Nu. 7_The most notable Antiquity of Great Britain, vulgarly called Stone-Heng, on Salisbury Plain Restored by Inigo Jones Esquire, Architect Generall to the late King

The Ruine yet remaining drawn in _Prospective_.

_P_

The manner of the tenons, of a round form, mortaised into the

_Architrave_ of the outward Circle.

_Q_

The tenons of like form in the middle of the stones of the greater

_Hexagon_.

_R_

The English foot (by which the work it self was measured) divided into

twelve inches, and each inch subdivided into four parts.

The _Designs_ follow.

[Illustration]

Hitherto, upon what occasion _Stoneheng_ built (you may easily

perceive) is very doubtfull, the true History of those times, when

first erected, and by which the memory of things especially made over

to succeeding Ages, being either not written, or if written, utterly

lost. Likewise, as for what use set up, not yet known; so, by whom also

founded, is equally uncertain.

You cannot but remember, in what manner the ancient Inhabitants of

this Island lived, before reduced to civility by the _Romans_ I have

formerly delivered: also, how they were first instructed by them, in

severall _Arts_ and _Sciences_, whereof the _Britans_ wholly ignorant,

before the _Romans_ arrivall here, and teaching them. I have given

you in like manner, a full description of this _Antiquity_, whereby

doubtlesse it appears to you, as in truth it is, a work built with much

_Art_, _Order_ and _Proportion_. That the ancient _Britans_, before the

discovery of this Island by the _Romans_, could not be the _Founders_

thereof, by the former reasons, I suppose, is clearly manifested.

For, where _Art_ is not, nothing can be performed by _Art_. As, for

that which concerns the _British_ Nobility, _Aurelius Ambrosius_, or

_Boadicia_, enough already.

It rests now, to endeavor the discovering by whom _Stoneheng_ built; in

what time, and, for what use anciently erected. But, it is not expected

(I hope) any absolute resolution should be given by me, in so doubtfull

a matter; for, _as it hath been always lawfull for every man in such

like matters_ (saith _Camden_) _both to think what he will, and relate

what others have thought_: So pardon me, if I take upon me, what others

have done before me, and interpose mine own opinion also, grounded

neverthelesse upon such Authorities, customes, and concurrence of time,

as very probably may satisfie judicious and impartiall Readers.

[Sidenote: _Pausan. fo. 392._]

[Sidenote: _Idem fo. 75_:]

[Sidenote: _In Vitr. lib. 4._]

Touching the _Founders_ of _Stoneheng_. Among the _Ægyptian

Antiquities_, or those _Eastern_ Nations from whom the _Græcians_

deduced their learning, I find not any such composure ever used: or

with the _Greeks_ themselves, mention made of any work conformable to

this, in point of _Order_, (as the mod conversant in those Histories

cannot contradict) I read neverthelesse, in _Pausanias_, of a _Temple_

amongst the _Eleans_ erected without walls: _novam quandam in_ Eleorum

_foro templi formam vidi. I saw_ (saith he) _in the market place of

the_ Eleans, _a Temple of a new form. Modicæ est ædes altitudinis,

sine parietibus, tectum è quercu dolatis fulcientibus tibicinibus.

A low thing, without walls, having the roof supported with props of

oaken timber_ (instead, it seems, of Columnes) _neatly wrought_. He

remembers a _Temple_ also in _Attica_ sacred to _Jove_ without a

roof. The _Thracians_ (as I read likewise) used to build _Temples_

dedicated to _Sol_, _of a round form, open in the middle_, and also

without a _roof_: by the form, or roundnesse thereof, they signified

the Suns figure; by making them open, and rooflesse, they expressed his

surmounting, and dilating light equally to all things. _Thraces soli

rotunda templa faciebant_ (saith _Daniel Barbaro_) _in medio sub divo,

& aperta erant: hac forma Solis figuram innuebant: quòd autem aperta

essent, & sine tecto, innuebant Solem supra omnia esse, & lumen suum

diffundere_.

[Sidenote: _Scamoz. lib. 1. fo. 9._]

[Sidenote: _Camden fo. 64._]

Howsoever, considering what magnificence the _Romans_ in prosperous

times anciently used in all works, both publick, and private:

their knowledge and experience in all _Arts_ and _Sciences_: their

powerfull means for effecting great works: together with their _Order_

in building, and manner of workmanship accustomed amongst them:

_Stoneheng_ in my judgement was a work, built by the _Romans_, and

they the sole _Founders_ thereof. For, if look upon this _Antiquity_,

as an admired and magnificent building, who more magnificent then the

_Romans_? _Essi soli frà i populi dell’ vniverso, con ogni termine di

magnificenza edificarono tutti i generi d’edifici. They only amongst

all the Nations of the Universe, erecting all sorts of buildings, with

all kinds of magnificence_, saith _Scamozzo_ in the first Book of his

_Architecture_. If consider the _Art_, and elegant disposition thereof,

all _Arts_ and _Sciences_ (we must know) were in full perfection with

them, and _Architecture_, which amongst the _Greeks_ was youthfull

only, and vigorous; under the _Romans_ their _Empire_ grown to the

full height became manly and perfect, not in _inventions, and elegancy

of forms alone, but also in exquisitenesse of Art, and excellency of

materials. Salito al colmo l’imperio_ Romano, _ella pure divenne virile

e perfetta: non solo nelle inventioni, e nella elleganza delle forme,

mà parimente nell’ esquisitezza dell’ artificio, e nella singolarità

della materia_. As the same Author hath it. If take notice of their

power and ways by which they effected such goodly structures, their

means were not ordinary according to the common custome of other

_People_; and why? because, besides particular _Artisans_ practised in

severall _Arts_, they employed in those their works whole bodies of

their own _Armies_, and whatever Nations subdued by them. _The_ Romans

_were wont to exercise therein_ (saith _Camden_) _their Souldiers,

and the common multitude, upon great policy doing the same, left

being idle they should grow factious, and affect alteration in the

State. The_ Britans _complained_ (saith _Tacitus_ likewise) _corpora

& manus contrivisse, that their bodies and hands were worn out, and

consumed by the_ Romans, _in bringing to effect their great and admired

undertakings_: in that kind employing their slaves and prisoners also,

as holding it, rather then by violent deaths to cut them off; more

profitable for the _Commonwealth_, more exemplary for others, and far

greater punishment for their Prisoners, to enjoyn them continuall

labour.

[Sidenote: _Choul. fo. 5._]

If observe _their Order_ in building; the only _Order_ of

_Architecture_, which _Italy_ may truly glory in the invention of,

is the _Tuscane Order_, so called, because first found out by the

_Tuscans_, that in a more then ordinary manner they might reverence

their _Deities_ in _Temples_ composed thereof. (_Janus_ their first

King, according to the common opinion of divers ancient Historians,

being the first of all others, that built _Temples_ to the Gods)

Which _Order_, though first used by the _Tuscans_, certain it is, the

_Romans_ took from them, and brought it in use with other _Arts_, in

severall parts of the world, as their conquests led them on. Now of

this _Tuscan Order_, a plain, grave, and humble manner of _Building_,

very solid and strong _Stoneheng_ principally consists. So that,

observing the _Order_ whereof _Stoneheng_ built, there being no such

Elements known in this _Island_ as distinct _Orders_ of _Architecture_,

untill the _Romans_ introduced them, the very work it self, of so

great _Antiquity_, declares the _Romans Founders_ thereof. Who, that

hath right judgement in _Architecture_, knows not the difference, and

by the manner of their works how to distinguish _Ægyptian_, _Greek_,

and _Roman_ structures of old, also _Italian_, _French_ and _Dutch_

buildings in these modern times? Is not our Shipping by the mould

thereof, known throughout the world _English_ built? Who did not by the

very _Order_ of the work, assure himself, the body of the Church of S.

_Paul London_, from its Tower to the West end anciently built by the

_Saxons_: as the Quire thereof, from the said Tower to the East end

by the _Normans_, it being _Gothick_ work? yet that there might be a

_Roman Temple_ in old time standing in that place, I will not deny, the

numbers of Oxeheads digged up and anciently sacrificed there, setting

all other reasons aside, so probably manifesting the same. And in all

likelihood, the _Romans_ for so notable a structure as _Stoneheng_,

made choice of the _Tuscane_ rather then any other _Order_, not only

as best agreeing with the rude, plain, simple nature of those they

intended to instruct, and use for which erected; but also, because

presuming to challenge a certain kind of propriety therein, they might

take occasion thereby, to magnifie to those then living the virtue of

their _Auncestors_ for so noble an invention, and make themselves the

more renowned to posterity, for erecting thereof, so well ordred a

building.

[Sidenote: _Vitr. lib. 5._]

Besides, the _Order_ is not only _Roman_, but the _Scheam_ also

(consisting of four equilaterall triangles, inscribed within the

circumference of a Circle) by which this work _Stoneheng_ formed, was

an _Architectonicall Scheam_ used by the _Romans_. Whereof, I shall

have more occasion to speak, when I come to set down, for what use this

_Antiquity_ at first erected.

Again, the _Portico_ at _Stoneheng_, is made double, as in structures

of great magnificence the ancient _Romans_ used; so at the foot of

the _Capitol_ the _Temple_ to _Jove the Thunderer_, built by _Augustus

Cæsar_; so the _Pantheon_ at _Athens_, royally adorned with one hundred

and twenty vast columnes of rich _Phrygian_ marble, by the _Emperour

Adrian_. But, some may alledge, the _Romans_ made the Pillars of their

double _Portico’s_, of one and the same symmetry, or very little

different, which in this _Antiquity_ otherwise appearing, cannot be a

_Roman_ work. To as much purpose it may be alledged the _Temple_ of

_Diana_ at _Magnesia_, was no _Greek_ work, because the Pillars of

the inner _Portico_ were wholly left out. Yet it’s true, the _Romans_

usually made them as is objected, and the reason was, because of the

weight the inner Pillars carried: now, in this work, no roof being to

be sustained, nor any manner of weight born up, though the judgement of

the _Architect_, thereby to save labour and expence, ordered the stones

making the _Portico_ within, of a far lesse proportion then those

of the outward circle, it retains neverthelesse the proper _Aspect_

(principally aim’d at by the ancient _Architects_) in use amongst the

_Romans_, and consequently for ought alledged to the contrary by them

built.

[Sidenote: _Vitr. lib. 3. cap. 1._]

In this _Antiquity_, there is a _Portico_ also (as I may rightly term

it) within the _Cell_, or greater _Hexagon_, reduced likewise into the

same figure. Now, that the _Romans_ used to make _Portico’s_ on the

inside of their buildings, as well sacred as secular, by the ruines

of their _Basilicaes_ or Courts of _Judicature_; by that _Temple_

without a roof anciently dedicated to _Jove_ in Mount _Quirinalis_,

now the _Horse_ Mount in _Rome_; by the _Temple of Bacchus_ there of

a round form, at this day consecrate to S. _Agnes_ without the gate

_Viminalis_, manifestly appears. But in what ever structures else

the _Romans_ used them, certain it is, within their most stately

_Temples_ which lay uncovered, and had no roofs, they always made such

_Portico’s_; and though in other _Temples_ they sometimes dispos’d

them, yet from _Vitruvius_ it may be gathered, they properly belonged

to the _Aspect Hypæthros_, which was uncovered and rooflesse as this

_Antiquity Stoneheng_, he peremptorily assigning _Portico’s_ to be

made on the inside of no kind of _Temples_, but those; His words are,

_Hypæthros in interiore parte habet columnas, remotas à parietibus ad

circuitionem (ut porticus) peristyliorum. Temples open to the air,

and without roofs, have columnes on the inside, distant from the walls,

as Courts Portico’s about them._ Even, after the same _decorum_ as at

_Stoneheng_.

Furthermore, if cast an eye upon _their_ artifice and manner of

workmanship, _Stoneheng_ appears built directly agreeable to those

rules, which the _Romans_ observed in great works. For, the _Roman

Architects_, in distinguishing the manner of their _Temples_, always

observed (as _Vitruvius_ in his third book teacheth us) the greater

the Columnes were, the closer they set them together; so in this

_Antiquity_, the stones being great, the spaces betwixt them are

likewise narrow.

[Sidenote: _Leo Bap. Alber. lib. 3._]

The _Architraves_ also, in this work were all of them set without

morter, and fixed upon the upright stones by tenons (as formerly

described) in the very same manner, as in great structures, where

the stones solid, and of more then ordinary greatnesse, the _Romans_

were wont to doe. _They laid them without any unctuous incorporating

matter, nullo fulta glutino_, saith _Leo Baptista Albertus_. And

divers examples of this kind might be brought, I my self amongst other

_Antiquities_ have seen the ruines of an _Aquaeduct_, built by the

_Romans_ in _Provynce_, running through a deep valley, and raised in

height equall to the adjacent Mountains, upon huge Arches fifty eight

foot wide, the stones whereof, being of extraordinary scantlings, were

laid without any cement or morter, to incorporate them with the rest of

the work. And, where occasion guided their judgements to the observance

of this rule, they united and compared the stones together, by certain

ligatures or holdfasts, (the _Italians_ call them _Perni_, pegs or

tops, for such they resemble, and we, from the verb _tenere_ to hold,

not improperly calling them _tenons_) _quæ inferiores, & unà superiores

in lapides infixæ, cavatæ fuere, ne quid fortè protrusi ordines alteri

ab alteris distrahantur. Which_ (saith _Albertus_) _being formed in the

inferiour stones, were hollowed or mortaised into those above, left

by any chance they should start one from another, and break the order

of the work_. Here the _Florentine Architect_ gives us the self same

manner of banding stones, when the _Romans_ laid them without morter,

as if he had seen this very _Antiquity Stoneheng_.

[Sidenote: _Camden._]

[Sidenote: _Speed._]

Moreover, what ever footsteps of the _Romans_ found in other places

of this Island, it’s not inconsiderately to be past over, that in

_Wiltshire_, the County (as is said before) where our _Stoneheng_

remains, _Roman Antiquities_ are most perspicuous, not only, by the

apparent testimonies of the coyns of their Emperors in divers places

digged up, but by severall their encamping places yet to be seen,

as _Leckham_, in times of yore a seat of the _Romans_: the place

also where old _Salisbury_ now sheweth it self, within six miles

of _Stoneheng_: and within three miles thereof _Yanesbury_ Castle,

supposed a work of _Vespasians_ when he conquered, and after kept in

subjection the _Belgæ_, ancient inhabitants of that tract. Likewise the

mines nearer yet to _Stoneheng_, of a fortresse our Historians hold

anciently a garrison of the _Romans_, and in many other forts of that

Shire (both by their form and manner of making well known to have been

_Roman_) the tract of their footing is yet left.

[Sidenote: _Cam. fo. 64._]

[Sidenote: _Tacitus._]

[Sidenote: _Beda._]

But it is objected, If _Stoneheng_ a _Roman_ work, how comes it, no

_Roman_ Author makes mention of it? I answer, their Historians used

not to commit to writing every particular work, or action the _Romans_

performed: if so, how vast would their volumes have been? _Stoneheng_

’tis granted, is much admired by us, yet, how far more admirable

works were the _Romans_ Founders of, not mentioned in any of their

ancient stories? That notable bridge invented and built by _Cæsar_,

for passing his Army over the _Rhine_, himself at large describes,

remembring little or nothing neverthelesse concerning divers other as

great works in _Gaul_ and _Batavia_, suppos’d to be performed by him

also. _Dion_, _Herodian_, _Eutropius_ and other their Historians tell

us, the _Romans_ built the so famed wall, commonly by us called the

_Picts wall_, extending crosseover our Island from the _Irish_ Sea to

the _German_ Ocean, above fourscore _Italian_ miles in length, with

many towers and fortresses erected upon it; when works of as great

admiration in _Britain_ they have past in silence: those wonderfull

causeys made throughout the land, by dreining and drying up Fens,

levelling hils, raising valleys, and paving them with stones of such

breadth, that Wains might without danger passe one by another, not any

ancient _Roman_ Author (for ought appears) directly mentioning. Yet,

who doubts them _Roman_ works? _I dare confidently avouch, the Romans

by little and little founded and raised them up_, saith _Camden_.

And why? mark I pray, because, whilst _Agricola_ governed _Britain_,

_Tacitus_ tels us, _severall ways were enjoyned_. If then, because

_Tacitus_ affirms in generall terms only, _severall ways enjoyned_,

_Camden_ confidently concludes them _Roman works_, no _Roman_ History

otherwise remembring them; Why may it not, the same _Tacitus_ telling

us in like manner, _Agicola exhorted the Britans in private, and

helpt them in common, to build Temples, Houses, and Places of publick

resort_, as peremptorily be inferr’d, _Stoneheng_ was a work built

by the _Romans_, though not particularly remembred by them in their

stories? In a word, _Temples_ and places of publick resort, the

_Romans_ built here, and were the first that did so, leaving it to

after ages to find out by their _Manner_ of _building_, _Order_ in

_building_, and _Power_ and _Means_ for _building_, such lofty ruines,

as appears in this _Antiquity_, could be remains of none but _Roman_

building.

[Sidenote: _Camden fo. 63._]

The next thing to be enquired after, is, in what time _Stoneheng_

built. Happily, about those times, when the _Romans_ having setled the

Country here under their own _Empire_, and, together with bringing over

_Colonies_ reduced the naturall inhabitants of this Island unto the

society of civill life, by training them up in the liberall Sciences.

For, _then also_ (saith _Camden_) _did they furnish the_ Britans, _with

goodly houses, and stately buildings, in such sort, that the reliques

and rubbish of their ruines, cause the beholders now, exceedingly to

admire the same, and the common sort of People plainly say, those_

Roman _works were made by Giants, of such exceeding great admiration,

and sumptuous magnificence they are_.

This relation of _Camdens_, reflects chiefly upon the time of

_Agricola_; neverthelesse, that _Stoneheng_ (though fabled Giants work)

was then built, I dare not affirm: the great works of the _Romans_,

brought to perfection in this Island, being not the work of a day. It

hath been the invention of wise _Romans_ of old, affecting civility,

to raise goodly buildings here: but the precise times when, in things

so far from all knowledge, cannot be with any certainty avouched. For

my part, I should choose to assign those times for building thereof,

when the _Romans_ in their chief prosperity most flourished here, and

refer the first erection to the time betwixt _Agricolas_ government

formerly mentioned, and the reign of _Constantine_ the Great: in order

to which, the times rather somwhat after _Agricola_, if not during his

own Lievtenancy, then next preceding _Constantine_. For, long before

_Constantine_ acquired the Soveraignty (which was not till the year

of our Lord three hundred and ten) the magnificent splendor of that

mighty _Empire_ began sensibly to wane, and the ambition of the great

Captains of _Rome_, (some few excepted) tended rather to make parties

for obtaining the _Purple Robe_, then (after the manner of their

ancestors) to eternise their names by great and admirable works, or

patronizing good _Arts_, for want whereof they began likewise to decay

apace; _Serly_ in his third Book speaking of those times, telling us,

that _id temporis Architecti, si cum superioribus conferantur, rudiores

& ineptiores extitisse videntur. In those days although there were many

Architects, yet, compared with such as lived in the preceding Ages,

they were very rude and unskilfull._ Besides, the condition wherein

this Island was, divers years preceding _Constantine_, would not admit

such undertakings. For, by the civil discord of the _Romans_, the

_Britans_ taking occasion to make frequent revolts, in hope to recover

their lost liberty, the _Romans_ were put upon other manner of Councels

then to think of building; namely to reduce the _Britans_ to their

wonted obedience, and keep the Province in some reasonable quiet, by

expelling the _Scots_ and _Picts_ (savage and perfidious _People_ even

from times of old) making daily inroads and incursions thereunto.

[Sidenote: _Gildas._]

Now, as for these reasons, it’s not likely _Stoneheng_ could be built

in the times next before _Constantine_, so, by what follows, it will

manifestly appear, it was not erected after his Reign. For, after his

transplanting the seat of the Empire into the East, and the government

of the then known world, under the _Romans_, distinguished by _East_

and _Western_ Emperours, a deluge of barbarous Nations (like so many

Locusts) swarmed over all. Who, as with their vast multitudes they

oft had formerly attempted it, so, thence forward, till bringing that

mighty Empire unto its finall and fatall period; and thereby utterly

destroying in like manner all _Arts_ and _Sciences_, together with

_Architecture_, (not restored again, even in _Italy_ it self, untill,

as formerly remembred) they never desisted. Moreover, in the times

after _Constantine_, no _Temples_ to Heathen _Deities_ (such as I shall

make appear this _Antiquity Stoneheng_ was) were erected here, they

being times of defacing, rather then erecting idolatrous places. For,

most of the succeeding Emperors becoming _Christians_, the tempestuous

storms of perfection were over, and the thick clouds of superstition

beginning to be dissolved by the bright beams of the Gospel, and true

light of CHRIST, every where _Temples_ were shut up against false

Gods, and set open to the true GOD. According to that of _Gildas_, _No

sooner was the blustering tempest, and storm of persecution blown over,

but the faithfull Christians, who in the time of trouble and danger

had hidden themselves in woods, deserts, and secret caves, being come

abroad in open sight, renovant Ecclesias ad solum usque destructas,

basilicas sanctorum martyrum fundant, construunt, perficiunt &c.

Churches ruinate to the very ground they reedifie, Temples of holy

Martyrs they found, build, and finish &c._ So that, in stead of

idolatrous _Temples_, built in the Ages preceding _Constantine_, during

his reign and after, whilst the _Romans_ continued in any prosperous

state here, by erecting _Christian Churches_, they began generally to

neglect, and suffer fall to decay, rather then new build _Temples_ to

their _Pagan_ Gods.

[Sidenote: _Tacit. in Vit. Agr._]

These pressing occurrences therefore, to wit, civill broyls amongst

the _Romans_ themselves, frequent insurrections of the _Britans_,

daily inrodes by the _Picts_ and _Scots_, together with the _downfall_

of _Paganism_, _decay_ of _Arts_, and fatall _ruine_ of the whole

_Empire_, making the times both long before and after _Constantine_

incompatible for undertaking such works as this _Antiquity_, it may

safely enough be concluded, if _Stoneheng_ not founded by _Agricola_,

yet created it might be about fifteen hundred and fifty years ago, in

the times somewhat after his government, _the_ Province _being formerly

left by him in good and peaceable state_, the _Britans_ reduced

from _Barbarity_ to order and civill conversation, and the _Romans_

flourishing in all manner of _Arts_ and _Sciences_.

[Sidenote: _Vitr. lib. 4. cap. 8._]

[Sidenote: _Plin. lib. 16._]

[Sidenote: _Tom. 1. lib. 33. Tom. 2._]

[Sidenote: _Rosin. lib. 3._]

[Sidenote: _Choul fol. 217, 229._]

Now, concerning the use for which _Stoneheng_ at first erected, I am

clearly of opinion, it was originally a _Temple_, it being built with

all accommodations properly belonging to a sacred structure. For, it

had an intervall or spacious Court lying round about it, wherein the

_Victimes_ for oblation were slain, into which it was unlawfull for

any profane person to enter: it was separated from the circumadjacent

Plain, with a large Trench in stead of a wall, as a boundary about

the _Temple_, most conformable to the main work, wholly exposed to

open view: Without this Trench, the promiscuous common multitude,

with zeal too much, attended the _ceremonies_ of their solemne though

superstitious Sacrifices, and might see the oblations, but not come

within them: It had likewise its peculiar _Cell_, with _Portico’s_

round about, into which _Cell_, as into their _Sanctum sanctorum_

(pardon the expression) none but the _Priests_ entred to offer

Sacrifice, and make atonement for the _People_: Within the _Cell_

an _Ara_ or _Altar_ was placed, having its proper position towards

the _East_, as the _Romans_ used. _Aræ spectent ad Orientem_, saith

_Vitruvius_. And, that there hath been the heads of Bulls, or Oxen, of

Harts, and other such beasts digged up, or in, or near this _Antiquity_

(as divers now living can testifie) is not to be omitted; for who

can imagine, but these were the heads of such, as anciently there

offered in Sacrifice? together with which also, were heaped up great

quantities of Charcole, happily used about the performance of their

superstitious ceremonies. That the ancient _Romans_ had Charcole in

use amongst them, _Pliny_ affirms. And when I caused the foundations

of the stones to be searched, my self found, and yet have by me to

shew the cover of a _Thuribulum_, or some such like vase (I suppose)

wherein _Choul_ in his discourse of their Religion, reports the ancient

_Romans_ used to carry Incense, wine or holy water, for service in

their Sacrifices, lying about three foot within the ground, near one of

the stones of the greater _Hexagon_.

[Sidenote: _Vitr. lib. 4. cap. 7._]

The _Order_ whereof this _Temple_ consists, according to the rules

of _Art_ observed by the ancient _Romans_ in works of this kinde, is

mingled of _Greek_ and _Tuscane_ work. For, as the plainnesse and

solidnesse of the _Tuscane Order_, appears eminently throughout the

whole _Antiquity_: so the narrownesse of the spaces betwixt the stones,

visibly discovers therein, the delicacy of the _Corinthian Order_.

Which commixture amongst the _Roman Architects_ was very usuall, in

regard _Vitruvius_ (in his fourth Book and seventh Chapter) treating

somwhat largely (his method otherwise considered) of severall sorts of

the like composed _Temples_, mixt of the _Greek_ and _Tuscane_ manners

tels us: that, _Nonnulli de Tuscanicis generibus sumentes columnarum

dispositiones, transferunt in Corinthiorum & Ionicorum operum

ordinationes. Some taking the qualities of the columns of the Tuscane

Order, transfer them into the symmetry of the Corinthian and Ionick

works._ Whereby (to please themselves it seems in their own inventions)

_efficiunt Tuscanicorum & Græcorum operum communem ratiocinationem.

They make of the Tuscane and Greek works one common composure._ As the

same Author likewise remembers.

[Sidenote: _Vitr. lib. 3. cap. 1._]

The _Aspect_ of this _Temple_; by which we understand that first shew

which _Temples_ make to those that draw near unto them, is _Dipteros

Hypæthros_, which is double winged about uncovered. _Dipteros circa

ædem duplices habet columnarum ordines_ (saith _Vitruvius_) _Dipteros

hath double orders of columnes about the Temple. Hypæthros sub divo

est, sine tecto_, (as the same Author) _Hypæthros is open to the air,

without a roof_.

[Sidenote: _Vitr. lib. 3. cap. 2._]

The Manner of this _Temple_ is _Pycnostylos_, or _narrow spaces_.

_Pycnostylos_ is that kinde of _Temples_, which hath the columnes set

thick, and close together _crebris columnis_, as _Vitruvius_ also hath

it.

But it may be objected, though it appears from very good Authorities,

the Artifice, and workmanship of this _Antiquity_, together with the

_Scheam_ which formed it, were _Roman_: and the _Order_ of which

consisting, invented in _Italy_, and so consequently _Roman_ in

like manner: as also, by the severall peculiar accommodations, the

probable reliques of _Heathenish_ Sacrifices, and determinate rules of

_Architecture_, it was anciently a _Temple_: Neverthelesse it appears

not, the _Romans_ ever used any whatever profane structure like this,

much lesse any manner of _Temples_ of this kinde of invention, _Where

the Temple lies open without walls, surrounded only with pillars_. For,

that the upright stones which make this work _Stoneheng_, are in stead

of them, may well enough be granted.

[Sidenote: _Phil. in Vitr. lib. 4._]

To this I answer, the learned in _Antiquities_ very well know, those

things which oblivion hath so long removed out of mind, are hardly to

be discovered. Yet, as to the first part of the objection, that the

_Romans_ never used any whatever profane structure like this, _Varro

de re rustica_ (as I find him cited by _Philander_) tels us, that they

had in use amongst them a round building without any wals, having a

double _Order_ of columns round about, this he cals by the name of

_Tholus, ædificium rotundum, columnatum duplici columnarum ordine.

A round edifice_ (saith he) _environed about with a double order of

columns_. Which double _Order_ of _Columns_ _Pyrrho Ligorio_ a famous

_Neapolitane Architect_, and great discoverer of _Antiquities_, in his

description thereof designes without a roof also.

[Sidenote: _Vitr. lib. 4. cap. 7._]

[Sidenote: _Ædes sacræ Templa dicta fuerunt, quòd essent quasi ædes

Deorum. Rosin. lib. 2. cap. 2._]

[Sidenote: _Dan. Barbar._]

But to come to their sacred works, which in regard of this _Antiquity_,

are (it’s true) of most concernment, I find the _Romans_ used (as

_Vitruvius_ witnesseth) such manner of _Temples_. For (in his fourth

Book, and seventh Chapter) he delivers, there were amongst others

two forms of round _Temples_, commonly in use amongst them, the one

called _Monopteros_; the other _Peripteros_. This, had the _Cell_

enclosed about with a continued wall, and at a proportionate distance

from it, the columns placed which made a _Portico_ round about it,

clean different from _Stoneheng_: the other made open, and in stead

of a wall encompassed with a row of pillars only, having no enclosed

_Cell_ within it at all, as much conducing to our purpose in hand. His

words are these, _Fiunt autem ædes rotundæ, è quibus aliæ sine cella

columnatæ constituuntur. They make also_ (saith he) _round Temples,

of which some are built without a Cell, environed with Pillars only_.

These were without any wals, (as his Commenter hath it) lying open to

the Air. And truly (as I may presume to say) from this very manner the

invention of _Stoneheng_ was principally taken, in ordering whereof,

the _Architect_ disdaining usuall and common forms, of both the

aforesaid forms composed one. For, taking the outward circle from the

_Monopteros_, he made it open also as in that, but in stead of the

continued wall circularly enclosing the _Cell_ of the _Peripteros_,

at _Stoneheng_ he made only an _Hexagon_ about the _Cell_, leaving

the same open in like manner. And, as _Hermogenes_ (whom I shall have

occasion to remember again) to illustrate his work, leaving out the

inner row of Pillars, made a single _Portico_ about the _Temple_ at

_Magnesia_, whereby it came to be a new invention, for which he is

famous to posterity: so the subtile _Architect_, whosoever he was, to

ennoble this his work, adding the said _Hexagon_ here, made a double

_Portico_ round about this _Temple_, and thereby a new invention

likewise, no lesse famous to succeeding Ages. Our _Antiquity Stoneheng_

had otherwise been of the self same _Aspect_ without a _Cell_, as

_Vitruvius_ hath before delivered. That _Temple Monopteros_, was

environed with a row of pillars; this _Temple Stoneheng_, in stead

of them, supplied with a rank of pillasters (as they may well be

called) continuing round about it. That, lay open to the air without

any walls: so doth this at _Stoneheng_. That, had over the pillars an

_Architrave_, _Freese_, and _Cornice_, the _Order_ being delicate:

this at _Stoneheng_, over the pillasters an _Architrave_ only, as most

conformable to the solidnesse of the _Order_ and plainnesse of the work.

Thus it fully appears, the ancient _Romans_ used to erect _Temples,

which lay open without walls, surrounded only with pillars_; in

invention like this at _Stoneheng_. But, let us see whether the form

_Monopteros_, had any roof over it. That the _Romans_ had _Temples_

uncovered, and without roofs, like _Stoneheng_, is in part already,

and shall more manifestly be hereafter proved: and searching curiously

into their _Antiquities_, it will be found the greatest, most splendid,

and most magnificent work of all others, which the _Ancients_ made

for service of their _Deities_, were those kinde of _Temples_ of

the _Aspect Hypæthros_. Whether the _Monopteros_ was one of that

kind, appears not yet, and _Vitruvius_ is very obscure therein;

neverthelesse, that it was built without a roof, I shall illustrate by

these reasons.

First, _Vitruvius_ tels us not it had a roof; for, in his precepts of

all severall kinds of _Temples_, after he hath delivered the _Aspect_,

_Form_, and _Manner_ of them with much exactnesse, he omits not

throughout his fourth Book to demonstrate aswell the contignation,

as proportion of timbers of the roofs, belonging to all those

_Temples_, which had any, and when vaulted he gives us likewise the

form thereof, if the _Temples_ so covered: but, in the description of

the form _Monopteros_, there is no manner of timber work, nor form of

vault, nor the least word mentioned of any roof at all, in what place

soever throughout his whole work speaking thereof. In which respect,

considering all _Temples_ having roofs, those roofs are described by

_Vitruvius_, and that he describes no roof belonging to this, it must

necessarily follow, the _Temples_ in form _Monopteros_ had no roofs

over them.

Again, after giving the proportion of the _Architrave_ over the

columnes of the _Monopteros_, he saith, _Zophorus & reliqua quæ insuper

imponuntur, ita uti in tertio volumine de symmetriis scripsit. The

Freese and other ornaments laid upon them, are as in his third Book

of symmetries made mention of._ Now, in his third Book, he only treats

of proportions, and not one word is so much as mentioned by him of any

manner of roofs at all, only in the close of the said Book, he gives

the proportion of frontispices belonging to quadrangular _Temples_:

the same referment in like manner he makes for the ornaments of the

_Peripteros_, and withall proceeds to a full description, in what

manner the roof of its _Cell_ was made, which questionlesse, he would

likewise have done in the other form, if it had been covered. For, he

saith, whatever is to be laid above the _Freese_ of the _Monopteros_,

is, as set down in his third Book: but, in his third Book, there is

not One word mentioned of any roofs; the conclusion then follows the

_Monopteros_ was without a roof.

[Sidenote: _Bern. Baldo._]

Lastly, he positively tels us it was _sine Cella, without a Cell_:

now the _Cell_ (and which for distinction sake I have so called in

describing this _Antiquity_, because it was applied to the same use,

to perform their sacred rites in) was indeed properly, the inner, or

chief part of the _Temple, quam nos corpus Templi vulgò dicimus, we

commonly call it the body of the Church_, which enclosed with wals, was

covered with a roof, as _Vitruvius_ declares in the form _Peripteros,

tecti ratio ita habeatur &c. The manner of a roof_ (saith he) _was

thus &c._ But, the _Monopteros_ was without a _Cell_, and consequently

without a roof also, as having no walls to bear it. For, in regard of

the manner of the _Architecture_, the pillars standing in _Island_

(as we say) the work could not securely bear a roof, if made of any

great capacity: either therefore, they made _Temples_ of this form

very little (in which respect only, _Palladio_ supposeth it might

be vaulted) inconsistent with the _Roman_ greatnesse, or else, like

_Stoneheng_ they were wholly uncovered and rooflesse. Howsoever, it

is manifest, the _Aspect_ was just the same. And if I should say, the

ruines of one after the same form also, remains yet in _Oxfordshire_,

which the common people usually call _Rolle-rich-stones_, take it but

as my conjecture only, as likewise one or two built after the like

manner in _Scotland_, no man unlesse _Hector Boetius_ knowing by what

Kings.

Moreover, the proportions appearing in this _Antiquity Stoneheng_, are

much conformable to those, assigned by _Vitruvius_ to the parts of the

_Monopteros_: He tels us, _Tribunal habent & ascensum ex suæ diametri

tertia parte: they had the Tribunal_, (by which is understood that

levell upon which the _Temple_ placed) _and the ascent, consisting of

one third part of the Diameter_. So at _Stoneheng_, the work it self is

one _third part of the Diameter_ of the circumvallation: And, acording

to the proportion allowed by him to _the Ascent_, it seems those

_Temples_ were sited more stately then others, (by consequence great

also) and certain it is, whosoever views this _Antiquity_ attentively

with judgement, upon the place where remaining (for the _Folio_

being too little I could not expresse it in Design) and doth allow a

proportionate depth to the Trench surrounding it; considering also,

together therewith, the levell of the plain lying without, he will then

finde it standing upon such a rising ground, that the _Ascent_ unto it,

was not much lesse magnificent, then what _Vitruvius_ hath declared.

Furthermore, besides the aforementioned round _Temples, Vitruvius_ in

the same Chapter tels us, that, _generibus aliis constituuntur ædes,

ex iisdem symmetriis ordinatæ, & alio genere dispositiones habentes.

The_ Romans _built them after other manner of inventions, following the

same proportions, and having their disposures after another kinde_. Of

which, if vouchsafed to posterity the descriptions, some of them might

have been found, not only agreeable in _Aspect_, but happily of the

very self same form also, as this _Temple Stoneheng_ doth appear.

Now considering this discourse may happen into the hands of those,

who cannot by words so easily apprehend things of this _Art_, I have

for their satisfaction brought into _Design_, the plants of both the

aforesaid _Temples_ mentioned by _Vitruvius_, whereby their conformity

with _Stoneheng_, and the invention thereof taken from them, is more

clearly manifested.

_A_

The Plant of the _Monopteros_.

_B_

The _Order_ of _Pillars_ which continued round about it, to which the

outward circle (of Pillasters) in this _Antiquity Stoneheng_, directly

corresponds, as will appear in the second Figure thereof, formerly

described by the Letter _I_.

The _Design_ follows.

[Illustration]

_C_

The Plant of the _Peripteros_.

_D_

The _Portico_ continuing about the _Cell_.

_E_

The Circular _Cell_ enclosed with a wall, which in the _Temple

Stoneheng_, to vary the invention, was converted into an _Hexagonall_

form, and in stead of walling it round about, the _Architect_ as said

before, left it wholly open, as most agreeing with the nature of the

_Deity_ to whom consecrate.

The Design follows.

[Illustration]

By the Plants of which said _Roman Temples_, although it is plainly

manifest, from whence the invention of _Stoneheng_ was taken: yet, that

it may more clearly be understood, I have, unto the _Order_ of pillars

which makes the _Portico_ of the last of those _Temples_, applied the

_Architectonicall Scheam_ by which our _Antiquity_ was formed; whereby

the intersection of the severall triangles fully demonstrates after

what manner the greater _Hexagon_ made open at _Stoneheng_, was raised

from the solid wall environing the _Cell_ of the _Peripteros_.

_F_

The Rank of _Pillars_ which made the _Portico_ of the _Peripteros_.

_G_

The _Architectonicall Scheam_ by which _Stoneheng_ formed.

_H_

The circular wall environing the _Cell_ of the _Peripteros_.

_I_

After what manner the stones of the greater _Hexagon_ at _Stoneheng_,

were raised from the circumference of the said wall.

The Design follows.

[Illustration]

But, before deliver my judgment, unto which of their _Deities_ this

_Temple Stoneheng_ was anciently dedicated by the _Romans_, I shall

give you some customs in force amongst the _Ancients_, relating the

_Decorum_ used by them, in building their particular _Temples_:

whereby, those several opinions seemingly conclusive to whom

_Stoneheng_ sacred, may more evidently appear invalid, and my own

more apparently probable. Those therefore that endevour the searching

out _Antiquities_ of _Architecture_, must amongst others, especially

prescribe to themselves five things to be guided by. _viz._ _The

Situation_, _Aspect_, _Manner_, _Form_, and _Order_ of the work as in

use amongst the _Ancients_. For, inventing the severall ornaments of

_Architecture_, at first for honour and distinction onely of their

_Deities_, they appropriated to each of them particular _situations_,

precise _forms_, peculiar _Orders_, according to the severall

qualities, in regard whereof adored by them.

The _situation_ of the _Temples_ to _Venus_, _Mars_, _Vulcan_, they

ordained to be chosen without their Cities, as those which moved mens

minds to lasciviousnesse, wars, and devastations. Within their Cities

they placed the _Temples_ of the Patrons of _Chastity_, _Peace_, good

_Arts_: and of such Gods also, to whom the Protection of their Cities

committed. To _Pallas_, _Mercury_, and _Isis_ the chief Presidents of

Artificers, and Merchants, they built _Temples_ near the Market places,

or upon the Market places themselves. To _Apollo_ and _Bacchus_ near

the _Theater_. To _Hercules_ near the Cirque or _Amphitheater_. Unto

_Æsculapius_ and _Salus_, in places most of all others healthfull, and

near to pure streams, and waters; because the infirm people, coming

out of a pestilent and contagious _Aire_, to that which was good and

healthfull, by drinking those waters might the sooner, and with lesse

difficulty be recovered, whereby zeal to those supposed _Deities_

encreased.

The _Aspect Hypæthros_, mentioned before, of which _Stoneheng_ appears

built, was proper only to some of their Gods, as shall be remembred in

due time: the other _five_ (needlesse here to name) were indifferently

disposed, sometime to one, and sometime to another _Deity_, as the

magnificence of the _Temples_ to be built required, and, as to be made

with _Portico’s_ or without.

The _Manner_, which _Vitruvius_ distinguishes into five kinds,

according as the intercolumnes are of five severall proportions, was

only so far forth peculiarly appropriated to their _Deities_, as it was

agreeable to the proper _Order_, otherwise they followed the greatnesse

of the Work.

But, to each of them appropriating particular forms of _Temples_;

to some of their Gods, they made them of a round form, to others

quadrangular, to others of many angles: some of them having their

_Temples_ covered, with roofs over them; others again built uncovered,

without any manner of roofs at all: As, our _Antiquity Stoneheng_.

Lastly, the _Order_ of which they built them, was so diligently

observed, according to the peculiar qualities of their _Deities_, that

seldom or never they varied: as in fit place I shall remember. These

aforesaid rules also were so firmly observed by the _Ancients_, that

even at first sight the _Roman Architects_ of old were able to judge,

to what _Deity_, this, or that _Temple_ sacred: and the modern _Italian

Architects_, by the ruines of them at this day, give such notable

testimonies towards the discovery of them, as are very hardly to be

contradicted. Whosoever desires more of this, may read _Vitruvius_,

_Leo Baptista Albertus_, and other Authors writing of _Architecture_.

That then we may arrive to a degree of certainty unto whom our

_Stoneheng_ anciently dedicated; some such _Deitie_ of the _Romans_ is

to be found out, in whose honour they built _Temples_, not only in such

_situations_ as this at _Stoneheng_; but with whole nature or quality

the _Form_ and _Aspect_ thereof may be agreeable also; and the _Order

proper_. For, whosoever goes about to enforce other reasons, do as I

conceive but beat the air, neither can they reduce this _Antiquity_ to

any probable Originall.

[Sidenote: _Vitr. lib. 3. cap. 1 & 2._]

[Sidenote: _Fab. Cal._]

[Sidenote: _Vitr. lib. 4. cap. 7._]

To which of the _Roman_ Deities _Stoneheng_ consecrated, are, as I

said before, severall opinions. Some presume it sacred to _Diana_,

but upon what ground their conjecture is raised, considering both

the _Aspect_ and _Manner_ of this _Temple_ utterly different from

those the _Ancients_ used to dedicate to Her, I cannot conceive; for,

the _Manner_ of the _Temples_ erected to _Diana_, was _Diastylos_,

i.e. _columnis ampliùs patentibus_, made with large and void spaces:

the _Aspect_ of that at _Ephesus_ was _Dipteros_; that at _Magnesia

Pseudodipteros_: which _Manner Hermogenes_ inventing to save expence

and labour, though he left out the _Order_ of pillars within, and

thereby the _Portico_ came to be more large, yet the _Aspect_ continued

still the same. And, as in the _Aspect_ and _Manner_, so likewise in

the _Order_ and _Form_ it’s different: that, at _Ephesus_ aforesaid

being of the _Ionick Order_, the _Order_ peculiarly appropriated

to _Diana_, and quadrangular: of the same _Form_ also, was that at

_Magnesia_ aforesaid, and so likewise the _Romans_ built them, as by

the now Church of S. _John_ Evangelist at the _Latian_, or _Latine_

Port, anciently the Temple of _Diana_; and that in Mount _Aventine_

also, the chief of her _Temples_ in _Rome_, fully appears. The

_situation_ of the Temples dedicated to her, was in groves, whence

_Vitruvius_ cals her grovy _Diana_.

_Ecce suburbanæ templum nemorale Dianæ_, saith _Ovid_.

_See where_ Diana’s _grovy Temple stands_.

In which sort _Virgil_, _Pliny_, and other Authors also tell us her

Temples were always sited. The _Architecture_ therefore of the Temples

to _Diana_, and this at _Stoneheng_ being so far different, there is no

probable reason _Stoneheng_ should be suppos’d dedicated to her.

[Sidenote: _Nat. Com. lib. 3. cap. 18._]

[Sidenote: _Camden fo. 64._]

[Sidenote: _Camden fo. 517._]

[Sidenote: _Ibid. fo. 366._]

[Sidenote: _Strab. li. 16._]

[Sidenote: _Rosin. lib. 2. cap. 7._]

[Sidenote: _Camden fo. 490._]

Moreover, whether or no this opinion maybe consistent with any of those

qualities, the Ancients endowed this Goddesse with, let us examine

further the Nature of the Deity it self. Is _Stoneheng_ consecrated to

_Diana_ because she presided over ways? what publick roads then, or

common high-ways are to be read of, which anciently led over the Downs

near this _Antiquity_? The most ancient ways we meet with, and which

the _Romans_ first made in this _Island_, as _Camden_ sets them down,

are four, _Watling-street_, _Ikemild-street_, _Ermin-street_, and

the _Fosse_. _Watling-street_ led through _Verolamium_ directly as it

were by a streight line to the West side of _Leicestershire_, and from

thence through the Northerly Counties into _Wales_. _Ikemild-street_

began in the Countrey of the _Iceni_, tending Eastward.

_Ermin-street_ in the same quarter, running through _Cambridgeshire_,

_Huntingdonshire_, and so on towards _Lincolnshire_ led the right way

into the Northern Countreys on that side: (this street-way, happly,

may be that which among the inhabitants passeth now by the name of

_High Dike_.) The _Fosse_ passing through _Warwickshire_, came down

to _Stow_ on the _Would_, thence to _Cirncester_, from _Cirncester_

continuing on towards _Bath_ and beyond it to _Somerton_ into the

Western Provinces: the ridge whereof is yet to be seen in divers places

of that tract. All of them lying so far from _Stoneheng_ that none of

them are remembred to come nearer then _Cirncester_ to any part of the

Plains whereon it stands, and therefore in this respect there can be

no cause to imagine this _Antiquity_ should be dedicated to her. Or,

is _Stoneheng_ sacred to _Diana_, because she was the Patronesse of

Gates? for which reason the Ancients built her Temples, either near

to them within their Cities, or not far from them in the pleasant

suburbs. But what Cities, or places having any such Gates, were ever

found anciently so near _Stoneheng_, as might cause the dedication of

so great a work to her? surely none. Or, is _Stoneheng_ hallowed to

_Diana_ because she had the tutelage of Mountains? if so, then where

are those Mountains to be found near this _Antiquity_ on _Salisbury_

Plains? which Plains, North, South, East and Westward through the

midst of _Wiltshire_ are so open, that they terminate the Horizon. If

any such Mountains there, why do all Historians call them Plains? But

admit Mountains somtimes on _Salisbury_ Plain, what then became of

them? were they removed by Earthquakes, swallowed into the ground by an

_Hiatus_ of the earth, or levell’d by inundations? then let it be made

apparent when such like accidents fell out. Or is _Stoneheng_ dedicated

to _Diana_, because she delighted to bath her self in fountains and

fresh springs? where are those fountains and fresh springs to be found?

haply, in the utmost borders they may be had, none certainly in the

body of the Plains, or any thing near _Stoneheng_: spring veins being

not there to be found, unlesse by sinking wells or pits very deep,

which the inhabitants are enforced to make in severall places for

watering their sheep, and as glad they are there, as the Patriarchs

of old in the deserts of _Canaan_ to come by them. Or is _Stoneheng_

sacred to _Diana_, because reputed Goddesse of hunting? then, who ever

desirous of a Temple for her, may finde it in _Daphne_, the anciently

famous suburbs of _Antiochia_, where was not onely a Temple dedicated

to her, but an _Asylum_ also, as _Strabo_ witnesseth: such places

only being held proper for her mysteries, where interven’d variety of

pleasures, goodly shadowy groves, delicate walks, and pleasant springs

of most cool and fresh waters. In the midst of these delights the

Ancients sited her Temples, not in wilde Downs, or vast Plains, so wide

and open that hardly see from one side of them to another, affording

neither shelter for travellers against canicular heats, nor succour for

cattell against the boisterous blasts of blustering _Boreas_. Lastly,

is _Stoneheng_ dedicated to _Diana_, because the supposed guardian of

woods? then remains it to be made apparent by them, those Plains in

ancient times bore another countenance then at present. That they were

full of Forrests, woods and groves, with variety of lawns, replenished

and stored with such sorts of game, and wilde beasts in chase whereof

_Diana_ and her companions are said to recreate themselves: from whence

some are of opinion she was called _Diana_, as much to say _Deviana,

quoniam venantes per devia & silvas deviare solent, captantes feras.

Because of huntsmens deviating, or wandring out of the way, through

uncouth paths and woods in pursuit of their game._ That those Plains

afforded as much pleasure and delights as the _Thessalian Tempe_, the

_Syrian Daphne_, or what place else as famous where her _Temples_

anciently stood: and, in what unknown age they were disafforrested

and laid wast. Which, if ever so, certainly some signs thereof would

remain, or at least be found there, as well as in other parts of the

Island, in times past overgrown with woods. As in _Anglesey_ formerly

mentioned; in _Cheshire_, where, in digging their marlepits are often

found huge trees, demonstrating to posterity the forrests there

anciently growing; in the Isle of _Axholm_ in _Lincolnshire_, where

the inhabitants have hardly any fewell, but what such trees afford so

digged out of the earth; in _Somersetshire_, where I my self have seen

trunks of trees lying under ground, and expressing the places in times

past overgrown with trees, very few or none being in those places now

standing. Besides, some remembrance of the aforesaid forrests and woods

History questionlesse would yeeld; now what occasion soever Historians

take for mentioning this tract, not one word is delivered by them to

that purpose, all unanimously consenting ’twas never other then at

present an open and champion Countrey. A Theater on which _Bellona_

often displayed her bloody ensigns, and acted severall tragedies in

times of old: A field of _Mars_, where _Romans_, _Saxons_ and after

_Danes_ for obtaining the dominion of this Island decided their

ambitious controversies. Of which actions we have visible testimony

unto this day, witnesse those burrows, and places where they cast

the bodies of their slain, over all quarters of the plain dispersed,

which in long time are so shrowded by nature with ever growing grasse,

that their memory will remain by their sepulchres to all posterity;

that which consumes all works of Art, making them still more fresh

and flourishing: witnesse spoils of war there frequently digged up,

as formerly remembred: severall encamping places of those severall

Nations in all parts of the plain even yet appearing, no place in the

whole Island, respecting the circuit, having more remains of them: Also

that huge Trench, mentioned before by the name of _Wansdike_, running

through the very bowels of them, such manner of trenches appearing no

where in any part of _England_ beside, saving where the like plains

interveen; so at _Newmarket Heath_ the like trench vulgarly called

_Devils Dike_, as if _made by Devils not by men_, is to be seen;

though in ancient times it was the limits of the Kingdome of the East

_Angles_, and it took end, as _Camden_ very well observes, _where the

passages by reason of woods grew cumbersome_: Which, if the like be

granted for _Wansdike_ (as is very probable, it ending also with the

Plains) then without controversie there were no more woods in times

of old on _Salisbury_ Plains then at this day; it running overthwart

them, as in a direct line from East to West. And who knows not, that

other manner of fortifications then running trenches upon direct lines

are to be cast up for defence of woody situations? But why urge more

Authorities, when the Inhabitants of the Countrey tell us, the soil or

ground being hot, dry, and chalky is altogether improper for the growth

of trees. Thus then the situation of the place, so antipathizing in all

respects with the nature and qualities anciently attributed to _Diana_,

and the _Manner_, _Form_, and _Order_ of this _Antiquity_, so contrary

to the custome used by the _Ancients_ in erecting her Temples, no

reason wherefore this _Temple Stoneheng_ should be conceiv’d as erected

for celebration of the superstitious ceremonies anciently ascribed unto

her _Worship_.

Some, again, would have _Stoneheng_ consecrated to _Pan_; because _Pan_

a _Greek_ word signifying the _Universe_, under him the whole frame of

_Nature_ was adored. And therefore, the _Ancients_ made his statues

with horns, saith _Servius_, expressing thereby the beams of the _Sun_,

and horns of the _Moon_; those issuing from his forehead, and turning

upwards towards _Heaven_, as _Boccace_ will have it, signified the

Celestiall bodies: feigning also, as the world moves with extraordinary

swiftnesse, he excelled likewise in speed of running. By the purple,

ruddy, and enflamed face, attributed to _Pan_, that pure fire,

above all other _Elements_ holding his place in the confines of the

Celestiall Sphears was demonstrated: by his large long beard descending

down upon his breast, the two superiour Elements _Aire_ and _Fire_

of a masculine nature, sending down their impressions upon the other

two naturally feminine was shewed: by the spotted skin covering his

breast and shoulders, the eighth sphear wholly embelished with glorious

stars; inveloping in like manner all appertaining to the nature of

sublunary creatures was represented: by the sheep-hook which he held

in one hand, Natures dominion over all things (according to _Boccace_)

was signified: and as _Servius_ saith, because this staffe, or rod was

crooked, the year revolving into it self, was thereby expressed: in

the other hand holding a Pipe, consisting of seven reeds, whereby, the

Celestiall harmony conceived by some to have seven sounds, and seven

different tunes, according to the number of the _Planets_, and their

_Sphears_ which are seven, was so set forth.

After this manner _Mythologists_ discourse of _Pan_, with various

opinions, according to the subtile niceties of their severall fancies:

and in these respects as having relation to the _Heavens_, this

_Antiquity Stoneheng_ is imagined sacred to _Him_. ’Tis true, if

_Mythologie_, and not demonstrative reasons were to be fixt upon in

matters of _Architecture_, the former conceptions might be some ground

to frame conjectures _Stoneheng_ sacred to _Pan_. But, _Architecture_

depending upon demonstration, not fancy, the fictions of _Mythologists_

are no further to be embraced, then as not impertinently conducing to

prove reall truths. Wherefore, the aforesaid ancient rules for building

_Temples_ considered, and comparing the _Order_, _Form_, _Aspect_

and _Situation_ of the _Temples_ to _Pan_, with the like in this

_Antiquity_, so much contrariety is found betwixt them, as may convince

any reasonable judgement _Stoneheng_ not dedicated to _Him_.

[Sidenote: _Nat. Com. lib. 5._]

[Sidenote: _Dion. Hali. lib. 1._]

[Sidenote: _Rosin. lib. 2._]

[Sidenote: _Pausan. fo. 496._]

[Sidenote: _Vitr. lib. 1. cap. 2._]

[Sidenote: _Alexan. Don._]

[Sidenote: _Pomp. Totti._]

[Sidenote: _Pausan. fo. 114. & 317._]

[Sidenote: _Ibid. fo. 516._]

_Pan pastorum, venatorum, & universæ vitæ rusticanæ præsidem

crediderunt Antiqui_, saith _Natalis Comes_. _Pan_ was the reputed

_God_ amongst the _Ancients, of Shepherds, Huntsmen, and all those that

led an agrestick life_. The same Author also calling him _Piscatorum

Deum_, the _God of Fishermen_ as well as _Shepherds_. _Arcadibus

Deorum antiquissimus & honoratissimus est Pan_, saith _Dionysius_.

_Pan is the most ancient, and most honoured Deity of the Arcadians._

And in _Arcadia_ itself where he was principally adored, they built

his _Temples_ for the most part in Towns of the same _Form_ and

_Order_ as to _Juno_: In the _Town of Heræa_, _habet Pan templum suum_

(saith _Pausanias_ in his description of _Arcadia_) _quod olim_ Junoni

_dicatum fuit_, Pan _had his Temple which anciently was dedicated to_

Juno. Now, the _Order appropriated_ to _Juno_ by the _Romans_, was

the _Ionick_, as is manifest from _Vitruvius_, who tels us, _To Juno,

Diana, and Bacchus_, and to the other _Deities_ of the same quality,

_they built Temples of the Ionick Order_. The _Form_ in like manner

of her sacred structures was quadrangular, as in Mount _Aventine_, in

_foro Olitorio_ (or the herb Market) in Mount _Quirinal_, and elswhere

amongst the _Romans_ the _ruines_ of her _Temples_ do evidently

witnesse: as also, her _Temples_ anciently at _Argos_, and amongst the

_Elians_ in _Greece_, built of the like _Form_, and of the _Dorick

Order_. But this _Antiquity_ is of the severe _Tuscane_ work, and of a

round figure. The _Temples_ to _Pan_ had a _Portico_ onely in _front_,

at _Stoneheng_ it continues round about the _Cell_. The _Temples_ to

_Pan_ were not exposed to the open _Aire_, and built uncovered as

_Stoneheng_ was, but had roofs upon them. For, _Ignis ei perpetuus

ardebat_, therein _they kept perpetuall fire_, as at _Acacesium_ a

_Town_ also of _Arcadians_; all _Temples_ wherein they kept such fires

being covered, as the _Temple_ to _Apollo_ at _Delphos_ amongst the

_Greeks_, and to _Vesta_ at _Rome_ amongst the _Romans_. But, if at

any time they did erect them distant from a _Town_, reserving always

the _Form_ and _Order_, they chose such situations as wholly environed

with trees; for example, the _Temple_ to _Pan_ in Mount _Lycæus_,

was compassed in with a thick wood, _condenso circumseptum luco_, as

_Pausanias_ hath it: so likewise, that _Temple_ sacred to _Him_ in the

_Parthenian_ Forrest, according to the said Author. Now, this _Temple

Stoneheng_ is sited in an open champion Countrey, where scarce a bush

or tree, much lesse thick woods, or forrests to be seen throughout

the whole Plain; nor was there ever any in times of old as History

remembers, and the nature of the soil, as I am informed, is no wise

prosperous for their growing there, as is sufficiently before declared.

But _Pan_ (say they) being the God of _Shepherds_, why might not

_Stoneheng_ to gratifie them be erected, and consequently by the

_Romans_ dedicated to their God _Pan_? no place in the whole Island

more abounding with sheep, then the circumadjacent Plains; the almost

innumerable flocks whereof, not only most plentifully satisfying the

bordering inhabitants for food; but, from their delicate fleeces, a

great part of the known universe are clad also. I answer, amongst the

_Romans_ (declared at large before to be _Founders_ of _Stoneheng_)

I do not finde any one _Temple_, _Holy House_, _Sanctuary_, _Grove_,

_Altar_, or any such like sacred structure consecrated to _Pan_ in

their own Country; much lesse any _Temple_ dedicated unto Him by them

in _Britain_: and therefore, utterly improbable this _Temple Stoneheng_

should be erected by the _Romans_ unto _Pan_.

[Sidenote: _Dion. Hal. lib. 1._]

[Sidenote: _Rosin. lib. 2. cap. 20._]

[Sidenote: _Justin. lib. 43._]

[Sidenote: _Plutarch. in Rom._]

[Sidenote: _Rosin. lib. 3. cap. 2._]

[Sidenote: _Plut. in Rom._]

There was a _Temple_ indeed, built to _Pan Lycæus_ on Mount _Palatine_,

by those _Arcadians_ which accompanied _Evander_ into _Italy_; in

which, though the _Romans_ in succeeding times performed the same

rites, as the _Arcadians_ anciently had instituted; yet, _He_ passed

with the _Romans_ under the name of _Lupercus_, and in honour of

_Him_, as some Authors of opinion, certain festivals or games called

_Lupercalia_, at _Rome_ onely, not in Provinces conquered by them, were

solemnized by the _Romans_; Noblemens sons running in those games,

according to the primitive institution setting forth and beginning

their course at Mount _Palatine_, and so round about the City to the

same place again. I may not omit, neverthelesse, that severall Authors

deliver the _Lupercalia_ were instituted in thankfulnesse to _Lupa_,

or the wolf that gave _Romulus_ suck, and the course of those games

beginning at Mount _Palatine_ (not so much in remembrance it seems of

_Pans_ Temple there, as) from the _Lupercal_ or _the very place they

say where_ Romulus _was cast out_.

[Sidenote: _Dion. lib. 1._]

_Dionysius_ of _Halicarnassus_ tels us the _Arcadians_ built the

aforesaid _Temple_ to _Pan_, _idoneo invento loco &c._ when they had

found out a _convenient place_ for it adjoyning to their habitations:

the condition or nature of which place is not unworthy your

observation; for by his description thereof we shall easily perceive

what manner of situation was by the _Arcadian_ Shepherds held proper

for performing the ceremonies of their God _Pan_. His words are, _Erat

tum, ut fertur, spelunca sub tumulo magna, denso querceto contecta, &

sub petris profundi fonticuli, solúmque rupibus contiguum nemorosum, &

frequentibus ac proceris opacum arboribus: ibi ara deo extructa, more

patrio sacra fecerunt. Under the Hill_ (to wit, Mount _Palatine_) _was

anciently, as report goes_ (saith he) _a great cave or den, covered

over by a thick grove, deep wells or riverets running amongst the

stones of the cave, and round about it a wood, by the many and tall

trees growing therein very dark and obscure: there the Altar of the God

was placed, and his Sacrifices after their Country manner performed_.

Now is _Stoneheng_ thus sited, or was there ever any such like place

near this _Antiquity_? of all the places in _England_ that I know, none

comes nearer that cave, then _Ochy-hole_ in _Somersetshire_: And if the

Ancients held such dismall situations only proper for _Pans Temples_,

then without peradventure _Stoneheng_ was never erected in honour of

him, they being no innovators in their superstitions.

[Sidenote: _Dion. lib. 1._]

A further observation may be made to our purpose, upon the aforesaid

description, _Erat tum antrum magnum, it was anciently_ (saith

_Dionysius_) _a great cave_. But in his own time, which was under

_Augustus_, the _Romans_ had so choked up the place with building,

that the manner how _Pans Temple_ in old time stood, was hardly to be

discovered: _nunc quidem ædificiis_ (saith he) _fanum circumquaque

sepientibus, difficilis conjectura est qualis olim loci natura fuerit.

At this present, verily, the Temple being every way environed with

buildings, it is hardly to be conjectured in what manner of place it

anciently stood_. This was the cause which enforced him to deliver to

posterity the former description meerly upon report. Certainly then,

the _Romans_ employing the place to profaner uses, _Pans_ Deity was

little esteemed by them; otherwise, they would never have polluted it,

by setting up private houses upon the place consecrated to him. Now the

_Romans_ slighting him after this manner at home, little reason appears

so magnificent a structure as _Stoneheng_, should be erected by them

for adoration of _Pan_ in other Countreys.

[Sidenote: _Nat. Com. lib. 5._]

Furthermore, the Sacrifices in times of old offered to _Pan_ were milk

and honey, offered up in simple Shepherds crocks or earthen pitchers:

_quare non ritè sacrificabant, qui tauros illi immolabant, aut qui in

aureis poculis lac aut vinum offerebant &c. Wherefore, they sacrificed

not aright_, saith _Natalis Comes, who immolated Buls or Oxen unto

him, or out of golden cups poured forth milk or wine upon his Altars_;

for goblets of that metall were proper onely for the supernall and

celestiall _Deities_, not to terrestriall, and such as had care of

Heardsmen or Shepherd Swains. To which purpose also, the same Author

out of _Apollonius Smyrnæus_ remembers _Pan_, thus speaking of himself.

_Sum Deus agrestis, cur his sunt aurea sacris

Pocula? quo vinum funditis Italicum?

Ad petram cur stat taurus cervice ligatus?

Parcite: non hæc est victima grata mihi.

Pan montanus ego sum, ligneus, ipsáque vestis

Pellicea est: mustum è fictilibúsque bibo._

In English thus:

_A rurall God am I, in golden cup

The Falern wine, why then d’yee offer up?

Why at mine Altar, stands the stern Bull bound,

Or Oxe that’s fat, with laurell girland crown’d?

Spare ye such cost: no gratefull victimes these

Are unto me, others lesse costly please.

A Mountaineer, a wood-man clad in skin

Am I: your wine in earthen vessels bring._

But the Sacrifices anciently offered at _Stoneheng_ (already remembred)

were _Buls_ or _Oxen_, and severall sorts of beasts, as appears by the

heads of divers kinds of them, not many years since there digged up.

[Sidenote: _Platin. in Bon._]

[Sidenote: _Dion. lib. 53._]

As for that of the _Pantheon_, it is very well known the _Ancients_ so

called it, not in any relation to _Pan_, but because it was sacred to

_Jove_ the _Revenger_, and according to others to _Cibele_, and all

Gods. For which reason, _Boniface_ the fourth obtained licence from

the Emperour _Phocas_, to consecrate it to the _Virgin Mary_, and all

Saints. And who knows not the _Architecture_ thereof wholly different

from this of _Stoneheng_? The _Pantheon_ hath its _Cell_ enclosed

with a continued solid wall, and the _Portico_ only in front, of the

delicate _Corinthian Order_; of which _Order_ the inner part consisted

likewise, being vaulted in most admirable and magnificent manner. From

whence _Dion Cassius_ delivers his opinion, _inde id nominis habere,

quod forma convexa fastigiatum, cœli similitudinem ostenderet, it to

be called the_ Pantheon, _because by the form of that vault wherewith

covered, it represented the concave of Heaven_, or (as others will)

the figure of the world; for the world being mans house, the firmament

is as the vaulted roof thereof. At the crown of the vault it had an

opening, by which only it received light and air. But, this _Antiquity

Stoneheng_ built of a grave and humble _Order_ (as is said before) had

a double _Portico_ continuing round about it, the Cell thereof free and

open, and every way exposed to the air, received light from all parts.

Wherefore leaving these, _Stoneheng_ was dedicated, as I conceive, to

the God _Cœlus_, by some Authors called _Cœlum_, by others _Uranus_,

from whom the Ancients imagined all things took their beginning. My

reasons are, First, in respect of the _situation_ thereof; for it

stands in a Plain, remote from any _Town_ or _Village_, in a free and

open air, without any groves or woods about it.

[Sidenote: _Vitr. li. 1. cap. 2._]

[Sidenote: _Godw. Antiq. l. 1. cap. 20._]

Secondly, in regard of the _Aspect_; for _Stoneheng_ was never covered,

but built without a roof. Which _Decorum_ the _Romans_ ever observed,

both in the _Situation_ and _Aspect_ of the _Temples_ dedicated to

this their God, and to _Jove_ the _Lightner_, the _Sun_, and the

_Moon_. _Jovi fulguratori, & Cœlo, & Soli, & Lunæ, ædificia sub divo

Hypæthráque constituuntur. To_ Jove _the Lightner, and to Cœlus, and

to the Sun, and to the Moon, they erected buildings in the open air

and uncovered_, saith _Vitruvius_ in the second Chapter of his first

Book. Take with you also his reason. _Horum enim Deorum & species &

effectus in aperto mundo atque lucenti præsentes videmus, because

both the forms and effects of these Deities, we behold present before

our eyes, in a clear and open view._ Another reason I find also why

they built their Temples to _Cœlus_, and those other Deities uncovered

as _Stoneheng_: because they counted it an hainous matter to see those

Gods confined under a roof, whose doing good consisted in being abroad.

[Sidenote: _Pier. Valer. Hier. lib. 39._]

[Sidenote: _Leo Bapt. Alb. lib. 7._]

[Sidenote: _Philand. in 4. lib. Vitr. cap. 7._]

Thirdly, in regard of the _Form_ of _Stoneheng_, which is _circular_.

This figure was proper to the _Temples_ of _Cœlus_ and _Tellus_, whom

the Ancients called _Vesta_, as _Valerianus_ (in his _Hieroglyphicks_)

affirms. _Non solamente la palla, ma una simplice piegatura di ruota,

appresso gli Egizziani demostrava il Cielo. Not only_ (saith he) _the

circular form, but the meer segment of a circle amongst the Egyptians

was an Hieroglyphick of Cœlus_. And to this purpose also, _Leo Baptista

Albertus_ useth these words. _Ædem Vestæ, quam esse terram putarent,

rotundam ad pilæ similitudinem, faciebant. Unto Vesta, whom they

reputed to be the Earth, they built Temples of a round form globelike_.

Besides, observe what _Philander_ commenting on _Vitruvius_ tels us.

_Templorum quanquam alia fiant quadrata, alia multorum angulorum, Cœli

naturam imitati veteres, imprimis rotundis sunt delectati: Although_

(saith he) _the Ancients made some Temples square, some of six sides,

others of many angles, they were especially delighted with making of

them round, as representing thereby the Form or Figure of_ Cœlum,

_Heaven_.

[Sidenote: _An. Pal. li. 1._]

[Sidenote: _Vitr. lib. 1. cap. 2._]

[Sidenote: _Apollod. lib. 1._]

Fourthly, in respect of the _Order_ whereof _Stoneheng_ built. The

severity of this _Tuscane_ work, retaining in it a shew (as it

were) of that first face of _Antiquity_ (as _A. Palladio_ terms it)

being most agreeable to the nature of this their God, reputed the

ancientest of all their _Deities_, and Father of _Saturn_. For, it

was the custome of the Ancients (as in part I remembred before) to

appropriate the severall _Orders_ of _Architecture_, according to the

particular qualifications of those they deified. _Minervæ, & Marti,

& Herculi, ædes Doricæ fient: his enim diis propter virtutem, sine

deliciis ædificia constitui decet. To Minerva, and Mars, and Hercules,

Temples of the Dorick Order were made; for, to these Deities in

respect of their valiant actions, it was requisite to build without

delicacy. Veneri, Floræ, Proserpinæ, Fontium Nymphis, Corinthio

genere constitutæ, aptas videbuntur habere proprietates, quòd his

diis propter teneritatem, graciliora & florida, foliísque & volutis

ornata opera facta augere videbuntur justum decorem. To Venus, Flora,

Proserpina, the Fountain Nymphs, the Corinthian Order was thought

most proper: because unto these in regard of their tender natures,

the work seemed to advance a just decorum, when made delicate and

flourishing, and adorned with leaves and volutes. Junoni, Dianæ, Libero

Patri cæterísque diis qui eadem sunt similitudine, si ædes Ionicæ

construerentur, habita erat ratio mediocritatis, quod & ab severo more

Doricorum, & à teneritate Corinthiorum, temperabitur earum institutio

proprietatis. To Juno, Diana, Bacchus, and to the other Deities of

the same quality, building Temples of the Ionick Order, they had

regard unto the mean, that from the severe manner of the Dorick, and

delicacy of the Corinthian, the condition of their indowments might be

duly moderated_, saith _Vitruvius_. To _Jupiter_, _Sol_, and _Luna_,

though they made Temples _sub divo_ open to the air and without roofs

like this _Antiquity_; yet were they not built of severe and humble

but most delicate _Orders_, and accordingly were adorned with costly

ornaments, and beautified with various enrichments in severall sorts

of sculpture, as by the ruines of them in divers parts of _Italy_

remaining to this day, evidently appears. Respecting therefore, this

_Decorum_ used by the _Ancients_ in building their _Temples_, and that

this work _Stoneheng_ is principally composed of a most grave _Tuscane_

manner, by just proportions of an agreeable form; it is in mine

opinion, as I said before, most agreeable to the quality and condition

of that ancient _Cœlus_, whom Antiquity reputed the very stem whence

all those Deities in the succeeding Ages proceeded. Cœlus _ex eadem

conjuge (scilicet Tellure) procreavit_ Oceanum, Cœlum, Hyperionem _&c.

& novissimum omnium_ Saturnum _suscepit_. Cœlus, _by the same wife_

(to wit _Tellus_) _had_ Oceanus, Cœlum, Hyperion _&c. and last of all

begat_ Saturn. To which purpose also _Lactantius, I finde_ Uranius

_by his wife_ Vesta _had_ Saturn _and_ Ops: Saturn _attaining the

government, called his father_ Uranius, Cœlus, _and his mother_ Terra;

_that by this change of names, he might the more magnifie the splendor

of his originall &c._ Further, I conceive it will not be impertinent to

our purpose in hand, to deliver what the _Ancients_ have reported of

_Cœlus_; and wherefore they ascribed divine Honours unto Him.

[Sidenote: _Boccace lib. 3._]

According to the _Poets_, _Cœlus_ was not that huge machine adorned

with stars, which _Orpheus_ saith was composed for habitation of

the _Planets_, and other _Deities_, and which we behold moving with

continuall revolution: but a certain man so called, son to _Æther_

and _Dies_, that, is _della virtù ardente, & della luce famosa, of

transcendent influence and resplendent brightness_, as _Boccace_ hath

it.

[Sidenote: _Diodor. lib. 4._]

By Historians, especially _Diodorus Siculus_, it’s thus delivered.

_Scribunt primùm regnasse apud Atlantides_ Cœlum: _Hominésque antea

per agros dispersos, ad cœtum, condendásque urbes exhortatum, à fera

eos agrestíque vita ad mitiorem cultum extitisse &c. They write,

he which first reigned over the_ Atlantides _was_ Cœlus, _and that

he invited men living dispersedly before throughout the fields, to

convene, and dwell in companies together, exhorting them to build

Towns, and reducing them from wild and savage to the conversation of

civill life: Taught them also to sow corn and seeds, and divers other

things belonging to the common use of mankind; Ruled likewise over a

great part of the world from East to West; Was a diligent observer of

the stars, and foretold men divers things to come: The year (before

confus’d) bringing into Order, according to the course of the Sun,

reducing it also into moneths after the Moons course, and appointing

likewise the severall seasons of the year. Whereby many ignorant of the

perpetuall course of the stars, and amazed at his future predictions,

did verily believe he participated of Divine Nature, and therefore

after his death, as well for benefits received from him, as great

knowledge of the stars, they conferred on him immortall honours,

and adored him as a God. And, as appears, called_ Cœlus _in regard

of his skill in the celestiall bodies, as also, for divers other

causes eternall King of all the world_. Thus _Diodorus_. It being an

ordinary custome among the Heathens to deifie, and esteem for Gods,

such excellent personages, as either had well ruled, or governed them,

or done any notable thing among them to their especiall benefit, or

good liking. Such, were they men, or women, remained with the name,

reputation, and reverence of _Gods_ or _Goddesses_ after their deaths.

[Sidenote: _Plut. Phil. opin. lib. 1._]

Furthermore, according to the _Philosophers_; _Men_ (they knew not how)

by nature soon wanting, and by instinct as soon seeking some God (in

stead of apprehending better) deified the _best_ to sense. Whereupon,

out of all _Entities_ as most glorious to the eye, they first made

choice of _Heaven_, and _Heavenly_ bodies; considering again, as the

most beneficiall objects, those living creatures, and fruits which

the _Earth_ beneath brought forth, to make compleat generations, they

coupled _Cœlus_ to _Tellus_, adoring _Heaven_ as Father, and _Earth_ as

Mother to these; the pouring down of showers from _Heaven_ seeming in

stead of naturall seeds, and the _Earth_ as a Mother to conceive, and

bring forth the same.

[Sidenote: _Rosin. lib. 2. cap. 5._]

Fifthly, the Sacrifices in times of old offered to _Cœlus_ were Bulls

or Oxen, their great God _Jupiter_ himself, as I find in _Rosinus_,

offering such Victimes unto him. _Ante pugnam, que cum Gigantibus in_

Creta _habita est_, Jovem _sacrificasse dicunt_ Soli, Cœlo, _ac_ Terræ

_bovem. Before the battell struck with the Giants in_ Crete, _they say_

Jupiter _sacrificed an Oxe to_ Sol, Cœlus, _and_ Terra. Now that there

hath oftentimes been digged out of the ground at _Stoneheng_, the heads

of such beasts, in all probability anciently in that place sacrificed;

I need not again remember, being it is so well known.

[Sidenote: _Pier. Valer. Hier. lib. 60._]

Sixthly, all the upright stones in this _Antiquity_ are _Pyramidall_

like flames, in imitation of those _Ætheriall_ fires, wherewith the

_Heaven_ is adorned. Now, that _Fire_ hath the form of a _Pyramis_ is

evident, _percioche, essendo largo da basso, intorno alla materia &

esca, da che si pasce, finisce in acuta fiammache riguardo al Cielo.

Because, being large at the bottome, in respect of the matter and

fewell, by which it is fed, it finishes in an acute flame tending

upwards towards Heaven._ And, that the Heavens are adorned with fires,

_Natalis Comes_ in his Mythology, out of _Orpheus_, makes apparent.

_Nihil aliud esse Cœlum existimans, nisi hunc æthera qui constat ex

altissimis illis ignibus. Supposing the Heaven to be no other thing,

but this Air which consisteth of those transcendent Fires._

[Sidenote: _Vitr. lib. 5._]

[Sidenote: _Pier. Valer. Hier. lib. 39._]

Lastly, that _Stoneheng_ was anciently dedicated to _Cœlus_ I collect

from the _Conformation_ of the work. For the _conformation_ of the

_Cell_ and _Porticus_ in the Plant, was designed with four equilaterall

_Triangles_, inscribed in a _Circle_, such as the _Astrologers_ use

in describing the twelve _celestiall_ signs in musicall proportions.

According to that of _Vitruvius_; _In ea conformatione quatuor

scribantur trigona paribus lateribus & intervallis, quæ extremam lineam

circinationis tangant; In the conformation thereof let four triangles

be inscribed of equall sides and intervals, which may touch the extreme

part of the circumference: quibus etiam in duodecim signorum cœlestium

descriptione, Astrologi ex musica convenientia astrorum ratiocinantur;

by which figures also, Astrologers from the musicall harmony of the

stars ground their reasonings, as concerning the description of the

twelve celestiall signs_. Besides the _Cell_ it self in the formation

thereof, is cast into an _Exagon_, one of the three figures, likewise

used by _Astrologers_ in their aforesaid arguments of the _sympathy_

of the stars. _Figuris tribus_ (saith _Philander_) _utuntur Astrologi,

Trigono, Tetragono & Hexagono. The Astrologers make use of three sorts

of figures; the Triangle, Tetragon, and Hexagon._ Furthermore, the

three entrances leading into the Temple from the Plain, were comparted

by an equilaterall _triangle_; which was the figure whereby the

Ancients expressed what appertained to _Heaven_, and divine mysteries

also. _Aggiungono i Magi_ (saith _Pierius Valerianus_) _che un

triangolo semplice di lati uguali, è indizio di divinità, overo effigie

di cose celesti. The_ Magi _adde that a triangle of equall sides

is a symbole of Divinity, or sign of celestiall matters_. Now this

_Antiquity_ consisting of severall stones, orderly disposed into one

entire work, in imitation, as it were, of those severall stars which

appearing to us in the Heavens in form of a circle, are called the

_celestiall Crown_; and wholly designed by those _Scheams_ wherewith

_Astrologers_ use to describe _celestiall_ bodies, which figures,

usually applied by them to particular accidents onely, being all

joyntly made use of by the _Architect_ for conformation of this sacred

structure, it is not improbable _Stoneheng_ was so composed, because

dedicated to _Cœlum_. Yea further, (if lawfull to compare an idolatrous

place with so divine a work) was not the _Temple_ at _Hierusalem_

adorned with the figures of _Cherubims_; that thereby the Nations of

the Earth might know it was the habitation of the living God? and, why

not in like manner this _Temple_ composed by _Astrologicall_ figures,

that after Ages might apprehend, it was anciently consecrated to

_Cœlus_ or _Cœlum_ Heaven?

[Sidenote: _Dan. Barba. in lib. 4._]

[Sidenote: _Vitr. cap. 7. in Ven. 1584._]

But in this conjuncture; concerning such kinde of _Temples_ as this

at _Stoneheng_, what saith the learned _Patriarch_ of _Aquileia_? _Io

credo, che quel Tempio senza parete significava alcune cose del Cielo,

gli effetti delle quali sono nelle scoperto. I beleeve that Temple

without walls_ (speaking of the _Monopteros_ aforesaid) _had a relation

to_ Cœlum (_Heaven_) _because the effects thereof are openly displaied

to the full view of all men_.

_Camden_ tels us he had heard, that in the time of King _Henry_ the

eighth, a table of metall was found, not far from this _Antiquity_,

engraven with divers strange characters, which being not legible, was

neglected and lost: had, indeed, that Table been found within the work

it self it might happily have brought to light somwhat in relation

to _Stoneheng_. And by all likelihood, in time some inscriptions may

therein be found, it being the custome as well of _Greeks_ as _Romans_,

in times of greatest _Antiquity_, to lay inscriptions (usually) under

the first stones set in what works soever; especially, those of any

great magnificence. Wherefore, I advise mine honoured Friend _Laurence

Washington_ Esquire in whose demeasnes this _Antiquity_ stands, to

whom I am much obliged, for his friendly notice of what things have

been there of late years digged up, that he would be solicitous upon

any search made there, to enquire after them, and if any found not to

neglect, or curiously conceal them, but preserve and willingly produce

the same.

I suppose, I have now proved from Authentick Authors, and the rules of

Art, _Stoneheng_ anciently a _Temple_, dedicated to _Cœlus_, built

by the _Romans_; either in, or not long after those times (by all

likelihood) when the _Roman_ Eagles spreading their commanding wings

over this _Island_, the more to civilize the Natives, introduc’d the

_Art_ of Building amongst them, discovering their ambitious desire,

by stupendious and prodigious works, to eternize the memory of their

high minds to succeeding Ages. For, the magnificence of that stately

_Empire_, is at this day clearly visible in nothing more, then in the

ruines of their _Temples_, _Palaces_, _Arch’s Triumphals_, _Aquæducts_,

_Thermæ_, _Theaters_, _Amphitheaters_, _Cirques_, and other secular,

and sacred structures.

[Sidenote: _Camd. fo. 8._]

History affords only _Contemplation_, whereby their great Actions are

made conceivable alone to reasoning: but the ruines of their buildings

_Demonstration_, which obvious to sense, are even yet as so many

eye-witnesses of their admir’d atchievements.

Roma _quanta fuit, ipsa ruina docet_,

_How great_ Rome _was, her ruines yet declare_.

Opinions fancied to the contrary, I have rendred improbable, the

Authors of them in respect of this _Antiquity_ being not only modern;

but also, what said by them _Romance_-like hatched out of their own

brains, even as other fables invented by them, touching the _Britains_

of old. Men possest neverthelesse, with a former conceit of things,

endure not by any means new opinions, having not commonly patience to

search long after the truth thereof. To them, ever the more generally

received, the truer things seem, accounting all of their own time

despicable; insomuch, as some are so far in love with vulgarly receiv’d

reports, that it must be taken for truth, whatsoever related by them,

though nor head, nor tail, nor foot, nor footstep in it oftentimes

of reason or common sense. They that beleeve _Geffrey Monmouths ipse

dixit_, may make themselves merry therewith; in pleasing their own

fancy, they displease not mine. As I have delivered my own judgement

freely, all reason they should enjoy theirs. But such as sail in the

vast Ocean of time, amongst the craggy rocks of _Antiquity_, steering

their course, betwixt anciently approved customs, and convincing

arguments, guided by good Authority, and sound judgement, arrive

much safer, and with better repute, in the secure Haven of undoubted

_Truth_. For mine own part, I had rather erre happily with venerable

_Antiquity_, then so much as trouble my thoughts with modern conceits.

Whether, in this adventure, I have wasted my Barque into the wished

_Port_ of _Truths_ discovery concerning _Stoneheng_, I leave to the

judgement of skilfull _Pilots_. I have endevoured, at least, to give

life to the attempt, trending perhaps, to such a degree, as either

may invite others to undertake the Voyage anew, or prosecute the same

in more ample manner, in which, I wish them their desired successe,

and that with prosperous gales they may make a more full and certain

discovery.

_FINIS._

Errata.

Folio 10. line 6. These words,

[_The_ Romans _overthrew not the Temples, or razed to the Foundations,

any of the sacred structures of the_ Druid’s _and_ Britans _made of

stone, or other materials, which he might as readily have done, if they

had used any such: but positively_,] should have been printed in the

ordinary letter.

Fo. | Line | Read

| |

18 | 22 | was

28 | 4 | _Cappa_

38 | 19 | _Mercians_

49 | 37 | streit

50 | 1 | streit

80 | 23 | the roofe

Transcriber’s Notes:

- Text enclosed by underscores is in italics (_italics_).

- Text enclosed by equals is in blackletter (=blackletter=).

- Blank pages have been removed.

The most notable Antiquity of Great Britain, vulgarly called Stone-Heng, on Salisbury Plain Restored by Inigo Jones Esquire, Architect Generall to the late King · 第 7 / 7 题