appears to have received sixty-seven lashes, on account of another sum in arithmetic; another boy, only thirteen years old, had received seventeen stripes with a rope. On the 8th of October, the day before the second visit, eight boys had been so severely punished, that their persons were found by one of the Commissioners in a shocking state of laceration and contusion. The offence with which these boys were charged by the usher was "looking at two police-men playing at ball in the boy's ball alley." The instruments of punishment were in the first case, a leathern cat and a rope; and in the latter, branches from elm trees. These severe punishments were all inflicted by the usher in the absence of the master, and without his knowledge. The man was too much occupied with farming to devote any of his attention to his school. He was found to be the holder of three farms, containing together nearly one hundred and thirty acres, of which [Sept. twenty-nine only belonged to the Society. One farm of nearly sixty acres was two miles and a half distant from the school, and the boys were occasionally taken there to work. In the School at Castlecomer, the Commissioners found that the master took very little part in the instruction of the boys. They complained of being ill-fed and cruelly beaten, both by the master and mistress. Two boys had recently been very severely punished by the master. They stated that they had been set to work in the garden, and having had but little breakfast, they were hungry, and had eaten a raw cabbage; that the master, who appeared to be a man of violent passions, caught them, and flogged them for this offence severely; that one of them received sixteen stripes in the usual manner, and six blows with a stick on the head, which continued cut and bruised when the school was visited by the Commissioner. The other boy had eloped in consequence of the beating. On visiting the Charter School at Longford, the children were very squalid and wretched, having been half-starved. master was in a state of hopeless fatuity. The In the School at Lintown factory, it was found that, out of twenty-one youths present, only thirteen could read. There were only six copy-books for the whole school. The master did not teach, and there was no usher. In the School at Newport, which in 1819 was converted into a day school, there were found only twelve children (three or four of whom were of the master's own family), and a large pile of unused books. At the Charter School at Clonmel, which also is a day school, were found only two children, and no book, except a few fragments of Testaments. The master is a cripple from rheumatism; he receives fifty pounds a-year, and has a house rent-free; he also rents twenty-four acres of land from the Society, at twenty-five shillings an acre. At Clonmel, in 1817, the boys appeared to have been punished with great severity by the usher, who used on all occasions a common horsewhip. It was stated that he often gave four dozen lashes with his utmost strength, and that the boys have been beaten till the blood ran down upon the flags. A boy was once knocked down by the usher, and kicked so severely, that two of his ribs were broken, and the ear of another boy was nearly pulled off. At New Russ the same severe mode of punishment is stated still to exist; two boys have been punished for complaining, one of them with peculiar cruelty. Their common employment was wheeling dung in hand-barrows. Fifty had eloped in the course of the last nine years. Many other abuses, scarcely less flagrant than these we have quoted, were discovered by the Commissioners. |