1. So few originals produced—not more than 124 verses.
2. Chatterton had shown (by his article on Christmas games, &c.) that he had a strong turn for antiquities. He had also written poetry. Why then should he not have written Rowley's poems?
3. His declaration that the Battle of Hastings I was his own.
4. Rudhall's testimony.
5. Chatterton first exhibited the Songe to Ælla in his own handwriting, then gave Barrett the parchment, which contained strange textual variations.
6. Rowley's very existence doubtful.
William of Worcester, who lived at his time and was himself of
Bristol, makes no mention of him, though he frequently alludes to
Canynge. Neither Bale, Leland, Pitts nor Turner mentions Rowley.
7. Improbability of there being poems in a muniment chest. 8. Style unlike other fifteenth century writings.
9. No mediæval learning or citation of authority to be found in Rowley; no references to the Round Table and stories of chivalry.
10. Stockings were not knitted in the fifteenth century (Ælla). MSS. are referred to as if they were rarities and printed books common.