ing in being twice as large as the other subdivided spaces; and the same arrangement, as already mentioned, seems to have existed in the upper compartment, which is conjectured to have completed the stone.

Of all these devices, the only point of resemblance with the peculiar figurings on certain Scottish stones and caves seems to be the fish. The figures 1, 2, 3, 4, whatever they mean, are not found at all in Mr. Stuart's book. It was, however, evidently in favour with the workman, for he has repeated it so often.

Mr. Westwood is not inclined to assign to it any great antiquity, and many will probably agree with him; but the difficulty of assigning the workman is considerable. It appears, from the nature of the stone, to have been the work of a person in the district, who may have drawn on his inventive powers, but which must have been of a limited character. It may also have been the production. of some wandering artist accustomed to some local or traditional forms. He was probably not a Welshman, for no such figurings are found in the Principality. It is likely, however, that the figures are intended to denote something, and are not mere rude attempts at unmeaning ornaments. Even its Christian character is uncertain, although its being found within a church. does, to some extent, make it likely that it is of that character. As matters stand, all that can be said is that it appears to be a curious specimen of native Hereford

shire art.

E. L. BARNWELL.

182

CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS A CARTULARY OF

MARGAM.

(Continued from p. 59.)

XXX.-[75 B. 23.]

SCIANT presentes et futuri quod ego Osbernus Bosse consensu et consilio heredum meorum et aliorum amicorum meorum dedi et concessi et hac carta mea confirmavi deo et ecclesie Beate Marie de Margan et monachis ibidem deo servientibus in puram et perpetuam elemosinam totam terram meam in Hoheleswrdi scilicet unam acram terre et dimidiam et aliquantulum majus ut dicti monachi habeant et teneant eandem terram de me et heredibus meis libere et quiete et pacifice ab omni consuetudine et exactione et servicio seculari, sicut ulla elemosina liberius et quictius teneri potest vel haberi in perpetuum, excepto regali servicio quod ad tantam portiunculam terre pertinet. Hiis testibus, Petro Croc, Radulfo de Stokes, Hugone de Howelle, Ricardo Venatore, Willielmo de Crihulle, Petro senescallo, Johanne de Frith, Ricardo tunc capellano de Tokuit', Johanne Aylard monacho de Kyngeswde, Dunstano et Waltero monachis de Margan et multis aliis.

(Circa A.D. 1230.)

Round seal of white wax, about two inches diameter; in centre a fleur de lis richly floriated; legend, "Sigill' Osberti Bose."

It appears from the taxation of Pope Nicholas (p. 238) that Margam held lands, a windmill, and certain rents, the whole valued at £12:0: 101, in and about Tokynton; and to this it is probable that the charter relates. Of the grantor and witnesses nothing has been discovered. Fosbroke (H. of Glouc., ii, 105) mentions a family of Croke who held under Bath Abbey in Tokynton, and appears in an inquisition, 16 Ed. II. Roger Croke held the property, 5 Ed. III; and John Croke, outlawed for felony, 21 Ed. III, held the superior manor of Olveston under the Prior of Bath. Peter was, therefore, probably a member of this family. He appears also in B. 19. A Gilbert Croc witnessed William Earl of Gloucester's charter to Neath; and about 1166 Ruald Croc held a knight's fee under the same Earl William,

as recorded in the Niger Liber of the Exchequer. Mr. Floyd meets with a Walter Croc in the Pipe Roll for Stafford, 31 H. I; and in the Close Roll of King John for Devon. The latter entries probably relate to a stranger; but the two former shew that a family of the name were tenants under Earl William. The fleur de lys, like the star, was a common emblem, and throws no light on the user of it.

Peter de Stoks tests the confirmation charter of 8th John. A family of this name held land in the same part of Gloucestershire early in the reign of Henry III. XXXI.-[75 C. 21.]

Universis Christi fidelibus ad quos presens scriptum pervenerit, Morganus Kam salutem in Domino. Noveritis universitas vestra me dedisse et concessisse et presenti carta confirmasse deo et ecclesie sancte Marie de Margan et monachis ibidem deo servientibus totam communem pasture mee inter Avenam et divisas que sunt inter dictos monachos de Margan et monachos de Neth, tam in marisco quam in melis ad usum vaccarum suarum et ceterorum animalium. Ita ut dicti monachi habeant et teneant dictam pasturam et utantur ea bene et in pace libere et quiete sine contradictione mei vel heredum meorum reddendo inde mihi vel heredibus meis quadraginta denarios annuatim ad festum sancti Andree pro omni servicio exactione et demanda seculari. Concessi etiam dictis monachis locum unum idoneum in dictis metis ad domum faciendum si voluerint ad opus vaccarum suarum. Hec omnia ego et heredes mei dictis monachis pro predicto servicio contra omnes homines varentizabimus. Et ut premissa firmitatis robur inperpetuum optineant, presens scriptum sigilli mei apposicione roboravi. Hiis testibus, Henrico ab Willim, Lewelino ab Rog's, Reso fratre ejus, Galfrido ab Herebert, Osberto et Thoma monachis de Margan, Hespus Roberto petit conversis de Marg', et multis aliis. [1180-1240.] Endorsed.-Carta Morgani Gam de communa pasture in melis et in mariscis de Avene.

A circular seal, nearly perfect, of green wax, remains attached, bearing the impress of a mounted knight in armour, riding to the proper left. Legend, +SIGILLVM. MORGANI. GAM.* (See next page.)

Morgan Gam was the very active representative of the lords of Avene, or Aberavan, towards the close of the twelfth and the commencement of the thirteenth