[This work is in three volumes. We have seen it attributed to T.
A. James.]
_Churchyard Well and Bath._--Whilst making a short antiquarian excursion
in the county of Norfolk last autumn, I visited the ancient church at
East Dereham. Amongst other features of interest which this fine church
displays, may be enumerated its massive bell tower, _detached_ from the
sacred edifice, on the S.E. of the chancel; and a rude building, to the
west of the building, also detached, on the western front of which is
the following inscription:
"This bath
was erected in the year
1793,
in part by voluntary subscriptions, for public benefit,
on the ruins of a tomb which contained the remains of
WITHBURGA,
youngest daughter of
ANNAS,
king of the East Angles,
who died A.D. 654.
The abbot and monks of Ely
stole this precious relique
and translated it to Ely Cathedral,
where it was interred near her three royal sisters,
A.D. 974."
The sexton informed me that the abbot and monks of Ely made this bath,
or well, to recompense the good people of Dereham for the loss they had
sustained by the removal of the bones. It is yet used as a bath, both by
residents and strangers, the supply of water being very plentiful, and
delightfully clear. The water rises under an arch of the Early English,
or Early Decorated period. I shall be glad of any notes upon this, or
similar baths, in any other churchyards.