The finest, however, of the wooden Lecterns in Norfolk has never yet been published. It was inspected by those of our members who joined the Watton excursion meeting, in Shipdham church, and the Committee have since procured an excellent drawing of it, executed by Mr. J. T. Lee, architect, an engraving of which is here given. The design of this Lectern is unusual and of great beauty. Indeed, it is remarkable how much variety of design is to be seen in these as well as in all other specimens of ancient work. While modern invention can seldom reach beyond some familiar type without offending the eye with bad taste or inappropriate style, the old examples are ever presenting fresh varieties of design, and yet each preserves a fitness of character and beauty which renders it pleasing and harmonious. The truth and reality of an artificer's business in those days seems to have been expressed in the work of his hands. The Shipdham Lectern is constructed with a triangular shaft composed of three buttresses rising to the full height of the shaft, aud the angles between the buttresses are ornamented with a line of small quatrefoils from the top to the bottom. The shaft rests on a base of three members, each terminated by a lion sejant. An embattled capital supports the desk, which is of the usual double form, and has its sides very richly carved with tracery of dissimilar design; the ends are also filled in with quatrefoils and foliage. A cresting of leaves forms the ridge. The desk of this Lectern was restored about fourteen years ago, but the rest is all original. It is an admirable specimen of Gothic furniture; and as it is much prized in the church where it is preserved, it is to be hoped it will be safe from injury; and together with the curious library in the parvise of the same church, will continue to afford gratification to those who may visit the place. I have described only such Norfolk Lecterns as are of wood. There are some very fine ones of brass also remaining |