and to a seat in the councils but having publicly upbraided the tyrant with his persecution of the Christians, having indignantly refused many splendid offers of haggrandizement, made on condition of his renouncing his reli gion, and having endured the torture several times, he was ignominiously dragged through the city of Lydda, and beheaded, April 23, A. D. 290. Gibbon, in his " Decline and Fall," bas confounded this warrior-saint with an ecclesiastic of the same name and birth place; and having detailed the low origin, shameful life, and violent death of the latter, who was Bishop of Alexandria, thus concludes; "The odious stranger, disguising every circumstance of time and place, assumed the mask of a martyr, a saint, and a Christian hero; and the infamous George of Cappadocia has been transformed into the renowned St. George of England, the patron of arms, of chivalry, and of the Garter." Having been a soldier of rank, St. George was auciently represented on horseback, armed cap-a-pie, holding in his hand a white banner, charged with a red cross, symbolical of his dying for the faith of Christ, and trampling a red dragon under him, alluding to that "Red Dragon, the Devil, who burneth with fury, and is red with the blood of the faithful." From this representation arose the romantic tale of his victory over a pestiferous dragon, which has, I suppose, been read with great pleasure by almost every school-boy in "The Renowned History of the Seven Chain pions of Christendom," which work was originally composed by Richard Johnson, who flourished in the reigns of Elizabeth and James. During the siege of Acre in Pales tine (which, after an investment of more than two years, surrendered July 12, 1191,) Richard Cœur de Lion distinguished twenty-six of his bravest knights with a blue leathern thong, to be worn round the leg, and they were styled Knights of the Blue Thong. This appears to have been the origin of the present most noble order of the Garter, which was established by Edward III. at Windsor (the place of his nativity) April 23, 1349, and consisted also of twenty-six Companions, including the Sovereign, which number it was limited to, until the present reign, when it was increased to forty-one. The motto, “Honi soit qui mal y pense," was adopted by Edward, who had just laid claim to the throne of France, and hoped through the means of this valiant band of brothers" to obtain it, as retorting shame and defiance upon all those who should consider his claim unjust or unattainable, or think evil of his cause. As to the popular story of this Order having originated in Edward's picking up the garter of the lovely Countess of Sa lisbury in a dance, and reproving the smile of his courtiers by the words of the motto, though supported by Rapin, it is now very generally discredited. The present Garter is of blue vel- ́ ́ vet, on which is embroidered the motto, and is worn round the left leg. The jewel of the Order repres sents St. George on horseback, tilting at a dragon who is thrown on his back. Brady says, "The first Duke of Richmond was the cause of the riband, to which the George is sus pended, being worn over the shoul der: the Duchess of Portsmouth, his' mother, having thus put it on, and introduced him to his father, Charles II.; that monarch was so pleased with the conceit, that he commanded the Knights in general to wear it so in future; whereas, from the time of the establishment of the Order, until that period, it had been placed round the neck." The Bishop of Winchester is the Prelate; the Bishop of Salisbury the Chancellor; and the Dean of Windsor the Registrar of the Order. "Garter" and "Principal King at Arms," are two distinct offices united in one person. This officer was first appointed by Henry V. and takes his oath of inauguration, as Garter, before the Sovereign and Knights; as King at Arms, before the Earl Marshal. Previously to the year 1688, when Barnes published his "History of Edward III." there were enumerated as Knights of the Garter eight Emperors of Germany, five Kings of France, five of Denmark, three of Spain, five of Portugal, two of Naples, two of Sweden, two of Scotland (before the accession of James I. to the English throne), two of Castile, one of Arragon, one of Pø- ́ land, and one of Bohemia. Since whichtime there have been several other' crowned heads admitted, and among the the present Companions are the Emperors of Russia and Austria, the Kings of Prussia, France, Spain, and the Netherlands. Prior to the establishment of this Order, St. Edward the Confessor was considered as the principal guardian saint of England; but since that time St. George has always been invoked as her patron saint; his name has been the constant war-cry; and his cross, Gules, in a field Argent, the victorious banner of her sons. Portugal has chosen him as her patron saint. "France had an order of St. George at Burgundy in 1400; Germany, au order in 1470, at Mils tad in Carinthia; in the Papal dominions a like order was established in 1498; Austria formed a similar honorary assemblage of Knights about the same period; another order of St. George was settled in the Pope's dominions at Ravenna in 1534; and a further one at Genoa, time now unknown. In 1729 the Elector of Bavaria settled the order of St. George for the Roman empire at Munich. Catherine II. founded an order in honour of St. George; and there are some others which have eluded research." (To be continued.) and Walton appears to have had no such appellation, either in ancient or modern times. This glen (hence the name of the range of hills and the adjacent village) had the name of Cowbatch, or Cowdale, at the time it was the scene of an inhuman murder, that of Kenelm, Prince of Mercia. Since that time, Clatterbatch has been the term by which it has been designated. Ashwood Camp-In every map of the county of Stafford, wherein Ashwood camp is inserted (as far as the Writer's observation extends) this vestige of antiquity is placed at Camp-hill, in the parish of Enville, on the West side of the river Smastall. As the parish of King's Swinford is on the East of that stream, Ashwood cannot extend so far in that direction as Camp-hill; indeed the remains of the entrenchment are visible, though imperfectly so, within the tract called Ashwood, once a woodland district, but now forming part of the culti vated lands of King's Swinford. About four miles from Stourbridge a road branches from the turnpikeroad to Wolverhampton, and takes a Western direction. At the distance of about two miles from its commencement, is Green's-forge, situated on the Trent and Severn canal, and East of Smestall. Contiguous to the village so named is the camp; a circular vallum is apparent, unequally intersected by the road above mentioned. Mr. URBAN, Stourbridge, April 5. TAKE the liberty of requesting a page in your valuable publication for a few remarks relative to the Topographical History of the County of Stafford; submitting them to the consideration of such Gentle- The Western side of the entrenchmen as may be engaged in describ-inent, on the declivity extending to ing the Geographical features of that extensive County. Clent Heath-This tract is represented by Plot and Nash as central to the hills of Wichburg and Clent, whence the Britons and Romans poured their adverse forces into the subjacent plain; and also as the site of several tumuli and other vestiges of antiquity. From personal observation, and indeed from subsequent remarks of the Authors themselves, it appears evident, that Harborough common, in the parish of Hagley, and county of Worcester, is the spot intended to be described. After repeated inquiries, no information can be obtained of any heath. bearing the name of Clent, the deep Talley separating the hills of Clent the canal and to Green's forge, is most conspicuous. This spot having the name of the Church-yard, and Camphill, the residence of Mr. Feraday, being considered as the site of the entrenchment, a mistake has arisen, which has been copied into several maps in succession. W. SCOTT. informed respecting the opinions of anatomists concerning the lesions and wounds of the brain, and the compatibility of soundness of intellect therewith. No anatomist of respectability of the present day denies the dependence of the mind on the brain; but this fact does not in any way invalidate Mr. Rennell's argument of the independent nature of mind itself, but only shews the necessity of the brain to the manifestations of the mind in the present state of existence, arising from the mysterious connexiou between mind and matter. The object of this observation is not to diffuse any of the absurd doctrines of Materialism; but to render the rational doctrine of the immaterial nature of the thinking principle free from the fallacious support of an untenable argument injudiciously adduced in its favour. F. L. S. ON THE CLERICAL DRESS. V.AFTER what has been advanced respecting the laxity of the Clergy in using the peculiar habit of their order, it may now be necessary to give a succinct description of the several badges before alluded to, in order that ignorance on this head may no longer be pleaded. This I shall endeavour to do as briefly as possible. 1st. THE CASSOCK. This is a conspicuous part of the Clerical Dress. It is placed over the waistcoat (the coat having been previously taken off) and entirely covers the back and front of the wearer's person, and extends down to his feet; moreover its flowing and swelling appearanceiseontracted by a broad bandage of silk, called a sash, bound around the waist. It has, further, sleeves similar to those of a coat, reaching to the hands, and is made with an erect collar. The gown is worn over the cassock. The short-cassock differs from the long one, in its having no collar or sleeves (for the coat is worn over it) and in its extending only about two inches below the knees. It was so commonly used about thirty years ago, that there were then various kinds of them made; some adapted for riding, and others for walking in. Fielding relates that Par: son Adams both rode and walked in his, as occasion served. It is at present worn by the Bishops and Dignified Clergy when they appear in publick; bat it is not, therefore, to be consi dered a part of the Episcopal habit ; for the circumstance of the Bishops wearing it, only demonstrates that they are attentive to the Spirit of that Canon, which extends its obligation, and forces its authority alike on the Dignitary and the Curate. It is not necessary that the long or short cassock should always be made of silk, for bombazin and tabinett cassocks were as frequently made as silk ones. 2nd. THE BEAVER AND ROSE. By these (which are mentioned by the Poet Savage) are meant the Clerical hat, and the Rose of Satin which is placed in front of it as an ornament. This hat was formerly made of a triangular shape, according to the custom of the times; but has now been metamorphosed into a round one with a low crown, and a broad brim tied up behind; but, as it is to be seen now and then, I will not attempt to describe it more technically. 3d. THE HATBAND. This ornamen. tal badge, which has been referred to by the reverend and learned Dr. Sharp, was used when the triangular-shaped hat was worn; and as it is now almost obliterated by the use of the narrow ribbon which encircles the rotund clerical hat, I shall be pardoned for attempting to describe it to the modern reader. The triangular hat was so shallow in its construction, that it needed something ornamental to fill up the chasin which the cocked-fold caused in its appearance; therefore this hatband was constructed, both to supply the place of ornament and utility; for, by its being a roll made of black silk or bombasin, stuffed with soft wool, it served as a support to the hat, and was a substance to which might be attached the full-blown satin rose. Fielding, in his description of Parson Adams, has not failed to notice this mark of the Clerical character*, In fact, the hatband was of such importance, as a mark of distinction, that we find it not only used for this purpose by the Clergy, but even by those amongst whom we should least expect to find any such signs of order and regularity. "Room for the noble Gladiator! see His Coat and HATBAND shew his quality." Dryden. * Vide "Adventures of Joseph Andrews," Book II. Cap. 3. 4th. THE BAND. This ornament is so frequently seen, as being alike worn by the Pleader of the Law, and the Preacher of the Gospel, that I shall not attempt to describe it. How ever, I would observe that it is desig. nated "a pair of bands" by some per. sons; but I can only find the authorily of BP. TAYLOR AND ADDISON for this designation; whilst the term "bund" is sanctioned by the names, and mentioned in the writings, of BEN JONSON, SWIFT, Pore, CRABBE, and others. VI. It will now be necessary, in the last place, to point out and propose the methods by which this laxity of the Clergy may be remedied; for I think it will be confessed by all, that some regulation in this particular is essentially requisite at all times; but especially so in the present day. It would appear that a distinct habit may be enforced, and uniformity preserved, by one or other of the following means: 1st. By a direct act of the Convocation (if it have power to make one) appointing the general use of some such distinctions as Archdeacon Sharp has pointed out. 20. By circular letters, or charges (requiring the observance of some rule to the same effect) from the Bishops of each Diocese to the Clergy under their jurisdiction. 3d. By enquiries and precepts at Episcopal and Archidiaconal Visitations. 4th. By the united resolution of the Clergy in general, or those of some particular Diocese, deaneries, or cities; or, 5th. By one or more respectable Clergymen in London using this habit, and thus setting a good example to the others, and exposing to shame those who prefer the gaieties of the world to the sober habit of one, who should be both outwardly and inward. ly set apart to the service of religion. Thus, Mr. Urban, I have endea voured to fulfil my promise; and if any thing that I have advanced should tend to make this subject more known, or better attended to, I shall have the satisfaction of knowing that I have not written in vain. Believe me, that the welfare of the Church of England is near my heart; and as such I shall ever be happy to enter into explanation with any of your Correspondents on any matter that may tend to her prosperity.. I trust this humble essay will stimulate some abler pen to taket up the subject, that it may not be suffered to rest ouly in this Repository of antiquarian, literary, and scientific research; but may be brought before the world in the persons of a body of men, who, I trust, will never prøve a disgrace to their sacred order or reverend habit. SIGISMUND. P. S. 1 should be glad if any of your intelligent Correspondents could inform me on what authority many Parish Clerks in London and else where wear gowns; and also if there be any prescript form according to which their robe should be made; as I find that the Clerks in the Metropolis wear theirs decked with silken tufts, whilst their brethren who officiate in the Universities have theirs entirely plain. ALLOW me to congratulate that large and judicious part of the publick, which takes an interest in the procedure of works designed for the illustration of our noblest mou ments of Ancient English Architec ture, on the approaching completion of "Storer's History and Antiquities of the Cathedral Churches of Great Britain.". This publication is, assuredly, of peculiar importance, as it presents the first instance of uniform Graphic and Historical illustrations of all the Cathedral Churches of England and Wales. When the magnitude of the task is duly considered, we must necessarily suppose that it will indeed be long before we again witness the confident termination of any other work, comprehending the whole of those structures. Antiquarian and Topographical Literature appears to have suffered by two broad and pernicious extremes. On the one hand, the Graphic embel lishments have been of so entirely subordinate a character, that the prints in troduced have proved quite incapable of conveying a satisfactory idea of the buildings they are intended to represent. On the opposite extreme, we find such laborious multiplications of refinement in embellishment, that the Artist is protruded on notice, rather than the subject which employs the pencil and buriu. Those vile imitations of Churches and Houses, which mocked 3 mocked curiosity, and insulted Architectural enquiry, in many works produced in the last century, are now consigned to the same shelf with the mis-shapen heads (of ferocious aspect) which engravers of a more remote period termed Portraits of distinguished characters. Perchance certain of these portraits become of factitious value on account of rarity, and such is the only degree of estimation that can be attained by their topographical rivals in deformity. the work, and am in a great part impelled to venture on this recommendatory address to you and your Readers, from a pleasing conviction, that so far from the persons concerned relaxing in their efforts during the various trials of so long a term, the Engravings appear to have improved in their general excellence of execution. The eight plates bestowed on each Cathedral (the Metropolitical church of Canterbury having twice that number) is proved to be sufficient for the illustration of the exterior character in the most attractive points of view, and for such displays of the inferior as convey due ideas respecting architectural aspect and peculiarities of style. I am quite willing to suppose that many of your Readers are better qualified than myself to form a due estimate respecting the pretensions of the numerous elegant engravings. I must, however, venture to notice the felicity of choice usually observable in the points of view selected by the Draughtsman. As treated in this work, each subject presents an object highly picturesque, whilst it affords, at the same time, in the great majority of instances, that very point of observation which explains the architectural character of the edifice. Many of the modern decorative labours in the field of Topography and Antiquities are unquestionably honourable to the magnificent spirit of the times; but, if a substitute could not satisfactorily be found for so costly a communication of historical intelligeuce, and for the graphical preserva tion of the architectural excellencies or peculiarities of venerable edifices, the general interests of Literature would certainly experience severe detriment. Inclosed in the Libraries of those who form the Aristocracy of Antiquarianism, delineations repre senting buildings in their various beau tiful and curious points of view, would be almost as difficult of access to inquisitive persons in that mediocrity of station where the exercise of talent and curiosity is most prevalent, as the buildings themselves, distributed at each direction of the compass throughout the whole of Great Britain. The solid purposes of public improvement in a knowledge of that noble height of art, displayed in the most eminent sacred structures of our country, are assuredly best attained by means of Graphic and Literary labours, in which the form of publication is not so costly as to exclude any usual class of Readers, whilst it is still so liberal andmirer of the arts, the Antiquary, and comprehensive as to permit the conveyance of all that is really necessary · to complete information. In this point of view, I particularly approve of the "History of Cathedrals," pub lished by Mr. Storer, and illustrated by engravings executed by himself and his son, after their own drawings, It is now more than six years since the commencement of this work, a term of quite sufficient duration for the patience of subscribers to any publication, but which was undoubtedly necessary to the accurate performance of so great an undertaking. I have attentively watched the progress of I have been led to trouble you with this address, chiefly from the three following motives: I wish the publick to accredit my own feelings in bestowing approbation on a work of long progress, which has risen in merit through every stage of its tedious journey. I am anxious to enforce on public notice the propriety of sanetioning a form of publication which is not difficult of attainment, whilst it promises to be satisfactory to the Ad the general Reader. And, lastly, T have been so much gratified in ascerstaining the accuracy of this work, in regard to several Cathedral Churches with which I am well acquainted, that I consider it a valuable acquisition to Topographical and Antiquarian Literature. R. N. L. |