By Mr. Edward Hoare.—Representations of three examples of "ring-money" of silver, one being a perfect ring, the others penannular, or with disunited ends. The weights are—2 dwts., 2 dwts., 4 grs., and 3 dwts. respectively. Two of these rings (see woodcuts, figs. 1, 2) were found in co. Waterford, in Jan. 1853, in making a railway-cutting; the third, fig. 3, in June following, in cutting a trench for irrigation on the lands of Carrigsohane, about four miles west of Cork, on the estate of Sir Edward Hoare, Bart. These rings are now in Mr. Edward Hoare's collection. Silver rings of this description are rare in Ireland; notices of several specimens of various weights and form are given by Mr. Windele in his Memoir on "Irish Ring-Money," in the Transactions of the Kilkenny Society, vol. i. p. 332. Annular objects of that metal are, however, usually of much larger dimensions than the specimens recently obtained by Mr. Hoare, one of which is described by him as the smallest hitherto known.[1]
Fig. 3. Weight, 52 grs. |
Fig. 1. Weight, 72 grs. |
Fig. 2. Weight, 48 grs. |
Silver "Ring Money," in the collection of Mr. Edward Hoare.
By the Rev. Thomas Hugo.—A fragment (measuring about an inch in each direction) of the gold corselet found in October, 1833, in a cairn known as the Fairies' or Goblins' Hill, at Mold, Flintshire. This portion appears to have formed part of the upper edge around the throat or over the shoulders, as shown by examination of this remarkable corselet now in the British Museum. The facts connected with the discovery are highly curious, and are related by Mr. Rokewode in his Memoir in the Archæologia, vol. xxvi., p. 422, where representations of this "aurea vestis" are given. It is much to be regretted that several small pieces of this unique object were broken off and carried away, rings and ornaments having been formed from them, as stated in the letter to Mr. Rokewode from Mr. Clough, vicar of Mold. There spoliations have materially impaired the value of the corselet, and caused great difficulty in ascertaining its precise use.
By Mr. Bright.—A circular silver brooch set with garnets (?) or red glass of brilliant colour. It was found on the confines of Leicestershire and Northamptonshire. A representation of this beautiful ornament will be given hereafter.
By Mr. Le Keux.—A series of drawings representing Stonehenge in its various aspects; views of ancient architectural examples in Salisbury and Wiltshire, and a view of the open timbered porch at Haslington, Middlesex, the approach to a Norman door with recessed mouldings.
- ↑ See representations of gold "ring-money" in Mr. Hoare's possession, and remarks on the curious questions connected with these objects, Arch. Journ. vol. ii. p. 198; vol. v. p. 218.
