tant from each other, quatrefoils of filigree-work, of gilt metal, set with false stones, imitating rubies, sapphires, amethysts, &c.; and the intervals between the quatrefoils on the stole, powdered with minute white beads, tacked down in a most elegant embroidery, in form not unlike what is called the true-lovers' knot. Above these habits was the royal mantle of rich crimson satin, fastened on the left shoulder with a magnificent fibula, of gilt metal, richly chased, and ornamented with four pieces of red, and four of blue, transparent paste, and twenty-four more pearls.

The corpse, from the waist downwards, was covered with a rich cloth of figured gold, which falls down to the feet, and was tacked beneath them. On the back of each hand was a quatrefoil like those on the stole. In the king's right hand was a sceptre, with a cross of copper gilt, and of elegant workmanship, reaching to the right shoulders. In the left hand was the rod and dove, which passed over the shoulder and reached his ear. The dove stood on a ball placed on three rauges of oak leaves of enamelled green; the dove, white enamel. On the head was a CI own charged with trefoils made of gilt metal.*

The head was lodged in a cavity of the stone coffin, always observable in those receptacles of the dead.

The Archæologia gives many other minute particulars of the dress of the royal corpse. It was habited in conformity to antient usage, even as early as the time of the Saxon Sebert. The use of the cere-cloth is continued in our days: in the instance of George II. the two serjeant-surgeons had 1227. 8s. 9d. each for opening and embalming; and the apothecary 1521. for a fine double cere-cloth, and a due quantity of rich perfumed powders. †

Eleanor of Castile, Queen of Edward I. was deposited here in the year 1290: she lies between the first and second pillars from the east on the same side. This meek and beautiful figure of a most amiable and affectionate queen, is of brass, double gilt. This gilding

*Archæologia, Vol. III. p. 402.

See Sandford's Genealogies, p. 129, (ap. Pen.) where this dress is repre

sented on a seal, with tolerable accuracy.

gilding is only perceptible on the nose and garment on the right arm, which have been robbed by curious visitors, till the soil of ages is taken off; and there the gold is fresh and perfect. The figure rests on a tablet of the same metal, placed on an altar of Petworth marble. Her head is supported by two pillows of gilt brass, once richly ornamented. The gilding is still visible on the sides, which have been often rubbed. The figure is nearly perfect, and is very fine; but the joining of the thumb to the right hand is extremely clumsily executed.

Close to the pavement, under the feet of the corpse, is the end of a leaden pipe, little more than an inch in diameter, (and injured by some foot or other weight) which, Mr. Malcolm thinks, was intended to convey air to it, as it certainly was placed there on building the tomb.

On this side, next the north aisle, are several fragments of the paintings which once adorned it, consisting of red and black on the mouldings and pannels. Part of this has been chipped off with an axe," by some stupid insensible reformer."*

The third monarch whose body was interred here, was the glorious King Edward III. son of the murdered Prince Edward II. His tomb is on the south side between the second and third pillars. His figure at full length, of gilt brass, lies beneath a rich Gothic shrine, also of brass. It is plainly habited; his hair disheveled; and his beard long and flowing. His gown. reaches to his feet; each hand holding a sceptre.

The Gothic ornaments of the tomb are extremely beautiful. His children, represented as angels, in brass, surround the altar-tomb.+ The canopy is beautiful Gothic work, but mutilated.

Between the first and second pillars, at his feet, is the marble tomb of his worthy queen Philippa. Her figure in alabas

ter,

Mal. Lond. Red. I. 95.

+ Sandford, 177. Gough's Sepulchral Monuments, I. 139, Tab. iv, lvi, apud Pen. 60.

Ibid. 172. Gough's Sep. Mon. I. 63, Tab. xxiii. Pen, ubi supra.

ter, represents her as a most masculine woman. She died in 1369: her royal spouse in 1377. The tomb of Philippa was originally rich, but has suffered more than some of the others.

The next monument to be described is the tomb of the wasteful and unfortunate Prince Richard II. and his first consort, Anne, daughter of Wincelaus, king of Bohemia. They repose side by side in the next intercolumniation westward. The king's face is well wrought; but his cushion is stolen.

Underneath the wooden canopy are the remains of some exquisitely fine paintings. This canopy is divided into four compartments: those over the heads and feet contain representations of angels supporting the monarch's arms and those of his queen; but they are nearly obliterated by age and damps: the shields are all that remain visible. The second compartment from the heads of the effigies has a tolerably perfect representation of the Almighty, habited as a venerable old man in a close garment; his hand in the act of blessing; but this is hardly discernible. In the next division is Jesus Christ, seated by the Virgin mother, in the same attitude. With her hands across her breast, and leaning towards the Saviour, in the most graceful and expressive manner, is the Virgin. This part of the painting seems to have suffered the least from the ravages of time: the countenances, when examined minutely, are still very beautiful; but to see them to advantage, it is necessary to climb upon the dusty tomb beneath, and view them in an inclined position, with the face opposite the south aisle.

It is not known to what master we are indebted for these exquisite productions; but, even in their present neglected and rapidly declining state, they clearly shew the hand of an artist enthusiastically alive to his subject. Though the outline remains, the colours are disappearing: it is not, however, yet too late to preserve and perhaps restore them; if they are neglected much longer, it is probable this work will be the last, of any magnitude, to preserve the remembrance of them. Mr. Malcolm thinks it highly

Sandford, 203; Gough, I. 163, Tab. Ixi, lxii.