in the debased or Monkish Latin of the Middle Ages, interspersed with English words where the scribe's vocabulary failed him. This scribe was, in all probability, the unnamed Vicar of the Church of Holy Cross, the spiritual father of the testator, that being the usual custom of the time, when few except the clergy could write even their names. It is probable that Thomas Hore could not, in spite of his wealth and position, as the document is sealed only and not signed, although this may have arisen from his moribund condition at the making of it.

The absence of witnesses is also noteworthy as characteristic of the loose legal methods prevailing, and was a common feature. In many cases where there was a testing clause, it would read simply "Et multis alijs testibz" or "Many other witnesses" (besides the scribe), the actual names seeming to be regarded as superfluous.

The very date of this document must give us a pause of respect-a generation before the discovery of America and in the midst of the turbulent period of the Civil Wars (one would like to know whether the ornament on the bowl "vocat le Rose" were Red or White!)-it must carry the birth of the testator back to the reign of Henry IV. and nearly or quite a half millenium from our own times.

The most striking feature of the will is the large quantity-for those days the immense quantity of plate bequeathed; an invariable index of the wealth and social position of the testator. One of the first and evidently among the most highly prized of these is the "bowl with a Falcon" given to his eldest son and heir. My friend, Mr. J. Challoner Smith, agrees with me in believing this to be heraldic, and it is noteworthy that the arms of Hoare of Gloucestershire are "Sable, an Eagle displayed within a bordure engrailed Argent," and, with variations of tinctures, this charge is found on the coat of nearly every armigerous family of the name in England and Ireland, seeming to point to a common ancestor for all at a very remote period, perhaps the Sir William le Hore, one of the Normans who invaded Ireland in 1170.

Among the plate may also be remarked the "two forks for green ginger," being the earliest mention of a fork with which I have ever met in an English will. Their use at the table there was unknown until the reign of

Queen Elizabeth, whose inventory shows her to have had no less than three of them, but, from their bejeweled and ornamental character, probably more for show than service. They did not come into general use in England until towards the middle of the 17th century.

The garments lined and trimmed with furs give another and no uncertain indication of the affluent condition of this worthy Burgess, as do also the costly "Murras" or ornaments of fluorspar, then greatly prized, and of which he leaves two to his wife and one to his daughter. This wife was his second, the first, Johanna, being probably the mother of his children, as the daughter bore her name and no reference is made to the later wife as mother of any of them.

From the bequests I draw the conclusion that Thomas Hore was engaged in brewing, and also traded largely in wool, as did all the merchants at that time. The John Gourney, brewer, who was co-executor with the son, was probably a business partner. John Fareway, fuller, was perhaps a valued customer. John Hore, the son, residing or being in London, may have been in charge of his father's affairs in the metropolis.

The connection with the deceased Robert Russell, Clement Bagott and William Weston is not apparent; one or other of them may have been father of either or both of his wives, the other or others maternal ancestors or benefactors. Perhaps one was his master when an apprentice, a customary tribute of gratitude and affection. It is somewhat singular that, with his evident piety, he makes no provision for the souls of his parents and leads us to the conclusion that this was probably done during his lifetime.

Of all the many legacies in the will, one alone has, so far as we are aware, come down to our own times. I refer to the great oaken treasure chest bequeathed to the City of Bristol, and which remains to this day, a valued memorial, among the possessions of the municipality, as exemplified by Senator Hoar's most interesting paper read at the October meeting of the Society.

I cannot close these remarks without a word of thanks to Mr. J. Challoner Smith, the recent courteous and helpful

1 See Nichols's,"Progresses."

Superintendent of the Literary Search Room at Somerset House, to whom I referred two or three readings regarding which I was in doubt, and to whose unrivalled abilities as a scholar I owe their solution, and to Senator Hoar for the privilege of making this translation for the Society. J. HENRY LEA,

I fear that there is not the slightest chance of being able to carry out your wishes with regard to the chest. When I took your first letter over to Mr. Tremayne Lane, the City Treasurer (to whose courtesy we owe the prompt and successful search), the first thing that he said to me almost, was this:-"If we should find this chest, Mr. Lathrop, I suppose there will be no danger of our being asked to give it up." I practically pledged myself that the City should not be asked for it.

No sooner had it been discovered, than the Lord Mayor heard of our quest. At his desire, this interesting relic, doubly interesting now because it had a history, was promptly disinterred from its burial place in the attic, and placed in the Mayor's Parlor. It was pointed out to his lordship that the worms in the chest might get into the new oak of the parlor, whereupon it was removed to a conspicuous place in the main hall. Senator Bard will tell you that he saw it there. He went with me to the Council House one day to look at the interesting manuscript records and regalia.

As there is now special reason for believing the chest to have belonged to one who was associated in the Municipal Government with William Canynges, there is an added local interest. The maritime supremacy of this man, and the grand monument he built for himself in constructing Redcliffe Church, endear him to Bristolians. It may perhaps be said that he added a more brilliant lustre to the annals of Bristol than any other single citizen has added.

Your request is couched in terms of such extreme delicacy that I feel that I must transmit it to the authorities. It is just within the limits of possibility that they may consider your suggestion. They have several volumes of medieval records which have never been translated or printed. They are sealed books. An offer of a contribution towards the expense of doing with these as has already been done with Ricart's Kalender, and with the little "Red Book," might perhaps tempt the authorities. I am not however hopeful.

I do not think that any expert has as yet examined the chest, but I shall promptly let you know if any opinions are expressed by those qualified to utter them.

I am, with high regard,

Very respectfully yours,

LORIN A. LATHROP.

UNITED STATES CONSULATE.

BRISTOL, September 25th, 1903.

Dear SENATOR HOAR:

I enclose the final decision of the authorities, in regard to the chest. I expect that you were prepared for the decision, from the tenor of my former letter.

Bristol is more tenacious of its mediæval associations than any place I have ever known.

If I can be of any further service to you at any time, either personally or officially, please command me.

I have to thank you for sending me a copy of Senator Hoar's interesting letter.

Having had an opportunity of consulting with the Lord Mayor, I am desired by him to say that while it is easy to understand the desire of Senator Hoar to possess such a relic connected with his family's history, on behalf of the Corporation he could not consent to part with it on any terms.

It will be satisfactory to Senator Hoar to know however that the chest is destined to occupy a prominent place in the "Bristol Room" which is to be a chief feature in the New Museum Buildings rapidly approaching completion.

Yours faithfully,

LORIN A. LATHROP, Esqre.,

United States Consul,

Bristol

J. TREMAYNE LANE,
City Treasurer.

INDEX.