ments; but, as I still think it worthy of consideration, I
have troubled you with these "Notes" in the hope that, by publication in
your pages, they may be the means of suggesting to others interested in the
matter the practicability of carrying them out. Though with no definite
object in view, but with a presentiment of their after utility, I have,
during many provincial campaigns, collected architectural notes, as well as
genealogical memoranda, from the churches I have visited. To these, such as
they are, any of your readers is welcome, for the purposes to which I have
referred, and I know many who would gladly send their contributions to such
an undertaking.
W. J. D. R.
Our next letter, though brief, is valuable as furnishing a case in
point, to prove the practical utility which would result from the
realisation of some well-considered scheme for the attainment of the
great national object which we are advocating.
As an instance of the practical use of such a collection, let me inform
your readers that in 1847, being engaged in an ejectment case on the home
circuit, it became most important to show the identity of a young lady in
the pedigree, the parish register of St. Christopher le Stocks only giving
the name and date of burial. I found that when St. Christopher's was pulled
down for the enlargement of the Bank of England, some kind antiquary had
copied all the monuments. The book was found at the Herald's College; it
contained an inscription proving the identity, and a verdict was obtained.
J. S. B.
Our last communication is, we have reason to believe, from an active
and zealous Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries, who would heartily
co-operate in carrying out the practical suggestions thrown out in his
letter.
In Vol. iii, p. 218., you suggest that the Society of Antiquaries is the
body which should undertake the task of forming a record of existing
monuments in churches. Entirely agreeing in the opinion you have expressed,
I would venture to offer some remarks on the subject. The undertaking is a
vast and laborious one, and can only be effected by great subdivision of
labour.
That the Society of Antiquaries is the fittest agent for the work, I think
admits of little doubt; its Fellows are widely spread throughout the
country. In every neighbourhood may be found one or more gentlemen able and
willing to give their aid, and to excite others to assist. The
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