Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of London 87

Reports the investigation of two of thirty-six currently known examples from the Bronze Age of the Atlantic seaboard of Europe. This provided an understanding of the technology of these two flesh-hooks, as well as new chronological information for the type as a whole. Also revealed new uses of lost-wax casting in the British Isles. Discusses design features in their wider context, and notes that both artefacts were discovered within deposits of prestige metalwork.

Notes that the gladiators depicted on the slate relief of a retiarus from Chester, and on the Colchester vase both appear to be left-handed.

Assesses the methodology used by Edward Lhuyd (?1659/60-1709) for recording early medieval antiquities, in particular inscribed stones and stone sculpture in Wales and other Celtic areas, as well as his analysis of them.

Attempts a comprehensive study of the monuments, using the plans of the chapel floors made by Henry Emlyn in 1789, combined with a survey of the existing interior of the chapel. Reconstructs the original layout of the brasses, and suggests that most of these commemorated the deans and cannons who served the chapel. Argues that this changed after 1475 when lay-people also began to be commemorated in the chapel, with sculpted monuments as well as brasses.

Reports the results of a detailed survey and extensive dendrochronology programme on the timberwork of the moated manor house. Discusses how these have revised understanding of the house and of the way that its complex development reflects the changing circumstances and social expectations of its occupiers from the medieval period to the nineteenth century. Integrates documentary sources, structural analysis and tree-ring dating to argue that the house is the product of a quest for greater comfort and privacy, of social responses to changing family circumstances and of the exercise of dower rights by widows, resulting in several periods of joint occupancy.

Notes that the cataloguing and digitization of the drawings of archaeological artefacts in the Society's albums is nearing completion, and provides an overview of a few of the highlights to illustrate the range of material. Considers the role of the Society and its artists in producing this archive with reference to the Minutes of the Council.