the brow of the hill or bank, raising the ground and rendering it more precipitous. The particulars given on the plan of Mr. Gleig's excavation will suggest also some further excavation near the eastern edges of the platform. My theory would necessitate there having been originally some hole in the masonry under the cross, into which some large spindle of a capstan had been sunk; but I have no preconceived notions that will not yield to a better interpretation of the facts. MEDIEVAL CRYPTS AT ROCHESTER. BY GEORGE PAYNE, F.L.S., F.S.A. In a city possessing so many splendid architectural remains as Rochester it is a source of satisfaction to be enabled to place before the world details of a fine example of domestic architecture, which has existed in the city for six hundred years without receiving that attention it so richly deserves. Many persons know, or have heard, that beneath the George Iun," in the High Street, there is an interesting cellar, and recently my attention was drawn to it by my friend Mr. Thomas Winch, who accompanied me to the place, which subsequently resulted in my superintending the cleaning of the chamber, and employing Miss Drake to prepare the plans (Plate I.) and drawings which illustrate this Paper; hence we have before us faithful and artistic representations of the lower storey of a house existing in Rochester about A.D. 1300. That this house was of considerable importance, and erected by a person of opulence, may be judged by the ornate character of what is left of it below ground. Successive houses have been built upon this ancient vaulted crypt, and it yet remains in almost an uninjured state, in spite of its having been used as a skittle-alley and beer-cellar for a lengthened period. We will now treat of its dimensions and details. The chamber is oblong, 54 feet in length, 16 feet 8 inches in width, and 11 feet in height, with four quadripartite vaults over, the shell of the vaults being chalk ashlar. There are ribs on the groins, and longitudinal, chamfered, plain, and hollow respectively, with ornamental bosses at the intersections. The nine bosses are from 12 to 15 inches in diameter, each being carved in high relief. Fig. 1 represents oak leaves and acorns; Fig. 2, grapes and vine leaves; Fig. 3, a lizard encircled by a wreath of foliage; Fig 4, a |
