[182] Viz. Warbleton Priory, Robertsbridge Abbey, and the churches of Thundridge, (co. Herts.), Crowhurst, Burwash, Laughton, Chiddingly, Ripe, East Hothly, Wartling, and Dallington. As a proof of the value of heraldric insignia in ascertaining the founders of antient buildings, it may be remarked that, so far as I am aware, the Buckles which adorn the whole of the churches here enumerated, furnish the only evidence (and most irrefragable evidence it must certainly be admitted to be) that the family of Pelham were concerned in their erection or enlargement. There are histories as well as ‘sermons’ ‘in stones!’
[183] From a Paper on the ‘Pelham Buckle’ read before the first meeting of the Archæological Association at Canterbury, 11th September, 1844.
[184] Montagu.
[185] The dogs here alluded to were greyhounds, a Yorkist badge.
[186] Guide, p. 59.
[187] Still retained in the collar of SS.
[188] Vide Chapter XI.
[189] The ‘Hawthorn’ is probably the ‘crown in a bush,’ used in conjunction with the letters H. R. as the badge of Henry VII. This badge originated in the finding of the crown of Richard III in a bush after the battle of Bosworth-Field. (Vide Fosbroke’s Encycl. of Antiq. p. 757.)
[190] Montagu, p. 75, from a MS. in the Pepys. Lib. Cambridge.
[191] Vide Exodus, iii, 14.