be so good as to convey by the hands of a batchelor to a smith who is a batchelor, for him to make a ring for my daughter, to cure her fits." Thus the mighty business was out. It was to be kept a profound secret; not the persons who gave the money were to know what for or whom they gave it to. I did as desired; and, behold! it cured the girl. This I can affirm.

The writer adds that it must be the power of imagination entirely that did this; and that he has since known instances with the same effect, though differing as to the number of sixpences, some taking three, seven, or nine, to make the ring. G. A. W.

1901.-THE GLOUCESTERSHIRE SOCIETY IN LONDON. — (See No. 1370.) In turning over files of old newspapers I frequently find mention of the Gloucestershire Society and its meetings. Is it known in what year it ceased to exist?* I submit an account of a meeting (recorded in the Hereford Journal, May 18, 1803), at which was exhibited a curious model of George Ridler, which may perhaps be forthcoming. JNO. MILLS.

27, Archibald St., Gloucester.

· THE GLOUCESTERSHIRE SOCIETY IN LONDON.

The anniversary was held on Wednesday last. In the absence of his Grace the Duke of Norfolk, Admiral Berkley took the chair; good humour and conviviality prevailed throughout the day. To avoid trouble in collecting donations, the committee presented a very interesting model of George Ridler, which, for the excellency of its design, and accuracy of application to the various parts of the old song, excited general admiration. The upper part of the model contains a statue of the celebrated George Ridler reclining upon a barrel, with his pipe and jug, emblematical of his conviviality; from these his attention has been drawn by the entrance of his dog bringing a fowl. George, caressing him, with a countenance expressive of his attachment to that faithful animal, seems to exclaim in the words of the ancient ballad

"This dog is good to catch a hen ;

A duck or goose is vood for men."

Upon the plinth, on the right hand side of the figure, is represented, in bass relief, George Ridler's oven, upon which is traced his name, supposed to be done by himself; the date is nearly obliterated; on the front, in bass relief, two boys exhibiting an indenture, alluding to the purpose of the Gloucestershire Society; and on which is expressed the number of boys that have been apprenticed by it. On the left hand of the figure is the following motto:—

"It droppeth like the gentle rain from Heaven
Upon the place beneath. It is twice blest:

It blesseth him that gives, and him that takes."
• See ante, vol. iii., p. 450.—ED.

VOL. IV.

QQ

Behind is introduced the pelican, an emblem of benevolence, surrounded with rays of glory, denoting the divine blessing accompanying so laudable an institution. The model was fixed on a frame with castors. It ran easily and merrily round the table, and was very successful in its tour.

The old song of George Ridler was sung by three voices, with great effect. Many other songs were given, and the company, which was highly respectable, parted about half-past eleven.

1902.—THE REV. ROBERT COX CLIFTON, M.A.—In Manchester Notes and Queries, vol. vii., p. 276, this paragraph appears :

The Rev. Robert Cox Clifton is well remembered by the older generation of Manchester churchmen. He was the son of a clergyman [who was for many years British chaplain at Bruges], and was born at Gloucester in 1810. He studied at Oxford, and, after taking his degrees [B.A. 1831, M.A. 1834] and entering into orders [in 1833], he spent some time as curate in Berkshire and as tutor at Oxford. He came to Manchester in 1837 as clerk in orders of the Collegiate Church (the "Old Church," not "Cole Church," as your correspondent writes). Subsequently he was elected a fellow of the collegiate chapter, and when the church attained cathedral dignity, became a canon. From 1843 he held also the rectory of Somerton, in Oxfordshire, where he died on July 30, 1861, aged fifty-one. See Dictionary of National Biography [vol. xi., p. 88], where, however, there is an error in making Professor R. B. Clifton, formerly of Owens College, the son of the

canon.

1903.-GWINNETT FAMILY.-Is there any published pedigree of this family? I am acquainted with the monumental inscriptions given by Bigland; but I want the alliances; and in particular the alliance which united them with the Button family before 1750. I fancy it must have been brought about by intermarriages on each side with daughters of Thomas Price, of Wistaston, Herefordshire. Proof of this is wanted on the Gwinnett side. D. J.

1904. SOMERS FAMILY.-I should esteem it a favour if any of your readers would give me some information as to the ancestry of Cornwell Somers, who was buried in Cam Church in 1699. This gentleman was a planter in Barbadoes, and died when on a visit to England. The slab which covers his remains has on it the same arms as those borne by the ancient family of Le Somer or Somer of Newland, and Halston in Kent-vert, a fesse dancetté ermine. I should much like to know the connection, if any, between the Somerses of Kent, Gloucester, Worcester, and Somerset, as all bear or use the same arms. WM. TAPRELL ALLEN.

St. Briavel's Vicarage, Coleford.

1905.--THE LISTS OF THE MAYORS OF BRISTOL.-In Barrett's History of Bristol, pp. 668-704, there is a list of the mayors from the year 1216 to 1788, inclusive: and in Bristol: Past and Present, vol. iii., p. 340, one from 1836 to 1881. Where may I find a list from 1789 to 1835, inclusive?

QUERIST.

In Pryce's History of Bristol (1861), pp. 490-2, to the year 1859; and in Latimer's Annals of Bristol in the Nineteenth Century (1887), pp. 536-7, from 1800 to 1886. EDITOR.

1906.-BISHOP HALL'S GRANT OF BIBLES.-Can you tell me how to obtain a grant of Bibles from the Northfield Trust, the gift of John Hall, D.D., Bishop of Bristol 1691-1709?

QUERIST.

1907.-WILLINGTON FAMILY.-I am anxious to ascertain as many particulars as possible of the old Willington family, which flourished for a long period in Gloucestershire; and as I am not myself in the way of gleaning trustworthy information, I venture to apply to others for their kind assistance in the matter. I am aware of what Sir Robert Atkyns and Rudder have stated under "Sandhurst" and "Yate" in their respective works, and also of what is given in Risdon's Survey of Devon, p. 317. There is, I believe, a good pedigree in Sir William Pole's Devon, p. 422. Some of your readers may have knowledge of intermarriages with the family. Any assistance will be very thankfully received.

Nenagh, Co. Tipperary.

J. WALDYVE WILLINGTON.

1908. THE SURNAME STERRIDGE OR STIRRIDGE.-A correspondent has inquired in Notes and Queries (7th S. ix. 167), as follows:-Can anyone tell me the origin of the surname Sterridge or Stirridge, which I find in Somerset in the seventeenth century, and which later on in that century becomes Sturge, chiefly residing in Gloucestershire? A member of the Gloucestershire family, writing about a hundred years ago, remarks that their name was always (even at that time) pronounced Stirridge by its Somerset branches.

1909. THE PATRONAGE OF PAINSWICK VICARAGE.-This announcement appeared in the Gentleman's Magazine (1794), vol. lxiv., pt. ii., p. 966: "At near 90, Rev. Mr. Moseley, vicar of Painswick, co. Gloucester, which he held 1779. The living is in the gift of the parishioners, and whenever a vacancy happens, there is generally a strong contest. About 30 years ago, when Mr. Moseley was elected by vote, the contest ran so high that it was near ten years before the vicar was established in the living. The bishop found himself under the necessity of appointing curates during that period. There are upwards of 5,000 persons in the parish who have votes."

Can any reader tell me how, and in what year, the present orderly arrangement with regard to the patronage of Painswick happily took the place of the tumultuous scenes referred to in the foregoing paragraph? I have heard strange stories of what usually occurred on each vacancy in the benefice, and I shall feel much obliged for information in reply to my query. GLOUCESTRENSIS.

1910.-ST. GEORGE'S, BRANDON HILL, BRISTOL: MONUMENTAL INSCRIPTIONS.-In 1881 accurate copies were taken of the seven inscriptions* in the church of St. George, Brandon Hill, Bristol:

1.

Sacred to the memory of the Revd Richard Gordon Bedford, M.A., whose remains are deposited in the crypt of this Church. He departed this life on the 28th day of December, A.D. 1843, aged 75 years. He was Minor Canon and Precentor of Bristol Cathedral, also Rural Dean; and for the last 18 years Incumbent of this Parish; | all of which duties he performed with zeal and ability. This tablet is erected by his bereaved widow, | as a tribute of her affection. | Sarah, | relict of the abovenamed Richard Gordon Bedford, departed this life on the 11th day of August, 1847, | aged 79 years; and her remains lie interred with his.

2.

Sacred to the memory of Mary Cockin, who died October 18th, 1864. Early called to the knowledge of "Christ crucified," | taught by the Spirit to "search the Scriptures," in the exercise of that faith which worketh by love, she sought by prayer, by word and deed, to convey the glad tidings of salvation to all who came within her influence, or touched her Christian sympathy. Her mourning relatives and friends, with many of the poor of St. George's Parish, would join with her | now glorified spirit in ascribing blessing, and honour, and glory, and power unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.

3.

Sacred to the memory of | Edward Lyons Daly, of Colonel M. Daly, of Quilon, in Travencore, who departed this life on the 13th of January, thirteenth year of his age.

4.

youngest son East Indies, 1828, in the

In affectionate remembrance of Naomi, the beloved wife of David Davies, M.D., | who departed this life in peace 1st August, 1842, and of their loved son, Thomas Dolman Lloyd Davies, Major 25th Regt B.N.I., who died at Titalya, E.I., in the 38th year of his age, December 23rd, 1828. | Also of John Charles Meredith, Esq, of Brecon, their lamented son-in-law, who died 31st July, 1825, aged 37. | His remains are interred within the Church of St Augustine, in this City. The abovenamed David Davies, M.D.,

* An index has been given in vol. ii., p. 137.

departed this life, deeply regretted, | 5th February, 1844, aged 84, in the happy assurance of everlasting peace through the merits of his Redeemer. Also of David Gam Davies, Lieut R.N., younger son of the said David Davies, M.D., and Naomi, his wife, | who died April 21st, 1853, aged 58.

5.

Sacred to the memory of Catharine, wife of Joseph Lan, Esquire, of this City, who departed this life | August 20th, 1832, aged 39 years.

6.

In a vault beneath this Church | are deposited the remains of William Weare, Esquire, | descended from a family of that name | for more than three hundred years resident in Bristol and its vicinity, to the improvement of which city he was a munificent contributor. He departed this life Dec 24th, 1836, aged 83 years. His nearest surviving relative and representative caused this monument to be erected from affectionate regard to his memory. Also in the same vault rest the remains of | Ann, wife of the abovenamed William Weare, Esquire, | who died May 9th, 1828, aged 67 years.

7.

In affectionate remembrance of | Ann, | the wife of William Williams, of Stapleton, Gloucestershire (interred near this place), obit XXXI Maius [sic], MDCCCLV, | ætat. 50. | Erected by John Alwyn Williams. ABHBA.

In the year

1911.-AN UNPOPULAR TAX ON CIDER, 1763. 1763, the shortlived ministry of Lord Bute concluded peace with France, and, to fill up the deficit caused by the war, secured the passing of an Act imposing an excise duty on cider. Both these proceedings were highly unpopular in the West of England. Instead of the proclamation of peace being accompanied by the usual tokens of rejoicing, the bells in some country towns were tolled as for a funeral, and at Cheltenham the official document was read "by a youth in mourning" (Bristol Journal, April 23, 1763). Many people are said to have given away large quantities of cider to the populace, to avoid the new tax, and one gentleman is recorded to have grubbed up two valuable orchards in order to protect himself from the visits of the excisemen. These unfortunate officers appear to have encountered the bitter hostility of the commonalty.

In Felix Farley's Journal of July 23 is the following communication from Gloucester:- "Great Numbers of Excisemen took up their Qualifications at our Quarter Sessions this Week. Some of them perhaps may repent of their Employ, as we are told the Subterranean Gentry of the Forest of Dean are determined to take all that come within their Reach to the Regions below. One of the