Oct. 7. 1731, I satisfied myself that this was the long-sought-for episcopal see called Sidnacester.
I saw a gold Gratian, reverse, VICTORIA AUG. G. found at Thoroton; in my brother Collins’s possession. The rev. Mr. Guy, of Long Benington, says they find Roman coins in the fields thereabouts.
[95] Newark castle built by Alexander bishop of Lincoln.
[96] April 17, 1730, I heard, in the neighbourhood, of Roman pavements dug up there, and coins. Burton, in his Leicestershire, speaks of antiquities found here.
Upon the Foss-way hereabouts was found a large and fine medallion of Corinthian brass inclosed with wax: among other coins, the head of the emperor M. ANTONINUS AUG. TRP. XXVII. reverse, the head of his son COMMODUS CÆS. GERM. ANTONINI AUG. GERM. FIL. it is of that kind of medals called contorniati. I think it was found in an urn, with a coin or two more.
[97] At this camp of Vernometum, as in divers others, the two brachia advancing inwards of the gate, verge a little to the left: the design of it, as I apprehend, is to expose so much the more the right side of an enemy entering, who have their shields on their left.
[98] A Roman pavement found, 1721, at Medburn cum Holt, near Harborough, Leicestershire.
[99] Mr. Lee of Leicester informs me of a Roman urn, in his possession, found at High-cross; digging for a vault in the church, for the late lord Denbigh, they found a dozen of them covered with Roman bricks.
[100] Cincl squit, natio Guidelia, the Irish nation: so they now call themselves.
[101] Near Bensford bridge and Lutterworth, a vast quantity of silver Roman coins found anno 1725, now in possession of Mr. Walter Reynolds, steward to lord Denbygh of Lutterworth. I saw many of Trajan, Hadrian, Nerva, Vespasian, two large brass Trajans. Feb. 9. 1726, I saw the following in silver.