This curious relic is traditionally called _the Prior's Chair_, and
belonged to the priory of Southwick, which formerly stood near
Portsmouth, in Hampshire. It is made of oak, its several parts being
fastened together with small wooden pegs. On the back of the chair,
within a square panel, is carved an animal somewhat resembling a buck,
which was probably the armorial bearing of the prior; as it was
anciently, and is now, the custom to carve or paint on chairs placed in
halls or other conspicuous places, the crest or arms of the proprietor.
Above the panel are two mitres, and on each side of the arms of the
chair is a rose, ornamented with rays issuing from its centre. This
ancient specimen of furniture is extremely interesting as a specimen of
the mechanical ingenuity of the age in which it was constructed, and as
the only vestige of the establishment to which it was annexed. Upon part
of the Priory buildings being taken down, a few years since, the Chair
with other old furniture found on the premises, was sold by auction,
when it was rescued from the hands of a person who was bidding for it
as a smoking chair, by a gentleman, who allowed a drawing to be taken
of it. Of the Priory of Southwick very scanty information is to be
obtained: no mention of it is to be found in the _Monasticon_: but
Sir Robert Atkyns, in his history of Gloucestershire, says that it was
founded by Henry I. and dedicated to St. Mary. It was for canons regular
of the order of St. Augustine. The last prior surrendered this convent
on the 7th of April, 1539: it was valued in the catalogue of religious
houses at 257_l_.
[Illustration]
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