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F. F. Giraud, Esq., moved the adoption of the Report; this was seconded by Earl Cranbrook, and carried unanimously.

It was moved and carried:-"That the retiring members of Council and the Auditors be re-elected."

Eleven candidates were duly elected members of the Society.

After the business was concluded the company proceeded to the Parish Church, where the Vicar, the Rev. A. H. Harrison, M.A., said a few words of welcome. The Rev. J. Cave-Browne, Vicar of Detling, read a Paper on the History of the Church.

At 1 P.M. W. T. Neve, Esq. (Honorary Local Secretary), hospitably entertained the party at light luncheon in the Vestry Hall. After luncheon the noble President called for thanks to Mr. Neve for his kindness, which was cordially responded to by all. Mr. Neve acknowledged the vote of thanks in kindly terms.

Progress was next made in carriages to Glassenbury House, which was thrown open for the Society's inspection by its owner, Major Atkin-Roberts, who, together with Mrs. Atkin-Roberts, courteously conducted the members over the greater portion of their interesting domain. The Honorary Secretary read a few notes on the "History of Glassenbury," concluding by offering the warmest thanks of the company to Major and Mrs. Atkin-Roberts for their kindness and consideration.

Goudhurst Church was next visited, under the guidance of W. P. Haskett-Smith, Esq., the Rev. J. S. Clarke, M.A., the Vicar, receiving the members.

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On returning to Cranbrook upwards of sixty remained for the Annual Dinner, which took place at the " George Hotel." Earl Stanhope presided, being supported by the Honourable Ivo Bligh, the Rev. A. H. Harrison, W. T. Nevc, Esq., and Miss Neve, Mr. and Mrs. Burch-Rosher, the Honorary Secretary and Mrs. George Payne.

The various loyal and other toasts were proposed and responded to by the noble Chairman, Mr. Neve, Mr. Burch-Rosher, the Rev. C. E. Woodruff, and the Rev. W. Gardner-Waterman.

The Evening Meeting took place in the Vestry Hall at 7 P.M., Earl Stanhope in the Chair. Papers were contributed by J. Lewis André, Esq., F.S.A., on "Fire-backs made in the Weald;" by S. Wayland Kershaw, Esq., M.A., F.S.A., on the "Weald and its Refugee Annals." The Honorary Secretary also exhibited a series of views by lime-light of the Roman Villa recently uncovered at Darenth.

The Meeting terminated with hearty votes of thanks to those who had so kindly contributed towards the evening's proceedings.

On Wednesday the 31st of July a large company assembled at Cranbrook Railway Station, where brakes were in readiness to convey them to Benenden Church, where they were received by the Vicar, Canon Joy, M.A. The Earl of Cranbrook, Lord and Lady Medway, Lady Emily Gathorne Hardy, and Lady Katherine Gathorne Hardy also came over from Hemstead to welcome the Society to Benenden.

VOL. XXII.

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The Church was described by John Oldrid Scott, Esq., F.S.A., and the Vicar afterwards read some notes on the History of the Church, which had been prepared by the late Granville LevesonGower, Esq., F.S.A.

Hawkhurst was the next place visited. On arriving there the company at once proceeded to the "Queen's Hotel," where luncheon was served in a large marquee in the garden. A few of the members were, however, hospitably entertained at the Rectory by Canon Jeffreys.

After luncheon, progress was made to the Church, where the aged Rector said a few kindly words of welcome. Mr. Oldrid Scott again acted as guide, and before leaving the Honorary Secretary said that he felt the members would like him to say how pleased they were to meet the Rector again, who described the Church to the Society twenty-two years ago. Mr. Payne also referred to Canon Jeffreys having been Rector of Hawkhurst for nearly sixty years, and to his great munificence in erecting at his sole cost the Church at Highgate, near by, and to his liberality everywhere present in the parish.

Bodiham Castle, on the border of Sussex, was then inspected, under the guidance of W. H. St. John Hope, Esq., M. A., Assistant Secretary of the Society of Antiquaries. Two hours were most profitably spent there in listening to Mr. Hope's able discourse, and making a thorough examination of the interesting ruins. By the kindness of Lord Ashcombe the members were admitted to the Castle free of charge.

During the afternoon many paid a visit to Bodiham Church, where the Vicar, the Rev. Theodore Johnson, kindly pointed out its architectural features.

Thus ended, under the pleasantest possible circumstances, the Society's second visit to the Cranbrook district.

On September the 27th, 1895, the Council met at Rochester in the Bridge Chambers, by permission of the Bridge Wardens. There were eleven members present, presided over by Canon Scott Robertson.

After due discussion it was resolved to hold the next Annual Meeting at Sittingbourne, and that the Isle of Sheppey be visited on the second day.

The Honorary Secretary again brought forward the subject of a complete exploration of the mass of masonry within the walls of the Roman castrum at Richborough, and laid upon the table a wooden model of the subterranean structure. Mr. Payne explained that as the operations would necessarily be costly, he suggested that the Society should initiate the work and appeal to archæologists generally for contributions; he further suggested that a Committee of experts in field-work should be formed to consider the whole question. After lengthy discussion it was resolved that a Committee be formed, consisting of Mr. G. M. Arnold, F.S.A.,

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Mr. George Dowker, F.G.S., and Mr. George Payne, F.S.A., and that Sir John Evans, K.C.B., and Lieut.-General Pitt-Rivers, F.R.S., be invited to act with them; the said Committee to draw up a scheme for the approval of the Council at an early date.

The Chairman reported that the Dean of Canterbury offered to obtain permission to reproduce drawings of mural paintings that have now become obliterated in the Cathedral if the Council would vote £15 for the illustrations. It was resolved accordingly.

Thanks were voted to the following in connection with the Annual Meeting held at Cranbrook :

To Lord Ashcombe for kindly allowing the Society to view Bodiham Castle free of charge.

To Major Atkin-Roberts for permission to inspect Glassenbury House.

To W. T. Neve, Esq., for hospitality and valuable assistance. To the Rev. Cave-Browne, W. P. Haskett-Smith, Esq., W. H. St. John Hope, Esq., and J. Oldrid Scott, Esq., F.S.A., for kindly acting as guides.

To Lewis André, Esq., and S. Wayland Kershaw, Esq., F.S.A., for kindly contributing papers at the Evening Meeting.

To the Rev. A. H. Harrison, the Rev. J. S. Clarke, Canon Joy, Canon Jeffreys, and the Rev. Theodore Johnson for much valuable help.

To Captain Villiers-Stuart for kindly issuing the tickets.

To the Rev. W. Gardner-Waterman for his kindness in acting as carriage director on both days of the Meeting.

A vote of thanks was accorded to Canon Bailey, D.D., for his gift to the Library of the Society of the following books: Memorials of Attleborough Church; Records of St. Michael's Church, Bishop's Stortford; History of the Municipal Church of St. Law, Reading; Todd's Deans of Canterbury; Manuscript of the Statutes for the Church of Canterbury, 1636; Hierurgia Anglicana, Ecclesiologist, vol. i.; Fenn's Original Letters, vol. v. Also to John Wood, Esq., for three volumes of the Illustrated Archeologist and nineteen volumes of the Gentleman's Magazine Library.

The Honorary Secretary reported that the Corporation of Rochester had commenced the much-needed reparation of the Castle Keep, under the supervision of the City Surveyor (Mr. Banks) and himself. Mr. Payne explained the manner in which the work was being done, which met with the warm approval of the Council, some of whom subsequently visited the Keep with him and ascended the scaffolding surrounding the north-west turret, to enable them to inspect the work of repair more closely.

The Chairman stated that Mr. Crow, bookseller at Canterbury, had offered the sum of ten pounds for the sixteen remaining copies of the History of the Crypt of Canterbury Cathedral. This offer having been approved of by the Honorary Secretary and the Printers, was duly acted upon. The Council unanimously approved

of the sale.

With a vote of thanks to the Bridge Wardens for the use of their Chambers the Meeting ended.

Ten new members were elected.

The Council met on the 28th of December, 1895, in the Cathedral Library at Canterbury, by permission of the Dean and Chapter. Nine members were present, presided over by the Bishop of Dover. It was resolved to visit Tunstall, Bredgar, and Stockbury on the first day of the Annual Meeting at Sittingbourne, and the Isle of Sheppey on the second day.

A sum of five pounds was granted to Canon Routledge to enable him to prosecute further researches at St. Martin's Church, Canterbury.

A circular letter was read, referring to a resolution passed at the last Conference of Archæological Societies, as follows:-"That the County Societies be requested to urge upon the representatives of their Counties in the House of Commons the necessity of the Government more thoroughly carrying out the Ancient Monuments' Act, and the advisability of extending its provisions to monuments of Romano-British and early Christian periods." After discussion, it was resolved that the noble President be asked to urge upon the Government such necessity in accordance with the terms of the above resolution.

Twelve new members were elected.

The Council met on the 31st of March, 1896, in the Society's Rooms at the Maidstone Museum. There were eleven members present, presided over by Canon Scott Robertson.

It was decided to hold the next Annual Meeting on the 28th and 29th of July.

The Honorary Secretary reported that Sir John Evans, K.C.B., Mr. George E. Fox, F.S.A., and Mr. St. John Hope had expressed their willingness to join the Sub-Committee appointed to draw up a scheme for the more complete exploration of Richborough.

Instructions were given for the investment of four Life Compositions.

The Honorary Secretary asked if the Council would feel disposed to continue excavations at the Roman Villa at Darenth. After due discussion, a sum of twenty-five pounds was guaranteed on the understanding that Mr. E. Arnott Clowes would give twenty pounds to meet eighty pounds raised by Mr. Payne.

The Rev. C. E. Woodruff, M.A., Rector of Otterden, was elected a member of the Council, vice the Rev. Canon Jenkins, deceased; also John Oldrid Scott, Esq., F.S.A., vice the late Granville Leveson-Gower, Esq.

Permission was granted to Mr. Albert Hartshorne to copy the lithographs of Anglo-Saxon glass vessels in Archeologia Cantiana, and to Mr. H. Littlehales the Pilgrims' Signs engraved in the same work, for their respective books in course of preparation.

It was also agreed that Canon Murray be allowed the use of the Society's blocks of Stone Church, near Dartford, for his forthcoming book on that church.

A vote of condolence was passed with the family of the late Canon Jenkins on the sad death of one who was a valued member of the Society.

Nine new members were elected.

The Council met on the 24th of June, 1896, at the house of the noble President in Grosvenor Place.

The Earl Stanhope presided, and there were eleven members present.

The Programme in proof of the Annual Meeting to be held at Sittingbourne was read and approved.

A letter was read from the Rev. W. C. Streatfeild, Rector of Frant, asking if the Council would take any steps towards publishing engravings from the blocks prepared for the late Rev. Thomas Streatfeild's projected History of Kent, which had been presented to the Society of Antiquaries. It was resolved that the matter be recommended to the Editor of Archæologia Cantiana, with a view to some of the engravings being included in some early future volumes. Eleven new members were elected.

The Annual Meeting of the Society commenced at Sittingbourne on Tuesday, July the 28th, 1896. The Business Meeting was held in the Town Hall, the noble President, Earl Stanhope, in the Chair, supported by Canon Scott Robertson, the Rev. J. Cave-Browne, the Rev. A. J. Pearman, the Rev. C. E. Woodruff, F. F. Giraud, Esq., and W. H. Burch-Rosher, Esq., etc. The following Report was read by George Payne, Esq. (Hon. Sec.):

REPORT.

The Council has much pleasure in presenting to-day the Thirty-ninth Annual Report, as the Society is still in a flourishing state, and the activity of its members is increasing.

The Society paid its first visit to Sittingbourne and the Isle of Sheppey in 1870, and the pleasure of re-visiting the locality after a lapse of twenty-six years is greatly enhanced by the fact that during that time its fields have yielded a vast quantity of British, Roman, and Saxon remains of the highest archæological interest. These important discoveries have all been recorded in the last twelve volumes of Archæologia Cantiana, but they will form the subject of a lecture on the present occasion at the Evening Meeting.

The last volume of our Archæologia has everywhere met with warm approval, and the Council is pleased to announce that another volume is well advanced and may shortly be expected.

Since the last Annual Meeting many valued members have been removed from our ranks by death and other causes. The vacancies thus made have, however, been filled up and overlapped by the election during the year of fortytwo new members, while several await election at your hands to-day.

We all have to deplore especially the death of the Rev. Canon Robert Jenkins, M.A., and Edgar Philip Loftus Brock, F.S.A. The worthy Rector of Lyminge was an original member of the Society, and served on the Council for thirty-six years. We have on many occasions seen that the late Canon Jenkins was a firm adherent of the Society, and at all times we have been favoured with the masterly products of his scholarly pen.

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