UBRARY CALJFORNIA *AN OIESO Oversiz \ V ( "^be IDictoria Ibistov^ of the (Tounttes of Enolanb EDITED BY WILLIAM PAGE, F.S.A. A HISTORY OF RUTLAND IN TWO VOLUMES VOLUME I The publisher regrets that a few pages of this soaroe copy are slightly soiled as it l^d to be made up from old sheet stook. THE VICTORIA HISTORY OF THE COUNTIES OF ENGLAND RUTLAND LONDON ARCHIBALD CONSTABLE AND COMPANY LIMITED This History is issued to Subscribers only By Archibald Constable & Company Limited and' printed by Eyre & Spottiswoode Limited H.M. Printers of London . INSCRIBED TO THE 'memory OF HER LATE MAJESTY QUEEN VICTORIA WHO GRACIOUSLY GAVE THE TITLE TO AND ACCEPTED THE DEDICATION OF THIS HISTORY THE ADVISORY COUNCIL OF THE VICTORIA HISTORY His Grace The Lord Arch- bishop OF Canterbury His Grace The Duke of Bedford, K.G. Pi esident of the Zoological Society His Grace The Duke op Portland, K.G. His Grace The Duke of Argyll, K.T. The Rt. Hon. The Earl of Rosebery, K.G., K.T. The Rt. Hon. The Earl of Coventry Late President of the Royal Agri- cultural Society The Rt. Hon. The Viscount Dillon Sir Clements R. Markham, K.C.B., F.R.S., F.S.A. Late Pretident of the Royal GeO' graphical Society Sir Henry C. Maxvvell-Lyte, K.CB., M.A., F.S.A., etc. Keeper 0/ the Public Records Sir Edwin RayLankester,K.C.B., MA., LL.D., F.R.S., etc. Late Director of the Natural History Museum^ South Kensington Sir Jos. Hooker, G.C.S.I., M.D., D.C.L., F.R.S., ETC. Col. Sir Duncan A. Johnston, K.C.M.G., C.B., R.E. Late Director General of the Ordnance Sur-vey Laic Prelident of the Society of SiR ARCHIBALD GeIKIE, LL.D., Anticjuaries The Rt. Hon. The Lord Lister Late Pr eiiJent of the Royal Society The Rt. Hon. The Lord Alverstone, G.C.M.G. Lord Chief Justice The Hon. Walter Rothschild, M.P. Sir Frederick Pollock, Bart., LL.D., F.S.A., ETC. Sir Edward Maunde Thomp- son, K.C.B., D.C.L., LL.D., F.S.A. , ETC. Director of the British Museum F.R.S., ETC. Rev. J. Charles Cox, LL.D., F.S.A., ETC. Lionel Cust, M.V.O., M.A., F.S.A., etc. Director •f the National Portrait Gallery Charles H. Firth, M. A., LL.D., D.LiTT , F.S.A. Regius Projessor of Modern History^ Oxford Albert C. L. G. Gunther, M. A., M.D., F.R.S., Ph.D. Late President of the Linnean Society F. Haverfield, M.A., LL.D., F.S.A. Camden Professor of Ancient History Reginald L. Poole, M.A., Ph.D. University Lecturer in Diplomatic, Oxford J. Horace Round, M.A., LL.D. Walter Rye W. H. St. John Hope, M.A. Assistant Secretary of the Society of Antiquaries Among the original members of the Council were The late Duke of Devonshire The late Duke of Rutland The late Marc^uess of Salisbury The late Dr. Mandell Creighton, Bishop of London The late Dr. Stubbs, Bishop of Oxford The late Lord Acton The late Sir William Flower The late Col. Sir J. Farqu- HARSON The late Sir John Evans and The late Professor F. York Powell General Editor — William Page, F.S.A. GENERAL ADVERTISEMENT The Victoria History of the Counties of England is a National Historic Survey which, under the direction of a large staff comprising the foremost students in science, history, and archaeology, is designed to record the history of every county of England in detail. This work was, by gracious permission, dedicated to Her late Majesty Queen Victoria, who gave it her own name. It is the endeavour of all who are associated with the undertaking to make it a worthy and permanent monument to her memory. Rich as every county of England is in materials for local history, there has hitherto been no attempt made to bring all these materials together into a coherent form. Although from the seventeenth century down to quite recent times numerous county histories have been issued, they are very unequal in merit ; the best of them are very rare and costly ; most of them are imperfect and many are now out of date. Moreover, they were the work of one or two isolated scholars, who, however scholarly, could not possibly deal adequately with all the varied subjects which go to the making of a county history. In the Victoria History each county is not the labour of one or two men, but of many, for the work is treated scientifically, and in order to embody in it all that modern scholarship can contribute, a system of co-operation between experts and local students is applied, whereby the history acquires a completeness and definite authority hitherto lacking in similar undertakings. The names of the distinguished men who have joined the Advisory Council are a guarantee that the work represents the results of the latest discoveries in every department of research, for the trend of modern thought insists upon the intelligent study of the past and of the social, institutional, and political developments of national life. As these histories are the first in which this object has been kept in view, and modern principles applied, it is hoped that they will form a work of reference no less indispensable to the student than welcome to the man of culture. THE SCOPE OF THE WORK The history of each county is complete in itself, and in each case its story is told from the earliest times, commencing with the natural features and the flora and fauna. Thereafter follow the antiquities, pre-Roman, Roman, and post-Roman ; ancient earthworks ; a new translation and critical study of the Domesday Survey ; articles on political, ecclesiastical, social, and economic history ; architecture, arts, industries, sport, etc. ; and topography. The greater part of each history is devoted to a detailed description and history of each parish, containing an account of the land and its owners from the Conquest to the present day. These manorial histories are compiled from original documents in the national collections and from private papers. A special feature is the wealth of illustrations afforded, for not only are buildings of interest pictured, but the coats of arms of past and present landowners arc given. HISTORICAL RESEARCH It has always been, and still is, a reproach that England, with a collection of public records greatly exceeding in extent and interest those of any other country in Europe, is yet far behind her neighbours in the study of the genesis and growth of her national and local institutions. Few Englishmen are probably aware that the national and local archives contain for a period of 8oo years in an almost unbroken chain of evidence, not only the political, ecclesiastical, and constitutional history of the kingdom, but every detail of its financial and social progress and the history of the land and its successive owners from generation to generation. The neglect of our public and local records is no doubt largely due to the fact that their interest and value is known to but a small number of people, and this again is directly attributable to the absence in this country of any endowment for historical research. The government of this country has too often left to private enterprise work which our con- tinental neighbours entrust to a government department. It is not surprising, therefore, to find that although an immense amount of work has been done by individual effort, the entire absence of organization among the workers and the lack of intelligent direction has hitherto robbed the results of much of their value. In the Victoria History, for the first time, a serious attempt is made to utilize our national and local muniments to the best advantage by carefully organizing and supervising the researches required. Under the direction of the Records Committee a large staff of experts has been engaged at the Public Record Office in calendaring those classes of records which are fruitful in material for local history, and by a system of interchange of communication among workers under the direct supervision of the general editor and sub-editors a mass of information is sorted and assigned to its correct place, which would otherwise be impossible. THE RECORDS COMMITTEE Sir Edward Maunde Thompson, K.C.B. C. T. Martin, B.A., F.S.A. Sir Henry Maxwell-Lyte, K.C.B. J. Horace Round, M.A., LL.D. W. J. Hardy, F.S.A. S. R. Scargill-Bird, F.S.A. F. Madan, M.A. W. H. Stevenson, M.A. G. F. Warner, M.A., D.Litt., F.S.A. CARTOGRAPHY In addition to a general map in several sections, each History contains Geological, Oro- graphical, Botanical, Archaeological, and Domesday maps ; also maps illustrating the articles on Ecclesiastical and Political Histories, and the sections dealing with Topography. The Series contains many hundreds of maps in all. ARCHITECTURE A special feature in connexion with the Architecture is a series of ground plans, many of them coloured, showing the architectural history of castles, cathedrals, abbeys, and other monastic foundations. In order to secure the greatest possible accuracy, the descriptions of the Architecture, ecclesiastical, military, and domestic, are under the supervision of Mr. C. R. Peers, M.A., F.S.A., and a committee has been formed of the following students of architectural history who are referred to as may be required concerning this department of the work : — ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE J. BiLsoN, F.S.A., F.R.I.B.A. J. A. Gotch, F.S.A., F.R.I.B.A. R. Blomfield, M.A., F.S.A., A.R.A. W. H. St. John Hope, xM.A. Harold Brakspear, F.S.A., A.R.I.B.A. W. H. Knowles, F.S.A., F.R.I.B.A. Prof. G. Baldwin Brown, M.A. Roland Paul, F.S.A. Arthur S. Flower, M.A. J. Horace Round, M.A., LL.D. George E. Fox, M.A., F.S.A. Percy G. Stone, F.S.A., F.R.I.B.A. H. Thackeray Turner, F.S.A. Flora Fauna The general plan of Contents and the names among others of those who are contributing articles and giving assistance are as follows : — Natural History Geology. Clement Reid, F.R.S., Horace B. Woodward, F.R.S., G. A. Lebour, M.A., J. E. Marr, D.Sc, F.R.S., and others Palzontolog)-. R. Lydekker, F.R.S., F.L.S., F.G.S. /Contributions by G. A. Boulenger, F.R.S., J. G. Baker, F.R.S., F.L.S., etc., G. C. Druce, M.A., F.L.S., Walter Garstang, M.A., D.Sc, F.L.S., Rev. A. M. Norman, D.C.L., LL.D., F.R.S., Rev. Canon W. W. Fowler, M.A., D.Sc, F.L.S., F.E.S., Rev. O. Pickard- Cambridgf, M.A., F.R.S., Rev. T. R. R. Steebing, M.A., F.R.S., etc., B. B. Woodward, F.G.S., F.R.M.S., etc. and other Specialists. Prehistoric Remains. W. Boyd Dawkins, D.Sc, LL.D., F.R.S., F.S.A., Geo. Clinch, F.G.S., F.S.A. Scot., John Garstang, M.A., B.Litt., F.S.A., and others Roman Remains. F. Haverfield, M.A., LL.D., F.S.A., and others Ang!o-Sa.xon Remains. C. Hercules Read, LL.D., F.S.A. , Reginald A. Smith, B.\., F.S.A., and othen Domesd.-iy Boole and other kindred Records. J. Horace Round, M.A., LL.D., and other Specialists Architecture. C. R. Peers, M.A., F.S.A., W. H. St. John Hope, M.A., Harold Brakspear, F.S.A., A.R.I.B.A., and others Ecclesiastical History. R. L. Poole, M.A., Rev. H. Gee, D.D., F.S.A., Rev. J. C. Cox, LL.D., F.S.A., A. G. Little, M.A., a.id others Political History. Prof. C. H. Firth, M.A., LL.D., D.Litt., F.S.A., W. H. Stevenson, M..'^., J. Horace Round, M.A., LL.D., Prof. T. F. Tout, M.A., Prof. James Tait, M.A., and A. F. Pollard History of Schools. A. F. Leach, M.A., F.S.A. Maritime History of Coast Counties. Sir John K. Laughton, M.A., M. Oppenheim, and others Topographical Accounts of Parishes and Manors. By Various Authorities Agriculture. Sir Ernest Clarke, M..\., Lite Sec. to the Royal Agricultural Society, and others Forestry. John Nisbet, D.CEc, and others Industries, Arts and Manufactures ^ " Various Authorities I By Social and Economic History Ancient and Modern Sport. E. D. Cuming, the Rev. E. E. Dorlinc, M.A., and others Cricket. Sir Home Gordon, Bart. fv. t / V»T> ©r.#: SCftLE. M N GLO S AXON-ANTl QU 1 Tl E S FROM RUTLAND ^ Prtre-TORms^jJ THE VICTORIA HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF RUTLAND EDITED BY WILLIAM PAGE, F.S.A. VOLUME ONE LONDON ARCHIBALD CONSTABLE AND COMPANY LIMITED 1908 CONTENTS OF VOLUME ONE PAGE Dedication ............... v The Advisory Council of the Victoria History ......... vii General Advertisement ............. vii Contents ............... xiii List of Illustrations and Maps ............ xv Preface ............... . xvii Table of Abbreviations ............. xix Natural History : — Geology By A. Jukes-Browne, B.A., F.G.S i Palaeontology .... By R. Lydekker, F R.S., F L S., F.G S ... 17 Botany ..... By Howard Candler, M.A. ..... 19 Zoology : — Molluscs By B. B. Woodward, F.L.S., F.G.S., F R.M.S., and C. E. Wright . . . . . -35 Insects . . . . -By Robert N. Douglas, M.A. ..... 38 Orthoptera {Earwigs, Cock- roaches, Grasshoppers, and Crickets) ..............38 Neuroptera {Psoctds, Stone-_fiies, Mayflies, Dragon-flies, (sfc.) .......... .38 Hymenoptera {Ants, Wasps, Bees, ye.) ............. 39 Coleoptera {Beetles) ........... 30 Lepidoptera {Butterflies and Metis) 40 Rhopalocera ............ .4.1 Heterocera ............. 42 Diptera {Flies) ... .......... 4c Y{tm'i-pitr^{Bugs,Plant-lice,{^c.) . , . . , . . . . .45 Heteroptera ............. 4c Homoptera •••-......... 4.C Crustaceans . . . . By the Rev. T. R. R. Stebbing, M.A., F.R.S., F.Z.S. . 46 Fishes By C. Reginald Haines, M.A., F.S.A., F.R. Hist. Soc, M.B.O.U 5, Reptiles and Batrachians . . ,, ,, ., ^^ . . . . ca Birds .....,, „ ,, „ . . . . cc M.-immals . . . . „ „ „ ,, . _ _ ^^ Early Man By Vernon B. Crowther-Beynon, M.A, F.S.A. . 81 Romano-British Rutland . . . By H. B. Walters, M.A , F.S A , and Miss Keate . 85 Anglo-Saxon Remains . . .By Reginald A Smith, B A., F.S.A 95 Ancient Earthworks . . . By J. Charles Wall . . . . . .107 Introduction to the Rutland Domesday By F M. Stenton, M.A. 121 Translation of the Rutland Domesday „ ,, „ .... 158 xiii CONTENTS OF VOLUME ONE Ecclesiastical History . . .By the Sister Elspeth of t Religious Houses » Introduction ........ Priory of Brooke ........ Hospital of Tolethorpe . ...... Hospital of St. Margaret, Great Casterton ........ Hospiul of St. John Evangelist and St. Anne at Oakham ....... College of Blessed Mary at Manton .... Priory of Edith Weston ...... Political History : To 1625 By J. M. Ramsay, M.A. From 1625 . . . . 'By Urquhart A. Forbes Social .ind Economic History . . By Miss S. E. Moffat Table of Population, 1801-1901 , By G. S. Minchin . Industries . , . . 'By Miss E. M. Hewitt Introduction ........ Quarrying ......... Wool and Textiles Agriculture By W. H. R. Curtler Forestry By the Rev. J. C. Cox, L Schools By F. Fletcher, M.A. Introduction ........ The Grnmmar Schools of Oakham and Uppingham ....... Their Foundation .... . . . Subsequent History of Oakham Grammar School ....... Subsequent History of Uppingham Grammar School ....... Elementary Schools founded before 1800 Sport Ancient and Modern . . Edited by the Rev. E. E. Fox-hunting . . . .By Cuthbert Bradley The Cottesmore ....... Racing By Major Hughes Onslov Shooting , Angling „ „ „ . he Commur It L.D., F.S.A DoRLINC, W f lity o( [.A. ■Alls aints 1 + 3 •59 159 161 162 162 163 163 165 18+ 21 1 229 233 235 236 239 251 259 261 261 269 298 301 301 306 306 307 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS :j Anglo-Saxon Antiquities. By C. J. Praetorius, F.S.A, Early Man : — Cottesmore : Bronze Age Hoard Great Casterton : Two Views of Neolithic Skull . „ „ Polished Celt .... Oakham : Coarsely-chipped Celt Great Casterton : Three Fabricating Stones Romano-British Rutland : — Langham : Bronze Statuette .... Market Overton : G.iulish Bowl and Jar of Castor-ware Barrow : Roman Fibula Market Overton : ' Wasters ' from Kiln Roman Bronze Steelyard Sketch Plan of Site . Plan of Entrenchments Bronze and Enamelled Brooch Gaulish Ornamented Pottery of Secon Part of Bronze Figure Anglo-Saxon Remains :— North Luffenham Cemetery : Iron Arrow-heads Bronze Girdle-end, S.imson, Namur North LufFenham : Sepulchral Pottery „ „ Iron Shield-boss „ „ Bronze-mounted Bucket . „ „ Bronze-gilt Cruciform Brooch Market Overton : Portion of Bronze Brooch Ancient Earthworks : — Great Casterton : The Camp Market Overton : Camp . Beaumont Chase : Castle Hill Essendine Castle Great Casterton : Woodhead Castle Oakham Castle .... Whissendine Moat Liddington : Fish Stews . . Frontispiece full-page plate, facing 8 2 d Century full-page plate. full-page plate. full-page plate. full-page plate. full-page plate ^ facing 86 facing 8 8 89 9' 92 92 93 facing facing facing 97 98 98 99 100 102 104 109 1 10 114 114 •'5 116 118 LIST OF MAPS Geological Map Orographical Map Botanical Map Pre-Historical Map Roman Map Anglo-Saxon Map Ancient Earthworks Map Domesday Map Ecclesiastical Map facing I 9 19 81 85 95 107 121 '59 PREFACE THE county of Rutland covers so small an area that it is difficult in dealing with its history not to trespass over the borders. This has been particularly felt with regard to the articles on the natural history of the county. Its size also militates against any great individuality, and hence perhaps the reason why its history has not been completely written since James Wright issued his History and Antiquities of the County of Rutland in 1684, with additions in 1687 and 17 14. Thomas Blore commenced to write The History and Antiquities of the County of Rutland, but only vol. i, pt. 2, which comprises the East Hundred and Hundred of Casterton Parva, was published in 181 1, the value of which was increased by the drawings of his more eminent son Edward Blore the architect. The editor wishes especially to thank Mr. V. B. Crowther-Beynon M.A., F.S.A., for his assistance in many ways, but particularly in reading the proofs of the articles in this volume, and thus adding to the accuracy of the work in a manner that only one with so intimate a knowledge of the county could do. The editor also desires to express his indebtedness to Mr. J. Horace Round, M.A., LL.D., for his suggestions with regard to the article on the Domesday Survey; to Mr. W. Hinman Wing, M.A., F.S.A., and the Rev. E. A. Irons, M.A., for much help ; to Mr. W. Denison Roebuck, F.L.S., and Mr. W. J. Lucas, B.A., F.E.S., for the revision of some of the natural history articles, and to the Society of Antiquaries for illustrations. TABLE OF ABBREVIATIONS Abbrev. Plac. (Rec. Abbreviatio Placitorum (Re- Com.) cord Commission) Acts of P.C. . . Acts of Privy Council Add Additional Add. Chart. . . Additional Charters Admir Admiralty Agarde .... Agarde's Indices Anct. Corresp. . . Ancient Correspondence Anct. D. (P.R.O.) Ancient Deeds(Public Record A 2420 Office) A 2420 Ann. Mon. . . Annales Monastic! Antiq Antiquarian or Antiquaries App Appendix Arch Archaeologia or Archaeological Arch. Cant. . . Archsologia Cantiana Archd. Rec. . . Archdeacons' Records Archit Architectural Assize R. . . . Assize Rolls Aud. Off. . . . Audit Office Aug. Off. . . . Augmentation Office Ayloffe . . . AylofFe's Calendars Bed Bedford Beds Bedfordshire Berks .... Berkshire Bdle Bundle B.M British Museum Bodl. Lib. . . . Bodley's Library Boro Borough Brev. Reg. . . . Brevia Regia Brit Britain,British, Britannia, etc. Buck Buckingham Bucks .... Buckinghamshire Cal Calendar Camb. . . . Cambridgeshire or Cambridge Cambr Cambria, Cambrian, Cam- brensis, etc. Campb. Chart . . Campbell Charters Cant Canterbury Cap Chapter Carl Carlisle Cart. Antiq. R. . Carts Antiquas Rolls C.C.C. Camb. . . Corpus Christi College, Cam- bridge Certiorari Bdles. Certiorari Bundles (Rolls (Rolls Chap.) Chapel) Chan. Enr. Decree Chancery Enrolled Decree R. Rolls Chan. Proc. . . Chancery Proceedings Chant. Cert. . . Chantry Certificates (or Cer- tificates of Colleges and Chantries) Chap. Ho. . . . Chapter House Charity Inq. . . Charity Inquisitions Chart. R. 20 Hen. Charter Roll, 20 Henry III. III. pt. i. No. 10 part i. Number 10 Chartul. . Chas. Ches. Chest. . . . Ch. Gds. (Exch K.R.) Chich. . Chron. . Close Co. . . Colch. . Coll. . Com. Com. Pleas Conf. R. Co. Plac. Cornw. . Corp. Cott. . Ct. R. . Ct. of Wards Cumb. . Cur. Reg. D. . . D. and C. De Banc. R Dec. and Ord Dep. Keeper's I Derb. . . Devon . Dioc. Doc. . . Dods. MSS. Dom. Bk. . Dors. Duchy of Lane Dur. East. . . Eccl. . . Eccl. Com. Edw. . . Eliz. . . Engl. . . Engl. Hist. Rev. Enr. . . Epis. Reg. . Esch. Enr. Accts. Excerpta e Rot. Fin (Rec. Com.) Exch. Dep. Exch. K.B. Exch. K.R. Exch. L.T.R. Chartulary Charles Cheshire Chester Church Goods (Exchequer King's Remembrancer) Chichester Chronicle, Chronica, etc. Close Roll County Colchester Collections Commission Common Pleas Confirmation Rolls County Placita Cornwall Corporation Cotton or Cottonian Court Rolls Court of Wards Cumberland Curia Regis Deed or Deeds Dean and Chapter De Banco Rolls Decrees and Orders Deputy Keeper's Reports Derbyshire or Derby Devonshire Diocese Documents Dodsworth MSS Domesday Book Dorsetshire Duchy of Lancaster Durham Easter Term Ecclesiastical Ecclesiastical Commission Edward Elizabeth England or English English Historical Review Enrolled or Enrolment Episcopal Registers Escheators Enrolled Accounts Excerpta e Rotulis Finium (Record Commission) Exchequer Depositions Exchequer King's Bench Exchequer King's Remem- brancer Exchequer Lord Treasurer's Remembrancer XIX TABLE OF ABBREVIATIONS Eich. of Pleas, Plea R. Exch. of Receipt . Exch. Spec. Com. . Feet of F. Feod. Accts. Wards) Feod. Surv. Wards) Feud. Aids fol. . . Foreign R. Forest Proc. (Ct. of (Ct. of Exchequer of Pleas, Ple.i Roll Exchequer of Receipt Exchequer Special Coramis- Feet of Fines Feodaries Accounts (Court of Wards) Feodaries Surveys (Court of Wards) Feudal Aids Folio Foreign Rolls Forest Proceedings Gaz Gazette or Gazetteer Gen Genealogical, Genealogica, etc. Geo George Glouc Gloucestershire or Gloucester Guild Certif.(Chan.) Guild Certificates (Chancery) Ric. II. Richard II. Memo. R. . . . Mich Midd Mins. Accts. . . Misc. Bks. (Exch. K.R., Exch. T.R. or Aug. Off.) Mon. Monm. Mun. Mus. N. .ind Q. . Norf. . . Northampt. Northants . Northumb. . Norw. . . Nott. . . N.S. Memoranda Rolls Michaelm.is Term Middlesex Ministers' Accounts Miscellaneous Books (Ex- chequer King's Remem- brancer, Exchequer Trea- sury of Receipt or Aug- mentation Office) Monastery, Monasticon Monmouth Muniments or Munimenta Museum Notes and Queries Norfolk Northampton Northamptonshire Northumberland Norwich Nottinghamshire or Notting- ham New Style Hants Harl. Hen. Heref Hertf. Herts Hil. . Hist. Hist. MSS. Hosp. Hund. R. Hunt. . Hunts Inq. a.q.d. Inq. p.m. Inst. . . Invent. . Ips. . Itin. . . Com. Jas. . Journ. Lamb. Lib. Lane L. and P. Hen. VIII. Lansd. Ld. Rev. Rec. . . Leic Le Neve's Ind. Lib Lich Line Lond m. Mem. Hampshire Harley or Harleian Henry Herefordshire or Hereford Hertford Hertfordshire Hilary Term History, HistoricaljHistorian, Historia, etc. Historical MSS. Commission Hospital Hundred Rolls Huntingdon Huntingdonshire Inquisitionsad quod damnum Inquisitions post mortem Institute or Institution Inventory or Inventories Ipswich Itinerary James Journal Lambeth Library Lancashire or Lancaster Letters and Papers, Hen. VIII. Lansdowne Land Revenue Records Leicestershire or Leicester Le Neve's Indices Library Lichfield Lincolnshire or Lincoln London Membrane Memorials Off. Orig. O.S. Oxf , Palmer's Ind. P.il. of Chest. Pal. of Dur. Pal. of Lane. Par. ... Pari. . . . Pari. R. . . Pari. Surv. . Partic. for Gts. Pat. ... P.C.C. . . Pet Peterb Phil Pipe R Plea R Pop. Ret. . . . Pope Nich. Tax. (Rec. Com.) P.R.O Proc. . . . Proc. Soc. Antiq. pt. Pub. R Rec. . . . Recov. R. . . Rentals and Surv. Rep Rev Ric Office Originalia Rolls Ordnance Survey Oxfordshire or Oxford Page Palmer's Indices Palatinate of Chester P.ilatinate of Durham Palatinate of Lancaster Parish, parochial, etc. Parliament or Parliamentary Parliament Rolls Parliamentary Surveys Particulars for Grants Patent Roll or Letters Patent Prerogative Court of Canter- bury Petition Peterborough Philip Pipe Roll Plea Rolls Population Returns Pope Nicholas' Taxation (Re- cord Commission) Public Record Office Proceedings Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries Part Publications Roll Records Recovery Rolls Rentals and Surveys Report Review Richard XX TABLE OF ABBREVIATIONS RofF. .... Rochester diocese Rot. Cur. Reg. . Rotuli Curiae Regis Rut Rutland Sarum .... Salisbury diocese Ser Series Sess. R Sessions Rolls Shrews Shrewsbury Shrops .... Shropshire Soc Society Soc. Antiq. . . . Society of Antiquaries Somers Somerset Somers. Ho. . . Somerset House S.P. Dom. . . . State Papers Domestic Staff. .... Staffordshire Star Chamb. Proc. Star Chamber Proceedings Stat Statute Steph Stephen Subs. R. ... Subsidy Rolls Suff. Suffolk Surr Surrey Suss Sussex Surv. of Ch. Liv- Surveys of Church Livings ings (Lamb.) or (Lambeth) or (Chancery) (Chan.) Topog Topography or Topographi- cal Trans Transactions Transl Translation Treas Treasury or Treasurer Trin Trinity Term Univ University Valor Eccl. Com.) Vet. Mon. . V.C.H. . . Vic. . . . vol. . (Rec. Warw. . Westm. . Westmld. Will. . Wilts . Winton. Wore. Yorks Valor Ecclesiasticus (Record Commission) Vetusta Monumenta Victoria County History Victoria Volume Warwickshire or Warwick Westminster Westmorland William Wiltshire Winchester diocese Worcestershire or Worcester Yorkshire XXI A HISTORY OF RUTLAND HISTOKV OF RUTLAND GEOLOGICAL MAP BASED ON THE MAPS OF THE GEOLOGICAL SURVEY THE VICTORIA HISTORY OF THE COUNTIES OF ENGLAND GEOLOGY THE county of Rutland occupies a portion of the undulating uplands which lie between the great low-lying plain of the Fen- land on the east and the somewhat higher inland plain formed by the outcrop of the Liassic clays on the west. The uplands, which rise in places to 600 and 700 feet above the sea, owe their exis- tence to the outcrop of certain limestones which will be described in the following pages. A sketch map of the geology of Rutland was published by Dr. W. Smith in 1821, but little attention was given to the rocks of this county until they were examined by Professor J. W. Judd for the Geological Survey. His map (engraved on the Ordnance Survey sheet 64) was issued in 1872, and his memoir on 'The Geology of Rutland,' published in 1875, contained a full description of its geological structure as well as a comparison of its rocks with those of more southern coun- ties. It is this map and memoir that form the chief source of our information on the subject. The western border of the county from Belton to Whissendine, coming within the area of sheet 156 of the new series of ordnance maps, receives some notice in the recent official ex- planation of that sheet by Mr. Fox-Strangways entitled, ' The Geology of the Country near Leicester' [Mem. Geol. Survey, 1903). The rocks which come to the surface and form the subsoils of Rut- landshire belong to two very diffisrent series, formed at two widely separ- ate periods of geological time, the Jurassic and the Pleistocene. There are no strata referable to the intervening Cretaceous, Eocene, Oligocene, Miocene and Pliocene periods. Those of the Jurassic rocks which come within the limits of the county belong to the groups known as the Lias and the Lower Oolites, and like most of the formations in this part of England they dip to the eastward, that is to say the beds are not horizontal but are tilted and so inclined that they pass one under the other to the eastward. Conse- quently the older beds are found in the western part of the county and the newer in the eastern part, the latter in their turn passing below the higher Jurassic beds which form the floor of the Fenland. This regular dip of the Jurassic beds is only interrupted here and there by small faults or displacements. The most notable of these faults crosses the valley of the Welland from near Ketton to Duddington, and as it has an upthrow on the eastern side the beds which are brought to the surface on that side are older than those found on the western side. A HISTORY OF RUTLAND Smaller displacements occur near Pilton, Edith Weston and Whitwell and again near Clipsham to the northward. The Pleistocene deposits, unlike the Jurassic rocks, have no regular dip or inclination, but rest irregularly and unconformably on the older rocks, and occur at all levels from the hill-tops to the valley-floors. Un- der the head of Pleistocene it is convenient to include the newest river- gravels and the recent alluvium, though some prefer to exclude these from the Pleistocene series and to group them as Neolithic or Recent. The following is a tabular view of the different rock-groups and those subdivisions which are generally recognized as occurring in the county of Rutland. Period Pleistocene Jurassic Formation Postglacial Glacial . Lower Oolites Lias Great Oolite Inferior Oolite ' Upper Middle . . , Lower Character of the Strata Approximate thickness in feet River alluvium, Valley-gravel Boulder-clays, Gravels anc s 0 to 20 1 sands up to 200 rCornbrash .... about 15 15 to 30 about 20 Great Oolite Clays Great Oolite Limestone . , Upper Estuarine Beds . Lincolnshire Limestone 20 to 30 up to 80 .Northampton Sands . up to 30 Clays and Limestones . about 180 JMarlstone Rock . . \Clays and Sands . . Clays 100 to 150 about 800 The main physical features of the county of Rutland, as also of the adjoining areas to the north and south of it, are due to the sculpturing action of rain and running water operating on an inclined series of rocks which vary in hardness and in the capacity of resisting such erosion. It is safe to say that if the rocks were not so diverse in lithological char- acters, or if they were not inclined to the east, the physical features of the country would have been different. The most resistant rocks in the suc- cession above given are the Marlstone Rock, the Northampton Sands and the Lincolnshire Limestone ; these form two ridges with steep slopes or escarpments which run nearly north and south through the counties of Northampton, Rutland and Lincoln. Very little of the outer or Marlstone ridge comes within the limits of Rutland, but the escarpment of the Inferior Oolite runs through the middle of the county, though crossed and broken through by the valley of the Welland and those of its tribu- tary streams. Some isolated hills are formed by tracts of Great Oolite or by patches of Boulder-Clay. THE LOWER AND MIDDLE LIAS The oldest tormation which comes to the surface in Rutland is the clay of the Lower Lias, but this is only found over a small tract in the 2 GEOLOGY north-eastern corner of the county, though it occupies a large area in the adjoining county of Leicester. The Middle Lias consists of the following succession of beds arranged in descending order : — Thickness in feet. 5. The Rock-bed or Marlstone Rock 6 to 18 4. Sandy shales and light blue clays with bands of ironstone balls about 30 3. Blue clay, with flattish septarian concretions 20 to 30 2. Blue micaceous clays with septaria and many fossils . . . . ] I. Beds of soft ferruginous and micaceous sandstone alternating 1- 50 to 70 with light blue clays I The four lower groups form the zone of Ammonites margaritatus, which thus has a thickness of from 100 to 120 feet. The Marlstone Rock forms a separate zone, that of A. spinatus. The lower clays of the A. margaritatus zone are found only in the north-west corner of the county by Whissendine, Ashwell and Teigh ; they yield many fossils, of which the commonest are A. margaritatus^ Belemnites elongatus, Cardium truncatum, Modiola scalprum and Pkuromya costata. The higher beds are exposed in some brickyards near Oakham and Langham and also at Belton west of Uppingham, but fossils are rare in them. The Marlstone Rock is a ferruginous limestone, often passing into good workable ironstone. In its natural unweathered state it is a hard crystalline rock of a blue or green colour, but near the surface it is oxidized and weathered into a soft brown rubbly stone. It consists of several beds, some of which are harder than others, and they are usually crowded with fossils ; the shells of Rhynchonel/a tetrahedra and Terebratula punctata are especially abundant and often form calcareous masses or agglomerations, the interior of every shell being filled with crystalline calcspar. Other common fossils are Belemnites paxillosus, B. e/ongatus, Pecten cequivahis, P. dentatus, Hinnites abjectus and Avicula inaquivahis. This rock has been quarried both as a building-stone and as iron-ore. Its main outcrop enters the county about two miles south-west of Whis- sendine, passing first north-eastward and then southward into the vale of Catmose by Langham and Oakham to Egleton and Nether Hambleton. Inliers of it and of the underlying shales are found in the valley of the Gwash near Braunston, in the higher part of the valley of the Chater, and again round Belton, Wardley and Stockerston in that of the Eye brook ; this last tract is shown as part of the main outcrop on the old map (sheet 64), but a recent revision of this district by Mr. Fox- Strangways has led him to think that the outcrop of the Marlstone Rock is continuous beneath the drift from Tugby through Skeffington.' Where the Rock-bed forms the subsoil, as in the Vale of Catmos, the soil is of a bright red-brown colour, and being highly productive is almost everywhere ploughed and cropped, being thus in marked contrast to the adjacent slopes of Upper Lias clays which are usually left in the state of pasture land. * See 'Geology of the County near Leicester,' Mem. Geol. Survey, p. 36 (1903). 3 A HISTORY OF RUTLAND THE UPPER LIAS This division occupies a considerable area in the western half of the county, though its surface is largely concealed by the Pleistocene deposits. It consists entirely of clays, which form the steep slopes be- neath the escarpments of the Inferior Oolite : this mass of clay has a thickness of from i6o to i8o feet and is divisible into two zones, a lower zone oi Ammonites serpentinus, which is only a few feet thick, and an upper zone of A. communis, which includes the rest of the division. Between the Middle and Upper Lias there are usually a few inches of red or yellow sandy clay which is known as the ' Transition bed ' and yields a mixture of fossils belonging to the two divisions. Above it are the ' Paper Shales,' 12 to 18 inches of bluish-grey shale including one or more lenticular layers of argillaceous limestone ; these beds yield remains of fish and insects chiefly in the form of scales and fragments. The fish belong to the genera Lepidotus, Lepto/epis and Pachycormus, but complete specimens are rare. The shales are succeeded by a grey marly clay and a layer of hard ferruginous limestone in which Ammonites are abundant, the commonest being the species known as A. serpentinus, A. exaratus, A. communis and A. Holandrei. The zone of A. communis has at the base a few feet of bluish marly clay, at the top of which are some thin layers of limestone con- taining an abundance of the characteristic Ammonite. Above this band come about 60 feet of dark blue clays without fossils. Then comes another fossiliferous band distinguished by the abundance of small spiral univalve shells, especially Cerithium armatum, and by the prevalence of Ammonites Jibulatus and Nucula Hammeri. These have been termed the Lower Leda Beds or Cerithium Beds by Mr. Beeby Thompson.^ Clays without fossils succeed and are surmounted by others in which fossils occur ; the latter are the Upper Leda Beds which may possibly belong to a higher zone than that of A. communis, since Mr. Thompson has pointed out that they contain some fossils which are characteristic of the zone of A. jurensis in Yorkshire. The Upper Lias clays furnish good material for the manufacture of bricks, tiles and drain-pipes. THE NORTHAMPTON SANDS There is evidence that the Upper Lias had undergone a certain amount of erosion before the deposition of the Northampton Sands, for the base of the latter often contains pebbles of argillaceous stone which have evidently been derived from the Lias, and are covered with Serpulce or bored by lithodomus molluscs. This break in the succession is not however one of great magnitude, on the contrary it can only be a part of the zone of A. jurensis, which is missing, for that ammonite is found in the Northampton Sands. * In papers on the Liaj of Northamptonshire in the Journal rf the North Nat. Hist. Soe. vols, iii, iv, and V. (1884-8). 4 GEOLOGY In Rutlandshire these sands comprise beds of sandy ironstone at the base (from 6 to 1 2 feet thick) which pass up through brown ferruginous sandstone and brown sand into fine white sand with thin layers of grey clay and lignite ; these upper beds are from 10 to 20 feet thick and are known as the Lower Estuarine Series. The main outcrop of the Northampton Sands enters Rutland near Barrowden in the valley of the Welland and forms part of the ridge which runs northward by Morcott and LufFenham to Whitwell, Burley and Market Overton. There are however some extensive outliers to the west of this line, one large irregular outlier forming the ridges which extend from Seaton and Morcot to and beyond Uppingham ; others occur round Ridlington, Pilton, Manton and Hambleton. The sands are everywhere a source of water-supply (see p. 13), and springs occur at frequent intervals along their line of outcrop. The ironstone, when quarried at some depth from the surface or traversed in sinking wells, is a hard compact rock of a blue or greenish colour, consisting mainly of carbonate of iron and largely composed of small round grains which are formed of concentric layers, so that the rock has an oolitic structure. Near the surface however it has been oxidized and altered by the percolation of water, so that it presents a very different aspect, being then a brown porous or cellular rock consisting entirely of hydrated peroxide of iron. The transition from the one aspect to the other can sometimes be seen in a deep quarry, for at some depth from the surface each block of stone will be found to contain a centre of grey or bluish carbonate of iron, and still lower down there is more of the blue and less of the brown ironstone in every block, till at last the whole mass consists of the carbonate, which is solid and heavy, while the brown ore is light and is called ' kale ' by the quarrymen and well-sinkers. Near Uppingham and also at some other places the lowest beds are more calcareous and less ferruginous than those which overlie them, and have been extensively quarried for building purposes ; at Uppingham there is from 6 to 8 feet of such stone. Where the rock is oxidized the fossils have been destroyed, but in the blue rock shells are sometimes abundant ; they are almost all of marine genera, and the commonest are Ammonites Murchisona^ Belemnites gtganteus, the bivalves Astarte elegans, hucina Wrighti, Ceromya bajociana, Pholadomya Jidicula, and the sea-urchin Pygaster semisulcatus. These fossils show that the rock represents the lower part of the Inferior Oolite of the south-west of England, namely the zones of Ammonites opalinus and A. Murchisonce. In the overlying sands fossils are rare, but shells of Cyrena have been found in some places, and plant remains with vertical casts of their root- lets are not unfrequent ; moreover the thin layers of lignite have been formed by the decay of vegetation, and each layer is underlain by a thin seam of clay, just as in the Coal Measures beds of coal are generally underlain by beds of clay. It is clear that the whole group of beds was 5 A HISTORY OF RUTLAND formed in close proximity to land, probably in the estuary of a large river or in lagoons adjoining such an estuary. THE LINCOLNSHIRE LIMESTONE This formation has received its name from the fact of its being most fully developed in Lincolnshire, and though it extends southward through Rutland and part of Northamptonshire it becomes rapidly thinner to the southward and finally disappears near Kettering and Maidwell. It is believed to represent the upper part of the Inferior Oolite of Gloucester- shire. There is a complete passage from the Northampton Sands to the Lincolnshire limestone, and the passage-beds consist of sandy and shaly limestones which have been used for roofing-slates and are known as ' Collyweston Slate ' from the village of that name south-west of Stam- ford. These beds are from 2 to lofeet thick and exhibit on the surfaces ripple-markings, worm-tracks and plant-remains, clear indications of their having been deposited in shallow water, but that this was the water of the open sea is proved by the purely marine fossils which they contain ; among these may be mentioned the Gasteropods Malaptera Betitleyi and Nat'ica cincta, with the bivalves Gervillia acuta, Pecten lens, Lucina IVrighti and 'Trigonia impressa. These passage-beds are succeeded by shelly limestones and oolitic freestones, which have a thickness of about 80 feet near Stamford and have been quarried in many places for building-stone. They exhibit various tints of yellow, grey and brown, and contain a great variety of fossils. The shelly limestones are indeed entirely composed of small shells and broken fragments of shells with broken spines and plates of Echinoidea (sea-urchins) and the joints of Crinoidea (sea-lilies). In these beds the univalve shells (Gasteropoda) are generally water-worn, and the bivalve shells are single valves, often rolled or broken ; hence it is inferred that the beds are banks of dead shells, drifted and brought together by the action of currents on the sea floor. Other beds are largely or entirely composed of small oolitic grains ; these form some of the best freestones, and do not contain many fossils, except those of very small size. There is still a third variety of rock called by Professor Judd the ' coralline facies,' which is a marly limestone, compact or but slightly oolitic in texture and abounding in corals. Some of these beds appear to have been actually parts of coral reefs, and have yielded corals belonging to the genera Isastrcea, 'Thamnastroea, Thecosmilia and Latimceandra, as well as many Brachiopoda and Mollusca, such as T'erebratula maxillata. Pinna cuneata, Modiola soiverbyana, Ceromya bajociana, Pholadomya Jidkula with species of Natica and Ner'moea. Cephalopoda are rare, but A. Murchisona, A. Blagdeni and A. subradiatus have been recorded. In referring to the accompanying map, and to that of the Geological Survey (sheet 64), from which it is reduced, it must always be remem- GEOLOGY bered that the rocks indicated are not everywhere exposed at the surface. This is especially the case with the Lincolnshire Limestone, large tracts of which are buried beneath accumulations of Boulder-Clay and Gravel. It so happens however that more of it is exposed in Rutland than in the adjacent part of Northampton, and as it underlies the greater part of the eastern half of the county from Barrowden on the south to Thistleton on the north, and from Barnsdale Hill on the west to Stamford on the east, it will be seen that this limestone is a prominent feature in the geology of the county. The limestone produces a light soil of a bright red colour, and Professor Judd has remarked that the county probably acquired its name of Rutland (i.e. red land) from the prevalent colour of its soil, for not only the Lincolnshire Limestone, but the Northampton Sands and the Marlstone Rock (see p. 3.) also produce red soils, and these soils have been washed down the clay slopes below the outcrops of the rocks which produce them. The Lincolnshire Limestone has been extensively quarried for building-stone at Ketton, Casterton, Stamford and Clipsham, as well as at Barnack, Wittering and Wansford in Northamptonshire. Professor Judd remarks that the freestones are of greater value when quarried from under the clays of the Upper Estuarine Series, that of Ketton being specially famous for its strength and durability. This Ketton stone is a bed of yellowish oolite from 3 to 4 feet thick, and has been employed in many of the ancient and modern buildings at Cambridge, Bury St. Edmunds, Bedford and Stamford, and also in Ely and Peterborough Cathedrals. THE GREAT OOLITE SERIES Throughout the counties of Northampton, Rutland and Lincoln the Great Oolite presents a regular sequence of beds, consisting of four well marked groups, two of which are limestones and two are clays. In ascending order these groups are known as (i) Upper Estuarine Series ; (2) Great Oolite Limestone ; (3) Great Oolite Clay, and (4) Cornbrash. Only a small portion of the main outcrop of these beds comes within the limits of Rutland, but outliers of them form hills near Barrowden, Ketton, Casterton, Pickworth and Clipsham. (i) The Upper Estuarine Series. — At the base of this group there is generally a layer of brown nodular ironstone, which either rests directly on the Lincolnshire Limestone or is separated from it by a thin layer of white marly clay. Though only from i to 3 feet thick this ironstone is generally a conspicuous feature in exposures of this horizon, and the upper surface of the Limestone shows signs of having suffered a certain amount of erosion before the formation of the ironstone. Such current erosion may have been caused by a slight general uplift of the area of deposition and a consequent shallowing of the water, or by the deflection of the current from a neighbouring river. In whatever way the change was brought about it is certain that the whole area, which 7 A HISTORY OF RUTLAND had previously been the floor of a clear open sea in which even corals could exist, was suddenly converted into an estuary or a bay of shallow water which was constantly turbid with the mud and silt carried into it by one or more rivers. The beds above the ironstone band consist of variously coloured clays — blue, black, green, grey and white — with occasional courses of sandy limestone and layers of fibrous carbonate of lime called 'beef by the quarrymen. In some of these beds the fossils are marine, including shells of Ostrea, Modiola, Card'mm and Cuspidaria ; in others they belong to freshwater genera such as Uw/o, Cyrena and Paludina ; while the black carbonaceous clays generally contain plant remains and pieces of wood. The usual thickness of this set of beds is from 20 to 30 feet. (2) Great Oolite Limestone. — This division consists of alternat- ing beds of whitish limestone and marly clay with occasional layers made up of small oysters (0. Soweriyi a.nd 0. subrugulosd). The limestones are usually soft, white and marly, but are sometimes more or less shelly. They are seldom oolitic, and thus differ from those of the Lincolnshire Limestone. When protected by any thickness of clay the beds are bluish and hard. There is always a complete passage downward into the Estuarine clays and upwards into the Great Oolite clays. Many of the fossils which occur in these beds range up into the Cornbrash, but there are a few which by their special abundance serve to charac- terize the Great Oolite ; these are the oysters above mentioned, with Modiola imbricata, Homomya gibbosa, and Clypeus Mulleri. In some places too the palatal teeth of a kind of shark [Strophodus) are not uncommon and are called fossil slugs by the workmen. Corals are sometimes found, a species belonging to the genus Isastrea being abundant near Essendine. The Great Oolite Limestone caps the slopes and spurs of the Upper Estuarine clays, forming flat-topped tabular hills, which give a distinct character to the scenery of the district in which they occur. The soils of these beds are of high value to the farmer in consequence of the mixture of calcareous and argillaceous matter which they contain ; being heavier and more retentive than that of the Lincolnshire Lime- stone they are more favourable in seasons of drought. (3) Great Oolite Clay. — This was called the BHsworth Clay by Mr. S. Sharp,' but the name has not yet been generally adopted. Its component beds are of various colours — blue, purple, green and yellow, with occasional layers of calcareous or ferruginous nodules. Fossils are not common in this part of the series, but there are some- times thin seams made up of a small oyster-like shell {Placunopsis socialis), and bones of the large dinosaurian reptile called Cetiosaurus have been found at Banthorpe and Essendine north-east of Stamford. These clays vary in thickness from i 5 to 30 feet, but they seldom form a band of any width, only a steep slope between the two plateaus • See ^art. Joum. Geo/. Soc. xxvi, 380. 8 RZFERESCE NOTE aLove GOO t'pet 400 to 600 iVct 30O to 400 feet 200 to 300 feel i. " \t^\ :uii*l( ^ ^ .'' iu<ii>ta'//l J r^ r 52' 30' THE VICTORIA HISTORY OF THE COUNTIES OF ENGLAND GEOLOGY of the Great Oolite Limestone and the Cornbrash ; only very small tracts of them come within the county of Rutland. (4) The Cornbrash. — This exhibits more constant characters than any other member of the Great Oolite Series. Its usual appearance is that of an earthy and shelly limestone, somewhat ferruginous and very fossiliferous. When quarried under a covering of clay it is always of a blue colour and exceedingly hard, but where it has been exposed to the percolation of water from the surface it has a light brown colour and breaks up into small flat slabs, each of which is usually coated with a stalagmitic deposit. The rock, thus weathered and disintegrated is locally termed kale. Its thickness appears to be from 8 to 1 5 feet. Only a few small tracts of Cornbrash occur within the limits of the county, its main outcrop lying for the most part just outside the boundary of our area, but running within it by Belmesthorpe and Banthorpe. The largest tract is the outlier on Barrowden Hill, another occurs north of Clipsham and there are two small patches near Ryhall. Though fossils are abundant in the Cornbrash they consist chiefly of Echinoderms, Brachiopoda and bivalve mollusca ; Gasteropoda are rare and Cephalopoda are not very common. The most characteristic species are Ammonites macrocephalus^ Avicula echinata, Ostrea Jiabelloides, Pecten vagans, 'Terebratula intermedia^ Waldheimia lagenalis, Holectypus de- pressus and Nucleolites clunicularis. The rock appears to have been formed in a tranquil sea at the commencement of an epoch of great subsidence. Towards the border of the Fenland it passes beneath the great clay formation which is known as the Oxford Clay. THE GLACIAL DEPOSITS As mentioned on p. 2, these deposits belong to a much more re- cent period of geological history than do the Jurassic rocks on which they lie. Moreover they were not formed by the ordinary processes of deposition, but have been accumulated in a more irregular and tumul- tuous manner by the operation of ice in ponderous masses, though opinions differ as to the conditions under which the ice acted. Some think that the British Islands were raised to a high level above the sea, that an ice-sheet was gradually formed over their northern portions, and that Boulder-Clay is a terrestrial deposit left by the passage of this ice- sheet across the country ; others believe that the passage of the ice was assisted by a gradual submergence which enabled masses of ice coming from several directions to rise higher and higher over the land and to carry rock-debris from lower to higher levels. The manner in which the Glacial deposits occur proves that the main features of the country, the hills and escarpments, the great plains and some of the valleys, had been developed before the beginning of the Glacial period. The greater part of England had been dry land through- out the Oligocene, Miocene, and Pliocene periods, and its surface had been sculptured into hill and vale, plain and plateau. Over this surface the I 9 2 A HISTORY OF RUTLAND Glacial deposits were spread out like a mantle, though the covering was doubtless of varying thickness, being thin on the steeper slopes and thick on the lower plains and in the valleys, which latter were often com- pletely filled up by the mass of debris which was driven into them by the ice. The Glacial "deposits vary also in composition and include stony clays, gravels (coarse and fine), loam and sand. In Rutland Boulder-Clay is the prevalent deposit, the patches of gravel and sand being few and small. Boulder-Clay. — This material, where it is thick and unweathered, consists of a stiff clay usually bluish or grey in colour, and crowded with fragments of many kinds of rocks which are of all sizes from a small stone to a boulder as big as a cottage. Sometimes even masses of CO to 200 yards in length are found. Many of these rock-fragments exhibit the bevelled, smoothed and striated surfaces which are character- istic of ice-borne stones. In the western and central parts of the county most of the stones and boulders are of local origin derived from the Lias Marlstone, the Northampton Ironstone and the Lincolnshire Limestone, but on the eastern side of the county and in the adjoining parts of North- ampton and Lincoln chalk and flint are the most abundant materials in the Boulder-Clay ; occasionally indeed chalk enters so largely into the composition of the clay itself that it becomes a whitish marl, and even the plants growing on its surface are species which flourish best on chalky soils. The other rocks which occur in the clay come chiefly from the Carboniferous system such as Coal Measure sandstone. Millstone Grit, and Carboniferous Limestone, but there are also occasional pieces of slate, quartzite, granite and basic igneous rocks. It is evident that the ice which accumulated such a collection of stones was not a glacier of the ordinary kind, coming from a single basin of drainage, but was either a wide spread sheet of ice or por- tions of several such sheets detached and driven by winds and currents on to a sinking land. The chalk and flint probably came from the Wolds of Lincolnshire and Yorkshire, the Carboniferous rocks came from the Pennine Hills and their borders,' and within the district itself the boulders of Jurassic rocks seem to have travelled from west to east. Of the larger transported masses, those of Marlstone, of Lincoln- shire Limestone and of Chalk are the most noteworthy. Professor Judd observes ' that masses of the Marlstone Rock-bed have been carried over deep valleys and in some cases for a distance of about 30 miles. By the detrition of the surrounding clay these huge boulders of Marlstone and Limestone often form bosses which rise above the adjacent land, and some are so large that stone-pits have been opened in them. A few equally large masses of Chalk have been noticed, one such occurring near Rid- ' It has been suggested however that the fragments of Palaeozoic and igneous rocks were derived from an older Boulder Clay, and it is believed that remnants of these more ancient glacial deposits occur near Leicester (see 'The Geology of the County near Leicester,' Mem. Geo/. Survey, 1903, p. 48). * ' Geology of Rutland,' Mem. Geo/. Survey, p. 247. 10 GEOLOGY lington north-west of Uppingham, and being quarried in 1821 gave rise to the idea that the Chalk formation was actually present in Rutland/ Owing to the long continued erosion by rain and rivers to which the country has been exposed since the formation of the Boulder-Clay much of this material has been removed, and the portions which re- main appear as isolated tracts varying in size from a wide spreading area of more than 20 square miles to one of only a few hundred yards in length. One of the largest tracts of Boulder-Clay is that on the con- fines of Rutland and Leicestershire, and this tract is also instructive as showing the manner in which the pre-glacial surface of the country is draped by the Glacial Clay. It rises from the valley of the river Eye west of Melton Mowbray, and extends southward across the plain of the Lower Lias to the slopes of the Middle Lias between Pickwell and Whissendine ; climbing these it spreads over the high ground around Cold Overton, Knossington and Ouston Woods, and though it is cut through by the head waters of the river Gwash, tongues of it cap the ridges on each side of the Gwash valley as far as Gunthorpe on the northern side and Martinsthorpe on the southern side. East of Martins- thorpe it passes on to the Northampton Sands, and near Manton an isolated patch rests on the Lincolnshire Limestone. Still further east, by Edith Weston and Normanton, tracts of Boulder-Clay lie on the top of the Limestone escarpment, and finally on Bushey Closes (west of Ketton) another patch of it climbs to the top of the Great Oolite Limestone. Other spreads of Boulder-Clay occur in the northern part of the county, the largest of them extending in a very irregular manner from Empingham Wood by Stretton to the Morkery Woods and South Wit- ham. The contrast between the warm red soil of the Lincolnshire Limestone and the cold clay land with its numerous woods is very striking. A similar contrast presents itself near Uppingham, where the outlier of Northampton Sand is capped by Boulder-Clay on the ridge south-west of the town. Glacial Gravel and Sand. — These deposits are intimately associ- ated with the Boulder-Clay, occurring sometimes below it, sometimes as lenticular beds in the clay, and sometimes as patches which apparently overlie it, though some of these may be intercalated beds exposed by the removal of superjacent clay. The gravels consist of the same rocks as occur in the Boulder-Clay, rounded pieces of hard chalk being generally abundant, as also are flints and stones from Jurassic rocks ; of less common occurrence are Carboniferous rocks, and there are occasionally fragments of granite and other igneous rocks from the north of England. The gravel is generally rudely stratified, and the beds are sometimes bent up and contorted as if by the impact of ice. In some places they in- clude or pass into coarse reddish sand, which generally exhibits the phe- nomena of current bedding in a marked degree. ' See Lonsdale in Phil. Trans, vol. Ixxxi. pt. 2, p. 281 ; Fitton in Trans. Gcol. So:, ser. 2, vol. iv. pp. 308, 383. II A HISTORY OF RUTLAND There are only four places within the limits of Rutland where such gravels occur. The first is a patch about half a mile in length on the slope of the hill near Stoke Dry south of Uppingham. The second is near Belton, where there are five small isolated patches of gravel lying on the Upper Lias, and as similar gravel underlies the Boulder-Clay of Barrow Hill to the north-west these gravels are believed to be part of the same set of beds — one of them indeed seems to pass beneath the glacial clay on which Lambley Lodge is situated. The third locality is south of Oakham on the Brook Mill ridge, where four small tracts of gravel and sand have been mapped as overlying the Boulder-Clay. The fourth locality is around Holywell in Lincolnshire, where there are several small patches of a peculiar gravel, some of them occur- ring in that county and some of them in Rutland. One of the latter is on the south side of Newell Wood and has been quarried for gravel, which is evenly stratified and consists almost entirely of waterworn pebbles of Lincolnshire Limestone with some from the harder beds in the Northampton Sands ; above the gravel there is an irregular bed of reddish-brown sand surmounted by a few feet of light-grey Boulder- Clay. All the other neighbouring patches of gravel are similarly com- posed of Limestone-pebbles without any admixture of chalk- or flint- pebbles, and some of them near Holywell Lodge are compacted by a calcareous cement into solid masses of conglomerate. Other examples of these Limestone gravels occur in Northampton- shire, and Professor Judd has suggested that they are really of pre- Glacial date and are remnants of the valley-gravels formed by the rivers which drained eastward off the Limestone hills before the country was invaded by the ice of the Glacial period. POST-GLACIAL DEPOSITS After the glacial conditions had passed away rivers began once more to course freely over the surface of the country, cutting new valleys out of the mantle of Glacial deposits and gradually eating their way through these into the Jurassic rocks beneath. In this manner the present drainage system of the country was produced, and some of the later stages in the process are indicated by tracts of gravel in the existent valleys above the flood-levels of the present streams. In Rutland however the tracts of such gravel are of small extent. The most considerable tract is that near Caldecott and Easton Mill in the valley of the Welland ; much of the material seems to have been brought down by the Eye brook, which is bordered by a gravel deposit all the way from Stockerston to Caldecott, and thence a strip of gravel borders the alluvium of the Welland as far as Thorpe Mill. The materials of this gravel have been furnished mainly by the erosion of the Glacial deposits through which the Eye brook has cut its way, and which still form a continuous tract of several square miles in extent around its sources on the high land near Tilton-on-the-Hill (Leicestershire). Small tracts of gravelly soil occur along the courses of the rivers 12 GEOLOGY Chater and Gwash, especially in their lower reaches, for a few miles above their respective junctions with the Welland. At the period when these gravels were formed the Fenland was a bay of the sea, and the estuary of the Welland came up to the point where it is joined by the Gwash. This estuary was gradually choked with gravel and sand, a great plain of which now extends eastward to Deeping and Peakirk. The river gravels probably contain mammalian bones and fresh- water shells, but both seem rare in Rutland and no record of any has yet been published. ALLUVIUM Of this, the newest deposit in the county, Professor Judd writes as follows : — The flat bottoms of the valleys of the existing rivers are covered with a fine black loam or silt which is still in process of formation, a constant accession to, and redistribution of, its material taking place as the result of ordinary river action. This loam is often crowded with the shells of those molluscs which live on terrestrial surfaces or in marshes. . . . The flats formed by these alluvial deposits (which are conspicuous in the valley of the Welland and the Gwash) are during the winter season for the most part under water ; they are distinguished for their great fertility and constitute most admirable grazing lands.'' WATER SUPPLY The supply of pure water is a matter of prime importance to the population both of towns and of country places, and as most running streams are more or less polluted a few miles below their sources, and as springs are not always conveniently near, new wells and borings are continually being made. The existence of springs and the success of boring for water are both dependent upon the geological structure of the district, and consequently a few remarks on the subject of water supply will not be out of place in this article. In the county of Rutland the two great sources of supply are the Lias Marlstone and the Inferior Oolite, the latter comprising the North- ampton Sand and the Lincolnshire Limestone. The Marlstone is the chief source of supply in the north-western part of the county ; thus Oakham has always derived its supply from springs issuing from this rock. Its modern waterworks also take their water from the same source, but the supply comes from springs at Braunston, in the valley of the Gwash, about two miles south-west of Oakham. Mr. Fox-Strangways informs me that these springs are now tapped by a boring 40 feet in depth, which traverses first a deposit of white tufa, then 1 5 feet of Upper Lias Clay and about the same thickness of Marlstone-rock. The Inferior Oolite however is a much more important source, inasmuch as it includes a thickness of from 80 to 120 feet of permeable strata and consequently holds a much larger quantity of water ; more- over it is available not only over the greater part of Rutland but over those parts of Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire which lie to the east- » 'The Geology of Rutland,' Mem. Geo/. Survey, p. 253 (1875). 13 A HISTORY OF RUTLAND ward. It may be useful therefore it we indicate how the water gets into the Inferior OoHte, how some of it is thrown out in the form of springs, and how the rest flows eastward to serve as an underground reservoir for the towns and villages along the border of the Fenland. A large part of the rainfall is absorbed by the sands and limestones of the Inferior Oolite, for not only is much rain absorbed directly it falls on the wide areas over which this formation is exposed, but much of that falling on the Great Oolite runs off till it reaches the Lincoln- shire Limestone into which it quickly soaks. The runnels which carry the rain off the slopes of the Upper Estuarine clays often terminate in a swallow-hole at the junction of clay and limestone ; these holes are some- times open rifts, but more often are funnel-shaped depressions opening downwards into underground passages which have been made by the widening of the joints and fissures in the limestone. In some cases a large volume of water is thus carried off, and after heavy rains the noise of its descent into the swallow-hole can be heard for some distance. The same is the case with the water which runs off the tracts of Boulder Clay lying on the area of the Limestone. Even where water runs over the Limestone for a little distance it often disappears suddenly and joins the subterranean streams, but in a few cases it comes to the surface again lower down the watercourse; thus the brook which rises at Market Overton (a tributary of the river Witham) disappears near Thistleton to issue again above South Witham ; the same is the case with the river Glen between Little Bytham and Careby just outside the limits of Rut- land. It is probable also that the streams which rise on the Liassic area contribute some portion of their volume to the stores of the Inferior Oolite by leakage along their channels as they flow over the Limestone to join the Welland. Thus in various ways a large quantity of water enters the combined mass of the Northampton Sand and the Lincolnshire Limestone and makes its way downward toward the base of the forma- tion. Of the water thus absorbed a portion is thrown out again in the form of springs along the boundary of the Northampton Sand and all round the outliers of this sand, because it cannot sink into the impervious clays of the Upper Lias. It is these springs which have determined the sites of most of the villages in this part of the county. Some of the water thus issuing is hard and deposits calcareous matter (tufa or travertin), having dissolved much carbonate of lime in its underground course; some are chalybeate springs, having dissolved iron from the iron- stone beds, and a few of the latter, such as that in Burleigh Park near Oakham, were noted as ' spas ' in former days. But the greater part of the water which is absorbed by the Lincoln- shire Limestone passes eastward, because the beds are inclined in that direction, and as it cannot sink below the base of the Northampton Sands nor rise above the top of the Limestone where that is continu- ously covered by the Upper Estuarine clays, the water level in the M GEOLOGY Limestone gradually rises as the formation is followed eastward, and a permanent water-supply is found at a less and less depth from the sur- face. Finally after it has passed beneath the main outcrops of the Great Oolite Series it becomes saturated with water throughout nearly its whole thickness, and when a boring is put down through the overlying beds the water rises as an artesian spring. It should be mentioned however that some of the Limestone beds appear to be more permeable than others, so that they or the planes between such beds act as conduits for the water which is passing eastward. These horizons are the ' springs ' of the well sinkers and boring contractors, and it often happens that several such water-bearing conduits are traversed in the progress of a boring, the water from each rising some way up the bore-hole until at length one is met with that yields a strong and sufficient supply. 15 PALAEONTOLOGY THE small area of Rutland affords prima facie grounds for the expectation that its fossil vertebrates would be comparatively- few ; and as a matter of fact not only is this the case, but there does not seem to be a single recorded specimen of this nature from the county which is of any real value or interest. All such remains of vertebrates then known to be in existence were recorded in 1889 by Mr. Montagu Browne in his Vertebrates of Leicestershire and Rutland, and, so far as I am aware, no additions have been subsequently made to the meagre list. The collection of the British Museum includes an imperfect lower jaw (No. 44,904) of one of the extinct marine plesiosaurian reptiles from the Great Oolite of Essendine, which appears to be nearly allied to or identical with the species now known as Muraenosaurus truncatus} It was presented by Sir Richard Owen in 1874. In the same collection (No. 47,170) is a series of associated bony plates of one of the extinct long-jawed crocodiles probably belonging to the genus Steneosaurus, from the Great Oolite of Belmesthorpe.^ Certain crocodilian remains from the same locality and formation which have been regarded as indicating the occurrence in the county of the genus Teleosaurus^ may be those just referred to as Steneosaurus. It is also stated that the Great Oolite of Belmesthorpe has yielded remains of a ptero- dactyl, or flying saurian, provisionally identified with the genus R/iam- p/iocep/ia/us,* but there is no record of what has become of the specimen on which this determination was made. According to Professor J. Phillips,* bones of the great dinosaurian land reptile Ceteosaurus oxoniensis have been obtained from the Great Oolite of Essendine. Remains of fossil fishes from the county, so far at any rate as species are concerned, seem to be even rarer than those of reptiles. It is stated, however, by Mr. R. Etheridge* that teeth of the pavement-toothed shark commonly known as Strophodus magnus (really a species of Asteracanthus) are extremely abundant in the Inferior Oolite or ' Lincolnshire limestone' ' See Lydekker, Cat. Foss. Rept. Brit. Mus. ii, 245, where the specimen is entered as CimoHosaurus, and the locality stated to be in Lincolnshire. ' Ibid, i, n8. The name of the locality is given as Belminsthorpe and the county as North- ampton. ' See Browne, Vertebrates of Leicestershire and Rutland, 174. * Ibid, 173. ' Geohg;j of Oxf. 253 (1871). ' Browne, op. cit. 199. I 17 3 A HISTORY OF RUTLAND of Rutland as well as of Lincolnshire itself.' The allied species known as Asteracanthus ornatissimus {^= Strophodus subretkulatus) is also recorded by Mr. Etheridge'from the Inferior Oolite of the county, but since this form is of Upper Oolitic age (in England) the identification is doubtful. Finally, reference must be made to the type specimen of the pave- ment-toothed shark known as Hybodiis crassus, said to have been obtained from the Inferior Oolite of Braunston, Oakham. In cataloguing the fossil fishes in the British Museum, where this specimen (a spine) is now preserved. Dr. A. Smith Woodward' stated that this locality cannot be the true one, since it is given by Agassiz, in the original description, as Rodmore Pits, near Towcester, Northamptonshire." ' Specimens from the Inferior Oolite near Stamford are recorded in Cat. Foss. Fish. Brit. Mus. i, 315- "■ Browne, loc. cit. ' Ct7t. Foss. Fish. Brit. Mus. i, 301. '" This specimen is omitted in the account of the Palaeontology of Northants. 18 mSTOHY OF RUTLAND^ BOTANICALDIVISIONS \ Stanf sbj" ,Sui>.it(m\ ; VooUiii^r^ VjColitranrartit.- AntX". 40 L/i-» IfvTOontlKara- ; \ »o<>a:^_^ -^>VL- Utile I Vj J'-'J-- !teTtuaj,.y' _ — i ,^- THE VICTORIA HISTORY OF THE COUNTIES OF ENGLAND BOTANY RUTLAND is essentially a county of undulations. The land is only level for short distances. It rises into gentle acclivi- ties which can hardly be dignified with the name of hills, and it falls into valleys and extensive basins. A noticeable feature of Rutland is the large amount of grass land as compared with arable land, though this is less observable now when so much grass has been laid down throughout England. The commonest tree in the hedgerows is the ash. Here and there a landowner will have planted a fine row of English elms, or beeches, or of horse-chest- nuts, but the natural growth is that of the ash. Vast forests once covered a large portion of the south of Rutland and of the neighbouring county of Northampton ; to wit, Lyfield Forest and Rockingham Forest. Though these have disappeared, they have left behind them so many woods and spinneys that Rutland, for its size, is perhaps richer in them than any other county. It is not an uncom- mon view from the shoulder of some hill to look over a wide expanse of valley intersected by a brook at the bottom, irregularly clothed with tree masses on the opposite side and dotted with villages. It is a curious peculiarity of Rutland that, though it has a large number of villages and hamlets separated from one another by a few miles, isolated farms or cottages are seldom to be seen. This article does not concern itself with questions of geological formation, but the area of the county is so small, and the nature of the soil so uniform, being, on the surface, principally a mixture of oolitic rocks, more or less disintegrated, and lias clays (forming rich loams and stubborn top clays), that they hardly concern us. The natural botany of the district depends much more on the river courses ; the present woods ; the great area of the ancient Lyfield Forest (taking in all the south-west part of the county),^ with its indigenous flora not yet exterminated ; and, till the last fifty years, the vast tracts of uninclosed hillside waste land, long since turned into arable fields and upland pastures or grass land. There are but few bog plants, as most of such marshy land as once existed has long been drained. The county is naturally divided into three parts by the Rivers Wash (or Gwash) and Chater, running fairly parallel to one another from west 10 east. On the south-west it is separated from Leicestershire by the ' Beaumont Chase, now treeless, once stood in the middle of this forest, hence the name. 19 A HISTORY OF RUTLAND Eye Brook, and on the south-east the River Welland forms the boundary between Rutland and Northamptonshire. The three botanical divisions are as follows : — District A, including the southern portion of the county, which is cut off by the River Chater. District B, forming the mid portion, bounded on the north by the River Wash, and on the south by the River Chater. District C, comprising the northern and larger half of the county, bounded on the south by the River Wash, on the west and north-west by Leicestershire, and on the east and north-east by Lincolnshire. There are cases in which it is not well to disclose too exactly the habitats of certain plants, except where such information is not likely to be abused, or to result in the ruthless destruction of the rarer species. Only in 31 out of 112 of the 'Vice-Counties' into which Mr. Watson (see below) has divided England, Wales, and Scotland does the Gagea lutea flourish. It has been one of the small boasts of Rutland. There was a brilliant patch of the yellow flowers to be seen every May in Stoke (Dry) Wood. In 1864 the deep-rooted bulbs blossomed as freely as ever. Next year they were gone, evi- dently not perished, but the prey of an enthusiastic botanist. The plant still, however, flourishes in another part of the county. Would that this were our only loss ! Time was when white violets could be plucked before houses merged into country along the Stocker- ston Road in Uppingham. The little stream which flowed by has gone, and with it the violets. Many woods had the oxlip, which now are bare of them. Places where henbane and the Adoxa moschatellina grew know them no more. The bog plants round Empingham are dis- appearing. Plants (of which more later on) mentioned in The Beauties of England and Wales (county Rutland), of the date 18 13, are no more to be found. In naming flowers the local names will be mentioned as well as the botanical names. There are many reasons why this is useful. The readers of this article will not all be experienced and learned botanists. Even botanists may have a preference for the common names of flowers except in a purely scientific treatise. I have made a careful analysis of Mr. H. C. Watson's Topographical Botany, and arrived at results very interesting for the purpose of this article. Unfortunately Mr. Watson has linked Leicestershire and Rut- land in one category. His lists only contain those flowers which are indigenous to the island, and, therefore, such plants as Urtica pilulifera or pileatifera (Roman Nettle), and Aristolochia Clematitis (Birthwort), both of which are to be found in Rutland, though, especially the second, under doubtful conditions of natural life, he does not include in his enumeration. I have marked down every plant that he gives as growing in Leicestershire (with Rutland), Northamptonshire, or South Lincoln- shire. A plant which is so common to Great Britain that Mr. Watson 20 BOTANY says it grows in every county — meaning generally in a very large pre- ponderance of counties — I have marked as ' In all counties.' If counties are named and the above three divisions are mentioned I have indexed such a flower accordingly.^ The number of species mentioned, inclusive of grasses, ferns, and horse-tails, is 1,428, and from his lists I extract the following facts : — In all counties number of species is Northamptonshire, South Lincolnshire, and Rutland Northamptonshire and Rutland South Lincolnshire and Rutland Northamptonshire and South Lincolnshire Rutland ....... South Lincolnshire ..... Northamptonshire ...... 295 + 69 = 364 198 142 29 1 1 128 43 37 Here it will be perceived that the heading ' in all counties ' embraces 295 4. 69 species. The reason for separating the 69 species from the rest is this : — ' In all counties,' as I have mentioned above, includes cases where flowers appear in a very great preponderance of counties. In 69 of these cases one of our counties is excepted. The excep- tions are : — Not in Rutland, but in Northamptonshire and South Lincolnshire Not in South Lincolnshire, but in Northamptonshire and Rutland Not in Northamptonshire, but in South Lincolnshire and Rutland This leaves for Leicestershire with Rutland — *In all counties' ....... 295 -|- 67 = (leaving out the two in Northamptonshire and South Lincolnshire) South Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, and Rutland , . . South Lincolnshire and Rutland ....... Northamptonshire and Rutland ....... Rutland 2 48 19 69 362 198 29 142 128 859 Some very curious particular facts come out as follows : — I. The flora of South Lincolnshire is separated from that of the other three counties not only in kind but in number of species. This is evident by comparing (above) South Lincolnshire and Rutland (29), and South Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire (11), with North- amptonshire and Rutland (142). If we proceed with the other counties, as we have done in the case of Leicestershire (with Rutland), we get — Number of species in Northamptonshire Number of species in South Lincolnshire 733 597' 2. Considering the genus Rubus alone we get some remarkable results. ' In most cases where Mr. Watson includes a county, though with an expression of doubt, I have also included it in my enumeration. ' Lincolnshire is rich in its flora. The enumerations above are only concerned with South Lincolnshire. 21 A HISTORY OF RUTLAND The number of species and varieties enumerated in the Topographical Botany is 5 i . Of these — * In all counties '.......••■ 2 South Lincolnshire, Northamptor.shire, and Rutland . . , . O Noitliamptonshire and Rutland ....... 3 Rutland 31 There would thus seem to be only two Rubi in South Lincolnshire and onlv five in Northamptonshire, while there are 36 in Leicestershire with Rutland ! 3. Now take the ferns. Number of ferns and lycopods enumerated ..... 54 * In all counties '. . . . • • • . . .11 (but 6 of these exclude South Lincolnshire) South Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, and Rutland .... 2 Northamptonshire and Rutland ....... 4 Northamptonshire .......... I Rutland ........... 7 SO that South Lincolnshire has only 7 ferns, and Northamptonshire 18, while Leicestershire with Rutland has 24. The very rare club-moss, Lycopodium complarmtum, only to be found according to Mr. Watson in four counties and two doubtful ones, is found in Rutland. The above facts prove that the inclusion of Leicestershire and Rut- land with Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, and Nottinghamshire in the Cybele Britannica as one floral sub-district was unfortunate. They also prove the great comparative wealth of Leicestershire and Rutland. I here append a list of the flowers mentioned in The Beauties of England atid Wales, i 8 i 3, edited by J. N. Brewer, as occurring in Rutland. Those still extant will be referred to again in their proper place. Asperula Synanchica Lungdunensis. Found Mentha arvensis (Spicy Water Mint), at Prei- in the Vale of Catmos. This is our ton. This we call Corn Mint A. Cynanchica (Smaller Woodruff, or Linum perenne (Perennial Flax), near Cas- Squinancy-wort, Quinsy) terton Urtica pileatifera, i.e., pilulifera (Roman Parnassia palustris (Grass of Parnassus), at Nettle), on ' the Brand ' near Uppiiig- Edith TVeston ham Dipsacus pilosus (Small White Teasle or Cynosorchis (Male Satyrion), on ' the Brand.' Shepherd's Rod), at Edith IFeston This will be either the Orchis Mascula Campanula palustris (Ivy-leaved Bell-flower), (Early Purple Orchis) or the Herminium on the Gwash. It is our C. hederacea Monorchis (Green Musk Orchis) Osmund royal, or Filix floribus insignis, on Linaria odorata, at Preston. Probably the the Gwash L. repens (Creeping Toad Flax), since The very scarce Gentiana autumnalis fugax it has a sweet smell, and our author (Later Autumn Gentian), at iVarwon/sw uses the adjective ' odorata ' Park. I cannot determine this White's Northamptonshire and Rutlatid has furnished no suitable information. The author names very few flowers, and takes floral facts from The Beauties of England and Wales word for word without acknow- ledgement. Owing to the cellular cryptogams having been so little worked in the county, it has not been possible to include them in this article. 22 BOTANY My principal authority, besides the invaluable help derived as above from Mr. H. C. Watson's Topographical Botany, 1883, ^^^ been a list of South Rutland plants (with particulars as to habitat, time of flowering, and other information) to be found in the Uppingham School Magazine of 1873-4; the work of a very careful botanist, Mrs. J. C. Thring. I am also greatly indebted to the admirable work, of Miss H. TroUope of Empingham, of the Misses Wingfields of Market Overton, of Miss J, M. Tryon, and Lady Frances Cecil, whose local information was most valuable, of Miss Essex Finch, Miss Cooper, and other members of the Botanical Section of the Rutland Archaeological and Natural History Society. Also, as more particularly connected with Uppingham and its neighbourhood, I have to thank Mr. T. Bell, Miss S. Thring, and Mrs. F. E. Hodgkinson. Without the aid of Mrs. J. C. Thring and Miss H. Trollope this article could hardly have been compiled. It only remains to explain the principles which have guided me in filling up the following list of Rutland flora. Where other collectors or I myself have known a flower to be flourishing in Rutland there has been no difficulty. But Rutland is so small that one can hardly take a walk without stepping over the borders into some neighbouring shire, and if the flower has been found just over the border (e.g. in Wakerley, Duddington, Owston, Mirabel Woods, Holywell, &c.), it is recorded here. Species occurring in Mr. Watson's book as thriving in all counties or in Leicestershire (with Rutland), Northamptonshire, and South Lin- colnshire, as described above, but which are not recorded by a collector for Rutland, are placed within square brackets. They are probably to be found in the county, and are worth searching for. In the case of a common English flower, it is marked 'gen. dist. ' (generally distributed); otherwise the letters A, B, C (see p. 20), denoting the botanical districts, are given. If it is to be found throughout Rutland but requires some searching, all three districts are named; * indicates doubtful wild species; and i" denotes that the plant has not been found of recent years. PHANEROGAMIA Ranunculaceae Ranunculaceae {continued) Clematis vitalba (Traveller's Joy). A, C Ranunculus aquatilis (Water Crowfoot). Gen. Thalictrum flavum (Yellow Meadow Rue). dist. A, B, C [ — circinatus] — minus (Lesser Thalictrum). C — hederaceus (Ivy-leaved Crowfoot). A Anemone Pulsatilla' (Pasque-flower). At, — sceleratus (Celery-leaved Crowfoot). A, C B, C — Flammula (Lesser Spearwort). A, B, C — nemorosa (Wood Anemone). Gen. dist. — Lingua (Great Spearwort). C — auricomus (Wood Crowfoot, Goldilocks). ' Anemone has the o long. It is too late to try -H', ^^l' --. r \ ,^ to remedy the false accent. But c/emMs, arbutus, — ^cns (Meadow Crowfoot). Gen. dist. bxalis, Oenothera, and some others might still be saved. — repens (Creeping Buttercup). Gen. dist. The A. Pulsatilla is specially marked ' Rutland ' by — bulbosus (Bulbous Crowfoot). Gen. dist. Mr. Watson. — parviflorus (Small-flowered Crowfoot). A 23 A HISTORY OF RUTLAND Ranunculaceae {continued ) Ranunculus arvensis (Corn Crowfoot), Gen. dist. — Ficaria (Lesser Celandine). Gen. dist. Caltha palustris (Marsh Marigold). Gen. dist. Helleborus viridis' (Green Hellebore). A Aquilegia vulgaris (Columbine, Blue and White). C. Jrakerley (Northants) *Aconitum Napellus (Monkshood). Har- ringworth (Northants) Berberis vulgaris (Barberry). A, B, C Nymphaeaceae Nymphaea alba (White Water-lily). A, B, C Nuphar luteum (Yellow Water-lily). A, B, C Papaveraceae Papaver Rhoeas (Scarlet Poppy). Gen. dist. — dubium (Long Smooth-headed Poppy). A, B — Argemone (Long Rough-headed Poppy). C Chelidonium majus (Greater Celandine). A, B, C Fumariaceae Fumaria officinalis (Fumitory). Gen. dist. Corydalis lutea (Yellow Corydalis). B, natu- ralized Cruciferae [Raphanus Raphanistrum (Wild Radish)] *Hesperis matronalis (Dame's Violet). B Sinapis arvensis (Charlock). Gen. dist. [ — nigra (Common Mustard)] *Brassica campestris (Wild Navew). A, C Sisymbrium officinale (Common Hedge Mus- tard). Gen. dist. — Sophia (Flix Weed). A — or Erysimum alliaria (Hedge Garlic, Trea- cle Mustard, Sauce-alone). Gen. dist. [Erysimum cheiranthoides (Worm-seed Trea- cle Mustard)] *Cheiranthus Cheiri (Wallflower). Kirby (Leics.) Cardamine pratensis (Cuckoo-flower). Gen. dist. — amara (Large Bitter Cress). B, C — impatiens (Narrow-leaved Bitter Cress). C(?) — hirsuta (Hairy Bitter Cress). A, C Arabis hirsuta (Hairy Rock-cress). B Barbarea vulgaris (Bitter Winter-cress, Yellow Rocket). A, B, C ' Found by myself and another observer in two localities. Watson only records it for Northamp- tonshire with a query. Cruciferae {continued ) [Nasturtium sylvestre (Creeping Yellow Cress)] — officinale (Water-cress). Gen. dist. [ — palustre (Marsh Yellow Cress)] — amphibium (Amphibious Yellow Cress). A, C Draba verna or Erophila vulgaris (Vernal Whitlow-Grass). Gen. dist. *tCochlearia Armoracia (Horse-radish). A Thlaspi arvense (Field Penny-cress, Mithri- date Mustard). B, C Capsella Bursa-pastoris (Shepherd's Purse). Gen. dist. [Lepidium campestre (Field Pepper-wort)] Coronopus Ruellii (Common Wart Cress, Swine's Cress). B Resedaceak Reseda lutea (Wild Mignonette). On lime- stone generally — Luteola (Dyer's Rocket). A, B Cistineae Helianthemum vulgare (Rock-rose). Lime- stone generally Violaceak [Viola palustris (Marsh Violet)] — odorata (Sweet Violet). Gen. dist. [ — sylvatica (Wood Violet)] — tricolor (Heartsease or Pansy). Gen. dist. [ — arvensis (Field Violet)] — hirta (Hairy Violet). On limestone — canina (Dog Violet). Gen. dist. Droseraceae [Drosera rotundifolia' (Round-leaved Sundew)] Polygaleae Polygala vulgaris (Milkwort) (All three co- lours). A, B, C Caryophylleae Saponaria officinalis (Soap-wort), C Silene inflata (Bladder Campion). A, B, C — noctiflora (Night-flowering Catchfly). B — anglica (English Catchfly). A * — Armeria (Lobel's Catchfly). C Lychnis vespertina (White Campion). Gen. dist. ' I know no collector who has found this in Rutland. But it occurs in the three adjacent counties, and D. intermedia is found in Leicester- shire with Rutland. 24 BOTANY Caryophylleae {continued) Lychnis diurna (Red Campion). Gen. dist. — Flos-cuculi (Ragged Robin). Gen. dist. — or Agrostemma Githago (Corn Cockle). A, C Cerastium semidecandrum (Little Mouse-ear Chickweed). A, C — glomeratum. A — triviale. A — arvense (Field Cerastium). A, B, C Stellaria aquatica (Water Stitchwort). C — media (Chickweed). Gen. dist. — Holostea (Greater Stitchwort). Gen. dist. — palustris or glauca (Glaucous or Marsh Stitchwort). A, C — graminea (Lesser Stitchwort). Gen. dist. — uliginosa (Bog Stitchwort). C Arenaria trinervia (Three-nerved Sandwort). A, B, C — serpyllifolia (Thyme-leaved Sandwort). A, C [Sagina apetala (Small-flowered Pearlwort)] — procumbens (Procumbent Pearlwort). Gen. dist. Spergula arvensis (Corn Spurrey). Gen. dist. [Spergularia rubra] Illecebraceae Scleranthus annuus (Annual Knawel). A Portulaceae [Montia fontana ■* (Water Blinks)] Hypericineae Tiliaceae [Tilia parvifolia (Small-leaved Lime)] — vulgaris (Common Lime, Linden). Gen. dist. LiNEAE Linum perenne (Perennial Blue Flax). C — catharticum (Cathartic Flax). Gen. dist. — usitatissimum (Common Flax). B Geraniaceae Geranium pratense (Blue Meadow Crane's- bill). Common everywhere — molle (Dove's-foot Crane's-bill). Com- mon everywhere — Robertianum (Herb Robert, Stinking Crane's-bill). Common everywhere [ — perenne or pyrenaicum (Mountain Crane's- bill). A] — phaeum (Dusky Crane's-bill). B, C — pusillum (Small-flowered Crane's-bill). A, B, C — rotundi folium (Round-leaved Crane's-bill). A — dissectum (Jagged-leaved Crane's-bill). A, C — columbinum (Long-stalked Crane's-bill). A, B — lucidum (Shining Crane's-bill). A, B, C Erodium cicutarium (Hemlock or Stork's- bill). C Oxalis Acetosella (Wood-sorrel). A, B, C — corniculata (Yellow Procumbent Wood- sorrel). C Ilicineak Hypericum perforatum (Perforate St. John's ^''^'^ Aquifolium (Holly) Wort). Gen. dist. [ — quadrangulum] Celastrineae - tetrap^erum ^(Square-stalked St. John's Euonymus europaeus (Spindle-tree). A, C humifusum (Trailing St. John's Wort). A, B Rhamneae — pulchrum (Upright St. John's Wort). Rhamnus Frangula (Alder Buckthorn). A Locality not named — hirsutum (Hairy St. John's Wort). A, C — dubium (Imperforate St. John's Wort). C Malvaceae Malva moschata (Musk Mallow). A, B, C — sylvestris (Common Mallow). Gen. dist. — rotundifolia (Dwarf Mallow). A, B, C — catharticus (Common Buckthorn). A, B, C Sapindaceae Acer Pseudo-platan us (Sycamorej — campestre (Maple) Leguminosae Ulex europaeus (Gorse, Furze). Gen. dist. — nanus (Dwarf Furze). C (?) ' I have not heard of this being found. But [Genista anglica (Needle Green-weed)] Mr. Watson has it in ' all ' counties, including the — tinctoria (Dyer's-weed, Woad-waxcn). three adjacent to Rutland. B, C I 25 4 A HISTORY OF RUTLAND A Common every- ) where Given in Top. Bot. as found in the tliree adjacent counties, but are in no lists sub- mitted to me Leguminosae [continued) Cvtisus or Sarothamnus scoparius (Broom) [Ononis spinosa] — arvensis or repens (Rest-harrow). A, B, C AnthyUis vulneraria (Kidney Vetch, Lady's Fingers). C Medicatjo lupuHna (Bl.ick Medick, Nonsuch). A, B, C Melilotus officinalis (Yellow Meldot). Gen. dist. — arvensis (Field Melilot). A, C * — vulgaris or alba (White Melilot) Trifolium pratense (Purple Clover) — repens (White or Dutch Clover) [ — medium (Zi2;zag Clover)] [ — arvense (Hare's- foot Trefoil] [ — striatum (Soft Knotted Trefoil)] — procumbens (Hop Trefoil). A, B, C — Iragiferum (Strawberry-headed Trefoil). A, B — minus (Lesser Yellow Trefoil). C * — incarnatum (Crimson Clover). Two observers — ochroleucum (Sulphur Trefoil). C Lotus cornicuIatus(Bird's-foot Trefoil). Gen. d:;t. [ — tenuis (Slender Bird's-foot Trefoil)] — major (Greater Bird's-foot Trefoil). B Astragalus hvpoglottis (Purple Mountain Milk- "vetchj. A, C — glycyphyllos (Sweet Mountain Milk-vetch). A, C. Wakerhy (Northants) Ornithopus perpusillus (Common Bird's-foot). A Hippocrepis comosa (Tufted Horse-shoe Vetch). On limestone *Onobrychis sativa (Sainfoin). Vicia hirsuta (Hairy Tare) — cracca (Tufted Vetch) — sepium (Rush Vetch) — sativa (Common Vetch) — tetrasperma (Slender Tare) [ — sylvatica (Wood Vetch).] — angustifolia (Narrow-leaved Vetch). A Lathyrus pratensis (Meadow Vetchling). Gen. dist. * — sylvestris (Narrow-leaved Everlasting Pea). C [Orobus tuberosus (Tuberous Bitter Vetch)] ROSACEAE Prunus communis or spinosa (Blackthorn, Sloe). Gen. dist. — avium. A — cerasus (Wild Cherry). Gen. dist. B To be found everywhere B RosACEAE (continued) Spiraea Ulmaria (Meadow Sweet). Gen. dist. — filipendula (Common Dropwort). B, C — salicifolia (Willow-leaved Spiraea). C. ? outcast Agrimonia Eupatoria (Common Agrimony). A, B, C Sanguisorba officinalis (Great Burnet). A, B, C Poterium Sanguisorba (Salad Burnet). On limestone Alchemilla arvensis (Field Lady's-Mantle). A, B, C — vulgaris (Common Lady's-Mantle). A, B, C Potentilla anserina (Silver-Weed) \ — reptans (Creeping Cinquefoil) . ,. — Fra£rariastrum (Strawberry- >• ^ ," J ^. /.,, ^ common leaved Cmqueroil) — Tormentilla (Tormentil) / Fragaria vesca (Wood Strawberry). Gen. dist. Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry). A, C — fruticosus (Blackberry, Bramble). Gen. dist. — caesius (Dewberry). Gen. dist. Geum urbanum (Common Avens). Gen. dist. — rivale (Water Avens). A, B, C — intermedium. Holywell (Lines.) [Rosa Tomentosa (Downy-leaved Rose)] — canina (Dog-rose). Gen. dist. — arvensis (Trailing Dog-rose). A, B, C — rubiginosa (Sweetbriar, Eglantine). B, C Crataegus Oxyacantha (Hawthorn, White- thorn, May). Gen. dist. *Pyrus communis (Wild Pear). C — Malus (Crab Apple). Gen. dist. — aucuparia (Mountain Ash) — aria (White Beam-tree). B — torminalis (Wild Service-tree). C Lythrarieae Lythrum Salicaria (Purple Loosestrife). A, B, C [Peplis Portula (Water Purslane)] Onagrarieae Epilobium angustifolium (Rose-bay Willow- herb). A, C — hirsutum (Great Hairy Willow-herb). Gen. dist. — parviflorum (Small-flowered Hairy Willow- herb). A, B — montanum (Broad Smooth-leaved Willow- herb). A, C — tetragonum (Square-stalked Willow-herb). a'" 26 BOTANY Onagrarieae {continued) [Epilobium obscurum] [ — palustre (Narrow-leaved Willow-herb)] Circaea lutetiana (Enchanter's Nightshade). A, B, C Halorageae Myriophyllum verticillatum (Whorled Water Milfoil). C (?) — spicatum (Spiked Water Milfoil). C Hippuris vulgaris (Mare's-tail). A, B, C Callitriche verna (Water Star-wort). Gen. dist. [ — platycarpa] [ — hamulata] CUCURBITACEAE Bryonia dioica (Red-berried Bryony). Gen. dist. Crassulaceae Sedum acre (Biting Yellow Stonecrop). Gen. dist. — rupestre (St. Vincent's Rock Stonecrop). A — album (White Stonecrop). C *Sempervivum tectorum (House Leek) Ceratophylleae Ceratophyllum demersum (Common Horn- wort). C Saxifrageae Saxifraga tridactylites (Rue-leaved Saxifrage). A, B, C — granulata (Meadow Saxifrage). Gen. dist. Chrysosplenium oppositifolium (Opposite- leaved Golden Saxifrage). A, B — alternifolium (Alternate-leaved Golden Saxifrage). A. Found in two places, but now doubtful Parnassia palustris (Grass of Parnassus). B, C. S. Luffenham t *Ribes rubrum (Red Currant). In a ditch near Wardley * — grossularia (Gooseberry). A, C Umbelliferae Hydrocotyle vulgaris (Marsh Pennywort, White-Rot). A Sanicula europaea (Wood Sanicle). A, B, C Helosciadium or Apium nodiflorum (Procum- bent Marsh-wort). A, B, C inundatum (Least Marsh-wort). A Carum carui (Common Caraway). C. Not truly wild Sison Amomum (Bastard Stone-Parsley). A Umbelliferae [continued) Aegopodium Podagraria (Gout-Weed). Gen. dist. Conopodium denudatum or Bunium flexuosum (Common Earth-nut). Gen. dist. Pimpinella Saxifraga (Common Burnet Saxi- frage). C — magna (Greater Burnet Saxifrage). C. Doubtful variety Bupleurum rotundifolium (Common Hare's- ear). C [Sium angustifo.ium (Narrow-leaved Water Parsnip)] — latifolium (Broad-leaved Water Parsnip). A, C Oenanthe fistulosa (Common Water Drop- wort). C [ — Phellandrium (Fine-leaved Water Drop- wort)] — crocata (Hemlock-leaved Water Drop- wort). B, C Aethusa Cynapium (Common Fool's Parsley). Gen. dist. Silaus pratensis (Meadow Pepper Saxifrage). A, B Angelica sylvestris (Wild Angelica). A, C Pastinaca sativum (Wild Parsnip). A, C Heracleum Sphondylium (Cow Parsley). A, C *Coriandrum sativum (Coriander) Daucus Carota (Wild Carrot). Gen. dist. Caucalis daucoides (Small Bur Parsley). C — arvensis or Torilis infesta (Spreading Hedge Parsley) — or Torilis anthriscus (Upright Hedge Parsley). A, B, C — nodosa (Knotted Hedge Parsley). A, C Anthriscus vulgaris or Chaerophyllum An- thriscus (Common Beaked Parsley). B — sylvestris or Ch. sylvestre (Wild Beaked Parsley). Gen. dist. Chaerophyllum temulum (Rough Chervil). A Scandix Pecten-Veneris (Shepherd's-Needle). Gen. dist. Conium maculatum (Hemlock). Gen. dist. Araliaceae Hedera Helix (Ivy) Cornaceae Cornus sanguinea (Cornel, Dogwood). Gen. dist. Loranthaceae Viscum album (Mistletoe). A Caprifoliaceae Adoxa Moschatellina (Tuberous Moschatel). At, B, C 27 A HISTORY OF RUTLAND Caprifoliaceae [continued ) Sambucus nigra (Common Elder). Gen, dist. — Ebulus (Dwarf Elder). Rockingham (Northants.) Viburnum Opulus (Common Guelder Rose, Wayfaring tree). Gen. dist. — Lantana (Mealy Guelder Rose). Gen. dist. Lonicera Periclymenum (Honeysuckle). Gen. dist. RUBIACEAK Galium cruciatum (Cross-leaved' Bedstraw) — verum (Yellow Lady's Bed- straw) — MoUugo (Great Hedge Bed- straw) I All — saxatile (Smooth Heath Bed- common straw) — palustre (White Water Bed- straw) — A p a r i n e (Goose - Grass, Cleavers) — tricorne (Corn Bedstraw). A, B, C Asperula odorata (Sweet Woodruff). A, C — cynanchica (Squinancy-wort). C Sherardia arvensis (Field Madder). Gen. dist. Rubia peregrina (Wild Madder). Once found. Ct Valerianeae Valeriana dioica (Small Marsh Valerian, Betsy). B, C — officinalis (Great Wild Valerian). A, B, C Valerianella olitoria (Common Corn Salad, Lamb's Lettuce). A, B, C — dentata (Smooth Narrow-fruited Corn Salad). B, C — Auricula (Sharp-fruited Corn Salad). C(?) DiPSACEAE Dipsacus sylvestris (Wild Teasel). Gen. dist. — pilosus (Small Teasel). B, C Scabiosa succisa (Devil's Bit, Premorse Scabious). Gen. dist. — columbaria (Small Scabious). C — or Knautia arvensis (Field Knautia). Gen. dist. COMPOSITAE Onopordon Acanthium (Common Cotton Thistle). A. Also found in orchard at Emplngham. Mentioned by Watson as found in Leicestershire with Rut- land CoMPOSiTAE [continued ) Carduus nutans (Musk Thistle). A, B, C — crispus (Welted Thistle). A, C — or Cnicus lanceolatus (Spear Plume Thistle). Gen. dist. — eriophorus (Woolly-headed Plume Thistle). B, C — acaulis (Dwarf Plume Thistle). Gen. dist. — arvensis (Creeping Plume Thistle). Gen. dist. — palustris (Marsh Plume Thistle). Gen. dist. Carlina vulgaris (Carline Thistle). B, C Arctium Lappa (Common Burdock). Gen. dist. [ — minus] Serratula tinctoria (Saw-wort). B, C Centaurea nigra (Discoid Knapweed). Gen. dist. — scabiosa (Greater Knapweed). Gen. dist. — Cyanus (Corn Blue-bottle). A, B, C — Solstitialis. C Chrysanthemum segetum (Corn Marigold). A, B, C — Leucanthemum (Great White Ox-eye). Gen. dist. — or Matricaria Parthenium (Common Fever- few). A, C Matricaria inodora (Scentless May-weed). Gen. dist. — Chamomilla (Wild Chamomile). A Tanacetum vulgare (Tansy). C Anthemis Cotula (Stinking Chamomile). Gen. dist. — arvensis (Corn Chamomile). Stamford (Northants) — nobilis (Common Chamomile). A Achillea Millefolium (Yarrow, Milfoil). Gen. dist. — Ptarmica (Sneeze-wort). A Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort, Wormwood, Southernwood). A, C Filago germanica (Common Filago). A, C [ — minima (Least Filago)] Gnaphalium dioicum (Common Cudweed). A — uliginosum (Marsh Cudweed). A — sylvaticum (Highland Cudweed). A Senecio erucifolius (Narrow-leaved Ragwort). C — Jacobaea (Common Ragwort). A, B, C [ — aquaticus (Water Ragwort)] — vulgaris (Common Groundsel). Gen. dist. — viscosus (Stinking Groundsel). C Bidens cernua. C — tripartita (Trifid Bur-Marigold). A Inula Conyza (Ploughman's Spikenard). A, B, C 28 BOTANY CoMPOSlTAE {continued ) Inula or Pulicaria dysenterica (Common Flea- bane). C Bellis perennis (Daisy). Gen. dist. Erigeron acris (Blue Fleabane). C Solidago Virgaurea (Golden-Rod). C Tussilago Farfara (Coltsfoot). Gen. dist. Petasites vulgaris (Butter-Bur). A, C [Eupatorium cannabinum (Hemp Agrimony)] Cichorium Intybus (Succory). C Lapsana communis (Nipplewort). Gen. dist. Hypochoeris radicata (Long-rooted Cat's-ear). Gen. dist. Leontodon hirtus (Lesser Hawkbit). A — hispidus (Rough Hawkbit). A, B, C — autumnalis (Autumnal Hawkbit). A Picris hieracioides (Hawkweed Picris). A — echioides (Bristly Ox-tongue). C Tragopogon pratensis (Yellow Goat's-beard). Gen. dist. — porrifolius (Purple Goat's-beard). C Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion). Gen. dist. Lactuca muralis (Ivy-leaved Lettuce). A, C Sonchus oleraceus (Common Sowthistle). Gen. dist. — asper (Sharp-fringed Sowthistle). A — arvensis (Corn Sowthistle). Gen. dist. Crepis virens (Smooth Hawk's-beard). Gen. dist. — biennis (Rough Hawk's-beard). C (?) [Hieracium sylvaticum (Wood Hawkweed)] — Pilosella (Mouse-ear Hawkweed). Gen. dist. [ — murorum (Wall Hawkweed)] — umbellatum (Narrow-leaved Hawkweed). A, B, C [ — boreale (Broad-leaved Hawkweed)] Campanulaceae Campanula glomerata (Clustered Bell-flower). A, B, C — Trachelium (Nettle-leaved Bell-flower). A, C — rotundifolia (Harebell). Gen. dist. — latifolia (Great Bellflower). C (?) Wahlenbergia hederacea (Ivy-leaved Bell- flower). A, B Specularia hybrida (Corn Bell-flower). B, C [Jasione montana (Sheep's-bit)] Ericaceae tVaccinium Myrtillus (Bilberry, Whortle- berry). Barrowden Heath [Erica tetralix (Cross-leaved, Bell-flowered Heath)] tCalluna vulgaris (Ling). Barrowden Heath Oleaceae Fraxinus excelsior (Ash). Gen. dist. Ligustrum vulgare (Privet). Gen. dist. Apocynaceae Vinca minor (Lesser Periwinkle). C. Found by two other observers, locality not stated. (?) Escape Gentianeae Erythraea Centaurium (Century). A, B, C Chlora perfoliata (Yellow-wort). B, C Gentiana Amarella (Small-flowered Gentian). B, C — campestris (Field Gentian). B, C — autumnalis fugax.' Normanton Park Menyanthes trifoliata (Buck- or Bog-bean). B, C CONVOLVULACEAK Convolvulus arvensis (Small Bindweed, Con- volvulus). Gen. dist. — sepium (Great Bindweed). Gen. dist. Cuscuta Epithymum (Flax Dodder). B, C SOLANACEAE Solanum Dulcamara (Woody Nightshade, Bittersweet). Gen. dist. — nigrum (Common Nightshade). A. Often found as a garden weed Atropa Belladonna (Deadly Nightshade, Dwale). B, C, and over the southern border Hyoscyamus niger (Henbane). A, B, C. Very apt to change its habitat from year to year Datura Stramonium (Thorn-apple). Appeared suddenly at Tickencote at intervals in former years. Not indigenous SCROPHULARINEAE Verbascum Thapsus (Great Mullein). B, and over the southern border — nigrum (Dark Mullein). H, C Scrophularia nodosa (Knotted Figwort). Gen. dist. — aquatica (Water Figwort). Gen. dist. [var. Balbisii] Digitalis purpurea (Foxglove). A. Two observers Antirrhinum Orontium (Lesser Snapdragon), , C. One observer ' See above, p. 22. 29 A HISTORY OF RUTLAND ScROPHULARlNEAE {continued ) Linaria Cymbalaria (Ivy-leaxed Toad-flax, Mother-of-thousands). A, B, C — Elatine (Fluellen). B, C — spuria (Round-leaved Toad-flax). B, C — vulgaris (Yellow Toad-flax). A, B, C — minor (Least Toad-flax). B, C — repens ' ordorata ' ^ (Pale Blue Toad-flax). Preston Veronica hederifolia (Ivy-leaved~ Speedwell) — agrestis (Field Speedwell) [sub. sp. polita] — serpyllifolia (Thyme-leaved [ All Speedwell) [ common — Chamaedrys (Germander Speedwell) — Anagallis (Water Speedwell) — Beccabunga (Brooklime) — Buxbaumii (Buxbaum's Speedwell). A, C — officinalis (Common Speedwell). A — scutellata (Marsh Speedwell). B, C — montana (Mountain Speedwell). C — arvensis (Wall Speedwell). Gen. dist. Euphrasia oflScinalis (E\ebright). Gen. dist. Bartsia Odontites (Red Bartsia). A, B, C Pedicularis palustris (Marsh Lousewort, Red Rattle). A, B, C — sylvatica (Pasture Lousewort). A, C Rhinanthus Crista-galli (Yellow Rattle). Gen. dist. sub. sp. major or angustifolia (Large Bushy Yellow Raule). C Melampyrum cristatum (Crested Cow-wheat). C. Found over the border in Owston Woods (Leics.) — pratense (Yellow Cow -wheat). C. Found over the southern border Lathraea squamaria (Toothwort). A, C Orobancheae Orobanche elatior (Tall Broom-rape). B, C — minor (Lesser Broom-rape). C Verbenaceae Verbena officinalis (Vervain). B, C Labiatae Lycopus europaeus (Gipsy-wort). B, C Mentha aquatica (Water Mint). A, C [ — sativa (Marsh Mint)] — arvensis (Corn Mint). Preston — sylvestris (Horse Mint). C. Found over the southern border — piperita (Peppermint). C (?) ' See above, p. 22. Labiatae [continued) Thymus serpylium (Wild Thyme). Gen. dist. Origanum vulgare (Marjoram). B, C Calamintha Clinopodium (Hedge Calamint). Gen. dist. — Acinos (Basil-Thyme). C — officinalis (Common Calamint). B, C Nepeta Glechoma (Ground Ivy). Gen. dist. — Cataria (Catmint). C Salvia verbenaca (Wild Clary). A, C Prunella vulgaris (Self-Heal). Gen. dist. Scutellaria galericulata (Greater Scull-cap). A, B,^C [Marrubium vulgare (White Horehound)] Ballota nigra (Black Horehound). Gen. dist. Stachys Betonica (Wood Betony). A, B, C — palustris (Marsh Woundwort). A, C — sylvatica (Hedge Woundwort). Gen. dist. — arvensis (Corn Woundwort). C Galeopsis Ladanum (Red Hemp-nettle). Gen. dist. — Tetrahit (Common Hemp-nettle). Gen. dist. [Sub-sp. Speciosaor versicolor (Large- flowered Hemp-nettle)] Lamium album (White Dead-\ nettle). — purpureum (Red Dead- 1 All very nettle). ( common — Galeobdolon(Weazel-snout, Yellow Archangel). — amplexicaule (Hen-bit Dead-nettle). A — incisum (Cut-leaved Dead-nettle). A (?) — maculatum (Spotted Lamium). C Ajuga reptans (Bugle). Gen. dist. [Teucrium Scorodonia (Wood Sage)] BORAGINEAE Echium vulgare (Viper's Bugloss). A, B, C Lithospermum officinale (Common Grom- well). A, B, C — arvense (Corn Gromwell). B, C Myosotis caespitosa (Tufted Water Scorpion- grass). A — palustris (Forget-me-not). Gen. dist. — arvensis (Field Scorpion-grass). Gen. dist. — coUina (Early Field Scorpion-grass). A. Error ? — versicolor (Variegated Scorpion-grass). A — sylvatica (Wood Scorpion-grass). A Anchusa sempervirens ' (Evergreen Alkanet), A, B,C ' It is doubtful whether this is truly wild, but I have found it in profusion along the Ridlington Road (A), some distance from any house. 30 BOTANY BoRAGiNEAE {continued) Anchusa arvensis (Common Alkanet). A. Two observers Lycopsis or Anchusa arvensis (Small Bugloss). C Symphytum officinale (Comfrey). A, B, C Cynoglossum officinale (Hound's-tongue). A, B, C Lentibularieae Piiiguicula vulgaris * (Butterwort). B. Two observers [Utricularia vulgaris (Greater Bladder-wort)] Primulaceae [Hottonia palustris (Water Violet)] Primula vulgaris (Primrose). Gen. dist. — veris (Cowslip, Paigles). Gen. dist. — elatior (Oxlip). Gen. dist. Slowly dis- appearing from many woods from being rooted up by collectors Lysimachia vulgaris (Yellow Loosestrife). A, B, C — Nummularia (Creeping Jenny, Money- wort, Herb Twopence). A, B, C — nemorum (Wood Loosestrife). A, B, C Anagallis arvensis (Scarlet Pimpernel). Gen. dist. var. caerulea (Blue Pimpernel). C. Two observers — tenella (Bog Pimpernel). A, B. Two observers. Extinct ? Samolus Valerandi (Brookweed). A Plantagineae Plantago major (Greater Plantain). Gen. dist. — media (Hoary Plantain). Gen. dist. — lanceolata (Ribwort Plantain). Gen. dist, [ — Coronopus (Buck's-horn Plantain)] Chenopodiaceae Chenopodium polyspermum (Many-seeded Goosefoot). C — album (White Goosefoot). A, C — rubrum (Red Goosefoot). C — Bonus-Henricus (Mercury Goosefoot). A, C [Atriplex angustifolia (Narrow-leaved Orache)] — patula (Spreading Orache). A [ — prostrata or deltoidea (Triangular-leaved Orache)] ' Used to be found in Empingham parish, then lost for tvrtnXy years, after which it reappeared. It is now gone again. Polygonaceae Rumex conglomeratus (Sharp Dock). C — sanguineus (Red-veined Dock). C — maritimus (Golden Dock). C (.?) — obtusifolius (Broad-leaved Dock). A — crispus (Curled Dock). C — Hydrolapathum (Great Water Dock). A — Acetosa (Common Sorrel, Sour-Sops). Gen. dist. — Acetosella (Sheep's Sorrel). A, C Polygonum Convolvulus (Climbing Buck- wheat). A, B, C — aviculare (Common Knotgrass). Gen. dist. — Hydropiper (Biting Persicaria). A — Persicaria (Spotted Persicaria). A, B, C — lapathifolium (Pale-flowered Persicaria). B, C — Amphibium (Amphibious Persicaria). A, B,C — minus (Small Creeping Persicaria). B Thymelaeaceae Daphne Laureola (Spurge Laurel). A {Stock- erston, Leics., JVakerley, Northants), B, C EUPHORBIACEAE Euphorbia Helioscopia (Sun Spurge). A, C — amygdaloides (Wood Spurge). A [JVakerley, Northants), C — exigua (Dwarf Spurge). A * — Lathyris (Caper Spurge). Frequent in gardens — peplus (Petty Spurge). Gen. dist. Mercurialis perennis (Dog's Mercury). Gen. dist. Santalaceae Thesium humifusum (Bastard Toad-flax). Found over the Lincolnshire border Urticaceae Parietaria diffusa (Pellitory of the Wall). A, B, C Urtica dioica (Great Stinging Nettle). Gen. dist. — urens (Small Nettle). A, C — pilulifera (Roman Nettle) Humulus Lupulus (Hop.). A, B, C Ulmus campestris (Common Elm) — montana (Wych Elm, Hazel Elm) var. major. JVardky 31 A HISTORY OF RUTLAND All have been observed in Rutland CONIFERAE Pinus sylvestris (Scotch Fir) CUPULIFERAE Quercus Robur (Oak) Fagus sylvatica (Beech) Corylus Avellana (Hazel) Alnus glutinosa (Alder) Betula alba (Birch) Carpinus Betulus (Hornbeam) Salicineab Populus alba (White Poplar) [ — tremula (Aspen)] Salix triandra (Blunt Stipuled ' Triandous Willow). — fragilis (Crack Willows). — alba (White Willow). — cinerea (Grey Sallow). — caprea (Great Round leaved Willow). — viminalis* (Osier). Typhaceae Typha latifolia (Great Reed-mace). A, C [ — angustifolia (Lesser Reed-mace)] Sparganium ramosum (Branched Bur-reed). A, C [ — Simplex (Unbranched Bur-reed)] Aroideae Arum maculatum (Cuckoo-pint, Lords and Ladies). Gen. dist. Lemnaceae [Lemna trisulca (Ivy-leaved Duck-weed)] — minor (Lesser Duckweed). Gen. dist. [ — gibba (Gibbous Duckweed)] — polyrhiza (Greater Duckweed). C Naiadaceae [Potamogeton polygonifolius] [ — lucens (Shining Pondweed)] — perfoliatus (Perfoliate Pondweed). A — crispus (Curly Pondweed). A, C — densus (Close-leaved Pondweed). A — pusillus (Small Pondweed). A [ — pectinatus (Fennel-leaved Pondweed)] ' The following Willows should also be found in the county : — S Smithiana (Silky-leaved Willow), S. pentandra (Sweet Bay Willow), S. purpurea (Purple Willow), S. rubra (Green-leaved Willow), S. aurit.i (Round-eared Willow), S repens, and S. amygdalina. Naiadaceae {continued ) [Potamogeton obtusifolius] Triglochin palustre (Marsh Arrow-grass). B,C Alismaceae Sagittaria sagittifolia (Arrow-head). A, B, C Alisma Plantago (Great Water Plantain). A, B,C Butomus umbellatus (Flowering Rush). A, B, C Orchideae Orchis pyramidalis (Pyramidal Orchis). A, B, C — ustulata (Dark-winged Orchis). B, C — Morio (Green-winged Meadow Orchis). A, B,C — mascula (Early Purple Orchis). A, B, C — latifolia (Marsh Orchis). A, B, C — maculata (Spotted Palmate Orchis). A, B, C Gymnadenia conopsea (Fragrant Gymna- denia). A, C Habenaria viridis (Green Habenaria). A (over the border) — bifolia (Lesser Butterfly Orchis). A (over the border), B, C — chlorantha (Great Butterfly Orchis). A tAceras anthropophora (Green Man Orchis). Found in TVardley JVood Ophrys apifera (Bee Orchis). A, B, C — muscifera (Fly Orchis). A [IVakerley JVood, Northants), C tSpiranthes autumnalis (Lady's Tresses). Stamford {Northants) Listera ovata (Tway-blade). A, B, C Neottia Nidus-avis (Bird's-nest Orchis). A, B, C Epipactis latifolia (Broad-leaved Helleborine). A, B,C Hvdrocharideae Hydrocharis Morsus-Ranae (Common Frog- bit). C Irideae Iris Pseudacorus (Yellow-Iris, Flag). A t — foetidissima (Stinking Iris). Used to be found at Tickencote Amaryllideae * Narcissus Pseudo-narcissus (Daffodil). A (two localities) * Galanthus nivalis (Snowdrop). A, C Dioscoreae Tamus communis (Black Bryony). A, B, C 32 BOTANY LiLIACEAE Paris quadrifolia (Herb Paris). A {JVakerley TFood, Northants), C Convallaria majalis (Lily of the Valley). B, C Ruscus aculeatus (Butclier's Broom). A *t Ornithogallum umbellatum (Star of Beth- lehem). A Agraphis nutans \ Scilla nutans — • festalis Hyacinthus non-scriptus Gagea lutea (Yellow Gagea). Allium ursinum (Ramsons, Broad-leaved Gar- lic). B, C (Blue Bell). Gen. dist. At, C JUNCACEAE 10 Luzula pilosa (Broad-leaved Hairy Wood- Rush). A, C — sylvatica (Great Hairy Wood-Rush) — campestris (Field Wood-Rush) [ — var. multiflora] Juncus conglomeratus (Common Rush) — effusus (Soft Rush) [ — glaucus (Hard Rush)] — acutiflorus (Sharp-flowered Jointed Rush) [ — Lamprocarpus (Shining -fruited Jointed Rush)] [ — supinus] — bufonius (Toad Rush) [ — squarrosus (Heath Rush)] Cyperaceae [Scirpus palustris] [ — caespitosus (Scaly-stalked Club-rush)] [ — setaceus] [ — lacListris (Lake Club-rush)] [Eriophorum angustifolium (Narrow-leaved Cotton-grass)] Carex pulicaris (Flea Sedge) — vulpina (Great Sedge) — muricata (Greater Prickly Sedge) [ — divulsa (Grey Sedge)] — stellulata (Little Prickly Sedge) — remota (Distant-spiked Sedge) — ovalis (Oval-spiked Sedge) [ — vulgaris (Common Sed^e)] — glauca (Glaucous Heath Sedge) — pilulifera (Round-headed Sedge) — praecox (Vernal Sedge) — panicea (Pink-leaved Sedge) — sylvatica (Wood Sedge) [ — binervis (Green-ribbed Sedge)] — distans (Loose Sedge) — flava (Yellow Sedge) [ — hirta (Hairy Sedge)] — Pseudo-cyperus (Cyperus-like Sedge) [ — paludosa (Lesser Common Sedge)] [ — riparia (Great Common Sedge)] — ampullacea (Slender-beaked Bottle Sedge) — paniculata (Great Panicled Sedge) — axillaris (Axillary-clustered Sedge) [ — pallescens (Pale Sedge)] CRYPTOGAMIA FiLICES {Ferns and Fern AlUes) Pteris aquilina (Brake) [Asplenium Adiantum-nigrum (Black Spleen- wort)] Athyrium Filix-foemina (Lady Fern) Scolopendrium vulgare (Hart's-tongue Fern) Polystichum lobatum (Common Prickly Fern) [var. aculeatum] Lastrea Filix-mas (Male Fern) — Spinulosa (Broad Shield Fern) — dilatata. Variety of above — Thelypteris (Marsh Fern). Over the border, JFundsford [ — Oreopteris (Heath Mountain Fern)] Polypodium vulgare (Common Polypody) var. serratum '" The list of Rushes, Sedges, Ferns, and Horse- tails has been mostly contributed by Mrs. J. C. Thring, and represents South Rutland. Only in the case of two or three of the less common ferns is the district indicated. FiLiCES {continued) Blechnum boreale (Northern Hard Fern) Asplenium Ruta-muraria (Wall-rue Spleen- wort). A, C — Trichomanes (Wall Spleenwort). A, C Ceterach ofEcinarum (Common Ceterach). C Ophioglossum vulgatum (Adder's-tongue). A, C Osmunda regalis (Flowering Fern). B, C Equisetaceae {Horsetails) Equisetum Telmeteia (Great Horsetail). A — arvense (Cornfield Horsetail). A — palustre (Marsh Horsetail). Rockingham — limosum (Water Horsetail). C — sylvaticum (Wood Horsetail). A Lycopodiaceak {Club-mosses) [ Lycopodium complanatum fClub-moss) ] 33 5 A HISTORY OF RUTLAND In the above lists 665 species are enumerated, of which 129 are, for one cause or another, doubtful. This number (665) may be com- pared with Mr. Watson's total of 1,428 species (including grasses, and almost all species against which the author has expressed some doubt) for Great Britain, and with 859 (likewise) for Leicestershire and Rutland together. Mr, Watson's number of grasses for Leicestershire and Rutland is 67, and this number, for the purposes of comparison, should be deducted from the total of 859. 34 ZOOLOGY MOLLUSCS The soil of Rutland, consisting largely of calcareous rocks overlain by the Great Chalky Boulder Clay, should be favourable to molluscan life, which nevertheless does not seem so abundant as might be expected. In part this may be due to the dearth of observers, for there is no published account of the mollusca of this county, which in this respect has been peculiarly neglected, while only five records from the neigh- bourhood of Morcott are to be found in the Records of the Concho- logical Society. Two small manuscript lists, one by Mr. F. M. Burton of species found in the neighbourhood of Uppingham, in 1855—9, the other of specimens observed recently near Edith Weston by Mr. V. B. Crowther-Beynon, have kindly been furnished by Mr. W. M. Webb. The bulk of the following list, however, falls to the credit of Mr. C. E. Wright, who worked over the district in 1899 and 1900. Only 84 out of a total of 146, or so, species known to occur in the British Islands are here enumerated, though further research should bring others to light. Two or three more species of slugs, several of the small Vertigos, as well as some other species ought certainly to be found in the county. The lacustrine deposits in the Casewick cutting of the Great Northern Railway yielded nineteen species of non-marine mollusca, but all belonging to forms now living in the county. The nomenclature adopted in the following list is that of the Conchological Society issued in 1904, and differs from that employed in the earlier county histories of this series. Where the names here used differ from those previously given the latter are added in square brackets in order to facilitate comparison. A. GASTROPODA I. PULMONATA I. PULMONATA {continued) a. Stylommatophora a. Stylommatophora {continued) Limax maximus, Linn. Fairly common V'urea crystallina (Mull.). Common throughout — flavus,\M\n. Edith Weston — cellaria (Mull.). Oakham, Liddington, Up- Agriolimax agrestis (Linn.). Common pingham, Bisbrooke and Glaston Lane, Fitrina pellucida (Mul).). Oakham, Lidding- Stoke Wood ton, Uppingham, Edith Weston, Stolce — rogersi, B. B. Woodw. The most abundant Wood of the genus in the couuty 35 A HISTORY OF RUTLAND I. PULMONATA {continued) a. Stylommatophora {continued) Vttrea alliaria (Mull.). Spread over the most of the county, but not abundant nitidula (Dra'p.). Common everyuhere pura (Alder). Local in woods, but not com- mon radiatula (Alder). Caldecott, Uppingham Zonitoides [f^trea] nitidus (Mull.). In small colo- nies throughout the county Ettconulus \Vitrea] fuhus (Mull.). Rather local, colonies near Caldecott and Oakham j^rion ater (Linn.). Common intermedins. Norm. Common in woods, &c. hortensis, Fer. Found throughout the county fascia tus. Nils. [= circumscriptus, John.]. Com- mon throughout Punctum pygmaeum (Drap.). Liddington, Calde- cott, Uppingham, Oakham Pyramidula rotundata (MulL). Common in woods Helicella virgata (DaCosta). Not uncommon, but small — itala (Linn.). Not uncommon, but small — caperata (Mont.). Distributed throughout, but not abundant ; colony on limestone wall at Liddington — cantiana (Mont.). Not common : colony near Uppingham ; Morcott Hygromia hispida (Linn.). Not uncommon with the next species — rufescens (Penn.). Common throughout Acanthinula aculeata (Mull.). Near Uppingham, Stoke Wood, Ayston Lane rallonia pukhella (Mull.). Not common :_ Ayston Lane, Glaston. With this may be included some examples of V. exccntrica, a species only recently recognized in this country — coslata (Mull.). With preceding. Also at Bisbrooke Helicigona lapicida (Linn.). Two specimens near Uppingham, Edith Weston, Tixover — arbustorum (Linn.). Local : Liddington, Oak- ham, Uppingham, Caldecott Helix aspersa. Mull. Common — nemoralis, Linn. Distributed throughout — hortensis. Mull. Distributed throughout Er.a [Bu/imitius] obscura (Mull.). Not uncommon : Liddington, Oakham, Uppingham, Calde- cott Cochlicopa lubrica (Mull.). Not uncommon Azeca trideiis (Pult.). Three specimens near Calde- cott, Stoke Wood Caecilioidcs [Caeci/iane/7a] acicula (MlilL). Two dead specimens near the Mill, Caldecott Jaminia [P'lpd] cylindracea (DaCosta). In woods near Uppingham and on walls — muscorum (Linn.). Road-side near Uppingham, under stones Vertigo substriata Qe^S.). Wardley Wood — pygmaea (Drap.). Two specimens in a cop- pice near Uppingham I. PULMONATA {continued) a. Stylommatophora {continued) Balaea perversa (Linn.). Stoke Wood C/ausi/ia laminata (Mont.). Not common — bidentata (StrSm). Rather common Succinea putris (Linn.). Common in wet dykes, &c. — elegans, Risso. Common in wet dykes, &c. b. Basommatophora CarycMum minimum, Mull. Throughout. Large colony near Caldecott Ancylus fluviatiUs, Mull. Liddington, Stockerston Brook, Preston Brook Acroloxus [Vet/etia] lacustris (Linn.) One speci- men near Liddington ; one dead at Seaton Limnaea auricularia (Linn.). Not common pireger (Mull.). In most streams and ponds — palustris (Mull.). Not at all common truncatula (Mull.). In most small streams — stagnalis (Linn.). Not uncommon. Some striking forms near Caldecott Planorbis comeus (Linn.). Common — albui. Mull. Fairly common — gkber, Jeff. Burgess Pond — crista [ = naut!/eus] (Linn.). Near Caldecott, near Uppingham — carinatus. Mull. Fairly common : Caldecott, Liddington — umbi/iLatuj,'Ma\l[=marginaius,Drap.]. Fairly common : Caldecott, Liddington — fortcx (Linn.). Fairly common : Caldecott, Liddington — spirorbis (Linn.). Fairly common : Caldecott, Liddington — contortus (Linn.). Seaton — fontanus (Lightf.). A few specimens in a stream near Liddington Segmentina nitida (MuU.) [= Planorbis lineatus. Walker]. Four specimens in a pond near Caldecott Physa fontinalis (Linn.). Not uncommon near Caldecott Aplecta [Physa} hypnorum (Linn.). River Welland IL PROSOBRANCHIA Bithynia tentaculata (Linn.). In most streams, but not abundant Vivipara vivipara (Linn.). A small colony near Caldecott — contecta (Millet). Four specimens taken near Caldecott Vakata piscinalis (MulL). In most streams, but not abundant — cristata. Mull. In most streams, but not abundant Neritina fiuviatilis (Linn.). Not common 36 MOLLUSCS B. PELECYPODA Unto piclorum (Linn.). Not common : Stockerston Brook — tumidus, Retz. Not common : Stockerston Brook Anodonta cygnaea (Linn.). Not common Sphaerium rifico/a (Leach). River Welland — (orneum (Linn.). Caldecott, Edith Weston, Stockerston Brook — lacustre Qs/liiW.). A few in a pond near Caldecott Pifidium amnicum (Milll.). Not uncommon in small streams — casertanum (?o\'\)\_=: fontiiiale,?i.\:iC'i.\ Not un- common in small streams — pusilkm (Gmel.) \_ = font'male, auct.]. Not un- common in small streams — obtusalt, Pfr. Preston Brook — gassieiianum, Dupuy. Not uncommon in small streams (The correct determination of the species of Pisidium is open to question.) 37 INSECTS The absence ot any large town and consequently of any leisured class in the county of Rutland probably accounts for the small amount of work done among the insects. All the work which has been done in this direction has been due to the presence of the school at Uppingham ; and the lists of Coleoptera (beetles) and Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths) are largely taken from the Annual Reports of the Natural Science Society of the school. A few observations have come in from Oakham School, but it is greatly to be regretted that more work has not been done, especially in the northern end of the county. A society has, however, lately come into existence, with head quarters at Oakham, and this should be a great help in the future. The nature of the country is not very encouraging, rolling grass-land occupying most of the surface ; marshes and moorland are conspicuous by their absence, and woods are not too frequent. The writer wishes to add a word of thanks to Miss Thring, who has kindly revised his MS. ORTHOPTERA Earwigs, Cockroachei, Grasshoppers, and Crickets FORFICULIDAE LoCUSTIDAE Labia minor, L. Locusta viridissima, L. Forficula auricularia, L. Acridiidae Gomphocerus maculatus, Thunb. NEUROPTERA Psocidsy Stone-flies, Mayflies, Dragonjiies, Lacewings, and Caddis-flies Ephemeridae Odonata [continued) Ephemera vulgata, L. Pyrrhosoma nymphula, Sulz. ^ Planipennia Odonata c- r w ■ t bialis lutana, L. Libellula depressa, L. Chrysopa vulgaris, Schn. Aeschna grand is, L. Calopteryx virgo, L. Trichoptera Agrion puella, L. Limnophilus rhombicus, L. 38 INSECTS HYMENOPTERA Ants, Wasps, Bees, &c. ACULEATA Apis mellifica, L. Bombus terrestris, L. — lucorum, Smith Vespa vulgaris, L. — crabro, L. Lascius flavus, De G. — niger, L. Phytophaga Sirex noctilio, F. — gigas, L. Cimbex lutea, L. Entomophaga Chrysis ignita, L. COLEOPTERA Beetles For the list of this order I am indebted almost entirely to the obser- vations made by Mr. J. C. B. Udall and published in the Uppmgham School Natural Science Society's Report for 1900. CiCINDELIDAZ DyTISCIDAE Cicindela campestris, L. Carabidae Carabus violaceus, L. — monilis, F. — nemoralis, MilU. Notiophilus biguttatus, F. Leistus ferrugineus, L. — fulvibarbis, Dej. — spinibarbis, F. Nebria brevicollis, F. Harpalus rufibabis, F. — ruficornis, F. Platyderus ruficollis, Marsh Pterostychus madidus, F. — vulgaris, L. — minor, Gyll. Amara fulva, Dej. — similata Gyll. — trivialis, Gyll. Anchomenus dorsalis, MqU. — albipes, F. — prasinus, Thunb. Tachys bistriatus, Duft. Bembidium obtusum, Sturm. — guttula, F. Trechus minutus, F. Demetrias atricapillus, L. Dromius linearis, Ol. — melanocephalus, Dej. Haliplidae Haliplus fuhTis, F. — ruficollis, De G. — lineatocoUis, Marsh Hyphydnis ovatus, L. Coelambus inaequalis, F. Hydroporus pictus, F. — halensis, F. — palustris, L. — lituratus, F. Agabus nebulosus, Forst. Acilius sulcattis, L. Gyrinidae Gyrinus natator. Scop. HYBROPHILroAK Helophorus aquaticus, L. — brevipalpis, Bedel. Hydrobius fuscipes, L. Limnebius truncatellus. Thorns. Cercyon unipunctatus, L. Staphylinidae Tachyporus obtusus, L. — hypnorum, F. — humerosus, Er. — chrysomelinus, L. Stenus speculator, Er. — bimaculatus, Gyll. Oxytelus sculpmratus, Grav. Xantholinus ochraceus, Gyll. — punctulatus, Payk. Ocypxis olens. Mull. Bolitobius atricapillus, F. Creophilus maxillosus, L. Histeridab Hister bimaculatus, L. — cadaverinus, HoflF. 39 A HISTORY OF RUTLAND COCCINELLIDAE Coccinella 22-punctata, L. — y-punctata, L. — 1 1 -punctata, L. Coccidula scutellata, Herbst. MVCETOPHAGIDAE Typhaea fumata, L. SCARABAEIDAE Gcotrupes vernalis, L. Melolontha vulgaris, F. Aphodius ater, De G. — fimetarius, L. — rufipes, L. — fossor, L. — prodromus, Brahm. LUCANIDAE Sinodendron cylindricum, L. Elateridae Athous haemorrhoidalis, F. Cryptohypnus dermestoides, Herbst. Elater pomorum, Herbst. Lacon murinus, L. Telephoridae Telephorus clypeatus. 111. — fuscus, L. — lividus, L. — nigricans, Mill!. — haemorrhoidalis, F. Melvridae Malachius bipustulatus, L. Cleridae Necrobia ruficoUis, F. — violacea, L. Lampyridae Lampyris noctiluca, L. Cyclica Chrysomela polita, L. — varians, Schall. Apteropeda graminis, Koch. Phyllotreta nemorum, L. — ochripes. Curt. Timarcha laevigata, Duft. Heteromera Heliopathes gibbus, F. Meloidae Meloe proscarabacus, L. Pythidae Rhinosimus viridipennis, Steph. Pvrochroidae Pyrochroa rubens, F. Tenebrionidae Blaps mucronata, Latr. Cerambycidae Toxotus meridianus, Panz. Callidium violaceum, Clytus mysticus, L. — arietis, L. L. CURCULIONIDAB Erirhinus arcidulus, L. H}pera nigrirostris, F. Coeliodes didymus, F. Apion carduorum, Kirby — nigritarse, Kirby — violaceum, Kirby — curtisi, Walt. — fagi, L. — difForme, Germ. — pomonae, F. — frumentarium, L. LEPIDOPTERA Butterflies and Moths I have been fortunate in being able to compare the Lepidoptera found at the present day in Rutland with those of titty years ago, owing to the kindness of Dr. W. Bell and Mr. F. M. Burton, who, having worked the district between the years 1850 and 1862, have sent me lists of their observations with comments thereon. A good deal of work has been done of recent years in the south of the county, Mr. E. C. Rossiter and Miss Thring being the chief contributors. Want of variety in the 40 INSECTS surface of the county, absence of marshy districts or moorlands, and want of unusual food-plants, must account for the fact that but few uncommon specimens have been found. Among the Rhopalocera (Butterflies) there are few which are not of widespread occurrence. Colias edusa (Clouded Yellow) is very rare in Rutland, but was taken as recently as 1900, and has been taken at long intervals during the last fifty years. Argynnis paphia (Silver-washed Fritillary), common in Northamptonshire, is not so often met with in Rutland, but it and A. selene (Small Pearl-bordered) and A. euphrosyne (Pearl-bordered) have been taken in Wardley Wood, the two last more frequently. Vanessa c-album has been taken fairly recently and was caught in Wardley and Uppingham by Dr. W. Bell and Mr. Burton fifty years ago. Vanessa polychloros has not recently been seen, but was taken in 1889 by Mr. Rossiter. Vanessa cardui was also caught by Mr. Rossiter, but has been taken as recently as 1906, though it is very uncommon in Rutland, 1897, 1899, 1902. Apatura iris (Purple Emperor) was caught by both Dr. W. Bell and Mr. Burton, and was recorded in 1905. Erebia aethiops (Northern Brown), recorded by Mr. Burton, is very rare and has not been observed by any other naturalist. Thecla pruni (Black Hair- streak), which is found in the neighbouring county of Northampton, is not recorded in Rutland, but quercus, rubi, and w-album have all been taken recently. The last-named — the White-letter Hairstreak — was found in great abundance on an elm near Beaumont Chase in 1900 and 1 90 1, but has this year disappeared from that spot, though a specimen has been found in Wardley Wood. Lycaena corydon (Chalk-hill Blue) was taken about fifteen years ago by Mr. Rossiter, and again in 1906 by the Rev. A. G. S. Raynor. Syrichthus malvae (Grizzled Skipper) is found not infrequently in places. Cyclopides patiiscus (Chequered Skipper) has been taken in Wardley Wood. Of the Heterocera (moths) the rarest are: — Acherontia atropos (Death's Head Hawk), not found since i860, and Sphinx convohuli (Convolvulus Hawk), also unrecorded since that date, Spilosoma fuliginosa (Ruby Tiger), Cirrhoedia xerampelina (Centre-barred Sallow), Anarta myrtilU (Beautiful Yellow Underwing), Em?nelesia decolorata (Sandy Carpet), Amphidasis prodromaria (Oak Beauty). RHOPALOCERA Pieris brassicae, L. — rapae, L. — napi, L. Euchloe cardamines, L. Leucophasia sinapis, L. Colias edusa, L. — hyale, L. Gonopteryx rhamni, L. Argynnis paphia, L. — adippe, L. — selene, SchifF. — euphrosyne, L. Vanessa c-album, L. I RHOPALOCERA [continued) Vanessa urticae, L. — polychloros, L. — io, L. — atalanta, L. — cardui, L. Apatura iris, L. Melanargia galatca, L. Erebia aethiops, Esp. Pararge aegeria, L. — megaera, L. Satyrus semele, L. Epinephile janira, L. — tithonus, L. 41 A HISTORY OF RUTLAND RHOPALOCERA {continued) Epinephele hyperanthus, L. Coenonympha pamphilus, L. Thecla rubi, L. auercus, L. — w-album, Knoch. Polyommatus phlaeas, L. Lycaena aegon, SchifF. — agestis, Hb. — icarus, Rott. — corydon, F. Syrichthus alveus, Hb. — malvae, St. C. Thanaos tages, L. Hesperia thaumas, Hufn. — sylvanus, Esp. Cyclopides paniscus, F. HETEROCERA Sphinges Acherontia atropos, L. Sphinx convolvuli, L. — ligustri, L. Chaerocampa porcellus, L. — elpenor, L. Smerinthus ocellatus, L. — populi, L. — tiliae, L. Macroglossa stellatarum, L. Sesia tipuliformis, CI. Zygaenidak Ino statices, L. Zygaena trifolii, Esp. — lonicerae, Scheven. — filipendulae, L. BOMEYCES Hylophila prasinana, L. Nola cucullatella, L. Lithosia griseola, Hiibn. — complana, L. Gnophria rubricollis, L. Euchelia jacobaeae, L. Nemeophila russula, L. Arctia caia, L. Spilosoma fuliginosa, L. — lubricipeda, Esp. — menihastri, Esp. Hepialus humuli, L. — sylvanus, L. — lupulinus, L. — hectus, L. Cossus ligniperda, Fab. Zeuzera pyrina, L. HETEROCERA {continued) BoMBYCES {continued) Porthesia chrysorrhaea, L. — similis, Fuesl. Leucoma salicis, L. Psilura monacha, L. Dasychira pudibunda, L, — fascelina, L. Orgj'ia antiqua, Fab. Trichiura crataegi, L. Poecilocampa popub', L. Eriogaster lanestris, L. Bombyx neustria, L. — quercus, L. Odonestis potatoria, L. Lasiocampa quercifolia, L. Cilix glaucata, Scop. Dicranura furcula, L. — bifida, Hiibn. — vinula, L. Stauropus fagi, L. Pterostoma palpina, L. Lophopteryx camelina, L. — carmelita, Esp. Notodonta ziczac, L. — chaonia, Hiibn. Drymonia dodonoea, Sell iff. Phalera bucephala, L. Pygaera pigra, Hufn. Thyatira derasa, L. — batis, L. Cymatophora duplaris, L. Asphalia diluta, Fab. NOCTUAE Bryophila muralis, Fors. — perla, Fab. Acronycta tridens, Schiff. — psi, L. — aceris, L. — megacephala. Fab. — alni, L. — ligustri, Fab. — rumicis, L. Diloba caeruleocephala, L. Leucania cornigera, Fab. — vitellina, Hiibn. — lithargyria, Esp. — comma, L. — impura, Hiibn. — pallens, L. Hydraecia nictitans, Boric Axylia putris, L. Xylophasia rurea, Fab. — lithoxylea. Fab. — sublustris, Esp. — poiyodon, L. — hepatica, L. 42 INSECTS HETEROCERA {continued) NocTUAE {continued) Xylophasia scolopacina, Esp. Neuria reticulata, Vill. Neuronia popularis, Fab. Charaeas graminis, L. Cerigo matura, Hufn. Luperina testacea, Hiibn. Mamestra abjecta, Hubn. — sordida, Bork. — brassicae, L. — persicariae, L. Apamea basilinea, Fab. — gemina, Hubn. — didyma, St. C. Miana strigilis, L. — fasciuncula, Haw. — literosa, Haw. — bicoloria, Vill. — arcuosa, Haw. — captiuncula, Tr. Grammesia trigrammica, Hufn. Caradrina morpheus, Hufn. — taraxaci, Hubn. — quadripunctata, Fab. Acosmetia caliginosa, Humphreys and West- wood Rusina tenebrosa, Hiibn. Agrotis sufFusa, Habn. — segetum, SchifF. — lunigera, Stephens — exclamationis, L. — corticea, Hiibn. — nigricans, L. — tritici, L. — obscura, Brahm. Graphiphora tristigma, Stephens Noctua augur, Fab. — plecta, L. — c-nigrum, L. — triangulum, Hufn. — brunnea, Fab. — festiva, Habn- — dahlii, Hiibn. — umbrosa, Hiibn. — baia, Fab. — castanea, Esp. — xanthographa. Fab. Triphaena ianthina, Esp. — fimbria, L. — interjecta, HUbn. — subsequa, Humphreys and Westwood — orbona, Humphreys and Westwood — pronuba, L. Amphipyra pyramidea, L. — tragopogonis, L. Mania typica, L. — maura, L. Pachnobia rubricosa. Fab. HETEROCERA (continued) NocTUAE [continued] Taeniocampa gothica, L. — instabilis, Esp. — populeti, Fab. — stabilis. View. — gracilis. Fab. — miniosa, Fab. — munda, Esp. — pulverulenta, Esp. Orthosia lota, Clerck. — macilenta, Hiibn. Anchochelis pistacina. Fab. — lunosa. Haw. — litura, L. Cerastis vaccinii, L. Scopelosoma satellitia, L. Dasycampa rubiginea, Schift. Xanthia citrago, L. — flavago, L. — gilvago, Esp. Cirrhoedia xerampelina, Htibn. Tethea subtusa. Fab. Calymnia trapezina, L. — diffinis, L. — affinis, L. Dianthoecia capsincola, Hubn. — cucubali, Fues. — carpophaga, Bork. Hecatera serena. Fab. Polia chi, L. — flavicincta. Fab. Epunda nigra, Haw. — lutulenta, Bork. — viminalis, Fab. Miselia oxyacanthae, L. Agriopis aprilina, L. Phlogophora meticulosa, L. Trigonophra empyrea, Newman Euplexia lucipara, L. Aplecta nebulosa, Hufn. — advena, Fab. Hadena adusta, Esp. — protea, Bork. — dentina, Esp. — oleracea, L. — thalassina, Rott. — contigua, Vill. — genistae, Bork. Xylocampa lithoriza, Bork. Calocampa solidaginis, Hiibn. — exoleta, L. Xylina rhizolitha. Fab. — semibrunnea. Haw. CucuUia verbasci, L. — scrophulariae, Esp. — umbratica, L. — lactucae, Humphreys and Westwood Gonoptera libatrix, L. 43 A HISTORY OF RUTLAND HETEROCERA (continued) NoCTL'AE (otitinued) Habrostola urticae, Hiibn. — triplasia, L. Plusia chrysitis, L. — iota, L. — pulchrina, Haw. — gamma, L. Anarta myrtilli, L, Heliaca tenebrata, Scop. Phytometra viridaria, Clerck. Euclidia mi, Clerck. — glyphica, L. Catocala nupta, L. Geometrae Uropteryx sambucaria, L. Epione parallelaria, HUbn. Rumia luteolata, L. Angerona prunaria, L. Metrocampa margaritaria, L. Eurymene dolobraria, L. Pericallia syringaria, L. Selenia bilunaria, Esp. — lunaria, SchifF. — illustraria, Hubn. Odontoptera bidentata, Clerck. Crocallis elinguaria, L. Eugonia alniaria, L. — fuscantaria, Haw. — quercinaria, Hufn. Himera pennaria, L. Phigalia pilosaria, Hiibn. Biston hirtaria, Clerck. — prodromarius, Humphreys and Westwood Amphidasis prodromaria, L. — betularia, L. Hemerophila abruptaria, Thnb. Cleora lichenaria, Hufn. Boarmia repandata, L. — rhomboidaria, Schiff. — consortaria, Fab. Tephrosia consonaria, Hiibn. — crepuscularia, Hiibn. Pseudoterpna cytisaria, SchiiF. Geometra papilionaria, L. Chlorissa putataria, Humphreys and West- wood Phorodesma pustulata, Hufn. lodis lactearia, L. Hemithea strigata, Miill. Ephyra punctaria, L. Asthena luteata, Schiff. — candidata, Schiff. Acidalia rubricata, SchiflF. — bisetata, Hufn. — trigeminata, Haw. HETEROCERA [continued) Geometrae {continued) Acidalia virgularia, Hiibn. — subsericeata, Haw. — remutaria, Hiibn. — imitaria, Hiibn. — aversata, L. — emarginata, L. Timandra amataria, L. Cabera pusaria, L. — exanthemata, Scop. Bapta temerata, Hiibn. Halia wavaria, L. Strenia clathrata, L. Panagra petraria, Hiibn. Numeria pulveraria, L. Ematurga atomaria, L. Abraxas grossulariata, L. — sylvata. Scop. Ligdia adustata, Schiff. Lomaspilis marginata, L. Hvbernia rupicapraria, Hubn. — leucophaearia, Schiff. — marginaria, Bork. — defoliaria, L. Anisopteryx aescularia, Schiff. Cheimatobia brumata, L. Oporabia dilutata, Bork. Larentia didymata, Bork. — viridaria, Fab. Emmelesia affinitata, St. — alchemillata, L. — albulata, Schiff. — decolorata, Hiibn. Eupithecia oblongata, Thnb. — succenturiata, L. — abbreviata, St. H\psipetes trifasciata, Bork. — sordidata. Fab. Melanthia bicolorata, Hufn. — ocellata, L. — albicillata, L. Melanippe proccUata, Fab. — rivata, Hiibn. — sociata, Bork. — montanata, Bork. — fluctuata, L. Anticlea badiata, Hubn. — derivata, Bork. Coremia ferrugata, L. — unidentaria. Haw. Camptogramma bilineata, L. Tiphrosa dubitata, L. Eucosmia undulata, L. Scotosia rhamnata, Schiff. Cidaria miata, L. — corylata, Thnb. — russata, Bork. — immanata, Haw. 44 INSECTS HETEROCERA {continued) Geometrae (continued) Cidaria sufFumata, Hubn. — silaceata, Htlbn. — testata, L. — fulvata, Forst. — dotata, L. — associata, Bork. Pelurga comitata, L. Eubolia cervinata, Schiff. — limitata, Scop. — plumbaria, Fab. Anaitis plagiata, L. Tanagra atrata, L. Deltoides Rivula sericealis, Scop. Pyralides Aglossa pinguinalis, L. Hcrbula cespitalis, SchifF. Ebulea sambucalis, SchifF. HETEROCERA {continued) Pyralides {continued) Aciptilia pentadactyla, L. Botys verticalis, Schiff. Pionea forficahs, L. Galleria cereana, L. Pterophori Pterophorus pentadactylus, L. — galactodactylus, Hobn. Hydrocampa stagnata, Don — nymphaeata, L. TORTRICES Cheimatophila tortricella, Hubn. Tortrix viridana, L. Tineae Oecophora sulphurella, Fab. Diurnea fagella, Fab. Adela viridella, L. Orthorrhapha Culex pipiens, L. Chironymus plumosus, L. Tipula oleracea, L. — gigantea, Schrk. DIPTERA Flies Cyclorrhapha Catabomba pyrastri, L. Eristalis tenax, L. Musca domestica, L. CalHphora vomitoria, L. Lucih'a caesar, L. Scatophaga stercoraria, L. Sarcophaga carnaria, L. HEMIPTERA Bugs, Plant-lice, i^c. HETEROPTERA Notonecta glauca, L. Corixa geoffroyi, Leach — striata, Fieb. Gerris lacustris, L. Hydrometra stagnorum, L. HETEROPTERA {continued) Velia currens, Fab. HOMOPTERA Philanus spumarius, L. 45 CRUSTACEANS As no county is smaller than this, so also in no county has smaller attention been paid to the subjects of this chapter. Neither its living naturalists nor its ancient records appear to have considered these worth taking into account. Yet this is in no w^ay due to the narrow limits of the area concerned, nor are the crustaceans themselves more screened from observation in this than in any other inland county. Their favourite haunts are here in abundance, woods and gardens, rivers and brooks, ponds and marshes, old walls, ants' nests, and in general all the lurking-places which such a region might be expected to supply for creatures of insig- nificant size and secretive habits. As a matter of fact, most of the species likely to occur are so diminutive that their beauties and singularities appeal only to the diligent microscopist. Their economic value is for the most part indirect, as a food supply for fishes, to all of which they are doubtless welcome, while young fishes in particular have been ascertained to prey greedily on the minutest forms. The only species of our inland crustaceans which human beings care to eat is the river crayfish, Potamohlus pallipes (LerebouUet). Inquiries as to the occurrence of this little lobster-like comestible in Rutland met with rather an indefinite response. Mr. Masters, of Burley Ponds, Oakham, informed me that, so far as he remem- bered, he had come across it years ago when netting in Manton Brook. It is undoubtedly met with in the neighbouring counties, so that Mr. Masters's recollection may well be trusted, although I had no personal opportunity of verifying it. The crayfish is important as our sole inland representative of the higher Malacostraca. Among these it belongs to the Podoph- thalma Decapoda Macrura, that is, crustaceans with stalked eyes, ten feet, and long tails. The 'tail' comprises the last seven of the twenty-one segments which theoretically constitute the whole malacostracan body. In point of size the crayfish itself makes no great show, yet no doubt, specimen for specimen, it would outweigh all the rest of the Rutland crustaceans put together, even if eventually the species should require to be numbered by hundreds. The smaller forms, indeed, are so disguised by misleading appellations that to most persons their true place in classification is quite unknown. In our inland fauna the members of the sessile- eyed group, though not microscopic, are still so indefinitely smaller than their stalk-eyed companion that the really close relationship between them is not readily appreciated. The Edriophthalma are so called because they have the eyes seated immovably in the head. They are also termed Tetradecapoda, because the feet are fourteen in number instead often. One of the orders was named Amphipoda, to express the fact that these limbs spread out round the animal in various directions. To this order belongs Gammarus pulex (Linn.), which was taken in one of the Manton brooks and elsewhere near Oakham. It is a common inhabitant of brooks and ponds all over the kingdom, and may be taken as a characteristic example of the tribe Gammaridea, which peoples the seas of the globe in great diversity. When compared with the crayfish it will be found to have the pleon or tail similarly divided into seven segments, and though the limbs of its middle body are more numerous, this difference is not so considerable as it might at the first glance appear. The first two pairs of feet in the amphipod answer precisely to the last two pairs of mouth organs in the decapod. In both cases they are really in the service of the mouth, but in Gammarus these appendages are as it were upper servants with more freedom of movement, while in Potamobius they are bond-slaves, in restricted attachment to particular duties. Another order of the sessile-eyed fourteen-footed malacostracans, the Isopoda, is more sharply distinguished from the crayfish by the position of the breathing apparatus. This in the normal isopods is relegated to the pleon, with which it has nothing to do in the previously- mentioned orders. Here, moreover, the seventh segment of the tail, known as the telson, is fused with the sixth segment, ratlier as the rule than as elsewhere the exception. As in other 46 CRUSTACEANS purely inland counties, so in this, Asellus aquaticus, Linn., is the abundant but only fresh-water isopod to be found. It was taken in a disused canal and elsewhere near Oakham. The flattened dorsal surface is handsomely variegated with shades of brown. In front its two pairs of antennae are conspicuous, this twofold feature distinguishing crustaceans in general from insects, which have but one pair. Behind, the uropods or tail-feet are in like manner well calculated to attract attention, were it not that these appendages of the sixth pleon segment are in this species very likely to be broken off. In Asellus the segments of the pleon are fused dorsally into a shield, comparable with that fusion of anterior segments which throughout the Malacostraca and some orders of the other sub-classes produces the so-called carapace. In the terrestrial Isopoda, the wood-shrimps or garden crustaceans, as they have a right to be called, the pleon is in six compartments, fusion occurring only between the sixth segment and the telson. The species of this tribe found in the neighbourhood of Oakham were collected chiefly by Mrs. T. R. R. Stebbing, F.L.S., and proved to include the following species. In the family Oniscidae the ever-abundant Oniscus au/lus, Linn., was present in fields and at road- sides, and Philoscia muscorum (Scopoli) occurred in similar situations. These two species agree in having the flagellum or terminal lash of the second antennae three-jointed, but are easily distinguished by various other characters. The Oniscus has projecting front corners to the head, the dorsal surface tuberculate, the sides of the pleon continuing the curves of the middle body, whereas the much narrower Philoscia has the front of the head smoothly convex, a shining dorsal surface, and the pleon abruptly narrower than the middle body. PorcelHo scaber, Latreille, was taken under stones and timber in some profusion. In this species the two-jointed flagellum of the second antennae has the first joint a little shorter than the second or subequal to it ; the telsonic segment is a little hollowed dorsally, and has an acute apex. The normal colour is grey black, and the dorsal surface is rather densely granular. As is not uncommon, however, variously coloured specimens were met with, mottled or uniformly light brown, raising an expectation of distinct species, which on close examination was not grati- fied. Nevertheless, one specimen deserves more particular notice, as in addition to the mottled colouring and a very slender body, the first joint of the flagellum in the second antennae is only half as long as the second, and the short telsonic segment is rather obtuse at the apex. This combination of characters does not well fit any of our hitherto recognized British species. On the road between Oakham and Burley several specimens of Porallio pictus, Brandt and Ratzeburg, were procured. In this species the head and the central part of the pleon are black, the body is elegantly marbled, generally with a more or less linear arrangement of the dark and light portions. The second antennae are yellow at the base, and have the first joint of the flagellum longer than the second. Meto- ponorthus pruinosus (Brandt) was obtained among rotten hay in a field where a haystack had stood, and also at the edge of a flower-border from a garden in Oakham. This nearly straight- fronted species has the first joint of the flagellum in the second antennae longer than the second, but is distinguished from species of PorcelHo by having the pleon abruptly narrower than the middle body. It is dusky in colour, rather narrow, with the dorsal surface only slightly granular. The family Armadillidiidae supplies here abundance of Armaclillidium vulgare (Latreille), not in all places quite so common as its specific name implies. From its habit of rolling itself up into a ball it is, if not the commonest, perhaps the most familiar mem- ber of this tribe. Several of the specimens found were large and of the usual dark colour. Among these one had its left antenna colourless and much smaller than that on the right. This was evidently an instance of regeneration, a process by which crustaceans are able to re- cover lost appendages, although it is pretty clear that restoration of an appendage to its original size and vigour is only attained after a succession of moults. Some specimens of ArmadilH- dium were so small and brightly coloured that they suggested the presence of A. pulchellum (Zencker). The expectation, however, was disappointed, as the characters proved to be those of A. vulgare. The central stripe down the back was not dark, but light with dark borders, and the black colouring on the seventh segment of the middle body, distinctive oi A. pulchel- lum, was not present. It may be worth mentioning that in the terrestrial isopods the first antennae are very small and difl'lcult to observe. Their actual presence is an additional guarantee, if such were needed, that these forest shrimps, though no longer aquatic, are still true crustaceans. The sub-class Entomostraca is divided into three important orders, Branchiopoda, Ostra- c6da, and Copdpoda. In the first, only the sub-order Clad6cera can as yet be definitely attributed to this county. From the waters round Oakham, marsh and brook and fish-ponds, the following species were obtained, all belonging to the extensive tribe Anomopoda of the 47 A HISTORY OF RUTLAND section Calyptomera. The family Daphniidae, in which our first three species are comprised, has, among others, these characteristics. The second antennae have one branch four-jointed, the other three-jointed, and the intestine has in front a pair of caecal appendages, but is devoid of median loop. On the other hand, the family Chydoridae, to which the four remaining species belong, has both branches of the antennae three-jointed, the intestine generally without anterior caecal appendages, but looped in the middle, and commonly having a simple caecal appendage at the rear. In the first family, ScaphoUheris mucronata (O. F. Miiller) is an attractive little species, about one millimetre or a twenty-fifth of an inch long, not easy to mistake when once known. The valves of the carapace, at the meeting of the hind with the straight setose ventral margin, are produced into acute processes, a conformation which makes it easy to set up a specimen for dorsal survey. Some of the Oakham specimens had the upturned frontal horn, on account of which a variety cornuta has been named, or even established as a distinct species. There were examples of this form containing the dark solitary ephippial egg, as figured by Lilljeborg.^ They were obtained between the 9th and the 1 2th of August. Discussing the varied habits of Entomostraca, Mr. D. J. Scourfield observes that — Some forms swim continuously in the open water of clear ponds and lakes, some attach them- selves in various ways to weeds, some crawl about the bottom, some burrow in the mud, some live habitually in wet mosses, and so on. But of all the peculiar modes of existence, that of deliberately making use of the ceiling of a pond, i.e. the surface-film of water, for support, is probably the most remarkable. So far as is known, only a very few species have acquired this power in a fully-developed fashion, and these are all included in two genera — namely, Scapho- leber'u (Cladocera) and h'otodromas (Ostracoda).' Taking the present species for an example, he explains that on the ventral margin of each valve the setae at either end of the series project somewhat more than the rest, and when the animal, which habitually swims on its back, brings this margin into contact with the surface of the water, the projecting setae pierce the surface-film, and produce minute capillary depressions, sufficiently large to support the difference in weight between the animal's body and the water which it displaces. He suggests that in this position it obtains some of its food from the miscellaneous organic particles which collect on the surface. Mr. Scourfield further ingeniously suggests that it is protected against the risks of its unusual position by the peculiar duskiness of its whole ventral surface, observing that, in consequence of this darkening, it ' is certainly much less noticeable when seen from above over a muddy bottom than it would otherwise be.' ' As Cladocera in general avoid the surface-film, the unusual position may in itself help to safeguard Scapholeberh against enemies from below. Simosa vetula (O. F. Miiller) is a much larger species than the preceding, and, its valves being deeper behind than in front, its lateral aspect is rather clumsy. The genus agrees with Scapholeberh in having the head rounded above and not cari- nate, but differs by having the valves rounded at the junction of the hind and ventral margins. Cerlodaphnia megops, G. O. Sars, large-eyed, as its specific name implies, is distinguished genetically from the two preceding genera by the absence of a rostrum. From C. reticulata (Jurine), the typical species of its own genus, it is separated by not having any row of spinules on the caudal ungues, while from the other congeneric species it is kept apart by theemargina- tion of the caudal region, a space occupied by a series of spines increasing in size as they approach the ungues. In the other direction the caudal margin appears to be serrated or fringed with minute spinules, lessening forward. Among our four species of Chydoridae Eurycercui lamellatus (O. F. Miiller) is pre-eminent in size, in that respect exceeding Simosa vetula of the preceding family, which in lateral view it much resembles. It is easily distinguished by the caudal region, a part which in this species is often strongly protruded from between the valves. The broad blade-like portion between the caudal setae and the emargination that precedes the ungues has its upper or hinder edge prettily serrated. The serration consists of a hundred or more tiny denticles, gradually lessening forward. The genus is separated from other con- stituents of this family by having a pair of small caecal appendages to the front of the intestine, affording an interesting link with the Daphniidae. It is also exceptional with regard to the winter eggs. In all other members of the Chydoridae, with one slight and doubtful exception, the ephippial females are content to deposit a single egg in the so-called ephippium. As is well known to students, the Cladocera produce their young in great numbers parthenogenetic- ally. But, to guard against the total extinction of their progeny through the drying up of the ' Cladocera Sueciae, pi. 23, fig. 2 (1900). * Journ. Quckelt Microsc. Club, 309 (1900). ' Loc. cit. 3 1 1. 48 CRUSTACEANS water in which they dwell, from time to time the maternal valves form a special case in which eggs of a particular character can be laid. These encapsuled eggs require to be fertilized by the male. At the time of moulting the cases are detached from the rest of the exuviated structure, and may lie for a long period in dried mud, preserving the eggs not only from death but also from premature development, till water reappears in which they can safely be hatched. In Eurycercus lamellatm this ephippium is designed, it appears, to contain a large number of winter eggs, Weismann having found as many as eight, Schodler from two to ten, and Mr. Scour- field having seen as many as thirteen in one of the ephippial females sent him by Professor Sars.* Among the three remaining species Acroperus harpae, Baird, is distinguished by having the head carinate above. Its tail-piece is rather long and evenly shallow, sub-dorsaliy bordered with little spinules, which are separated by an emargination from the long, slender, nearly straight ungues. These have a denticle near the base and a spinule a little beyond the middle. Graptohberis testudinaria (Fischer) is well marked by the large hooded head with widely rounded rostrum, and by the two teeth at the corner where the straight ventral and sub- truncate hind margins meet one another. The caudal region tapers to the short finely setose ungues. The little Chydorus sphaericus (O. F. Moller), with its acuminate rostrum, very convex lower margin, and not tapering caudal region, is very distinct from the preceding species. The Ostracoda, or box crustaceans, which like tiny mussels hide the details of their organization witiiin the two valves of the carapace, yielded but fevr specimens out of the large number which longer and more skilful research would doubtless provide. The three or four species obtained all belong to the family Cyprididae. Erpetocypr'u reptans (Baird) is one of our largest fresh-water Ostracoda, being nearly a tenth of an inch long. As implied alike by its generic and specific titles, it is a creeper, having lost the power of swimming, but never- theless it is rather surprisingly active in its subaqueous movements when there is any loose stuff in which it can lose itself. Dr. G. S. Brady describes the colour as 'greenish with patches of lighter and darker hue, sometimes banded with orange or brown.' ^ Notodromas monacha (O. F. Muller) is a much smaller and at the same time less elongate species. The general effect in our specimens is predominantly black with pale spaces. Dr. Brady says, ' Colour pale greenish or white, transparent, with large and irregularly spread patches of deep olive green or black.' * Notodromas literally means ' one that runs on its back,' the intention no doubt being in the present instance to signify one that swims or floats back downwards. It has been already noted that members of this genus make use of the surface-film of water, to the underside of which they attach themselves in an inverted position, like flies upon a ceiling. The ventral surface of their valves has been compared to a ' boat-like plate,' but it must be understood that the plate is flat, with only the plan of a boat sketched or moulded upon it, or, as Dr. Brady explains, ' the ventral surface is bounded by two conspicuous, elevated, arcuate ridges (figs. 3, 6), one on each valve, which together enclose a flattened lozenge-shaped area." A third species appears to be Cypr'ia ophthalmica (Jurine), in which the caudal rami have the upper- most seta situate near the middle of the ramus. Another specimen, similar in general appear- ance to the preceding, but in which the caudal rami show no upper seta, may be Cydocypris laevis (O. F. Muller), in accord with Dr. Brady's figure of what in the Monograph he calls Cypris ovum (Jurine),' but subsequently identified with C. laevis.^ To represent the Copepoda, only three species of the genus Cyclops were gathered. Two of these belong to the forms which have the first antennae seventeen-jointed, C. albidus (Jurine) with caudal rami not equal in length to the two preceding segments combined, and C. strenuus (Fischer), in which the antennae are shorter than in C. albidus, but the caudal rami are fully as long as the three preceding segments combined. The third species is much less common, and differs very considerably from the other two. By most of its characters it appears to be Cyclops kaufmanni (Uljanin). But the first antennae are clearly eleven-jointed, not ten-jointed. It is possible that the number of joints may be subject to some variation, since in Dr. Brady's Monograph, fig. 6 of plate 24 shows a female in dorsal view with the left antennae eleven-jointed and the right twelve-jointed. From his greatly enlarged separate figure of the antenna our specimen differs only by the intercalation of a short joint between the large first and second joints. The little two-jointed fifth foot is in agreement with * Journ. Quekett Microsc. Club, 220 (1902). ' Monograph of Recent British Ostracoda, Trans. Linn. Soc. xxvi, 370, pi. 25, figs. 10-14 ! P'- i^f fig. 4 (1868). ' Op. cit. 380. ' Op. cit. 379. ' Op. cit. pi. 36, fig. 8. ' Brady and Norman, Trans. Roy. Dublin. Soc. 2, iv, 69 (1889), and 2, v, 718 (1896). I 49 7 A HISTORY OF RUTLAND Dr. Brady's description and figure of that appendage. According to the same authority C. kaufmanni has all the branches of the swimming feet two-jointed, a feature which he says elsewhere is of extremely rare occurrence. In our specimen none of the swimming feet have three-jointed branches, but in one pair one of the branches is one-jointed, whether really or accidentally I cannot determine. Under these circumstances the identification of this species must be considered as only provisional. Now that the carcinology of Rutland has been redeemed from the reproach of barren- ness, it may be hoped that some of the resident naturalists will yield to the attractions of this fascinating study. It cannot pretend to demand athletic prowess, or to compete with the excitements of the chase in other departments of zoology. But it pleasantly accords with the contemplative character of the scenery in the peaceful Vale of Catmose. While it may surprise many that a brief exploration in that area should have enabled us to record more than a score of species of Crustacea, it would not be really surprising if by a diligent searching over all the county nine or ten times that number should eventually be brought to light. 50 FISHES As Rutland, out of a total area of nearly 100,000 acres, has but 188 acres of water surface, and as its river, the Welland, and its streams, the Gwash, the Chater and the Eye, are of meagre and apparently diminishing proportions, its list of fishes is a small and comparatively uninteresting one, consisting only of tw^enty indigenous and five imported species. One of these, the dace, has tw^o sub-species which are found in this county, viz. the graining [Leuciscus lancastriensis) and the dobule (L. dohuld). To the Eye brook belongs the distinction of having had the latter of these first identified in its waters by Dr. Giinther in 1857. Though not admitted as distinct by the best authorities, there seem to be two kinds of eels in the Rutland waters, the one yellow-bellied, more numerous and running to a larger size ; the other silver-bellied and of better flavour for the table. The salmon and sturgeon have never been known to ascend the Rutland streams. There are no authorities or previous records for the fishes of Rut- land. TELEOSTEANS ACANTHOPTERYGII 1. Perch. Perca JIuviatilis, Linn. Found throughout the county in the ponds, in the Oakham Canal, and in the Welland. From the Eye brook it has entirely dis- appeared, and has become much scarcer in the Gwash since 1880 for no apparent reason. The largest specimen caught (in the Welland near Gretton Mill) was 2\ lb. The perch in the Welland occasionally rise to the fly. 2. RufFe (Pope). Acerina cernua, Linn. Present, but sparingly, in the Welland near Caldecott and elsewhere. It does not appear to occur in the Gwash, Chater or Eye. 3. Miller's Thumb (Bullhead). Cottus gobio, Linn. Common in all the rivers and streams, though none of these are sufficiently clear and stony to suit them well, and they are not nearly so abundant here as in Surrey and other southern counties. 4. Large-mouthed Black Bass. Grystes sal- moides (Lac^p.) Some 100 yearlings and a few ^ lb. fish of this species were introduced into the Welland about 1890. One was caught weighing about 2^ lb. in the Gwash at Ketton in 1898, and another of a little over I lb. in 1897 near Rockingham Mill in the Welland, and a few others have also been caught in the Gwash. HEMIBRANCHII 5. Three-spined Stickleback. Gastrosteus aculeatus, Linn. Found throughout the county but not in very great numbers, and seems to have diminished of late. It occurs sparingly in the Gwash and Eye, but used to be abundant in the lesser streams near Ridlington and Wardley. Numerous in the Normanton district. 6. Ten-spined Stickleback. Gastrosteus pun- git i us, Linn. In the same localities as the preceding species, but rare. HAPLOMI 7. Pike (Jack). Esox lucius, Linn. Common throughout the county in rivers and ponds, but the Eye brook is almost free 51 A HISTORY OF RUTLAND from them, while the Gwash has mostly small jack of 2 or 3 lb. in it. The VVelland fish run up to 12 lb. or a little more, while larger fish of 22 or 23 lb. are found in the Burley and Exton ponds. OSTARIOPHYSI 8. Carp. Cypfinus carpio, Linn. Numerous in the Exton and Burley ponds and other pieces of water. Also found in the Oakham Canal, but not in the rivers. A small gold carp of i lb. was recently caught in the Gwash which had no doubt escaped from some pond. The carp in Burgess's Pond at Ridlington during a severe winter early in the nineteenth century were frozen into the ice, and several of about I lb. weight were to be seen in this position for three or four weeks. Carp, it is well known, are very tenacious of life. [Barbel. Barhus vulgaris, Flem. A few were turned into the Welland a year or two ago, but nothing has been seen of them since.] 9. Gudgeon. Gohio JiuviatUh, Flem. Plentiful in all the rivers, especially in the Gwash, Chater and Eye. The gudgeon of the last-named are exceptional in size as well as very abundant. In the Gwash they are to be found chiefly on their favourite gravel shallows, but they do not run to a great size, none exceeding 5 inches. 10. Roach. Leuchcus rutilus, Linn. The Welland is noted for the excellence of its roach fishing, and this species is the most abundant fish in that river. It rises well to the fly. There are many ot I lb. weight, and an exceptional one of 2^ lb. was caught a few years ago at Gretton Mill. They are plentiful in the Gwash in the deeper parts, and of good average size, some reaching i^ lb. The Eye brook has few, and those small. 11. Rudd. Leuciscus erythrophthalmus, Linn. Common in the Burley and Exton ponds and small private waters. They occur spar- ingly in the Welland, but some are always to be found in the Gwash along one field near Colly-Weston bridge. 12. Dace. Leuciscus vulgaris, Day. Common in the Eye, Chater and Gwash, and less abundant in the Welland. The in- troduction of grayling into the Gwash seems to have lessened their number in that river. They grow to an unusual size both there and in the Eye brook, specimens of 15 oz. having been caught in both rivers. A sub-species, the graining [L. lancastrien- sis, Yarrell), has also been caught on one or two occasions in the Welland. A variety {L. dobula) is found in the Eye brook. This was first discovered in that stream by Dr. GUnther, when staying at Uppingham in 1857. He caught the first specimen on 7 September of that year, and Mr. J. M. Burton caught others on 22 September and subsequently. Since then Mr. S. Haslam has caught one or two of this species, the latest specimen being obtained in 1 90 1. 13. Chub (Chevin). Leuciscus cephalus, Linn. Grows to a good size in all the rivers, up to about 2^ lb. in the Eye, to 3 lb. in the Gwash ; while in the Welland specimens have been taken of 4^ lb. about 1850, 5^ lb. at Barrowden (about 1890) and at Gretton Mill. Latterly they have become unaccount- ably scarce in the Gwash and Eye brook. 14. Minnow. Leuciscus phoxinus, lAnn. Very numerous in the Chater and Eye, and fairly so in the Gwash and Welland. I have caught them on a small trout fly, and a gravid fish was so taken on 30 May, 1895 ; also on a minnow almost as large as them- selves. 15- Tench. Tinea vulgaris, Cuv. The Burley and Exton ponds are well stocked with them, as many as sixty being caught in a bow-net at one time in the former. In the rivers they are very rare, though one of nearly 2 lb. was caught in the Eye brook near AUexton in 1890, and a second of i lb. in the same stream in 1 90 1. They are inquisitive fish and a good device for attracting them to the neighbourhood of a bait is to throw into the pond a bundle of bright flowers, such as the buttercup, weighted with a small stone. 16. Bream. Ahramis brama, Linn. Found in the larger ponds ; but there are very few in the Welland, where they run from I to 4 lb. The white bream [A. hlicca, Linn.) has been taken at Barrowden at least once. 17. Bleak. Jlburnus lueidus,'ilcz\i. zr\dK.ncx. Common in the Welland, but apparently not found in the Gwash, Chater or Eye brook. 18. Loach. Nemachi/us barbatulus, h'mn. May be said to be fairly common in the Welland and in the Eye, especially near the 52 FISHES mill-tails. It is not so common in the Gwash, but is found there in small numbers. None of the rivers are very suitable for it. The spined loach [Cob'ttis tietiia) does not seem to occur. MALACOPTERYGII 19. Trout (Brown Trout). Salmo fario, Linn. Both the Gwash and the Eye take rank as trout streams, but the fishing in both of these is not so good as it used to be, the fish being smaller and not cutting so pink or tasting so clean. In the Gwash many were turned down some years ago, but the fish of the older stock were the finer — very deep and thick and with large red spots. A 2 lb. trout is a good fish in either stream, but a few of 3 lb. and over have been taken, and one of 5 lb. was caught in 1886 with rod and line in the Eye brook above Allexton. Trout are seldom found in the Welland, but one or two large fish have been caught in that river. 20. American Brook Trout (Loch Leven Trout). Salmo fontina Us (Mitchill). These have been introduced into the Gwash, where small ones of 4 or 5 oz. have been taken with the fly ; and into the Eye brook in 1892, where I caught one of about f lb. weight II May, 1894. 21. Great North American Lake Trout. Salmo namaycuih (Wal.) Mr. Montagu Browne in his Fertehrata of Leicestershire and Rutland records that from 20,000 to 30,000 of these have from time to time been turned into the river Gwash from the breeding waters at Burghley-by-Stamford. 22. Rainbow Trout. Salmo irideus, Gibbons. Has been introduced into the Gwash in the same way as the other varieties of trout. 23. Grayling. Thymallus vexillifcr, Linn. Five thousand were turned into the Gwash in 1893. They have thriven slowly but well, and are pretty numerous up to about i;^ lb. in weight, but are not of good eating quality. They appear to have proved detrimental to the trout. APODES 24. Eel. Angullla vulgaris, Turt. There are two sorts of eels found in Rut- land— the silver-bellied and the yellow-bellied — both of which occur in the Welland and the Chater, but in the Eye and Gwash only the silver-bellied are found. Of the yellow as many as 4 cwt. have been caught on their passage down at Middleton Mill, and of the silver i cwt. at Caldecott. In the Gwash and Eye these eels are very abundant and much superior to the yellow-bellied ones for eating purposes. CYCLQSTOMES 25. Lamprey. Petromyzon fluviatilis, Linn. Many have been caught in the Welland and it also occurs in the Gwash. The small lampern or pride {Petromyzon hranchialis) has not been recorded. 53 REPTILES AND BATRACHIANS The list of reptiles and batrachians to be found in Rutland is an extremely meagre one. No doubt more careful and continuous observa- tion would add one or two names to the list, but in any case herpetology is not a science that would find any great scope in this county. The only reptile that can be called really common is the grass-snake, and the only two batrachians in any sense numerous are the frog and the newt. REPTILES OPHIDIA 1. Grass-Snake. Tropldonotus natrtx, Linn. Common, especially at Ridlington, where one was killed, 3 feet long, with twenty eggs in her. Another was killed in Exton Park in 1 90 1 which measured 3 feet 8 inches in length, and was ^^ inches in girth. Speci- mens have been taken at Caldecote and Wardley, and no doubt the grass-snake is distributed throughout the county. The Rev. B. N. Cherry of Clipsham informs me that it is a rooted idea among the keepers in that neighbourhood that no snakes are found between the Nen and the Welland, though common to the south of the former river and to the north of the latter. 2. Viper or Adder. Vipera berus, Linn. Not common in the southern part of the county. At Ketton it used to be quite numerous, much more so, says Mr. E. St. G. Betts, than the grass-snake. Latterly it has become much scarcer. Near Uppingham it has only been recorded occasionally. LACERTILIA 3. Common Lizard. Lacerta vivipara (Jacq.) Seldom seen near Uppingham. Since 1889 only three cases of its appearance have been recorded. At Ketton it is commoner and probably elsewhere in the county. The s&nA-\\x2ird[Lacerta agUis) has not been recorded but probably occurs. 4. Blind-worm. Anguis fragilis, Linn. Sparingly distributed. BATRACHIANS ECAUDATA 1 . Common Frog. Rana temporar'ia, Linn. Common, but not very numerous in any one place. 2. Toad. Bufo vulgaris, Laur. Sparingly distributed throughout the county, but Mr. E. H. V. Hodge reports great num- bers breeding in the Oakham Canal. CAUDATA 3. Great Crested Newt. Molge cristata, Laur. Fairly common in all the pools and ponds. 4. Common Newt. Molge vulgaris^ Linn. Very common everywhere. There is no record of M. palmata, which has perhaps been confused with the prevalent species. 54 BIRDS THE list of Rutland birds is not a large one, and numbers little more than two hundred. This is not surprising, for the county is the smallest of all, in fact, less than half the size of any other excepting Middlesex, its circumference being only about fifty miles. Moreover it is an inland county, containing scarcely any waste lands or heaths and only 200 acres of water. Out of a total area of a little over 100,000 acres only 4,000 acres are covered with woodland, and orchards — which are paradises of bird life — account for no more than 150 acres. Rutland is pre-eminently the agricultural county of England, having fewer inhabitants per square mile than any other part of the country except Westmorland. This fact, so far as it goes, is no doubt favourable to certain forms of bird life. Game pre- serving, though of course practised here as elsewhere, is not carried to such extreme lengths, except perhaps in one locality. Consequently such birds as carrion-crows and magpies are abundant, and even sparrow- hawks hold their own. The county is traversed east and west by gentle hills separated by valleys averaging about half a mile in width, with stretches of open undulating country dotted about with small villages at some distance apart from one another. The soil is mostly light, and either a strong red loam or surface-earth on limestone, with here and there some cold woodland clay. The streams are small and seem to be dwindling, and there are only two pieces of ornamental water of any size — at Exton and Burley. These, small as they are, have contributed very largely to the list of Rutland birds, more especially in the case of stragglers and occasional visitors, such as the bearded tit, recently recorded for the first time in this county. But besides the natural disabilities of size, situation, and physical features, Rutland labours under a further disadvantage owing to the total absence of earlier records relating to its ornithology. None of the old writers of natural history so much as allude to it. The only trust- worthy information relating to Rutland birds prior to 1825 — and it is of little value — is to be gleaned from the notes kept by a certain Thomas Barker of Lyndon Hall, Rutland, between the years 1736 and 1 80 1. He was brother-in-law to Gilbert White, and the very first reference to a Rutland bird which we possess was from the pen of the immortal naturalist of Selborne, who notes under date 31 March, 55 A HISTORY OF RUTLAND 1736, 'a flock of wild geese flew N.' He was then about sixteen years old. The notes consist chiefly of the dates of appearance for some of the commoner migrants, the first hearing of the song of the blackbird and thrush, and twice of the woodlark, and records of the passing-over of wild geese. The missel-thrush is not mentioned, nor is the skylark. The cuckoo is only once recorded in March. The true bird population of a locality consists of (a) true residents, found there, though not perhaps in the same numbers, all the year round, which of course nest in the district ; (6) summer residents that reside from March to October, more or less, and nest during their sojourn ; (c) regular birds of passage, some of which may on occasion remain en route and nest ; (J) regular winter visitants, some, again, of which may here and there remain through the summer and breed ; (<?) occasional, but fairly regular, visitors. In Rutland, of the true residents there are fifty-nine species, reckoning in the heron, which nests, indeed, outside the county, but is to be seen in Rutland any and every day of the year. Among these residents are counted the swan, introduced centuries ago ; the red-legged partridge, turned down in 1850; the hawfinch, which became noticeable about the middle of last century ; and the little owl [Athene noctud)^ which came over from Northamptonshire about 1890. The raven, buzzard, and kite died out, as resident species, a little before 1840, and the Norfolk plover twenty-five years or so later. As in most other districts, the woodlark and cirl bunting are rare, and the latter may be only a summer visitor. The summer migrants, our second class, number thirty-three, the stonechat (which apparently used to be a resident) and wood-warbler being rare, while the white wagtail may prove to be commoner than is at present supposed. The pied flycatcher is a true, though exceptional, summer visitor. The turtle-dove reached Rutland just about the time when the raven and kite departed ; the crested grebe came in about 1880, and the redshank, an unexpected and most desirable acquisi- tion, about 1890. There are only four regular birds of passage, the ring-ouzel and green sandpiper, which never stay to breed, and the common sandpiper, which has been known to nest, and the wheatear, which does so here and there, but much more sparingly than in former days. The regular winter visitants are nineteen in number, the siskin being rare, and the merlin and peregrine quite local. In the case of five species, viz., gray wagtail, woodcock, teal, snipe, water-rail, a few pairs remain through the summer and breed, but this is more or less unusual, except as regards the snipe and, to a greater extent than formerly, the woodcock. Lastly, there are about twenty occasional visitors, which come sufficiently often to be reckoned as part of the county fauna. The real bird population of Rutland will therefore consist of fifty-nine permanent residents, thirty-three summer visitors, four regular 56 BIRDS birds of passage, nineteen winter visitants, twenty occasional immigrants, or 135 in all. There are in addition the four extinct species: raven, kite, buzzard, and Norfolk plover. Species that have nested at one time or another number 105, besides two or three probable cases, such as crossbill and Montagu's harrier. Besides the above there is the great army of stragglers, which really belong to the ornithology of England as a whole. It is here that Rut- land is most deficient, owing to its smallness of size and lack of observers and early records. Only sixty-three species can be enumerated under this head, with a few doubtful cases, e.g. woodchat-shrike, eagle-owl, Montagu's harrier, purple heron, night heron, stork, bar-tailed godwit. The hoopoe and honey-buzzard may some day, when the shooting of rare birds is not only prohibited but prevented, become residents; in fact, the latter very likely did breed at Burley in 1905. The sand-grouse might breed on any of its extraordinary immigrations. The bee-eater seems actually to have bred on one occasion in the county, thus establishing a British record. The crossbill has possibly nested, and the short-eared owl, tufted duck, and pochard might do so at any time. Of the rest of the species in this section the little auk has been oftenest seen, and then the gannet, owing to the liability of these two species to be driven inland by gales. The visits of the osprey are most interesting, and almost entitle this bird to a place among regular birds of passage. It is only the lack of observers that has prevented the addition to the Rutland list of birds such as black redstart, golden oriole, (which nested on the Northamptonshire border of Rutland, at Milton, in 1903), the great reed warbler, little bittern, and certain crakes and grebes. The fire-crest must have occurred, and in fact there is some evidence of its actual appearance in the county. The marsh-harrier was, no doubt, a common enough bird formerly, but no record of it has come down to us. The facts of most importance for British ornithology in general to be gained from the Rutland list are these : the eighth instance, or so, of Bonaparte's gull ; the unique nesting of the bee-eater ; the repeated appearance of the pied flycatcher in this county ; the recent murder of two male bearded tits at Burley Ponds ; the late acquisition of the red- shank as a breeding species ; the early return recorded for the wryneck (28 February) ; and the early nesting of the corncrake. The following facts as to increase and decrease of certain species should be noted. Increased : Missel-thrush, great tit (somewhat), gold- finch (latterly), hawfinch, sparrow, redpoll (as a nester), starling (very much), rook, green woodpecker (probably), kingfisher (latterly), moor- hen, nightingale, sedge-warbler, red-backed shrike, nightjar (latterly), turtle-dove (greatly), redshank, great crested grebe (locally), gray wagtail, hooded crow (somewhat), tufted duck, black-headed gull, herring gull, pochard, and goldeneye. Decreased : Nuthatch, woodlark (apparently), magpie, long-eared owl, tawny owl, heron, lapwing, stonechat (no longer resident), martin, I 57 8 A HISTORY OF RUTLAND quail (but a little less scarce of late), corncrake (considerably), wheatear (greatly), woodcock, wild goose, black tern. The Bird Protection Acts have no doubt done some good, especially in the case of such birds as the goldfinch and the kingfisher, but stringent measures are required against scientific ornithologists who, with profes- sional birdcatchers and gamekeepers, do all the damage that is done, and, in the case of rare birds, this is incalculable. A simplified Act is much required, which should extend protection all the year round to all birds and their eggs, except certain species exempted owing to their being injurious to the farmer or gardener, such as the sparrow and rook, game birds of course, and some rapacious birds like the crows and black-backed gulls. Steps should also be taken to preserve the nesting sites of rare birds like the Dartford warbler, cirl-bunting, woodlark, Norfolk plover, and the bigger birds of prey, from the hands of the scientific egg- snatchers, who are the most sordid and the most pernicious enemies of our native birds. Note. — The nomenclature adopted in the following list is that used in the late Mr. Howard Saunders' List of British Birds, 1899, and species not admitted by Mr. Saunders or whose occurrence in the county is open to doubt are placed within square brackets. Brackets placed round the name of the original describer of a species indicate that he did not employ the generic name which is now adopted. — Editor, F.C.H. 1. Missel-Thrush. Turdus viscivorus,\Ann. Locally, Stormcock, Stormbird, Mavis. A very common and conspicuous resident, which has increased very much in numbers since the beginning of the last century. Begins nesting early in March. A white specimen seen at Exton in 1900. Not mentioned by T. Barker of Lyndon in his long series of phenological observations (1736-1801). 2. Song-Thrush. Turdus musicus, Linn. Locally, Throstle, Mavis. Mostly migrate in hard winters, though some always remain behind. At other seasons very abundant. Nests with (apparently fresh) eggs have been found in November and December (1897), and a case is recorded at Thorpe-by-Water where one pair brought off three successive broods from the same nest, which was placed in the ivy over a porch. A young cuckoo was discovered in a nest of this species at Caldecott in 1904. A pied speci- men was shot at Uppingham in 1870. 3. Redwing. Turdus iliacus, Linn. A regular winter visitor, but not so com- mon as the fieldfare. Arriving in October it remains till the end of April. 58 4. Fieldfare. Turdus pilaris, Linn. Locally, Felt. Considerable flocks are always to be seen from October till May. From 1736 to 1800 the average date of arrival, as recorded by T. Barker of Lyndon, was 29—30 October, but from 1890 to 1905, it was 22 October. 5. Blackbird. Turdus merula, Linn. Essentially a hedge and garden bird, it is most stay-at-home in its habits and does not seem to migrate. Seldom begins to sing till February, but nests have occasionally been found in January (e.g. 31 January, 1901). One nest with six eggs was found in 1 90 1. The starling-blue variety of egg with large reddish-brown spots at the bigger end is fre- quently met with. Pied varieties are common, and a young albino with pink eyes and yellow bill was observed at Normanton in 1905, and a light-brown, almost yellow one was shot at Exton. A pied specimen with a white gorget was found sitting on its nest at Bisbrooke in 1855, and mistaken for a ring-ouzel. 6. Ring-Ouzel. Turdus torquatus, Linn. Occurs in small numbers throughout the county every year, and has been recorded from Clipsham, Greetham, Burley, Exton, BIRDS Edith Weston, Lyndon, Market Overton, Wing, Ketton, Barleythorpe, Wardley, Bis- brooke, Glaston, and Seaton. The months in which it has been seen are March, April (lO April, 1886), August, September, October (1901). 7. Wheatear. Saxlcola oenanthe (Linn.). Locall-^, Stonechat. Lord Lilford, in his Birds of Northampton- shire (vol. i, 114), says: — 'In some places on the frontiers of Northamptonshire, Lincoln- shire, and Rutland, it may be called abun- dant,' and the late Mr. A. C. Elliot, a taxidermist of Stamford, makes the incredible statement (1883) that 'it breeds in every stone-quarry and stone-fence wall in the county.' However, this species was no doubt a good deal commoner fifty years ago than it is now, and was nearly always to be seen throughout the year on the commons at Seaton, Barrowden, and Morcott. Though it still nests occasionally, the last two nests recorded being in 1903, and has been observed in every month between 25 March (1905) (its earliest appearance) and 25 September (1903) its latest, yet it is usually seen only on migration, the average date in spring being 1 1 April. In the autumn it may usually be looked for at the end of August. Ketton seems perhaps its favourite locality, but it has been recorded also from Gretton, Stoke, Beau- mont Chase, Lyndon, LufFenham, Ridlington, Burley, Exton, Uppingham, Preston, and Greetham, where six were seen 8 April, 1901. 8. Whinchat. Pratincola rubetra (Linn.). Locally, Utick. A common migrant, arriving about the end of April, but occasionally as early as 10 April (1901). In that year nests were found as early as 9 May. Mr. E. H. V. Hodge found a nest with seven eggs at Hambleton Hill in 1901. 9. Stonechat. Pratincola rubicola (Linn.). Up to the middle of the last century this bird was apparently resident and common, for a pair could be found (at least near Upping- ham) wherever there was any extent of gorse, and nests were discovered every year. Mr. A. C. Elliot, writing in 1883, says: 'It winters every year on Barrowden Heath.' At the present day there is no evidence that it remains through the winter. But they can always be seen on passage, or as migrants arriving at their nesting quarters as early even as the end of February (e.g. 1902, 1903). It still probably breeds on Barrowden and LufFenham Heaths, and the nest may be looked for early in April. No cause is apparent for the serious diminution of this handsome and hardy species in this county. Furze is not unplentiful, and the species is not subject to persecution. 10. Redstart. Ruticilla phoenicurus (Linn.). Locally, Redtail. A common summer migrant arriving about 13 April. Seven eggs are often found in a nest, and Mr. Theodore Bell records one instance of eight. Though this species usually builds in holes of trees or walls, yet it some- times builds like a swallow upon a rafter. The Black Redstart, Ruticilla titys, has not yet been recorded for Rutland. H. Redbreast. Erithacus rubecula {Linn.). Very common. Large numbers change their quarters in the winter. Nesting some- times begins very early, even in the middle of February. Six eggs are not an uncommon clutch, and I have once found seven (27 May 1898). Mr. W. J. Horn records a brood reared in the discarded nest of a hedge-sparrow, and I have known a pair bring up a second brood in the same nest, though Seebohm denies the possibility of this. A handsome variety was killed at Ketton in 1886, with head and chin normal, but the rest of throat, breast, sides, and back, creamy white, only a few dark feathers being interspersed. 12. Nightingale. Daulias luscinia (Liim.). Though not common fifty years ago, this species is now, happily, quite abundant almost everywhere in the county. Several pairs breed in the gardens of Uppingham School. I should say there were fifty pairs within a radius of five miles round Uppingham. Earliest date of arrival recorded is 8 April (1903). The song is sometimes continued into July (as in 1900, 1903). The average date of the nightingale's song being first heard is 21 April. The nest may invariably be found about 25 May, and though generally built on the ground, is occasionally placed in a shrub a little above the ground. 13. Whitethroat. Sylvia cinerea (Bechstein). Locally, Peggy Whitethroat, Nettle-Creeper. In most years one of the commonest migrants, arriving towards the end of April. There is one instance of a cuckoo's egg being found in a nest of this species. 14. Lesser Whitethroat. Sylvia curruca (Linn.). A summer migrant considerably less com- mon than the preceding, the proportion being perhaps one to eight if we may judge by the number of nests found of either species. 59 A HISTORY OF RUTLAND 15. Blackcap. Sylvia atricapilla (Linn.). Locally, Haych.it. Though seemingly somewhat commoner than it was fifty years ago, this species cannot be considered plentiful in Rutland. It is usually much scarcer than the garden-warbler. In some years it is more plentitul than in others. Good years were 1899, 1901, 1905. It arrives about 8 April, but I believe I once saw a female on 23 March (1890). 1 6 Garden-Warbler. Sylvia hortensis (Bech- stein). Arrives a fortnight later than the preced- ing, and, like it, varies in number in different years, but may be considered a much com- moner bird. 17. Goldcrest. Regulus cristatus, K.och. Resident, and, aided by considerable foreign accessions, by no means uncommon. Prob- ably nests in most gardens of any size through- out the county, as well as in all the woods. The song sometimes begins in February, but nest-building is deferred till May. The nest is occasionally in the fork of a tree, resembling that of a chaffinch. In the autumn it associates with the tits and creeper. The Firecrest {Regius ignicapillus) no doubt occurs often enough, but no absolutely certain record has come to hand. However, Mr. J. M. Mitchell and Mr. F. Styan, the well- known ornithologist, saw in December 1872, what they had no doubt was a pair of these birds at Uppingham. 18. Chiffchaff. Phylloscopus rufui (Bech- stein). Though distributed over the whole county, it is nowhere very numerous. Two or three pairs build in the Uppingham Gardens, and I have heard as many as six in one day in Wardley Wood. The bird does not sing on its first arrival if the weather be inclement. It arrives in Rutland during the last ten days of March, usually about 29 March, but it has been heard once as early as 16 March (1893). "^^^ late Mr. Howard Saunders said it ceases to sing in May. If so, it begins again in July, for I have heard it 4, 15, 16 July (1899) and 12 July (1901). 19. Willow- Warbler. Phylloicopus trochilui (Linn.). One of our commonest and most welcome summer migrants, far more numerous than the preceding. Arrives about 3 April, but I saw one unmistakably on a willow by the Eye Brook, 14 March 1903, and it was seen the same year on 18 March. It has been observed as late as 18 November (1900). In spite of Lord Lilford's statement to the con- trary, I feel quite certain this bird does not sing at once upon arrival. 20. Wood-Warbler. Phylloscopus sibilatrix (Bechstein.). Undoubtedly a Rutland summer migrant, though only found in two or three locali- ties. Lord Gainsborough reports its occurrence at Exton Park, and his evidence is corroborated by Mr. J. Whitaker, author of the Birds of Nottinghamshire. It has also been observed by Mr. A. E. J. Dixon at Empingham. One nest alone is recorded, and this, containing one egg, was taken by Mr. J. M. Mitchell at the edge of Wardley Wood in 1872. 21. Reed-Warbler. Acrocephalus streperm (Vieillot). Occurs in some numbers, as a summer mi- grant, at the Burley and Exton Ponds, but elsewhere in the county it is very sparingly distributed, chiefly along the Welland. Nefts have also been found at Ridlington, Beaumont Chase, and Stoke Wood. 22. Sedge Warbler. Acrocephalus phragmitis (Bechstein). Though said to have been rare till 1870, it is now a common, and in some years quite abundant, summer visitor. It arrives about the third week in April. A nest was found in 1902 10 ft. from the ground in a hawthorn tree — a most unusual site. It is a favourite foster-mother for the young cuckoo. 23. Grasshopper- Warbler. Locusulla naevia (Boddaert). Locally, Reeler. For more than fifty years described as a common summer migrant, but of late years it seems certainly to have decreased in num- bers. It has been reported from Uppingham (though not lately), Wardley Wood, Stoke, Barrowden, Luffenham, Home, Barnsdale, Exton, Manton, Wing, Seaton, Shacklewell, and Oakham. 24. Hedge-Sparrow. Accentor modularis (Linn.). Locally, Blue Dunnock. One of the commonest of resident birds, and subject to little variation in numbers. Begins to nest in March. The species most often selected by the cuckoo for the rearing of its young. 60 BIRDS 25. Dipper. Clrclus aquaticus, Bechstein. A very rare visitor. One was killed about 1880 at Empingham, a second about 1889 at Burley. It has also been said to occur at Thorpe by Water and elsewhere on the Wel- land. The sub-species C. melanogaiter has not been recorded. 26. Bearded Reedling. Panurus biarmicus (Linn.) Two males were shot at Burley Ponds on 18 January (1905), being the first birds of this species ever accredited to Rutland. The reed beds at Burley afford perhaps the only suitable spot in the county for the habitat of the species. 27. Long-tailed Tit. Acredu/a caudata {Linn.). Locally, Bumbarrel, Puddin' bag. Common. Sometimes seen in parties of twenty or more, and in autumn in company with the other tits, tree-creepers, and goldcrest. The nest is built early, and I have found one ready for occupation on 5 March (1897) and 17 March (1896). 28. Great Tit. Parus major^ Linn. Locally, Oxeye. Abundant, perhaps more so than fifty years ago. This species is no doubt migratory to some extent. Nesting does not begin till late in April. A pair built several years running in a letter box at Exton Park. 29. Coal-Tit. Parus ater, Linn. Locally, Blackcap, Tomtit. Fairly common and more numerous near human habitations than in the woods, where its place is taken by the next species. Mr. J. G. Thring reports having seen a specimen of the European Parus ater, of which the English coal-tit is considered by some to be a sub- species, at Farleigh, Uppingham, in February 1904. 30. Marsh-Tit. Parus palmtris, Linn. This species is perhaps about as common as the preceding, and, though like it, is neater and more attractive in its appearance. It is said to peck out a new nest for itself every season, and to remove the chips from beneath the tree. A supposed sub-species of the Parus palustris, the so-called willow-tit, has not been identified as yet in Rutland. 31. Blue-Tit. Parus caeruleuSy Linn. The commonest of the tits. Not a favourite with gardeners. It has been known to place its nest inside a discarded nest of the black- bird. 32. Nuthatch. S'ltta caesia. Wolf. Locally, Jar-bird. Nowhere abundant in the county, except perhaps at Burley, Exton, and Ketton. Near Uppingham it is now almost non-existent, though a nest was found at Wardley Wood in 1 87 1, a pair frequented the churchyard at Uppingham in 1885, and there was a nest high up in an elm tree at Ayston (since cut down) in 1898. It has been reported also from Lyndon, Oakham, Edith Weston, Em- pingham, Normanton, Stretton, Glaston, and Caldecott. A pair at Lyndon were evicted from their nest by woodpeckers and their eggs thrown out. 33. Wren. Troglodytes parvulus, K.och. Very common everywhere. This species may be heard singing in every month of the year. A clutch of seven eggs has been re- corded three times. 34. Tree-Creeper. Certhia famlliarls, Linn. Resident and fairly common, but not close to human dwellings. It has a curious habit of associating with tits in the search for food, and I once saw six engaged on a combined picnic of this sort in Wardley Wood, and one of these perched upon a branch. At Ex- ton Park a nest with five eggs was found be- tween a window and the shutter. 35. Pied Wagtail. Motacilla lugubris, Tem- minck. Locally, Dishwasher, Nanny Wagtail. Common in the summer, but during severe weather only a small remnant stay behind wherever a little running water may be found. The migrants return in February. The cuckoo has a partiality for the nest of this species, and a wagtail's nest had a young cuckoo in it as late as 2 July (1901). On one occa- sion a second cuckoo's egg was laid in the same nest, from which an egg of the same species had been taken two days earlier. 36. White Wagtail. Motacilla alba, Linn. Has been reported from Exton by Lord Gainsborough, and from the Welland valley by Mr. W. J. Horn. It is no doubt fairly frequent, and perhaps breeds in the county. As it seems to interbreed freely with the pied wagtail {M. lugubris), it may be doubted whether it is really a distinct species. 37. Gray Wagtail. Motacilla melanope,Yd.\\z.s. A winter visitor arriving in September and sparingly distributed over the county. The great majority depart in April, but a few remain A HISTORY OF RUTLAND to breed. I saw a single one on 27 July 1 902 near Uppingham, and another on 22 May 1903 at AUexton. Mr. A. E. G. Dixon reports that he has seen it throughout the year at Empingham, and a pair several times in June 1902 at the Normanton Waterworks, and again at Clipsham Ford on 5 May 1903. A nest has not yet been definitely recorded for Rutland, unless one in the vicarage garden of Caldecott, attributed by the Rev. S. R. Pocock to the yellow wagtail [M. rati), be- longed (as seems likely) to this species. In any case a nest will no doubt be found ere long. 38. Yellow Wagtail. Motacilla rati (Bona- parte). Locally, Golden Wagtail. Though not very common, it is fairly well distributed over the county, except perhaps round Normanton. It may be expected about the middle of April. The nest has been re- corded from Belton, Stoke Dry, Ketton, Seaton, and Oakham. This bird flocks before its departure in September. 39. Tree-Pipit. Anthus trivialis (Linn.). Locally, Titlark. A common migrant, arriving early in April. Nests have been found as late as July. The two varieties of eggs, reddish and purplish, are equally common. 40. Meadow Pipit. Anthus pratemis (Linn.). Locally, Titlark. Fairly common throughout the year, but in summer not so numerous as the preceding. A nest may usually be found on the rough commons or heaths at Barrowden, Seaton, and LufFenham about the second week in May. This species certainly shifts its quarters at different times of the year. 41. Rock Pipit. Anthus obscurus {L,2ith?im). One was killed at Tixover in 1876 by A. C. Elliot, which he described as ' a poor specimen, dark olive-brown.' This is the only record for Rutland. 42. Great Grey Shrike. Lanius excubitory Linn. A rare winter visitant. One was killed near Casterton in January 1883, a second at Morcott about 1885, which passed into the collection of the late Mr. Simpson of Spratton. A third was shot at Exton the same year, and is now in the possession of Lord Gainsborough. A fourth was seen near Oakham in the winter of 1886-7. 43. Red-backed Shrike. Lanius collurio^ Linn. Locally, Butcher Bird. Sparingly distributed over the county, but common in certain localities, such as Glaston and its neighbourhood. Both varieties of eggs are found. It arrives early in May. The so-called ' larder ' formed by this bird has only once been discovered. 44. Wood-Chat Shrike. Lanius pomeranuSy Sparrman. One was seen in the spring of 1869 close to the Rutland border, and a second found dead near Stamford in the same year. Both were recorded by A. C. Elliot. 45. Waxwing. A mpelis garrulus, L,'\nn. Six instances. One seen near Stamford in the winter of 1844-5. -A- second seen on Barnsdale Hill by the late Mr. R. Tryon about 1883. Several at Bisbrooke, one of which, ' a magnificent specimen,' was shot. Another was shot at Liddington in February 1885. On 2 March 1898 one was seen at Uppingham, and caught a few days later with birdlime while feeding on haws. It soon died in confinement. Lastly, several were seen at Barnsdale in 1904 by Capt. C. Fitz- william. 46. Pied Flycatcher. Muscicapa atrtcapilloy Linn. Has undoubtedly bred in Rutland. In 1885 a male bird was seen at Ridlington, and a nest with three eggs found. On 22 May 1892 another male bird was seen in the same locality. In May 1899 Lord Gainsborough saw a male bird in the kitchen garden at Exton Park, and states that it had been seen there on a previous occasion, and a nest had been reported from the village. In June 1 90 1 a male specimen was again seen at Ridlington. Mr. J. Whitaker, of Rainworth, Nottingham- shire, took a nest about 1865 near Wardley Wood, and the bird was seen at Bisbrooke about 1872. So Rutland may now be added to the counties where this bird is occa- sionally found. 47. Spotted Flycatcher. Muscicapa grisolOy Linn. Locally, Beam Bird. One of our later migrants, seldom to be seen before May. Common throughout the county. On one occasion at Edith Weston in 1903 a pair utilized an old swallow's nest in which to rear a brood. The pale blue variety of egg occasionally occurs. The cuckoo sometimes commandeers the nest of this bird. 62 BIRDS 48. Swallow. Hlrundo rustica, Linn. The average date for the first appearance of the swallow is 12 April, and for its departure the middle of October, but in 1737 they were seen on 28 March, and three observers reported seeing a flock of swallows or martins at Up- pingham on 8 March 1895. The latest date on which a swallow has been seen is 18 No- vember (1904). A white specimen was shot near Oakham at some unspecified date in the past, and Mr. Montagu Browne describes one of a greyish-white colour on the upper parts, with the under parts almost of the normal colour, but paler. This species has certainly decreased in numbers during the last fifty years. 49. House-Martin. Chelidon urbica (Linn.). The martin arrives about a week later on an average than the swallow, and departs a week later. Its nests may be found, how- ever, very much later, even (with young birds) in the middle of October. In some parts of the county these birds have much diminished in number. About twenty-five to thirty pairs build in the town of Uppingham annu- ally. 50. Sand-Martin. Cottle ripar'ia (Linn.). Locally, Bank Martin. Somewhat sparingly distributed, as nesting sites are few and far between, the chief of these being at Glaston, Pilton, Edith Weston, and near Collyweston (Northants). A few birds are always to be seen along the Welland. There used to be a nesting site at Morcott in a quarry. Owing to paucity of nesting quar- ters they have been known to utilize walls as nesting sites at Ketton and Uppingham. I have seen two or three pairs nesting in the earth-covered roots of a big tree blown down by the wind by the waterside. This species arrives about 10 April, but very occasionally, as in 1905, it is seen in March. 51. Greenfinch. Ligurinus ch/oris (Li'inn.). Locally, Green Linnet, Peafinch. Resident and abundant everywhere. I have heard it sing as late as 19 August (i 899). The eggs vary much in size and colour. The tall thorn hedges of this district afford very favourite nesting sites for this species. 52. Hawfinch. Coccothramtes vulgaris, Pallas. Rare in Rutland till about 1 870, it is now fairly common all over the county, though, owing to its wary habits, not often seen. Small flocks are sometimes observed in Janu- ary. The first nest recorded for this county 63 was taken in 1870 by Mr. J. M. Mitchell. Eggs may be looked for about the middle of May. 53. Goldfinch. Carduelis elegans, Stephens. Locally, Redcap, Thistlefinch. By no means so scarce in the summer and autumn months as is generally supposed ; but the observer must know where to look and listen for it. In winter it is probably to a large extent migratory. In April as many as forty have been seen at once, and in February 1899 a ' charm ' of seventeen were seen near Uppingham. A comparatively small orchard at Glaston will contain nine or ten nests, and, as two broods are produced each year, the output of goldfinches is no inconsiderable one. The bird breeds freely all over the county, and has certainly increased in numbers of late. There are said to be two varieties of the bird in Rutland, one with dark crimson forehead and chin, dark breast and legs ; the other, a more slender bird, with bright scarlet forehead and chin, light breast, belly slightly shaded with chestnut, and brownish or flesh-coloured legs. 54. Siskin. Carduelis spinus (Linn.). An occasional winter visitor in all parts of the county where willows and alders abound. It has been oftenest observed at Caldecott. The bird has once or twice been seen in sum- mer at Uppingham, but I attribute these in- stances to escapes from the school aviary. 55. Sparrow. Passer domesticus (Linn.). Far too numerous everywhere. Nests have been found even early in January and often in August. Variations in plumage are not uncommon. A white one and a coal-black one were seen at Ketton i and 6 December 1901. 56. Tree-Sparrow. Passer montanus (Linn.). Common in Rutland. Round Uppingham a number of nests may always be found in holes of pollard trees or in the thatch of barns, even in old magpies' nests. The eggs in the same nest vary a good deal, and there is generally one egg which is quite different from the others. The usual date for a nest is the middle of May. 57. Chaffinch. Fringilla caekhs (Linn.). Locally, Spink, Piefinch. One of our commonest species, receiving accessions from elsewhere at certain times in the year. Its song may be heard early in February. The light-blue variety of egg is occasionally found. A HISTORY OF RUTLAND 58. Brambling. Fringilla mont'ifringilla, Linn. A constant, though not very plentiful, visitor to Rutland in winter, and occurs most commonly where there are beech trees. As many as twenty have been seen together at Exton and Normanton. Their winter stay extends from November to the middle of April. 59. Linnet. Linota cannahina (Linn.). Resident and common. Every patch of gorse, and these are numerous, contains many nests. A four-mile radius would, I should say, contain at least five hundred pairs, and as each pair has two broods, if not more, and five eggs in a clutch, the yearly increase of linnets must be very great. 60. Lesser Redpoll. Linota rufescens (Vieillot). Seems to have become much commoner as a breeding species since i860. Small flocks are frequently seen in the winter, and pairs remain to nest here and there over the county. Nests have been recorded from Preston, Sea- ton, Caldecott, Beaumont Chase, and Glaston, and as a bird was seen on 18 May 1899 in one of the Uppingham gardens it probably nested there. 61. Twite. Linota Jlavirostris (Linn.). No doubt occurs occasionally, but has only been identified by Mr. W. J. Horn on 4 March, near Morcott. The small flock seen were feeding with larks, and I observed them two days later near the same place. 62. Bullfinch. Pyrrhula europaea, Vieillot. Plentiful throughout the county, perhaps shifting its quarters in winter, though, during the severe weather of December 190 1, I saw a dozen together feeding on the 'keys ' of the ash near Uppingham. As many as nine have been shot at one time in an orchard, and certainly the bird is most destructive to fruit trees. 63. Crossbill. Loxia curvirestra, Linn. A somewhat late winter visitor. It has been recorded from Seaton, Normanton, Ry- hall, Pickworth, Bisbrooke, Uppingham, and Wardley. One was shot 17 August 1859 at Seaton, and Mr. J. M. Mitchell saw three in March 1872 at Uppingham, a date at which they should have been nesting. 64. Corn-Bunting. Emhertza miliaria, Linn. Locally, Bunting Lark. Resident and common in many parts of the county, though rare in others. On the east side of Uppingham twenty may be seen in one day. Near Empingham and Normanton the bird is rare. Though its song may be heard in March, the bird does not usually nest before June. No satisfactory explanation has been given of the lateness of its nesting. 65. Yellow Hammer. Emberiza cttnnetla, Linn. Locally, Writing Lark. One of the commonest residents. Mr. A. E. G. Dixon reports seeing a bird of this species building a nest on 24 February 1905, an almost incredibly early date. Unusual nesting sites reported are, 8 ft. from the ground in a hedge, and under the eaves of a haystack. A yellow hammer which I caught in my house shammed death. 66. Cirl-Bunting. Emberiza cirlus, Linn. Very rare. Mr. J. M. Mitchell records one that was shot near Uppingham about 1870, and says that he saw a pair between Uppingham and Rockingham on several occa- sions a year or two later. He also possesses an egg found in May 1872 at Liddington, which was said, and appears, to be an egg of this species. It has also been seen near Thisleton. 67. Reed - Bunting. Emberiza schoeniclus, Linn. Locally, Reed Sparrow. To be found throughout the county along all the streams and water-courses. This species is no doubt migratory, but some can always be seen. 68. Snow- Bunting. Plectrophanes nivalis. Linn. Seldom seen. Two were seen in 1883, one at Cottesmore and a second at Tixover, the latter being shot. Three were seen at Ayston in 1895, and possibly one in 1901. 69. Starling. Sturnus vulgaris, Linn. Locally, Starnel or Sturnel, Shepster. By no means abundant about 1835 ; it is now exceedingly plentiful, flocks of a thousand being no uncommon sight. It is doubtful whether the starling is double-brooded, but its numbers are increased by accessions from abroad, and the species is now so numerous that nesting sites for all are becoming in- creasingly difficult to find. Consequently even woodpeckers are evicted from their nest- ing holes. Is it a new art that the starling has acquired, namely, hawking for flies high in the air like swallows ? At all events it is only during the last ten years or so that this has been observed in Rutland. A beautiful cream-coloured specimen was seen at Ayston 64 BIRDS about 1877, and another about 1888 at Oak- ham, and a third at Ketton in 1898. 70. Jay. Garrulus glandarius (Linn.). Surprisingly common for so conspicuous and persecuted a bird. I have seen as many as thirteen together in Wardley Wood (1901). An inveterate nest-robber. 71. Magpie. Pica rustica (Scopoli). Still quite common in the southern parts of the county. Flocks of ten or twelve are often seen near Uppingham. About 1880 Mr. Theodore Bell once saw a ' crowd ' of thirty- two near Stoke Wood. Even more destruc- tive to eggs and young birds than the jay. Its numbers are much reduced near Normanton and Burley, where gamekeepers are more in evidence. 72. Jackdaw. Corvm monedula, Linn. Too numerous. I have seen forty at once in company with rooks. It destroys numbers of eggs and broods of wild birds. A white variety and one of a cream colour have been recorded. 73. Raven. Corvus corax, Linn. Now extinct except as a wanderer, but used to breed in more than one locality. The last nests recorded were about 1 840 at Normanton and Exton. The last of the Rutland ravens was taken from a nest in Exton Park. Lord Gainsborough has an egg laid by this bird in captivity. One was shot in Wardley Wood about 1855. Since then one was seen at Ridlington on 12 October 1898, and another by Mr. A. E. G. Dixon at Empingham on 20 April 1905. 74. Carrion-Crow. Corvus corone, Linn. Very plentiful for a bird with a price on its head. In 1 90 1 a single observer, Dr. Kenneth de R. Bell, found twelve nests in the neighbourhood of Uppingham. There would doubtless be a hundred nests in a radius of 4 miles, and this means a very large 'congre- gation ' of autumn crows. To the east of Uppingham this bird is much less common, its place being taken by the next species. 75. Hooded Crow. Corvus comix, Linn. Locally, Grey Crow. Arrives punctually about 20 October and leaves about 20 March. Its numbers seem to be slightly on the increase. No record of it appears before 1855. It may always be seen in winter along the Welland by Seaton and Barrowden, and near Morcott and Bis- brooke, but it is seldom found to the west of Uppingham, This species has not been \ 65 reported from any other locality in Rutland except Normanton and Empingham. 76. Rook. Corvus frugilegus, Linn. Undoubtedly too numerous in this district. Flocks of four hundred may be seen round Uppingham. Besides their corn-eating pro- pensities, rooks have now developed a taste for the eggs of birds, and are hardly less mischievous than carrion-crows. Variations in plumage are not uncommon, and I saw a beautiful cream-coloured one with black head near Uppingham on 14 March 1893. 77. Skylark. Alauda arvensis, Linn. Abundant, but in severe weather not one is to be seen. The largest flocks in the neigh- bourhood of Uppingham rarely exceed one hundred. A white specimen was shot at Ayston about 1875. 78. Woodlark. Alauda arborea, Linn. Very scarce. Thomas Barker of Lyndon mentions it twice between 1736 and i8oi,as singing in January 1762 and February 1768. Mr. J. M. Mitchell notes a specimen shot near Uppingham about 1870, and seen in the flesh. The late Mr. Cordeaux saw one near Exton in 1888 and Mr. J. Whitaker one on 3 October 1 89 1 at the same place. A nest was found at Barnsdale about 1876, and on 19 April 1890 a nest with four eggs (undoubtedly woodlark's), was found near Stoke Wood, where the birds have since been seen by the finder. During 15 years' observation I never saw or heard one, or of one, near Uppingham. Why this bird, which has two broods, is so rare, remains a mystery. 79. Swift. Cypselus apus (Linn.). Locally, Deviling. Arrives generally during the first week in May, but seems to have been a little earlier during the 1 8th century, for in 1749 it arrived 16 April, and in 1739, 1740, and 1747 it was seen 17 April. They generally depart early in August, but 3 September 1782, 12 September 1790, and 4 September 1 891 have been noted as dates of last appear- ance. In 1844 there were very few to be seen. At present their numbers are pretty constant, and at least a dozen pairs breed in Uppingham, and I have seen thirty at a time in July. The Rev. W. Turner, writing to the Zoologist in 1850, described a variety, which was shot at Uppingham, as weighing less than an ounce ; throat, belly, vent and rump smoke-coloured, the rest bLick ; back and wing-coverts glossy, head somewhat glossy, tail forked but not acutely ; wings nearly \\ inches in length. A HISTORY OF RUTLAND 80. Nightjar. Caprlmulgui europaeus, Linn. Locally, Fcrn-Owl. Appears to have increased to some extent during the last fifty years, but it is rather local. A summer migrant, arriving somewhat late, it breeds sparingly over the district, being most common at Burley and Ketton. 81. Wryneck, lynx torquillu, Linn. Locally, Snake Bird, Cuckoo's Mate. I believe this bird comes a good deal before the cuckoo, but is not heard. It was heard 15 March 1902, and seen 24 February 1903 at L'ppingham, and heard then 6 March. It is sparingly distributed over the county. Nests have been recorded from Seaton, Rid- lington, Bisbrooke, Braunston, Oakham, and AUexton. 82. Green Woodpecker. Gecinus viridis (Linn.). Locally, Yaffle. Resident and wonderfully common, and has evidently increased in the last fifty years. Old ash trees and numerous ant-hills afi'ord it most suitable board and lodging. If this species is subject to melanism, then the late Mr. Cooper of Ayston, must have seen a melanic variety, for about 1880 he saw a black wood-pecker in Wardley Wood. He was quite familiar with Dendrocopus major^ and had shot it in this very wood, so there is no question of confusion with that species. Of course no one who values a reputation for sanity among ornithological experts would dare to breathe a possibility that this might have been Picin tnartlus. 83. Great Spotted Woodpecker. Dendrocopus major (Linn.). Resident, but somewhat sparingly dis- tributed. Commonest at Burley and Exton, where the nest can always be found. Nests have also been reported from Ketton, Ward- ley, and Caldecott. It has once been seen in Uppingham. 84. Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. Dendrocopus minor (Linn.) Resident and fairly common in certain localities, e.g. Exton, Burley, and Normanton. But it is scarce near Uppingham, where I have only seen one specimen. No doubt it is more plentiful than it appears to be, owing to its shy and elusive habits. 85. Kingfisher. Alcedo ispida, Linn. Resident, but not much in evidence between November and February. It is found sparingly on all the Rutland rivers and streams, and also at Clipsham, Braunston, Burley, and Exton. Two or three nests may be found yearly on the Eye. 86. Bee-Eater. Merops ap'taster, Linn. One instance. On 24 March 1876 the late Mr. A. C. Elliot, of Stamford, wrote to the late Lord Lilford saying that a pair of bee-eaters built a nest on the bank of a pond close to Kelthorpe, a hamlet of Ketton, in the summer of 1868. The nest was com- posed of bones, wing (of beetles ?), &c. One of the old birds was shot and stuffed by Elliot for Mr. Andrews of Ketton. ' The young being able to fly got away with the mother bird.' This is conclusive for the bird if not for its nest, and I can see no impossibility in the latter, though it is the only record for England, 87. Hoopoe. Upupa epops, Linn. Five hoopoes have been observed in Rut- land, four of these being shot. One at Tick- tncote in 1838, the second at Burlej' in 1880, the third at Cottesmore 29 May 1888, the fourth at Ketton 30 August in the same year. The fifth and last was seen in the vicarage garden at Braunston and allowed to go in peace. 88. Cuckoo. Cuculus canorus, Linn. Abundant everywhere. The average date of arrival (60 observations) between 1736 and 1800 was 21 April ; during the last few years it has been 13 April. Only thrice has a March cuckoo been reported — 15 March 1776, 22 March 1894, 28 March 1901. On one occasion twelve cuckoos were seen in one field. Nests of the following birds have been appropriated by the cuckoo for its own purposes, as observed in this county: — Hedge- sparrow (8 times), pied wagtail (6 times), sedge-warbler (4 times), robin and yellow hammer (3 times each), flycatcher, green- finch, and meadow pipit (2 each), and linnet willow- warbler (or ?chiffcliaft), common whitethroat, reed-warbler, tree pipit, and thrush, once each. It will be seen that resident birds have the preference. The song of the cuckoo remains true sometimes till July, and nestlings have been found as late as 27 July (1898) and 30 July 1 901 in a linnet's nest. 89. White or Barn-owl. Strix JIcimmea,L,'\nn. Local/f, White Owl, Yellow Owl, Screech Owl. Still common, as it has always been. A nest at Ayston contained on 10 May 1899 five eggs and three young birds. As many as 66 BIRDS seventeen eggs have been taken successively from a single nest. The castings of this species show that shrews, mice, and voles are its favourite food. 90. Long-eared Owl. Aslo otus, Linn. Locally, Horned Owl, Brown Owl. Resident, but local and scarce, being com- monest at Ketton and Empingham. Five and twenty years ago it was common also at Tickencote according to A. C. Elliot, and it used to occur at Ayston, Wardley, and Rid- lington, localities which it now seems to have deserted. Their food consists more of small birds, such as chaffinches, than of mice, judging from their pellets, 91. Short-eared Owl. Aiio acdphr'inui (Pallas). Locally, Woodcock Owl. An autumn migrant but scarce, and I have been able to hear of only four or iive actual instances 92. Tawny Owl. Syrnium aluco (Linn.). Localh, Wood Owl, Ivy Owl, Hoop Owl. Pretty generally, though sparingly, dis- tributed over the county. This species is slowly declining in numbers, though fairly common round Normanton. The usual complement of eggs in this neighbourhood seems to be two, with occasionally three, though four have been found. As this owl is not double brooded, and not so fertile as the white owl, its disparity in numbers is partly accounted for. The grey variety occurs in Rutland, and I have a bird of this kind, taken from its nest in 1895, which is still in excel- lent condition and hoots continually almost every night in the year, except just when moulting. This species, as found in Rutland, seems considerably smaller than the same elsewhere. Its pellets show that its food is chiefly rats, mice, and moles, and only occa- sionally small birds. 93. Little Owl. Athene noctua (Scopoli). Successfully naturalized from numerous individuals liberated by the late Lord Lilford. The first Rutland specimen was obtained in 1 89 1 at Normanton. Four years later they were to be seen near Glaston Tunnel. In 1897 they reached Seaton, in 1899 Exton, and since then they have spread all over the south-eastern part of the county and probably by now over the whole of it. Some cabtings I examined contained only the shards of cockchafers. 94. Scops-Owl. Scops giu (Scopoli). One instance only, the specimen in ques- tion being killed near Duddington, within the Rutland border, in 1876, and recorded by A. C. Elliot. 95. Eagle Owl. Bubo ignavus, T. Forster. A specimen killed near Stamford on 12 April 1879 {Zoologht, iii, 5. iii, 106) has always been considered one of the most trust- worthy occurrences of this bird in England, as the late Canon Tristram, who examined it soon after it had been skinned, stated that there were no signs of its having been in captivity. The late Mr. Evans, of Bourne, who stuffed this specimen, said he received two eagle owls, one on 16 April 1879, the other on 3 May 1879. One of these was marked Lord Aveland (now Earl of Ancaster, owner of Normanton Park), and certainly an eagle owl, belonging to the Rev. Robert Hurt of Carlby, Lincolnshire, which had escaped, was killed by a keeper named Galletly in Normanton Park. As to the other nothing more is known. 96. Hen-Harrier. Circus cyaneus (Linn.). Must have been of frequent occurrence formerly, as Rutland would then have been near the fens and suitable to its habits. Speci- mens have been recorded from Seaton and Barrowden and Glaston and near Collyweston (Northants), and possibly from Ketton and Hambleton. The Marsh-Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) used no doubt to be seen, but no record of it has survived. [Montagu's Harrier. Circus cineraceus (Mon- tagu). The inclusion of this species rests on a somewhat doubtful egg found at Bisbrooke in 1865, and on an observation by Mr. Theodore Bell of a large hawk seen perched upon a gate, within easy visual distance, which he describes as 'so grey-looking as almost to be called white']. 97. Buzzard. Buteo vulgaris, Leach. Formerly resident and common, now a mere straggler. The last nest recorded near Uppingham was taken about 1827. It was frequently seen till about 1850 over the Wel- land valley. One was seen in 1880 at Seaton by the late Mr. R. Trycn. In November 1906 two were seen for some time in the Burley Woods. 67 A HISTORY OF RUTLAND 98. Rough-legged Buzzard. Archibuteo lagopus (J. F. Gmelin). One was shot on the north-east border of Rutland in 1854. No doubt it has occurred occasionally without being recorded. 99. White-tailed Eagle. Hallaetus alhtctlla (Linn.). One was seen 3 February 1 89 1 and the two following days at the Exton Ponds. A second was seen in 1900 near Empingham and shot at, but not killed. 100. Goshawk. Astur palumbarius {L,\nn.). A male was shot near Barrowden in 1856 and is now in Dr. W. Bell's collection. A second was seen in the same locality in the same year. A dead one was picked up some years ago near Stamford, on the Rutland side of the border. loi. Sparrow- Hawk. Acciplter nisus (L'mn.). Still maintains a somewhat precarious exis- tence, perhaps being reinforced by migrants from elsewhere. A nest or two can generally be found near Uppingham every year. 102. Kite. Mihus ictinus, Savigny. Locally, Glede. At the beginning of the last century kites were abundant in Rutland. It was no un- common thing to see twent)^ or thirty in the valley of the Eye. This splendid bird dis- appeared as a resident about 1835—40. The eggs from the last two nests taken are in the collection of Dr. W. Bell and in the Upping- ham School Museum. The last kite seen in the county was observed by Mr. Theodore Bell near Beaumont Chase in 1852. 103. Honey-Buzzard. Pernls aplvorus (Linn.). A light-coloured specimen, now in Lord Gainsborough's possession, was shot in Exton Park about 1859. In May 1905 C. Masters, the keeper at Burley Ponds, wounded and captured a bird of this species. Its mate came to its assistance, while confined in a pheasant pen, and it contrived to make its escape. This pair possibly bred in the neigh- bourhood. 104. Peregrine Falcon. Fulco peregrinus, Tunstall. A regular winter visitant, seen in all parts of the county, but more especially in the Welland valley, along which it follows the autumn wild-fowl, and in the Normanton district, where it is attracted by the flocks of wood-pigeons. On one occasion a fine fs.lcon of this species stooped twice at a gaggle of white-fronted geese flying over the Welland, and, though it struck a goose, it failed to bring it down. This was in 1888, near Turtle Bridge, Barrowden. 105. Hobby. Falco subbuteo, Linn. A yearly summer migrant, usually breeding at Burley and Exton. The late Lord Lilford had three young birds sent him on 22 July 1889 from an old carrion-crow's nest at Burley. It has been known to nest also at BarnsJale, Pickworth, Casterton, and Greet- ham, and has been observed also at Wardley, Ayston, and Empingham. On one occasion it was seen at Burley Ponds to dive for fish and bring up what looked liked a roach of half a pound. 1 06. Merlin. Falco aesalon, Tunstall. Localls, Blue Hawk. A winter visitor from October to April, and to be seen every year. It has been reported from Edith Weston, Tinwell, Wardley, Caldecott, Burley, Casterton, Pickworth, Exton, Hambleton, Greetham, and Empingham. At the last-named place it was seen even in May (1902). 107. Kestrel. Falco tinnunculus, Linn. Locally, Windhover. As it is easy to shoot, this species suffers much at the hands of gamekeepers. Com- paratively few are to be seen in December and January, but during the greater part of the year they are plentiful throughout Rutland. 108. Osprey. Pandion haliaitm (Linn.). An occasional visitor to the Burley and Exton Ponds on its spring passage. One came on the same day and even almost at the same hour to the Burley Ponds from 1878 to 1883, staying thirty hours on each occasion. Again in 1894 and 1898 one was seen at Exton. There is a specimen preserved at Burley House, which no doubt was shot at the Ponds. 109. Cormorant. Phalacrocorax carbo (Linn.). About 1896 two or three were seen on the Burley Ponds. One was shot and is now at Burley House. The Shag (P. graculus) has not been recorded. no. Gannet or Solan Goose. Sula bassana (Linn.). About 1870 a young bird was picked up at Edith Weston. In 1878 or 1879 a second was obtained at Empingham. A 68 BIRDS third was taken alive in 1886 at Uppingham, and a fourth was shot on 14 October 1 89 1 at Hoby Farm. In 1897 one was taken in an exhausted condition at Ashwell Station, and the remains of two were found on 5 November 1898 at Luffenham. 111. Heron. Ardea cinerea, Linn. No longer nests in the county. About 1830 there was a heronry at Burley, and small settlements thirty years later at three or four places close to the Rutland borders. The only one near the county now, and that from which all the Rutland herons probably ■come, is at Milton Park, near Peterborough. As many as ten herons may be seen at a time in the Welland valley. {Purple Heron. Ardea purpurea, Linn. One is reported to have been killed at Burley in 1888, but I have no further par- ticulars of it.] 112. Night-Heron. Nycticorax griseus (Linn.). Said to have been seen 16 and 22 August 1885 at Clipsham by the Rev. B. N. Cherry. His description of the bird seems to point to the correctness of the identification, to which he stated that the late Lord Lilford was in- clined to agree. 113. Bittern. Botaurus stel/aris (Linn.). One shot at Pickworth about 1850 ; a -second about 1854 during the winter, near the Welland; a third in November 1876 at Greetham ; a fourth, a male, at Exton in 1887. A fifth was seen at Exton Ponds in 1898 and the late Mr. R. Tryon told me he had met with it years ago at Beaton. 114. White Stork. Ciconia alba, Bechstein. In a letter by the late Lord Lilford to his nephew is the statement, ' Tom Barrington tells me a Stork has been seen at Ketton, 4 August 1886.' 115. Grey Lag-Goose. Anser ctnereus,M.eyeT. Used to be regular visitors, as late as the fifties, to the Welland valley. The late Lord Lilford considered this the rarest of the four species of geese, and was of opinion that of the geese which were seen flying over- head those that passed in August, Septem- ber, and the first half of October generally belonged to this species. On 29 September 1904 the Rev. H. H. Slater identified a gaggle of grey lag-geese flying overhead near Uppingham. u6. White-fronted Goose. Anser albifrons (Scopoli.). Locally, Laughing Goose. The late Mr. R. Tryon shot two out of a lot of five, which were with a flock of bean- geese in the Welland valley about the fifties. Two were also shot out of a gaggle of twelve near Barrowden about 27 January 1888. They had been forced to take shelter in the reeds by a peregrine falcon which stooped twice at them and struck one. Two were also shot on 11 January 1900 near Caldecott. 117. Bean-Goose. Anser segetum (J. F. Gmelin). Formerly so abundant along the Welland valley that boys had to be employed on cer- tain pasture lands near Gretton to scare them away. They were common as late as the middle of last century. No specimen of this bird has been brought to hand of late years, but four geese put up at night in January 1902 near Liddington by the Rev. S. R. Pocock may have been of this species. They are still observed to fly overhead in the winter months, and as many as twenty-five were so seen 24 November 190 1. 118. Pink-footed Goose. Anser brachyrhyn- chus, Baillon. A few used to be killed in the Welland valley 1850-60, according to the late Mr. R. Tryon. 119. Barnacle - Goose. Bernlcla leucopsis (Bechstein). Mentioned by the late A. C. Elliot as a Rutland species, and he only included in his list birds which he had himself handled in the flesh. 120. Brent Goose. Bernicla hrenta (PzWss). Included, like the preceding, among Rut- land birds by A. C. Elliot. One was shot near Stamford in January 1888. [Egyptian Goose. Chenalopex aegyptiacus, Pallas. One was killed near Stamford in January 1805, and was probably a genuine wild speci- men. Another was killed about i860 on the Leicester border of Rutland. Five visited the Welland on 27 August 1878, and one was shot, and another was obtained at Burley in 1882. About 1895 seven were seen at Burley, and one was shot. All these, with the exception of the first instance, must be considered as stragglers from some ornamental water.] 69 A HISTORY OF RUTLAND [Canada Goose. Bemicla canadensis, Pallas. One was shot before 1883 at Tixover, and a second on 22 February i8g8 near Gretton, both no doubt from some ornamental water.] 121. Whooper Swan. Cygnus musicus, Bech- stein. Locali's, VVhistling Swan. One was killed 1850-60 by the Hon. W. Evans Freke. Seven were seen in the Burley Ponds in 1895, and one at LufFenham in 1885. On 29 November 1903 Captain C. Fitzwilliam saw fiftv-three flying over Barns- dale, and recognized them by their note. Thev were also seen the same day at Oakham by Miss J. M. Tryon. 122. Bewick's Swan. Cygnus bewkki^YTirTfiW. One instance. In April 1870 a specimen was shot in the Tixover meadows by Mr. J. O. C. Knapp. 123. Mute Swan. Cvgnus olor (J. F. Gmelin). A pair breed regularly in a semi-wild state on a little islet of the VVelland near Barrow- den. Three swans, probably C olor, were seen flying over Bisbrooke in February 1 902, and two on the Welland on 26 December of the same year. 124. Sheld-duck. Tadorna cornuta (S. G. Gmelin). Rare. Lord Gainsborough saw one at Exton in September 1887, and a female was shot at Burley on 14 December 1888. A fine male was also obtained subsequently at the same place. Mr. W. J. Horn saw a pair on the flooded meadows near Caldecott on 28 February 1900, and one was shot at Ketton in the winter of 1903. 125. Mallard, or Wild Duck. Anas boscas, Linn. Numerous and resident, breeding along the Eye and elsewhere. The largest number of eggs found in one nest is thirteen. A favourite nesting site is on the crown of pol- lard willows by the stream. At times the wild duck is seen in large flocks of hundreds. On 19 December 1 90 1 I saw nearly two hundred and fifty on the flooded meadows at Seaton. 126. Gadwall. Anas strepera, hinn. Recorded by the late A. C. Elliot as a Rut- land bird. He had no doubt received one or more specimens to set up. 127. Shoveler. Spatula clypeata (Linn.). Two were shot about 1855, one at Thorpe by Water, and the other at Ridlington. A third W.1S killed 21 May 1882, at Seaton. In 1887 three immature birds were obtained at Burley Ponds, one being a young male in ' eclipse ' plumage. There is also a fine adult male in the collection at Burley House, and this was no doubt shot there. In 1897 two were killed at the Exton Ponds, and a fine specimen was shot at Caldecott on 17 January 1899, and is now in the Upping- ham School Museum. A female was obtained at Burley in 1903, and an immature specimen at Exton 11 December 1906. 128. Pintail. Dafila acuta (Linn.). Only two records : a pair shot at Burley in December 1883, and a female, now at Burley House, which was probably obtained in the same locality. 129. Teal. Ouerquedula crecca (Linn.). Regularly seen in winter on the Burley and Exton ponds, but elsewhere occasionally only. A pair or two stay to breed. On 4 August 1896 one was shot on the Welland bv Mr. J. Fowler, and about the same \ ear Mr. E. C. Rossiter saw a male bird on the Eye in May, but failed to find a nest. On I September 1885 or 1886 a 'spring' of teals, consisting of seven young ones and the two old birds, were flushed at Martinsthorpe on the Chater, and seven were bagged. Another brood was seen some years later near Whissendine. 1 30. Garganey. Ouerquedula c'lrcia (Linn.). Locally, Summer Teal. Rare. Occurs at Burley and Exton. Four were shot on the Burley ponds in August 1887. 131. Wigeon. Alareca penelope (Linn.). Large flocks pass over the Welland valley in the winter months, and some are to be seen there every year, as also at Burley and Exton. One was shot at the former place on 13 Octo- ber 1888, and others in August of a subsequent year. These last were immature birds of the year. Two were seen at Ridlington on 23 March 1890. 132. Pochard. Fuligula ferina (Linn.). Locally, Dunbird. A frequent winter visitor to the Burley and Exton Ponds. A specimen was killed at Casterton in 1883, and I saw two at Barrow- den on the floods 28 February 1902. 70 BIRDS 133. Tufted Duck. Fu/igu/a cristata (Leach). The commonest of our occasional ducks, and a regular visitor to the Ponds. The ear- liest record is that of one killed at Tixover in February 1865. Two have been shot on the Welland, one in February 1890, below Turtle Bridge, and the other near Caldecott in December 1895. 134. Scaup. FuUgula marila {L,\nn.), Occasional, chiefly at the Ponds, where several have been shot. One, a fully adult male, was obtained there about 1879, the other, an extraordinary fine female specimen, about the same date, and a fine pair were shot there on 8 November 1888. The male weighed 2|- lb. 135. Goldeneye. C/angu/a g/audort (Linn.). Not very common, but occurs most win- ters at the Ponds. One was killed at Tix- over in February 1867. Another on the Chater at Ketton on I 7 December 190 1. 136. Long-tailed Duck. Hare/da glacialis (Linn.). Mentioned by A. C. Elliot as occurring on the Welland. One was shot on the Burley Ponds in February 1900. 137. Common or Black Scoter. Oedemia nigra (Linn.). One was shot at the Burley Ponds about 1885. Four were seen at Exton Pond in 1889, and the species has been observed there since. 138. Goosander. Mergus mergamer^ Linn. Locally, Dun Diver. Has occurred twice. The late Mr. R. Tryon shot one in 1886 at Burley, and a s'-cond was obtained at the same place in December 1899. 139. Red-breasted Merganser. Mergus ser- rator^ Linn. Three immature birds were shot at Burley Ponds about 1878. Another was killed at Ketton in 1882. About 1888 two or three made a short stay at the Burley Ponds, and they have been seen there once or twice since. 140. Ring-Dove or Wood-Pigeon. Columha palumbus, Linn. Though it has increased since i860, it is not especially numerous except perhaps in the Normanton district. The late Rev. W. Turner found near Uppingham in 1844 a nest with three eggs, and another with three young birds. 141. Stock-Dove. Columba oenas, Linn. Has apparently never been very common, though it is fairly abundant at Exton and Normanton, and perhaps Ketton. On 7 June 1888 eleven were seen in one field at Pick- worth. Mr. J. M. Mitchell records a nest in a pollard elm close to the eggs of a wood- owl. 142. Turtle-Dove. Turtur communis, Selby. Was very uncommon in the district till about 1840, and the first nest was not re- corded till 1859. It is now plentiful every- where, and arrives about the end of April. Mr. W. J. Horn noted thirty or more in a field together near Uppingham about 1885. 143. Pallas's Sand-Grouse. Syrrhaptes para- doxus (Pallas). A rare and very irregular immigrant. There is no record for Rutland of the 1863 invasion. But in 1888 one out of several seen was shot on 30 May at Cottesmore, and another speci- men at Glaston. Fifteen were seen in Seaton parish, and four at Burley on 29 December 1888. Twelve were seen on 31 May and again on i June near Stamford, two of the covey being secured. 144. Black Grouse. Tetras tetrix, Linn. Has occurred twice in living memory. A grey hen was shot in Burley Woods in Janu- ary 1 85 1, and a second on 24 September 1896 in Greetham parish. It was feeding with pheasants in a field, and its crop con- tained acorns. 145. Red Grouse. Lagopus scoticus (Latham). A solitary example. One was killed in deep snow near Ridlington about 1870. 146. Pheasant. Phasianus co/chicus, Linn. The ' old English pheasant ' is probably ex- tinct in this county, present-day birds being hybrids with the different varieties which it is the fashion to introduce into the coverts, such as the ring-necked pheasant (P. torquatus), the Kallege {Euplocamus nycthemerus\ and P. versicolor. White specimens and hen birds in partial male plumage occur here as elsewhere. One splendid variety shot at Exton is thus described by Mr. Montagu Browne: 'Of enormous size, half as large again as an ordi- nary pheasant ; the head dusky-green, the breast like that of a pheasant, thighs of normal colour but very large, the mantle, back, and tail like those of the Silver Pheasant.' It was bred from imported eggs. Rutland is not an exceptionally good pheasant county. 71 A HISTORY OF RUTLAND Near Normanton eggs are to be found as early as 28 March (1904, 1905), and Mr. A. E. G. Dixon records a nest with nine eggs 30 ft. from the ground in a larch tree. 147. Partridge. Perdtx ctnerea^ Latham. Abundant. T. Barker of Lyndon notes in his diary for 1790 that ' Partridges had already been hatched some days on 5 March,' which seems incredibly early, the dates otherwise recorded varying between 6 May and 24 June. Seventeen and eighteen eggs are occasionally found in the same nest. A grey-coloured variety has occurred once or twice in the Exton district.* 148. Red-legged Partridge. Caccabh rufa (Linn.). Introduced into Rutland about 1 850 by Sir Gilbert Heathcote. The first nest re- corded was in 1858, but the bird had not become common fifteen years later. By 1880 it had increased a good deal and, it is now plentiful, but not so common as the indigenous breed. As many as twenty eggs have been found in one nest, and the bird occasionally nests at a height above the ground. 149. Quail. Coturnix communis, Bonnaterre. Appears every spring, and a certain number certainly breed every year. It is, however, nothing like so numerous as it used to be, when A. C. Elliot described it in 1883 as common and breeding all along the high lands from Casterton to Edith Weston. In 1904 a considerable number were reported, four at Ridlington in September, Mr. Wortley taking a brace with right and left, and a bevy of nine at Morcott in August, and several others later in the year. Several nests are on record ; two about 1850 near Uppingham, one about 1870 near Barrowden, a nest with one egg near Liddington in 1872, and another with one egg near Seaton in 1898. The bird ha; been recorded, besides the above localities, at Gretton, Bisbrooke, Casterton, Caldecott, Preston, CHpsham, Egleton, Whitwell, Burley, Ayston, Thistleton, Exton, LufiFenham, and Lyndon. The Virginian Quail {Ortyx vlrginianus) was imported and turned down in 1870 near ' An ancient way of taking partridges in Rut- land about the fifteenth century seems to have been for the sportsmen to carry a w.ind about 1 5 ft. long with a noose of twisted horsehair at the end and stalk the sitting bird, slipping the noose over its head, much in the s.ime way appar- ently as they catch ftilmars in the island of St. Kilda. the borders of Rutland, and some of these birds strayed into the county, but the severe winter of 1880-1 caused them to disappear entirely. 150. Land-Rail, or Corn-Crake. Crex pra- tensis, Bechstein. Breeds over the county, but in lessening numbers. It arrives at the end of April, as a rule, but was seen on 1 1 April 1893, ^"'^ °" 14 May 1904 I found, near Seaton, four eggs freshly sucked by carrion-crows, an early date for their nest. 151. Spotted Crake. Porzana maruetta (Leach). Reported in 1883 as ' not rare ; found on the Gwash and Welland.' One was picked up dead 16 January 1883, a second killed at Preston in the autumn of 1893, and another found under the telegraph wires in September 1897. The last recorded specimen was killed at Burley in 1903. 152. Little Crake. Porzana parva {^zo^oW). Found on the Gwash and Welland (A. C. Elliot). One is recorded as killed at Caster- ton before 1883, and Lord Gainsborough flushed one near Exton in 1892. 153. Water- Rail. Rallus aquaticus, Linn. Localh, Bilcock. Plentiful on the rivers, but from its skulk- ing habits seldom seen (A. C. Elliot). It has been reported from various places in the county, and several have been picked up under the telegraph wires. In January 1901 four or five were shot on the Welland. It is certain that the bird occasionally breeds in the district, but only one nest has been definitely recorded. This was at Burley Ponds, and had one egg in it. [Green-backed Gallinule. Porphyria smarag- donotus. A single very handsome specimen of this bird was killed at Liddington on 5 March 1898. Reasons have been given for suppos- ing that this species is occasionally cast upon our shores by prevailing high winds, and in 1897, 1898 a considerable number of occur- rences of this species was reported from the seaboard counties]. 154. Moorhen. GalUnula chloropus {L\nn.). Extremely common throughout the district, except during the winter, when few, if any, are to be seen. The earliest nest recorded was on 15 April 1901. As many as ten eggs have been found in one nest. 72 BIRDS 155. Coot. Fulica atra, Linn. Resident, and, in summer, common at Burley and Exton. Also found in a few other localities, such as Normanton and Rid- lington, but not well distributed over Rutland. One was shot on the Welland on 23 Decem- ber 1 90 1. 156. Stone-Curlew. Oedicnemus scolopax (S. G. Gmelin). The last species lost to the breeding fauna of the county. As late as the middle of last century this bird was not uncommon in cer- tain localities, such as the high ground above Ketton and Aunby Heath. It continued to breed as late as 1880 on Ryhall Heath. The Rev. Robert Hurt, writing in 1880, said he had known of six or eight pairs breeding on the Heath during the previous fifteen or twenty years. The late Mr. R. Tryon re- membered seeing the bird on Barrowden Heath before it was inclosed. None have been recorded in Rutland for over twenty years. This bird, in spite of Bird Protection Acts, suffers shameful persecution at the hands of ornithologists, and it is within my know- ledge that a party of such scientific nest- robbers took in one locality in the eastern counties twenty nests (all there were) of this rare and interesting species. 157. Dotterel. Eudromlas morinellus {LAnn.). One instance. On 20 May 1905 Mr. W. J. Horn was fortunate enough to come across a ' trip ' of seven dotterel at Morcott. Three days later they had found their way to Rid- lington five or six miles westward, where they were seen by Mr. N. W. Wortley and myself on 24 May and again on 27 May, Soon after this they disappeared. 158. Ringed Plover. Aegiatilis hiaticula (Linn.). An immature specimen was shot in August, about 1889, at Burley, as it was dusting it- self in the road. It belongs to the smaller race of ringed plovers. Another was seen in the spring of 1906 at Burley. Two little plovers were killed near Seaton about 1883 which seem to belong to this species. They were about the size of snipe, with black back, white front, and white ring round the neck, and were called at the time by the bird-stuffer ' Russian plover.' 159. Golden Plover. Charadrius p/uvia/iSy Linn. Locally, Whistling Plover. A regular winter visitor, plentiful in the Welland valley and elsewhere. One appeared at Seaton in 1881 as early as 11 August, and Mr. W. J. Horn saw twenty-five, nearly all in breeding plumage, on Ryhall Heath on 12 April 1900. As many as 80 were seen at Exton in February 1900. 160. Grey Plover. Squatarola helvetica (Linn.). Two were shot near Barrowden in 1895 and were placed in the collection of the late Mr. Simson, of Spratton, Lincolnshire. 161. Lapwing. Vanellus vulgaris^ Bechstein. Resident and still plentiful. In severe weather, however, they migrate. They are very punctual in returning to their breeding haunts about 10 March. Flocks of a thousand have been reported from the Welland valley and Oakham. This species suffers in various ways. Its eggs are not protected until a late date in the year ; they are specially liable to being raided by rooks, jackdaws, and crows ; and as the eggs are often laid in ploughed fields before these are harrowed and rolled, numbers are destroyed. Finally, the bird itself falls a prey to the gunner. With all these disad- vantages it is not surprising if the lapwing is less abundant than it was, and than we could wish it to be. 162. Oyster-Catcher or Sea-Pie. Haematopus ostralegus, Linn. Three instances. A male bird was shot at Burley Ponds in January 1878 ; a second was killed at Thorpe by Water ; a third was obtained at Burley Ponds about 1886, and is probably the one now in the collection at Burley House. 163. Woodcock. Scolopax rusticola, Linn. Returns in October, and is sparingly distri- buted through the county. Of the two varie- ties the smaller, darker, and quicker kind are more numerous than the other. It breeds occasionally. 164. Great Snipe. Gallinago major (J, F. Gmelin). Locally, Double Snipe. Five instances of its occurrence are re- corded : at Belton in 1850; at Egleton in September 1877 ; at Oakham in October 1885 ; on Ashwell Canal; at Wing in 1895. 165. Common Snipe. Gallinago caelestis (Frenzel). Locally, Full Snipe. Abundant in winter, especially in the Wel- land valley. They arrive in August, and the majority depart in April ; but a certain number 73 »° A HISTORY OF RUTLAND remain to breed in suitable localities, such as Burley and Seaton, where a nest with tour eggs was found at the end of May 1 90 1 . As many as ten have been flushed at one rise on Burgess's Pond at Ridlington. A white speci- men was shot at North LufFenham in 1820, and the melanic variety, known as Sabine's snipe, was seen several times in February 1902 at Caldecott Mill. 166. Jack Snipe. Gallinago ga/Iinula (Linn.). Locally, Judcock. To be found in small numbers wherever the common snipe is found. As many as seven have been killed in one day at Burley Ponds. They arrive in September, and depart in March. 167. Dunlin. Tr'inga alplna, Linn. Reported from Tixover by A. C. Elliot be- .•fore 1883. Seen in flocks near Seaton Viaduct by Mr. J. M. Mitchell during the hard win- ter of 1870-I. Three or four birds stated to be little stints, but which appear to have been dunlin, were shot by the Welland on 15 Oc- tober 1902. They were like snipe, but only about half the size. Some were grey on the back. 168. Little Stint. Tringa minuta, Leisler. One killed at Tixover on 25 December 1870, another at Tinwell on 6 November 1880, and a third about 1887 near Seaton. Several others are mentioned by A. C. Elliot as killed on the Welland. 169. Knot. Tringa canutus, Linn. Mentioned by A. C. Elliot in his list of Rutland Birds. 170. Sanderling. Caltdr'ts arenaria (LAnn.). One instance. A specimen killed at Tix- over was set up by A. E. Elliot before 1883. 171. Sandpiper. Totanus hypo/eucus {Linn.). Locally, Summer Snipe. A regular visitor on passage, and not un- common in certain localities. It has been seen in every month from March till October, and no doubt a few pairs nest regularly. A nest with two eggs was taken in 1872 at Caldecott, and one with four eggs was found on the Eye by the Rev. W. H. Parry on 26 May 1906. It has been seen in the breed- ing season at Burley Ponds, Barrowden, Emp- ingham, Normanton, Edith Weston, and Seaton. A. C. Elliot records one at Ketton on 28 January 1881. 172. Green Sandpiper. lotanus ochropus (Linn.). A regular visitor in autumn and spring, but also sometimes remaining all the winter. Has occurred as early as I August (1900), and as late as 21 April (1900), when one was seen at Empingham. One was shot ' in the summer ' of 1 887 at Oakham, and a specimen was seen at Burley Ponds in May 1905. 173. Wood-Sandpiper. Totanm glareola (J. F. Gmelin). One was killed at Exton Ponds about 1897, and is now in Lord Gainsborough's collec- tion. 174. Redshank. Totanus ca/ldris (Linn.). The latest species to become a breeder in Rutland. There is no record of it before 1890. In 1893 a nest with three eggs was found near Seaton. In 1897 one was killed at Exton. In May 1901 ten pairs were seen at Seaton, and at least three pairs remained to breed. A nest with four eggs was found there on i June and the birds were seen there again the two following years. They have also nested at Tixover and elsewhere along the Welland. In 1904 they were observed at Exton on 24 March, and the following year at Burley, and no doubt nested at both places. On 17 May 1906 a nest with four eggs was found at Seaton. This is a most satisfactorv instance of increase and spread of a delightful species. 175. Greenshank. Totanus canescens (J. F. Gmelin). Fairly common at Burley and Exton, and has occurred at Clipsham. Two or three have been killed at Burley and Exton. 176. Bar-tailed Godwit. Limosa lappomca (Linn.). A pair of birds, frequently seen in the early summer of 1894 by Mr. S. Haslam and my- self on the Eye, belonged, I believe, to this species. 177. Curlew. Numenius arquata (Linn.). One was shot in 1858 at Thorpe by Water ; a second at Seaton before 1883. In 1886 one was seen on 13 February flying over Thorpe, and an injured one was caught at Morcott in 1895. Five were seen flying over Uppingham on 23 May 190 1, and one in the winter of that year near Barrowden. In 1900 one was shot at Empingham, and a pair were seen by two observers on the bed of the Normanton Pond, then dry, at the very unusual date of 5 and 6 June (1905). 74 BIRDS 178. Whimbrel. Numenius phaeopus (hinn.). Occasional. A small flock was seen by Mr. F. M. Burton on the Welland in 1855. One was shot at Seaton before 1883, an- other at Burley on 2 October 1890, and a third was seen there in April 1905. 179. Black Tern. Hydrochelidon nigra (Lmn.). Commonest of the terns, but now seldom seen. Between 1886 and 1 903 seven speci- mens have been shot at Burley and Thorpe by Water, while one was found injured at Gret- ton on 28 April 1900. 180. Common Tern. Sterna fluviat!/is,'Nau- mann. A. C. Elliot, in his 1883 list of Rutland birds, speaks of it as common, but there is no evidence that it was anything but a rare straggler. One was picked up, injured, in Exton Park in i860 ; a second, a fine adult, was killed at Burley Ponds in 1886 ; and a third obtained there in December 1904. 181. Arctic Tern. Sterna macrura, Nau- mann. Very occasional. Occurred in Rutland according to James Harley in 1842. A single specimen was shot at Oakham about 1883, and there are two in the Burley House collection, which may have been obtained there. 182. Little Tern. Sterna minuta, Linn. Only three cases. One was killed about 1890 at Burley Ponds ; a second was seen at Exton Ponds in 1 90 1, and a third was shot there in 1896. 183. Bonaparte's Gull. Larus Philadelphia^ Ord. In 1 897 an uncommon gull was shot at Burley Ponds by the keeper, C. Masters. Mr. William R. Hine, of Southport, a com- petent authority, happening to be at the keeper's lodge at the time, positively identified the bird as a Bonaparte's gull. He cut off the wings and took them away with him. When I wrote to him in 1 901, he said he had mislaid the wings, but assured me that his identification was correct, and that he was well acquainted with the bird in Canada. It certainly was not a black-headed gull [Larus ridibundus^, as its legs were pale orange and not rose-madder in colour. It was in imma- ture plumage, and had slate-black ear-coverts. The keeper who killed it, was familiar with the common gull (Z-. canus), kittiwake, and other gulls, but declared it was not one of these. As the specimen was handled in the flesh and identified by a judge familiar with the gulls, and especially with the one in ques- tion, and as reasons are given why it could not have belonged to any of the commoner sorts which resemble Larus Philadelphia, I have no hesitation in including this species. 184. Little Gull. Larus minutus, Pallas. One appears to have been killed at Burley Ponds about 1882. 185. Black-headed or Brown-headed Gull. Larus ridibundus, Linn. The most plentiful in Rutland after the herring-gull, and increased in late years. On 26 March 1898 over four hundred gulls were seen in Exton Park, and some of them doubtless were of this species. Similarly among hundreds of gulls seen on the Gretton Meadows on 24 February 1899, numbers were 'laughing gulls.' On 28 February 1902 I counted twenty near Barrowden on the flooded meadows, in company with forty herring-gulls. Eleven were seen in breeding plumage as late as 5 May 1903, by Mr. W. J. Horn on the Welland. 186. Common Gull. Larus canus, lAnn. Individuals, or small parties ot two or three birds, seen occasionally here and there throughout the district during the autumn and winter months. But Mr. W. J. Horn saw three by the Welland on 5 May 1 903. 187. Herring-Gull. Larus argentatus, J. F. Gmelin. The species now most often seen in Rut- land. Sometimes as many as a hundred are seen in the Welland valley during January and February and March. They occasion- ally appear also in April, and again in July and August. 188. Lesser Black-backed Gull. Larus fuscus, Linn. One was shot at Ridlington about i860, and it has been recorded since at Burley, Morcott, Barrowden, and Empingham, but it is not often seen. 189. Greater Black-backed Gull. Larus marinus, Linn. A mere straggler. Three instances only arc on record : Ridlington, about i860 ; Burley, about 1882 ; Uppingham, about 1886. 75 A HISTORY OF RUTLAND 190. Kittiwake. Rissa tridactyla (Linn.). Not common, though A. C. Elliot re- cords ' many immature specimens ' before 1883. I have only three other notices of it, viz. 2 January 1898, at Burley ; one at Ket- ton about 1899 ; and a more recent specimen seen at Empingham by Mr. A. E. G. Dixon. 191. Arctic or Richardson's Skua. Sterco- rarlus crepldatus (J. F. Gmelin). One was picked up on Barrovvden Heath in 1866. This specimen was sold with the rest of the late A. C. Elliot's collection at Peterborough in 1885. 192. Razorbill. A lea tarda, Linn. The only record is one killed at Seaton in 1879 by a Mr. Royce (A. C. Elliot). 193. Common Guillemot. Uria tro'tle (Linn.). One was shot in 1873 near Thorpe by Water; a second at Seaton in 1879, and a third near Liddington about 1890. A fourth was seen near the same place in 1900. 194. Little Auk. Mergulus alle (Linn.). Stragglers have been taken at Casterton, Exton, LufFenham, Barrowden, Pickworth, Essendine, and near Stamford, nine in all, the last being on 18 October 1894. 195. Black-throated Diver. Colymbus arctictis, Linn. One was shot at Exton about 1850. Mr. Montagu Browne pronounces it an immature bird, or an adult in autumnal plumage. 196. Red-throated Diver. Colymbus septen- trionalis, Linn. An immature specimen was shot at Exton Pond about 1858. 197. Great Crested Grebe. Podlctpes crUtatm (Linn.). A summer migrant, breeding in the county. It returns to its breeding haunts in February. The earliest record of this species in Rutland was of one killed at Tixover on 28 Novem- ber 1883. It was noticed at Exton Pond first in 1885, when it nested there, and was seen there 24 March 1888. Since 1898 it has nested there yearly. At Burley it nests regularly. But I have no report of it from anywhere else in the county. 198. Sclavonian Grebe. Podiclpes aurltus (Linn.). ' Not very scarce in Rutland,' said the late A. C. Elliot, writing in 1883, but there are few notices of its appearance. One was killed at Casterton on 27 February 1 88 1. A second is said to have been seen at Exton Pond in 1897. It seems to occur at Burley Pond, and one is said to have been killed in 1896, described as a grebe, intermediate in size between the great crested grebe and the dabchick. The red-necked grebe {Podicipes griselgena) and the eared grebe (P. nigricollis) have not yet been recorded from Rutland. 199. Little Grebe. Podicipes _^uviatilis {Tun- stall). Locally, Didopper. Scarce except at Burley and Exton Ponds. A few pairs are to be found on the Welland and Gwash, and a pair generally on Burgess's Pond at Ridlington. A. C. Elliot describes a small variety, much less common than the usual kind, with dusky belly, dark-brown back, the bill of a horny-blue colour and rising up at the point, legs blue and blotched with white. 200. Storm-Petrel. Procellaria pelagica, Linn. Two instances are recorded : one at Em- pingham in 1879, which formed part of A. C. Elliott's collection, sold in 1885. The other specimen was found killed against tele- graph wires at Burley, and is preserved there (no date). 201. Leach's Fork-tailed Petrel. Oceanodroma leucorrhea (Vieillot). One picked up dead at Empingham in 1876. It was very fat and oily. 202. Manx Shearwater. Pufftnus anglorum (Temminck). One picked up at Empingham, no date (A. C. Elliot). 76 MAMMALS When the ancient forest of Rockingham was united to Leighfield Forest and the other wooded tracts of Rutland, the larger and fiercer carnivora, as old records imply, must have been plentiful enough in this district. But in its present condition of being eminently a pastoral and agricultural county, in which the woodlands form less than four per cent, and the waste lands less than one per cent, of the whole area, Rutland cannot boast a list of mammals which is either extensive or peculiar. It is, however, pleasant to be able to record that the badger and otter breed freely, and are much more numerous than is generally supposed. The wild cat does not linger even in tradition and the marten scarcely so, though it has occurred within living memory close to the border of Rutland. Amongst the smaller mammals the English black rat has left no trace of its existence behind it. The bats are very badly represented owing to that want of competent observers so much lamented by the late Lord Lilford in one of the last letters he wrote. Previous to the list now drawn up nothing had been written on the mammals of Rutland except a few notes, chiefly contributed by the Earl of Gainsborough and Mr. W. J. Horn, to Mr. Montagu Browne's Vertebrates of Leicestershire and Rutland^ and the two or three references in Mr. J. E. Harting's Extinct British Animals. CARNIVORA I. Wild Cat. Felts catus, Linn. mous dog fox, like a small wolf in size, was It is impossible to say when the wild cat dispatched in Wardley Wood in 1897. In became extinct in Rutland, but that it was December, 1 900, a curious incident occurred, once to be found there would have been While the hounds were following a fox in certain, even if we had not the express evi- the Welland valley, another fox, sitting on dence adduced by Mr. J. E. Harting in his the railway line, and intent no doubt upon Extinct British Animals. Quoting Dugdale's the distant chase, allowed a passing train to Baronage, i. 466, and Rotuli Hundredorum, ii. cut oiF its brush. 627, he says : 'In 1297 John Engaine died ^larten. Mustela martes, Linn. seized, inter aha, of the manor of Great n „ .* ,■ /-Tjj- ■ tj..j Liju • -oell — Maries abietum. (jiddmg in com. Huntendon, held by service .^'i.- • 1 1 i- , • t^ , , of catching the hare, fox, cat and wolf within . ^^'^ T'"" "° ^oubt lingered on in Rutland the counties of Huntendon, Northampton 1"*° '^^ ^f century. Its former abundance Buckingham and Roteland: '" ^""'^<^ ^^ references in early records. 4. Polecat. Putorius putorius, Linn. 2. Fox. Vulpes vulpes (Linn). ^e\\— Mustek putorius. ^A\—Vulpes vulgaris. On the verge of extinction. The latest Rutland abounds in foxes and affords sport records are : one shot at Exton Park about for at least two packs of hounds. An enor- 1850 ; one killed at Ridlington about 1858 ; 77 A HISTORY OF RUTLAND one caught alive at Burley by C. Masters, no date ; one seen near Empingham by Mr. John Fowler about 1884; one killed at Market Overton about 1900 ; and one trapped near Ketton about 1897. 5. Stoat. Putorius ermineus, Linn. Bell — Mustek ermines. Common everywhere. Many specimens in ermine dress have been seen or shot in winter. One in Wardley Wood in 1888 ; a second at Bisbrook, 8 March, 1898 ; and a third in the same locality, 29 March, 1900. A very big white one was seen in Quaker's Spinney, Ridlington, 9 Februarj', 1901. 6. Weasel. Putorius nivalis, Linn. Bell — Mustek vulgaris. Very common. In Rutland as elsewhere the notion is prevalent that there are two varieties, one lighter in colour and much smaller than the other, the lesser one being denominated ' cane.' These are no doubt male and female. The Rev. Edward Bell records an instance of a weasel found coiled up at the bottom of a starling's nest 25 feet from the ground. A nearly white specimen was seen at Burley in December, 1897. 7. Badger. Mela meles, Linn. Bell — Meles taxus. Much more plentiful than is generally sup- posed. It breeds annually at Exton and Bur- ley and in many other localities throughout the county, such as Preston, Stoke Dry, Thorpe, Wardley, Gretton and the Stamford district. In I goo as many as twelve were dug out at Burley-on-the-Hill, and three earths were found at Thorpe and two old badgers with two cubs at Preston. In 1901 as many as thirteen badgers were found. Two fine males weighing 30 lb. and 40 lb. were killed. In the case of the Preston bad- gers a fox was found sharing the same earth with them. 8. Otter. Lutra lutra, Linn. Not at all infrequent on the Welland and Gwash, and found sometimes on the Chater and Eye ; also at the Burley and Exton ponds. One was killed by foxhounds on the Eye, 17 October, 1885, and a second there 19 December, 1888, which weighed 22^ lb. and measured 4 ft. I in. from nose to tip of tail. Two were killed on the Eye in 1 89 1, and one on the Chater in Decem- ber, 1895 ; another on the Welland near Caldecott in 1897. Three were murdered by a shepherd with the help of a pitchfork and his dog on the Gwash under the railway bridge near Ketton about 1890, and another was killed at Ketton in 1898 ; a third, weighing 24 lb., near the same place, 29 April, 1899, and a fourth of 25 lb. weight in 1901. The 'Bucks Otter Hounds' at the end of April, 1 900, killed on their first day at Ketton ; on their second day they found two bitches and five cubs, and killed an old dog otter of 30 lb. weight, while on the third day they found and killed close to Seaton station on the Welland. No doubt the excellent eels of the Rutland streams attract them, but trout (who would grudge them a few r) also pay toll, and I have found tlie head of a trout (about li lb. weight) on the banks of the Eye near Wardley Bridge, whicli had evidently been left by an otter. INSECTIVORA 9. Mole. Talpa europaa, Linn. Very plentiful. A beautiful variety, which seems to be constant, is found at Burley. A specimen now before me is of a golden white colour all over except the snout, the part be- tween the forepaws and a strip along the belly to the vent, these portions being red- dish gold. Nearly twenty moles of this sort were taken in 1901. 10. Common Shrew. Sorex araneus, Linn. Bell — Sorex vulgaris. Common, especially round Ketton. Not often seen except when found dead by the roadside in July and August. An unusual number appeared at Uppingham in 1900. Bones of this species are very often part of the pellets of barn owls. 11. Pigmy Shrew. Sorex minutus, Linn. Bell — Sorex pygmtrus. Has eluded direct observation, but certainly occurs, as its skulls have been found in the castings of the barn owl and wood owl at Ketton. 12. Water Shrew. Neomys fodiens, Pallas. Bell — Crossopus fodiens. Sparingly distributed. It occurs in the Eye brook, and I have twice seen it (19 May, 1898 ; 17 May, 1899) in the Bis- brook stream. 13. Hedgehog. Erinaceus europteus, Linn. Abundant, and has been observed near Uppingham in every month in the year ex- cept January. Young ones have been seen as early as 8 March (1898). 78 MAMMALS CHEIROPTERA 14. Barbastelle. Barbastel/a barbaste/lus^Schr. Bell — Barbastellus daubentonii. No doubt occurs regularly, but I have only one record, a specimen caught in the coach- house at Caldecott Vicarage on 7 November, 1 901. It was found hanging head upwards. 15. Long-eared Bat. Plecotus auritus, Linn. Common near Uppingham and no doubt all over the county. An especially fine speci- men was caught at Ridlington 9 December, 1856. Seven were observed hawking for flies at 3 o'clock on a bright September after- noon (1902). When fed with moths in cap- tivity this species seize the moth by the head and eat steadily tailwards, letting the wings drop off on each side. Other bats, such as Daubenton's (/^«/>^r////'s daubentonii), Natterer's {f^. nattereri) and the whiskered bat {F. mystacinus) perhaps occur in the county, but they have not been iden- tified as doing so. 16. Pipistrelle. Pipistrel/us pipistre/lus {Schr.) Bell — Scotofhilus pifistrellus. A common species. The winter hyberna- tion begins in December and generally lasts till March. 17. Great Bat or Noctule. Pipistrellus noctula (Schr.) Bell — ScotopMlus noctula. The biggest and most conspicuous of the Rutland bats and not uncommon. It has been noticed at Uppingham, Ketton, Gret- ton and Beaumont Chace, and no doubt is generally distributed. On 4 June, 1892, I saw one at 3 o'clock in the afternoon flying in broad daylight at least 1 00 feet above the Eye brook. RODENTIA 18. Hare. Ltpus europeeus, Pallas. Bell — Lepus timiJus. Rather local in the southern part of the county. On the west side of Uppingham it is rarely seen. At Barrowden it is common, and more than fifty were killed there in one day in 1896. Elsewhere throughout the county they are plentiful except at Braunston. 19. Rabbit. Lepus cuniculus, Linn. Very plentiful and does great damage. Black specimens have been found at Wardley, Glaston and Ridlington. In 1896 a sandy- coloured one was killed. 20. Brown Rat. Mus decuman us, Pallas. The late Mr. Elliot, a naturalist and taxi- dermist of many years' experience, affirmed that there were two species of rat in this county, the field rat and the house rat, of which the former had a long head, smooth hair and tail hairy to the tip, while the latter had a thick chubby head, coarse hair, a more scaly tail, thin hair and a rank smell. How- ever that may be, and there is no reason why species should not become slightly differ- entiated, the common rat seems to be develop- ing a taste for the country and for aquatic habits. It is very common along the Eye brook, and probably fares sumptuously on the young moorhens, and disputes possession of his quarters with the water rat. In 1887 Mr. W. J. Horn noticed a white specimen in his garden at Uppingham. 21. House Mouse. AIus muscu/us, Linn. Very plentiful and injurious to the farmer, 22. Harvest Mouse. AIus minutus, Pallas. Occurs, though sparingly, throughout the county. The late Mr. Cooper of Ayston told me he had met with it, and Mr. E. St. G. Betts of Ketton says it is occasionally met with there. Mr. Montagu Browne, in his book on the Vertebrates of Leicestershire and Rutland, mentions a nest found (12 Sept. 1888) near Billesdon (Leicestershire) towards Uppingham. 23. Long-tailed Field Mouse. Mus sylvati- cus, Linn. Has occurred at Exton and Uppingham, and no doubt is found all over the county. 24. Common Field Vole. Microtus agrestis, Linn. Bell — Arvicola agrestis. Common. A nest with four young ones was found at Uppingham 10 July, 1894, and another with three young ones in September, 1897, a young one also being caught 28 May, 1898. The bank vole {Evotomys glareolus) doubtless occurs, but has been overlooked owing to its resemblance to the common field vole. 25. Water Vole. Microtus amphibius, Linn. Bell — jiri'icola amphibius. Very common between the middle of December and the middle of February. On 79 A HISTORY OF RUTLAND 30 May, 1897, I obsen'cd an old one carry- ing a young one in her mouth through the water. This species is sometimes found seated upon a bough several feet above the water. 26 Muscard'tnus avellanarius Dormouse. Linn. Bell — Myoxus avellanarius. Rare. I have only heard of one specimen being obtained in late years. This was caught in 1891 in Ayston Spinney. 27. Squirrel. Sciurus kucourus, Kerr. Bell — Sciurus vulgaris. Very numerous, as many as six being some- times seen at once in Wardley Wood. The buck is fond of nipping off the early shoots of chestnut. It is not perhaps generally known that squirrels will eat birds' eggs. Mr. Montagu Browne mentions a specimen shot at Rushpit Wood near Oakham about 1878, which had a broad band of white across the middle of its back, its tail also being pure white two-thirds from the tip. UNGULATA 28. Red Deer. Cervus elaphus, Linn. Introduced into Exton Park c. 1887 the Earl of Gainsborough. Fallow Deer. Cervus dama, Linn, 29. by These have been in Exton Park since the time of Charles I. About the beginning of the nineteenth century there used to be some in the wood near Beaumont Chace, which joined Stoke and Wardley Woods into one large wood (i.e. Leighfield Forest). ADDENDA 4. Polecat. Putorius putorius, Linn. One was killed at Market Overton about 1900. 9. Mole. Talpa europaea, Linn. A pied example was found at Normanton in 1903. II. Pigmy Shrew. Sorex minutus, Linn. Skulls have also been found at Normanton. 14. Barbastelle. Barbastella barbastelluSy^chr. A specimen was found in Exton Church in August 1 90 1. 17. Great Bat or Noctule. Pipistrellus noc- tula, Schr. Has also been noticed at Normanton. 17 A. Whiskered Bat. Myoth mystacinus, Leisler. Bell — Fespertilio mystacinus. A specimen was killed with a fishing-rod at Normanton on 29 June 1905 (E. H. V. Hodge). 23 . Long-tailed Field Mouse. Mus sylva- tlcm, Linn. Has also occurred at Normanton. 24A. Bank Vole. Evotomys glareotus, Schr. Bell — Arvicola glareolus. Mr. E. H. V. Hodge tells me that he has found a number of skulls of this rodent in white owls' castings at Normanton. 80 PREHISTORIC M.4P OF RUTLAND L I 'kA/eo/ith/'c /mp/e/nentsM/sce/Ianeous objects such as Persona/ Ornaments Coins 8ac. y^Bronze Jmp/ements and Wespons and Bronze A^e Pottery a/so /ate CeJtic AnUquities EARLY MAN THERE is probably no branch of science which has made more striking progress during the last few decades than that of Pre- historic Archaeology, We have only to glance at the pages of topographical books, or even of works avowedly dealing with archaeology and written sixty or seventy years ago, in order to realize how vague and inaccurate (in the light of present-day knowledge) were the ideas then prevalent on the subject of the early races of man and other cognate matters. In view of this widespread ignorance of, and even lack of interest in. Prehistoric Science, it is hardly surprising that Rutland, with its limited area and small population, should have long remained an almost entirely neglected field of investigation so far as Early Man is concerned. Hence the pages of such standard works as those of Sir John Evans may be searched in vain for any reference to the county, and even now, though the fact of the occupation of the district by man in the prehistoric period has been placed beyond a doubt, the list of finds, compared with those of most counties, is scanty and insignificant. The accepted classification of the prehistoric period is that into four divisions : — 1. The Palaeolithic or Older Stone Age. 2. The Neolithic or Newer Stone Age, 3. The Bronze Age. 4. The Early Iron Age. At present only the second and third of these divisions can with certainty be said to be represented in Rutland. The Palaeolithic Age Of remains of the Palaeolithic period it is perhaps questionable whether Rutland is likely to yield any examples. The coarsely chipped and invari- ably unpolished stone implements characteristic of this period have been found for the most part either in river-drift deposits or in caves. Of these two classes Rutland possesses but very few of the former and none at all of the latter. The Memoir of the Geological Survey of Rutland and adjacent parts by Mr. J. W. Judd, F.G.S. (1875), states that no implements of the river-drift type have yet been found within the limits of Sheet 64 of the i-in. Geological Survey Map. This statement must certainly now be modified with regard to part of the area named, and it is possible that it may also ultimately be falsified as regards Rutland. I 81 II A HISTORY OF RUTLAND The Neolithic Age The Neolithic people were quite a distinct race from their predecessors, and show in most respects a great advance on them. We now find the first germs of social life, when men and women formed themselves into com- munities for mutual protection. Man, moreover, brought animals, such as doo^s, oxen, sheep and goats, into a state of domestication ; he cultivated cereals, the grain of which he reduced to flour by means of primitive querns or grindstones ; nor were the arts of the potter, the spinner and the weaver beyond the reach of his skill. The fact that the dead were buried in a ceremonial fashion suggests that men had now acquired a certain elementary notion of religion and some belief in a future state. As we might expect from their state of culture, the Neolithic people show a great superiority over the Palaeolithic race in their manipulative skill as applied to implement-making. They reduced the science of flint-chipping to a fine art, and introduced the method of sharpening the edges of their tools by grinding, the whole surface of the implement being frequently finished with a fine polish. With regard to local finds of this period we may note that there are no available records of any discoveries previous to 1900, but the number of finds which have occurred since that time go to prove that it is to a lack of investigators and not to a dearth of material that we must attribute the absence of earlier records for the county. One of the most industrious and successful local implement-hunters has been Mr. G. W. Abbott, who during his residence at Oakham School formed a considerable collection, comprising scrapers and other worked flints, as well as two good arrow-heads and a damaged specimen of larger size. These relics were found fairly widely distributed over the Oakham district, the principal settlement having apparently been close to the present site of Oak- ham, with another minor settlement near the neighbouring hamlet of Brooke. Other similar finds have also been made from time to time by other searchers in this district. Mr. W. H. Wing, F.S.A., has found two arrow-heads near Market Overton, and the neighbourhood of Empingham has produced two others, as well as a well-clipped thumb-flint. In 1905 an interesting find occurred consisting of a Neolithic celt or axe-head 7 in. long, roughly flaked and unpolished but of very symmetrical form. This specimen came to light in the course of some drainage opera- tions in Dean's Lane, Oakham. The most noteworthy discovery, however, which has hitherto been made in the county took place in August 1905, in a stone quarry in the parish of Great Casterton. Here was found near the bottom of a clay-filled fissure in the OoUte, at a depth of 17 ft. 6 in. from the surface, a human skeleton accompanied by a polished and ground celt, a muUer or triturating stone and three flat fabricating stones for the manufacture of horn or bone needles, etc. Although owing to the circumstances of the find there is some uncertainty as to whether the skeleton and the other objects can legitimately be associated together, yet all have been pronounced on competent authority to belong to the Neolithic period. The skull is of the long-oval Iberic type, 82 Bronz];-Ac:e Hoaru found at Cottesmore Two Views of Neolithic Skull found at Great Casterton ; Polished Celt, Great Casterton ; Coarsely-chipped Celt, Oakham ; Three Fabricating Stones, Great Casterton EARLY MAN with low, retreating forehead, and showing considerable constriction behind the orbits. The cephalic index is 73*4, and the general form approaches that termed Neanderthaloid. The fabricating stones above mentioned consist of small slabs of fissile stone, two having circular nicks or depressions in one of their edges, the other having across one surface a transverse groove. The method by which rough splinters of bone or antler could, with the aid of these implements, be worked into the round contour required for needles or skewers is of course obvious. The celt accompanying this find may certainly be considered the most highly-finished example of Stone Age workmanship hitherto found in Rutland, and may be assigned to the later part of the Neolithic Period. Two human skeletons were found near Ketton in 1900 and 1901, and their appearance and mode of sepulture afforded strong grounds for supposing them to represent Neolithic interments. Unfortunately no accurate note was taken of the surrounding facts, nor was any care taken to preserve the remains. No definite statement can therefore be made concerning these finds and their age. The Bronze Age The round-headed Aryan invaders, whose incursion into Britain towards the end of the Neolithic Period marked the commencement of what is known as the Bronze Age, have left traces of their occupation in most parts of the British Isles. Only one find, however, and that a comparatively recent one, has occurred in Rutland. This came to light in 1906 in the ironstone work- ings at Cottesmore and consists of a small hoard — probably a founder's hoard. It includes two socketed celts in fairly perfect condition, and the lower portions of two others ; a spear-head, measuring 5 in. in length in its present condition, though the socket, which is pierced with two rivet-holes, has evidently been an inch or two longer originally ; a narrow socketed chisel ; three gouges, all socketed, and finally a fragment of what has probably been a sword-blade. The presence of the last-named relic suggests that the hoard belongs to the latter part of the Bronze Age, since swords have not been found associated with any remains attributed to the earlier part of this period. Moreover the socketed form of celt is the last link in a chain of evolution traceable in this kind of weapon or implement. The earliest form of the celt is a copy in metal of the stone axe-head of the preceding Neolithic Period. This was gradually improved by the addition of flanges to the edges of the implement, and of a stop-ridge half-way down its length to prevent the splitting of the wooden haft. The metal loop was a further development, its purpose being to facilitate the attachment of the celt to its handle by means of a cord or thong. Both the Cottesmore celts are typical examples with loops and having oval openings to the sockets. The Bronze Age tribes are frequently known as Goide/s, this word being the equivalent of the English form Gaels. They were a Celtic-speaking race and reached our country from the nearest parts of the Continent, probably taking possession of most of our island south of the Clyde and Forth. 83 A HISTORY OF RUTLAND The Iron Age About looo B.C. another wave of immigration into Northern Europe took place, which, however, probably did not reach our shores till about 400 B.C. The new-comers, sometimes called Brythons (from which we get the name Britons), were a long-headed, Celtic-speaking race, and their civili- zation, at any rate so far as art is concerned, reached a very high standard. Though iron entered largely into their manufactures, it must not be supposed that this metal entirely superseded bronze, which latter, indeed, continued in very general use well into historic times. The only remains found in Rutland which may with any degree of probability be assigned to this early Iron age are two examples of the type of quern or grindstone known, from its shape, as the ' Beehive ' type. These were found at Braunston and Oakham respectively. Querns of this form have occurred in unquestionable association with Iron Age remains, but as the type continued in use during the time of the Roman occupation of our island, the prehistoric date of the Rutland examples must not be unduly insisted upon. Topographical List AsHWELL. — Worked flints found by Mr. G. W. Abbott. Braunston. — 'Beehive' quern found. Now in the possession of Mr. W. Higgs, Oakham. Brooke. — Two arrow-heads and numerous flints found by Mr. G. W. Abbott. BuRLEV.— Worked flints found (Mr. G. W. Abbott). Casterton, Great. — Neolithic skeleton with celt and other relics found 1905 [Proc. Rova/ Soc. of Edinburgh, xxvi, pt. iv ; Rut. Mag. iii, No. 17). Relics in possession or Mr. J. Woolston, Stamford. Cottesmore. — Bronze Age hoard found 1906. In possession of Mr. V, B. Crowther-Beynon, F.S.A. Egleton. — Worked flints found (Mr. G. W. Abbott). Empingham. — Two arrow-heads found. In possession of Mr. V. B. Crowther-Beynon, F.S.A. Exton. — Worked flints found (Mr. G. W. Abbott). Hambleton. — Thumb-flint found. In possession of the finder, Mr. E. H. V. Hodge. Ketton. — Two skeletons (? Neolithic) found. Manton. — Worked flints found by Mr. G. W. Abbott. Market Overton. — Two arrow-heads found. In possession of the finder, Mr. W. H. Wing, F.S.A. Oakham. — Numerous worked flints found (Mr. G. W. Abbott). Large Neolithic celt found 1905. In possession of Mr. W. Higgs, Oakham (Rut. Alag. iii, No. 7). ' Beehive ' quern found. In possession of Mr. V. B. Crowther-Beynon, F.S.A. Wing. — Worked flints found by Mr. G. W. Abbott. 8+ ROM4N MAP OF RUTLAND Scale of Miles O I 2 3 4 5 .6 I ' ^ / 4- 4 D Camp or Entrenchments • Miscellaneous Finds X Doubtful Finds A Villas Roman Road Doubtful Roman Road ROMANO-BRITISH RUTLAND THE small division of the country now known as Rutland had, of course, no existence during the Roman occupation of Britain.^ At the time of the Roman invasion the district was probably inhabited by the Coritani, a British tribe, whose chief towns of Lindum (Lincoln) and Rhage or Ratae (Leicester) are mentioned by Ptolemy, writing about a.d. 120.^ The extent of territory occupied by this tribe is uncertain, but probably included the counties of Lincoln, Northampton, Rutland, Leicester, Nottingham, and Derby. The Roman occupation under the Emperor Claudius began in a.d. 43, and at first the subjugation of the country was comparatively easy. A strong foothold was obtained in Kent and Essex, and then the army was formed into three divisions, the second legion going south-west towards Somerset and Devon, the fourteenth and twentieth north-west towards Shrewsbury and Chester, and the ninth north towards Lincoln.' By a.d. 47 or 48 the whole of the eastern part of Britain up to the Humber, including the region now known as Rutland, was occupied, and in a.d. 48, or shortly afterwards, the subjugation of the more hilly districts northwards began. Professor Haverfield divides Britain into two districts : the lowlands, or eastern, southern, and south-western district he describes as civilian, while the uplands, or northern and western district he defines as military.* Rutland belongs to the first category, and was a part of the Midland area, which may be termed undistinguished. The physical features of the county lead to no conclusion but that it was occupied by a scanty and peaceful population, probably following primitive agricultural pursuits. The county shares the usual characteristics of the Midlands with the exception of mineral wealth, and is noteworthy for the low scale and small size of its hills, its rivers, and its forests.^ None of the Antonine routes cross Rutland, but the Ermine or Erming Street passes through its eastern side." Such evidences of Romano- British civilization as appear are chiefly to be found where this road enters the ' Much of the information contained in these opening paragraphs has been taken from Prof. Haverfield's contribution to the History of Roman Britain in the volumes of this series. The writers desire to express their acknowledgements to Messrs. V. B. Crowther-Beynon and W. H. Wing for general help and information, especially in regard to the Market Overton site. ' Geografh'ta (ed. Didot, 1883), i, 99. ' V.C.H. Northants, i, 215. * V.C.H. Dcrb. i, 192. ' V.C.H. Northants, i, 165. * Rut. Mag. and Hist. Rec. i, 159 ; V.C.H. Northants, i, 203 ; Camden, Brit. (ed. Gough), ii, 270, 292 ; Stukeley, Itin. Cur. 84 ; Assoc. Arch. Soc. Rep. ix, 156. 85 A HISTORY OF RUTLAND county near Great Casterton, and where it leaves the borders near Market Overton. Both these places have quadrilateral earthworks/ which are usually described as Roman ' camps ' or ' entrenchments,' but from the non-military character of the district it is possible that they were not much more than cattle- shelters, probably near to the sites of settlements or villages. Traces of habita- tion exist both at Great Casterton and Market Overton.* It is conceivable that there was some sort of fortification at Casterton, as a protection at the passage of the River Welland. But, as Professor Haverfield has pointed out,' ' none of the remains discovered in the Midlands indicate roads permanently fortified by blockhouses, or forests permanently occupied by unconquered natives. On the contrary, they seem to show a normal and peaceful life, differing only from the civilization of the rest of Britain in the scantiness of population and the lack of prominent and distinctive features.' In this county there are very few traces of the villas which usually point to the existence of Roman landowners who organized the cultivation of the surrounding districts, but tessellated floors have been found at Ketton in the south, and the earthwork at Langham in the west may also possibly indicate the existence of some building on that site.^° Attention may also be drawn to the remains of a pottery kiln recently found at Market Overton, though it is not likely to have supplied more than the ordinary local needs. Only three hoards of coins have been found in Rutland, one of 300 coins at Market Overton, covering the period from Claudius to Gratian (a.d. 54—383)." Another of 150 gold coins at Liddington has been recorded, but it is impossible even to be certain that they were Roman, so vague is the account given ; and one hoard of 600 silver coins at Uppingham, the dates of which' have not been preserved. While this meagre evidence of remains in the county points to an unusually scanty and poverty-stricken population, the exceedingly small area of the district must not be forgotten. Considered with the rest of the province to which it belongs, there is nothing to show that it was in any way exceptional. Roads The only well-authenticated road of early date in the county is the Ermine or Erming Street,* which crosses the north-east corner. This section of the road appears to form part of the fifth Antonine Itinerary (London to Carlisle via Colchester, Lincoln, and York), that between the stations of Durobrivae (Castor in Northants) and Causennae (Ancaster in Lincolnshire), the distance of the whole stage being given as 30 miles (m p m xxx). Of this, about twelve miles lie within or on the borders of Rutland. Between London and York the only part of the route which lies along Ermine Street is from Durolipons (Godmanchester) to Lincoln. The general course of this road is due north, through Braughing, Royston, Huntingdon, and Castor, to Stamford. Here it crosses the Welland, and in ' See Topographical Index under Casterton and Market Overton. ' Arch. Journ. xxvi, 93 ; Jrttij. xxxviii, 277. ' F.C.H. If 'arte, i, 229. '" See Topographical Index under Ketton and Langham. " It seems doubtful whether this can be regarded as a AoarJ in the strict sense. ' Originally perhaps Erning or Earning Street. It is first mentioned in a charter of a.d. 957 : ' Earninga Street ' at Conington, Hunts. (^Car/. Sax. iii, 203 ; F.C.H. Nortkants, i, 204, n. l). 86 Fig I. — Bronze Statlltte found at Langham _i_^ 1 2 In. Fig. 2. — Gaulish Bowl and Jar of Castor Ware found at Market Overton ROMANO-BRITISH RUTLAND the course of a mile or so touches the county boundary in the parish of Great Casterton. Its general course from Royston as far as the middle of Rutland is north-north-west (in order to avoid the fen country), but near Stretton it turns due north, and so continues in a straight line through Ancaster and Lincoln to the Humber, a stretch of 48 miles. ^ Up to the point where it reaches the boundary of our county there is little or no trace of this road from near Wittering in Northants, but at this point it unites with the modern Great North Road, with which it coincides as far as North Witham in Lincolnshire. Codrington * describes its course as follows : — The modern North Road descends the hill towards Casterton in a cutting, and after it rejoins the line of Erming Street, a county boundary follows it for more than half-a-mile. At Casterton,* where there are some remains of a camp, the straight line which has been followed from Burleigh Park is swerved from to avoid the river, and is not altogether resumed until Tickencote Hall is passed. Then the road is straight for three miles, raised four, five, and six feet high with a width of eight yards, and with a parish boundary along it, after which there is a turn of about 30° towards the north, by which the road is kept upon the high ground. The parishes on either side are Tickencote and Casterton, followed by Em- pingham and Pickworth ; between Tickencote and Greetham the road is known as Horn Lane.* The road continues along the line of the modern road ' for three miles through Stretton ° as a wide raised road with a parish boundary [Greetham] along it for half a mile, and then leaves the line, which is shown by a hedgerow on the east of the road with a parish boundary and a county boundary along it for a mile.' It leaves the county for Lincolnshire finally at South Witham. A good section of the road was exposed in 1900 in a stone quarry near Great Casterton, several layers of different materials being clearly discernible ; ^ the point where this occurs is just where the road aligns with the county boundary, and the section is still visible. There seems to be only one other possible Roman road in Rutland, which branches off from Ermine Street about a mile and a half south of Stretton and runs in a north-westerly direction past Greetham and Thistleton, where it passes the site of a Roman settlement,* and crossing the boundary shortly afterwards, coincides with the boundaries of Leicestershire and Lincolnshire as far as Harston, where its traces are lost. This road was traversed by the Nottinghamshire antiquary, Dickinson, about a hundred years ago, and proved to his satisfaction to lead to Newark and so on to Southwell, or perhaps to Brough and Littleborough.' Other antiquaries, such as Gale and Bishop Bennet of Cloyne, saw in this road one leading to Nottingham, or else to the supposed crossing of the Trent at Ad Pontem (Thorpe or Farndon in Notting- hamshire).^" That such a road existed in Roman times is quite possible, and the chief fact in its favour, at least so far as concerns the portion in Rutland, ' Codrington, Rom. Roads in Britain, 129. ' Op. cit. 145. * See Index, s.v. * .^isoc. Arch. Soc. ReJ>. ix, 1 60. * See Rut. Mag. and Hist. Rec. i, 264. ' Ibid, i, 232 ; see also Codrington, op. cit. 144. ° See Index, s.v. Market Overton. ' Dickinson, Antiq. of Notts, ii, 10 ; see also his map at end of pt. i, and ' Expl. Obs.' 8. '" Gale, Anton. Iter. Rom. 95 (he places Causennae at Nottingham) ; Arch. Jourii. xliii, 42. Bishop Trollope says, ' There are no traces of such a road now ' (Assoc. Arch. Soc. RfJ>. ix, 161). 87 A HISTORY OF RUTLAND is that it passes the settlement at Thistleton," and is here known as Fosse Lane. But the evidence for its existence, both literary and archaeological, is very slight, and for the present it is better to reserve judgement. It may also be noted here that Mr, W. H. Wing has detected traces of a road at Market Overton, leading across the fields from that village to Thistleton, and thus meeting the last-named road almost at right angles ; but though a connexion between the camp and settlement in Roman times is quite conceivable, such a road stands in no relation to any known main track, and can only have a local significance. Topographical Index Barrow. — *A perfect brooch with pin in working order,' of the Roman period was found by Mr. W. H. Wing in a cottage in 1 90 1. It had been picked up by a labourer thirty years previously. Pottery is found here scattered over the surface of the fields [_Proc. Soc. Antiq. (Ser. 2), xix, 194]. Braunston. — A quern was found here in 1901 [Proc. Soc. Antiq. xix, 200]. Casterton, Great. — Great or Bridge Casterton lies near the line of Ermine Street, about two miles north of Stamford and 10 from Durobrivae (Castor), and as the name implies and remains indicate, was a Roman station of some kind. Camden endeavoured to identify it with the site of Causennae,^ mentioned in the fifth Antonine Itinerary ; but the distances of that place from Lindum and Durobrivae respectively render such an identification impossible ; moreover, it is not quite on the line of the ancient road. Horsley says : ' At Bridge Casterton two miles north from Stamford has been also a station. It is situated on the north-east side, and near a crook of the small river that runs by it. The author of the New Survey is disposed to set aside this station, and reject the proofs of its being so, as insufficient, but I think they are too strong to be overthrown ; and believe that this is not the only instance of a station, placed on the military way, and yet passed over in the Itinerary ' [Camden, Brit. (ed. Gough, 1806), ii, 333 ; Salmon, New Survey, i, 308 ; Burton, Comm. on Itin. Anton. 203 ; Horsley, Brit. Rom. 432 ; Beauties of Engl, and TVales, xii, pt. ii, 3 ; Blore, Hist, and Antiq. of Rut. i, pt. ii, 1 12 ; CoJrington, Roman Roads, 148]. Part of the ridge of Ermine Street is said to be visible between Casterton and a lane leading to Tickencote on the west [^Beauties of Engl, and Wales, loc. cit. ; Codrington, op. cit. 145 ; see also p. 87 above]. Stukeley says : — Brigcasterton happened most convenient for a station, being ten miles from Durobrivis, but the Itinerary mentions not its name ; for the distances between them, and likewise to Lincoln, impugn Mr. Camden and such as place Ciusennis here : however, it was fenced about with a deep moat on two sides, the river supplying its use on the other two ; for it stands in an angle, and the Romans made a little curve in the road here on purpose to take it in, as it offered itself so conveniently, then rectified the obliquity on the other side of the town "... this great ditch and banks are called the Dikes. I saw many coins that are found here ; and one pasture is called Castle Close at the corner : they say the foundation of a w'all was dug up there. Roman Fibula Barrow [///'«. Cur. 84 ; see also Gough, op. cit., ii, 353, and Grose, Antiq. of Engl, and TVales, in, s. V. Rut."] He says in a note that he found coins in the fields by Ryhall : of Nero, Trajan, Maximian, Constantine, &c. Mr. Bell gave him a Pertinax found in Tickencote Lane, and he saw among others a silver denarius of Pompey found in 1733 in Casterton field. Remains of earthworks are still visible in this parish on the north-east of the village, which lies almost wholly within the original area, in the south-west angle of which stands the " In its course along the Leicestershire border such a road would pass near Sproxton, Saltby, Croxton Kcrrial, and Bclvoir, at all of which Roman remains have been found (see map in F.C.H. Leic. i). At Saltby a pavement ' with wheel-marks' is reported. ' He connects the name with that of the River Wash or Gwash, and says that Stamford grew out of its ruins. ' This is incorrect. He was misled by the course of the modern main road. 88 Fig. 3. — 'Wastkrs' from Kiln at Makket Overton FiG. 4. — Roman Bronze Steelyard (Market Overton) Uj ■*. C) Ci Ci ,■ <N' 2 O s- (/) oc O r" > JC O ■f "< C^ f» o ^ 8- <13 o kj ?? CD ^ to o. .X uc ] to < s V ^: Ci- gl 12 A HISTORY OF RUTLAND parish church [O.S. Rutland, 25-in. x, 3-4 ; Lincoln, cl. 4]. The camp was probably made before the Roman road, and is thought to have included an area of about twenty-seven acres [/issoc. Arch. Sue. Rep. ix, 160 ; Antig. xxxviii, 315]. The north, south, and east sides with the fosse and vallum, are still visible, the west, and part of the south side are protected by the river, and on the other sides the fosse is deep [Blore, Hist, and Antlq. of Rut. i, pt. 2, pp. 56, 1 12, pi. iv (with plan) ; Rut. Mag. and Hist. Rec. i, 159]. Coins in some quantities are still found in digging or ploughing fields in the vicinity of the village [Wright, Hist, and Antiq. of Rut. 35 ; Antiq. xxxviii, 315]. Cottesmore. — Roman pottery found here [Proc. Soc. Antiq. (Ser. 2), xix, 194]. ExTON. — Stukeley says that Lord Gainsborough showed him a ' fair large brass Divo Antonino reverse the Antonine column' dug up in Exton churchyard [Itin. Cur. 85]. Ketton. — In 1902 several square yards of tessellated pavement were found in digging the foundations of new cottages on the north side of the road leading to Stamford. The remains were broken up and covered by the new foundations. There is no previous mention of remains here to be traced, except that Mr. Crowther-Beynon of Edith Weston had several pieces of similar pavement which came from a sale at Ketton Priory [Proc. Soc. Antiq. (Ser. 2), xix, 194]. Langham. — The Ordnance Survey map marks the 'site of a supposed Roman settlement' on Ranksborough Hill, a quarter of a mile south-east of ' The Lake ' in Leicestershire and i mile west of Langham [O.S. Rutland, 25-in. iv, 12]. Here was found part of a fine bronze statuette of Jupiter or Neptune, (fig. i), in two portions, one consisting of the head with part of the neck and left shoulder, and richly-curled hair and beard, the other of the lower part of the body with right leg complete and sandal on foot. Height 3!^ in. and 10 in. It was given to the British Museum by Sir A. W. Franks in 1891. LiDDiNGTON. — In a gravel-pit two small jars were found about I 862, containing 150 coins, mostly of gold. They were claimed by the Crown as treasure-trove, and the dates are not known \_Proc. Soc. Antiq. (Ser. 2), xix, 20 1]. Market Overton and Thistleton. — Market Overton has been known as a Roman site since the time of Camden, who in his earliest edition identified it with Margidunum (now placed at East Bridgeford, Notts.), and ingeniously derived the name of the town ('Margedoverton ') therefrom I He was followed by Grose, but his view was corrected in a later edition [Camden, Brit. (1586), 296; ibid. (ed. Gough, i8o6),ii, 329; Grose, Antiq. of Engl, and IFiiUs, 'm,s.v. Rut.; see also Wright, Hist, of Rut. 87; Gent. Mag. 1 866, ii, 609 {Rom.-Brit. Retn. i, 262); and a long discussion in Beauties of Engl, and Wales., xii, pt. ii, 76, the writer apparently adopting Camden's original view]. The site is also described by Stukeley, who records finds of coins, in particular a ' brass Alexander.' Gough says coins have been found 'in great abundance,' and mentions a silver Aurelius (a.d. 161-80), and a copper Carausius (a.D. 287-93) [Stukeley, Itin. Cur. 86 (note) ; Gough's Camden, ii, 329 ; Pointer, Brit. Rom. 41]. In 1779 Sir John Clerk reported to the Society of Antiquaries that he went 'to visit a Roman village about five miles {sic) from Stamford, in the way to Grantham. 'Tis upon a fine common between Market Overton and Thistleton, having a good prospect. There were to be seen foundations of the walls of a court, about one hundred feet square, & an ancient well newly scoured up : they call it the Holmes. In the Corn Fields there, after plowing, and a shower of Rain, are found great Quantities of Roman Coins, called by the people Holme Pennies' [Soc. Antiq. MS. Min. xvi, 400, 16 Dec. 1779]- In a letter to Roger Gale the same writer states that the wall seen by him was about one hundred feet square ; he presumably means the earthern wall of the camp in the village [Stukeley, Letters (ii, 272, Surtees Soc.)]. Mr. T. G. Bennett, writing in 1899, gives an unpublished letter of Stukeley, dated August 1740, in which he says that Mr. Wing [Tycho Wing] informed him 'that digging at Thistleton by the Roman road to Newark they found a corpse with an urn by it ' [Grantham Journ. 4 Oct. 1899]. The actual site on which considerable remains have been found at different times, as noted on the Ordnance Survey maps (25-in. ii, 16), is about a mile and a quarter to the east of Market Overton, on the borders of the parish of Thistleton ; see Sketch Plan. In the village of Market Overton itself, and therefore at some distance from the ' settlement,' is a square earthwork or camp, within the circumference of which stands the parish church, as at Great Casterton. No evidence has come to light of the name borne by this settlement in Roman times. Mr. W. H. Wing, to whom we are indebted for the plan of the camp reproduced here, is of opinion that traces of a Roman road may be observed connecting it with the settlement, and it has already been noted (p. 87) that the latter lies on the line of a •supposed road running in a transverse direction [O.S. ii, 15, 16]. 90 Scale m feet to an Inch NOTE:-The length of imuntt marked'c-D'has evidently been moved imvards at some later dote, tlie lower portion of original mound still shomng in its right line of direct ion nu!''-'''!'!"iinnii\tuin\M \»^'- "'"'"""'" till 111 III, UlnillllllllllliliUi:iiilllIllUlllliiailUauuiiiiiuiiiiaiiniiii;;;iiii;iii;iiiuijiiimji|i:,^.'' '''''n!'n!!|!Il!l!llI!l:I!IIIIlinilU\lllllllll!!!!I!I!lI!l!;)I!;!/,C^'^ i: I Probable direction of^ ^iim\^ l6Ft 31ft £2ft "lie of ground pre via us to mo King ofeorthnork " Present contour of ground • Original shape ofearUiwark tlorijontal i Vertical scale 20R'llnch Plan of Entrenchments, Market Overton {From a Drawing by Mr. W. H. Ifm^ 9» A HISTORY OF RUTLAND Systematic excavations have taken place from time to time, the first discoveries being made by Mr. Christopher Bennett in 1863-6, in two fields on the site of the settlement, one called ' The Wong,' the other known as ' The Black Holmes,' and also in a stone-pit called ' Kirk Hole.' The opening of the last-named pointed to the existence of a cemetery, as the pit contained numerous skeletons and bones [Lc/V. and Rut. N. and Q. iii, 34 ; Proc. Sac. Antlq. (Ser. 2), xix, 192]. Unfortunately in recording the finds from the two fields, the distinction of the sites has not always been clearly observed ; but the following two discoveries were certainly rpide on the settlement site : (1) Three so-called 'fire-places' (probably the remains of a pillared hypocaust), one covered with layers of flat stones. (2) In 1866 a capital of the Corinthian order, measuring 3 ft. 8 in. in diameter, and 9 in. in height, and weighing 6 cwt. The material appears to be a hard shelly oolite, called Clipsham stone ; the column is semicircular, and the capital square with dovetail holes in the back, probably for the purpose of fixing it to a wall. It is described as having serrations appearing to represent the usual acanthus ornament [Le'ic. Arch. Soc. Trans, iii, 39 ; Leic. and Rut. N. and Q. iii, 34 ; Gent. Mag. 1866, ii, 609 {Ro>n.-Bnt. Rem. \, 262) ; Proc. Soc. Antiq. (Ser. 2), xix, 194; Rut. Mag. and Hist. Rec. i, 22, 136]. The font in the church has been described as an inverted Roman capital of similar type, but if Roman at all, it is, like that of VVroxeter in Shropshire (Cranage, Churches of Shrops. pt. vii, 658), an inverted base, and only the upper rim preserves its original form, the lower part of the basin having been re-modelled in the Norman period ; the base of the font is certainly mediaeval. The two baluster-shafts with plain caps and bases, on each side of the . churchyard stile, have also been thought Roman ; ' but they may equally well have been the mid-wall shafts of windows in a late Saxon church. As now placed, they are inverted. The smaller finds include coins, pottery of Gaulish and Castor ware, querns, brooches, pins, rings, keys, styli, and other articles in bronze and bone, a short sword with curved bone handle, knife with bone handle, three steelyards, one of which is illustrated in fig. 4, a hand-mill, iron clamps, and hypocaust tiles. Among them were also a silver spoon, a ring with the letters MISV, and a perfect circular bronze brooch found in 1866, about half an inch in diameter, the centre being inlaid with silver and blue and green enamel in the form of a star. The pottery included an abundance of plain and ornamented Gaulish red ware, and specimens of the local Castor ware with figures of animals (see fig. 2); among the former were pieces of bowls of Form (Dragen- dorff) 37,* with mythological subjects, such as Hercules Bronze and Enamelled Brooch ;„ the garden of the Hesperides, and Mercury, as well as (Market Overton) animals and vine patterns. Among the potters' stamps re- corded are caratilli (Form, DragendorfF, 33 ; see fig. 5), DOVECCi, and qvintim, all Lezoux names of the 2nd century ; servilio ofi and of r . . . (Form, DragendorfF, 18) ; sabiniani (Form, Dragendorff, 32, a German potter) ; also cabian (r), doc, and vxoPiLLi. The coins numbered some three hundred, ranging from Claudius (a.d. 41) to Gratian (a.d. 383), and including two 'third brass' of Carausius (a.d. 287), a coin of Lucius Verus (a.d. 161), and one of Constantine the Great with constantinopolis (a.d. 336). Many of these objects were exhibited at Melton Mowbray in 1865 ; they were for some time in the possession of Mr. Bennett, and some now belong to Mr. Phillips of Oakham, others to < Mr. W. H. Wing and Mr. V. B. Crowther-Beynon of Edith Weston, to whom we are much indebted for photographs and information [Gent. Mag. 1865, ii, 144; 1866, i, 700 ; ii, 609 {Rom.-Brit. Rem. i, 262); Leic. Arch. Soc. Trans, iii, 39 ; Leic. and Rut. N. and Q. iii, 31-33 ; Proc. Soc. Antiq. xix, 192-4 ; Arch. Journ. xxxv, 288 ; Grantham Journ. 4 Oct. 1 899 (T. G. Bennett) ; Oakham Almanack for 1900 (illustrations of pottery, &c.)]. In 1884 excavations of the Black Holmes' site yielded the base of a Roman column, 3 ft. 8 in. across and 9 in. high ; also Roman pottery, including a fragment stamped briccim, and part of a mortarium with ra . . . on the rim ; denarii of Alexander Severus (a.d. 222-35) and Constantius II (a.d. 317-40), and small brass coins of Constans (a.d. 351-4), Magnentius (a.d. 350-3), and Honorius (395-423), with other debris, all about two feet below the surface [Arch. 'Journ. xli, 219]. In 1900 more systematic excavations were conducted on the site of the settlement, in which portions of eight vases, objects of bronze and bone, keys, fibulae, knives, hair-pins, an auriscalpium or ear-pick, fragments of a glass necklace, and the left arm of a bronze statuette ' For Roman shafts of this type compare an example from the Roman fort at Kannstadt in South Germany {Obergermanisch-Raetische Limes Jes Romerreichs, xx\iii, pi. v, fig. 32). ' See y.C.H. London, i, ' Romano-British Remains.' 92 Fig. 5. — Gaulish Ornamenied PoTrtRv of Second Century, founu at Market Overton ROMANO-BRITISH RUTLAND with drapery hanging over it were found, as well as Gauhsh and Castor pottery. The latter includes Castor ware with figures of animals, and a vase of grey ware described as a wine- cooler. In 1 90 1 a bronze coin of Carthage was picked up, dating 200-180 B.C., with head of Persephone on obv., and horse's head on rev. ; also about twenty Roman coins, including a 'first brass ' of M. Aurelius (a.d. 161-80) and an ancient forgery of Caracalla \_Leic. Arch. Soc. ix, 228 ; Proc. Soc. Antiq. (Ser. 2), xix, 194]. In 1903 Mr. W. H. Wing brought to light remains of sup- posed Roman date in a field to the east of the village [^Rut. Mag. and Hht. Rec. i, 136]. In August 1906 excavations were started in a field to the north of ine village for the purpose of obtaining ironstone. Here were found traces of a pottery kiln, in the shape of two or three 'hand bricks' of coarse red clay,^ stands for vases, several cracked jars of grey ware, obviously ' wasters ' (fig. 3), and part of a mould. Unfortunately all remains of the kiln itself were unwittingly destroyed in the operations, but Mr. Beynon describes it as a ' circular chamber lined with baked clay.' Among other finds are a quern, found in two pieces some distance apart, with the iron spindle still remain- ing in the centre ; cooking-vessels with pierced bottoms, and other plain pottery ; a bow-shaped fibula with good patina, a bronze tag for a girdle, and coins of Allectus (a.d. 293) and Constantine II (a.d. 337-40).^ A well found in December 1906 contained skulls, fragments of pottery, a mortarium, a door- hinge (?), and pieces of leather. In 1907 a section of the vallum of the camp was made by Mr. Wing at the expense of the Rutland Archaeological Society. Oakham. — Inside the castle inclosure is a mound, said to be the remains of an old Roman or British encampment {Leic. and Rut. N. and Q. i, 76]. A plaster head was exhibited at Melton Mowbray in 1865, which came from a spot near the castle, and was said to be Roman {Leic. Arch. Soc. Trans, iii, 39]. At a later date a stone quern was found \^Proc. Soc. Antiq. (Ser. 2), xiv, 200]. Ranksborough. See Langham. Beaton. — A very perfect harp- or bow-shaped bronze fibula (probably early 2nd-century) was found in 1869 near the Rectory [Z«V. Arch. Soc, Trans, iv, i]. Thistleton. — In a house in the village there is a base of a Roman column from the site of the Roman settlement. The site is discussed under the heading Market Overton (q.v.). Uppingham. — In 18 14 a vessel containing 600 silver coins of various dates was found in a wood near here [Rut. Mag. and Hist. Rec. i, 150]. Gold coin of Arcadius (a.d. 383-408) found in 1905 [Information from Mr. V. B. Crowther-Beynon]. Part of Bronze Figure (Market Overton) 1908 ' Similar objects found in a kiln on the Medway are now in the Brit. Mus. ° Some of these objects were exhibited to the Society of Antiquaries by Mr. Crowther-Beynon, 30 Jan. 93 JIk^si^o-S^xqm M^^ of RUTLAND Ref e r e n c e Burials <S» ^ w ^ ANGLO-SAXON REMAINS THE administrative arrangements of the late Saxon period which led to the formation of counties no doubt proceeded in some cases on the lines of the early tribal settlements, and formally recognized political divisions that had existed since the pagan period ; but such was evidently not the case with Rutland. It was not till after Domesday Book had been compiled that the present county emerged, and in the Great Survey its area was included partly under Northamptonshire and partly under Nottinghamshire, which is removed from the present border by a broad strip of Leicestershire. The connexion of Rutland with the county across the Welland is a close one in several respects, and many parallel finds will be quoted below ; but before the actual relics from the soil are noticed a few words are necessary to show similar features in these two counties which would be apparent to the earliest Teutonic settlers. The river that forms the boundary from Stamford to Rockingham was not in the nature of a physical barrier, at least when not in flood ; and the geological formation is practically the same on both sides of it. The Lower Oolite that underlies the Forest of Rockingham extends over more than half of Rutland mainly on the east, while the Lias, which is exposed by river-erosion in Northamptonshire, comes to the surface in the west of Rutland, and gives the county its richest vale. Catmose, however, is not known to have produced any relics of the early Anglo-Saxon period ; and it has been noticed that the majority of such sites in Northamptonshire are at the junction of Lias Clay with Northampton Sand.^ In regard to them the suggestion was hazarded that there were material reasons for the occur- rence of relics in such localities. It is easy to draw erroneous conclusions from the fact that antiquities of a certain class do not occur in certain areas, for they may still be awaiting discovery, or have been found and not recorded ; but in dealing with a series of finds in similar circumstances we practically eliminate the element of chance, and may proceed to conclusions. In Northamptonshire the Anglo-Saxon population of the pagan period evidently preferred to settle where, on the one hand, they could procure a dry site for a dwelling, on porous soil in the neighbourhood of springs ; and, on the other hand, have access to a clayey formation which would provide them with timber for fuel and forest pasture for their herds of swine. Similar con- siderations seem to have governed the early settlement of Rutland. At ' F.C.H. Northants, \, 226-7. 95 A HISTORY OF RUTLAND present only three burial sites are known that must have been close to habitations of the new-comers who were destined to change the name of Britain ; and these sites correspond to the majority in Northamptonshire, not only as regards geological formation, but also in the character of the finds. Without crediting the early English with geological knowledge in a scientific sense, we can imagine that before the days of systematic drainage and forest-clearing, the superficial indications of the subsoil were clearer than they are to-day, and there would be a marked distinction between the two main formations of the county. The line of demarcation would pass north and south practically through the centre, and it may therefore be not merely an accident that the three discoveries in the county have been made on this line. North of Burley the belt of Northampton Sand is, on the average, three quarters of a mile wide ; and while the Market Overton and Cottesmore sites are in the centre of this belt, the sand-pits between Edith Weston and North LufFenham, which have proved so rich in Anglo-Saxon remains, are at the junction of the Lincolnshire Oolite and Northampton Sand, where the latter is somewhat narrower than further north. These coincidences justify the hope that further discoveries of the kind will be made in or adjoining this belt, and the efforts of local antiquaries should be more specially directed to this particular outcrop, in which agricultural operations, not to mention ironstone working, may at any moment give the clue to another cemetery or settlement of the early Anglo-Saxon Period. It should, however, be pointed out that favourable situations elsewhere in the county that have not been disturbed by digging for ironstone or sand may still retain many traces of the Anglo-Saxons, and it would be strange indeed if the fertile vale of Catmose did not attract these early settlers. That the Lias formation was not purposely avoided is proved by the fact that in the adjoining county of Leicester most of the finds have been in the clay area continuous with that of Rutland. Exhaustive papers on the North Luffenham finds were read by Mr. Crowther-Beynon, F.S.A., before the Leicestershire Architectural and Archaeological Society in 1902 and 1904,^ and the following cannot claim to be more than a summary of his communications, together with a few references to discoveries elsewhere in England, which will throw some light on the affinities of the earliest Teutonic inhabitants of the county. The cemetery, as it has been proved to be, occupies the brow of one of the ridges which constitute the leading physical feature of the county, at an altitude of about three hundred and fifty feet, and commands its surroundings. The nearest road is called Weston Gate, which has given its name to Weston Gate Field, where the Northampton Sand was first dug many years ago, the land then belonging to Lord Aveland, father of the Earl of Ancaster, and the late Mr. W. R. Morris. Any mounds that may have existed to mark the graves would have been obliterated by the plough ; but as some of the graves discovered were only about one foot apart, it is probable that they were originally marked by little hillocks of earth (not 'barrows' in the ordinary sense) such as are to be seen in graveyards ^ Assoc. Arch. Soc. Rep. xxvi, pt. i, 250; xxvii, 220; Rut. Mag. and Co. Hist. Rcc. i (1903-4), 87, 116. 152. A cinerary urn 6 in. high is in Leicester Museum. 96 ANGLO-SAXON REMAINS at the present day. Such, indeed, existed on Farthing Down, Surrey, when the Anglo-Saxon cemetery there was explored in 1871,' but sporadic burials were, perhaps, indicated by circular mounds of larger dimensions, as in the Bronze Age. The working of the pit had brought to light swords and other objects before any deliberate search for burials was undertaken, and the natural weathering of the pit-face, especially after frost, gave Mr. Crowther-Beynon a hint as to the nature of the site. As a resident in the adjoining village of Edith Weston since 1894 he has had opportunities for collecting information from the workmen and adding to his own collection of antiquities, but unfortunately has not been permitted to conduct a systematic exploration of the site. It is probable that the folk buried in this ground lived in the village which derived its present name from Queen Edith, daughter of Earl Godwin and wife of Edward the Confessor, land in Rutland forming part of her marriage portion. ^/.. . The earliest record of Anglo-Saxon finds on the site was contributed by Mrs. Morris to the Stamford Mercury^ 1863,* from which it appears that skeletons were found on Mr. Morris' ground, some at a depth of 1 8 in. and others at five or six feet below the surface, placed in some cases only i ft. apart, and each covered with a flat stone about sixteen inches square. Two cinerary urns, which when found contained sand and dark-coloured earth, lay at a depth of six or seven feet, and their position suggests that they belonged to the earliest period of the cemetery, though the workmen's investigations and statements were too indefinite to prove this point. Bronze brooches, tweezers, and other toilet articles, iron swords, knives, and shield-bosses, glass beads, and miscellaneous objects were also found in association with skeletons, and even gold is mentioned in the list, but this is probably a mistake for gilt bronze, which is by no means uncommon. Discoveries of brooches and beads in May 1863 showed that some at least of the burials were 3 ft. deep, apparently on the top of the sand, which lies 3 ft. to 5 ft. from the surface. Special reference is made in the account to urns of rough hand-made earthen- ware (fig. 3), and to a battle-axe from an adjoining pit on Lord Aveland's property. This weapon is of the ' francisca ' type (used for throwing), rarely found in this country, and points to a Prankish origin,^ as does also an incised vase of Merovingian form ' in the collection of Mrs. Morris. Still more remarkable, however, is the discovery of two iron arrow-heads still in the possession of Mrs. Morris, who has kindly allowed their repro- duction here (see fig. i). The bow was rarely used by the pagan Anglo- Saxons, but arrow-heads, now preserved at the Tower of London, were found in the cemetery on Chessell Down, Isle of Wight, with a bow about five feet ' V.C.H. Surr. i, 265. * Reprinted in Genl. Maz. 1863, ii, 34 ; Gent. Mag. Lib. 'Archaeology,' pt. ii, 188. ^ F.C.H. Surr. i, 260 (three found at Croydon). * A plain, but otherwise similar, vase has been found at Toddington {F.C.H. Beds, i, 185). It lay at the head of a woman's grave. I 97 13 Fig. I. — Iron Arrow-heads, Cemetery, North Luf- FENHAM (^) A HISTORY OF RUTLAND long/ and several were found in graves on Kingston Down, near Canterbury,' while single specimens are mentioned from Marston St. Lawrence, North- amptonshire, and Lowesby Hall, Leicestershire. That the bow was known in England about a.d. 700 is shown by the carving of Egil the archer, on the Northumbrian casket presented by the late Sir WoUaston Franks to the British Museum, and the weapon seems to have been fairly common among the Teutonic peoples on the Continent about the 6th century.' A bronze relic of more than ordinary interest is illus- trated in colours on the frontispiece (fig. 5), and a continental example is here given for comparison (fig. 2). Both are tags for the girdle, and served not merely as decorative terminals, but also to facilitate the passing of the leather strap through the hoop of a buckle. The close resemblance between the two will be obvious, and that they are approxi- mately contemporary few will be disposed to doubt ; but the Samson specimen ^° is rightly referred to the 5th century. Fig. 2.— Bronze when animal forms were being introduced into the art of Girdle-end, Samson, ? i • n j l i Namur (A) northern Europe, which was still strongly innuenced by late Roman models. The blunt end of the tag was split to re- ceive the end of the girdle, which was secured by a pair of rivets; and in both specimens animal heads may be detected springing from the lower angles of this upper band. The incomplete lozenge forming the centre is ornamented in one case with punched rings and in the other with openwork, but both are flanked by fairly realistic animals in side view, the heads pointing downwards and almost meeting at the point. The occurrence of the Rutland example in a cemetery that may on other ground be referred to the latter part of the 6th century, can only be explained by supposing it to have been in safe keeping during the long interval, or to have been brought by some immigrant or trader from the neighbourhood of Namur in the 5th century. Another early example of this style has been found in Kent,^^ the pair of animals being attached to the foot of a brooch that may be derived from Denmark, but belongs to the same school of art. The accompanying photograph of pottery in Mrs. Morris' collection comprises four vessels of cinerary type, the smaller vases coming probably from unburnt burials. The largest cinerary (middle of top row) is 9J in. high, and shows the characteristic knobs and incised markings of this ware. AH are hand-made, that is, are not turned on the potter's wheel, and the clay is a dark brown, with some impurities. Besides these may be mentioned a vessel with spout of peculiar form (front centre of group), the connecting joint (only) of a pair of girdle-hangers,'^ the ferrule of a spear, 3 in. long, ' y.C.H. Hants, i, 388 ; Hillier, Hist, of Isle of Wight, p. 30. ' V.C.H. Kent, i, 346, 363 ; Faussett, Inventorium Sepukhrak (index) ; Jrch. Cant, viii, 249. The Kentish specimens were frequently found in children's graves. ' As at Reichenhall and Nordendorf, Bavaria ; Rittersdorf, Luxemburg ; Castel Trosino, Asculum. '" Figured, with others similar, by Sven Soderberg, in Prdhistoriscke Blatter, 1 894, pi. xi, p. 7 ; and Jntijuarisk Tidskrijt for Sveiige, xl, 17 ; cf. Salin, Die altgermanische Thierornamentik, 128, fig. 346. Another was found at Vermand, Dept. Aisne (5th cent.) ; Eck, Deux cimetiires gallo-romains, pi. xv, fig. 4, p. 214. " V.C.H. Kent,\, 397, pi. ii, fig. 3. " In the British Museum is a complete specimen from Searby, Lines, figured in Journ. Brit. Arch. Assoc. xvi, 311, pi. xxiii, fig. 6 ; cf. de Baye, Industrial Arts of the Angl. Sax. pi. xi (Searby, and Little Wilbraham, Cambs.). 98 o h O Ph < X o ANGLO-SAXON REMAINS shield-bosses of three patterns, lance-heads and spear-heads of two main types, two good specimens of the ' long ' brooch in a debased form occurring only in England, two openwork swastika brooches (as coloured plate, fig. 3), and the bases of two ' applied ' brooches of a type best represented at Kempston, Bedfordshire.^^ The face of these brooches consisted of a disc of gilt bronze embossed with a cruciform or other pattern, and attached to a plain base by means of cement, which was kept in place by a collar passing all round the rim. The base bore at the back a pin for attachment, and was slit to receive the hinge and catch. Such a base and collar are figured separately (nos. 4, 5 and ring next no. 12) in a photograph accompanying the original account and showing the best specimens in Lord Ancaster's possession. There may be seen two pairs of long and cruciform brooches (nos. 3, 6-8), two studs from the point of shield-bosses (nos. i, 2), and the pyramidal bronze pommel of a sword, two sword-blades being included in the collection. There are also five pottery vessels, two of which are ornamental (5^ and 4^ in. high), the others being common accessory vessels (as fig. 3). The most interesting specimen is a pair of bracelet clasps with triangular addition (nos. 10, 11) of bronze-gilt with silver disc at the point of the latter. That these belong together is shown by the occurrence of two similar sets at Harrington, Cambridgeshire,^* associated in one case with an ' applied ' brooch. These clasps have often been found in position on the wrists of skeletons and evidently served to fasten leather bands, and the triangular plate was purely ornamental. In removing a long strip of soil from the edge of Lord Ancaster's pit in 1 90 1, the workmen found a grave covered with stone slabs, which had apparently contained the body of a woman, the only relics being a small square-headed brooch (very like fig. 9 on plate), a 'long' brooch of the 6th century, also of bronze, and a rude bowl of pottery, 4. in across by 3 in. high, of an ordinary type but of uncertain significance. Covering-stones are not unfrequently found in localities where suitable stone could be procured, but it will suffice to mention examples at Medbourne, Wigston Magna, and Glen Parva, Leicestershire, as being not far removed from Rutland. During these operations Mr. Crowther-Beynon was happily present at the opening of two graves, which may be described at length in his own words : — The first was that of a person of some distinction. The skeleton was almost entirely gone, such portions of bone as remained being so decomposed as to be incapable of being handled. As ^r'^^^^^^ has been frequently observed before, the enamel ^^^|^^ crowns of the teeth showed in this case their superior "^P^S^ capability of withstanding the ravages of time. The yt^^^^. "^Sv. body had been buried at full length, with the head y^-^ ^ ^-%w pointing nearly due west. Along the left side of C^'"^ -'-* '''^'^^^ the body had lain the warrior's spear, the pointed .■.-•■:>^^% ."^ ur^-nm^^tLi- • ferrule of which was found near the feet, and the <j^^^3^^^^^^C^ ^^^^^^^^^^ socketed head, lOjin. long, about level with the ^^^^ "^y .-^ %cS^r skull. Between the spear and the body, or possibly ^^'9^^i^^^^g^^''^»a^(Q^^ overlying the latter, was a two-edged iron sword Fig. 4. — Iron Shield-boss, North of typical Anglo-Saxon shape and length (about Luffenham (^) " F.C.H. Beds, i, 180 (coloured pi. figs. 1 1, 13). " Figured in colours in Camb. Ant. Soc. Communications, v, pi. iv, fig. 4 ; pi. xi, fig. 2 ; evidently a woman's ornament. In one case the triangular plate is in one piece with the clasp. 99 Fig, 5. — Bronze-mounted Blcket, North Luffenham (^) A HISTORY OF RUTLAND thirty-six inches), and over the hilt of the sword lay the iron boss {umbo) of a shield (see fig. 4). Near the left arm was a large variegated glass bead, while a small pair of bronze tweezers was found near the right shoulder. Slightly beyond the head, and to the south-west of it, I unearthed a bronze- mounted situ/a or bucket (see fig. 5), the wooden staves and bottom being singularly perfect when removed, though, owing to warping and shrinkage in the course of drying, it now presents a more dilapidated appearance. The ground under part of the grave had the appearance of a thin layer of indurated sandstone, bearing upon its surface a noticeable resemblance to the grain of wood, which, though it had itself entirely perished, had left its impression upon the surface on which it lay. Even if a coffin was not used as in the majority of Kentish graves, there w^ere appar- ently planks laid below (and probably above) the body in this instance, a mode of interment noticed also at Mildenhall, Suffolk. The single bead (not unlike fig. 7 on plate) was doubtless attached as a sword knot to the grip, as at Brighthampton, Oxfordshire,'^ and Ipswich ; and the presence of tweezers, but ab- sence of brooches, should also be observed. The small bucket with bronze hoops and handle is frequently found, either at the head or feet, and is supposed to have contained some food or drink- offering to the dead. It was evidently represented in graves of the poorer class by rough bowls of pottery like that already mentioned. Subsequent investigation rendered it probable that another urn, of the type commonly used as cineraries, also belonged to this grave, rendering still closer its resem- blance to that next to be described. A few days later another grave was reached, lying a few feet to the west of that previously described. The body was similarly disposed, with the head to the west. The weapons in this grave were of the same character as in the first, though differing slightly in form. The spear, however, lay on the right of the body, the sword resting diagonally on the breast, the hilt near the right arm and the point near the left knee. The shield-boss lay upon the sword, and a small iron knife was near the right hand. On the right (or south) side of the head was a bronze-mounted bucket, as well as an urn of elegant make 4^ in. high, displaying the protuberances and incised decoration characteristic of Anglo-Saxon fictile vessels. This urn was broken into small pieces by the weight of the superincumbent soil, though it retained its original form as it lay in its earthy matrix. Neither the urns nor the buckets appeared to contain anything but earth. A small pair of bronze tweezers, and what appears to have been the handle of a small iron implement, also accompanied this interment. The human remains from North Luffenham have been examined and reported on, and it was noticed that several of the clavicles were stained green by contact with the bronze brooches evidently worn on the shoulders.'^ The sword is occasionally the only weapon in a grave, and is at times found with a shield or spear ; but the two graves at Luffenham show that all three weapons were sometimes borne together, and this conclusion is hardly in accordance with the common view that the sword marked the thane or horseman, while the ceorl or foot-soldier carried only spear and shield. The shield, which was generally circular, about eighteen inches in diameter, ** jirci. xxxviii, pi. ii, figs, i, 8. Ruf. Mag. ii (1906), 50. 100 ANGLO-SAXON REMAINS was as a rule placed over the middle of the body, but the transverse position of the sword in this instance is quite irregular : that weapon is found in most cases close alongside the body, on the right or left indifferently. The list of finds on this occasion (July 1901) closes with a fine bronze- gilt brooch (fig. 6) which may safely be described as cruciform, such being the last stage in the development of the cruciform type of Scandinavia, perhaps better described as the ' long ' brooch in England. Apart from its exceptional dimensions, this specimen is remarkable for its composite character, the top limb being clumsily attached, and having two pierced lugs at the back, as though for a hinge, but quite useless in that position.^'' Were it not that the style of decoration is identical with that of the two side limbs, one would be tempted to suppose that the brooch had been repaired in Saxon times, and part of some other ornament (such as a bracelet clasp) added to replace a missing terminal. It was apparently furnished with a long spring coil through which ran an axis held at the ends by two pairs of ears on either side of the head-plate. The pin which sprang from the coil would have spanned the bow and had its point protected by the catch seen behind the foot, at a point just below the bow. The oblong wings here seen are a feature specially developed in this country and point to the early part of the yth century, and some idea of the artistic progress (or otherwise) of the Anglo-Saxons may be gained by comparing this brooch with an earlier long brooch in the series. This has been already referred to (p. 99), and is itself a late specimen of the typical Scandinavian brooch, the evolution of which is now determined with considerable precision." The tendency in pagan England to unwieldy shapes, to florid decoration, and overloaded surfaces is here well exemplified, and a close parallel is afforded by the neighbouring county of Northampton.^^ During these operations several fragments of pottery were recovered, but there was no trace of complete vessels. Two at least had evidently belonged to large decorated urns, such as were used in some districts to contain the ashes of the dead ; and though it is possible to see in these sherds the origin of the practice noticed by Shakespeare — of throwing ' sherds, flints and pebbles,' into a suicide's grave — it is at least possible that in digging graves on this spot the pagan Anglo-Saxons had disturbed earlier interments of cremated remains ; and several knives found on the site are themselves good evidence of as many inhumations. Some of the brooches found have been noticed above, but two specimens of bronze remain and will serve to connect this cemetery with others beyond the county borders. One found by Mr. Crowther-Beynon next a skull is a variety of the ' long ' brooch, but of the smaller kind, with expanding foot and trefoil head, the three projections from the head-plate representing the knobs seen in a less developed form on early specimens. The other is an annular brooch, consisting of a flat hoop pierced near the inner edge for the reception of a pin which crossed the central opening. The surface is tinned and decorated within either edge with a punched pattern, which is " A similar arrangement has been noticed on a cruciform brooch from Warren Hill, Mildenhall, Suffolk {Proc. Biiiy md IVest Suff. Arch. Inst, vi, 67). " Haakon Schetelig, Cruciform Brooches of Norway (Bergen, 1906). " y.C.H. Nortkants, i, 233, 247 (coloured plate). 101 A HISTORY OF RUTLAND also frequently seen on long brooches otherwise plain. Both types are frequently found in cemeteries of the pagan period in the east-central part of England, and references may be made to West Stow, Suffolk ; Holdenby, Northamptonshire ; and Bensford Bridge, on the border of Warwiclcshire and Leicestershire.-" The objects illustrated on the frontispiece have (with the exception of figs. 4 and 5) all been found in a field called Land Close, now being worked for ironstone in the neighbourhood of Market Overton. They have been collected by Mr. W. H. Wing, F.S.A., and are figured by permission of the owner, Major Wingfield. Fig. i represents an annular brooch of bronze, ornamented on the front with punch marks in the usual manner. The pin, of which the rusted stump alone remains, was of iron, and worked by means of a loop in a hole bored near the inner edge of the hoop. The point passed through a notch on the opposite side of the opening, and in use would be placed beside the opening, the raised edges of which would prevent its slipping back through the notch. Another brooch (fig. 3) is also of bronze, with a flat front, the centre consisting of a curiously formed swastika or fylfot in open-work, and the pin for fastening being invisible from the front. The surface bears a few punch marks, and the type is remarkably uniform in certain parts of England, most of the extant examples coming from the counties of Cambridge (Little Wilbraham), Northampton (Islip and North- ampton), Warwick (Offchurch), and Lincoln (Sleaford). The central brooch (fig. 6) has a more limited distribution, and is com- paratively rare. It is a variety of the 'saucer' brooch, but is only found on the outskirts of the old West Saxon area, to which the main type is practi- cally confined. It consists of a stout bronze disc turned up at an angle all round and gilt inside, the ornamentation consisting of an outer band of triangular punch marks, and two inner bands of engraved animal pattern much debased, separated by two notched borders. At the centre is a stud raised on a short stem and decorated with a silver plate on the top, while the pin at the back worked on the same principle as fig. 3. One said to have been found at Dover was presented to the British Museum by Lysons, and others are illustrated from Offchurch, Warwickshire,"^ and Rothley Temple, Leicestershire,*^^ but this variety is very rare in England, and unknown elsewhere. A pair of similar brooches, but with a garnet-setting in place of the stud, was found at Longbridge, Warwickshire/^ with buckets as at North Luffenham. The small square-headed brooch (fig. 9) was evidently more for use than ornament, and belongs to a common type. It has a low and narrow bow below the square head-plate to accommodate the fold of the garment caught by the pin, but the expanding foot seems out of proportion, and the genesis of this pre-eminently Anglo-Saxon brooch has yet to be determined. More definite results may be obtained from the remaining two brooches (figs. 8 and 10). The first has a greenish appearance, due to the rusting of the bronze, but traces of the original gilding may still be seen in the centre of the foot. The engraving in this case is somewhat more intelligible than that on fig. 6, but both are derived from the animal motives common in the Teutonic world from about the year 500 to the artistic renaissance under '" F.C.H. Leics. i, 222. *' Journ. Brit. Arch. Assoc, xxxii, 466. " F.C.H. Leics. i, 226, n. 12. *' F.C.H. IFarzv. i, 262, fig. 2 on plate. 102 -1 J2aZiim^'— o u s u ANGLO-SAXON REMAINS Charlemagne early in the 9th century. In the earliest examples the quad- ruped is generally recognizable and complete, though there is always some doubt as to what the animal should be called. Within a short time the design deteriorated, and the animal is represented very imperfectly by means of detached limbs, eyes, and heads, which the engraver arranged regardless of anatomy to fill a given space. Thus on the head-plate of the brooch in question legs and trunks can be traced on either side, and two heads meeting in the middle produce a pattern remotely resembling a human face, and used independently at the bottom of the brooch. Two curved heads with open jaws also spring from the base of the bow, and with other details prove the descent of this specimen from the square-headed brooches of the 5th century found in Scandinavia and North Germany. It was apparently by way of Hanover that the large square-headed type penetrated into Southern Germany and crossed to England in the early part of the 6th century,^* but their dis- tribution in this country is somewhat unexpected. A general resemblance will be noticed between figs. 8 and 10, but the latter is by far the handsomer specimen, not only on account of its excellent gilding and terminals of silver, but also for the amount of surface left free of ornament. To cover all available space with engraving was the chief failing of the Teutonic art of this period, and it is seldom that so simple and dignified a production as fig. 10 is recovered from an Anglo-Saxon site. In the middle space of the head-plate can still be seen the animal motive in hopeless confusion, and the designs just below the bow and above the terminal are reminiscent of that already referred to on the foot of fig. 8 ; but elsewhere geometrical pat- terns are introduced, the diamond in the middle of the foot and the general arrangement of the whole being still characteristic. The larger specimen is, in point of style, the later, but there cannot be many yeais' difference in date, as both belong to the latter part of the 6th century. Earlier examples differing in many respects from each other, but both explaining the salient features of fig. 10, have been found in Norfolk"^ and the Isle of Wight,*^ while another from Wight" throws some light on the ancestry of fig. 8. The beads illustrated as specimens (fig. 1 1) comprise glass of various colours, rough amber, and faceted crystal : such are generally found, in the form of a necklace, in graves of women, while the large bead (fig. 7) was probably attached to the sword hilt, as single specimens of this size are sometimes found in the graves of warriors. On the coloured plate is also the remarkable specimen (fig. 5) from the collection of Mrs. Morris, who kindly lent it for reproduction : its use has already been discussed under finds at North Luffenham, and this alone among the Anglo-Saxon finds in Rutland shows at all adequately the original form of the quadruped so often referred to as an ornamental motive. Two forms may be seen, heads downward, attached to the lower edges of the lozenge- shaped centre. The remaining ornament from North Luffenham, illustrated in colour (fig. 2), is a silver disc with a small boss at the centre, from which radiate five ^* S:)lin, Die altgermanhche Thierornamentik, 353-4- " r.C.H. Norf. i, 340 (fig. 5 on plate). '« F.C.H. Hants, i, 388 (fig. 6 on plate). '' Ibid. (fig. 2 on plate). 103 A HISTORY OF RUTLAND points stamped in the metal, while round the edge are punch marks of trian- gular form. Slight as it is, this kind of ornament is frequently found (as at West Stow, Suffolk; Sleaford, Lincolnshire; Faversham, Kent), but how or where it was worn remains a question. The annexed figure represents the head, bow, and upper portion of the foot of a square-headed brooch,*** found at Land Close, Market Overton. It is, as usual, of bronze, and much of the original gilding remains on the front. The two outer bor- ders of the head recall earlier work, before the animal motive had been adopted, but there are also features of decadence that point to the end of the 6th century. In the centre of the head may be distinguished two detached legs of a quadruped placed horizontally, furnished with several claws or toes ; but below them the animal design is so debased as to be unintelligible. At the upper angles are „ „ T, two pointed ovals in relief, with plain gilt surfaces, riG. 7. 1 ORTION OF BRONZE | -Ifll Brooch, Market Overton (f) clcarly survivals of the enamel or garnet settings seen in this position on a few specimens 29 in England ; while below the bow are the normal heads, also much debased, that curve to right and left with open jaws, as on fig. 8 of the coloured plate. Behind the head is the rusted stump of an iron pin between two perforated lugs. Part of a girdle-hanger, a plain bronze girdle-end beautifully patin- ated, and a spindle-whorl of Kimmeridge shale complete the list of Market Overton finds that can be definitely referred to the pagan Anglo-Saxon period ; but it may be added that coins of Constantine, an iron padlock key, some iron binding, the point of a sword-sheath, and two Roman brooches have also been collected from the site, with a saucer-shaped vessel of thin bronze 4J in. in diameter, peculiar in having a small hole pierced in the centre of the base. Its date is uncertain, but its good patina suggests antiquity, and it may perhaps be explained as a water- clock of the kind employed by the early Britons."" The bowl, always of very thin bronze with flattened base, was placed on the surface of water, and allowed to fill through the perforation : on sinking in a definite time, it was emptied and replaced. This cumbersome method of measuring time has been known in India and Ceylon from very early times ; but whether it was derived thence by the Britons of our Early Iron Age or independently invented here is a question at present unanswered ; nor is it possible to decide whether the Market Overton specimen belongs to the British, Roman, or Anglo-Saxon periods. The shape is peculiar, and the proximity of a plain globular vase of Anglo- Saxon date suggests that this kind of clock was not altogether supplanted by the Roman form, in which the water dripped from one vessel into another. " When perfect it must have resembled one from Billesdon, figured in colours V.C.H. Leics. i, 238, fig. i on plate. »« V.C.H. U'arw. i, 285, fig. 6 on plate. '" Proc. Soc. Jntij. xxi, 326. 104 ANGLO-SAXON REMAINS The third early Anglo-Saxon site in Rutland is Cottesmore, where excavations for ironstone have brought to light a few relics of that period as well as a hoard of the Bronze Age noticed elsewhere. As the two small pottery vases and shield-boss from this site were not excavated with any proper supervision, it is impossible to say if they belonged to an isolated grave or marked the confines of a cemetery that has yet to be revealed ; but it is permissible to infer from the shield-boss that a fighting-man had been laid to rest on this spot, which was probably near his home. The vases are of com- mon type and manufacture, resembling fig. 3, but the shield-boss deserves special mention for a gilt bronze stud attached to the point. This has been illustrated (fig. 4 on coloured plate) as being somewhat of a rarity and a good example of debased animal form, which can only just be recognized in the interlacing bands that fill the central space. Other shield-bosses ornamented in this way are known from the neighbouring county of Northampton,"^ and from Harrington, Cambridgeshire.'^ Repeated references to Northamptonshire and Leicestershire will have prepared the reader for the conclusion, based on archaeological evidence, that Rutland was formerly the home of Anglo-Saxon settlers who were closely akin to those in the valleys of the Nene and Soar. Mixed burials are found in all three counties, and the relics that come from inhumations indicate with fair consistency the 6th century as the earliest date for Teutonic settlement in force. The cinerary urns may be earlier, but as datable objects are but seldom found in association, it would be unwise to consider them as evidence of an earlier immigration. There must have been extensive woodlands in Rutland, and the population cannot have been dense at any point, but there are peculiarities about the county that have perplexed historians and are not explained by the extant series of finds. The late Mr. Grant Allen ^" suggested a connexion between the British Ratae, the tribal name of Leicester, and the mysterious Rutland, adding that this alone of the Mercian shires is not named after its county town. ' Apparently it remains a solitary example of an old native Mercian division which has outlived the West-Saxon redistri- bution of the country into shires on the southern model, rudely mapped out around the chief Danish burghs. In this connexion it is interesting to note that Danish local names are unknown in this county.' Danish relics are likewise unrecorded, in spite of the proximity of Stamford, which belonged to the confederation of the ninth and tenth centuries known as the Five Burghs ; and one is almost forced to the conclusion that apart from a few early settlements on the belt of Northampton Sand, Rutland in pre-Norman days was deserted forest, like the vast tract of Rockingham across the Wel- land, where Anglo-Saxon finds are altogether wanting. Another view as to the early affinities of the county may be based on the dialect. In this respect Rutland belongs to the north-eastern group which comprises also Northamptonshire, Huntingdonshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Middlesex, Hertfordshire, Essex, Norfolk, and Suffolk, counties that were not occupied by Saxons or Anglians exclusively in the early period. More closely connected with Rutland by dialect are Cam- '• Barton Seagrave {F.C.H. Northants, \, 244, fig. 9). " Baron de H.iye, Industrial J rts of the Jngl.-Sax. 35, fig. 6. " County and Town in England, 104. I 105 14 A HISTORY OF RUTLAND bridgeshire and the north-eastern part of Northamptonshire ; '* and there is some archaeological warrant for connecting together the two latter areas,*' but further discoveries alone can make clear their relation to Rutland. The Roman road from Stamford through the north-east of the county, with possibly a branch towards the Trent, would have given easy access from the north or south. From which quarter the Anglians actually arrived cannot as yet be determined, but it seems clear that they were in possession before the efforts of Oswiu resulted in the conversion of the Midlands to the new faith. After that date cremation cannot well have been practised, and few if any relics would be recovered from graves, even if the latter were still in the open country and not confined to the consecrated and inviolable ground of the churchyard. " A. J. Ellis, Engfuh Dialects, their Sounds and Homes, 58 and map. ^ r.C.H. Northants, i, 251. io6 MAP showing of RUTLAND L J ^ in ^ CevslerLon Refe re nee A Pro/nontory Fortresses (no ejra/nple) F Homestead Moats B y^/// Forts Sec fno ejcamp/e) C Moated Enclosures ^/th stronger C Simp/e Enc/osures rvorks D Mounts X M/sce//&neoas E&rthworks E Mounts yv/th Bailey T Tumuli ANCIENT EARTHWORKS Rutland, the smallest of the English counties, with no great waterway by which pirates might be enticed to ascend for plunder, and no lofty eminences whereupon the early inhabitants could construct their great hill forts, affords little scope for the builders of earthworks. The natural character of the land also destroys any great hope of the survival of many important works even on the successive ridges of hills which traverse the county from east to west. On the highest ground in the county, at Flitteris in the parish of Oakham, is a girdled area, with surrounding works of doubtful early or mediaeval construction. Various relics found in the neighbourhood give evidence of the occupation of the height by early man, but if these works are of prehistoric origin, they were certainly adapted to later uses, as is proved by documents of the 14th century. There are undoubted remains of the Romano-British period at Great Casterton and Market Overton, and Roman influence may possibly be seen in the rectangular entrenchments at Hambleton, Ridlington, and Whissendine. Of the mount type of fortress, attributed to a later age, there are but two examples, at Beaumont Chase and Burley, and these are but feeble. An entrenched mound at Pilton is traditionally ascribed to Cromwell, but it may have a far earlier origin. In Oakham Castle is seen a type of fortified residence of a somewhat different character from the accepted examples of feudal strongholds, yet far more formidable in its defences than the moated manor-house. It has been suggested that the earthen vallum inclosing the great court was originally a British stronghold, but this is a theory which cannot be taken seriously, and no early remains have been found to give any support to such a surmise. The castle at Oakham was the principal fortress in Rutland ; the strength of the castles of Essendine and Woodhead, or of those at Beaumont Chase and Burley, we have no means of ascertaining. The simple defensive moats, so numerous in some counties, here number but seven. One noble moat, destitute of the slightest sign of a habitation within its entrenched area, is at Whissendine, and that, from its construction, would suggest the rampart and fosse of an early military work, utilized and adapted as a defence in later times. A small circular island surrounded by running water, situated in Hambleton parish, is one of those unexplained works which may possibly have served as a heronry. A twin moat was made at Essendine so as to safeguard the church as well as the manor-house, and to provide a forecourt to the main defence. At Market Overton the protection of the Roman camp was sought in building the church. It is doubtful whether the extensive earthworks at Brooke were for the defence of the monastery, or were the work of the sappers of the Parliamentary army. 107 A HISTORY OF RUTLAND The village sites to which Class H is devoted may include the entrench- ments at Flitteris and the inclosed site near the ruins of the priory of Brooke, but until excavations are undertaken it is impossible to decide in which class these should be placed. They have consequently been relegated to the list of miscellaneous works. The sides of various hills are scored by entrenched lines, single as at Barrow or more numerous as at Essendine. The latter are attributed to Oliver Cromwell, but traditions of his presence in this locality must be received with caution. The provision of fish-ponds, or stews, common to large manor-houses and religious foundations in the midland counties, are not wanting in Rutland ; the most elaborate are at Essendine and Liddington, and others are found at Edith Weston, Empingham, Horn, North Luffenham, and Oakham. Tumuli are scarce, but that may possibly be due to the arable nature of the soil. All the types of earthworks in the general classification adopted by the Archaeological Congress are not represented in Rutland, and the complete list will show three important classes of works which the county lacks. CLASSIFICATION OF EARTHWORKS Class A. — Fortresses partly inaccessible, by reason of precipices, cliffs, or water, additionally defended by artificial works, usually known as promontory fortresses. Class B. — Fortresses on hill-tops with artificial defences, fii/owing the natural line of the hill; or, though usually on high ground, less dependent on natural slopes for protection. Class C. — Rectangular or other simple inclosures, including forts and towns of the Romano- British period. Class D. — Forts consisting only of a mount with encircling ditch or fosse. Class E. — Fortified mounts, either artificial or partly natural, with traces of an attached court or bailey, or of two or more such courts. Class F. — Homestead moats, such as abound in some lowland districts, consisting of simple inclosures formed into artificial islands by water moats. Class G. — Inclosures, mostly rectangular, partaking of the form of F, but protected by stronger defensive works, ramparted and fossed, and in some instances provided with outworks. Class H. — Ancient Village sites protected by walls, ramparts, or fosses. Class X. — Defensive works which fell under none of these headings. Class T. — Tumuli. The first name to each note is of the parish in which the work is situated. The Roman numerals following the name of the parish refer to the number of the sheet in the Ordnance Survey maps. All the measure- ments of the escarpments, &c., are perpendicular. The author tenders his thanks to Mr. V. B. Crowther-Beynon for his valuable assistance in drawing his attention to certain works not recorded by the Ordnance Surveyors. SIMPLE DEFENSIVE INCLOSURES (Class C) Great Casterton (x, 3 and 4). — This village, 2 miles north-west from Stamford, is also known as Bridge Casterton from its situation at the bridse which carries the Ermine Street over the River Gwash. North-east 108 ANCIENT EARTHWORKS of the church are the remains of a camp of great strength, the small part yet existing being remarkably perfect. The southern and western parts are utterly destroyed, but the northern portion of the north-western side appears to be almost in its original state ; here the rampart is 6 ft. high, and 1 6 ft. broad at its base. It has a scarp 6 ft. deep on to a berme 1 2 ft. wide, and another escarpment 7 ft. deep into a flat-bottomed fosse 33 ft. wide, the counterscarp being also 7 ft. At its northern angle the fosse is 10 ft. in depth, but at the eastern side of the corner a modern cart road into the fosse has misshapen its formation. At the northern angle the rampart no longer remains, but the berme and the fosse continue for 300 ft. towards the south-east, beyond which the works have been delved out of all recog- nition, but the presence of a former rampart is indicated where the dotted The Camp, Great Casterton line in the plan takes a south-westerly course. It is situated by the River Gwash, which defends two sides of the stronghold. Hambleton (ix, 8). — North of Edith Weston, and 4 miles south-east- by-east from Oakham, close to Half-moon Spinney is an oblong camp. It is situated above the confluence of two rivers upon a high roundly-curved hill in the midst of other similar heights of scarcely inferior altitude. The long axis is 234ft. from east to west, the shorter sides measuring 120 ft. on the west, and 132 ft. on the east. The south, west, and eastern sides are distinct, and have a rampart rising from 2 ft. to i ft. 10 in. in height with a scarp 6 ft. 6 in. deep into a fosse i i ft. wide, and with a counterscarp 4 ft. 6 in. on the east, 3 ft. 8 in. on the south, and 5 ft. 4 in. on the west. The northern side has gone, but may still be traced by a series of depressions where the fosse has not been entirely levelled. 109 A HISTORY OF RUTLAND Market Overton (ii, 15). — Five miles north-by-east from Oakham are very definite remains of a quadrangular inclosure which can perhaps be attributed to the Roman period as relics of that age are numerous. The north-eastern side comprises a vallum rising 5 ft. at its most perfect point with an escarpment from 3 ft. to 4 ft. 8 in. deep ; this vallum is broken through in two places, but whether these were original features it is impos- sible to determine, for the rampart was at some later period included in ^^"0"^ SCALC OF FEET 0 100 200 300 .,^^'-^^'""• Camp, Market Overton manorial embankments, which may in part be seen against and beyond this side of the camp. The north-western side consists of a vallum and fosse ; the former, 2 ft. high, has a scarp of 5 ft. with a counterscarp of 2 ft. ; this has recently been cut through by a trench to ascertain the original depth of the escarpment, which appears to have been 9 ft. A road has been made diagon- ally through the inclosure from the south-east to the north-west, destroying the works at these two angles ; the south-western side of the vallum may, however, be traced in a terrace within the wall of the rectory garden. The 110 ANCIENT EARTHWORKS southern side has wholly perished, owing to the graveyard of the church — at first constructed within the protection of the vallum — having outgrown its former limits. An ancient road, deeply sunken, extends towards the south-west, and various fragments of mediaeval embankments lie around the outskirts of the camp. Oakham (viii, 4). — Flitteris Park is surrounded by a double vallum and intermediate fosse ; the innermost vallum has an escarpment of 5 ft., the fosse is 3 ft. deep, and the outer vallum has a scarp from 3 ft. to 4 ft. This work is possibly of the 13th century, as in 1252 Henry III granted licence to Richard, Earl of Cornwall, 'to enclose the wood of Fliteris.' From an inqui- sition taken in 1300 it appears that there was 'a little park called Flytterys ' belonging to the demesne of the manor of Oakham, with a stockade surmount- ing the earthwork, and that, in 1372, William Flore of Oakham was allowed a sum of money by the Crown 'for the palisades of 160 acres enclosed within the park of Flyterys.' ^ The double earthwork has the appearance of greater age, while the discovery of a celt, ancient pottery, and flint flakes suggest its origin as being a settlement of an early race. RiDLiNGTON (xiii, i). — In a field west of Ridlington, 2 miles north-west from Uppingham, are the remains of an irregular oblong camp with rounded corners situated on the side of high ground sloping down to a stream on the north. A shallow trench, parallel with the road, runs in a westerly direction, with a slight vallum on its northern side ; 2 ft. is now the greatest height of the escarpment, and both vallum and fosse have been spread to an extreme width by the action of the plough. The work becomes more definite towards its western extremity, where there are traces of a bank beyond the fosse at the angle where the rampart turns towards the north and descends the hill. At the north-west the curve of the scarp is nearly 5 ft. ; on the northern side of the inclosure the scarp is 9 ft. and the counterscarp 4 ft., beyond which is a natural escarpment of nearly 10 ft. At the north-east the fosse opens into a sunk road which extends along the eastern side of the camp beneath a scarp of 9 ft. down the hill to some springs. All traces of a rampart on this side are destroyed. Whissendine (v, i). — East of the village, 4 miles north-north-west from Oakham, two sides of a strong rectangular inclosure are situated in the garden of the Manor House ; the site of the latter was evidently chosen within the protection of the ancient fort. On the eastern side the rampart is 2 ft. 3 in. high and 12 ft. wide, with a scarp of 6 ft. with a fosse 3 ft. deep. At the north-eastern angle the rampart rises to 4 ft. and has an escarpment of 12 ft. with a counterscarp of 3 ft. Slight traces of the turn of the rampart at the north-west are visible. MOUNTS (Class D) PiLTON (ix, 16). — On the west side of the road from North Luffenham to Morcott, and south of the River Chater, 3J miles north-east from Uppingham, is a mount nearly circular in plan surrounded by a fosse. ' Abbrev. Rot. Orlg. (Rec. Com.), ii, 326. 1 1 I A HISTORY OF RUTLAND The flat summit of the mount is 78 ft. in diameter, the escarpment, 9 ft. perpendicular measurement, is acute, and descends into a fosse 1 2 ft. wide with a counterscarp of 4 ft. It is said to be the spot on which the Parliamentarian guns were planted for the destruction of the Old Hall at North LufFenham. MOUNTS WITH ONE OR MORE ATTACHED "COURTS (Class E) Beaumont Chase (xiii, 5). — 'Castle Hill' is situated on the borders of this parish adjoining that of Uppingham, i mile north-west from Upping- ham. It is an artificial mount with a very round escarpment 38 ft. in height. The summit, nearly flat, has been 54 ft. in diameter, but that mea- surement is retained only from the north-east to the south-west, the subsidence of the soil on the west having altered its original character. A fosse surrounds the base of the mount on the northern and eastern sides — where the ground is nearly level — with an average breadth of 37 ft. '• and a counterscarp of 1 2 ft. On the south and west the decline of the ground is very steep, descending a long distance into a valley, and around this part no fosse was constructed. Certain ridges on the western side which have the appear- ance of entrenched lines are formed by landslips from the mount. On the only level ground adjacent to the mount, on its north-eastern sides, are traces of two baileys, a scarp 90 ft. distant from the mount indicating a court approaching an oblong in plan, and 140 ft. beyond this is the possible site of a vallum to another court, but the plough has almost obliterated it. A very small stream flows along the western base of the hill. The mount commands an extensive view of the country. BuRLEY (v, 11). — In a field by the roadside north-east of Burley, and 3 miles north-east of Oakham, is a mount fortress ; the summit, 16 ft. high, has a rounded top, and the base is surrounded by a fosse 3 ft. 4 in. deep and 9 ft. wide, except on the north, where it is 12 ft. broad. The mount is situated within the area of an oblong bailey, the circumvallation of which has largely gone though sufficient remains to leave no doubt as to its former plan. At the rounded north-western angle the fosse only is seen, and here it is 3 ft. deep and 8 ft. wide ; the other parts are not so clearly defined except at the south-west where a portion of the vallum remains from i ft. 9 in. to 2 ft. 4 in. in height, giving an escarpment of fully 5 ft. into the fosse, with a counter- scarp of 3 ft. A debased semicircular rampart on the eastern side indicates the former existence of a second bailey. A stream flows close to the north- east of the inclosure. SCALE or FEET 0 100 ZOO 200 ■ ■ ■ Castle Hill, Beaumont Chase 112 ANCIENT EARTHWORKS HOMESTEAD MOATS (Class F) Hambleton (ix, 8). — Near the northern bank of the River Gwash, half a mile north from Edith Weston, a small circular plot of ground is surrounded by water obtained through a channel from the river. Horn (vi, 9). — Six miles north-east-by-east from Oakham, within a valley sheltered by hills, is a rectangular site surrounded by a moat 16 ft. wide. The banks are generally 4 ft. high above the water, except on the west, where they rise to 6 ft. A tributary of the Gwash flows in a southerly direction close by its eastern side, and extensive fish-stews lie to the north. North Luffenham (ix, 16). — South of North LufFenham Hall, and 6 miles south-east from Oakham, on the northern bank of the River Chater, there is a rectangular site surrounded by a shallow moat 1 4 ft. broad. The banks gradually slope to the water, rising 3 ft. on the north and 5 ft. on the south. The area is divided into two parts by a branch of the moat, the smaller eastern part is generally lower than the larger western portion. The south-eastern corner is within a few feet of the river. To the north of this moat is a long artificial trench and various field banks. West of North LufFenham Church is the site of Old LufFenham Hall, to the south of which is a portion of a semicircular moat. MOATED INCLOSURES WITH STRONGER DEFENSIVE WORKS (Class G) Empingham (x, i). — To the south of the village, 5 J miles east from Oakham, is a rectangular moated site with its long axis running parallel to, and close by, the northern bank of the River Gwash. The scarp into the moat is 5 ft. deep, and the moat, 24 ft. wide, has a counterscarp generally measuring 3 ft. in height, but on the north, farthest from the river, it is 5 ft. 6 in. The northern and southern sides are strengthened by a rampart which on the north is 5 ft. from the outer edge of the moat. Beyond the western side is another square inclosure, one side of the moat already men- tioned forming its eastern side ; the northern defence is an extension of that side of the first moat, but on the south and the west fish-ponds take the place of the moat whilst providing the same character of defence. A small channel at the south-western angle conducted the water from one pond to the other, and at the south-east corner, which is also the south-west angle of the principal moat, is an outlet for the waters into the Gwash. To the north of the moat are the remains of field embankments. Essendine (vii, 5). — The site of Essendine Castle, 4 miles north-east- by-north from Stamford, is surrounded by a very wide moat, a defence which extends to the church and graveyard, and round a small court on the south. The great moat close to the western bank of the River Glen is 37 ft. wide at its narrowest part, and nearly twice that breadth at the north and west. The central oblong area stands 18 ft. above the base of the moat, and its counterscarp is 1 2 ft. From the south-west another moat branches outwards 1 113 IS A HISTORY OF RUTLAND in a westerly direction and surrounds the west and south of the churchyard ; this is 14 ft. wide and 6 ft. deep, with a counterscarp of 9 ft. To the east of the path to the church this moat is 20 ft. wide and from 5 ft. to 8 ft. deep, but round the south-eastern angle the banks rise to 10 ft., and turn- ing towards the north the moat joins into the greater one. Within this court and east of the church the remains of a causeway crosses the great moat. South of the outer moat another shallow trench surrounds two ponds 3 ft. and 5 ft. deep respec- tively, with the easternmost bank rising 6 ft. in height ; this arrangement together constituted elaborate fish- stews. To the north of the great moat is a large triangular pond 8 ft. deep, connected with the moat by a culvert. On the opposite, or eastern, bank of the river is a ram- part 5 ft. high and 12 ft. broad at the base. Great Casterton (vi, 11). — Woodhead Castle, 3J miles north-west from Stamford, south of Fairchild's Farm, is situated on high ground with a very extensive view of the surrounding country. It is irregularly quad- rangular in plan, but the earthworks, as now seen, must not altogether be considered as such, the broad rampart, and mounds rising over the interior SCALE OF fEBT 100 aoo 300 _ 1 1 I EssENDiNE Castle Woodhead Castle, Great Casterton 114 ANCIENT EARTHWORKS area, rather representing the foundations of masonry. As it now appears there is on the north a semicircular rampart 19ft. wide; rising 6ft. from the interior, it has an escarpment of 16 ft. descending into a stream. The rampart on the west is 34 ft. broad and the counterscarp is 11 ft. high ; on the south the rampart is weak, but on the top of the counterscarp, or outer edge of the moat, a bank 3 ft. high extends along the length of this side. At the south-east corner the rampart is very prominent, and here the moat widens to 14 ft. On the eastern side the absence of foundations indicates the former position of the gateway, and here the moat is partially filled ; beyond this side a bank 3 ft. high has inclosed a quadrangle. North Luffenham (ix, 1 6) . — On the northern bank of the River Chater, 5 miles south-east from Oakham, is a rectangular site surrounded by a moat 27 ft. broad, the outer edge of which is surrounded by a bank i ft. 6 in. high, making the total height of the counterscarp 4 ft. 2 in. A fish-stew occupies an unusual position in the southern part of the interior area. The arrangement for the supply of water for the moat was by a channel at the north-west where a bend of the river curves close to the moat, whilst to empty the same an outlet was made at the south-west into another rivulet which flows near the western side, where the contour of the land is lower. Oakham (ix, 2). — Oakham Castle is a valuable example of a fortified hall, the head of a manor, which was not a castle in its true sense until a later period ; and its earthworks represent a type between the mount castle and the moated residence so common to mediaeval times in a country with no great eminence. The works com- prise two courts, one of the inclo- sures being called a garden in docu- ments of the 14th century. The castle stands in the town of Oak- ham, and within its first court is the hall of the Ferrers, while the founda- tions of the later buildings are indi- cated by the in- equalities of the grass-covered court, which also contains a well from which the garrison obtain- ed their water. In an inquisition of 1340' there is said Oakham Castle ' Inq. p.m. 14 Edw. Ill, no. 67. 115 A HISTORY OF RUTLAND to be ' at Oakham a castle well walled,' which wall now consists of a vallum rising to various heights from the interior. On the eastern side of the entrance this is lo ft., increasing to 23 ft. at the south-eastern corner, where it also assumes considerable breadth; declining to 14ft. on the east and 9 ft. on the north, it again rises irregularly to 1 2 ft. on the west, and at the south-west corner it is of much greater width. The whole of this vallum is surmounted by the remains of a wall of masonry which, around the west, south, and part of the eastern sides, descends to the fosse, but other- wise the earthen vallum is on the outside also, having an escarpment of 17 ft. The fosse on the south is covered by buildings ; on the western side, in the midst of which are the ruins of a bastion protruding into the fosse, the counterscarp is now occupied by the churchyard wall ; and on the eastern side are the lowered remains of the counterscarp, beyond which the road to Burley occupies the site of a second fosse the counterscarp of which is now represented by the high footpath on the eastern side of the road. The posi- tion of the northern fosse was occupied by the ' stews under the castle,' mentioned in 1300' and 1340.* This fish-pond extended the whole length of the northern wall of the court, and at its narrowest part measures 64 ft. in breadth ; on its eastern extremity it is inclosed by a bank 4 ft. 4 in. high, and on its northern side by the vallum of the second court, but its western extremity, where it joins the entrance to the outer court and the western fosse of the castle, has been so altered by the making of a public footpath that the original arrangement is lost. That which we have called the outer court is found mentioned in the two inquisitions above quoted as a garden, and is inclosed by a rampart 8 ft. high ; this has an escarpment on the west of 6 ft., but here a road has destroyed the fosse and raised the external ground high above its former level. On the north the vallum has a scarp i 2 ft. in height and the fosse is partially left, but again a roadway has almost obliterated it ; and at the north-eastern angle the vallum rises somewhat higher for a better defence towards the open country. The southern bank of the garden has been noticed as the northern boundary of the fish-stew, but at the south against the eastern side is something more than a garden wall ; here a defensive work overlooks the ground outside the western fosse of the castle on which stands the church. It is a platform 4 ft. above the level of the garden and 29 ft. wide, with a rampart 3 ft. high con- tinuous with the western vallum of the garden, the southern fosse to which has been filled up with the accumulated soil on which the old grammar school stands, by which the escarpment is destroyed. The entrance ' Ibid. 14 Edw. Ill, no. 67. 116 f'S;"-%-''.« '*--""""'""4// "",. i ..•iliUUlk •o SCALE or FEET 100 too 200 1 I I '»;Mfm<«' Whissendine Moat ' Inq. p.m. 2 8 Edw. I, no. 44. ANCIENT EARTHWORKS to the garden and the connexion of the ramparted platform with the castle cannot now be traced. Whissendine (v, i). — Half a mile north-east from the village, in a field north of Moor Lane, is a quadrangular area strongly fortified by a moat and ramparts. The central site rises above a moat varying from 30 ft. to 35 ft. broad, and a rampart 2 ft. high remains on the inner edge of the northern and eastern sides. The outer edge of the moat is surrounded by a bank 2 ft. high on the south-west, which increases to 4 ft. in height and 16 ft. broad on the west, making the counterscarp of the moat 12 ft. at this part ; the bank is carried around the other sides, but is more debased. On the south the work has lost its regularity, and there are traces of other banks extending in a southerly direction. An opening, evidently ancient, is cut through the outer bank on the east ; and the whole work suggests a very ancient inclosure adapted to a later manorial defence. A low bank surrounds the north, east, and western sides some 90 ft. beyond the moat. A short distance from the latter, near the manor-house, are portions of a moat i 8 ft. wide, strongly embanked, the bank rising 4 ft. from the ground- level with a scarp of 9 ft. into the moat. This appears to have originally been an entrenchment having some relation to the camp noticed in Class C. MISCELLANEOUS EARTHWORKS (Class X) Barrow (v, 3). — North of Cottesmore, 4 J miles north-east-by-north from Oakham, and immediately to the north-east of the chapel, the remains of a shallow rampart and fosse run from east to west for a distance of 108 ft., beyond which it is lost in a ploughed field. The rampart is i ft. in height and 7 ft. broad, with an escarpment 4 ft. deep, the fosse is 16 ft. wide, and has a counterscarp of 2 ft. 8 in. The fosse is on the northern side of the rampart, and overlooks deeply-receding ground towards a wide valley. Close to the last-named entrenchment, on lower ground, are traces of field inclosures in two rectangular areas with banks from 3 ft. to 4 ft. high. Brooke (ix, 9). — Nearly 2 miles south-west from Oakham, on the site of the house of Austin Canons, a cell to the abbey of Kenilworth, are many grass-grown ridges indicating the position of foundations, adjacent to which are extensive quadrangular terraces, generally 8 ft. in height, extending a considerable distance until they abut on the road, where they assume an appearance of military origin, having a rampart 4 ft. 6 in. in height, with a scarp 1 1 ft., and a counterscarp 6 ft. At each of the two angles of that part by the side of the road is a conical mound 16 ft. in height. It is now impos- sible to ascertain how far these were the work of the inhabitants of the priory, or to what extent local tradition is right in attributing them to the Parlia- mentarian army. To the west of the priory grounds, and on the banks of the Gwash, a large tract of land is inclosed between a stream and a long curved rampart ; this is covered by innumerable mounds, giving it the appearance of the site of an early settlement, upon which flint flakes have been found. Just within 117 A HISTORY OF RUTLAND the point where the long earthen bank, touches the stream a great dam is built across the latter, by which a large pond is formed. Braunston (viii, 8). — North-west of the village on the hill-side above the northern bank of the River Gwash are various traces of entrenchments of no definite form. They extend to the boundaries of Flitteris Park, and on the summit of the hill fragments of early pottery have been thrown up by the plough. In the same parish is a part of the ' Old Leicester Lane,' a sunken road 3 ft. deep. Edith Weston (ix, 12). — Adjacent to the grass-grown foundations of the Alien Priory are the low quadrangular banks of field divisions, and to the west of the priory grounds is the ancient fish-pond, with a stream flowing in at one end, and out of the other, on its course to the River Gwash. EssENDiNE (vii, 10). — South-east of Essendine Castle, 4 miles north-east- by-north from Stamford, situated on high ground overlooking the village, are long lines of parallel entrenchments taking a general direction from the north- east to the south-west. At their north-eastern extremity they consist of two ramparts and two trenches, but after a short distance they are increased to four ramparts and three trenches (the latter on the village side of the ramparts), and vary from 3 ft. to 5 ft. in depth. Towards the south-west the lines curve in a westerly direction and decrease in number to three ramparts and two trenches. On a natural projection from the hillside on which the entrenchments are cut is a tumulus. ExTON (v, 12). — Four miles north-east-by-east from Oakham is the site of Exton Old Hall ; on the east and south-east of the plateau on which it stands is a triple terrace, each of the two upper banks having a height of 5 ft. and the lower one of 3 ft. above the ground-level. Horn (vi, 9). — Close to the homestead moat (Class F) a dam is built across the river and extensive ponds are formed. Langham (iv, 12). — On Ranksborough Hill, 3 miles north-west from Oakham, is the supposed site of a Roman settlement, but of the earthworks a scarped platform is all that remains. LiDDiNGTON (xiii, 1 4). — One and a half miles south-by-east from Uppingham, an elabo- rate series of excavated trenches are situated in a field north-east of the church. These were the fish-stews belonging to the old manor-house of the Bishops of Lincoln. One embracing rectangular trench 7 ft. deep contains three long ponds, each of them about 2 ft. deep. All these ponds were probably supplied with water pumped from a stream which flows on the northern and eastern sides, the outlet into the same stream being at the south-eastern angle. At the south-west the inclosing bank — formed by an outer excavation — is 26 ft. wide, with a flat top ; to the south-west of this another trench 118 n^^^ ^^^^• SCALE OF FEET 100 200 300 I I Fish Stews at Liddington ANCIENT EARTHWORKS 6 ft. deep and 58 ft. wide is part of a once larger pond between those mentioned above and the margin of the stream on the south ; the boundaries of this, however, have been lost by more modern digging. Bee Hill, on the roadside between Liddington and Thorpe-by- Water, exhibits faint traces of entrenchments. MoRcoTT (xiii,