I think there is great Probability that this was Matilda, the Daughter of Ethelbert, one of the Kings of England, of the Saxon Race, ſince both Stow and Hollingſhed, agree that Princeſs died a Recluſe: but as there is no Certainty, the Date being entirely eraſed, I ſhall leave it to my Reader to think of it according to his Pleaſure.
But I am entirely of Opinion that Carteſmunda the fair Nun of Wincheſter, who ſled from the Violence threatned her by King John, took Refuge in this Monaſtery, and was here buried; becauſe there is very plainly to be read,
Carteſmunda Virgo immaculata.
Theſe Words remain ſo legible, that I doubt not but the whole Inſcription would have been ſo too, had not ſome barbarous and ſacrilegious Hands broke the Stone, leaving only one Corner of it, which is ſupported by a Column, and on the Baſe the Date is yet perfectly freſh.
Anno
