Our last communication is, we have reason to believe, from an active
and zealous Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries, who would heartily
co-operate in carrying out the practical suggestions thrown out in his
letter.
In Vol. iii, p. 218., you suggest that the Society of Antiquaries is the
body which should undertake the task of forming a record of existing
monuments in churches. Entirely agreeing in the opinion you have expressed,
I would venture to offer some remarks on the subject. The undertaking is a
vast and laborious one, and can only be effected by great subdivision of
labour.
That the Society of Antiquaries is the fittest agent for the work, I think
admits of little doubt; its Fellows are widely spread throughout the
country. In every neighbourhood may be found one or more gentlemen able and
willing to give their aid, and to excite others to assist. The
Archaeological Institute and the British Archaeological Association would
doubtless add the weight of their influence, and the personal assistance of
their members.
The clergy throughout the country would be able and willing labourers; and
surely these conjoined forces are adequate to the occasion.
One consideration suggests itself, viz., whether {315} the record be
confined to monuments in churches, or whether it should be extended to
those in churchyards? I think it should be so extended, partially--that is,
that _all_ the monuments in churches should be given; and such of the
monuments in churchyards as, upon a careful inspection, may appear to be in
any way worthy of preservation. We do not perhaps want the ten thousand
"afflictions sore" which ten thousand John Smiths are stated to have "long
time bore."
The inscriptions in churches should be accompanied with rubbings of all
brasses; and, as far as possible, with drawings of the most interesting
monuments.
I am satisfied the thing can be done, if it be undertaken with prudence,
and continued with energy. The copies should be certified by the signature
of the person making them, and they should all be transcribed on paper of
the same description, so that they might be bound in volumes.
The expense would probably be considerable, because in some instances paid
labour might be requisite; but it would be as nothing compared with the
magnitude and importance of the result; and if, as is probable, the Society
of Antiquaries might hesitate at undertaking the whole charge, I doubt not
that many would contribute towards it, and amongst them