“ In some cases Historical association has determined the choice, in others the rarity of examples of the particular kind of ornament illustrated, but in all cases it is hoped both the connoisseur and the artist will find something worthy attention. ”

“ The Chair is one of a set, and very curious although rude: the figures most probably being heraldic. The Cabinet is very choice in its ornamentation. They belong to Dr. Charlton of Newcastle.
XI. Ancient Pulpit of Jarrow Church.
The remains of this beautiful carved pulpit are in the possession of Mr. Rippon, a zealous collector of carvings and antique furniture. It has been very small—less in proportion to the figure than in our engraving it has been made to appear for the sake of effect—indeed scarcely large enough for a man to stand inside. ”

“ The style of decoration is very rude. Under the terminating ends of the hinges which seem intended to represent the heads of serpents, are remains of crimson velvet. These letters T. G. are the initials of Thomas Gondibour, Prior about 1490.
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XXXIII. Vestry Chest.
This very rich specimen of carving and iron work belongs to the early period of the Renaissance, the lock being pure flamboyant tracery and canopied figures, while the wood-carving exhibits the figures of Saints in good style divided by pilasters instead of buttresses, and surmounted by tent-shaped instead of pointed canopies. ”

“ Miss Strickland in her life of this Queen, thus mentions the relic. The privy purse, the badge of his office is still preserved among the heir-looms of the family at Lizergh. It is of crimson velvet, the size and shape of a reticule, richly embroidered with the royal arms, and the initials C. R. in gold and silver twist and coloured silk twist.
2. Panel from a chimney piece at Sizergh. Many rooms in this mansion are covered with oak, and the chimney-pieces are of an immense size and elaboration. ”

“ Is a beautiful specimen of French carving, 17th century. It has been cast in brass lately at Birmingham, but, owing to the complexity of the parts, is expensive even in that form.
XXVI. Crucifixion.
This seems to have been an Altar piece. It is evidently of Flemish workmanship, and is said to have come from a church in Lincolnshire. The figures are gilded. The crosses with their figures which are now gone, have probably risen to some height against a black or crimson ground. Some of the draperies in the German manner of the 16th century are very well managed. ”

“ This small apartment is covered by a wooden roof with painted bosses, and is open to the chancel; the elaborate tracery on that side having no flat panelling behind it as on the side to the aisle which our engraving represents. Opposite the door in this miniature Chapel is a stone altar over which have been painted three saints, Peter, Andrew and Paul, on three panels, with a half figure of our Saviour standing apparently in the tomb with his hands bound, and the instruments of the passion on either side. ”

“ Thomas à Becket, and the legends and initials upon it, which may have been retained from some earlier decorations, vouch for this ancient and interesting tradition. Round the lid is the motto “Sobrii Estote,” with the letters T. B. supporting a mitre. Round the body of the cup is chased “Vinum tuum bibe cum gaudio.”
Round the neck of the top is the name GOD*FERARE, probably the name of the goldsmith.
III. Antiquities in Jarrow Church.
The Reading-desk is a rich example of Perpendicular, with waving Flamboyant lines in the carving of some portions. ”

“ It is unquestionably of considerable antiquity, although it has been well preserved: the outer case (which fits exactly to its shape and opens with hinges and fine clasps) being very much decayed. This case is of wood, it has been lined with velvet and is covered outside with stamped and gilt leather, the patterns however are nearly lost. The cup Cover is 10 inches high.
In Mr. Fox’s Synopsis of the Museum it is stated that the inscription on a piece of parchment still attached to the Pix, was partially recovered as follows. ”

“ The right hand of the figure has probably held a long goad. It was found at Piercebridge, Durham. The Rosary is gold, having 110 round beads, and 11 large of filigree work, was sold in Edinburgh [11] by a French refugee, Captain Leger, at the beginning of the century, who claimed to be a descendant from Melville, Queen Mary’s Secretary, and to have had the relic with others in his family from that time. As far as internal evidence goes it belongs to the date attributed to it. It is now in the possession of George Mennell, Esquire, Newcastle.
XIX. Iron Work. ”

“ Government School of Design, Newcastle.
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Description of Plates. I. Nautilus Cup, set in Gold with Cover.
This is a beautiful specimen of cinque-cento goldsmith work, preserved at Corby Castle, the seat of H. P. Howard, Esq. M. P. Many specimens of the Shell of the Nautilus, mounted in this manner, and all produced about the same date are to be found; none of them, however, that we have seen, exceed, or even equal the present in excellence of design. ”

“ Many rich carvings have been [18] collected and the whole illuminated. The cupboard or press is beside the altar and holds the sacramental vessels. It is carved wood, and the iron hinges and the lock have been lately gilt.
XXXVIII. Knocker. Fibulae. Celt. Spur.
1. Great Knocker on the door of Durham Cathedral. 2. Bronze Fibula about 3 in. diameter found in the Tyne. 3. Beautiful enamelled Fibula. The original is a third larger than the engraving. It is of brass or bronze thickly enamelled, and is an elegant adaptation of the form of a harp to the purposes of a buckle. ”

“ The date of these paintings is not determined, but it is conjectured that the legends in English rhyme on the Histories of the Saints were written by Prior Senhouse whose name occurs in 1507, and internal evidence would not assign them much greater antiquity than 1500.
Over the figures of the Apostles are scrolls illuminated with the Apostles’ creed, and the name of the Apostle over whose head each particular scroll is placed. “Credo in Deum Patrem omnipotentem, creatorem cœli et terræ. Petrus.” “Et in Jesu Christum filium ejus unicum, dominum nostrum. Andreu.” etc. ”

“ The Virgin and Child. This is a specimen of late English glass, probably not much earlier than the beginning of the reign of Henry VII. There are only two kinds of glass used, one greenish almost colourless, and the other a yellow, deepened by the addition of the same colour. The figure is not deficient in feeling, and some good treatment in the drapery is easily discovered. It is about 21⁄2 feet in height.
XXVIII. Purse. Panel. Wall-Cupboard.
1. The Privy Purse of Catherine of Braganza, at Sizergh, the seat of the Strickland family. ”

“ There were four crosses set up at a certain distance from the church, in the four ways leading thereto, within which the whole town of Hexham was included. If a malefactor flying for refuge was taken within these crosses but without the town, the arresting party forfeited 200, a sum probably represented by £10. ”

“ XX. Carved Furniture.
This beautiful carved chest is in the possession of Mr. Grey of Newcastle. The principal mouldings are given below the plate. The large carved settle is very bold and rich in design. ”