iture is extremely interesting as a specimen of
the mechanical ingenuity of the age in which it was constructed, and as
the only vestige of the establishment to which it was annexed. Upon part
of the Priory buildings being taken down, a few years since, the Chair
with other old furniture found on the premises, was sold by auction,
when it was rescued from the hands of a person who was bidding for it
as a smoking chair, by a gentleman, who allowed a drawing to be taken
of it. Of the Priory of Southwick very scanty information is to be
obtained: no mention of it is to be found in the _Monasticon_: but
Sir Robert Atkyns, in his history of Gloucestershire, says that it was
founded by Henry I. and dedicated to St. Mary. It was for canons regular
of the order of St. Augustine. The last prior surrendered this convent
on the 7th of April, 1539: it was valued in the catalogue of religious
houses at 257_l_.

[Illustration]

* * * * *

ANTIQUE KNIFE-HANDLE.

[Illustration]

This was found about 20 years since, at the manorhouse of Lake, near
Amesbury, in Wiltshire. The handle consists of two figures, a warrior
and a female: it was probably the haft of a small knife or dagger,
is made of brass, and considering its great antiquity, is in good
preservation. The features of the figures are the parts mostly injured
by wear; the female holds in the right hand a small bag or purse,
the custom of carrying which fell into disuse in the days of Queen
Elizabeth. This ancient haft is, however, most likely of an age
considerably anterior to the above reign, and from the costume in
general, and the simple cross hilt of the sword attached to the
warrior's side, it may not unjustly claim a date coeval with the
Crusades.

ANCIENT BELL.

[Illustration]

[Illustration: (Handle.)]

This Bell, as the motto (_God save the Queen_, 1560,) explains, is
of the age of Elizabeth. The handle is of considerably older date, and
probably belonged to a mass-bell, as it bears the effigies of a devotee,
holding her beads, and a cross. Indeed, the prayer for the Queen, on the
Bell, in English, would indicate its subsequent age. This curious relic
was a few years since in the possession of the Rev. Mr. Crutwell, a name
distinguished in topographical and antiquarian literature.

* * * * *

FALCONRY TENURE.

The manorial rights of Comberton, in the county of Cambridge, were
formerly h