St. Stephen's, Vienna.—A fine tomb, with canopy and effigy, by the side of the south door of the nave. Probably of the 14th century.
I have been disposed to think that the most
probable motive which may have led to tombs and effigies, sometimes of an elaborate and costly character, being placed in such exposed positions, was the desire of obtaining the prayers of the passers-by for the soul of the deceased. It is worth notice, that the usage seems in England to have been very much limited to the 13th, or early part of the 14th century. I should, however, be very glad if any one who may possess information bearing on the subject would communicate it.
N.
MINOR QUERIES.
Meaning of Venwell or Venville.—Will you allow me to make the following Query as to the custom of "Venwell" or "Venville"? Risdon, in his Survey of Devon, states it to be a right enjoyed by the tenants of land adjoining to Dartmoor of pasturage and cutting turf within the limits of the forest. He calls it "Fenfield, antiently Fengfield," but makes no allusion to the etymology of the word, or to the origin of the custom. Some of your correspondents can most probably afford information on both these points.
R.E.G.
4. Lidlington Place, Harrington Square.
Erasmus and Farel.—In D'Aubigné's History of the Reformation, ii. 149. (White's Translation), it is said that Erasmus "instead of Farellus would often write Fallicus, thus designating one of the frankest men of his day with the epithets of cheat and deceiver."