Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 9.djvu/467

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THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL INSTITUTE. 371 religious houses visited to request their prayers for tlie souls of the defunct Priors." The learned historian of North Durham having brought to a close this interesting inspection of some of the treasures in his keeping, the company proceeded to the ancient Episcopal Hall, now that of Durham University, where the Warden received his numerous guests with a most courteous welcome. A brief account of the various buildings, composii)g the palatial dwelling of the Bishops of Durham, in which, owing to its position, are found combined the features of a Border fortress, was given by the Rev. George Ormsby. At the close of a most hospitable entertainment, the War- den, who was supported at the high table by the noble President of the Institute, and the Earl of Carlisle, after the usual loyal toasts, proposed — " Prosperity to the Institute," expressing in most gratifying terms the cordiality with which he had welcomed the Archaeological pilgrims. Lord Talbot, the Earl of Carlisle, the Bishop of Exeter, the Rev. Dr. Townscnd, and Mr. Raine also addressed the company ; who, after taking leave of the Warden, with most agreeable reminiscences of his friendly attentions, visited some of the parochial churches, and other objects of interest, for which time sufficed, and returned to Newcastle. Monday, Aogust 30. A special train was again in readiness this morning, provided for the Excursion to Hexham and the Roman Wall ; an invitation having been received from Mr, Clayton, of Chesters, to visit Ilousesteads (/ion-orjcMs) one of the stations in his possession, where he had caused extensive excava- tions to be made. The passing visit to the venerable abbey-church of Hexham, on which a discourse had been kindly prepared by the Rev. James Turner, was unfortunately too hurried to do justice to the remarkable character of its architectural features ; the facility of communication, however, had given members other opportunities, during the week, for visiting this highly interesting place, as also Prudhoe Castle, and other objects, unavoidably passed without examination on this day. The extraordinary character of the great Northumbrian Barrier, and the novel attractions presented to antiquaries from the South by this grand achieve- ment of Roman determination, rendered the Rouian wall the great object on this occasion. At Bardon Mill, the Earl of Carlisle, who had returned to Naworth, rejoined the company of Archajologists ; and, by the kindness of Mr. Makepeace, the proprietor of extensive works in the neighbourhood, they were conveyed on his private railroad to Chesterholm. Under the guidance of the Rev. J. Collingwood Bruce, the party proceeded to visit the camp at that place, the ancient Voulolana, the remains there brought to light by the late owner, Mr. Iledley, and the Roman Road, with a milUarium still standing ; the only example in situ existing in England. Mr. Bruce then conducted them towards Ilousesteads, by Peel Crag, following a portion of the line of wall which exhibits the most perfect remains of the barrier and the various works by which it was accompanied, and at the same time demonstrates strikingly the arduous nature of the undertaking, in carrying the construction along precipitous basaltic clitfs, ■ See the Memoir on Precatory Rolls, by Mr. J. Gough Nichols, Transactions of the Institute, Norwich Volume, p. 104.