[193]
Read Jan. 26, 1797.
My Lord,
THE matrix of an antient seal, the property of Mr. George Spence, of Old Bond Street, which your Lordship did me the honour to put into my hands for the purpose of exhibiting to the Society of Antiquaries, being unaccompanied with any explanation, I have therefore ventured to give one, which I submit with great deference to the correction of your Lordship and the Society.
I read the inscription as follows:
"S' BEATE MARIE DE STOW'E SCI EDWARD."
At full length:
"Sigillum beate Marie de Stowe sancti Edwardi."
Your Lordship will please to remember that in Tanner's Notitia Monastica, "Edwardstow" occurs as the old name of Netley Abbey, in Hampshire, the most picturesque ruins of which still continue to be the admiration of every visitant, and compose the scene of the celebrated Elegy, written by a respectable member of this Society.
"Stow" is well known to signify "place" so that "Edward-stow"
