40 Ben'et College, Cambridge. CORPUS CHRISTI COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE. Tof the new buildings at Corpus Christi HE ceremony of laying the first stone College took place on Wednesday, the 2d of July. The day was auspiciously fine, and the arrangements which had been made were so judicious and complete, that nothing was wanting to give due effect to a scene, rendered the more interesting from the rarity of its occurrence, and the prospect which it opens of increasing the splendour of the public edifices in this celebrated seat of learning and science. The Members of the University, in full academical costume, assembled in the Senate House, and formed themselves into the following Order of Procession : Yeoman Bedell. Esquire Bedells. The Vice-Chancellor, in his robes. High-Steward of the University. Commissary of the University. Noblemen in their robes, two and two. Heads of Colleges, in robes, two and two. Doctors in Divinity, in robes, two and two. Doctors in Law and Physic, two and two. Public Orator. Professors of the University. Assessor to the Vice-Chancellor. Proctors, in their congregation habits. Public Registrar and Public Librarians. Taxors, Scrutators, and other Officers. Bachelors in Divinity and Civil Law, and Masters of Arts, two and two. Bachelors of Arts. Fellow Commoners. Undergraduates. The procession, thus arranged, moved on towards the site of the new buildings, where they were received by the Master and Fellows. The Rev. Thomas Shelford, M. A. Tutor of the college, then delivered a Latin oration, at once appropriate to the occasion, expressive of gratitude towards those benefactors by whose munificent liberality they were enabled to perform this great work, and complimentary to the noble High Stewr ard and his illustrious ancestors, several of whom had been members of the college. The upper part of the foundation stone being then raised, the Master (the Rev. John Lamb, B. D.) presented the gold, silver, and copper coins of the present reign, to the High Steward, who placed them in a cavity prepared to receive them; his Lordship having previously expressed, in elegant and forcible terms, his deep sense of the honour conferred upon him, in being requested to perform this pleasing service for a Society, towards whom he felt the highest esteem. The two parts of the foundation stone were then dovetailed together, and the whole having been raised to a proper elevation, the architect (William Wilkins, Esq.) handed a [July, silver trowel to the High Steward, who accordingly spread the mortar, after which the stone was lowered to its place, when his Lordship concluded that part of the ceremony by striking it with a mallet and applying the level and square. accustomed formalities, the Rev. the Master The foundation being thus laid with the of the College offered an appropriate prayer. The anthem Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem, The Vice-Chancellor then pronounced a bewas afterwards sung by the university choir. nediction, and the procession removed from the ground. After the Vice-Chancellor's benediction, the workmen gave three cheers, in which the spectators joined. The inscription on the plate which enclosed the cavity wherein the coins were deposited, was as follows: 1923.] [ 41 ] REVIEW OF NEW PUBLICATIONS. 1. Archæologia, or Miscellaneous Tracts relating to Antiquity, published by the Society of Antiquaries of London. Vol. xx. p.i. 4to. pp. 478. THE HE Literary character of modern Archæological Essays keeps pace with the general improvement in every branch of science. Papers got up, secundum artem, in an elaborate scholar-like manner, worthy Historians of the highest rank, accompany the pleasant trifling of the mere black-letter Quotationist; the Man of Learning confers oracular authority upon high subjects, and the amateur Collector desipits-in-loco, (we anglicize the phrase) from his curious stores. The utility of these dissertations in both views we conceive to be great, because we possess only philosophical modern-Histories of England; and every man of reading knows, that applications of the modes of writing adopted by Tacitus and Hume to nations_acting upon the principles of the Feudal System, is just as absurd as would be elucidations of Thucydides and Herodotus from the works of Craig and Ducange. In the last Volume we had occasion to commend the elaborate and masterly dissertation upon Ancient Armour, by Dr. Meyrick*; improved, we are truly glad to hear, into a distinct work, with excellent plates, for want of which it was before absolutely spoiled. Another disquisition of similar high character, as to science, opens the Volume before us, viz. Mr. Webb's elaborate performance, of which we shall speak soon. It is accompanied with engravings of the illuminations, which, by the way, show the forked beard, thought peculiar to the AngloSaxons. We congratulate the Society on these additions. The French are, says Warton, a nation of Antiquaries; and, as nothing can be more absurd than to think that mere illustration requires finished expensive plates, (because comprehension of the subject, not display, is the object in question, and it would be foolish to send a mere specimen of pottery for the execution of a Sir Joshua Reynolds,) we highly approve of the reasoning of Dr. Burrows upon this subject, which we shall here quote: "The style of engraving [au trait or outline] is not popular in England, though adopted very generally, and with great success, upon the Continent. There is no book extant, which conveys so much information, with regard to the arts of painting and statuary, as the Annales de Musée, published at Paris by M. Landon. The immense number of copies from the old masters, which it affords, at a comparatively small cost, renders it an invaluable treasure either to the amateur or practical professor. By means of this, and other similar publications, the library of the artist may be well furnished, and that of the Antiquary or Collector much improved, at a price less than that of a dozen finished engravings, as they are sold at the present day. The advantages attending the enormous saving of time and labour, and consequently of expense-the facility thus acquired of diffusing a general and instructed schools, are too obvious to need any detaste for the compositions of the best monstration."-Elgin Marbles, I. pref. xi. xii. This reasoning, we conceive, to be perfectly just, because in numerous Archæological subjects, delineation of form is the only desideratum. Such is the French plan, and though we know that their egotism in scientific claims is most unconscionable, yet in Historical Antiquities they have sound pretensions. The famous Glossary of Ducange stands at the head of every compilation in the Science. Without it a profound knowledge of Mediæval Antiquity would have been for ever lost. It cost him thirty-years labour. In return for it, says Menage, Ducange was offered a seat (we quote from memory) in the Academy. He thanked them. We have gone into this excursus, from a further view. We are of opininion, that one day or other, we may possess a History of England, compiled solely from the Archæologia, which may be the standard, if not the only accurate History of England known. 42 REVIEW.-Archæologia, known. We are certain that this is just as practicable as the issue of Mant and D'Oyly's Bible by the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge; and we should like to see announced, "A History of England, published under the authority of the Antiquarian Society." We use the word Antiquarian, though it is not Johnsonian, because we conceive it to be of no more moment to convert a substantive into an adjective for convenience, than to change a sovereign into silver. The excellence of Mr. Webb's "Translation of a French Metrical History of the Deposition of King Richard the Second, written by a Contemporary, and comprising the period from his last Expedition into England to his death," which translation is the first article in the work, has led us into this turn of thinking. The deposition of Richard II. forms more than one article in the Notices des MSS. published by the French Scavans. Translations of the articles concerning his deposition, at least the substantials, were published in the Monthly Magazine, we think, between the years 1809 and 1811, and these translations were made by the writer of this article. Of the Notices in general, as they are now becoming known, one remark may be obtruded, viz. that they are more compiled to show off the writer, than the subject; that on scientific points they are often dry, and absolutely tiresome; and on those of History and Philosophy, metaphysicize and wiredraw to an unreasonable lengthiness; whereas, in our opinion, with regard to ancient Manuscripts, the grand object is to know what are their contents, so far as those contents illustrate Ancient History and Manners, while the very opposite plan, that adopted, is only proper for modern points of Philososophy, Politics, Political Economy, Theology, or Physics, where a Critical Comment upon the Merits is absolutely necessary to prevent the Reader being misled. But who wants Commentaries of such a character upon Chaucer, a Review a l'Adam Smith upon Warton's History of Poetry? We know that the Edinburgh Review was projected, at least discussed before its appearance, at the table of the late Marquess of Lansdowne; and we are inclined to think that the new [July, form and manner of these Reviews owe their birth to the Notices; but (setting aside questions of principle) in a literary view highly ameliorated; for the disposition of the brass nails in their trunk-making, and the lackering and patterning of them, is far superior to the mere unnoticeable tacks and brads with which the French have fastened on their leather. It is properly observed by Mr. Fosbroke, that our ancestors never would endure a Sovereign who was not a general and a man of business (Berkefey MSS. p. 17), and Richard II. was not the one or the other. It is an every-day case for wise parents to save large fortunes for children who prove bad, foolish, and extravagant; and we apprehend that the main cause lies in their acquaintance only with indulgence, prosperity, and pleasure, of which weakness, in the commerce of life, is a common, if not general result. In all probability Richard was a spoiled child; but if not, he had one failing, (see p. 102) which inevitably renders a man unpopular, that of being a fop. It has been observed of fops, by philosophers, that though they would lay out a hundred pounds in walking-sticks, they would not give half as many shillings for a charitable or philanthropic purpose. That such meu cannot command respect, if they have not great qualities, which outshine failings, is obvious. Of these, Richard had none. Kings in petticoats there may be, as we know from Elizabeth; and also from Richard that there may be Queens in breeches. Richard, who had only been used to flattery, like a beauty, had all the imbecility of such a female in a state of distress. He was undecided, vindictive, whining, thoroughly a frivolous character; known only to his subjects by expense and luxury, nor, Mr. Webb says, was the smallest regard to be paid to his word. In what light such a character was held, in his own period, is well drawn by Hotspur, in his delineation of the Butterfly with the Pouncet-box. Unfortunately for himself, he was in such a high situation, that to kill him would pay powder and shot; and he suffered, because no man who lives out of the world can be fit for business, and in his days Government was not conducted by a Minister and Parliament who tutored him in business. The French were par 1923.] REVIEW. particularly fond of this subject, the deposition of Richard, because, says the Author of this Metrical History, among other habits (we should call them weaknesses) of Richard, he was particularly fond of Frenchmen, which unpopular quality his subjects no doubt detested. Montfaucon has given a fulllength figure of Richard, and other Sovereigns contemporary with Charles VI. in which our unfortunate King appears nearly in the costume of Edward VI. or a Blue-coat Boy, with a girdle, from which is suspended a purse and his gloves, hanging by two strips. We notice this, because it is quite a different costume from that of the MS. before us, where he is sometimes uncommonly fine, fit for a stage hero. The advance of Richard against the Irish is marked by the following trait of Celtic tactics. "The whole host [of the Irish] were assembled at the entrance of the deep woods, and every one put himself right well in array; for it was thought, for the time, that we should have battle. (p. 28.)-Neither could any person, however he might be furnished with bold and valiant men, find a passage, the woods are so dangerous. You must know, that it is so deep in many places, that unless you are very careful to observe where you go, you will plunge in up to the middle, or sink in altogether." p. 32. Now, M. Paris says, that the Welch used to post themselves in front of woods, into which they fled to draw on their enemies, and when they saw them entangled in swamps, attacked them to advantage. M. Paris, pp. 821, 311. In p. 40 we have an illustration from Godwin of the Irish barter of cows for horses; and computation by the former, instead of money. Here we beg to make an additional observation. Ancilla, also, as fines of four ancillæ, were reckoned in computation by the ancient Irish. (Marteni Anecdota, IV. col. vi. Ducange v. Ancilla.) We believe that it was a horrid practice of our Anglo-Saxon ancestors to export slaves to Ireland, and Ossian says that a hundred maids from distant lands were the rewards of gallant warriors. Henry of Bolingbroke took advantage of this absence of Richard to land in England, and excite that insurrection which cost Richard his Crown. So common a law of politics, as Archæologia. 48 promptitude of action in suppressing rebellion, would not, we suppose, have been unknown to any sovereign of the meanest capacity. Yet Richard appears to have been ignorant of this almost obvious suggestion, and he listened to treacherous counsels of procrastination, without the smallest apprehension of bad results. The measures which he took were those of the veriest dupe possible; but the circumstances are printed in the Histories of England. The narrative only enters into interesting details and explanations. Of the judgment, and the recondite research, visible through the whole of Mr. Webb's ample and valuable elucidations, we can speak conscientiously in terms of unqualified approbation. They are exactly such as a high scholar and a profound antiquary would approve and, if it be true, as we have heard, that Mr. Webb meditates a work upon the Crusades, we are sure that it will not be a jejune narrative of incident, but that display of the subject in all its multifarious grand bearings, with regard to its operations on society and the arts, in which form alone it ought to be treated. In p. 28 we find a mistake made by Sir John Davies, viz. Creaghts, or Herds of Cattle; whereas Creaghts are the Herdsmen. See Spenser, (View of Irel. 76. Ed. 1773 who calls them Boolies.) Ledwich's Irel. 376, et alios. We shall extract one part which relates to the Coronation Championship. "The Champion. The origin of the Champions of England is derived by Camden from the Kilpecs, of Kelpec, in Herefordshire, who held that office in the beginning of the Normans. This noble family became extinct in the male line by the death of Hugh Kilpec about 9 Joh. and his second daughter Joan married Philip Marmion. Philip was a celebrated war-, rior under Henry III. and in his time I' find the first mention of the Manor of Scrivelsby in the county of Lincoln, held in that family by Barony. It is probable that this was a grant made to him by Henry III. on account of his great fidelity and eminent services, and that the office of Champion, vacant by the decease of the Kylpecs, was revived in that individual, and attached to the Manor." P. 208. Camden and Dugdale have settled. the matter in a manner which is incomplete and unsatisfactory, so far as concerns the above paragraph. The ques 44 REVIEW.-Archæologia. question has considerable difficulties. There may have been other Champions, besides those of office; and yet in law, the King could have no Champion. In Dugdale's Monasticon (II. 973) a Richard Baiocis, Campio Regis, is witness to a Charter of King Henry I.; and Queen Elizabeth had certain heroes in tilting, denominated, honoris ergo, her personal Champions, while Dimock is styled her Champion by office. (See Nichols's Progresses, I. xliv. Go. new edit.); and (2dly) we find the following contradictory passage in Bracton, L. iii. Tract. 2. cap. 21, § 11, "Rex non pugnat, nec alium habet campionem quam patriam." See Ducange, v. Campio, where it is inferred, that the Coronation Champion merely represents the nation, so far as concerns his appearance at the solemnities. That the Dimocks did claim by descent from the Marmions, as holding under them in Grand Serjeanty, from the time of Richard II. is evident from the Michaelis Fines 1st Henry VI. Camden's authority, Matthew Paris, is very minute concerning the Ceremonials of Coronations, and mentions various offices, connected with that solemnity, but not that of the Championship, see p. 355, where he is very diffuse; but for particulars omitted, he refers to the Rolls of the Exchequer. These therefore may supply the puzzling hiatus between the time of the early Normans and the reign of Richard II. from whence authenticity commences; perhaps the fine roll mentioned may recite, and throw new light upon the subject. We are unable to pursue it further. The great question concerning Rich ard II. is the manner of his death, and that is most ably discussed by Mr. Webb, and followed by two essays from the pen of Mr. Amyot. Three modes have been mentioned by Historians. 1. Violent death by means of Piers Exton and accomplices, which is in toto, particularly by Mr. Amyot successfully disproved. 2. Suicide, by declining food. 3. Compulsory Starvation. Our own opinions are, from comparing the passages, that Richard, half broken-hearted, from extreme unhappiness, pined and lost all appetite, and that advantage was * The inference from the pretended skull of Richard, is confuted in Neale's Westminster Abbey, ii. 110. [July, taken of the circumstance, to render any return of hunger unnecessary, by withdrawing the means of removing it: in short, that he first fasted from nervous disease, and lastly from compulsion. Mr. Amyot very amiably and loyally endeavours to ward off such a stigma from the memory of Henry IV.; but in our Review of Nicolas's Life of Davison (part i. p. 523) it will be seen, from undeniable authority, that Elizabeth wished Mary Queen of Scots to be privately assassinated; and that the Clergy in their sermons at Paul's Cross, recommended such a measure upon Russian principles, as a thing in course, quite fair and allowable. Contemporary thinking can alone illustrate contemporary action. The third article of this part of the Volume is, Some remarks on the early use of Carriages in England, and on the modes of Travelling adopted by our Ancestors. By J. H. Markland, Esq. F. R. S. and S. A.-There are some original descriptions of carriages, which have always been in vogue from the Classical æras. 1. The litter, carried upon poles, by men or horses, like the sedan. 2. The caravan, or cart with a tilt, the carpentrum, &c. 3. The one-horse chaise, seen upon ancient marbles. 4. The long waggon on low wheels, like the tram of a rail-road, but with a pole. 5. The common cart. The rule in general is, that no horses are seen drawing lengthways among the Classical Ancients, but always abreast, and it may be fairly conjectured, that the Romans had none with four wheels till the decline of the empire; for these accompany only bas-reliefs of barbarians on the Trajan Column, but appear as Roman upon the pretended Antonine, Theodosian, and Constantian Monuments. High wheels are also in appearance another addition, derived about the same time from the Barbarians. As to covered carriages, none appear but the Carpentum with the tilt, nor any of them suspended. The Carpentum had a driver with reins; for Tullia went to the Forum in a Carpentum, and Livy says, "restituit pavidus atque inhibuit frenos, is qui jumenta agebat." L. i. c. 48. Carrucæ nutantes are presumed to have been suspended carriages, but if so, they were only bodies of carriages, hung |