Sanctus Bell (Vol. v., p. 104.).
—The Glossary of Architecture is right in its description, but not in its conclusion. There are many instances where the Sanctus Bell, or its remains, still exist in the tower or bell chamber. As e.g. at Addington, Bucks, the "Parson's Bell," as it is now called there, is to be seen in a small aperture in the wall of the bell-chamber, exposed to the outside, on the west. A similar aperture, size, and position, but minus the bell, can also be seen in the tower of Merriott, Somerset. The recess in the wall of the tower of Trumpington Church was clearly for the sacristan (perhaps) to stand in to ring the bell. In the ringing chamber in the tower of Halstock, Dorset, is a wedge-like aperture in the wall next the nave; it is about three feet square, and splays from a narrow slit in the church over the tower arch. This was evidently for the sacristan to observe the proper times for ringing the bell. The top of the tower, bell-chamber, &c., had been rebuilt about a hundred years since, which may account for no loop-hole now to be seen. No doubt there are many others.
R. F. M.
Slang Dictionaries.
—The following titles of books of this nature are taken from A Classical Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue. The second edition, corrected and enlarged. 8vo. London, 1788.
1. "A Caveat for Common Cursetors, vulgarly called Vagabones; set forth by Thomas Harman, Esquier, for the Utilitie and Proffyt of hys Naturall Countrye. Newly Augmented and Imprinted, Anno Domini M.D.LXVII."
2. "The Bellman of London, bringing to light the most notorious villanies that are now practised in the Kingdom. Profitable for gentlemen, lawyers, merchants, citizens, farmers, masters of households, and all sorts of servants, to marke and delightfull for men to reade. Lege, Perlege, Relege. 1608."
3. "English Villanies, seven severall times prest to death by the printers; but (still reviving againe) are now the eighth time (as the first) discovered by lanthorne and candle light. Et cet.... London, 1638."
4. "The Canting Academy; or Villanies discovered: Wherein are shown the Mysterious and Villanous Practices of that Wicked Crew, commonly known by the Names of Hectors, Trapanners, Gilts, et cet., with several new Catches and Songs; also a Compleat Canting Dictionary both of Old Words and such as are now most in Use: a Book very useful and necessary (to be known but not practised) for all People. The Second Edition: London. N. B.—The dedication is signed R. Head."
5. "Hell upon Earth; or the most pleasant and delectable History of Whittington's Colledge, otherwise (vulgarly) called Newgate. Giving an Account of the Humours of those Collegians who are strictly examined at the Old Bailey, and take their Highest Degrees near Hyde Park Corner.... London, 1703."