ese, again, are eight
columns of polished granite, supporting the superstructure, and these
also have eight trefoil dormers, simpler than those below, each finished
with a finial of gun metal. Above these are eight gun metal columns,
having trefoiled heads, with foliated finials and moulded cornice; and on
these rests the spirette, constructed of oak and covered with lead, with
eight other dormers, which complete the whole. The total cost was 552
pounds 12s. 3d., raised by subscriptions, a small balance being handed
over to the public Dispensary.

THE CLERICAL CLUB.

The Clerical Club was founded in 1822; a room was rented on the premises
of Mr. James Babington, Bookseller, in the High Street (now occupied by
Mr. J. S. Balding, Butcher), where the members met for discussion, and
gradually established a good library.

[Picture: The Stanhope Memorial]

The first members enrolled were the Rev. the Hon. the King's Champion,
John Dymoke, Rector of Scrivelsby; the Revs. J. B. Smith, Head Master of
the Grammar School; C. N. L'Oste, Rector of Claxby; Francis Rockliffe,
Rector of Fulletby; Robert Spranger, D.D., Rector of Low Toynton (and of
Grosvenor Street, Grosvenor Square, London); John Mounsey, Rector of
Gautby; Thomas Roe, Rector of Kirkby-on-Bain; E. Brackenbury, Rector of
Aswardby; W. Dodson, Rector of Well; F. Swan, Rector of Sausthorpe; and
others holding benefices scattered over a wide area, but several of them
living in Horncastle.

The Club was formally opened in the following year, when several more
members were added; the Honble. John Dymoke being elected President, Dr.
Clement Madeley, Vicar of Horncastle, Vice-President, with Dr. J. B.
Smith as Secretary, in which capacity he did valuable service, in
increasing the membership and adding to the efficiency of the
institution, which flourished for many years.

In later times, especially on the lamented death of Dr. Smith, and the
creation of circulating libraries, such as that of Messrs. Mudie, in
London, the numbers of subscribers fell off considerably. The books were
transferred to various quarters; at first to the house of the late Mr.
John Osborne, parish clerk, himself no mean scholar and student,
afterwards to the residence of the head master of the Grammar School,
where they remained for some years, under successive masters, still
available for members of the club.

On June 8th, 1892, Canon Quarrington, Vicar of Horncast