WHERE ENGLAND WAS RULED

Evening Star, Issue 21885, 23 November 1934, Page 13

WHERE ENGLAND WAS RULED

Some of the most interesting excavations made in Great Britain for a considerable time are those in progress at Clarendon Palace, near Salisbury (says the ‘ Daily Express ’). There are to be seen the remains of one of the greatest Royal palaces of the land, whose foundations are thought to cover above six acres. This corner of England was once the centre of Government. Four hundred years ago the palace went to sleep. The roots of ash trees mingled with the crumbling stones. Clarendon was forgotten. Many of the trees have now been cleared away, and the excavators, under the leadership of Dr Tancred Boren ins, professor of the history of art. University College, have laid bare the foundations and parts of the walls of the great hall, of two vast kitchens, and many State apartments. The palace, which is on private land, belonged to Mrs S. R. Christie-Miller, was a frequent residence of English kings, and was visited by Queen Elizabeth .

Henry 11. (1154-1189) assembled a Parliament there, which enacted the celebrated “ Constitutions of Clarendon,” to restrain the encroachments of the Court of Rome.

Mr J. Charlton, of the Office of Works, who has taken part in important excavation work in several parts of the country, told an inquirer that there had been several interesting finds, and that when the State apartments had been completely explored there would be many more. Several relics found on the site in years gone by are now in Salisbury Museum. Eating and drinking vessels, glazed tiles, pieces of ornamental stained glass, decorated lead open work, thirteenth century sculpture work, and ancient coins have been discovered.

“ We have not nearly completed our excavations yet,” said Mr Charlton. “ and we hope to find, among other things, the source of the water sup-