This fine piece of Gothic carved work was built by Prior Hen. de Estria,
in 1304. It is rich in flutings, pyramids, and canopied niches, in which
stand six statues crowned, five of which hold globes in their hands, and
the sixth a church. Various have been the conjectures as to the
individuals intended by these statues. That holding the church is
supposed to represent King Ethelbert, being a very ancient man with a
long beard. The next figure appears more feminine, and may probably
intend his queen, Bertha.

Before the havoc made in Charles's reign, there were thirteen figures
representing Christ and his Apostles in the niches which are round the
arch-doorway, and also twelve mitred Saints aloft along the stone work,
where is now placed an organ.

At the National Repository, Charing Cross, there is exhibited a very
correct model of this screen, in which the likenesses of the ancient
kings are admirably imitated. P.T.

* * * * *


ANCIENT STONE.

(_For the Mirror_.)


There formerly stood about three miles from Carmarthen, at a place
called New Church, a stone about eight feet long and two broad. The only
distinguishable words upon it were "_Severus filius Severi_." The
remainder of the inscription, by dilapidation and time, was defaced. It