opposite the north-east curtain, at I on plan. One fragment was found at the base of the north tower. Of the position of the other two I am uncertain.

At F on plan, in the ditch outside the north-west curtain, a curved stone was discovered. This is shown in Fig. 2. The stone forms the quarter of a circle,

Fig. 3.-Remains of Worked Stones at Aberystwyth Castle.

with an internal diameter of 15 ins. The outer face is rebated. The inner face of the curve is roughly picked. The portion of the outer face which is set back is finely picked, while the edge of the projecting portion appears

to have been tooled. The two flat faces have been chiselled. The purpose of the stone is uncertain. Its form suggests that it might possibly have been a portion of an eyelet at the crown of a vault. I am, however, unable to determine definitely whether the flat faces occupied horizontal or vertical planes. The two worked stones, Fig. 3, were found outside the north-east curtain, at J on plan. They are worked in a yellow freestone. Evidently they formed part of an opening in a wall, probably the junction of the jambs with the sill of a window. Another piece of freestone was discovered in the same position; but it is of no

A

great interest, further than that apparently it has been re-worked for a purpose not originally intended. fragment of a circular stone, about 11 ins. in diameter, pierced in the centre, and 4 ins. thick, resembling a portion of a quern, was discovered in sinking for a drain outside the north-west gateway of the inner ward, at K on plan.

Three bases of small earthenware vessels were found outside the north-east curtain, near the outer gateway building, at p on plan. Fig. 4 is the plan and section of one base. The three are of approximate size. One is of a reddish-grey colour; the other two are of a yellowish-grey tone. Probably they are of seventeenthcentury workmanship. Fig. 5 is the section through a fragment of the base of an earthenware vessel, found

at v on plan, outside the north tower. It is of red pottery, green-glazed on the outside, running to a brownish-green under the base. The above finds, due to the energy of Mr. Eyre Evans, have been placed in the Public Library in Pier Street.

Last August I saw a fragment of a glass Jacobean bottle and a horse-shoe, both found near the north tower. These have since disappeared.

324

CAMBRIAN ARCHEOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION.

EXHIBITION OF LOCAL CHURCH PLATE AT
PORTMA DOC MEETING, 1903.

Described by E. ALFRED JONES.

Beddgelert.-Silver Chalice and Paten-Cover.

The bowl of

the chalice, which is somewhat in the form of an inverted bell, is engraved with three full-length figures of Mary the Virgin, Mary Cleophas, and Mary Salome, which is probably an unique feature in the decoration of old English church plate. Inscribed on the base, "Donum Iohannis Williams aurificis regis 1610." The stem is divided by two compressed knops, which are decorated with a moulding of chased roses, etc. Both the borders of the foot of the chalice, and the paten-cover, have an ovolo moulding.

On the foot of the paten-cover is engraved the donor's arms: Quarterly, 1 and 4, three eagles displayed . . . 2 and 3, a chevron between three fleurs-de-lys . . . the shield being held by the wings and claws of his crest; an eagle displayed. They bear the London hall-mark for the year 1610; maker's mark, R. S., and a rose, within a plain shield.

These interesting pieces of church plate were given, as the inscription signifies, by Sir John Williams, who was born at Hafod Lwyfog, near Beddgelert, and who was goldsmith to James I. In the Memorials of the Goldsmiths' Company, mention is made of the grant of a certificate, in 1623," by the Earl of Suffolk and Sir Henry Cary, that there was no evidence that John Williams, the King's Goldsmith, had sold deceitful plate to the King."

Criccieth.-Silver Chalice, 63 ins. high, on stem, divided by a knop, engraved with the sacred monogram, a cross, and three nails. Chester hall-mark for 1770; maker, R. Richardson. Inscribed underneath rim of foot, "DONO DEDIT IOHANNES JONES DE BRYNHIR A.M. COLL. JES. OXON, HUJUS ECCLESIÆ RECTOR, 1770." Silver Paten, with same hall-marks.

Harlech. Silver Chalice, 5 ins. high, on baluster stem, with splayed foot. Hall-mark for year 1644. Initials, H.B.,

engraved underneath. This chalice came from Llandanwg Church.

Llanaelhaiarn.-Silver Chalice, 8 ins. high, beaker shape, on trumpet-shape stem. Inscribed, "Rhodd Thomas ap John y Eglwus Ailhaiarn."

Silver Paten-cover, with date 1638, engraved on the foot. Both the chalice and paten-cover bear the hall-mark for 1638. Small Plain Silver Dish, 7 ins. in diameter. No marks.

Llanfair-juxta-Harlech.-Pewter Dish, used as an alms-dish. Probable date, late seventeenth century.