On the Uniformity of Design and Purpose,in the Works and Customs of the Earliest Settlers in Britain,Evidenced by Comparative Archaeology

Abstract

Within the building and grounds of the Bell Inn, Alveley (Shropshire) there is preserved a group of sculptures, the style of which is unmistakably that of the Herefordshire School. Thought to derive from a 12th-century church in Alveley, the group is the product of at least two hands and includes zoomorphic interlace and other interlace, together with figural scenes of ‘Samson and the Lion’, ‘St Michael and a Serpent’, and a ‘Man in Foliage’. The sculpture is indicative of a lavish decorative scheme at Alveley, in a style that was vigorous, striking and readily associated with the needs of seigneurial patronage.

The sculpture may be dated to the period 1155-early 1160s, a chronology determined not only by stylistic comparisons, but also independently by a detailed examination of the patronage context. In the discussion of the patronage, Guy Lestrange, sheriff of Shropshire, is identified as the likely patron, and as being fairly typical of the kind of patron who generally supported the work of the School. It is further argued that the role of aristocratic affinities in artistic patronage has been over-emphasised and that, as in other aspects of aristocratic activity, neighbourhood was a more influential factor.     

Notes and Comments

A PSYCHOLOGICAL STUDY OF RELIGION. Its Origin, Function, and Future. By JAMES H. LEUBA. New York : Macmillan Co., 1912. Sm. 8vo, pp. xiv + 371. 2S n. Reviewed by W. Crooke.

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CHANTS POPULAIRES DE LA GRANDE-LANDE ET DES REGIONS VOISINES. Recueillis par FÉLIX ARNAUDIN. Musique, texte patois et traduction française. Tome I. Paris: Honoré Champion, 1912. Pp. lxxxvi + 512. 8 fr. Reviewed by E. Sidney Hartland.

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THE LIFE OF A SOUTH AFRICAN TRIBE. By HENRI A. JUNOD. Vol. ii. THE PSYCHIC LIFE. Neuchatel: Attinger Frères, 1913. [Macmillan.] 8vo, pp. 574. Ill. 15s. n. Reviewed by E. Sidney Hartland.

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THE BOOK OK PROTECTION : being a Collection of Charms now edited for the first time from Syriac MSS. With Translation, Introduction, and Notes by HERMANN GOLLANCZ, M.A., D.Litt. Oxford Univ. Press, 1912, 8vo, pp. lxxxvii + vii + 103, 27 ill. 10s. 6d. n. Reviewed by M. Gaster.     

‘The Old Woman as Hare’: Structure and Meaning in an Irish Legend

This paper looks at the St Kitts and Nevis Mummies' plays as published in Folklore by Roger Abrahams (1968). It demonstrates that the texts were originally taken from a play published by the Victorian children's author Mrs J.H. Ewing. This play appeared in several editions, most notably in two series issued by the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge. Mrs Ewing's text was itself compiled from three northern English chapbook texts and a version from Silverton, Devon. The relative contribution of these texts to Mrs Ewing's play, and the way she put them together, are both explored.     

Scraps of English Folklore,IV

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