date, 1576.

Where each asterisk is marked are the _rose, portcullis_, and _fleur de
lis_. Beneath the inscription a neat border is cast, filled up in the
centre with the _rose, portcullis_, and _fleur de lis_, repeated so as
to occupy the whole circumference of the bell. We have been thus
particular in our description, as it may not be uninteresting to pursue
this inquiry, connected as it is with some important historical facts,
not irrelevant to the subject.

The following remarks may preclude any further observations of our
own:--

"The _red rose_ is well known to have been the favourite emblem of the
house of Lancaster, from whom Henry VII. was descended, and through whom
he gloried in claiming his title to the throne.

"His mother, Margaret Countess of Richmond, then Countess of Derby, was
sole daughter and heiress of the Duke of Somerset,[10] who bore the
_portcullis_ as an heraldic distinction. This nobleman was descended
from John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, and Henry had a right to the
honourable bearings of his royal ancestors. Hence the '_rose and
portcullis_' were favourite badges of this monarch, as peculiarly
belonging to the house of Lancaster. The '_fleur de lis_' is the emblem
of France; and, independently of the arms of that kingdom being
quartered at that time, and till very lately, with the royal arms of
England, Henry had a right to assume this distinction also, as being the
grandson of Sir Owen Tudor and Catherine of France, relict of Henry V.

"The first date, also 1497, refers to a very important period in
history, as connected with the Derby family. Two short years before, the
great, the brave Sir William Stanley, who, of his own power and
interest, raised and brought 3000 horse and foot to the rescue of his
prince, when his life, his honour, and his hopes of a throne were at
stake; who contributed to his victory, and helped to crown him 'King' in
the field; had, by that very sovereign, been sent to the block, merely
on account of a doubtful and unguarded expression, reported by a rebel,
a traitor, and an ungenerous friend. The unhappy monarch, learning too
late the dire effects of groundless suspicion, paid a visit in the
following year to his deeply-wounded stepfather, the brother of the
dauntless hero whom he had so lately sacrificed.

"It is stated that the King arrived at Knowsley on or about the 24th
June 1496, and then went to Lathom; whence, after remaining a month with
his mothe