I have also a word to say to Mr. Nichols on his remarks on Mr. Ellacombe's view. He imputes to Mr. E. ignorance of the "real formation of the collar." He could only mean that the S hook or link gave the idea of such an ornamental chain; and I believe he is correct: which ornament the taste of the workman would adopt and fashion as we now have it, with the insertion of another link both for the comfort of the wearer, and for variety in the construction.
A series of SSes (SSS) by themselves would certainly be a galling badge, whatever honour might be considered to be conferred with it.
B. (original),
in future SS., as my initial has been
usurped by some unknown friend.
October. 30. 1850.
Collar of Esses.—I am glad to see the interest shown by your correspondents upon this curious subject, and the various opinions expressed by them as to the actual formation of the collar; the signification of the letter, if a letter be intended (of which I think there can be no reasonable doubt); and the persons who were privileged to wear it. The first two questions will for ever occasion discussion; but allow me to suggest that one step towards the solution of the third, would be a collection in your pages of the names of those persons who, either on their monumental effigies or brasses, or in their portraits or otherwise, are
represented as wearing that ornament; together with a short statement of the position held by each of these individuals in the court of the then reigning monarch, seeming to warrant the assumption. Some notices of this sort have been already given, and your antiquarian correspondents will readily supply others; so that in a little time you will have obtained such a list as will greatly assist the inquiry. It may serve as a commencement if I refer to the atchievement of Thomas Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk, in the reign of Richard II., a representation of which is given in Archæologia, vol. xxix. p. 387., where the Collar of Esses is introduced in a very peculiar manner.
Edward Foss.
[As we think the origin and probable meaning of the Collar of Esses have now been discussed as far as they can be with advantage in the present state of our knowledge, we propose to adopt Mr. Foss's suggestion, and in future to limit our columns to a record of such facts as he points out.]