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ARCHAEOLOGICAL INTELLIGENCE. 331 notices for farther information on this curious subjecf. Many ancient bells exist in Ireland, the objects of superstitious veneration, enclosed in orna- mental cases, which may be regarded as some of the most valuable examples of ancient working in metals, which have been preserved in these kingdoms : mention is made of them by Mr. Wakeman, in his useful Manual of Irish Antiquities, and by other writers. An exceedingly curious specimen, found in Argyllshire, and preserved in the museum of the Antiquaries of Scotland, was communicated to the Institute through the kindness of their Secretary, Mr. Turnbull, at the York meeting ; and some of our readers may recall to mind another valuable example, the Cloghorha, or Golden Bell of St. Senanus, in the possession of the Keane family, of co. Clare, for the ex- hibition of which, in the museum at Norwich, the Institute were indebted to Mr. C. Desborough Bedford. This bell is attributed to the sixth century. PEEIOD OF GOTHIC ART. The curious specimens of ancient church-plate, of which representations are here given, have been communicated by the Rev. Alfred C. Smith, of Chewton Mendip, Somerset, with the following account. " The chalice and paten were found some few years since in the register chest at Chewton Mendip ; they are of silver gilt. The device in the centre of the paten is the Agnus Dei, surrounded by the inscription — Ecce Agnus Dei Jesus. The chalice is of very elegant form, and in fair preserva- tion ; it appears to be of much later date than the paten : there are three silversmiths' marks on the upper rim, repeated on the foot, of which I send representations, which may aid in fixing the date^. I cannot conceive why these were discarded in favour of the present communion plate, which al- though decent and good, will bear no comparison with the ancient plate ; and the latter is in so good preservation as only to require cleaning to fit them for present use. " The cliurch of Chewton Mendip is of Early English date, but there is a fine old Norman doorway on the north side, and some Norman work in the buttresses, mouldings, and ornaments. The tower is one of the most beauti- ful in the county : its pinnacles and parapet are peculiarly elegant. There are two monumental effigies in the church, mentioned by Camden as repre- senting William de Bonville and his lady. I am engaged at my leisure moments in scraping off the thick layers of whitewash and plaster which cover these figures: the knight I find to be clad in a coat of mail*." Of these neglected specimens of monumental sculpture, our obliging corres- ' Archaeologia Cambrensis, vol. iii. pp. year is not to be decyphered. The 2.30, 301. These notices will be continued leopard's liead was in use as early as tlie in future numbers of that interesting pe- reign of Edward 1., as ordained by stat. 28 riodical. • Edw. I. c. 20. • Mr. Smith subsequently forwarded ' These memorials have been attributed impressions in sealing-wax of these as^ay- to William lord Bonville, who lost his head marks, one of which is the leopard's head, at the second battle of St. .lban's, in crowned, proving the chalice to be of Eng- 1460, and his wife Elizabeth. — Collinson's lish fabrication: the letter marking the Hist, of Somerset, vol. ii. p. IIU.