NORFOLK AND NORWICH

Archæological Society.

REPORT FOR 1876.

READ JUNE 6TH, 1877.

Our Society has now completed thirty-one years of its work, having been established in January, 1846. At that time, notwithstanding the researches of the older antiquaries, much had to be done "for the Encouragement and Prosecution of Research into the Early Arts and Monuments of the County," as our title page expresses its undertaking; for improving the public taste, and preserving antiquities from wanton destruction; and for the collection and preservation of facts and documents connected with them. It was somewhat novel too, and certainly agreeable, for persons of kindred tastes to make excursions together, and visit curious objects of interest,-churches, castles, halls, and ancient sites, throughout the county, and to bring to bear upon them the results of fresh study and information. In the first-mentioned part of this work,-its influence and research, there is no reason to think that the Society has suffered diminution. It is hoped that it may take credit for having had a very considerable effect on public opinion in its district, and for having stored and distributed much valuable archæological matter. In its secondary pursuit,— personal visits to objects of antiquity,-it is natural that time should have made a difference. A whole generation

has passed; and although many most interesting spots have never been visited by us as a body, communication is so general, and information so accessible, that almost all the ancient places of interest are well known and appreciated. The work of the Society, therefore, may not be regarded as less important, if it is restricted more than formerly to the collection of facts and discoveries, and to the publication of Papers, and if accordingly it makes perhaps less outward show, and is more noiseless in continuing to rear its fabric.

The excursion of the past year was made in a locality very near at hand, but not the less interesting in some points, and by many of those who joined it unvisited before. The route taken was to Trowse Church, with its dated chancel and east window; Kirby Bedon, with remains of two churches, one with an early ruined tower; Framingham Pigot, where the members had an opportunity of inspecting some choice treasures of art in the hospitable residence of Mr. Christie; Framingham Earl Church, a curious example of eleventh century architecture; Arminghall Church, without some mural paintings, which the Committee had fortunately received drawings of, and hoped to have seen in sitû, and the old hall in the same parish, with some rich sculptures from different sources and of different styles.

It is due to an old member of our Society and Committee, G. A. Carthew, Esq., to mention in this place that the year has been signalized by the production of the First Part of his very able and learned work, the History of the Hundred of Launditch.

The Members of the Committee who retire in rotation this year are Dr. Bensly, Dr. Beverley, Rev. J. Bulwer, Mr. Gunn, Rev. R. Hart, Rev. J. Lee-Warner, and the Committee recommend their re-election.

Gratuity to Hall Keeper

NORFOLK AND NORWICH

Archæological Society.

REPORT FOR 1877.

READ APRIL 3RD, 1878.

In reporting to our Members the condition of this Society for the past year, and its prospects for the future, there appears to be no particular change differing from its position in previous years, that calls for their attention or affects its interest.

The Committee are glad to be able to produce to the Members to-day the fourth part of the eighth volume of their "Original Papers." It is a part which will be found to contain several contributions of much interest, well illustrated by engravings; and is one in which the care of the respective authors of the Papers to make their statements complete and accurate, has cost the Committee and Secretaries no small amount of labour and correspondence.

It is probably known to most of the Members that the late Dr. Husenbeth left in MS. a large mass of additions to his book on the Emblems of Saints. His collections were purchased by a member of the Committee, who has kindly offered to edit a new edition for the Society. It is thought that this would be a very useful manual on the subject, well deserving of publication, and might properly be issued at the Society's expense to its Members as a separate volume.