[II.] Ivory Cup, set in Gold.
The ornamentation of this cup is of the same date as the preceding. It is like the Nautilus cup enriched with pearls and other precious stones, and its lofty cover is surmounted by the figure of St. George killing the Dragon.
This beautiful cup is also the property of Mr. Howard, with whose family it is historically associated, having been presented by the valiant admiral Sir Edward Howard to Catherine of Arragon. At the Queen’s death it reverted to the Earl of Arundel, and can be traced in the family ever since. During this long period it has been called The Grace Cup of St. Thomas à Becket, and the legends and initials upon it, which may have been retained from some earlier decorations, vouch for this ancient and interesting tradition. Round the lid is the motto “Sobrii Estote,” with the letters T. B. supporting a mitre. Round the body of the cup is chased “Vinum tuum bibe cum gaudio.”
Round the neck of the top is the name GOD*FERARE, probably the name of the goldsmith.
[III.] Antiquities in Jarrow Church.
The Reading-desk is a rich example of Perpendicular, with waving Flamboyant lines in the carving of some portions. From the introduction of these forms Mr. Bloxam has inferred that it is not English workmanship. The Stone carving is very curious, most probably Norman, although it has peculiarities considered until lately to belong to a still earlier date.
Of the chair of the Venerable Bede, little can be said. It has often been engraved: is four feet ten inches high: made of oak. Its ornamentation has never been great, probably not more than the following restoration exhibits.
[IV.] Norman Book-Binding.
This is from a MS. of the book of the Prophet Isaiah, with a gloss or commentary, presented to the Prior and convent of Durham, along with others by Robert de Adington, who is known to have lived about 1160, and preserved in the Library of the Cathedral of Durham, to the present time. It is a leather cover without knobs, those having been added in the etching as characteristic of the binding of that time. It will be seen that the general design is completed by repeating the individual stamps of which it is composed.