Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 8.djvu/166

arctacologual JntElIigena. Cambridge Antiquarian SociEir. — March 3, 1851. The Rev. C. Hardvvick, V.P., in the Chair. After the announcement of numerous presents, comprising the Transac- tions of various kindred societies, attention was directed to an interesting specimen of the Bronze period, recently found at Mildenhall, and added to the Museum of the society by purchase. It is a weapon, which had been broken previously to its deposit in the grave. In other respects it had suffered scarcely any injury. It seems evident, from other interments, that although not an invariable practice, the usage existed of breaking the sword or other weapon before casting it into the earth, in token, doubtless, that the career of its owner was ended. This blade measured 12| in. in length. Mr. Babington offered some observations on the local tokens, of which the Society possesses a considerable collection, now carefully arranged. He pointed out the information which such objects supply. The series of tokens, issued in Cambridge during the latter years of the Commonwealth and the reign of Charles II., comprises forty-one pieces, including three not recorded in the list formed by the late Mr. Bowtell. The total number known is fifty-seven ; and the Society will thankfully receive any additions, to render their collection complete. Mr. Babington observed, that many names occur identical with those of inhabitants of Cambridge at the present time, of whose ancestors these tokens are a record, as also of the occupa- tions followed by them. On the token of Sandis Peyton, the arms of that family appear in an unusual form, possibly to distinguish a junior branch. It bears on the reverse, on a cross engrailed, a muUet, surrounded by a bordure. Tiie arms of the Pej'tons of Cambridgeshire, are, a cross engrailed, with a mullet in the second quarter. March 17, 1851. — The Rev. C. Hardwick, V.P., gave an account of a black-letter volume, probably unique, in the library of Jesus College, con- taining a metrical " Life of St. Rhadegunde." It was printed by Pynson, rather earlier, as supposed, than 1520. This rare book, exhibited to the members by the kindness of their President, the Master of Jesus College, had been given to the library by Dr. Farmer. The author of this life was Henry Bradshaw, a native of Chester, educated at Gloucester College, Oxford, and subsequently a Benedictine Monk at St. Werburgh's, Chester. Ilis metrical "Life of St. Werburge' has been edited by Mr. Hawkins for the Chetham Society. The substance of this Life of St. Rhadegunde is derived from the " Summa Historialis " of Antonius, Bishop of Florence. She was daughter of Berthaire, King of Thui-ingia, was taken captive by the Franks, and became the wife of Clothaire, from whom she separated, and followed an ascetic life in Poitou. Bradshaw makes her of African origin. — Mr. Babington read an interesting communication from the Rev. J.J. Smith on " Church and Parochial Libraries," with a view to the examination of many old collections still existing in churches, and their better preservation. — Presents of coins and various antiquities were received