It is not quite evident, from the language of the document which records the imbecility of the Countess of Kent in March 1463, whether she was then actually dead. It appears, however, clear that she survived her husband, who lived but a few months to enjoy his newly acquired dignity.
The account given by Dugdale of John, son of Thomas Lord Fauconberge, is scarcely intelligible. He says this lord "left issue John, his son and heir," and subsequently adds, "which John died without issue in the lifetime of his father."
Lord Fauconberge may have had a son by his former wife, but I have seen nothing to confirm this supposition. By an inquisition taken after the death of Sir Walter Fauconberge, Chivaler, at Bedford, on the 18th of November, 1415, it was found that Joan, widow of one Sir John Fauconberge, Chivaler, deceased, whom Thomas Brounflete, junior, afterwards married, was then living, and that she granted to the said Sir Walter all the estate which she had in certain rents payable by Matilda Wake, formerly the wife of Sir Thomas Wake, Chivaler; that the said Sir Walter died on the 1st of September, 1415, but the jurors knew not who was his heir. (Esc. 3 Hen. V., No. 15.) Dugdale (vol. ii. p. 234.) cites a feoffment dated 9 Hen. IV., 1407-8, which shows that Thomas Brounflete, Esq., was then married to the said Joan, and consequently that Sir John Fauconberge was dead at that time.
I must close this, for I fear I have now exceeded the limits which your valuable paper may, with justice to others, spare to subjects of this nature.
William Hardy.
PHOTOGRAPHIC CORRESPONDENCE.
Lining of Cameras.—I find nothing so good to line a camera with as black velvet; for, black the inside of a camera as you will, if it is hard wood or any size used, there will be reflection from the bottom, which, with very sensitive plates, gives a dulness which, I think I may say, is caused by this reflection. I think even the inside of the lens tube might advantageously be lined with black velvet.
W. M. F.